#because they were eating the remains of the goddess of flowers

[inavagrant-a]

Thinking of the new lore dump of the consecrated beasts and that one stray consecrated beast in Inazuma right next to Orabashi's carcass and the implication behind how it used to be a normal scorpion but then it kept feasting upon Orabashi's carcass and/or crystal marrow (which comes from Orabashi anyway).

And how the implication is that the God Apep in Sumeru (who is also a giant snake if you find that one hole that was apparently their home) might have also died already because you find a lot of crystal marrow in that area in carts which would explain why there's so many consecrated beasts, because they were feasting upon its carcass/remains.

The fact that they're in carts implies that either the abyss order or the fatui are up to some shady shit though I highly doubt is the fatui this time since they already got their ass beat and are having disputes with the desert people and not being sure if they can trust them so it may be the abyss order pulling strings under here.

[mirrorbvllhoon]

SACRIFICE (Hades!Jay x Persephone!fem!reader!)

So dangerous

Full of darkness like a criminal

But here you are

Full of brightness and light

₊˚ ✧ Sacrifice (Eat Me up) (Dark Blood)

WC: 3.9k

Warnings: angst and fluff, Jay being a gentleman, slightly suggestive, being tricked into kidnapping someone, Zeus being Zeus.

Through the fields of the earth wandered the goddess Demeter and her beautiful daughter y/n, their mere presence made the trees and bushes blossom with all kind of gorgeous leaves, when their feet touched the grass flowers sprung, fruits and vegetables were bornt from the earth, the mortals were happy as they could feed from the gifts the earth goddesses gave them.

However in Mount Olympus, the city of the gods and goddesses another story was being written, it was no secret that the young goddess was beautiful, with her long hair and beautiful factions, truly blessed by the gods beauty, but although she was already of age to be wed, her mother wished for her to remain virgin as Artemis and Atena, and if life hadn’t occurred as it did, as herself.

Even when y/n had been just a little girl, Demeter had already talked with the goddess Aphrodite and her son, Sunghoon, so they could stay away from the love business that could interfere with her daughter’s life, but the gods of love were tired of not being able to interfere in the love-lives of the gods and goddesses, although their presence wouldn’t be necessary for love had already a way of appearing in the life of the young goddess.

“Let me see if I understand, you are promising y/n’s hand to me?” asked Jay, the god of the underworld.

“Brother, you have been alone enough centuries, don´t you believe?, you’re telling me that you really don’t wish for a companion?” Zeus answered, hoping for his brother to agree

Jay hesitated to answer, being one of the gods aphrodite and his son weren’t allow to control it’s love life and living in the underworld, where his only companions aside from cerberus, the furies and Sysiphus, were the souls waiting to reincarnate and love again, of course he felt alone, not only was he feared by the mortals but even the gods and goddesses all just because he was the ruler of the tartarus, something he didn’t even choose but was assigned to him, being in love couldn’t hurt, at least that’s what he told himself.

“I’ll take your silence as an affirmation” Zeus answered, taking Jay aback from his thoughts

“Wait, does she know? or well?, is she okay with me being with her?”

“Of course she is, even Demeter believes you would be such an amazing husband”

Jay tried not to doubt his brother’s words; however he knew that changing his mind would result in a far more difficult task, so he just sighed, hoping that whatever was to happen wouldn’t result in something he and others would regret.

“So, when should I meet y/n?”

“Oh, she’s in the forest almost everyday, so you should find her there, and… Jay, make sure to surprise her”

He should’ve known that Zeus had just tricked him, but he didn’t know, he just went back to the underworld, to continue his monotonous excuse for a life, hoping that the next day would arrive, so he could encounter y/n.

And then the sun rose, and as promised, there was y/n in the middle of the forest with the nymphs, picking flowers and fresh-cut fruit, however in the middle of their day, an earthquake shook the earth,the nymphs were scared, yet they decided to abandon y/n searching for her mother, since the god of the underworld was powerful enough to kill them all, but even before they were gone, Jay took y/n and through the valley the earthquake had created that connected the underworld to the earth, both of them dissappeared in the glimpse of an eye.

“Where am I?” asked y/n, hoping that the answer that was about to come off his mouth was different than the one she was thinking about.

“Of course in the underworld” Jay answered nonchalantly, a smirk drew on his face.

“Why did you bring me here? What do you want from me?” y/n answered, her eyes teary, shock was taking hold of her.

Jay let out a sigh, the smirk falling off his face, his nose scrunching and the already warped crown in his head crooked by a millimeter, threatening to fall from his head while he shook it nervously..

“You didn’t know, did you?” He asked, fear in his voice enveloped with a slight level of shame and regret.

“Know what?, I don’t know a thing about what's happening” Her voice was breaking and shaky, filled with melancholy and uncertainty.

“Zeus, my brother, promised your hand in marriage, he said that Demeter, your mother, and you, knew about it already”

“Well I can assure you, we in fact didn’t know a thing… so can’t you just take me back to the surface?”

“I’m afraid I can’t, I made a deal, a blind deal if you will and I can’t break that, but even if I did break it, I can take things or souls of the living world to the underworld, but I can’t give things from the underworld to the living world. I’m sorry darling”

She nodded, “I guess that even gods have their limitations” she left a bittersweet giggle, her knees giving up on her, her body was fainting, she would have fallen to the floor if it weren't for a pair of arms that held her.

Jay stood beside her, his arms holding her torso and because of the lack of chairs he dropped her gently to sit on his throne, once she was sat down, he spoke, his voice was still but sweet.

“Although I live in the underworld, I can assure you that I’m no monster, you can stay here for as long as you wish, I’m sure that someone will come looking for you, you’re loved by mortals and gods, when that time ought to arrive, you’ll be free to go”

“You promise me that?”

“I do”

The day had almost finished, and sleep was already taking hold of y/n who wandered through the underworld, Jay, down in his throne, could notice that; but the young goddess was too stubborn or scared to ask him where she could sleep for the night, so she just rested on a rock not so far from where Jay was seating, doing the duties he as a king of the underworld had to do, receiving the new souls that arrived and seeing the records of the deceased and reincarnated… When he noticed the young girl asleep on a rock that seemed far from comfortable, her face flinched at some moments, yet she tried to sleep unsuccessfully.

Jay stood from his throne and walked towards the young goddess, her face was beautiful as every inch of her, of course he couldn’t deny the fact she was perfect, even asleep she looked ethereal, yet… she didn’t love him, he reminded himself. He stopped wandering in his thoughts and sat at her feet, holding her hand to try and wake her up, which took no effort, she wasn't asleep yet.

“If you want to sleep, you can do so in my chambers, I assure you they are more comfortable besides I barely sleep after all” He started talking, his thumb soothing the palm of her hand, while she sat to talk to him face to face.

“It’s unnecessary-” Y/n started, however Jay interrupted her before she could even finish her words “That’s nonsense, you will sleep in my chambers that's the end of the discussion” Jay and y/n’s eyes interlocked for a second that felt like an eternity, a smile drew in her face contrasting Jay's cold features, that only hid the warmness of his soul. “May I?” He asked, one of his hands under the crook of her knees and the other one on her neck, y/n nodded, allowing herself to be carried again.

Y/n could see the view over her, Jay's sharp features and the crown in his head slightly crooked, she tried to fix it which led for her to play with his hair for the smallest of seconds y/n was so concentrated she missed the smile that drew on his face, of course y/n didn't know the crooked crown was intentional, yet Jay couldn't allow himself to tell her so.

“Thank you darling”, he said quietly, she nodded.

Once they finally arrived at Jay's chambers, he dropped her carefully on the bed.

“I know that's kind of cold in here, I will search you for a blanket or for something you can cover yourself with...” he continued rambling, until Y/n’s voice interrupted him.

“Jay, I don't mind the cold” she said with a smile on her face, fear continued to dissipate from her system, maybe this wasn’t so bad after all.

“Well not yet, but soon it will get colder”

Her mouth opened agape, she didn’t say a word, and allowed him to go out and find her something to cover herself.

“I hope that if you fall asleep I won't wake you up, I apologize in advance if I do” Jay said, she nodded while laying down on the mattress.

He closed the door as she closed her eyes, and hours passed by, the underworld was indeed a cold place, with the river styx carrying souls, and the deceased wandering through the voidless place, shivers started to appear on Y/n’s sleeping body, and while Jay tried to find her something that could actually cover her and give her some rest, he kept failing, the underworld wasn’t made for a goddess like her. When he finally found a blanket that would keep her warm he went back to his chambers, with a shivering-already sleeping y/n, her body was in a fetal position, yet when Jay covered her body, the shivering didn’t stop, he was afraid of what could happen to her if she kept being cold, so beside his hate for using his powers he created a small fire on the hearth, to keep her warm, he repeated himself maybe he should've done that from the start.

“Don’t go…stay…please” y/n voice was a mumbling incoherence yet Jay could make it out, he sat down at the end of the bed, until he decided it was his time to leave, he tried to tuck the young goddess in, when her arms opened and a hug engulfed him.

At first he tried to run from the hug, not because he disliked it but because he was sure once y/n woke up, she would regret it, feeling guilty because of grabbing her, if only he hadn’t believed Zeus.

Jay stayed the whole night allowing himself to sleep just to do the goddess company, and in the night he didn’t even notice how he unconsciously hugged her with the same intensity she was holding him with.

The second day arrived, this one went almost unnoticeable, Y/n was surprised by Jay’s kindness, and even if she couldn’t recognize it, she felt slightly attracted towards him, however she reminded herself, he only took her to the underworld because of a deal he had made with Zeus, and because he was being tricked, he wasn’t really in love.

“Y/n, I asked if you wanted to see the river, I mean if you don’t you can say so” Jay’s steady words finally took her out from her trance, she nodded. “Then you can come with me” he said.

Jay showed her the river, charon the boatman took both of them from one end to the other, and while y/n stood most of the time staring at the river’s water it was Jay’s reflection what she was really looking at, once on the other side of the river, they walked alongside it, while the view was mainly formed of rocks and stalactites of dark colors and strange shapes, she kept looking astonished at the marvelous immensity of the underworld.

“I know it’s not as beautiful as the earth” Jay started, staring at her through the reflection of the river.

“Such nonsense, I believe both places have their charm” Y/n replied,

Jay chuckled at her words, and for the first time she heard him laugh, he extended his hand for her to hold and follow him, so she wouldn't get lost, as if that could even be possible, the truth was he wanted to keep her close even if he couldn’t admit it.

The second day had ended, and as the night before him, Jay took y/n to his chambers, prepared the fire and stayed there with her, this time they stayed awake longer, y/n kept talking about her life in the earth and how she longed it, Jay heard every word of her mouth as if it was hypnotizing him, “I’m sorry, I haven’t allowed you to talk, I must be boring you right now” Y/n said, turning her head down in embarrassment, “You could never in the whole eternity bore me” Jay replied, taking her chin with his hand, their eyes interlocking once again, she could see him this time even more perfect as before if that were even possible, his crown perfectly over his black hair, his sharp features only looking more appealing in the dim moonlight, and all he could see was her, in her breathtaking beauty, in the darkness of the underworld and in the dim light of the fire, she was angelical. Their bodies started to draw near each other, Jay’s hand already sneaking to y/n’s cheek.

“Thank you for being so kind to me” Y/n said, drawing back herself.

“Of course darling, is the least I could do after all” Jay answered, 《of course she wouldn’t kiss me》, he thought, maybe he had mistaken her kindness for interest.

They went to sleep that night with tears in their soul, both of them kept resisting the obvious tension in between them, afraid of what would happen if they gave in.

Suddenly it was the fourth day of y/n in the underworld, she was losing hope, maybe her mother had forgot about her, and while Jay kept being sweet towards her, it continued to be difficult to her resisting his charms and beautiful words, she couldn’t deny the fact she was starting to fall in love with him, if only she knew he felt the same way.

She spent most of the time wandering in Jay’s palace, which seemed as endless as his kingdom, however she felt alone, he kept ruling his kingdom hoping that his duties could distract him from the fact she was in love for the first time in centuries, however he couldn’t resist no more, and decided to search for her, he needed to talk to her, to confess his feelings, maybe it was selfish of him, maybe it was wrong yet, in that moment all he could think about was y/n.

Y/n was in the outskirts of the palace, watching the river flow in silence, allowing her to put in order her thoughts, what she would do, debating about the feelings that flew through her mind, she had promised her mother to maintain herself virgin, but her mother would understand wouldn’t her? she was in love, true love.

“Y/n!” Jay shouted from a distance, she put herself on feet and started walking towards the palace again “Y/n, please tell me you are still here” Jay kept mumbling to himself after being unable to find her, yet she continued to run, hearing the sound of his voice drawing her in.

Both of them had decided, they were in love, there was no cure or power for that, there wasn’t an arrow or a curse or a prophecy, it was only them, it was their love.

Once they saw each other they started running until their bodies rejoined, he grabbed her waist and carried her spinning her in the air, his crown, which after y/n had straighten out was never crooked again, fell to the side of his head slightly, the dress she was wearing flew through the air.

“I need to talk to you, but please, allow me to kiss you first” Jay said, his voice was as tender as always.

“The feeling’s mutual” Y/n answered, allowing him to engulf her in the kiss, their lips collapsed in each others, their tongues ravished the others mouth, Y/n had never been kissed, yet it was far from what she though a kiss could feel like, it was pure love turned into the most carnal desire, they were drunk in each other’s presence and whatever else just ceased to exist, her hands stood to her sides, unsure of where to move of what to do, he took them with care, guiding her hands to wrap around his neck, where they eventually found their way towards his hair, while Jay’s hands maintained firm one in her waist and the other one on her neck, their lips separated for the smallest of seconds allowing them to regain their breath, y/n’s cheeks were flushed yet she couldn’t stop herself from wanting more.

“I think it would be good for us to talk before doing that again” Jay said, his lips plump and his messy hair adorned with the crooked crown on top of it.

“Of course, we should take this somewhere else,” Y/n answered.

Both of them went to Jay's chambers, the night already falling, yet all they could think about was each other's presence.

She sat at the end of the bed, Jay decided to stay on feet in front of her, scared of the words that were about to leave his mouth.

“I think I'm in love with you”, Jay started, “I hope that you feel the same way and I would like for you to become queen of the underworld, if you'd like of course…” Jay rambled

“You're asking me to marry you?” She asked,

“I am, if you wish to, there’s no need for you to accept, I won't get mad neither will my demeanor change if you say no…” He started talking, his words emancipated sounding almost like gibberish, and his fingers fuming with the slightest of fires, but suddenly all the havoc in his mind and the gibberish that fell from his lips was interrupted by a small kiss.

Y/n kissed him quickly, circling his hands around his back pulling him close, then he kissed her again cheekily,

“Jay, I do want to marry you”

He smiled and kissed her again and again, until his crown was on the floor and his lips explored her whole body, until the world and underworld had been nearly forgotten.

The days passed and the day of the wedding arrived, Y/n woke up to a beautiful wedding gown on the bed, it was beautifully crafted in gray hues, she couldn’t understand how such a beautiful piece could be given to her, however Jay thought that no wedding gown could be pretty enough for her, to his eyes it didn’t matter how beautiful the dress were, y/n would overshadow it with her beauty, but the dress that lied on the bed was a close match.

Finally with her dress on, she went to encounter his betrothed in the throne room, where they would finally be wed. Jay was dressed in a full black wedding attire, the crown in his head and the black locks falling into place adorning the frame of his face, he looked as devilishly handsome as always.

Once they were in front of each other, although because of the small height difference y/n had to look up to meet his gaze, he took a crown as hauntingly beautiful as the one he wore, and with care he positioned it over her head.

“You look beautiful, my queen” He couldn’t resist the urge and kissed her for the smallest of seconds, "I love you with all of my being”, he whispered again in the middle of their kiss.

“And so do I, why else would I decide to stay here if it weren't for you?” Y/n kissed him again, he smiled in the middle of the kiss and separated once again.

“I brought you something”, he said, taking from his robes a pomegranate, “The seeds of this fruit are what could make you stay here in the underworld, you wouldn’t be cold anymore in the nights, and you could wander freely…”

He took a dagger and cut open the fruit, taking the seeds out and in the process staining his fingers and his attire, it didn’t matter, he wanted to do it for her, he handled her the seeds which she immediately ate, she was about to eat the seventh seed when a loud rumble stormed their dream wedding day.

It was Demeter, y/n's mother, who stormed into the palace, the sight before her sending her into a frenzy, what was her daughter even thinking?

Jay took y/n behind his back, if there was someone to blame it should’ve been him.

“Move Jay… I'm here to take my daughter home…” Demeter noticed his stained fingers and the fallen seeds on the floor, she looked up and saw her daughter with her lips stained from the smallest of drops of the pomegranate “No, y/n… he made you eat them? what a monster, you damned…”

“Mother, stop, please”, Y/n talked, Demeter couldn’t finish her sentence, her daughter was now in front of her, “I ate the seeds on my own, I want to stay here, I love Jay, and I want to stay here… with him”

“You don’t know what you are talking about, you need spring, and I need you, please y/n, come back home” Her mother's cry made her reconsider everything again, should she go? but she couldn’t leave Jay, she… was she wrong for loving him? Jay's hand took y/n's pulling her close and taking her out of her thoughts, “Darling, I can make you a deal, so you can stay in the mortal world and in here… you only ate six seeds, that means your body can stay here for six months, the other six months you can spend them with your mother on the earth, and I will wait for you here”

Y/n agreed and although at first she disliked the idea, Demeter ended up agreeing as well, leaving with her daughter so the spring could come again.

Jay waited patiently for the months to come where he could meet his queen again, finally the day had come, and there was y/n entering the palace, their bodies reunited in a hug full of longing

“Welcome back my queen” He would whisper before kissing her, “You have no idea how much I've missed you”, he kissed her again, the first of many kisses and hugs that they would share for the months she could stay in the underworld, savoring each others presence because in that moment there was no underworld or mortal world, it was only Jay and y/n, and that was the only world they cared of.

₊˚ ✧ ‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿ ✧ ₊˚

a/n: I'm sorry for the wait, got kind of sick, but here's the chapter hope that you enjoy it ♡

acc: thank you for all the love and reposts lyy 🤍

tags: @solfolgi

[hezzabeth]

Everyone who lived on Baker Street had come out from the fog to eat Nanni’s dinner. This made perfect sense; Nanni was one of the few people in the park who knew how to cook meals using ingredients and an oven.

When the park was still open, Revati's home was a coffee shop called the “Mad Hatter Teaparty.” The walls were painted in eye-watering clashing shades of neon pink and green. The light fixtures hanging from the ceiling were all giant velvet top hats. The booths were giant flower teacups with tiny chairs and tables inside.

"Was there some sort of drug in the pineapple?" Revati heard Brigadeiro ask. Revati just ignored him and instead walked past each of the booths, collecting tributes; nobody ate Nanni’s for free.

The Paprikas sat in the blue and gold teacup, their neon orange hair clashing with the paint. The Paprikas were two brothers and their sister who had found themselves trapped in the park as children. Their parents had been vaporized by a towel-warming rack. Now they were in their mid-twenties and worked for Revati as hired muscle for free dinners.

"Who's the new guy? He's actually clean and good-looking," the youngest brother Brie asked Revati. "His name is Brigadeiro Bun; he's an off-world tourist who stupidly went to the wasteland," Revati said. "I was trying to find crystal roses," Brigadeiro smiled helpfully.

"Bridgadeiro huh? So your parents were Goup worshippers then?" The sister, Juniper, asked curiously. Revati vaguely knew that Goupism was a popular religion on other colonies. Over a thousand years ago, there was once a woman who apparently traveled the earth gathering the best health practices needed to be “happy.” "A white woman, and she stole most of her ideas from our eastern religions," Amma, who was a staunch atheist, had snapped with annoyance when Revati asked her to explain the Paprika siblings' religion. Still, despite her thievery, at some point, she had become a god. They firmly believed in things such as “psychic vampires” and “color-balancing therapy.” They also all had peculiar food-related names, mainly because the goddess had named her daughter Apple.

"Yes, they were. They insisted on coming here for a Wellness Day holiday," the eldest brother, Croquette, growled. "I miss mama's Wellness Day Avocado and chocolate cookies," Juniper sighed sadly. "It's not the same, but here I have a couple of factory-made ones in my pocket," Brigadeiro said, crawling into the booth. The Paprika siblings gasped with astonishment as he pulled a packet of cookies wrapped in gold paper out of his jumpsuit's gigantic pocket. "They got a bit crushed when I was kidnapped, but they're still good," he said, opening the package and placing it on the table. The Paprika siblings stared at the cookies, their mouths slack with shock. Croquette slowly shook his head, completely snatched the package, and began to serve the crushed crumbs amongst his siblings. "You need to keep this one forever," Juniper said firmly, and Revati just shook her head, moving onto the next table.

The next table consisted of the elderly Gupta couple. "You adopted another kid? If you want more water for him, we want more dried apples," Mrs. Gupta said, a small scowl on her wizened face. It was Mr. Gupta who had figured out how to gather and purify water from the atmosphere. It was Mrs. Gupta who managed and recorded all the water they collected, rolling it out like a tyrannical dictator. "Fine, one extra package of dried apples per week," Revati said before swishing grandly onwards.

Amma was sitting in the pink cup, her new partner Dusk Brisbane. Dusk Brisbane was a teacher from Titan, who, along with their students on a field trip, found themselves stuck in the park. Like all people from Titan, Dusk had inherited the ability to rapidly change biological genders. Titan had also inherited a name that meant a time of day and a gender. Dusk’s remaining students were sitting with Dityaa on a large cat-shaped sofa. When the invasion began, there were twenty-three of them. Now there were only five nineteen-year-olds left. Dityaa was holding court over all of them, sitting on a couch shaped like a giant grinning beast. "Your sister said you had an interesting night," Amma remarked as Revati sat down next to her. Nanni had laid out a plate of aloo mushroom curry. Revati picked up a piece of hardtack and dipped it into the sauce, refusing to talk. "So you're not even going to bother telling your side of the story?" Amma asked as Revati swallowed. Nanni always moaned that her cooking was so much better before the war. Years ago, Nanni worked in the city as a professional meal prepper for wealthy families that wanted to eat real organic food.

Nanni was proud of her ability to create one hundred percent sand-free meals using the most exotic ingredients. Nanni would bemoan to everyone that her meals were now a mess, that her spices were too basic, and that she never had enough salt. Revati, however, who had never tried anything else, thought her food was delicious. "I'm hungry! Besides, what's the point in telling my side? I'm sure Dityaa's story was more enthralling," Revati replied. "Every story needs both sides and the truth," Dusk remarked. As they spoke, their features shifted from a feminine middle-aged woman's face to a man's face with a beard. "You're not my creative writing teacher, and you're not my parent," Revati pointed out.

Revati knew deep down she didn’t dislike Dusk; Dusk was a perfectly decent person. Not to mention Amma had been so lonely until Dusk offered to help her teach the feral children a year ago. Still, it was a lot to get used to.

“True, but your mother did ask you a question, and I think she deserves an answer," Dusk replied in that same mild diplomatic voice. Revati deliberately ate another mouthful of curry before wiping her mouth with the sleeve of her dress. "Dityaa got attacked by some lady at the ball; the chutiya had A.I. eye implants! They must have switched on somehow," Revati explained. "Mind your mouth, Revati! There will be no swearing at the dinner table," Amma scolded her. "Her implants switched on? That's so odd; one of my students had AI tastebuds, but they stopped working the second we walked into the park," Dusk remarked, their face shifting back into a woman's as they glanced at one of their students. The student in question, Basil Paris, was sitting next to Dityaa, licking their hand. Dusk was right; in order to create true "historical authenticity," the park was surrounded by massive mirrors. The volcanic Martian glass blocked the "AI" life stream. "And what did you do?" Amma asked in a quiet, nervous voice. "I threw a glass of vodka at her face, and her eyes fried up," Revati replied.

"Can you take the children's sign language lesson tomorrow morning? I need to check the mirrors around the walls," Amma said to Dusk.

"Of course," Dusk replied, and Revati rolled her eyes.

"You don't need to do anything, Amma! I'm the elected leader of Baker Street! This is my job," Revati said firmly.

"You're only seventeen!" Amma protested.

"Almost everyone voted for me! Well, apart from Mrs. Gupta, who voted for herself," Revati said, and mother sighed.

"Fine! But you're not going to leave well after the sun rises, and you're not taking Cora and Laila! You can take Vivienne and Jay Jr.," Mother replied firmly.

Nine minutes past midnight.

Revati's eyes snapped open in the blue-glowing darkness. Slowly, she sat up, taking in the familiar shapes of the kitchen's walk-in freezer. Dityaa was sleeping next to her on the souvenir pillows Amma had sewn together into a makeshift bed. In the corner, the feral children slept together in a nest made of old soft toys. Nanni was snoring on one of the plastic shelves that had long ago stored ice cream. Amma insisted on them all sleeping behind the massive metal doors. To anyone who lived near any other planet, it would have been freezing, but Martians had evolved to withstand the cold.

Revati stood up and glanced down at Dityaa. Dityaa had worn her new dress to bed, ignoring the stains. The blood on her dress looked shiny black, her face shadowy blue. She looked just like Princess Savitri in the family book of fairy tales. Revati, on the other hand, had changed into her pajamas, which consisted of a long-sleeved men's shirt three sizes too big. The red fabric hung to her knees, and the words "Olde Landon Halloweenfest 3544" had been printed across the front. Revati picked up her blanket, draping it around her shoulders. Sleep wasn't going to return any time soon. Revati reached underneath her part of the mattress until she found the stories.

Outside the metal doors, Revati could hear distant voices, and carefully she slid the door open. Amma and Dusk were sitting together on the cat-shaped couch, murmuring to each other over tea.

"I don't see how they could know..." Amma began, and then she trailed off, spotting Revati.

"Insomnia again?" She asked gently, and Revati nodded, walking past the two of them.

"If you're going up to the greenhouse, be quiet; I made a bed for the boy up there," Mother replied.

"Really, Amma? You couldn't give him a bed?" Revati asked, opening the front door.

"He would freeze in the fridge, and he said he liked plants," Mother replied.

Outside, the fog was still shifting, and Revati moved ten spaces to the right.

"Evening, boss," Juniper's voice called, and she suddenly appeared holding a jar filled with glowing mushrooms.

"Any problems?" Revati asked.

"Nope, it's been a pretty quiet night!" Juniper said.

"Good, make sure your brother takes over your shift! We don't want you fainting from sleep deprivation again," Revati replied.

[toxinroxin]

✨️Lore Time✨️

Okay so this is gonna be super summarized as changes may occur later on. While for now this is what I've got so let's roll!! I've also got Huā (my oc) ref sheet at the bottom :)

《~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~》

She's a creation of the Gold Star of Venus, using the trigram furnace, a stone fruit, snow Monkey fur and some lotus petals.

After being raised by the gold star as his assistant she later became the goddess of flowers and fertility.

During that time she met Sun Wukong when he first came to the celestial realm and the two became friends, Wukong being one of Huās first friends (Who was like her a simian) and she was the one to show him the pills without realizing he would be the one to steal them. Eventually Wukong convinces her to come see the mortal realm where he introduces her to Macaque.

So around the brotherhood time Huā had already abandoned her duties of being a goddess so she could stay by Macaque's side as they had become lovers.

After the Brotherhood Era Huā still cares for Wukong as he had become a brother to her and was still her first friend but once jttw starts up the bond is slipping as she's busy focusing on herself and her marriage.

Then Macaque is killed during the journey to the west by wukong which sent huā down a grief stricken path and she wasn't taking proper care of herself even though she was pregnant with twins. She was at the beginning when Macaque died, but in her grief she went from being a very quiet and kind individual to a manic one. She started to hunt humans and even ate them; she only started to regret it when she killed and ate a child in front of its mother.

This action will stain her memory for a long time, during her haze she convinced herself the one who's at fault was Wukong because he killed her husband causing her to grieve and take it out on these mortals. By the time she had killed the mother so the child wouldn't be alone, the pilgrims had arrived to seek shelter at the place. Only for Huā to stumble out covered in blood, she ended up begging them to kill her, to put her out of her misery before she hurt another child and so she could join her husband. The monk ended up stealing her away but not before Wukong had tried attacking Huā believing she too was just trying to trick them to kill and eat the monk. During her time of being sealed away Huās body remained the same but the ones inside her did not thanks to her body's frozen state the cubs couldn't grow or survive so she miscarried them (this part will most likely change with more research) Centuries passed before she was released by Macaque using the skeleton key, the two have a long tear filled reunion as Huā kept mumbling he's alive only to later realize her cubs are gone. So with Huās nature based powers and macaque’s shadows the lost souls of the two cubs were put in husks made of shadows creating Rumble and Savage. They aren't their real cubs and is something Macaque reminds her of but Huā treats them like they are her real clubs to keep her sanity intact.

Throughout the lmk show she follows Macaque until season 3 as she ends up getting a broken leg and is stuck with the monkie kids as when Mk tossed the pipe into the engine Huā got her leg stuck and from the fall plus the explosion badly messed up her leg, even before season 3 she's never physically hurt anyone besides wukong, she just messed with Mk mentally but treated him like a like a proper student during the time with remembrance to keep his mental state in check for the best results.

[authorg2003]

Hallo!!!

• English is not my first language so there may be a lot of gaps and typi everywhere.

Zappa × F!Reader

"Suddenly I fell in love, more than all the falls in love that had ever hurt my chest."

Part 1

Fluffy Zappa × F!Reader

Passion for love or despair about it are slightly different things. His eyes were always glazed and his face was always bent because he had asked out all the marine girls he met, but the result was always a look in the corner of his eye and a twitching smile from the girls.

The big man patted his friend who was limp because he had been rejected for who knows how many times, probably thousands.

"Stop being sad. I heard there will be a new Marineford apprentice," said the big man, Bonham.

"I hate it. The boys will definitely come again and become my love rivals again. Am I that ugly?" The tall and slender man's voice was gloomy, Zappa.

"You just realized that?" A voice from the red punk haired boy in the south hallway approached them. He is Grount.

"Shilly boy." Zappa grumbled sullenly but continued walking towards Commodore Hina to report today's mission report.

His tired face suddenly brightened when he found a foreign face standing beside Commodore Hina's table. A girl wearing the same marine uniform as him, that new face, that new marine is you.

"I'm y/n, nice to meet you. Please help as a colleague from now on." You greeted first when you saw the man frozen in the doorway. He probably would have remained there if commodore Hina had not immediately addressed him in a firm and stern tone. While your face? Stay level and professional.

"I'm Zappa, are you-" Before the man had finished speaking, Commodore Hina had thrown him out of the office. You just chuckled softly after he left.

"That guy's weird. He's been asking all the women in the marines and proposing to them spontaneously. He's probably crazy." Hina was already very annoyed with all the missions plus the presence and reports about Zappa.

"He's so desperate~" you exclaimed while teasing commodore Hina who only patted your arm to stop you from continuing to joke around.

Since that day, the hopeless poet has always visited you. Giving you a bunch of flowers or a sprig of wildflowers he picked up on the street when his thoughts were always with you. His glazed eyes seemed to be injected with life from somewhere. Your smile looks cute and of course he turns into a sweet puppy.

Everyone said, 'Whoooa~ how did you turn so handsome?' and he would always say, 'A goddess has come down and I ask for her blessing.' The atmosphere at dinner was now always busy because the soldiers found entertainment in teasing Zappa and of course Hina was very happy because she didn't have to deal with additional reports about complaints about Zappa's declaration of love to random girls at the marine camp anymore.

"You look alive, Zappa." Bonham praised with a wide grin. Grount nodded in agreement.

"That's right. I found the tree of life. Look there, my goddess." Zappa pointed at you who was eating curry in the canteen. Everyone would immediately nudge his arm and make fun of the young man in love. You will immediately turn around at the commotion and find him before you flash a sweet smile that will make him immediately go limp and say, 'I have found heaven'.*

[casspurrjoybell-30]

Cry Me A River - Chapter 3 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Not Alone

'What if the guy, Dane, from earlier tries to... No, I can't even think about it.

I shivered at the thought.

'Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.'

'I wonder what my mate's doing right now'.

I went off into my own train of thought, thinking up little scenarios of what my mate could be doing, horseback riding, picking flowers, laughing with friends and family.

Being happy.

Tears began to prickle against my eyes.

I lifted a single finger, brushing against my lids before they could fall.

'My mate, I wonder if he's thinking about me like I'm thinking of him.'

'I wonder if he cares for me as I care for him.'

Even without meeting him I knew that I already loved him.

Even if he might never come to love me.

I wondered if we would ever meet. If I would die before getting to hear him utter my name, even if in rejection.

I only hoped for my mate to be a male.

After all, I had never been attracted to any other but males.

The Goddess would never be so cruel as to force me to live my life with one I wasn't attracted to.

In class when all the boys would be looking at the girls, I would be looking at them.

When all the boys would be looking up the girls' skirts I would be watching them from the sidelines, not having an interest in what could possibly be underneath all the silk and threads.

Rather, I'd be looking forward to recess when the boys would be taking off their shirts while playing ball outside.

I always wondered if that was one of the reasons why my father hated me.

If he'd realized without my knowledge of my preference.

'I guess I'll never know now.'

I let out a humorless laugh as I peered down at my untouched food.

I could see bits of mold crawling up the edges of the bread.

'Did they expect us to eat this?'

I looked around and saw no remains of the previously given out food.

'I guess that answers that question.'

"If you take off the ends it's semi-edible," I turned to a smiling Alice.

'How can she smile in a place like this?'

As if reading my mind she said...

"Being upset and sad about the situation we were all put into won't make the situation any better. You have to find the silver lining in everything."

"What's the silver lining in this?" I asked incredulously.

"Well," she said motioning to the food in front of me.

"We have food..."

"Inedible food," I interrupted her.

"What else?" I asked eagerly.

"Well, we have water to drink, a place to sleep," I arched a brow.

"I never said a nice place to sleep," she laughed lightly.

"And we have each other."

"Each other," I repeated.

Her eyes brightened as she smiled warmly at me.

I smiled back, though with less comfort.

I wasn't quite used to using such muscles.

"You're much prettier when you smile," she said.

"I'm not pretty."

She raised her eyebrow,

"Oh, and who said that?"

"Everyone."

"Who's everyone?"

"The boys in school, neighbors, my father..."

"They said that to your face?"

"No, they told father."

"Sounds like your father made it all up."

She grumbled while crossing her arms.

I shook my head,

"No, I've seen my own reflection I'm aware of what I look like."

I said with a sad smile.

"Apparently not because you," she pointed at me.

"Are gorgeous."

I shook my head.

She's just trying to be nice.

"I'm serious, when I first saw you I thought you were a girl until you opened your mouth and realized your voice was far too deep to be that of a girl's."

I shook my head again.

"I'm serious, River, look at the water."

'The water.'

She motioned to the bowl in front of me.

I looked down, coming face to face with myself.

I know what I look like, looking at myself wasn't going to change my opinion of myself.

My skin was far too pale, competing with even the ghosts present in the room.

My hair far too light and my eyes...

'Blue. How strange.'

'I can't remember the last time they weren't a dull grey.'

"Do you see now?" Alice asked with crossed arms.

"What I see is a boy whose skin is too pale to call alive, hair too light to be considered blond and eyes too pale to be considered a color," I replied monotonously.

"I'm aware of what I look like."

"No, you don't because do you know what I see?"

I shook my head.

"I see a boy with gorgeous, light blond hair, sparkling sky blue eyes, and skin so fair you appear like a porcelain doll."

'A porcelain doll? They make dolls out of porcelain? Isn't that too... breakable?'

"Well?"

"Hmm?"

"What are you thinking?"

"That your taste in beauty is deranged."

She slapped her hand against her head.

"I don't understand you."

"The feeling's mutual," I laughed lightly, cupping my mouth.

She burst out laughing, causing me to jump,

"I like you." she said with a wide smile.

"I-I l-like you too," I stuttered back shyly.

I felt a blush make its way across my face as she smiled warmly at me.

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Long Journey Date

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 长旅之约, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

[ This date was released on 8 July 2021 ]

Deers rest peacefully beside me, and birds caw from the branches.

All of a sudden, a rustling sound of flapping wings disrupts the peace in the forest.

Smiling subconsciously while tilting my head upwards, a gigantic griffin descends from the sky.

MC: Welcome back, Griffy! Have you been eating and sleeping well?

I walk up to it, burying my face in the griffin’s fluffy chest fur, letting out a happy sigh.

??: You’re only welcoming it?

The voice I’m most familiar with drifts from the griffin’s back. After that, a figure leaps down smoothly.

MC: Gavin, welcome home!

With a turn of my face, I smile while giving him a wave.

Gavin is wearing simple and informal clothes. However, the extraordinary way he carries himself and the exquisite crown on his forehead could only belong to a prince.

He bows before me in a teasing manner, handing me a small bag. Even without opening it, I can smell the fragrance of pastries.

Gavin: Goddess of Nature, I bring you this round of offerings. But stop sharing them with these animals. They’ve put on weight again.

MC: They’re only cute when they’re round and plump.

I retort, unconvinced. Even so, I pinch the squirrel on my shoulder, placing it back onto the tree.

MC: I have also mentioned that you don’t have to bring me any offerings. The person who made the agreement with me was your mother, and I've already accepted sufficient offerings from her.

Despite what I said, I open the little bag that Gavin gave me, grinning while taking out the pastries.

As a deity, I’m basically adept in everything within my own forest. However, I lack the skills and abilities to bake such snacks.

As such, I’m exceptionally happy whenever he brings me such food.

While eating, I continue speaking with unclear articulation.

MC: When your mother came to the forest that year with a jewel which had been passed down from generation to generation, as well as her crown your deity father once gave her...

Gavin: With those items as offerings, she hoped that you’d become my guardian deity who would keep me safe and train me till I became a passable king.

When deities accept human offerings, they reciprocate by bestowing blessings onto humans. This way, a wonderful transactional relationship is formed.

Back then, a queen had brought her son of around fourteen or fifteen years of age to my forest.

That elegant and dignified lady was smiling, but there was faint worry in her eyes.

She told me that her days were numbered, and that she wouldn’t be able to watch her son grow up.

The child’s father was a high-ranking deity who was busy maintaining the earth's order and rarely showed himself.

As such, she gave me offerings, hoping that I'd become her son’s guardian deity, and to protect this small prince.

Gavin does a stretch, then removes the saddle on Griffy.

Gavin: You’ve said it many times, and I remember it all. 

Gavin: Instead of these things, why don’t you eat quickly? I specially bought the basket which just came out from the stove, then rushed Griffy over. The pastries won’t taste good if they get cold.

Gavin draws out his tone, but a smile remains on his lips.

I turn my head towards Gavin, who is helping me manage the medicinal plants with a practised hand. I can’t help but ponder softly in my heart.

This person doesn’t let me protect him much...

Although this half deity obtained the added protection from the Goddess of Nature, he has never asked for assistance aside from guidance.

He has always strived for the things he wanted, and would persist through failure until he reaches his goal.

Later on, this prince who excels in both learning and military skills, and can even control wind, is the one who helps me out.

He always brings me all sorts of human food and small trinkets, calling them offerings.

Gavin: Why are the medicinal plants here turning bare again... did I water them too much?

I can’t help but laugh secretly while walking over to his side. Holding up those medicinal plants, I restore them to life.

Till this day, he only lets me help him in this area.

I think about how despite not having been coronated king, Gavin has long since been able to run a country.

As a guardian deity, I haven’t neglected my duties, have I?

MC: Come to think of it... Gavin, why haven’t you held a coronation ceremony?

Gavin pauses in his movements.

Gavin: Do you want me to become king?

MC: Of course.

Gavin: But if I become king, it means that you’d no longer be my guardian deity.

MC: That... is correct.

Gavin averts his line of sight, and he doesn’t seem to be in a good mood.

This seems to be the case every time I broach this topic with him.

Clearing my throat, I attempt to change the topic to break the awkward atmosphere.

MC: Oh yes, how many days will you be staying this time?

Gavin doesn’t respond. As though he has finally made a certain decision, he sighs deeply and lifts his head, meeting my eyes directly.

Gavin: The reason why I came this time is because there’s something important I needed to tell you. I’ve decided to succeed to the throne.

The overly abrupt news leaves me dumbfounded on the spot.

Gavin doesn’t elaborate further, and continues.

Gavin: Before that, I intend to follow the ancient text and collect the rumoured offerings that deities cannot refuse. That will allow a strong deity to become my new guardian deity, to protect me, and to protect this country.

Hearing his resolute words, my heart feels slightly upset.

Although completing my agreement is a good thing, why does my heart feel empty?

He even said he was going to find a new guardian deity...

I blink a few times, unable to comprehend the feelings churning in my heart.

Gavin: But right now, you’re my guardian deity. Which is why I hope you can accompany me on this journey. Is that okay?

Gavin looks straight at me, his eyes as transparently clear as a cloudless amber sky.

Facing such a him, I can only nod.

-

Despite not yet rationalising my emotions, I reluctantly embark on this journey with him.

The first stop of this journey is the forest in which fairies live.

Looking at the first treasure recorded in the ancient text, I heave a long sigh.

MC: A crystal which can counteract all sorts of curses. It only grows at the tip of the World Tree...

Gavin: What’s wrong? Deities don’t like it?

MC: It’s the opposite. No deities have refused such an offering. To be honest, even I want it. But...

I lift my head. Looking at the giant tree which plunges into the sky, I have a bad feeling.

MC: You have to know that even though I’m a deity, I was born from nature, and the source of my strength comes from the forest and the land. Which also means...

I’m not good at flying.

Likely hearing the implication of my words, Gavin doesn’t hold back, chuckling softly.

MC: Gavin! Don’t laugh! At that height, even a griffin would have difficulties flying up there. Furthermore, people are good at different-

Gavin: Get on.

Gavin leaps onto the griffin, lowering his head to look at me.

The griffin releases an excited caw, its wings flapping up and down.

Faint morning light caresses the side of his face, the gorgeous rosy glow wilfully painting the azure sky.

His hair and indigo cloak roll up with the air currents, the crown on his head reflecting arc lights.

And on his face, there’s a heroic valiance even clearer and more radiant than any jewel.

For a moment, I’m left slightly dazed.

As compared to any other moment, I can clearly sense that he is no longer that little child who had his brows tightly furrowed back then.

The person before me has shed off his childishness, is sufficiently intelligent, and sufficiently mature - a person who is about to become a young king.

I always knew that he was someone worth having faith in.

But there seems to be something else in his eyes that causes my heartbeat to accelerate uncontrollably.

Likely seeing that I haven’t moved in a long time, Gavin leans over, pulling me in front of him steadily, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.

Gavin: Let’s go.

With this soft statement, the griffin, which had been anticipating this for a very long time, flaps its wings, soaring towards the azure sky.

At the same time, a powerful gale whizzes under Gavin’s beckoning.

Using the wind as wings, we fly very, very high.

Gavin: I wanted to take you flying like this since a very long time ago. But I wasn’t able to find a suitable chance.

His words land on my ears amidst the fluttering sound of wind - high-spirited, clear, and without restraint.

I can hear the throbbing of my own heart, reminiscent of the bits of feathers in the air, drifting along with the breeze.

With Gavin around, Griffy doesn’t have to exert much effort, landing at the crown of the World Tree.

There is a rich display of light and colours on the dense and green treetop. Amidst the various lights, a cluster of dazzling crystals emit a tender and dream-like colour.

Gavin: Looks like this is it.

He plucks a crystal deftly, storing it in the travelling bag he carried along.

Seizing this chance, I take several deep breaths to calm the inexplicable throbbing in my chest.

MC: Since we’ve successfully obtained the first item, are we heading to the next destination? Or are we resting here for the night?

Gavin: We’ll set off straightaway. But give me a moment.

Gavin reaches out to pluck a few smaller crystals. Using a few branches around us, he weaves a simple bracelet, then clasps it around my wrist gently.

Gavin: Since you like it, bring a few more back.

Just as he finishes speaking, a few fairies who were grinning among the leaves earlier rush out towards us.

Fairy A: Congratulations! May the fruits of the World Tree protect the two of you forever!

Fairy B: Congratulations on your marriage! I wish you two everlasting sweetness!

MC: Huh?

Watching as the fairies start to sprinkle flower petals over our heads, my face burns with a “whoosh”.

MC: [blushing] What nonsense are you saying?

The fairy grins while speaking once again.

Fairy B: Firstly, don’t the two of you play together often, and like each other more than others?

Very few humans enter my forest. Aside from the small animals, the only one who visits me frequently, chats with me, and has fun with me is Gavin.

As compared to those small animals which aren’t able to talk or bring me snacks, it’s true that I like Gavin a little more.

With this thought in mind, I nod.

At the side, Gavin nods too. But for some reason, the tips of his ears are slightly red.

Fairy A: Secondly, didn’t the two of you make a unique agreement with each other?

Not knowing where this is heading, I nod again. After all, I’m Gavin’s guardian deity.

At the side, Gavin does a similar action.

Fairy A: Lastly, he made a bracelet for you using the crystals of the World Tree, then put it on for you personally. Doesn’t that symbolise that you’re destined for each other?

The fairy says this matter-of-factly, and the surrounding fairies agree in succession.

MC: Wait wait wait wait, this is a misunderstanding! We’re...

The words are at my lips, but I pause.

It seems that I’ve never considered how to define my relationship with Gavin.

I’m his guardian deity, but I can vaguely sense that it goes further than that.

In the end, Gavin takes half a step forward, blocking me from the celebrating fairies.

Gavin: That’s just the tradition of fairies. Humans and deities don’t have such rules. She’s a guardian deity belonging only to me.

-

The heating stove is bright red, and the sound of forging is unceasing.

??: Drink quickly, drink quickly! There are many more barrels!

The dizzying fragrance of alcohol permeates the air. Even if it’s dispelled by the breeze, it lingers for a long time.

??: You’ll only enjoy yourself to the fullest by accompanying it with the best quality cheese! Want a chunk of smoked meat too?

The bustling marketplace is rife with people hawking their wares, cheese, smoked meat, fruits and perfume. The dazzling lineup leaves one overwhelmed.

??: I didn’t expect that humans could drink as well as us! Not bad!

??: After all, he’s a half deity!

A circular table is in the middle of the lively marketplace, surrounded by dwarves who are adept in iron casting.

Aromatic mead courses through the crevices of the crowd and the small path, being sent to the table in a continuous stream.

MC: Gavin, are you sure you can still drink?

This is the first time I’m seeing Gavin drink this much. He wobbles a little while standing beside the table. Fortunately, his eyes are still sober and clear.

Gavin: I’m fine. 

Gavin: [to the dwarves] We agreed that as long as I can outdrink all of you, you’d give the rarest treasure of the dwarves to me - a golden belt praised by all the deities.

Dwarf A: We never lie!

Dwarf B: Goddess, try some! 

Before I can refuse politely, Gavin has already pulled over the wine cup offered to me, drinking it in one mouthful.

Gavin: I’m the one competing against all of you.

Whether it’s due to the mead or the nearby heating stove, my face grows slightly warm.

Another barrel of mead is finished, and the alcohol-loving dwarves at the table have already collapsed.

Gavin presses the wooden wine cup onto the table heavily. Arching a brow, he raises his volume slightly.

Gavin: You’ve lost.

Dwarf A: Fine, you win! The belt belongs to you! But...!

The dwarf stands up wobbly and burps. In front of Gavin, he pats his own chest.

Dwarf A: There’s... there’s something even more... important that I must do! Axe! I want to make an axe - the best axe - and give it to my beloved lady!

While saying this, he runs and staggers towards the forging stove. The dwarves in the surroundings cheer him on and whistle.

MC: What’s happening this time...

The dwarf is inebriated, but his limbs remain deft. He holds up a hammer and picks a chunk of steel which has been scorched red. Then, he begins hammering it with clanking sounds.

Dwarf A: Half Deity! Come here!

Dwarf B: Come and make something too!

The dwarves are rowdy, and they bring Gavin over to a forging stove, teaching him how to forge weapons.

I head over curiously. Gavin seems to think of something. He glances at me, a smile surfacing on his lips.

Then, he holds up a chunk of mithril and gives it a detailed look, as though visualising the shape he wants to carve it into.

After a while, Gavin picks up the iron hammer, hammering in a decisive manner.

Sparks dance in the air, and the flames from the stove are exuberant. The clamour and sounds of hammering are incessant, bringing the celebration of the marketplace to a climax.

Dwarf A: Done!

Cheers erupt from amongst the crowd. That drunk dwarf raises the axe he had forged, then runs towards a small stall in the marketplace.

Dwarf A: This axe is for you, my beautiful woman! Please marry me!

Even from across the marketplace, the loud voice of the dwarf drifts over clearly.

Dwarf B: Hahahaha! Not bad!

The dwarf at the side chuckles so hard that he isn’t able to straighten up. He takes several deep breaths to calm himself down, then turns around to speak to Gavin.

Dwarf B: Half Deity Lad, you too. Your skills are pretty good for a beginner! If you have a beloved lady, don’t hesitate. Just propose directly!

At the other side of the marketplace, the proposal succeeds. A brand new celebration and banquet has already begun.

I don’t bother about the joy which is about to drown us. I simply look at Gavin.

Perhaps he’s drunk a little too much. Right now, he’s staring fixedly at the short staff he forged, a look of contemplation on his face.

What the dwarf said earlier echos in my ears, akin to a mystical magic spell.

Looking at Gavin, I find myself wondering if he’d give that short staff to me.

Would he smile while looking straight into my eyes, or would he avert his gaze in embarrassment?

I’m left dumbfounded by these inexplicable thoughts.

Perhaps I’ve also drunk a little too much.

-

Early the second day, we bid farewell to the dwarves, preparing to continue the journey.

MC: I didn’t think we’d witness a wedding. It’s a pity that we couldn’t hear more about how they met and got to know each other.

Gavin: Mm. I’m also really curious.

MC: It’s rare to see you interested in such topics.

Gavin: After all, meetings are special things to me. Meetings and keeping each other company are very beautiful things.

Gavin’s tone is gentle, as though he’s recollecting his most treasured memories. Pale gold sunlight illuminates his eyes, which are even more dazzling than the most expensive jewels.

In this short trance, a fleeting yet unrealistic thought burrows into my mind without notice.

I shake my head forcefully, and decide to say something to distract myself.

My gaze quickly sweeps around the surroundings, then locks on a target.

MC: Gavin, do you still remember how we met Griffy?

As though he didn’t expect my sudden question, Gavin blinks a few times, then strokes the grown-up Griffy, chuckling as he speaks.

Gavin: Of course I remember.

Gavin: Back then, my mother had already passed on for a few years. And that deity father never appeared. 

Gavin: Perhaps because of those things, I had a pretty bad attitude towards you during that time. Sorry.

Till this day, I can still remember that period of time.

His amber eyes, which always sparkle and shine, were dyed with a heavy grey. Even his hair, which always sticks up, had drooped listlessly.

But it’s precisely because I was always by his side that I understood the heartbreak and struggles he faced during that period of time.

And I rejoiced that at the very least, I was there to keep him company.

I walk towards him, reaching out to tousle his hair. Gavin leans down and comes slightly closer to me, a peaceful smile on his face.

Gavin: In short, I came to the forest one day.

Gavin: It was raining that day. I walked to the vicinity of your small house, and discovered that you were taking care of a small, stray griffin which had wandered here from somewhere.

Gavin: You’re a goddess, but you didn’t care about yourself, and only cared about shielding the griffin from the rain.

Gavin: You treated its wounds and fed it, while getting drenched by the rain yourself.

Along with his depiction, memories surge into my heart, and they are dyed with a hazy colour of rain.

MC: I recall how you shielded me from the rain with a large leaf. Back then, I was thinking about how rare it was to see such gentle moments from you.

Gavin: Since then, I...

Gavin’s voice grows softer and softer. He turns his face away a little unnaturally.

MC: Since then?

Gavin ignores my question. He simply clears his throat and hands me something.

Gavin: MC, this is for you.

Accepting it subconsciously, the cold and smooth texture of metal causes me to hold my breath.

It’s the short staff he had personally forged yesterday.

His emblem is carved on the body of the staff, and a quality gem is mounted at the tip.

MC: This is...

Before I can say anything, Gavin hurriedly explains.

Gavin: I’m a human, so I don’t follow the traditions of dwarves. In the culture of humans, giving a handmade gift to someone is a form of etiquette to express gratitude. So... this is a thank you gift. Thank you for teaching me so much, and for taking such good care of me.

MC: I... I see!

Gavin speaks calmly and appears utterly composed.

Accepting the short staff, I turn around to pack my items. Recalling the image that surfaced in my mind earlier, my face burns again.

Clearing my throat, I ask Gavin a question tentatively.

MC: Gavin, according to your customs, what would you give to your bride?

Gavin: I’d craft a ring personally.

While saying this, he takes my travelling bag and fixes it onto Griffy’s back. Then, he picks up the ancient text to confirm our next destination.

MC: When that time comes, I’ll definitely pluck the most beautiful flowers in the forest and make a wedding bouquet for your bride.

Holding a wedding and having a partner - these are things worthy to be happy about.

But when I said this, I found that I couldn’t bring myself to smile.

It’s as though my heart is drowned in deep water. It feels acrid, and there’s also a tightening in my chest.

I’ve lived for a very long time on this land, witnessed the construction and destruction of many kingdoms, and experienced battles and peace since the ancient times till today.

Yet, I’m unable to understand the feelings I’m currently experiencing, and what they signify.

-

After that, we head to many other places together.

We cross the dessert, fly over the ocean, scale the highest mountain peak, and head to the deepest abyss.

We dance in a sea of flowers along with the odes of travelling bards, and bargain with a gigantic, greedy dragon.

The treasures in the travelling bag increase in number. Every treasure obtained makes it increasingly clearer that this dream-like journey is about to come to an end.

On an unknown empty island, Gavin and I sit side by side on the shore, watching as the waves at our feet lap against the rocks.

Looking at the pearl head ornament Gavin just gave me, my voice comes out hoarser than expected.

MC: What will you do once you become king?

Gavin: Quite a number of races are interested in humans. Perhaps I could try broadening trade. I also have to revolutionise the senate.

He talks about his responsibilities earnestly - from commerce to ruling the country, from art to food.

Gavin’s dead seriousness tickles me to laughter.

I console myself with the thought that even after he becomes king and I’m no longer his guardian deity, our relationship wouldn’t change that much. 

Gavin suddenly stops mid-speech, as though deliberating something.

I turn my head, only to see the reddened tips of his ears.

Gavin: Also... I want to marry the lady I like and make her my queen. This way, I can always be with her.

Gavin looks afar off, his gaze gentle, as though he can see his desired future.

For some reason, I want to rush towards that future with him.

And I suddenly realise what that acrid feeling twirling around in my heart is.

Without realising it, my feelings for Gavin have been intertwined and encased by a sense of possessiveness.

I don’t want him to have another guardian deity, nor do I want him to give these treasures we’ve collected together to another deity.

Most of all, I don’t want him to put a personally crafted ring on the finger of another lady.

The sea breeze rolls up tiny, light blue flowers on the beach. They dance in the air, floating towards the ocean.

At this moment, all the clamorous emotions and feelings quieten down, and are crowned a name and definition -

All of this is called “liking”.

-

The journey is about to end.

Griffy returns us to the ground.

Looking at my forest and at my little courtyard, I feel as though everything happened a lifetime ago.

Gavin: It’s nice to be home.

Gavin retrieves the travelling bag, then pats the fence at the door.

Gavin: Wait. Why do the medicinal plants look even healthier than before I left...

I tug onto Gavin before he can check on the medicinal plants.

MC: The journey has already ended, and you’ve collected sufficient treasures. Are you going to succeed to the throne after this? Looks like my agreement with your mother has been fulfilled.

Gavin: That’s right. But aren’t you going to let me rest at your place and have a drink of water?

MC: You have quite a number of things to handle after this. These treasures need to be offered to the deity. And you also have to... marry the lady you like. You should take action quickly and settle these things at one go!

I give him a stern expression, trying to conceal the childish impetuousness in my heart.

Gavin: Do you think the deity will really like these?

Gavin doesn’t leave. He stands in place, his words bringing with them a smile.

Looking at the full and bulging travelling bag, I feel tremendously envious.

MC: Of course. Who was the one who picked them with you? All right, go and offer them to your new deity. Who are you looking for? I could put in a good word for you so he or she would give you a little more blessings.

My voice grows softer and softer, and my gaze flits around.

Gavin: If she’ll like them, I can put my mind at ease. 

Gavin speaks softly, but doesn’t respond to my question. He takes the travelling bag, placing the treasures we’ve collected on the grass before me.

The crystal from the top of the World Tree, the golden belt crafted by the dwarves, the unwilting flower from the deepest part of the desert, the coral from the deepest oceanic trench...

Aside from the recorded treasures, there’s also cheese from the dwarves’ marketplace, a headscarf from sea nymphs, sun-dried jerky from the giants, and other miscellaneous items.

These items were brought along with Gavin because I liked them.

After setting down the last item, he takes half a step back.

Then, he gets down on one knee, tilting his head upwards to look at me.

Gavin: Goddess of Nature, I give you all of these offerings. Please bestow blessings upon me, protect my country, and crown me.

Gavin: And please make a long-lasting agreement with me, to become my queen, and to keep me company.

Gavin: Till death do us part.

Gavin looks at me, his sentiments and tenderness condensing into honey coloured amber.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, landing on his face like a kiss, making his eyes bright and glittering.

MC: [blushing] I...

Before I can respond, Griffy caws happily, giving me a nudge from behind, causing me to fall into Gavin’s arms.

MC: [blushing] Griffy! I didn’t raise you to be this big so you could do that!

I grumble, pretending to be stern. Then, I close my eyes defeatedly, burying my head in Gavin’s arms, not wanting him to have a clear view of my blushing face.

Gavin’s soft chuckle and his breaths land on my ears, akin to the first tender breeze in early summer.

Gavin: I used to worry that the reason for our interactions was due to that prior agreement. 

Gavin: Once the agreement ended, you would no longer have a connection to me. 

Gavin: I was troubled by this for a while, and also tried to delay that day from arriving. 

Gavin: But one day, I made a decision. 

Gavin: Instead of holding on to that past agreement, why don’t I make a new vow instead.

Gavin tilts his chin towards those treasures.

Gavin: But I don’t want you to simply be a goddess who responds to my prayers.

Gavin: This journey was meant for you to understand that my feelings for you aren’t simply the dependence humans have towards their guardian deities.

Gavin: I just don’t know how effective it was...

Gavins speaks, averting his gaze.

Recalling the hints and occasional bashfulness during the journey, I finally understand everything, and my face turns incomparably red.

MC: [blushing] Right from the beginning, you already...

Gavin coughs softly.

Gavin: So, are you willing?

Watching as his eyes draw increasingly nearer to me, it’s as though a pot of honey has been overturned in my heart, and all the flowers seem to be blooming at the same time.

I lift my hand.

MC: I’m the deity who controls the land, forests, and all the animals.

MC: I hereby make an agreement with you-

The forest seems to respond to my words. Birds outstretch their wings, trees rustle, and the land releases a faint humming sound.

Light flickers at my fingertips, akin to a sprouting bud as it flows and spreads over Gavin’s crown.

MC: I will always protect your kingdom. May your land be forever fertile, and may your kingdom forever be peaceful.

My power weaves my words into an unbreakable vow between us.

As a goddess, these are the strongest blessings I can give to him.

With a small smile, I continue speaking. Softly, I give him the blessings from me as MC, and also my response.

MC: I will also share my life with you, and my power.

MC: I will accompany you for a long time, until the destruction of the earth.

A light blooms, encasing us within it.

Gavin doesn’t speak, and simply looks at me.

I recall the day we saw the sea together, and recall the fluttering light blue petals, and the gaze he had when he stared afar off.

I’m guessing that his gaze has finally found a dwelling place.

The rays of light around us gradually recede, and the vow is established.

This isn’t a lengthy ceremony, nor does it involve complicated steps.

But we have cast a connection different from before - one which is unique in the world.

Having used my powers, I lean into Gavin’s arms, looking at the same sky together.

MC: Aren’t you going to say something?

Gavin: Erm... you really looked like a goddess earlier.

There doesn’t seem to be a change in or relationship. However, there’s a certain sweetness in our dialogue.

MC: I am a goddess! Wait, that’s not what I was referring to. May I invite Your Majesty, who has obtained the goddess’ blessings through his own strength, share his thoughts with us?

Gavin pretends to ponder over this seriously.

Gavin: I just remembered that there’s one thing I haven’t done. I plan to make another trip to the dwarves’ nation.

MC: Did you forget something?

Gavin pulls me up, and we stand together. He pats Griffy, getting it ready to set out.

Gavin: I mentioned before that I’d personally craft a ring for my queen.

Gavin: You also promised that you’d pluck the most beautiful flowers in the forest to make a wedding bouquet.

Gavin: I look forward to seeing it when I return.

🐦 MOMENTS 🐦

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: Would a griffin’s fur feel like a bird’s or a lion’s?

Gavin: ...I have never thought about this question.

-

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: If only we could rear one!

Gavin: We might need a larger courtyard to let it build a nest.

-

Gavin’s Post: If griffins really existed, they'd probably feel quite nice.

MC: I really want to bury my face in it...

Gavin: Even though we don’t have a griffin, we could ask Flyer if its willing.

🐦 Calls: First ll Second

🐦 Support the cafe by dropping by the tip jar!

[iceprincessviviane]

Smell of the sea

Pairing: Yandere!c!Foolish x Fem!SeaNymph!Reader

Type: Romantic (Foolish is yandere), oneshot.

Warnings: Yandere, swearing, injury, threats, possessiveness, silly jokes created by me.

Summary: Foolish is hosting you in his summer house. You spent there almost a month having a great time, but you want to have some space.

My first yandere fic.

She was sitting at comfortable couch in big terrace and admiring view. Sun was kissing her skin and wind blowing away the hot. Specific smell of salt has reached her nose. Sky was light blue without any clouds and silence filled scream of gulls.

Foolish's summer home was like paradise on Smp. Great weather, sea nearbay, peacefuly area and god's companion were making this place like heaven. Y/N reached out for an apple. In front of couch was standing small table with bowl full of a lot of fresh fruits; everything was here.

"Good morning my goddess." After hearing that, she felt a gentle kiss pressed to top of her head. Foolish took a deep breath and sat on couch with wide smile.

He was wearing ancient, light green robe with open torso, his skin was shinning in the sun. In common days like this, he prefered to be in human form, shifting into shark one with grey skin and fines only, when they wanted to swim together. She has never seen him in full divine form, only when he decided to change height.

"Good morning Foolish." She replied and blushed immediately.

"You are awake early today." He said moving his eyes on her.

"Yes... I just couldn't sleep." Y/N sighted slighty.

"What happend?" His was worrying about her after hearing the news.

"Nothing excatly." She shrugged.

Foolish sent her soft smile and grabbed her hand gently. He pressed another kiss, but on her fingers. At the very beginning true god was really careful towards her, treat her like godess, treasure. Y/N started to notice that this week. Of course she met some of the others Smp members, but he was the sweetest. She was a little shy, but after spending with him a lot of time, Y/N get used to his behaviour.

"If you wish, you can go back to the sleep. I don't mind." Foolish said softly locking his green, emerald eyes on her figure.

"I wouldn't fall asleep... I might go into a walk."

"Do you want me to accompany you?" He asked carefuly.

Y/N nodded and smiled to him. They both stood up and Foolish offered her arm, she grabbed it gently, than they left the terrace. Summer home, but in fact Temple of Undying was unbelivable big. It had living parts, sacral places, big outside field, a lot of aesthetic pools filled with fishes, turtles and water lilies. There were also small places filled with grass, trees and flowers. After everything Summer Home was in the desert, reaching the sea. Of course they had Nether portal, very big one outside, but they had visitors hardly ever. Even Foolish admited, that before her hosting, he didn't have a lot of guests, usually spending time alone.

During a walk they remained silence, enjoying each other presence, walking through the buildings and squares. Blooming trees filled whole place with pleasure, flower smell. Y/N relaxed and again felt somnolence coming. Foolish noticed that and lead her to private chambers.

"Get a little bit sleep, I really don't mind." He smiled gently.

"You have right, I shloud probably be awake in afternoon, maybe earlier." She agreed and sighed. Foolish nodded to her, when she entered her chambers.

He walked away, getting lost in his own thoughts. Usually they didn't have plans about spending day or schedule. Most time they were resting, talking or swimming. Y/N liked to listen his stories or plans about new adding new buildings to the Temple.

}*{

Unfortunately, Y/N woke up only for supper and she had a little talk with Foolish, but then she went again to sleep, couldn't tell why this happend. After a quick bath, she crawled on her bed, almost immediately falling deep asleep.

Truly god didn't need a lot of resting or sleep, so Foolish was mostly awake and full of energy during nights. Today was like always. He wandered around, but finally ended up at Y/N chamber's door. Hesitation appeard on his face, he was worried that, because of previous sleeping, she could have light one now. After a few minutes he decided and quietly opened door. His steps were noiseless. Chamber was very big, with main part, bedroom, bathroom, terrace and wardrobe. Today the moon was shinning brightly, showing cleary whole area. Y/N was peacefuly sleeping in big, canopy bed. Silk counerpane was gently covering her figure. Foolish liked to watch her lot. Even when she was thinking, she was alone, he probably was watching her carefuly from distance, especially when she was wandering around in Temple. He just couldn't take his eyes off when Y/N was gracefully walking by the isles, watching trees and flowers completly diffrent than plants in the sea. But when she was sleeping, she looked so innocent and sweet, that he could stare for ages. He stayed in shadows for some minutes, but then got closer and sat at the end of the bed. Gentle smell of the sea salt hit his nose. He took deep, quiet breath, he loved it. There was some time when they cuddle or hugged themselfes, but for him it was always not enough. After all this time spent together, he started to think how keep Y/N around and safe. Although, she didn't mention any plans for leaving, he got cold shiver in his spine each time he thought of parting.

Night has passed and Y/N woke up before noon. She actually felt better and rested. After making a morning routine and eat light breakfast, she started to search Foolish, well Temple was so big, so Y/N gave up in third pool. In this area, water was surrounded by trees and grass. She took off her sandals and enter the shallowest part of the pool, warm water reached her cubes. Pleased smile crawled at her lips, she closed her eyes and enjoy the silence.

Of course he was watching from the distance, partly covered by big, sandstone column. Today was really hot, he was temped to stay in the water whole day. He was wearing the light robe again, with open torso. Foolish hoped that today he will be able to swim with Y/N or spend time in library, where was pretty cold.

Y/N heard silent footsteps and looked around. Foolish was coming, she sent him soft smile, at least he found her.

"Feeling better today my dear?" He asked and came closer.

"Yes, I think, I needed this long sleep."

Foolish also took his sandals and stepped into a water, it was cold, but in the same time nice.

"I am glad then. I don't want to see any sadness on your beautiful face." His smile widened, then he hugged her tightly and put hands on her waist.

She lean head on his chest, he was warm and smell like sand or desert. Y/N could say, that there she felt safe and with Foolish she felt cherished and somehow... loved? She fast chased away that thought and focused on peace and silent of this moment.

"We can go swimming if you want." His whisper hit softly her ear.

Y/N giggled slighty, moved herself that she could looked at him. "Actually... I thought about maybe visit other members of Smp?"

Foolish looked at her with surprise and cold shiver went down at his spine.

"Oh... I didn't expect that... you want to visit someone specifically?" His tone was a little bit unsure.

"I thought about Philza maybe, we didn't see him a lot? But if you don't want to go, I can go alone, it doesn't take a lot of time." She said and smiled innocently.

Shark god looked deep into her eyes, couldn't decide. For some reasons he didn't want to see Philza today and prefer to stay in summer home with Y/N, but in another side, he just didn't want to let her go alone.

"Well I have to do some stuff here too." He said slowly.

"So I will be in the home before supper." She clapped her hands in joy. Foolish slighty nodded and smiled. Maybe a little trip will be good for her? And he will set up some things...

}*{

Y/N always liked Philza's company, he visited desert several times and she always enjoy his pressence and stories, which he was telling. Similar to other old beings he lived enough long to see and exeperience a lot. This time wasn't diffrent Y/N was invited inside and he got her cup of tea. They sat in the kitchen and talked about common things. Technoblade was on the adventure with Ranboo, so they had peaceful time full of laughs and giggles.

Foolish thought it would be easy, but since Y/N left for visiting Philza he was very distracted. Uninvited thoughts filled his head and strange feeling in his stomach. He tried to build, read and walk, nothing helped. Knowing Phil they would sit and talk but... what if there will be somethin else? Or what if Y/N won't come back? Shark god sighed, being worry about her and being worry that she won't come back have been mixed together. This was one of his biggest fear. Since she have stepped in his life, he didn't wnat to be alone anymore. After a hour more struggling he gave up.

Phil was about to escorted Y/N, till she will reach the desert, but in the end of his yard stood Foolish in more appropriate clothing than ancient robes. He sent them soft smile. Sun was getting down, throwing longer shadows. Phil nodded to him.

"Hi mate."

"Foolish what a surprise!" Y/N said and smiled back to him.

"Well I think, that I needed also longer walk." He said and gave her hand. She grabbed it gently and blushed slighty. Phil glanced at them and smirked.

"Thank you for the visit, I hope we will meet again sooner."

"I think next time you can actually visit us." Y/N said and looked at Foolish.

"Yes, of course. Technoblade and Ranboo ale welcomed too of course." Shark god nodded and smiled proudly.

"See you then, I wish you safe trip back."

They both waved to him and left property value. Foolish squeezed her hand gently and smiled to her, his worries disappered immediately.

"How was the visit?"

"Phil like Phil was telling me stories and gave me couple cups of tea. Technoblade and Ranboo were on adventure, so we were alone."

"Wanna eat something in home or go immediately sleep?" He asked softly.

"Honestly I want to eat something, also I like suppers with you, because we are always talking." She admitted with unsure tone.

"I am glad to hear that." Foolish looked directly into her eyes. "And I am glad that you are back. I am so used to your pressence..."

She reciprocated glance and blushed a little bit more. They spent rest way back in silence. Maybe words wasn't needed there?

}*{

They both sat at the long table in terrace, stars showed up in the sky, moon again was shinning brightly. A lot of dishes were on the table, Foolish held glass full of ambrosia, when Y/N was eating some fruits. They changed clothes, because even at night, there still were hot.

"Maybe in next week we can visit Tommy and Tubbo? Then we shloud definitely meet Kinoko Kingdom, since you have helped them with buildings and of course guest Phil, Technoblade and Ranboo as we promised!" Y/N said with excitement in her voice.

Foolish again felt this starange feeling in the stomach but hid it with soft smile. Since when she wanted to do so much visits and meetings?

"Of course my dear... " He agree little unsure.

"You know... I just think we shloud more meet with Smp members." She stated while was looking at him.

"So I now am not enough?" He asked playfuly, ignoring cold shiver at his spine.

"Well, it's not the case... I am just missing others company a little bit, but I very enjoy your pressence Foolish. Here... is like paradise, you know?" Y/N said and looked down, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.

Demi god smirked and took a small sip. "I am glad, that I am 'enough'. You brought a lot of joy and happiness into this place."

He looked directly at her and took another sip. She looked lovely with red cheeks and shy smile on her lips. Foolish got completly lost in her beauty, that she spotted, that he was looking at her.

"You are staring at me."

"I am not staring my goddess. I am admiring, that is diffrence."

Y/N shook her head with disbelief and tried to focus on her dish, but it was difficult under Foolish'es burning gaze. After eating, they stood under railing, looking at peacefuly ocean. Sounds of small waved crashin the coast was very calm. She slowly put her head on his shoulder, when was watching the horizon. He smiled softly and put hand on her's hip gently.

"Comfortably?" His whisper hit her ear and eyes caught her's. Y/N nodded in response.

"Good." Foolish said with satisfied tone. He waited couple of minutes, then took his chance and tickled her unexpected.

Y/N literally just jumped away from him, then crossed arms. "What was that?!" She asked with betrayed tone.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist." He smirked and get closer, but Y/N kept moving away at his each step. Finally her back touched the railing, Foolish put his hand on it.

"Nowhere to run?"

"Unfortunately..." Y/N whispered slowly.

He leaned in and grabbed by second hand her chin. Their eyes met again, she smiled innocently.

"There is no escape from me my sweetheart."

After this words he pressed their lips together in slow kiss, Y/N put her arms around his neck, Foolish'es hand from railing embraced her waist. There was silence, they get lost in the kiss, clearly waited for this for so long. When they pulled away, their breaths were sharp and heavy.

"I would never want to escape." She whispered softly, causing him to smile.

}*{

After a few days full of love affection, kisses, cuddles and words Foolish wanted to give Y/N special gift. It spent some time to prepare it. This day he woke up first and set up breakfast, wanted to enjoy this moment fully. When everything was ready he put casket on the table and sat, waiting for her impatiently. His robe was decorated by gold and stones, white silk was shinning slighty in sun.

Finally Y/N went through the door, today they ate on big hall full of windows, sunlight was going through them. She was wearing blue like sky dress type robe, her hair was falling softly at her back. Foolish smiled to her and stood up. They hug each other gently.

"How was your sleep love?" He asked softly.

"Pretty good and yours?"

"I was dreaming about you." Foolish admited and kissed her forehead. She giggled and blushed slighty.

"Sweet talker." Y/N said and sat at the table. He followed her steps, then they started to eat. Silence was filled by sounds of cutlery and glasses. Again he was staring at her while drinking ambrosia.

"I have something for you." Foolish finally said and pick up casket.

Y/N rose her left eyebrow with curiosity. What it could be? She appreciated all gifts which he go her, but didn't want to bother with some stupid whims.

"It's sweet of you, but you know that you don't need to spoil me so much? I already live here for free, have everything and don't need to worry about anything." She admitted slowly.

"I want to spoil you a little my goddess. Just a little." He stood up and moved closer to her, then opened the box. Inside were a set of golden jewelry with gems such as: emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. There were two pair of bracelets, necklace and tiara.

Y/N made big eyes. "I can't take it... it's too much..." She said quietly.

"I will be so happy when you will wear it. I promise." Foolish said softly, taking them out the box.

She sighed, but nodded to him, allowed to help her with it. They took off old one and put new one. "How do I look?" Y/N asked watching her new jewelry.

"Now like mine goddess." Foolish said with satisfied tone and their eyes met. He kissed her cheek and she giggled softly.

"Thank you..." She looked down shyly. "Did you make it?"

"Oh yes... I had some spare gems and you know how I love gold. I just wanted... you know. Give you something. You're making me happy."

"It's beautiful, I love each part of it and I love you." Y/N whispered.

"I love you too my love." Foolish responeded and kissed her lovingly.

}*{

Unfortunately Y/N couldn't visit rest of Smp members this days, because she started to feel bad. She assumed, that she stayed too long on the sun and didn't drink enough. Foolish agreed with that and added, that maybe more swimming or baths could help. Of course she shloudn't go to cold tundra, her state could get worse and that was the last thing they wanted. Y/N spent almost whole days in her chamber or library, because there were cold and quiet.

Foolish closed carefuly door, his love just went to sleep, although early time. Afternoon just passed, but she was too sleepy and drain out of energy already. He didn't say a word, just took her and put her in the bed. Shark god went into his personal chambers and looked at alchemical area. There were still remains of his newest project, he smiled a little, couldn't belive that this could actually work so well.

At the beginning he belived that Y/N is his destiny. She was perfect, she could be a goddess and he wanted to make her one, his goddess actually. It would take time, yes, but it will be worth. They were perfect match, Sea Nymph and Shark God, what a pair and she even fell in love with him... day of their first kiss was the happiest day of his immortal life.

But thing was that Foolish enjoyed their time spent together, alone in the temple, but Y/N was sociable person, she loved meetings, visits, trips and parties. Of course he liked rest of the Smp members... but Y/N was a person, he desired the most. What if someone will involve her in war or conflict? He couldn't let that happen. This land saw enough blood od innocents and fights. Y/N needed to be safe.

Foolish looked at empty alchemist bootles. It took almost a week to saturate gold potion of weakness. Dose was harmless, just caused person which wad wearing the jewelry feel weak and sleepy. That shloud be enough, to make Y/N stay in the temple with him. Of course he couldn't make it last forever, buy for now it have to be enough. Maybe after some time she will lost interest in meetings or visits and understand that Foolish is the only person, she needs. If not... well he knew how to saturate gold with potions effects. And there were two pairs of bracalets and tiara left.

[teddy06writes]

Greek Myth Series: Hades And Persephone

Woo! Woo! It's finally here, the moment you've been waiting for, the kick off of the greek myth series!

We are starting out with Hades And Persephone because on the poll they beat out Psyche and Eros by like, 12 or 13 votes. So lets go:

Wilbur Soot x reader (slightly implied female)

Trigger warnings: yelling, some swearing

premise: if you know the story of Hades and Persephone then you know what it is. If not, well you'll see. This is me putting an mcyt twist on my take of the story.

Just a line up {subject to change from part to part of this series} :

Wilbur- Hades

Tommy- Thanatos

Dream- Zeus

Ranboo- Hermes

Hannah- Demeter

Tubbo- Askalaphos (the dude who tells Persephone to eat the pomegranate)

Sapnap- Apollo

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long, long ago, when monsters and mortals still clashed over land, and when Gods still ruled the Earth, there lived a woman.

No, not just a woman, a goddess, one of the 12 major gods, housed in the Greek Pantheon.

Hannah, they called her, who hailed over crops and the growing season. Most would have known her as passive, but in one flick of her wrist you may find your fields dead, and her wrath growing.

Now, Hannah, had but one godly child, who presided over spring growth, called (y/n).

(y/n), though they loved to walk the earth, to see fields full of flowers, and orchards full of trees, longed for something more. As they grew, Hannah bound them more and more to the growing season, nearly forbidding them to have their freedom.

And, during those fleeting moments, where (y/n) was able to roam free, not giving their energy to blessing crops, they didn't know that someone had been watching.

Wilbur Soot, the king of the underworld, could sense their despair, and their suffering. Of the things he wished he could change, this was the one he could not.

At least, until one day.

It was one of the few days that (y/n) was able to escape what seemed to be a prison with their mother. They had picnicked, in a lovely valley, with a few of the friendlier Nymphs, Niki, George, Foolish and Puffy.

The sun was just starting to sink in the sky when (y/n) slipped away from their friends, wandering through the flower field.

They sighed, twirling the stem of a cut rose in their fingers, if only they could get away like this everyday.

It wasn't until they were a considerable distance from the Nymphs that Wilbur made his move. Chariot beginning to long trek to the surface.

(y/n) turned suddenly, as a crack formed in the ground, the chariot pulled by huge black stallions emerging.

"Who- who are you?" They asked cautiously, already backing away.

Wilbur stepped down from the chariot, "I am Wilbur Soot, king of the Underworld. I- love you, join me, to rule by my side."

(y/n) let out a nervous giggle, "Ummm..."

"I know that you've been longing to get away. If you come with me you won't have to be a slave to your mother's passions any longer."

They looked at him for a long moment, at his outstretched hand, and then back they way they had come. Could he really free them?

Wilbur couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut, worried for their response, only to feel a hand grip his own. Opening his eyes, he looked down at them, "Truly?"

They nodded, "We should go, before my mother catches word."

~~

The underworld, (y/n) quickly realized, was nothing like the world above. There was no sky, only a dark cavernous ceiling, and there seemed to be no blues, no yellows or greens, only the dark dismal blues, greys, and reds.

The first days that they had spent there, were spent exploring, the palace, the grounds, and anywhere else they were allowed.

Usually, Tommy, the young god of death accompanied them, having appointed himself as their personal tour guide.

It frightened them, to be so far away from the surface, so far from their mother, and so close to the dead.

Though, they did suppose that it was freedom, they couldn't trust this foreign place, minding to never eat anything, for fear of becoming stuck in that place, never allowed to visit the surface again.

On the seventh day of their stay in the underworld, (y/n) managed to shake Tommy long enough to wander into a set of gardens they had never seen before.

With a gasp, they realized that all of the fruits, all of the plants that though abundant on the surface never grew there, were all thriving in that garden. Rows and rows of apple trees, cherry trees, pear trees and- Pomegranate trees.

As soon as the gasp escaped their lips, a small form appeared from behind one of the trees, "Oh- hello there!"

"Hello- what is all this? If I'm allowed to ask." They edged forward into the garden.

"Oh- Lord Wilbur ordered all this to be planted, to make you feel at home. I'm Tubbo, the gardener."

They blinked, processing his words, "He did all this- for me?"

Tubbo nodded, already moving to put down his watering can, and beginning to pluck some of the pomegranates from the nearest tree, "He cares for you very much."

(y/n) continued to look around in amazement as they sat at the small table.

"You look famished," he commented, "Do you want any?"

"Oh no, I couldn't." They shook their head.

"Not even a few pomegranate seeds?"

~~

It was at the same time, that Hannah's quest to find her missing child, found her standing in the Olympian throne room, threatening to worsen the state she had put the world in.

While (y/n) had explored the underworld, the overworld had withered, Hannah's wrath once again coming to the surface.

Sapnap shifted in his throne, "Well, Hannah, I may have some information, on the where abouts of your kid."

She turned on him, "What did you see?"

"It was a bit ago, they were out wandering, big hole opened in the ground, and they got in one lord of the Dead's chariot." He shrugged.

Wilbur swallowed as Hannah whirled on him, and slowly he held up his hands, "In my defense they agreed to come with me."

"Did they?" Hannah questioned.

"They did. (y/n) wanted to get away from you!"

The throne room was thrown into chaos as various gods and goddess shouted their opinions on the matter.

"Silence!" Dream yelled, "Wilbur, is what you say true?"

He nodded, "Yes M'lord."

Dream frowned, "This is a predicament indeed."

~~ When Wilbur finally returned to the underworld, it was with Ranboo trailing behind, both trying to formulate a plan where (y/n) could truly get a say in what happened.

They found (y/n) in the garden, sitting with Tubbo, and laughing candidly.

"(y/n) Are you aware that your mother has been looking for you?" Ranboo asked.

They jumped up, hiding there hands behind their back, "Well, I had assumed so, yes."

"Are you aware of the trouble that this has been causing the mortals? Hannah has begun a decay, and thousands of them starve everyday." Ranboo reported, "I am to asses the situation here and report back to Dream. So, allow me to ask a few questions before we prepare to decide your fate, have you permanently installed yourself here?"

"Well not permanently, but some of my things are here." They answered.

"Mhhhm, and you haven't done anything to effect the lives of the dead? er- afterlives of the dead?"

"Smooth one boss man." Tubbo muttered.

"Gods no." They shook their head.

Ranboo nodded, "Okay, and last one, hove you eaten anything during your stay here?"

The ichor seemed to drain from (y/n)s face, "Well..."

"Well what? (y/n) this could decide whether or not you'll be forced to stay here or not!" WIlbur exclaimed.

Tubbo grabbed one of their hands, holding it out for the gods to see the pomegranate juice that still stained the flesh, "One third of a pomegranate."

"Oh dear."

~~ It was decided that (y/n) would be brought in front of the council of gods, to advocate where they would like to stay.

After long hours of arguing, it was decided, that because they had only eaten one third of the pomegranate, they would remain in the underworld for one third of the year, and for the rest they would stay above.

However, after Wilbur advocated for it, the Gods agreed that (y/n)'s time above could be spent however they chose, and not in the slavery of Hannah.

Perhaps it was then, that they fell.

For in time, (y/n) grew to love Wilbur, and they married, becoming the king and queen of the Underworld,

[simplysimpingsimp]

Congratulations to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for being the only series with Zenitsu in it and Happy birthday to baby boy Zeni <3 the edit was made by me during my stats class (; sorry prof! I understood most of the lesson, don’t worry TT

🌻—————————————————————🌻

🌻Birthday wishes

Zenitsu x fem!Reader

Pronouns: she/her

TW: none

Set in modern times <3!

🌻—————————————————————🌻

Zenitsu whimpered, he’d woken up alone. He propped himself up on his forearms, golden eyes scanning the room for any trace of her. Y/n would usually be beside him, gently shaking him awake so that he wouldn’t be late to his school lectures or just so that he would get out of bed in general.

“Where could she be?” He questioned as he cupped his face with his hands, knees tucked into his chest.

He looked at his phone beside him, maybe she called or left a message.

Zenitsu grabbed a hold of it, pressing the home button only to see game, school and email notifications and his Lock Screen picture of Y/n on their most recent date.

He smiled sadly at the sight. She looked so beautiful illuminated by the golden city lights in the dark sky. That cheery smile on her face that made his heart flutter and cheeks warm.

He sighed softly as he got out of bed, and got ready for the day. Zenitsu looked around the apartment they shared and found no sign of her.

It was as if she vanished, but he felt some relief from his panic at the sight of her phone, keys and wallet not in their usual spot.

“Maybe she had an exam to take…” he murmured to himself, tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

He reached for his phone in his pocket and dialed her number.

“Hello?” Her voice resounded

“N/n!!! Y-“ he was about to continue until he heard the sound of his own laugh.

“Sorry! N/n is busy taking care of me right now,” Zenitsu heard his own voice speak loudly.

“I’ll call back soon! Ze-Zenitsu don’t do that!” He heard the sound of her laugh begin until it got cut off by the dial and beep.

He sighed and hung up, canceling the voicemail.

Soft steps and knocking filled his ears and he practically floated to the door expecting Y/n to be behind it. He flung it open but was met with the sight of Tanjiro’s smiling face with a box in his hands and Inosuke holding a gift bag.

“Happy birthday Zenitsu!” Tanjiro spoke excitedly as he handed him the box.

“Happy birthday Monitsu,” Inosuke spoke proudly as he pushed the bag into his chest, “I got you the best present by the way!”

Zenitsu’s large smile dropped into a smaller one. He had forgotten his own birthday. His hands took a hold of the two gifts from his friends as he placed them on a chair nearby.

Tanjiro and Inosuke looked at each other and nodded, a mischievous smile on both their faces as Inosuke dragged Zenitsu along and away from his home with Tanjiro following behind after securing the apartment door with its lock.

Zenitsu screamed and flailed his arms around as Inosuke threw him over his shoulder and carried him until he shoved him into the back seat of Tanjiro’s car.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH BOTH OF YOU?!?!” The golden eyed young man yelled as Tanjiro drove away from the parking lot, a laugh escaping his lips as Inosuke crossed his arm proudly.

The pair drove him around the city treating Zenitsu to snacks and whatever things he wanted.

“Have any of you heard from Y/n?” Zenitsu asked, his voice saddened and gaze downcast as he walked in between Tanjiro and Inosuke.

Inosuke and Tanjiro glanced at each other. Tanjiro placed a hand on Zenitsu’s shoulder, his voice soft, “I haven’t heard from her today. But don’t worry! I’m sure she’s just fine.”

“Yeah there’s no way anyone would think of bothering her aside from those dudes that circle her,” Inosuke laughed as he placed a hand on his free shoulder.

It clicked in his head.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH,” Zenitsu screamed as he gripped his hair, earning the stares of other people.

“Y/N IS ALL BY HERSELF WITH NO ONE TO PROTECT HER!!! QUICK WE HAVE TO GO SAVE HER FROM THOSE CREEPS THAT LOOK AT HER,” he yelled, tears brimming his eyes and a reddened tint on his cheeks as he gripped onto Tanjiro’s shirt.

A disturbed look formed on Tanjiro’s and Inosuke’s face as they watched his panicked state.

“DONT LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!” He whined loudly.

Tanjiro took a quick glance at his phone, a smile on his face. He nodded in Inosuke’s direction, mouthing discretely, ‘it's go time’.

Inosuke understood as he threw Zenitsu over his shoulder again, a loud laugh erupting from the green eyed young man as he and Tanjiro began to run in the direction of where he had parked the car.

It was dark out, the sky becoming a smokey midnight blue and purple with faint gray string like clouds blocking the light of the emerging stars. Zenitsu gripped onto the head cushion of Tanjiro’s seat as he urged him to drive faster.

Inosuke reached behind him, tying a blindfold across Zenitsu’s eyes.

“WHAT THE HELL INOSUKE?!?” Zenitsu screeched as he was about to remove the blindfold.

“IF YOU TAKE IT OFF IM TELLING Y/N THAT EMBARRASSING THING YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL!” Inosuke threatened loudly, matching the volume of Zenitsu’s screams.

A loud crying sound erupted from Zenitsu, “DONT TELL HER!”

It was a miracle that Tanjiro was driving perfectly, his poor ears were getting destroyed by the two velociraptor-like screeches and screaming battle occurring on either side of him.

Zenitsu’s cries became soft whimpers as he heard the car come to a stop. Inosuke helped him out and carried him up the stairs.

Soft music filled his ears as they approached the front door. Inosuke set him down, Tanjiro’s soft knocks on the door resounded. The door opened quietly, quiet enough to not even reach his ears.

The trio stepped into the apartment, a warm ambience and the scent of vanilla filled the air.

He felt a familiar pair of hands reach behind his head, gently untying the blindfold. His eye sight adjusting to the sight of Y/n with minimal make up and in the sun yellow dress he had given her, a yellow flower crown on her head.

“Happy birthday Zeni,” her voice was soft and sweet, making his heart pound against his chest.

The apartment had been decorated with yellow and orange balloons floating and littering the ground. Star shaped streamers hung from the ceiling with golden fairy lights trickling down. A beautiful yellow frosted cake sat in the middle of the table with his favorite meal ready to be served.

“Thank you guys,” Y/n spoke happily as they nodded with happy smiles on their faces. She handed them both goody bags and elegantly packed food as they had agreed upon in their deal.

Tanjiro and Inosuke high fived each other as they quietly left, Tanjiro closing the door behind him.

“I’m sorry for making you worry,” she spoke sheepishly with a light blush, “Tanjiro was keeping me updated throughout the day.”

He remained quiet for a second.

“Zenitsu?” She questioned softly as her hand found its way to his cheek.

He pulled her into a tight hug, his cries filling her ears, “WAAAAAHHH!! N/N YOURE TOO SWEET! AN ANGEL! A GODDESS! A BEAUTIFUL GODDESS! EVERYTHING! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU,” he nuzzled his cheek into her head as he cried.

She laughed softly as she returned the embrace, an arm gently wrapping around his neck while her other hand wiped away his streaming tears, “No crying,” her voice sweetly spoke.

“Happy birthday Zeni, I’m so happy that I got to celebrate your birthday with you even though it’s a little late. I just wanted it to be a good one for you,” her thumb gently caressing his cheek.

His hand enveloped hers, “It’s already the best one, because you’re here with me,” his voice adorably soft as the cute floral aura seemingly formed around him.

She felt her face warm, “I love you Zenitsu. I hope to spend a lot more birthdays with you.”

“I love you too Y/n,” he brought his face closer to hers.

Unconsciously, they pressed their lips together in a kiss. His kiss was soft and adorable as the warmth from his face radiated onto her skin. The softness of her lips left him feeling gushy and bubbly as he felt her arms around him.

They pulled away from the kiss, both their faces reddened.

“Well let’s go eat, birthday boy!” She mused happily as she guided him to the dinner table.

They ate dinner happily chatting away about Zenitsu’s whole trip with Y/n apologizing for tricking him and having Inosuke be the muscle of the gang.

She stood and came back with matches to the light the candles on the cake she had made for him. Carefully she lit each one, a soft smile on her face as she glanced and saw the happy expression on Zenitsu’s face.

“Make a wish Zeni,” she spoke softly as she got her camera to take pictures of him beautifully illuminated by the warm candle light.

He closed his eyes as a soft smile formed on his lips, wishing in his mind,

“I hope that one day you’ll marry me and that I can always make you happy, because I love you Y/n.”

It was one of his best birthdays.

ᴇɴᴅ

🌻—————————————————————🌻

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ ᴢᴇɴɪᴛsᴜ 09.03! ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ғᴇᴇʟ ғʀᴇᴇ

ᴛᴏ sᴇɴᴅ ɪɴ ᴀsᴋs/ʀᴇǫᴜᴇsᴛs/ɪᴅᴇᴀs/ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ! sᴇᴇ

ʏᴀʟʟ sᴏᴏɴ <3

-ᴊᴜɴᴏ

[randomingoftherandomness]

The Bone of Impurity

So with the upcoming Winner is King, my brain got whirling with the thought of The Bone of Impurity which is arguably one of the main plot points of the novel and I thought I would do a bit of a meta for it? It is definitely something I hope they do not dilute for the Live Action adaptation but even if they did touch upon 1% of the shit that goes on into making a Bone of Impurity, it's still pretty Dead Dove Don't Eat. So I thought I would preempt it by actually putting down a primer on the Bone of Impurity.

I did not read the novel in Chinese and read it in English, so some of the more subtle themes present in the original work will have been missed by me. If anyone who has read the Sha Po Lang novel as it was written by Priest, do let me know if I have made any mistakes on any of the below ( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧

Fair warning, there's some pretty Nightmare Fuel inducing shit, so I'll be keeping things under a read more in case people get squicked by this lol I'm also basing my references around the translation that Northwest Flower did because that is the one I read.

Just a basic background on The Bone of Impurity:

It is essentially a curse unique to the Northern Man people who utilise it in moments where someone's country is broken and nothing remains but revenge. To attain that, they make a sacrifice to the 'evil' gods of their beliefs

It is a cruel and horrible affliction to put on the person, but the return for it is that the person who becomes a Bone of Impurity gains the strength, intelligence, foresight and abilities of two persons

Whoever becomes a Bone of Impurity is someone who is single-mindedly ruthless and bloodthirsty when pressed towards a goal; they will attain power and their near supernatural abilities will make them unstoppable in achieving their goals

They will also gain a sort of existence that is neither alive nor dead. Sort of a zombie-like living. They also don't live very long

For all this super abilities, the flip side for anyone living with the Bone of Impurity is that they will be constantly highly suspicious and paranoid of everyone and everything; they will be slowly driven mad by the visceral hallucinations that will leave them incapable of knowing what is real and what is fake (Volume 1, Chapter 26; Volume 3, Chapter 70)

A Bone of Impurity attack comes about when the afflicted experiences heightened emotions or moments of extreme stress (I seriously cannot list out all the times it popped up in the novel because we would be here quite long lol)

It manifests in dual pupils being observed in their blood-hued eyes, hypersensitivity of the senses, their body burning up, almost sleep paralysis levels of body-lockedness and they will experience extreme pain with the bouts of attacks lasting hours at a time (Volume 2, Chapter 50 & 51)

The method of 'refining' a Bone of Impurity is...

Basically taking two babies and putting them in a dark place with no air, no water, no food. One of the babies will survive while the other one dies (Volume 3, Chapter 70)

I'm not quite certain if they have to be blood related or not, but the examples given in the book all indicate that if they have a strong connection to each other, then it would be better and that the Bone of Impurity would better take

The dead baby is then... 'refined' with the arcane arts and medicines of the Northern Man Goddesses and fed to the surviving baby (re:baby cannibalism)

I told you it wasn't pretty...

In the novel, Chang Geng is the Bone of Impurity made by Hu Ge Er, his aunt, in order to bring about chaos and tumult to Great Liang that had subjugated her people. Chang Geng is repeatedly described to have almost scary levels of intelligence and foresight, to the point where some of the characters actually wonder if he is omnipotent.

Chang Geng is also revealed to have obtained characteristics of his cousin

One of the ways Shen Yi and Gu Yun identified Chang Geng as the missing Fourth Prince is the congenital defect of a toe - which, lol, the worlds where DNA testing did not exist - and Chang Geng insists that his toe deformity was caused Hu Ge Er (Chapter 8)

It is later revealed that this was one of the further side-effects of the Bone of Impurity where the afflicted would reflect characteristics of the 'devoured' counterpart (Extra: Souls returned home)

Now on to the meta bit:

Chang Geng has a pretty much single focus sexuality on Gu Yun; even when he wasn't clear on what the nature of those feelings were, he was already dedicated to the man, already thinking up ways of how he can support him in the future

Even when he was heartbroken by the reveal of who 'Shen Shiliu' was and the lies and the subterfuge that had flowed between them, just with an apology and assurance from Gu Yun, Chang Geng was already ready to forgive him

Now, we know that Hu Ge Er said with her dying breath that the Bone of Impurity will cause him to lose his mind and will cause the death of everyone he will ever love. I think she said this because she has already detected the level of dedication he has built for Gu Yun and also because she is a horrible person and wanted one last pot shot at tormenting Chang Geng

Through all his Bone of Impurity attacks, Chang Geng has one consistent thing that he fears the most above everything else - Gu Yun abandoning him, rejecting him, leaving him in any way

My thought is simple; what makes him different from the other Bone of Impurities that were explicitly said and described in the novel? One person. Gu Yun.

Had Gu Yun not saved him from the wolves outside of Yanhui Town, he would have definitely died right there and then being killed by the Northern Man wolves. I truly believed that at that time, Chang Geng really ran out there to die. With just the scant descriptions of what Hu Ge Er did to him throughout his childhood, even the brief glimpses into her horrible abuse, is enough to cement that he was very likely unable to handle everything anymore.

If Gu Yun had not shown up and took on the mantle of Chang Geng's Yi Fu - as clumsy and as emotionally stunted as he was to deal with a dependent - was kind to him without any sort of condition attached to it, if Gu Yun had not taken that spot in Chang Geng's heart and mind as a moral compass, guiding his path to tempering the more extreme effects of the Bone of Impurity, I have no doubt that Chang Geng would have destroyed Great Liang before he even turned 21.

Because of Gu Yun, Chang Geng plotted the way to peace for Great Liang; divesting of weak emperors and ushering in a new age of stability and peace, building a foundation for his nephew to take over and build upon. All because he knew that Gu Yun loved his country, loved the people, has broken his back time and time again to toil for peace and defend its borders.

In the novel, they even explicitly say that when Gu Yun is out doing routine inspections of the borders and stuff, Chang Geng essentially shuts down; starts living like a monk and a life without colour until Gu Yun comes back to him (I don't know which extra or chapter this is in because this post has been waaaayyyy too long at this point)

With Gu Yun, especially when he learns that his supposedly unrequited and unfilial feelings were not as unrequited as they seem, he found a path to a future where he can strive to live without pain and without worry. With Gu Yun, he could focus all of the ruthlessness and all the bloodlust and the brilliance and the horrors and make it into a fulfilment of Gu Yun's dream; to be able to walk away from the battlefield and live out the rest of his days in peace and leisure.

Think about it, especially if you have read the novel, how scary can Chang Geng get when Gu Yun isn't around to temper him?

Basically, yes, I am definitely saying that Chang Geng and Gu Yun doing the horizontal dance with no pants resulted in peace for the country lol

[Bit of Trivia] Chang Geng's name is also significant because, according to Hu Ge Er, it is the name of the 'Bone of Impurity' in the Chinese dialect (Chapter 6)

[scarletarosa]

Hestia

Greek goddess of the hearth, cooking, and households

Hestia (Roman: Vesta) is one of the Olympian gods and is the very force behind what keeps humanity warm and fed. She is the goddess of the hearth (all furnaces, both outdoor and indoor) and presides over cooking, especially the baking of bread. She also represents the sacrificial flame, and during Ancient Greece, she would always receive a share of every sacrifice to the gods. Even the central hearth of a state belonged to her, and the fire was always kept alight in the civic hall. Thus, all fireplaces, whether they be for warmth, food, worship, or for different use, are all part of Hestia’s domain. Her power extends over these altars and hearths, and therefore all prayers and sacrifices were to end with Hestia, because she is the guardian of the innermost things. Overall, Hestia is the guardian goddess and helper of all meals, feasts, homes, and the gentle comforts of the family hearth.

She is also known as one of the three goddesses of eternal virginity, as they had all chosen to be solely devoted to their divine tasks (the other goddesses being Athena and Artemis). Due to this, Hestia was often given a sacrifice of a one-year-old cow from the Ancient Greeks. As Hestia is the goddess of the hearth, she was looked upon as the sacred centre of all domestic life. Therefore, Hestia is the goddess of domestic life and is the giver of all domestic happiness and blessings, and as such, she was believed to dwell in the inner part of every house as a guardian. For this reason, the hearth of every home became the common place of prayer for Hestia, allowing worshippers to pray for the goddess’ protection over their family members. Moreso, Hestia was believed by the Greeks to have invented the art of building houses so that humans could live in safety and warmth. Because of this, she was often shown together with Hermes, who was likewise known for protecting the works of mankind. For all of this and more, Hestia is an extremely important and loving goddess who always deserves to be honoured.

Depictions: Hestia was depicted as a modestly veiled woman, sometimes holding a branch of a chaste-tree (representing her virginity). Other times, she was shown with a kettle, which is her attribute due to it being used to boil water over her fires so people could cook or utilize it for other needs.

Mythology: Hestia was the first-born child of Kronos and Rhea, the Titan gods who also bore Zeus, Poseidon, and many others. When Kronos began devouring his children, Rhea secretly gave her last child, Zeus, to a nymph to be raised in safety. Eventually, Zeus returned and fought Kronos until he was forced to disgorge all of his children, with Hestia being freed last since she was born first. Thus, she was named the eldest and youngest of the children of Kronos. Overtime, Hestia became desired after by gods such as Apollo and Poseidon and they sought to marry her. Yet Hestia refused and came to Zeus, asking him to let her remain an eternal virgin. Zeus agreed and Hestia became one of the three Virgin Goddesses, as well as the sacred watcher of the heavenly hearth of Olympus.

Homeric Hymn 24 to Hestia: “Hestia, in the high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet, --where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last…”

Appearance: a woman in her 30’s with light brown hair that is loosely tied back (in common Ancient Greek style), she wears cream-coloured Greek robes and sandals

Personality: Overall, Hestia is very calm, introverted, docile, humble, good-natured, generous, patient, and easily pleased. She always loves to clean, cook, grant hospitality to others, and do all things associated with a typical domestic woman, taking pleasure in doing these more than anything else. Hestia is also very loving towards animals and always refuses to eat them or have them killed for her as offerings. She doesn’t have any sacred animals, but out of all of them, she favours chickens the most and guards over them.

Ever since the Greeks were brutally killed by Christians and forced into converting, Hestia has been long-forgotten by humanity and has become deeply depressed. She is very sad nowadays and weeps due to her neglection; yearning for the same love and gratitude that she once had. She tends to be very welcoming towards people who approach her and wishes to be close to us once more, rather than being discarded or seen as boring. Even just adoration and humble offerings towards Hestia make her very happy.

Some of her epithets:

Äídios – eternal

Polýmorphos – multi-formed (of many hearths)

Polýolvos – rich in blessings

Potheinotáti – beloved

Voulaia – of the council

Offerings: honey mead, diluted white wine, milk, herbal infusions, mild teas (chamomile, etc), pomegranates, lemons, apples, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, onions, cauliflower, olives, loaves of bread, vegetable soup, baked potatoes, eggs, yoghurt, smooth pebbles, clay tiles (to be offering dishes), flower wreaths, wild flowers, bouquets, chaste-tree flowers, wheat, beans, peas, grain, almonds, walnuts, raisins, salt, vegetable oil, olive oil, dark brown or beige napkins, bronze coins, Chinese bronze coins, firewood, family photos, anything that invokes feelings/memories of home, white linen to cover her altar, circular honey-coloured candles, beeswax candles, and incense of sandalwood + cinnamon + basil

*It is respectful to offer a prayer of gratitude to her before eating cooked meals

*Do not offer meat since she is vegetarian. Also make certain to devote your oven to her since it is needed for her rituals; if you have a fireplace, this can be devoted as well

[rhenuvee]

Valentine’s Day (George Weasley x reader)

An early Valentine’s fic from me :) 

----------------------------------------------

Your tired eyes slowly opened to the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow outside the castle. You looked at the clock, 7:58 it read- way too early for a nice Sunday morning. But you knew the reason beforehand, it was because it was Valentine’s day, and you couldn’t wait to spend it with your favourite Weasley.

You rubbed your eyes as you arched your back to stretch it out. Almost immediately after you stepped foot off your bed, one of your roommates, Alicia noticed and shot up.

“(Y/n)? You’re awake..?” she asked, slightly scaring you from the sudden outburst. 

“Uh yeah.. sorry.” you said sheepishly apologizing. Alicia reached over to nudge Angelina’s arm, who groaned as she slowly rose herself up from her sleep.

“Um, why are you guys waking up? I really didn’t mean to get up this early, you can go back to sleep.” you protested as quick as you could. However it did not seem to work as your roommates moved like zombies in the early morning. You made a face when you saw Angelina walk straight out the dorm in her pajamas. 

“Well what are you waiting for, you need to get ready don’t you?” asked Alicia, who was somewhat more awake than five seconds ago.

“I guess...” you said feeling odd about the situation. The only normal thing at this point was Katie still sleeping, who seemed to be devoid of any sound entering her ears. But you went along with it; you got dressed in your red sweater, black leggings, and short brown boots. And Alicia helped you do your hair once you were finished.

“You really didn’t have to help me this morning you know?” you said to Alicia who was in front of you, putting some finishing touches of light makeup. You knew that your roommates knew of yours and George’s relationship, so of course Valentine’s day was going to be special for you.

“Maybe I could get you something, like some sweets?” you suggested when she didn’t answer your first question.

“And think about us while you’re on a date? You’ll be cheating on George then, wouldn’t you?” Alicia teased which earned her an eyeroll from you. 

Once you were all ready, Alicia escorted you out the dorm, along with your bundle of gifts you prepared for your boyfriend. From the bottom of the boys’ dormitories stairs you saw Angelina, still in her PJs, with Lee Jordan who seemed to be waiting. You now realized why Angelina got up- as a messenger to tell the boys that you were getting ready.

“Just a moment mademoiselle, he is just getting his shit together.” you giggled at Lee using such a posh accent to cuss. You could hear footsteps from the stairs, and thus emerged your handsome boyfriend who, might you add- was definitely being very dramatic. 

The first thing you noticed was that your boyfriend was matching your outfit; red sweater, black jeans. The second thing was how neat his hair was which was such a contrast from his usual mess, you wondered who did it. 

The moment he caught your eyes, he stared for what seemed like the longest time, then randomly collapsing on the floor, clutching his heart.

“Oh get up you goof.” you said huffing with your hands on your hips. 

“I cannot, pretty voice- for someone even more beautiful than the goddesses themselves has appeared before my eyes.” he said while still on the floor. Alicia cooed as Angelina and Lee groaned at how cheesy he was being. You on the other hand, couldn’t decide which of those reactions was more appropriate. 

“Oi loverboy, you almost forgot the gifts.” called another voice from the stairs, which finally made George get up. Fred came down into view as you saw your gifts. You were about to hand out George’s gift to him when he put his hand out to stop you.

“For the lady first,” he said winking. One by one, he handed out your presents as if he was a butler reviewing food for a noble. 

“Some flowers, because they remind you of- me.” he said gesturing to the red roses and his hair. You giggled and rolled your eyes.

“Some chocolates, because I’m the sweetest and it’ll remind you of- me.” he said formally presenting the box.

“And a giant teddy bear, because I’m cute and-“

“It’ll remind me of you?” You aaid quirking an eyebrow while taking your gifts.

“Yes.” He said matter of factly.

“Well I’m not gonna stay here longer, especially when it’s couples dress alike day, goodnight!” announced Fred who headed back to his dorm with Lee to sleep. Angelina and Alicia did the same and waved goodbye to you. Then, you started to present George’s gifts, which were quite similar.

“Some flowers, to take away that odour in your room.” you said cheekily mocking George as he clicked his tongue in response.

“Chocolates, because it’ll remind you of yourself...”

“And two teddy bears, because it looks like you and me.” You handed George the teddy bears, which were much smaller than the big one he gave you, but was sweet nonetheless.

“Thank you darling, you didn’t have to get me all of this.” He said bringing you into a hug and kissing your forehead.

“Well I still did Georgie, happy Valentine’s day.”

“Happy Valentine’s day, love.” He trailed his fingers, one under your jawline and his thumb just under your bottom lip, then brought you forward to meet his lips in a passionate kiss. Your arms looped around his neck to bring him closer, while slowly curving your lips upward from smiling. When you both pulled away for air, you still remained just as close to each other.

“Who told you about this?” You asked softly, pointing to his red sweater that you didn’t know he matched.

“Oh, well obviously I secretly took divination and looked into the beyond and i saw you.” You rolled your eyes at his obviously fibbed reply.

“And this?” You asked brushing you fingers through his gelled hair.

“What, don’t I look handsome?” He said tilting his head at a dramatic angle.

“You always look handsome Georgie.” You said with a smile. You swore for a second he was caught speechless, but quickly returned to his playful nature.

“Oh? Is that so? Well keep being honest like that and I’ll have to keep taking you out.” He said eagerly putting his winter clothing on, ready to drag you out of the portrait hole. 

——————————————

“Where are you taking me George?” you asked while being dragged along by the arm. You could barely keep up with your boyfriends long strides if it weren’t for your arms linked with each other. 

“Just you wait darling, you’re gonna like it.” he replied quickly. You were surprised how not out of breath he seemed to be, compared to yourself. The closer you got to your destination, you realized where he was taking you. It so happens that this February 14th, there was a nice layer of snow covering the whole field of grass around the black lake, but wasn’t cold enough to be snowing. 

“George...” you mumbled in awe as you saw a picnic laid out near the water’s edge. It was unique to see a picnic during the winter.

“Well, do you like it?” he asked smiling with a hopeful look on his face.

“I... I can’t believe it... you must’ve hired someone because there’s no way you woke up before eight to set this up.” you teased. George tsked playfully while shaking his head.

“You know I’m joking love, of course I love it. And I love you.” you said sweetly walking back to George and giving him a light peck on his lips.

“I love you more.” he said threading his hand through your hair. 

“Well let’s eat this food you miraculously put together then.” you said joyfully hopping over to the blanket and basket as George followed suit.

Both of you had your Valentine’s day brunch with smiling faces the whole time. Your ginger boyfriend obviously being goofy as usual while you tried not to giggle whilst there was food in your mouth. Once you finished resting a bit after eating, the two of you decided to walk around- where you could see the blanket and your belongings of course.

“You cold love? Do you want to go back inside?” asked George as he swung your mittened hand in his. You shook your head.

“No Georgie, I’m quite fine. The sun is out, plus I have you.” you said clutching his arm a little tighter. 

“That you do.” he said agreeing by puffing his chest out. You really thought you were the luckiest person on earth to be dating George Weasley. Mischievous, playful, extremely creative and witty, not to mention a heart of gold- and yet he chose to be with you. Why he loved you too was a question you haven’t fully developed the answer for, but for now you are glad enough to be held in his arms.

“Hey darling.” he said interrupting your thoughts, and pausing his steps. You let out a slight hum and faced him. George brought his hand under your chin to lift it up. You could practically see his smile get bigger. “I just wanna say... ‘m so glad we got to do this together, you and I. Yeah I did have to wake up early, but bloody hell I’d wake up early everyday if it meant I got to see you, looking like you do, smiling and all. Just you being here itself, reminds me that this is real, and I’m happy with you.”

You looked at George in bewilderment, as he let out a chuckle when he let out the last words fall off his lips. He was expecting a snappy comeback, or telling him he’s being cheesy. Instead, there you stood with you mouth agape, and tears on the brink of falling. It took what felt like moments before your brain was able to formulate a response.

“Oh George, you big goof...” you said giving in and hugging him with all your might. He was taken aback, but cooed at your reaction. “You were the one who planned this out on the first place, I should be thanking you. And here you are making us look like an old married couple.”

It was funny how clumsy, yet genuinely your words tumbled out. You almost didn’t catch yourself in what you said until you felt George’s grip on you loosen. You looked at him, but you could barely made out his expression when he suddenly grabbed your hips and the back of your upper torso. He dipped your body and kissed you, your body not being prepared for the sudden action.

“I- George!” you blurted out when he pulled you back up. You noticed that he seemed very hyper and giddy. 

“What is it darling?” he mused, purposely bending down to your height to have a good look at your flustered face.

“I- you heard nothing.” you said turning away. 

“Oh no, I definitely heard something, along the lines of us being married.” 

“Oh go away... you know it was just an expression.” was the best of what you could come up with. If drunk in love had an image for a definition, this is definitely the moment. George pecked your nose and held you close to his tall frame. 

“Do you want to? I’ll confess right now that I’d want to.” he said softly in your ear. 

“I’ll get back to you on that.” you joked. “Not 100% sure I’d like to be linked by love with some bloke who bullies me like that.” George pulled back and gasped dramatically. He turned away from you and crossed his arms with a hmph, pretending to be a little kid. 

“Geooorge...” you trailed on, attempting to get him to look at you. Whenever you tried, all he did was turn the other way. You sighed, half a minute of silence passing by.

“I want to.” you said finally. That made him perk up and as you expected, returned back to his cheeky side. He wrapped his long arms around you once again, and you did the same, giggling in the process. 

“Congratulations love, I’m never letting you go now.” he said as his hug became tighter, trapping your arms. 

“And how do you suppose we’ll get back to the castle?” you asked.

“What do you mean? We can go like this.” he said beginning to waddle his way back to the picnic blanket with you shuffling in his arms. 

“Ridiculous.” you said.

“Well that’s what you’re stuck with.” 

[amethystpath-writes]

Hi ! Love what you wrote BUT ABSOLUTELY ADORE "Dance with the Devil" with Hades (#teamhotgreekvillainforever) and Persephone !! So ... Perhaps a continuation please *O* ??

Continued from this.

Looking down at her legs as she sat on a throne of thorns, Persephone bit her tongue. Hades stained her once brilliantly glowing legs with the marks of the souls which tried to drag her down into the Underworld’s fiery and endless depths.

‘A reminder,’ the lord told his queen, ‘that I could have let you fall. I did not have to pull you out.’

But he did have to pull her out, didn’t he? Because Perse was the only one Hades would have ever considered being his queen. Her brilliance was nothing to understate. She glowed brighter than even the sun- brighter than Apollo, too. Persephone was beautiful, and she was even more so shrouded in Hades’ world of night sky.

‘I would have preferred you let me fall,’ she returned. The defiance had not lasted. Hades gripped her mind with his own, crushing it beneath a strong grip until she was knelt on the ground, touching the tips of his feet with outstretched arms. Compliant. Yielding.

This was when Hades knelt to her, whispering to her a sweet nothing. ‘I should do this to you someday, my queen. Lay myself down for you. Submit beneath your will.’ He hummed, standing, and telling her to do the same. She did.

They had remained in the ballroom after their dance, after Persephone’s near-plummet to everlasting torment and despair. Demeter was correct in telling her daughter of the lord’s eyes- of how looking into to them meant losing every piece of yourself if it were as Hades wished. The man was wretched, despicable, terrible. And he loved the Goddess of Spring.

Now Persephone sat alone in the room, considering an escape, but knowing she could never achieve one. This world Hades possessed worked against her in any way that might have revealed Perse was trying to get away, trying her hand at rebelliousness. Even simply shifting in the throne she sat on led to branches of thorns stretching out into her vision- a threat to her to stay seated. Hades didn’t even trust her to wander the ballroom, which as she viewed it, had no escape anyhow- no doors or windows. And even if there were an opening, she would only fall into an endless amount of matter made of fire.

Perse touched the arm of the- not her- throne, looking at the thorns. She could make flowers bloom in their place, or perhaps beside them. In an instant, she conjured every visual of flowers belonging to thorn bushes: roses, blackberries, black raspberries, flowering quince, chickasaw plum, elderberry, black chokeberry.

There were many flowering plants with thorns, but the one she considered most was this; pokeweed- or nightshade as many knew it. So what if it were not much of a flower? Every part of the plant was likely to cause death if one consumed enough. What was the likelihood of Hades knowing that? Would he even be naïve enough to pick berries from Persephone’s throne if she decided to grow them? It was worth a shot, wasn’t it?

The throne blossomed with pink-red stems which developed green berries. Over the course of minutes, some of the berries ripened, but not all. It was part of Perse’s strategy to do this. Hades would pick two or three of the ripened fruits, then Persephone could tell him the green ones were just as good to eat- hence why she left so many.

Her plan was well thought out and the throne did not object to her enchantment. The Goddess of Spring took this as a sign that Hades didn’t understand at all how dangerous this was.

As she waited, Persephone took the time to look at the rest of the room, particularly the checkered floor which nearly swallowed her perhaps an hour ago. She hated that floor almost more than the dark lord who pulled her out of it. What would happen if she stepped onto it now? If she managed to escape the throne, she imagined the floor would fall through as soon as her lightweight touched it. What would Hades do then? Would he save his queen for a second time? Probably. He would likely never let her go.

It was as she thought this that Perse jumped at the King of the Underworld’s sudden image in the centre of the room. Swallowing, she tilted her chin up, as if she were superior to the dark lord- and she was. As terrified as Persephone was, she would hold her own weight.

“Very gorgeous, my queen.” Hades admired her throne from afar before stepping further. “Nightshade, yes? I think you have proven your place even further in my court. Does Demeter understand just how dark her daughter, the goddess of Spring, is?”

He knew.

Persephone crunched a fist and let the berries dwindle and fall to the ground in her defeat. Of course Hades would know of nightshade. How could she assume that the lord of the Underworld wouldn’t know about poisoned berries? So many mortals had fallen prey to them or used them as killing agents themselves. Hades was likely experienced in every method of death, which meant Persephone had no hope.

“No need to kill them. Their colour is unique to my realm. Keep them.”

Her chin became even more angled. “No.”

Hades chuckled, coming closer and closer to her. The floor remained intact beneath his feet unlike it would if Perse stepped on it. “Your defiance will fade someday, my dear. And when it does, you will find yourself happy you stayed.”

She gritted her teeth. “You say it as if I had a choice. I chose to die.” Instinctively, now, she glanced at her charcoaled legs. The horror of the moment remained, from being grasped by the ankles by light-eating souls, and Persephone could hear her own screams. It was dreadful, but she still preferred physical torment over- over whatever this was in the ballroom. Being bound to a throne of thorns and talked to like a pet by Hades…it was worse than any fate.

“But you chose me over being turned to stone. That sounds like choosing life- a life with me.”

“You are God of the Underworld. You are Death itself.”

“So, you chose death over stone. What point are you attempting to make anymore, I wonder.”

Persephone fell silent. Her point was that she did not choose Hades, but…well, he was right. In the moment the lord mentioned Medusa, she had been more terrified of her than him. She looked into his eyes, even if by accident in terror.

Hades walked up the dais and held a hand out to Persephone. “I could grow berries in your stomach,” she said. Persephone looked at his offered hand then almost to his eyes. It wouldn’t matter if she looked into his eyes now; Perse was already under his control. Still, Persephone liked to pretend she never looked to begin with. Especially in moments like these where Hades allowed her own free will.

“And you may.”

Now, she did look. It seemed shocking statements were a sure-fire way to gain Perse’s full attention. “What do you- why? Why would you allow me to?”

The lord smiled at her, poison shining on his teeth. “What did you call me just moments ago, my love?”

God of the Underworld. Death itself. The realization tugged at her throat and she whispered, “You cannot die, can you?”

His smile widened. Persephone’s stomach knotted.

“Take my hand, my queen. Our dinner is ready.”

******

Part 3 here

(Tag list: @nuttynutcycle @igotthesmellofbooks @revrevrew-personal) I will probably make this a series if it becomes requested again.

[arjuna-vallabha]

PURNA GHATA 

  I was very young then , three or four at the most . I used to spend my Durga puja days in my mama-bari (mother’s paternal home) at Ram-navami-tola area of Bally  . In the 90s , the Sarvajanin Pujas of Calcutta suburbs were still free from the influence of Calcutta culture . They were still vibrant with personal touch and devotion . The entire neighbourhood joined in the celebrations , the ladies cut the fruits …. the evenings were joyous with ‘dhunuchi nach’ , ‘rasgulla eating’ and ‘blowing the conch’ competitions . One Astami day my Dadu (maternal grandfather) told me – “ See that ghat over there ? Right under ma Durga ? That’s where the “real Durga” is . That’s the main thing of the puja ! “ .I replied pointing to the pratima , “ So is that not the real Durga ?” Dadu laughed and said , “ Ofcourse it is . But the real force of the puja is in that ghata over there “ The tiny bewildered child thought that another , perhaps a more beautiful tiny Durga murti was hidden under the heap of flowers ….inside the ghat !  Since then I grew more and more curious to take a glimpse into the “real durga” ! So on vijaya dashami when an neighbourhood uncle  asked me to help him clean the heap of flowers that had accumulated over the five days of the puja , my heart lept in excitement at the probability of finding the “real durga” !Sadly , after an hour of strenuous labour I found no ghata ( which the purohita had probably already removed ) nor the small exotic little durga pratima that I had hoped for . Now when I look back , I laugh at my actions . My “real durga” continued to remain elusive .What a beautiful symbol is this ghata ! A symbol of India’s own religious heritage and aesthetic expression . Right below is earth . Soil which represents our own mother earth . We exist because Mata Vasumati exists . Over that is sprinkled a handful of ‘pancha shashya’ ( paddy , barley , sesame , mung , black lentils ) which symbolises the seed of creativity . Over that is placed the ghata filled with sacred waters mixed with all kinds of medicinal herbs and ‘siddhi’ ( bhang leaves ) . Inside those waters is kept nine precious gemstones just like the ocean holds within its womb the treasures of the deep . Life will spring forth from this primordial waters as it did in Archean era more than 4 billion years ago . Or just like it is described in the puranas – when the pralaya dissolution takes place everything becomes unmanifest and the existence is covered in the waters of the causal ocean . Then again as time for the next creation dawns , ‘Shristi’ or creation emerges as Brahma from the navel of Vishnu lying in sleep ! The ancient seers had realised this deep connection between water and creation ! It almost appears that this sacred moment of creation is represented through this image of ghata when the ‘pancha pallava’ ( five sacred shoots ) sprouts forth from the mouth of the urn . On top of that lies a plate of rice and a green coconut symbolising the fruit . The entire concept is wrapped in an worshipful embrace by a flower garland and covered by a cloth representing the infinite skies stretching in ten directions . In the middle an inverted triangle drawn in sindoor represents the yoni or motherhood . The symbol of the goddess . The Purna ghata reserves an important place in the artistic heritage of India . On the top of the temple shikhara , a purna ghata sits as the finial . One may find the same kalasha imagery carved on temple pillars too . What a beautiful poetic representation of Prakriti and its divine motherhood ! Did any other civilization succeed in producing such a perfect complete imagery of nature and its creative powers ?! I think not !So the ghata is the most apt representation of the divine mother . Although every other hindu sect and even other indic religions such as Buddhism and Jainism have celebrated and used the concept of ghata , nowhere is it as important and central force as in upasana of devi ! The vaishnavas have their archa vigrahas and shalagram , Shaivas have their linga upasana . But for the shaktas , from Kashmir to Kanyakumari , the ghata is the most natural and prolific imagery of the divine motherhood , be it in temples or at a home navaratri puja . It would not be an exaggeration to say that the imagery of ghata is the single most important contribution of nature and mother goddess cults to the diverse world of hinduism . To the sadhaka , this body is the ghata and bhagavati resides inside . A million urns lie submerged in the ocean of satchidananda , all filled with the same waters as in the ocean . But each thinks I am an unit when in reality they all are the same ocean . At the end of the life’s journey when the ghata is broken , the water inside dissolves into the ocean where it belongs .  But the ocean remains unchanged . This eternal ocean , this sea of unbroken consciousness is the reality that we incompletely call ‘god’ . She is the mother . So when we die and our pyres finally burn out , custom has it to break an earthen ghat symbolizing the end of the journey .Whatever I am today is shaped by three individuals . My mother , father and my Dadu . Dadu today is no more . But my search of the ‘real durga’ is on . One day the senior sannyasi and pujari Maharaj of Belur Mutt said to me – “ Do only as much as you can ( in context of outward rituals ) . Durga is everywhere ! BhutAni Durga BhuvanAni DurgaStriyah pasuscha narascha Durga Yad yad hi drishyam khalu twad hi Durga Durga swaroopAt naivasti kinchit In this cosmos , all jeevas are Durga , the humans are Durga , all females are Durga and all the animals too , are Durga ! Whatever you see is Durga ! There exists nothing which is not Durga ! “After all these years I have come to realise that the search for the ‘real durga’ is not a matter of one lifetime . From one ghata to the other , this journey across lives is spanned over aeons . And the place where that search finally comes to an end is the place where there is no ghata visarjan . It is where the ghata is installed eternally and worshipped everyday . That is the realm of the “real Durga” !

Text and art by Halley Goswami more at https://www.facebook.com/halley.goswami

[midnightseonghwa]

𝐃𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐮

➵ [𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭] ; [𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭]

➵ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 | 𝐤.𝐡𝐣

“She missed her love terribly...just like the flowers missed the spring.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Hades!Hongjoong x Persephone!Reader ft. Demeter!Seonghwa  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Greek Mythology Au  ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 4.3k+

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: And what if Persephone had actually fallen in love with Hades voluntarily? Maybe she dug her hands in the cold Earth of the underworld and drank the juice of the pomegranate knowing it would be her only chance to remain with her love. Alternatively: “The Goddess of Spring craves death more than you can imagine.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Reader uses pronouns she/her, slight stalker themes, Seonghwa’s a bit overbearing, mention of death, mention of souls, slightly disconnected plotline and love at first sight (?). 

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 | 𝐩.𝐬𝐡

“A heart more fragile than the glass slipper but stronger than her sisters’ hatred for her.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Prince!Seonghwa x Cinderella!Reader ft. Fairy Godmother!Wooyoung ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fairytale Au   ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Ideally, there should’ve been another maiden in the kingdom whose foot fit into Cinderella’s glass slipper, but the fairy godmother made sure that the prince got someone worthy of him. A lion heart fit for a lion spirit.  Alternatively: “Have courage and be kind and maybe the slipper will fit.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 | 𝐣.𝐲𝐡

“The people will celebrate our love because even they know that there is nothing like it.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Cow Herder!Yunho x Weaver girl!Reader  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Asian Folklore Au  ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Two lovers, banished to different ends of the heavenly river. The 7th day of the 7th lunar month will help them reunite.  Alternatively: “Nature knows how true our love is.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

✕𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨��𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭: The Cow Herder and the Weaver Girl is an Asian folktale originatinng from China. It tells the story of two forbidden lovers who were cast to different ends of the heavenly river (significant of the milky way). They’re love was so strong that every year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a bridge of magpies would help them unite. In Korean folklore, this story is known as “견우직녀” which is romanised as “Gyonu & Jingnyo” This is also a popular folktale about how the Korean festival of Chilseok (칠석) came to be. 

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 | 𝐤.𝐲𝐬

“Maybe there was a reason you were given to me. After all, you were dropped right into my lap.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Nutcracker!Yeosang x Clara!Reader  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fairytale, Christmas au ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Christmas Eve is a special time for all those around the year but a special  gift may reveal things that were supposed to be hidden. Love is on the frontier of it all.  Alternatiely: “Don’t believe what you see to be true. Remember that salt and sugar also mostly look the same...”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 | 𝐜.𝐬

“Can’t you see how rare my love is for you? Like a diamond in the rough.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Aladdin!San x Jasmine!Reader  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fairytale au ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: A genie can grant is said to grant three wishes, but remember, getting someone to fall in love with you is one of the forbidden wishes. Who said that the genie was ever even needed? Alternatively: “Tigers may eat princes but definitely not peasants.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 | 𝐬.𝐦𝐠

“Bringer of the light, lover of the moon, you are truly blessed to have the love of the celestial.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Endymion!Mingi x Selene!Reader   ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Greek/Roman Mythology Au  ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Goddesses were never meant to fall in love with mortals. That was the job of the useless Gods. This mortal; however, is different and everything must be laid to rest at the cost of love.  Alternatively: “Mortal love is damaging, immortal is not. Simple.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

✕𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭: Selene, the Goddess of the moon fell in love with a mortal king named Endymion. Every night, the Goddess was said to visit her sleeping love as she drove her night chariot across the skies. When she asked Zeus to let her be with Endymion forever, Zeus gave Endymion a choice and he chose to remain immortal and sleeping forever so that Selene may visit him every night. This also serves as a story about how the moon was brought down to Earth. 

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 | 𝐣.𝐰𝐲

“Why would you ever want to grow up when you have me?”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Peter Pan!Wooyoung x Wendy!Reader ft. Lost Boys!ot7  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fairytale au  ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: Second star to the right and straight till morning, magic unlike any other waits you with boys who need a mother and a creature who seems to like your attention in more ways than one.  Alternatively: “Pixie dust and happy thoughts can make you fly, but what can love do?”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]

➵ ���� 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 | 𝐜.𝐣𝐡

“Hostage? Don’t you ever say such nonsense.”

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Beast!Jongho x Belle!Reader  ✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fairytale au ✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: tba

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: People always manage to twist things and make love look like the bad guy. Sure, maybe she was forced to stay in exchange for her father but hostage? Love never takes you hostage.  Alternatively: “Call him a beast, but with the missing fur and warm hearted kind smile, he was far from it.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: tba

➵ [𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞]