#heron phan

[the-iron-orchid]

🧜🏽‍♀️ MERMAYPALOOZA! 🧜🏼

Requested By: @vesuvian-disaster

Mer!Heron identifies as a threat.

(To be fair, Heron is objectively a threat, in multiple ways lmao)

Alternate angle (links to both full-sized renders under the cut!):

[ Full Render 1 ]

[ Full Render 2 ]

[the-iron-orchid-rp]

[closed rp] Return To Vesuvia

“Oh, you can see the Palace from here!”

Jinana leans on the railing of the ship, looking out eagerly over the water. The summer sun glimmers on the surface of the calm sea, and reflects back brilliantly from the marble facade and golden spires of the Palace that perches on high, overlooking Vesuvia proper.

Anjali hisses softly and hides her face in Jinana’s skirts. She receives absent, comforting scratches behind her large tufted ears. “Oh, bitya, it’s all right. We’ll be back on land soon.”

But Jinana’s smile fades as s/he notices a low shape off to starboard, and the growing murkiness of the water as they approach. Even the crew seem hushed as the Lazaret comes into view, and several make the signs against the Eye, to ward off any misfortune that might come from the mere sight of such an ill-omened place.

“They said it was bad, but this...” Jinana’s murmured words trail off as s/he turns to Heron. His face is as impassive as ever, but for a very faint tightening about his eyes and mouth. S/he reaches out to place hir arm around his waist, offering what comfort s/he can.

[foxfirefallout]

If Heron is teaching Ell'iandyr, they're gonna do at least some light sparring at some point, soooooooooooooooooo...9? -vesuvian-disaster

Several months and... ~3500 words later, we finally have an answer to this! The prompt, for anyone playing along at home was 'Sparring turns into sex' (or at least something along those lines). We... took some liberties.

Content warnings: physical and magical fights, non-consensual contact

Minors DNI

Under cut for excessive wordcount...

“Yes. Like that.”

Ell’iandyr repeated the gesture, glancing to Heron for another affirmation. “That’s good. Very good. Now, put some energy behind it.”

The makeshift target that had been set up some distance away burst briefly into flames, blue tongues of heat flickering over the surface before extinguishing themselves with a gesture from Heron.

“I’m still not entirely sure that I could set an actual person on fire,” they commented as they considered the faint scorch marks on the target.

Heron looked at them for a moment, and arched an eyebrow. “You don’t think you can set someone on fire, but you have no trouble--”

“That was different! Reflexive, and entirely unintentional. I… just wanted them to go away.*”

“And that’s why we’re doing this now. Setting someone on fire will definitely make them go away, and at significantly less cost to your own personal well-being.”

“I know… but hitting a target is not the same thing as actually… dealing with a person.”

“That’s why we spar. You are getting better. Even if you don’t feel like you are.”

“I know, I know… just…” Ell sighed and shook their head.

“You’d rather not have to learn at all. I know. I can’t be with you all the time, but I can, at least, teach you enough to keep yourself safe.” Heron offered a slight smile as he ghosted a touch over Ell’s cheek. “I teach you to fight because I care. Let’s get to work.”

For the next half hour, Ell resigned themself to a flurry of fast-paced casting. Spells, counter-spells, shields and attacks as well as more mundane means were all fair game with little time to think before reacting. As it would be in a real fight, Heron had reminded them. Heron had also reminded them, repeatedly, that a real fight would not likely last very long, once the first spell was cast. It was cold comfort for the present, however, as they continued to spar and Heron no longer offered suggestions but let Ell work out their best defense for themself.

“That’s very impressive,” Heron said, nodding his approval at Ell, who had fallen onto their back, but maintained a very solid shield spell. “I think we can be done for the time being,” he added, offering a hand to assist Ell back to their feet as the spell dissipated. They weren’t entirely sure how falling on their ass could be viewed as impressive, but they were reasonably sure that Heron wouldn’t try to flatter them over something like this.

“Thank you,” they murmured as they held on to Heron’s hand for a moment, steading themself while Heron ensured their clothes were clean again with a simple gesture. Ell was still holding on as they moved to the edge of the clearing where a small basket lunch waited for them. They had forgotten that Heron had brought that along, but was grateful for his forethought all the same. These practice sessions always left them feeling anxious and unsettled, even though they knew that Heron would not allow them to be hurt in the course of training. A little bruised, perhaps, but nothing that couldn’t be healed easily. What worried them was the notion that they might have to use the skills they were learning at some point when Heron was not around to help.

Ell was quiet as they settled down, watching Heron pour tea and hand over tasty treats that were among their favorites. “Thank you,” they repeated, accepting some spiced bread, magically warmed, and tea freshly brewed.

“You’re welcome, Ell. You really are gaining ground with these practices.”

“I’m feeling a little more confident, yes. But I still hope I never really need to use any of this.”

“So do I, but I feel better knowing that, if you need to, you can.”

For several moments, Ell concentrated on enjoying their tea, staring into the depths and expecting to see nothing save the bottom of the cup. They weren’t here to do a reading, after all, and seldom looked into their own future unless circumstances seemed dire.

Ell’s thoughts, such as they were, were broken when Heron spoke again. "I'm sorry I'm having to push you through this training. You have a gentle nature."

“I know that you’re doing it because you care. And I do appreciate it. I would rather know.”

***

Work for a client had taken Ell into a part of the city they did not often venture, but when the older woman came to their shop, pleading for help to find her grandchild, Ell could hardly refuse. Such work did not always end well, but in this case, they were able to locate the girl before too long, and with the grateful thanks (and generous payment) of the family, they headed towards home.

When the feeling of lightheadedness struck them, Ell realized that stopping for food was going to be necessary, if they wished to make it out of the district in one piece. Fortunately for them, taverns and pubs were plentiful throughout the city and they ducked into the first one they came to, placing an order at the bar for light ale and some food before finding a table in the corner.

All the while, they were scanning the place, all the more wary for how exhausted their last job had left them. This was something else that Heron had warned them about, and something they clearly needed to work on. At least their food was served with no incident and they were able to enjoy it in peace.

As they were readying to leave, it seemed that some of the clientele felt that it was time to make the evening more interesting. And, being a stranger in the tavern, it was clear to them, at least, that Ell was the most interesting thing in the room.

“Hey there, gorgeous! Leaving so soon?”

Ell felt someone grasp at their arm, but they tried shrugging it off as they headed to the door.

No such luck.

“Naw… you’re gonna stay awhile,” another voice slurred in their ear as another hand grasped their arm.

“I don’t think so,” Ell managed in their calmest voice as they reached up to remove one of the hands that held them, electricity gathering in their touch. Fire seemed ill-advised in an atmosphere already rife with alcohol fumes and exceedingly flammable furnishings.

The shock was enough to get one person to let go, but the impeding grasp was replaced before Ell could make much headway to the door.The swore quietly to themselves as the tumult of voices grew louder, some jeering the person who’d let go, others commenting on the ‘liveliness’ of their ‘new friend.’

“Is there a problem here?”

This was a familiar voice, calm and orderly in the face of the tavern turmoil. And it was not a voice that expected to wait for an answer.

Though Ell had sparred with Heron and was familiar with his fighting technique, they still could not quite follow all that happened in the next few moments. For them, it was sufficient that they were no longer being held and that no one seemed to have any more interest in impeding their exit.

Seeming satisfied with the result, Heron offered Ell his hand and together they made their way to the door.

Outside, in the relatively fresh evening air, Ell turned to thank Heron, and ask just how he’d come to be in the area. The words died on their lips as Heron leaned close to murmur, “You let yourself run low… we should see if we can do something about that.”

The purr in Heron’s voice, coupled with the now very welcome arm around their waist meant that Ell was developing a very good idea of just what Heron had in mind. In a few steps they were away from the tavern, and in a few more, Heron had led them down a small, dark alley. In a fluid motion, and with no thought of self-defense, Ell found themself pressed against the cool stone of a building, struggling to catch their breath as Heron trailed kisses over their neck, his teeth grazing over Ell’s skin. His hands supported them, running along their sides as they failed to find any sort of equilibrium.

If it was anyone but Heron, Ell would have been in a panic, frantic to get away, to get home. Now, all they could think of was submitting to Heron’s whim, shivering a little as they became intimately aware of magical hands, along with Heron’s own.

“H-Heron…”

“No one’s going to notice us. I promise.” Indeed, the sounds of the street and tavern seemed more distant to them, a vague susurration, rather than the raucous cries they’d heard only moments before. “I’d hate for you to have to go too far. As depleted as you are.” 

The words were murmured against Ell’s neck before Heron bit at their collarbone, then shifted to claim their lips for a kiss. Though they were left breathless by Heron’s intensity, they returned the gesture and were very aware of the flow of energy through the contact; their own magical reserves beginning to regain what had been lost over the course of their evening’s work.

As the kiss deepened, Ell twined one hand in the soft curls of Heron’s hair. There was no reason to worry about Heron drawing away when it was clear that this was exactly what Heron wanted to be doing-- but it was a way to steady themselves, to find grounding in a sensation that was not the caress and grasp of hands that they were now beginning to lose count of.

When the kiss broke, Ell gasped, breathing heavily, but Heron seemed entirely unphased. He did seem intent on keeping Ell breathless,those various hands tugging at their clothes to caress the skin hidden underneath while he continued to nip along the sensitive line of their jaw. 

They curled their fingers in Heron’s hair, their other arm wrapped around his shoulders. When they felt a very firm, decidedly flesh hand grasp their ass, though, they froze for a moment, tensing their own hold on Heron as the reality of the situation suddenly came into full focus for them.

Above them the night sky, what they could glimpse beyond the rooftops surrounding them, was clear and painfully distant, the full moon only just now high enough to shine down on them. At their back, they were aware of each chisel-mark hewn into the stone, catching at the fabric of their tunic. There would be marks, they thought as they blinked and found that Heron was staring at them intently, his breaths still falling with perfect regularity.

“My place is closer. I’d really rather that you did not go home alone tonight,” he murmured, something like an apology in his voice as he eased back, helping Ell regain their feet and smooth their ruffled clothes. Soon, it was only Heron’s hands, none of the magical ones, giving their hair a stroke and trailing over their neck to see if marks had been left.

Though Ell was not entirely sure what had caused the sudden shift in mood, they managed a nod. “I’d really rather not be alone tonight,” they admitted, nerves still buzzing from the combined adrenaline of getting out of the tavern and being very forcibly kissed by the person who had done that for them.

Heron nodded and, arm once again wrapped around Ell, led the way back out of the alleyway and through the district to his own home. It seemed to Ell that the noises they expected to hear were still distant, coming to them through the fog of whatever spell Heron was keeping up. It also seemed that, as they went, their path was entirely clear and no one they passed even glanced their direction. For this, at least, Ell was grateful-- they were not glowing, but they were feeling far more disheveled than they liked, despite (or perhaps because of) Heron’s best efforts.

The chime over the door sounded as Heron opened it, and Cicero scampered forward to investigate them both. When he discovered that there were no treats in the offing for him, he slipped out the door, presumably to find some trouble of his own to get into.

“Did I… discomfort you?” The door was closed again, and Heron was watching them, his face registering hints of concern.

“I was surprised,” Ell admitted. “You aren’t usually so, um, impulsive.”

“Ah. That.” He quirked a slight smile, reaching up to trail his finger’s over Ell’s jaw and neck, noting that where he’d bitten was no longer red, even if it was clear from the change in Ell’s breath that they remembered exactly what he had been doing. “A brawl can leave me feeling… amorous. It isn’t exactly the same as sparing or practicing, so there was no reason to bring it up.”

“I see. Are you still feeling… ‘amorous?’”

“Oh, yes. Very much so.” Heron’s touch ghosted again over Ell’s neck, feeling their pulse racing again even as they tried to appear outwardly calm. “And here we have the prospect of a much more comfortable venue. If you’re inclined.”

“I’m inclined,” Ell replied, closing the little distance that remained to claim a kiss of their own. They brought their hands up to tangle again in Heron’s hair and this time were entirely unsurprised when they felt Heron’s hands moving over their ribs and hips, pausing to grasp their ass.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Heron murmured when the kiss broke, shifting his weight to gather Ell into his arms.

‘Show-off,’ Ell thought to themself as they were carried up the stairs, retwining their arms around Heron’s shoulders, fingers trailing absently along the back of his neck. 

They were not particularly worried about being too much of a distraction while Heron made his way up the stairs, the door to his room opening obligingly ahead of them, and closing with the same consideration. Ell stared at the door for a long moment, relaxing slightly in Heron’s arms as the realization that they absolutely will not be seen sank in. “Thank you,” they murmured, lips brushing over Heron’s cheek as he stepped over to the bed to set them down.

“You’re welcome,” Heron replied, hand ghosting over their cheek for a moment. Then the gesture expanded as he quirked a smile and snapped his fingers.

“Show-off,” Ell murmured aloud as they lounged on the bed, entirely nude thanks to Heron’s spell, their clothes in a reasonably tidy pile on the floor. “You aren’t going to let me get cold, are you?” they asked as they shifted against the fine linen.

“Of course not,” Heron replied as he turned away to undress by more mundane means.

Ell sat up a little more, thinking to help Heron, only to be arrested by the feel of very warm, decidedly magical hands running over their skin.

“Just stay there… you’ve had a long day,” Heron murmured, not turning around as he started to unfasten his tunic. He worked with purposeful slowness, brass eyes flashing in the mirror to watch Ell’s favorable reactions to the most recent spell… and to being watched.

For a moment, all of Ell’s attention was taken up by the feeling of warmth as the hands wandered over them, watching how tenderly the polished brass figments caressed their arms, legs and chest until one slid over their shoulder, a finger crooking under their chin. With gentle pressure, Ell’s gaze was lifted until they could see themself in the mirror, and see also that, though his back was to them, they had all of Heron’s attention.

“I hope you’re not feeling too chilled,” Heron commented as he finished undoing the last fastenings of his tunic and letting it fall away as he watched Ell’s reflection. They were looking a little flushed, lips parted as, one by one, the hands vanished, turning invisible at Heron’s whim.

Ell was still very much aware that they were present however; the warmth was unmistakable, even if they could no longer track the paths of the hands visually. “I’m… I’m fine. Thank you,” they added, lest Heron somehow think they were not appreciative of the effort.

“Good,” he replied as he cast his shoes aside, then began to peel out of his trousers. All the while, though, Heron watched Ell’s reflection, noting their little gasps as the attention of the now-invisible hands grew more intimate. Heron was very well aware that Ell did not care for being handled roughly, but careful pinches here and there, with the promise of more tender attention to follow did not seem to spoil the mood.

Only when his trousers had joined the rest of the garments on the floor did Heron bother to turn around and approach Ell once more. That Ell liked to watch (and occasionally be watched) was something that had taken some time to discover, and the effect that it had on them was more than obvious now. 

Lounging on the bed, Ell sought out Heron’s gaze, shifting to better pose for their audience of one. They were very sure that Heron knew exactly what each of the hands he had manifested were doing, but played into the touches all the same before extending their own hand in invitation. Being watched was delicious, but what would be even better would be to have Heron close and kissable.

For a moment, it seemed that Heron was considering his options before taking Ell’s hand and brushing a kiss over their knuckles. With the same deliberate care he had shown since arriving home, he knelt on the bed, trailing kisses up Ell’s arm as he did so. After a lingering kiss to the crook of their elbow, he nipped delicately, teeth grazing sensitive skin before working back towards their wrist. Another kiss was pressed to their palm before he took one of their fingers between his lips, sucking carefully while he watched Ell’s eyes flutter closed, lost to the myriad of sensations.

The bed was, in Ell’s considered opinion, significantly more comfortable than the stone wall in the alley had been, a point driven home as Heron’s weight settled more fully over them. They could feel Heron’s hips rocking against them, a very deliberate tease as he released one finger, only to begin nibbling at the next. Surrounded by the scent of citron, underscored with a more subtle muskyness, Ell sank deeper, their free hand splaying across Heron’s hip as they began to move with him.

Heron offered a little hum of pleasure as they built upon the leisurely rhythm. There was no reason to rush in the comfort and safety of home, so he focused his attention instead on the magical hands that continued to caress Ell. It was hardly a challenge to summon a lubricant to those hands, nor to ensure that lubricant was suitably warmed before being applied.

With a soft gasp, Ell opened their eyes, focusing on Heron as much as they could through the haze of sensation. “H-heron?” they breathed, fingers clutching at his hip as he shifted again, positioning himself to sink down on their cock.

“Yes. Like that.”

Hands tangled in their hair, fingernails grazing their chest and always, always, the familiar scent of citron enveloping them. Ell’s gaze was becoming unfocused again as they stared up at their lover, flexing their grip at Heron’s hip as he rode them.

“That’s good. Very good. Now…”

When Ell found release, they could offer no warning and their cry was wordless and ecstatic, but even that was too much, too loud, and as their body shook with the pleasure of the climax they held their arm across their face to hide. In the quiet and relative dark of the room, it was too much to feel, too great a gift of pleasure after everything the day had held for them. And still, there were hands smoothing over their skin. Only two hands; Heron’s hands as he eased away only enough to free them, reverent kisses pressed above their thrumming heart.

“Just stay there, Ell’iandyr,” Heron murmured as he refreshed their skin with a spell and eased the fine linen sheets over them. 

Ell was sure that even if they wanted to go home, they wouldn’t be able to manage on their own. Even opening their eyes was a struggle now, their whole world the feel of Heron’s weight as it shifted beside them, of his touch on their face, or smoothing their hair. There was nowhere else they could imagine feeling safer, or more content, than where they were right now.

“You’ve had a long day.”

 *The incident to which they are referring occurred when Ell was out alone and almost mugged. In that instance, Ell’s form of ‘self defense’ was to essentially yeet the attacker into an entirely different timeline/reality. The amount of magical energy spent in that action, however, left them comatose for several days.

[daisydevorak]

Heron! Belongs to @vesuvian-disaster​

[vesuvian-disaster]

Heron’s Outward Demeanor

Most people meet Heron while he’s working. Whether he’s tending his shop, delivering medicine to clinics, or selling preparations himself, for peanuts, to the less fortunate. In all these instances people meet him while he’s essentially using his retail persona. Polite and affable, if a little stiff.

On his own he tends to not transmit his emotions casually, looking stoic, or cold until someone comes to interact with him. The emotions are there, they just don’t present like people usually expect. This tendency has cost Heron many a relationship (romantic and platonic).

If he doesn’t know you well, or he’s trying to get to know you, he will project emotions intentionally until he feels that he might be able to relax and not be rejected for this aspect of himself. 

[petnews2day]

'Nature lover' will get referred to as out for trapping wild chicken that preyed on his pet fish, Singapore Information

New Post has been published on https://petnews2day.com/pet-news/bird-news/nature-lover-will-get-referred-to-as-out-for-trapping-wild-chicken-that-preyed-on-his-pet-fish-singapore-information/?utm_source=TR&utm_medium=Tumblr+%230&utm_campaign=social

'Nature lover' will get referred to as out for trapping wild chicken that preyed on his pet fish, Singapore Information

This man calls himself a “nature lover”, however his act of trapping a chicken was not too long ago referred to as out on-line. Taking to Fb yesterday (Nov 10), Chen Phan Yeeh shared a photograph on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings group of a caged chicken in his residence. “The heron that has been eyeing and […]

See full article at https://petnews2day.com/pet-news/bird-news/nature-lover-will-get-referred-to-as-out-for-trapping-wild-chicken-that-preyed-on-his-pet-fish-singapore-information/?utm_source=TR&utm_medium=Tumblr+%230&utm_campaign=social #BirdNews

[thevault889]

August 19, 2020 Show

A new conversational series for KUCI News titled, “We the People,” aired on today’s show alongside the music. The snippets of today’s featured interview included former KUCI News Director, Sabrina Fang, and former KUCI News Editors, Tina Tee and Karena Phan. Check out the premiere episode of “We the People” at https://soundcloud.com/kucinews/sets/we-the-people-premiere-episode.

Key: Artist - Song - Album (*** = New Release)

10AM to 12PM: World (Boleros, Rancheras, Contemporary Latinx)

1. Pistones - Lo Que Quieres Oir - Persecucion

2. Hermanas Hernández - Humanidad - Boleros Románticos

3. Marcela Galvan - Mentiras Tuyas - La Colección Del Siglo

4. Las Hermanas Núñez - Reconciliacion - Las Hermanas Núñez 7 Grandes Rancheros, Vol. 1

5. Carmen Delia Dipini (ft. Johnny Rodriguez Y Su Trio) - Conozco La Verdad - Grandes Éxitos De Carmen Delia Dipiní

6. Las Hermanas Núñez - Clemencia - 18 Exitos de las Hermanas Núñez

7. Chela Campos - Jamas - Cosas del Ayer

8. Paco Infante - Something - 70’s on Spanish Guitar

9. Carmen Delia Dipini (ft. La Sonora Matancera) - Dímelo - Canta

10. Chayito Valdéz - No me preguntes por él - 20 éxitos de Chayito Valdéz con Banda

11. Javier Solis - Una limosna - El rey del bolero Ranchero

12. Hermanas Hernández - Conozco a los Dos - 20 Exitos de Colección

13. La Revolución De Emiliano Zapata - Se Enamoro - Éxitos Románticos (De Colección)

14. centavrvs - La Tierra Habla (Interludio) - Sombras de Oro

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15. Nahuatl - Volveré - Volumen I

16. Silvio Rodríguez - Esto no Es Una Elegía - Mujeres

17. La Revolución De Emiliano Zapata - Viajera - Éxitos Románticos (De Colección)

18. Sui Generis - Canción para Mi Muerte - Vida

19. Mecano - Maquillaje -  Mecanografíalo

20. La otra - Se Quemó - Pa’fuera y Pa’dentro

21. Mecano - Ay Que Pesado - Entre El Cielo Y El Suelo

22. La otra - Contigo - Pa’fuera y Pa’dentro

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12PM TO 2PM: THE GRAB BAG MIX

1. Hoops - Don’t Panic - English Breakfast EP

2. Hippo Campus - traveler - warm glow EP 

3. Gil Scott-Heron (ft. Makaya McCraven) - Running - We’re New Again (A Reimagining by Makaya McCraven)

4. Kali Uchis - Your Teeth In My Neck - Isolation

5. SadGirl - Norma & Jessica - Vol. One

6. Dirty Projectors - Self Design - Flight Tower

7. Menahan Street Band - Make the Road By Walking - Make the Road By Walking

8. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Real’s Not Real - Fishing For Fishies

9. Sarah Kay - 14th Amendment - 27: The Most Perfect Album

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10. Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Pieces of a Man (1971)

11. Last Dinosaurs - Sunday Night - In A Million Years (Tour Edition)

12. Hippo Campus - Passenger - Bambi

13. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - The Great Chain of Being - Gumboot Soup

14. Dirty Art Club -LSDemons - Gardens

15. Brotherkenzie - POEMS ON MY PHONE - BIG WHAT

16. Kali Uchis (ft. Tyler, The Creator; Bootsy Collins) - After The Storm - Isolation

[the-iron-orchid-rp]

I like to think that Heron’s trunk-bearing Floating Disk spell follows him at the exact same distance and height above the ground no matter what, while Jinana’s bobs around and slows down and catches up (though it never falls behind by more than 5 or 6 feet).

Also the fact that these two will just... walk around the city like that with absolutely zero fucks given, very them lmao

[foxfirefallout]

WIP wednesday

@the-iron-orchid has tagged me for WIP Wednesdays past, but this time it's occurred to me that I actually have something to share! This is a bit from a prompt-in-progress that @vesuvian-disaster submitted back in March that... yes... I'm still working on...

All the while, they were scanning the place, all the more wary for how exhausted their last job had left them. This was something else that Heron had warned them about, and something they clearly needed to work on. At least their food was served with no incident and they were able to enjoy it in peace.

As they were readying to leave, it seemed that some of the clientele felt that it was time to make the evening more interesting. And, being a stranger in the tavern, it was clear to them, at least, that Ell was the most interesting thing in the room.

“Hey there, gorgeous! Leaving so soon?”

Ell felt someone grasp at their arm, but they tried shrugging it off as they headed to the door.

No such luck.

“Naw… you’re gonna stay awhile,” another voice slurred in their ear as another hand grasped their arm.

“I don’t think so,” Ell managed in their calmest voice as they reached up to remove one of the hands that held them, electricity gathering in their touch. Fire seemed ill-advised in an atmosphere already rife with alcohol fumes and exceedingly flammable furnishings.

The shock was enough to get one person to let go, but the impeding grasp was replaced before Ell could make much headway to the door.The swore quietly to themselves as the tumult of voices grew louder, some jeering the person who’d let go, others commenting on the ‘liveliness’ of their ‘new friend.’

“Is there a problem here?”

This was a familiar voice, calm and orderly in the face of the tavern turmoil. And it was not a voice that expected to wait for an answer.

Though Ell had sparred with Heron and was familiar with his fighting technique, they still could not quite follow all that happened in the next few moments. For them, it was sufficient that they were no longer being held and that no one seemed to have any more interest in impeding their exit.

Seeming satisfied with the result, Heron offered Ell his hand and together they made their way to the door.

Outside, in the relatively fresh evening air, Ell turned to thank Heron, and ask just how he’d come to be in the area. The words died on their lips as Heron leaned close to murmur, “You let yourself run low… we should see if we can do something about that.”

[the-iron-orchid]

The names of some of the earliest victims - Phan Văn Liêm and Peregrinia Pecora-Phan - provide sudden context for why Heron and Jinana closed up shop abruptly and left for Prakra just before the Red Plague really took hold in Vesuvia.

(Jinana likely told him simply that there had been a major loss, and they were traveling to inform the rest of Heron's family in-person. It's equally likely that as things got worse, Evander sent them a message not to return for the duration, reinforcing what they were hearing upon reuniting with their former teacher in Prakra.)

Even knowing this, it's probably still a boost to his spirits when they return, and it's little wonder Evander offers to invest in getting the Scarab and Lotus off the ground.

By the same token, Yeshe and Jinana are no doubt familiar with each other from Evander's previous gatherings, and it's no wonder that Heron spots xir specifically from his weekend Marketplace stall, calling xem over to offer one of his pieces of glamour-enchanted jewelry. (It's the silver filigree pendant with a black tourmaline set at the center.)

Anyway for more face eating tonight, I am mulling over Evander requesting the public death records during the period of the plague from one Marcus Aquila @vesuvian-disaster as one of the first things he does once it’s firmly established the plague has ended and he’s settled the business of getting his boats back into port and re-establishing various trade related business and opened up his grounds again.

He uses the list to begin marking off personal contacts, friends, business associates, and former guests to his grounds.  The stack of documents he was delivered is THICK and his contacts list becomes an increasing stack of black streaks and smears as he goes through the long list of names.

[vesuvian-disaster]

‘That Time At The Masquerade’ or ‘Why Valerius’s Tag is Gorgeous’

Who wants to sample a lemon from me? It’s well, it’s the most complete smut I’ve written. It’s a HeronxValerius fic of the first time they have an encounter. Enjoy?

NSFW UNDER THE CUT!  

🍋🍋 LEMON! 🍋🍋

🔞 MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!! 🔞

I decide to take a meandering path out of the palace. The party has quieted to a few lingering guests. Groups settled into sitting areas drinking and chatting, or entirely passed out, and pairs thinking themselves secreted away in small alcoves. They probably enjoy the possibility of being caught...Which I admit has its appeal occasionally. They could also be too drunk to care. Always an option.

I turn down another corridor and find it’s bordering across from an outer wall. Large glass doors and windows open out to a long balcony that looks out onto the gardens below while the opposite wall is lined with doors. It’s nearly deserted save for one individual staring out a window, radiating frustration. I continue down the hall anyway, intending to leave them to themselves. They turn and I see that it’s the individual with the ornate ram mask I’d stolen a glass of wine from earlier. I can’t make out their facial expression, but they straighten up with a start then begin stalking towards me. The clack of their heeled shoes echoes down the empty hall.

They approach and growl out accusingly. “You!” 

It’s honestly both baffling and amusing in the moment. I can’t help but smile at them and spread my hands presentially. “Me?”

They grab one of my outstretched wrists and pull me forward. Caught off guard I stumble into their chest. Before I can regain my footing physically and mentally I feel their hand comb up into my hair and clench at the back of my skull. My head is pulled back and the taste of wine hits me as their lips roughly find mine.

Cicero grumbles and leaps from my shoulder. With my new companion’s fist clenched in my hair, and their wine soaked mouth on mine, I can’t look at him to apologize, so I send a thought to him, “Sorry, buddy. I’ll make it up to you.” The mink huffs and disappears down the hall.

I briefly consider that maybe distraction is better than introspection for now. While pushing back into the kiss, as much as the fist in my hair will allow, I place my hands on their hips and pull them in closer. 

They break the kiss and our masks knock together as they give no slack to their grip, “I demand an apology.”

I massage their hips with a smirk, “An apology, or a good time?”

Their lips curl into a frown as they release my hair, but they drag me down the hall. Muttering something about me being a delinquent, they open a door and pull me in behind them.

I look around the room, while they fumble with the lock on the door. It’s a corner suite, and very very well decorated. Very elegant. Earth tones and white trimmed in gold. I spot an open doorway that appears to lead into a washroom, perhaps a private bath. I must have found myself a palace attaché to spend the night with. That’s fine.

I turn back around to look at them. They're running their hand down the door frame and it briefly glows with runes I recognize. It’s very expensive to have a zone of silence spell built into a room, but hey. It is the palace after all.

I walk over and start fiddling with their clothes. There have to be a couple layers at least. Starting with a long coat made of taupe and gold damask silk. I remember seeing lacing down the front, so I loop my arms around them to find and loosen the ends.

“Eager, are you?” They sound amused, looking at me over their shoulder. Their arms are raised as if to accommodate me.

I duck under one arm to be in front of them. “You brought me in here. I didn’t think we were standing on ceremony,” The laces are loose enough that they could shrug out of their coat now, “But I can slow down if you want.”

They shrug their coat off, leaving it in a pool on the floor as they step out of it. Under their coat is a tailored shirt tucked into flowing pants, both white with elaborate gold trim. “No.”

While they’ve been considering their options, I’ve removed my jacket. Toggle buttons get in the way so easily in the moment. Then I kick off my shoes into the pile of my own things.

More comfortable, and with the go ahead to continue given, I reach up with one hand to pull them down into a kiss, and work on tugging the bottom hem of their shirt free from their waistband. They grab my shirt and pull the buttons free before tugging it down off my shoulders.

I let go of them to discard my shirt, then grab and pull them in by the waist, so I can get some control and start walking them back towards the bed. They seem far more interested in tracing a scar down my arm, though, and lose their balance. I quickly move to catch them and transfer them to a bridal carry easily. They flail briefly, before holding onto my shoulders.

“Easy there. I’ve got you.” I say, with a smile.

“Be more careful!” They try to admonish me, but I can see those wide eyes on the other side of the mask. Trying to save face, even though they’re startled.

 I play along, and nod my head, “You’re right. I should be more mindful, allow me to make it up to you.”

They pause and get a more sure grip on me, “You had best.”

I laugh and carry them to the bed, where I set them down, their legs hanging over the side. Much better, I don’t have to pull them to my level like this. Leaning forward, I start kissing along their jaw and down their neck. They smell herbaceous, with just barely lingering floral and citrus scents, and a smell of wine that I imagine simply permeates their being. There’s a long plait coiled around their shoulders. I sweep it back so it’s no longer in my way. As I nip at where neck and shoulder meet they groan, moving their head to one side to give me better access to their neck. I continue lavishing attention here as my hands wander under their open shirt. 

I encounter soft, warm, skin over a slim frame. Long legs wrap around my waist, pulling me in, and answer a question of equipment. A steadily hardening arousal is pressed to me through their pants. I drag my hands down their sides and down to their waistband to undo the fastening. 

I’ve worked my way back up their neck and I break from it to find their lips again, through a noise of protest. I finish with the fastenings of their trousers and underclothes. Wrapping an arm around them, I lift them and tug the clothing out from beneath them, before setting them back down.

I begin moving downward. From their mouth, to their chin, and down the front of their neck, planting kisses. Then further as they release me from their legs. I pull the clothing with me as I go past their erection, leaving it untouched, and slip it off over their shoes. I’m kneeling at this point and I begin dealing with the black gilded ankle boots. It takes a little more time than I’d like, the buttons keeping them in place slowing things down some more.

I look up at them to see them finally discarding their shirt. I take the time to undo my own pants before I work my way back up starting at their knee and kissing my way up their inner thighs. I get to their penis and it’s as smooth and hairless as the rest of them. Meticulously groomed. I begin to move from their thigh to their cock when they say something, through a shiver.

“W-wait!” I pause, wondering if they’d decided not to continue, and look up at them, mouth nearly to the base of their shaft. “I want to see your face while you do it.” 

I chuckle and give them permission. “Go on then.” Their hands were already on their way to the ties of my mask, and it takes them little time to remove it. It feels good to have it off, I hadn’t noticed how hot my face was getting under it. They look, but don’t say anything for a moment. I sit back on my heels and take their cock in my hand, running my thumb up it’s underside. “What about you? Take yours off for me?”

There’s a sharp intake of breath with the actions of my fingers. They hesitate just a second before reaching back and removing their mask. 

It’s not exactly a secret that I like partners who’re older than me, so anyone who knows me knows I’m absolutely delighted with the face now displayed to me. They’re a little older than me, with sharp features already flushed red, though trying very hard to maintain some semblance of dignity.

Just gorgeous.

I continue holding them and return to where I left off, maintaining eye contact as I my way up their shaft, until I’m at its head. I drag my tongue along the underside before I close my lips around the tip.

They start off really tight lipped, as if they didn’t just silence the room. I take it as a challenge at this point. It doesn’t take long to get into a rhythm that elicits some nice noise. 

At a point their hand comes forward to try to grab my head. In response I grab their wrist and pin it to their stomach with a hum in the negative, mouth still in place, unmoving. 

They nod quickly and I continue as I was, releasing their wrist and giving them a soft tap on their outer thigh. From there it’s so tempting to drag things out for more delightful sounds, but I don’t tease. Their muscles tighten and I’m ‘treated’ to a rather bitter taste that I probably should have expected. They’re clearly a drinker. 

I rise from my kneeling position only to be pulled into another rough kiss. Not angry, just a needy hunger radiating off them. They begin to move backwards further onto the bed, pulling me along so that I have to climb onto it after them. They push me gently to the side into the pillows, so that I’m mostly sitting, but reclined there. I watch them reach over me to some shelves behind the headboard, grabbing a bottle and uncorking it. 

They pause, looking at me a moment. “It’s been-” They pause, considering something.

“Take your time.” I say, sensing their hesitation.

They shake their head and pour what is clearly an oil-based lubricant into their hand. They apply it liberally to my erection, while muttering something I can’t quite catch. It’s surprisingly warm on my skin.

They straddle me, reaching back to help guide themself onto me. I grab their hips to help steady them. It seems they need to take it slow. Perhaps it’s been a while? If I’d known this was on the agenda I’d have done something to help them be ready, but I’m not sure that even they knew we were going to do this.

I kiss their collarbone and neck as they settle in and rest their head on my shoulder, “You’re alright, Gorgeous. Just let me know if you need to stop.” 

They scoff, then bite my neck with some force before starting to move - slowly at first, almost agonizingly so. “Don’t patronize me.”

I bite them back. Two can play at this game. “I’m trying to be considerate.”

They start picking up the pace, and through a self inflicted gasp, “I know what I’m doing.”

“So it appears.” I groan into their shoulder. I post my legs to try and gain a little bit of leverage and move my hands to lock behind their ass as they move upwards.

“What are you-?!” They’re silenced as their balance shifts forward and I flip up so they’re on their back. Thankfully there’s an ample pile of pillows that gives us a lot of space before the headboard.

I reposition myself so we can resume from here, “Getting a change of scenery. The bedding frames you better.” It looks like they’re about to retort, but I’m lucky and my first thrust finds a spot that makes it come out a moan instead.

I reach down to their shaft and attempt to match rhythm with my hips as I get closer. They reach their climax again just before I do. I rest my forehead in the crook of their neck as I cum, and I feel legs unwrap from my waist and gripping fingers release the flesh of my back.

I kiss them and pull out. Mumbling a few words, I magic the mess away. A small thing; many people with an education can manage that. It shouldn’t be a problem. I move to the side, off of them, and I notice their confusion about not having a mess to deal with on their abdomen. But nothing is said about it as we lay there, breathing hard.

They seem to recover first, sitting up and examining the blankets. I get a peculiar look from them as they reach for the folded down duvet to pull over us both. 

I shrug, “Old habits.” Better living through magic.

They’re of the opinion that I may as well stay until morning. I’m grateful as I settle in next to them and quickly fall asleep.

---

As sleep abandons me, I can feel that I’m not in my own bed, and it’s immediately evident I’m not alone either. My companion from last night is still here too fast asleep, his arm draped over me. I look at him with sober eyes. He’s slim and a little older than I am, with cheekbones you could kill a man with, and large lips that seem to be stuck in that frown of his. A long black to blonde ombre braid snakes out behind him on the pillow. I reach out and brush back a lock of hair as he stirs a little. Golden eyes open and regard me cooly.

I smile, “Good Morning, Gorgeous.” He scoffs and rolls his eyes, then grimaces. He must have a hangover. He wraps the blanket around himself as he turns over winding up with his back to me.

“I take it you don’t want to go with me to get some food then?” I laugh, I’m not the kind of person to just sneak off in the morning, but it seems like he wishes I were. He mumbles an affirmative and goes quiet.

Oh well, I offered.

With the blanket now denied me, I roll out of the bed onto my feet and stretch before looking around. We’d just tossed our things all over the place, it seems. I collect my bag and withdraw a wooden figurine to focus a spell. After a moment the scattered belongings begin to lift off the ground and are folded by an invisible force then set neatly aside. I leave it to finish cleaning and go into the adjacent washroom to freshen up, a change of clothes from my bag in hand.

When I return, he’s where I left him, but my Unseen Servant has done its job. I run a hand over both neatly stacked outfits and magic away the night’s grime, before putting my own outfit safely in my pack. When I get to my mask I pause and look at the golden ram mask. I take it and leave my own in its stead. A Masquerade ‘tradition’. I tie it to my belt before going to my companion one last time.

I place a hand on his head and cast a spell to rid him of that hangover. I smirk and give him a final kiss on the cheek, “I’m sorry about the wine, Gorgeous.” 

Then I head out the door.

[vesuvian-disaster]

#please rub this old man’s joints sksjaola

Heron will do it, don’t play. XD

💋, 😈, 🌶 for Sam - vesuvian-disaster

These were fun to think about lmao thank you @vesuvian-disaster ✨

💋: Do they use tongue when they kiss?

He likes a tasteful amount of tongue. He doesn’t like getting too slimy, but does like to assert control wherever he can

😈: Favorite sex position?

He really likes doggy to make his partner feel smaller or more helpless, and he can do a lot of hair pulling 😗

🌶: Most sensitive place on their body?

His neck and shoulders are super sensitive, his ears, and his old man ankles lmao

[the-iron-orchid]

Sometimes I think about how Heron lost both of his parents to the Red Plague so early on that it wasn't really known what was happening, or how bad it would get

And then, upon his return to Vesuvia, instead of being embittered that some were actually able to survive the Plague, he starts handing out expensive magical tokens to improve their quality of life - specifically because others who lost loved ones may take their pain out on survivors, and because of lingering (unfounded) fears that survivors may be reservoirs of Plague contagion

His own loss and the relentless logic of his Clockwork Soul (deliberately written like a sort of Magical Fantasy Autism) make him more compassionate, not less

IDK man it just gets me, good job making this person @vesuvian-disaster lol

[the-iron-orchid]

Heron and Jinana are ready for @the-midsummer-masquerade! 🎭

Heron Phan belongs to @vesuvian-disaster; link to full sized render under the cut!

Both are available for Midsummer Masquerade fun, just talk to us! I will be releasing reference renders with the full details of their outfits soon, for the artists out there who want to do a little something something with them. :3

[ Full Sized Render ]

[the-iron-orchid-rp]

Jinana now knows why the shop felt so still when they'd entered, its perfect preservation almost like that of a tomb. The systems of the building all have their own subtle background noises - the faint hum of the air circulator, the gentle gurgling of water filling the cistern and moving through the pipes, the low but not unpleasant sensation of the Arcane Furnace drawing in ambient magical energy. The shop is almost like a being in itself, a thing with its own magical life.

Rising, s/he goes over to peer at the water elemental. "You have gotten bigger, haven't you? It's been a while, I know." The creature turns its glowing regard on hir with a faint but definite aura of disapproval. "I know, we're sorry! But that's why we released you before we left, we didn't know how long we'd be gone!"

S/he looks at Heron. "I'm guessing we're going to have to re-negotiate our contract, along with that bigger tank."

The water elemental performs a lazy roll, almost splashing water out of the tank, as if to underscore this.

Heron takes a deep breath and sits back on his heels, looking at the glow of the crystal array. It’s absolutely beautiful, every color a persona could think of and some only a mage could ever hope to see. The best part of it is that it feels welcoming, like they’re really home again in the light of this furnace.

Accompanying the sound of water flowing in the Elemental Cisetern, a loud splash gets Heron’s attention. A glass tank in the corner is filling rapidly; clear, pure water swirling within. A carefully prepared conjuration spell brings water directly from a plane far removed from their own, and something else with it to give life to the pumps.

The churning liquid has coalesced into the form of a catfish with shimmering scales and glowing eyes. It looks very much like the elemental they released from service when they left, and it appears to have stopped to watch them.

“Has the elemental gotten bigger?” He stands and offers a hand to Jinana, to help hir stand, “I might have to replace the tank soon.”

[the-iron-orchid]

Jinana helps Ell prepare their mass quantity of hair before they both take a nice social soak with Heron at one of Vesuvia’s many public baths.

(Ell’iandyr belongs to @foxfirefallout and Heron belongs to @vesuvian-disaster! Link to full size under the cut...)

[ Full Size Render ]