#man-made nest

[annapolisrose]

Man-made eagle's nest pole. (The eagles are away up north at this time.)

[huariqueje]

Spring Hive - Brett Scheifflee , 2020.

American , b. 1986 -

Oil on panel , 5 x 5 in.

[moldy-flowers]

Izuna x Tobirama au in which Izuna or Tobirama is kidnapped by the others clan and held captive but Tobirama slowly comes to the horrifying realisation that izuna is a yapper

(RELATED TO THIS POST IN WHICH I TALK ABOUT AN HC THAT ALL UCHIHAS ARE SECRETLY YAPPERS BUT ONLY TO LIKE, ONE PERSON)

See, now Tobirama doesn't know about the whole "there's only one person they'll be comfortable yapping to" and he thinks that this may be some weird tactic to get information out of him.

Like Tobirama, kidnapped in enemy territory. He's thinking through every situation possible. He could get out. Except someone with equal power to him just walked through the door, he closes his eyes and looks away, as long as he's looking away they can't get him. He knows who he is just by the way he walks, the way he breathes and the way his heart beats.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

He stops approximately a metre away from him.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

He crouches down, getting eye-level with Tobirama.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

Tobirama would not submit. No matter the torture he be put through by the Uchiha before him. He had danced with swords in the midst of the evanescent flames with Izuna, he felt the burn of the fire and the cool sweat dripping down his temple. He knew all of that Bastards tricks, how to counter them and how to block them.

Ba-dum, Badum.

Izuna opened his mouth to speak, pausing for a short moment to collect his thoughts. 'I will not yield, I will not yield,' Tobirama chanted to himself silently, mind racing he of every angle he could go at this. He knew Izuna well enough to know what his counter would be. But he knew Izuna would be thinking of ways to counter his counter attack.

"Do you know the breed of dog that's native to the mountains in the East? The small ones with the fluffy coat."

Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum.

"...What?"

Oops went on a bit of a writing spree whoopsie daisy's!!!!

But ANYWAYS you get the jist. Tobirama sits there really really confused while Izuna talks his ear off. Like Izuna cannot physically control himself from the yaps. Like their convos are 25% Izuna angrily insulting Tobirama for some sort of information and 25% is him Snarkily yapping about anything that interests him and 50% willing him to open his eyes in silence, like way to close to Tobirama's face. (It's a scare tactic, obviously!!)

Tobirama is originally upset confused and pissed off till Izuna brings up Madara. Tobirama is like "This is my chance im gonna learn all their weaknesses" Izuna complains about how Madara idk is way too strict with routines or something and Izuna was just a little tiny itsy bitsy bit late and he got chewed out. Its not like Izuna did it on purpose‼️ Usually he's very punctual (kind of) but a bunch of suitors kept bothering him‼️ oh uhmm btw bc he's like 19-20 (he was like 24 when he died i think) now and bunch of people of the clan want to get married to him bc Madara has made it clear he won't be taking any wives and threw them all on Izuna, anyways isn't it so rude for Madara to be mad at that like its his fault anyways that Izunas late and omg you'll never guess what he said during training too.

So Tobirama has technically picked up some good information but not really like what he was expecting? He knew that he'd have to read between the lines to try and actually get any actual info that would help him but he just really doesnt know what to do with what he was told. Like he didn't want to know that Madara keeps getting into arguments with the lady that trades fruits in the North East East centre of the Uchiha district over how 1 watermelon should not cost 26 apples. But uhh... its nice to know??

At some point Izuna storms into the room and yells at Tobirama cause Izuna assumes that Tobirama has used that weird idiot fucked up brain of his to make a jutsu that forces Izuna to yap. Like, Izuna can be a little yappy sometimes but it's never this bad and NEVER to a prisoner what did that bastard do to him‼️‼️

This whole time Tobirama actually assumed that it was some stupid tactic to make him talk, but apparently Izuna is under as much stress as he is. Well, not really but he's in an amount of stress that is not insubstantial

I cant think of anything else for this one someone do it for me!!!!

OR if we go the Senju kidnapped Izuna route it could just be Tobirama trying to get information from Izuna and all Izuna will talk about is random bullshit that's kind of relevant and maybe a little helpful but like only really specifically. Like the Senju are totally prepared to fight that one Uchiha with the three ponytails who snores, not loud, but really squeaky like.

They think Izuna is just immune to intimidating tactics but in all reality they're working, but working in a way that he's like "If I'm being interrogated cruely here then what's happening to the Uchiha what if they're all dead omg oh no omg" he just misses his home and he doesn't know if Madara or the clan is okay without him there he is literally in the worst state of his life and when hes anxious he starts to yap and its especially bad when he's with Tobirama. Like the words are just flowing out neither he nor Tobirama can stop it. Like at some point Tobirama isn't even trying to use scare tactics anymore he just sits there and listens to Izuna anxiously waffle about literally everything. Like just when Tobirama thinks he has spoken about literally everything that can be spoken about but somehow Izuna just keeps talking.

And like at some point Izunas throat is a little raw bc he has been speaking non stop for like two weeks and he's trying desperately to keep quiet, he's like spaced out multiple times and not realised what he's been saying for all he knows he's told Tobirama all of his clans secrets and hes getting more and more anxious and just when Izuna manages to stop his 1 hour rant about the bird that used to follow him around and shit on his food there's just like a minute of silence that Izuna desperately wants to fill with the rest of the story about the bird (He still has yet to tell Tobirama about the bird somehow projectile shitting onto lamb he had yet to trade, but bc of the crap on the meat nobody would take it and he swears he heard that bird laughing he KNOWS it!!!!) And he's tweaking trying to keep quiet, till suddenly Tobirama starts talking!! He's lowered his guards!!

Ofc Tobirama isn't going to like tell Izuna all of the clan secrets, but he tells a short tale about Hashirama gambling his shoes away to a six year old child and having to walk home shamefully while Tobirama stared on in silence. Izuna, who has only seen Hashirama in the most serious of circumstances, almost crys from laughter (his vocal cords are DYING) Izuna, after getting a drink of water then tells a story about Madara getting a squirrel tangled in his hair, and not noticing the crying critter for about 5 hours. After this event there was then a game among clansmen, "How many things can we put in Madaras hair before he notices" Tobirama thinks this is hilarious of course, and the both of them bond over their brothers being absolute fucking idiots.

And in like a meeting where everyone wants to know what information Tobirama is getting, and he, who is still on a high after sharing a good laugh with his prisoner, tells everyone about the game. Now- they have word that there will be a battle in the land of ice quite soon, (why? I don't know why are you asking me) and Hashirama feels all left out,,, he wants to stuff random crap into Madaras hair too!!!!

Madara, of course, is so not happy about this WHERE the hell is his brother he is tweaking the fuck out and this battle will be the one where Hashirama dies. The clan has literally been in the worst panic ever since ever and nobody is okay. Even the mean fruit lady looked upset!! They have seventeen different invasion plans and all of them are gory and very sort of glass half empty situation. Like everyone genuinely believes Izuna is either dead or dying and has been traumatized on every level.

Hashirama however has different plans (apart from the plans to put feathers in Madaras hair) see he's a smart lad and he's noticed that Tobirama is a lot more chipper than he used to be. And being the good brother is, he spies on them both. And it was heartwarming!! I mean it was a little mortifying hearing his beloved brother and Izuna laugh at the time Hashirama tried to cut his own bangs and absolutely tear him to shreds but after he got over that he was absolutely giddy!! They're just like Him and Madara were back then frfr!! This could be their chance for peace!!! I mean, out of all of them Izuna was the one who was the most against a peace treaty!!! He doesnt seem too against it now seeing as he's comfortable enough to have general banter with Tobirama!!! Oh well they're quiet now, wait no they're not, holy shit are they making out wait what no maybe its not like him and Madara uh oh maybe he should leave this feels a little private um. Uh..

I don't really want to think of the details on how Izuna actually gets out cause that sounds boring so like Hashirama probably assured Madara all is well or whatever and said some talk-no-jutsu shit to calm Madara down and bring him to some peace grounds or something and get Tobirama to get Izuna back. Which Tobirama doesn't want to do but despite Tobirama being funny and interesting and so cool Izuna really really wants to see his brother and clan mates again and he will chew through Tobirama if it means getting home.

Anyway I'm thinking the war ends with like Izuna getting sent from the Uchiha to marry Tobirama as like a peace offering or smth. The Uchiha are like really sympathetic towards Izuna like "Oh we're so sorry it had to be you this must be so hard for you I saw how you were like totally interested in the women of the clan" and Izunas like "Ikrrr its so terrible I'm sooo totally sorry i couldn't marry any of the girls of the clan boooo :("

Happy ending, TobiIzu are together, Izuna can yap freely, bc of the newly opened trade paths the price of watermelons has lowered to 14 apples, Madara has multiple caterpillars in his hair and almost all of both of the clans have lost respect for Madara and Hashirama and now treat them as those silly guys and not powerful political figures.

[mauvemischief]

thinking about Cat and Laila potentially taking the time to learn to make healthy-ingredient versions of sweets and baked goods to justify Jean learning to allow himself to enjoy the little things in life!!!!!!!!!!!! not everything has to benefit something else, ya know??????

[checkertrains]

Day 4: Second chances/ Teeth🍎🎸

Humans bite are pretty “venomous” due to the amount of bacteria in our mouth, so a bite from a human that broke skin and draw blood can result in a serious infection or permanent damages to the affected area. Luckily, both of our idiots doesn’t have to deal with that whole shabang! Even though I’m pretty sure a bite from Luci would do more than causes an infection lmao.

[dadvans]

made the mistake of briefly getting on non-tumblr social media and holy shit lmao no wonder oliver stark bailed on this fandom, yikes yikes yikes yikes yikes

[qoldenskies]

NEUROTIC FLOOR TURTLE??

That's beautiful anon.

But I love how you made him feel more comfortable sleeping on the hard floor, cuz it does make you feel grounded when you're that damn traumatized. I, too understand the need for neurotic floor time, Donnie...

it's actually something he does because of the laundry room :( it grounds him and it doesnt,,, because its definitely a response to him feeling unsafe. he spent an ambiguous amount of time just laying on the cold hard floor dissociating. in the closet, too. it's a mix of that and the fear that he doesn't "deserve" soft, pleasant things, and him not even wanting to develop attachment because his room was ransacked... it's unfamiliar and sometimes just too much.

he'll go to the laundry room if its really bad, even in the new lair, but otherwise he'll just sleep on the floor of his own... and there's really no way to stop him, but it's one of the biggest reasons they regularly went to stay with him in cw, outside of the night terrors. it wasn't good on his body when he was recovering. he doesn't do it as much but there's a billion little things to overcome in his recovery that just wax and wane depending on his mindset. all they can really do is try to make it comfortable for him.

[microwaveplate]

the misplaced forever partner parallels are making me sick. neil needing kevin to be safe. jean wishing he would die. neither getting the outcome they expected and finding safety and love…..

[art-n-rot]

The spin off series that only exists in my head :)

(Heavily considering making more volume covers as greed’s circle changes throughout fmab)

[blondeaxolotl]

Everytime I tweak out under someones post when they post Flojami I feel like a pigeon that accidentally flew into their house through an open window and I start loosing my shit knocking everything over until I fly out that same window I came in from

[blue-rose-soul]

@proshipper-on-ship replied:

The man felt a tiny amount of guilt after killing Alastor's mother (forgive me I can't spell worth a damn) so he took Alastor in afterwards, though he didn't do much "raising" aside from making sure Alastor had food at least once a day and a roof over his head even if it might've been just a shed near a dog kennel, and often still kept getting drunk and ordering Alastor around, calling Alastor a busboy or something like that for when he wants something fetched

You, my friend, are a genius.

Alastor decides to play the long game, doing everything this bastard asks of him. He's quiet. He's polite. He's obedient. Bit by bit, he endears himself to the man, never complaining even when the old bastard becomes drunk and belligerent and violent. Alastor just smiles and takes it all in stride.

Years pass. Over time, Alastor charms his way out of the shed and into a proper bedroom. The man didn't have any children (illness and bad luck) and his wife left to take care of her ailing sister some years past and never returned. So it's just Alastor and Nicaise's murderer in the house, along with the staff.

Not too hard to convince the old bastard to put him in the will. Unofficially adopting him.

Alastor is sixteen when he slips the poison into his captor's drink.

He watches the man choke and sputter, clutching his throat, reaching for a bell to call the servants. Alastor calmly moves the bell out of arm's reach and watches the light slowly fade from his eyes.

Once the old bastard is cold Alastor gets up and heads off to bed.

He's awoken by the sound of the servant screaming in the morning.

[pxlyeehaw]

And to think, I was berating myself for letting crane keep some of his hair and skin a couple years ago. You will forever be a little volatile freak in my eyes <3 congrats on the transition king!!

[adhd-riddled-crow]

OC Meme: Velasco "Rook" de Riva

General

Name: Velasco de Riva

Alias: Rook (to the members of the Veilguard), Vel (to his closed family: Teia, Viago, Lucanis), Cuervo (a nickname that comes from the meaning of his name. And a play on words on my part)

Gender: Cis Male

Age: 35-early 40s (I haven't decided yet)

Place of Birth: Antiva

Spoken Languages: Antivan, Orlesian, Basic/Trade.

Sexual Orientation: Bisexual (and a disaster at that)

Occupation: Reluctant Leader of the Veilguard, Assassin (he never stopped even after being kicked out of the Crows temporarily), Professional Flirt (when Lucanis is concerned, he loves to see him blush)

Favourite

Colour: Deep Brown (Lucanis' eyes), Bright Magenta (Spite's eyes)

Entertainment & Pastime: He likes chatting with Neve when he gets the chance, usually when they're standing outside on the steps of the dining hall having a smoke break. He enjoys teasing the life out of Lucanis whenever he gets the chance, the pretty shade of red he turns is more rewarding than it seems. Him and Spite play Wicked Grace together, especially after Lucanis taught him (Spite) how to play, it makes the spirit very happy to be included. He, Bellara, and Lace get together and talk about their homes and how different and similar some aspects are. He, of course, enjoys playing rock paper scissors with Manfred from time to time. He and Emmrich have polite conversation, usually about flowers and what they mean, what emotions they give off, stuff like that. Him, Taash, and Davrin usually train together when they can, he's not supposed to know that Lucanis watches them, but he sees it every time (he knows what you are Lucanis).

Food: He likes almost anything, hunting for Solas with Varric and Harding for six months will make you eat anything if you were hungry enough. Though if he were to choose, he has very fond memories tied to Nevarran Hazelnut Torte. He will also eat an and all chocolate in the Lighthouse, he has dibs.

Drink: Coffee with a dash of chocolate (a chocolate mocha basically, just more coffee than chocolate)

Books: He sits and reads romance novels with Lucanis. They have done so since their shared late childhood in the Dellamorte Villa.

Have They

Passed University: He passed the necessary training to be a Crow

Had Sex: Oh yes. 👀

Had Sex in Public: Maybe. (Semi-Public at best. Idk yet)

Gotten Tattoos: Yes. 3 to be precise

Had a broken heart: Yes. Once when Lucanis rejected him, thinking Vel's confession was a joke. A second time when Lucanis had died. And a third after his Confession Of The Truth ™️ (though that didnt last long, it still hurt him. Lucanis has a chat with Bellara, and he comes back around. Miscommunication is a bitch)

Been in Love: Yes. His only Love Lucanis, and then Spite later on once he got to know the spirit a little better, after Inner Demons. (He is demiromantic)

Are They

A cuddler: He's more of a snuggler. He'll happily snuggle up with someone on the sofa or their bed (especially with Lucanis. He can see a touch-starved man from miles away). He's not very used to physical affection from anyone other than Lucanis, so it would be a surprise if someone, Bellara, for example, came up to him and hugged him randomly. (He'd be stiff and awkward mostly because he's not used to it)

Scared Easily: He tries to hide it, "A good Assassin isn't sacred of such trivial things" - Caterina probably. He's scared of water, he can't swim, and he can never learn how (trauma from his childhood). If he hears the sound of metal hitting any surface, he flinches (Caterina's A+ Parenting). And he has nightmares about the Fade Prison and what he saw there damn near every night since he came back out of it.

Jealous Easily: He can be petty here and there but he's not so easily riled up if someone flirts with Lucanis, he'll flirt back at them until they back away or simply hook his arms around Lucanis from behind and they'd soon back off (scary dog privileges).

Trustworthy: About as trustworthy as an Assassin can get. But if he cares about you deeply, platonic or romantic (Lucanis/Spite), he will tell you the truth. He's not very good at keeping stuff from his loved ones (he's fighting himself not to tell Viago or Teia about what happened with Illario. He's scared they'll kick him out again, or worse. They're his only family)

Family

Sibling(s): Viago is the only sibling he knows of by name. Presumably, the other's no nothing of his existence.

Parents: He knows of his Bastardry to the king, same with Viago's, and he only remembers small glimpses of his and Viago's mother. He was far too young when Viago was told to take them away and find somewhere else to go as it wasn't safe where they were. She had the same brown eyes that Lucanis has and long, soft, flowing hair that he once wore.

Children: Not as of yet. Though the fledglings that will reside in House Egrativi could be possible adoptions. Both him and Lucanis have talked about having a family of their own.

Pets: He's never had the time to care for pets of his own though he will stroke every cat he sees in the streets of Treviso and Minrathous wherever possible. Lucanis loves it and finds it cute. And Spite just wants him to do it to him instead (that makes Lucanis blush furiously)

Omg thank you @dragonagegayz for tagging me! This was so much fun! It gave me an excuse to ramble about my blorbo <3

If you want to read more about Velasco I have a fic here: Two Crows & Their Nest

I don't really know who to tag, so if anyone sees this, feel free to join in!

[snowcoming]

i have read aftg a hell lot of times, but my only understanding of exy games is that there's a ball, andrew is either a really fucking good goalkeeper or a really shit goalkeeper and if neil didn't exist renee probably should have been the only one playing goalie, and that neil decides to be batshit insane and acts like a five year old on their birthday in each game and kevin's just really fucking annoyed everything someone makes a mistake.

that's it

i really don't think there's anything else

OH WAIT RIGHT

also neil being fast as shit and annoying literally everyone on the other team

[dootznbootz]

Odypen definitely and equivalently adore each other BUT I weirdly can't see them as the type to actually say "I Love you".

They still definitely vocalize their love for each other but it's more so in "My Joy", and "Extraordinary Woman", "Strange Woman/Man", etc. And very cheesy lines (both say some cheesy shit in the Odyssey, and he definitely does in the Iliad as well. "Joy like a drowning sailor seeing land" bit???)

I could see "I adore you" but even then, that's probably during very specific moments but the actual "I love you"??? I just typed it just now for fic shit and... It weirdly just didn't feel right and I don't know why. 😅

Idk maybe it's kind of because I see them as over the top in ways, they love wordplay and riddles and I think they'd almost think "...That's not good enough >:( " about it??? I don't know???😂

[hcdragonwrites]

Epilogue ( @journey-to-the-au Fic)

This is what happens at the end of Tea trouble. It’s just short but it’s because I wanted to write fluff and cuddles and warmth.

The sun sank slowly into the sea, painting that great swath of liquid to fire. Willow felt the soft weariness sneak into her face as finally, finally her family mounted their heavenly steeds and kept back into the sky. The stars were beginning to appear in the darkening night. Gold, wood, water and fire. They marked the sky with their light as she waved her sisters goodbye.

From the mouth of babes came a second peace, a second chance. Lychee had offered the peach and Winter had taken a bite from it. An exchange and a wave of apologies. Willow had spent that time swapping tales and trading secrets of her home. Of her mountain. With her sisters. They listened attentively. They touched her hand- sought comfort and reassurance they had not lost her forever in their callous remarks. Willow reassured, reaffirmed and rebounded with each of her sisters.

She was exhausted. Willow sighed, itching her scalp. Her hairpins still bothered her, and her clothes felt too heavy. She wanted nothing more then to sleep for a fortnight. Anger was an emotion Willow rarely dove into, rarely utilized and unleashed. Calm rage? Yes. Anger that blinds like this one did ? No. It left her feeling achy and tired and o so sensitive to her skin.

Willow sighed. She was so thankful to the fruit troop, to Pear and Apple, Pomelo and Mulberry. And Lychee. The bravest little mischief maker ever. The first to offer a olive branch to her sisters and to forgive them. No one will talk that way to them ever again.

For now as the sun cast itself into the sea Willow felt her final strength ebb and fade with its light. She took a step back to rebalance herself —

Great large furred arms swung her up and over broad shoulders. She squealed in surprise as Wukong raised her up, growing in size himself.

“WILLOW!” He practically roared as the rest of the mountain followed suit. Thousands of the troop came racing forward, pressing close and reaching up to her from the spot on Wukongs shoulders. The rest of them were crowing and hollering and screaming. Calling her name.

“Gather the softest pillows and blankets ! The night will hold for us all- set the guards to chasing any beasts out of the groves. Light the fire pits! And everyone GATHER YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT!” Willow heard the roar of the crowd as they thundered off. Hammocks were pulled between trees, bundles of blankets and pillows and downy things were dragged and set down in the field. Monkeys lit the fire pits that lined the clearing, the great orange light casting dancing shadows as the sun continued its decent. Willow saw the troop laugh and chortle as they brought fruits out. A veritable second feast of food. Kiwis, grapes, oranges, watermelons, melons and nectarines.

Wukong kept Willow on his shoulders. Willow was too tired to ask why or deny the outward pouring of love from her earthen family. This was just the way they heaped support and love onto her. A veritable jungle of nests and hammocks, of blanketed caves and soft spots to lay soon covered the grass all around.

To tangle and tug and touch was the Monkey way of showing love. Willow sighed, laying against her husbands very soft and large head.

“What did I do ? It was all my fault.”

“Hush you I won’t hear you taking the blame for others ever again.” Wukong admonished. Several of the troop had gathered nearby, dragging a forest of bedding and plush to make nests and enjoy the night. Wukong set himself down in the thick of the troop, taking Willow up off his shoulders and into his lap. His tail coiled around her a hand against her middle. The giant monkey practically swamped her as he chirped and cooed, crooned and kissed her temples and nose.

“Wukong don’t swallow her!” Ba admonished. Willow peered from between the fur of Wukongs neck. She felt like a chick beneath a mother hen, completely covered and warm. She saw Ba setting up a little nest beside them. Beng was busy swinging Pomelo and Mulberry about-throwing them into pillows that bounced them slightly in the air.

“Save some for the rest of us please.” Ba snorted. Lychee was seated on Chestnuts shoulders talking his mothers ear off about his day and how he and his friends had gotten Little Weaver Girl to braid them flower crowns. He still wore his on his brow, eyes bright. They two set their bedding and nesting material down beside them.

“Are we all sleeping out beneath the stars ?” Willow asked. Wukong didn’t say yes with words. He was too overcome with an emotion, a puff of pride that expanded his chest. Here was his Willow Tree. The strong women who had been betrothed to him but had chosen him- heart and soul. Willow who had turned Huaguoshan into a protected area. Willow who had stalwartly sat beside him when he had been burning and boiling and close to madness inside that bronze prison. Willow who had bravely offered herself to the Imposter to save the rest of his family. And it had been Willow again who had chosen his people and family, his friends and loved ones, and had brought to heel celestial who thought they could talk down to him and what was his.

Whatever I did - whatever luck shot through my sky and made my stone sentient - I am glad it made me in time to be with her.

“Yes princess.” He softly whispered to her. “You defended all of us yet again. You brilliant warrior.” For she was a warrior. Not of blades or fists or claws of teeth. Words were her weapon and she used them brilliantly. More accurate then an arrows fall, she pierced Huaguoshan enemies with no bloodshed.

If I had met her when I was seeking my enlightenment … before I sought Heavens recognition… he wondered. Would his life have gone on a entirely new path? Wukong mussed her hair with his teeth, nibbling until she tapped his jaw in play.

His friends settled about them and the rest of the troop began to visit Willow, offering food and comfort. The little bundle of baby fruits ran across the clearing. They had been hero’s and they didn’t even know it.

Wukong lay curled over and around Willow like some large languid cat, tail tucked possessively about her. He became larger still, letting the little fruits climb onto his back in their play. Rin Rin came forward and Wukong allowed her to take Willows hair down, to groom and to ease her scalp.

Rin Rin heard the story as Wukong, Ba, Liu and Beng recounted it. They were now all here against Wukongs side, grooming and offering fruits or each other, to Willow. The love was a warm glow in the night , a glow that came from within and rivaled that of the dying sunlight. Ba kept off his pranks and offered Willow sour green grapes- and his deepest vows of loyalty. Wukong snorted happily, a large hand gently scratching along Willows back. Beng checked their little word warrior over and then gave her a single hardy shake. Ma was blubbering with Rin Rin who simply held on and brushed Willows hair out. Liu bowed and offered his own vows of loyalty- setting Ba to trying to outdo him.

Wukong waited till the stars were bright in the sky, the moon rising now to cast her silver light to whisper and speak praise and words of love. He wanted to drown her in the emotion that beat in his chest. It was a glow as steady as the sun and as wild as the world. It was not the same love Rin Rin or Liu or Ba or Chestnut Or Beng Or Ma experienced.

Forever and always. I will See her days filled with joy and peace. I will topple the very pillars that hold this world up to give her that. Wukong watched her burrow into his side, fingers curled in his fur. He looked to the sky, to the Heavens. To beyond that- to the cosmic sphere of reality. The universe beyond the Heavens.

“Thank you for making her. She’s perfect.” Words failed. Perfect was so silly of a word. Willow was more then perfect. She was victorious, stalwart, kind, compassionate, a stone to rest his back against and the shade that hid him from the burning sun.

“I will keep you. Forever. Until the very definition of eternity crumbles. Thank you Willow, for filling my days with your love.”

Wukong kissed her temple and pulled her into his warmth, pulling several of his with her. Tails and hands, feet and limbs all intercrossed and overlapped. They were tangled, intertwined like the roots of a tree. Grounding the willow tree they all loved to their earth, to their mountain.