#mountain song festival

[krispyweiss]

Woody Platt and Steep Canyon Rangers to Appear at Mountain Song Festival

- No word on whether singer will perform with his former band

Woody Platt will share the Mountain Song festival stage with Steep Canyon Rangers. But it’s unclear if the singer and guitarist will perform with his former bandmates.

Slated for Sept. 6-7 in North Carolina, the festival will feature Platt and his wife, Shannon Whitworth, playing just after the Rangers’ opening set. The band, which has hosted the festival for 18 years, will also close it out.

“We are super excited,” Aaron Burdett, who replaced Platt, posted on Facebook.

Neither Platt, who in 2022 left the band he co-founded a quarter-century earlier, nor the Rangers have made any mention of the significance of the bill.

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Zach Top, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Tray Wellington and Hank, Pattie & the Current are also slated to perform.

Ticketing info here.

4/3/24

[ikykwklk-ash]

this album......

[yangjeongin]

ok on FIRST LISTEN. i think my ate track ranking is runners > chk chk boom > jjam > i like it > stray kids > twilight > mountains

[paradiseoflosers]

ate is out and no im not okay thank you for asking <3 i listened to it the moment it dropped and oH MY GOD???

it was so different from the regular skz style but i still loved it anyways. mountains just HIT IT RIGHT with felix's voice, chk chk boom i will never shut up about how hot hyunjin and lee know sounded, jjam???????? changbin's rap there was just OH MY GOOD LORD. i like it was just absolutely heavenly with everyone's vocals, runners is by FAR My favourite lyrically and just musically, twilight... no words, IT'S JUST ?????

stray kids was an absolute banger, taking everything we know and love putting it together. the references THOUGH LIKEEEE

last but not list chk chk boom the festival vers. i... disliked it, but it's mainly because of my sensory issues.

OKAY THANK YOU ILY ALL BYE BYE

[solarshadow]

Due to my close proximity to NYC, I was able to attend the in person Summer Festival event! :) It was very crowded but still a lot of fun! By doing challenges, you could collect the cards!

I did some artwork which was put up on the board and got the Traveler card and Nahida card, correctly guessed a location during the Geoguesser game (the cat shrine on Seirai island) and got Venti and Raiden cards for a perfect score, and named the song played during song trivia (Rage Beneath the Mountains) and earned myself the last card which was Zhongli! I also got to hear it played live by FamilyJules which was awesome! Included it here for you guys to enjoy too.

All in all, it was very fun!

[minnesotafollower]

“We Are the Church: Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good” at Westminster Presbyterian Church 

On October 8, 2023, Rev. Dr. Tim Hart-Andersen, Senior Pastor at Minneapolis’ Westminster Presbyterian Church, delivered the sermon, “We Are the Church: Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good,” which was the fourth of his final seven sermons before his retirement at the end of October. Scripture: Joshua 1: 1-9 “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to…

[matan4il]

Today's the day when we celebrate Jerusalem, our eternal capital, the symbol of Jewish existence no matter where around the world we may live.

Two things I'm thinking of today.

First, I once heard an Ethiopian man recount the story of his family's journey to Israel. Specifically, how hard it was, starting their way by foot across a country torn by civil war back then, with antisemitic thugs lurking about. The man's dad was apprehensive, maybe they shouldn't go on this journey? But the mom was certain. "If I am going to die, I want to die facing Jerusalem." She did pass away before getting to Israel, but thanks to her determination, her son gets to live here. I can't even think of that woman without tearing up and feeling so grateful that I'm privileged to be a part of the same people as her.

Second, this day when I was at the Jerusalem Light Festival, waiting to go into the Cave of King Tzidkiyahu (from which it is believed the stones for the Temple and the Temple Mount Walls were carved). But the amount of people inside is limited for safety reasons, so there was a line to get in. As I stood there, waiting for my turn, I looked up at the upper part of the Jerusalem mountain rock (the cave's opening is found in its base), and saw a pigeon perched inside a naturally formed cleft in the rock. And immediately the words from the Bible, from the Song of Songs, sprang into my mind: "יונתי בחגוי הסלע" (yonati be'chagvei ha'sela, "my dove is in the clefts of the rock") and it suddenly occurred to me that it's very possible the man who first wrote down this sentence, and then wrote it down for posterity, who it's believed was a Jewish king ruling from Jerusalem, was standing right where I was, or somewhere nearby, looking at a sight just like I was. And the fact that I had his words in our language to describe the same kind of natural scene in the city that's holy and historical to us both, despite thousands of years between us, it struck me that THAT is what an indigenous experience, enabled by a land back movement, is all about. That's what Zionism has gives us back. I was and forever will be so grateful for that moment.

So to Jerusalem, most beautiful of cities, the beating heart of the world to me as a Jew, may we always celebrate what you were always meant to represent - our identity, as well as the peaceful existence of all humankind (as it's believed your name comes from the Hebrew words for "city of peace," ירושלים - עיר שלום).

For this occasion, here's an incomplete list of some of my fave songs about or mentioning Jerusalem that I know.

"And if you're gonna bring salvation, and if you're gonna bring peace, then bring it today."

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, city of my dreams..."

Jerusalem - Matisyahu ('coz apparently I'm not allowed to celebrate Jerusalem with more than 10 embedded vids, thanks Tumblr)

Sissu et Yerushalayim (Rejoice in Jerusalem)

Love you, my city. So blessed I get to live my life in you. I'm remembering that today more than ever.

[lynxfrost13]

MUDWINGS

Physical traits

Sharing a close common ancestor with seawings, mudwings are a very large flightless breed of dragon that have adapted to the swamps and mountain borders of their lands. The largest tribe in terms of their sheer bulk, mudwings typically have a chunky build, with fat tails and short powerful legs built for endurance, not speed. Mudwings are ambush predators, choosing to wallow in deeper waters to catch their prey or graze on plants. With iron stomachs and their powerful jaws and tongues, mudwings can eat just about anything they find. Their large canines and gum flaps are mostly used for displays of intimidation, as well as their gills.

Mudwing gills only work during their hatchling years in order to allow the babies to hide underwater from predators who would eat the unprotected newborns, who’s scales are incredibly soft. As they grow older, mudwings lose the functional abilities of their gills but in exchange, grow thick flexible scales that protect their faces and bodies, with their underbellies remaining mostly soft. Mudwings’ head ridges grow into horns that are layered and transition into a neck crest. Many mudwings also sport “beard” ridges on their face regardless of gender, and these serve no purpose but are considered attractive.

Mudwings are semi aquatic and can remain underwater for several hours, their soft nose flaps can close to prevent them from breathing water and their massive lungs can hold great deals of air. To help them detect prey in murkier waters, mudwings also have whiskers on their brows and around their noses,the exception to this is newborns, who’s whiskers grow in as they age. As hatchlings they all tend to be a solid dull shade of any color, but brighter accent colors develop in adolescence.

Customs

Mudwings are a festive tribe, holding annual contests pitting sibling groups against each other in various sports, with a focus on having each sib group demonstrate how well they cooperate with each other. Mudwings also have a deep connection to food and mealtimes, their cuisine is heavily made up of stews and soups and large meals that can be shared, such as meat roasts. Mudwings borrow from sandwing culture and use sandwing spices so frequently in their cooking that they’ve become a staple in every mudwing household. The emphasis on sharing a meal with a guest is also extremely important, to not offer a meal to a stranger is considered a hostile action against that stranger by other mudwings. They appreciate foods from all over Pyrrhia and many merchants from other tribes come to the mudwing kingdom to sell treats and food that would not be welcome in other places due to cultural differences.

Mudwings are also incredible storytellers, with much of their history being passed down through oral storytelling, they don’t keep many written records but instead have bards who’s duty is to teach mudwings about their history and entertain them with song. They swear oaths that bind them to a faithful retelling rooted in truth, but they are allowed to make the stories as poetic as they please. Mudwing bards have traveled across Pyrrhia and some even tell the histories of other tribes. Despite their rich tradition, the other tribes tend to dismiss the mudwing approach, since they see bards as unreliable.

[dndream]

Curated Spotify playlists to liven up your D&D sessions!

I have always loved playing D&D with background music that fits the location, mood, or type of combat, so I created several playlists on Spotify. This project is something I've been working on since December 2019, and something I want to share with you all! You can find the list below.

If you have suggestions for songs/tracks to include, or if you want a specific playlist that is not in this list yet, please let me know! And most of all, have fun!

Locations

Astral Plane

Ball/Masquerade

Bazaar

Castle/Court

City

Desert

Dungeon

Festival

Forest

Jungle

Monastery

Mountains

Schools of the Arcane

Ship

Tavern

Temple

Town/Village

Underwater

Moods

Creepy/Eerie

Dramatic

Enchanted

Energetic/Adventurous

Heroic

Grand

Intrigue

Menacing

Mysterious

Night

Peaceful

Sad/Mourning

Silly

Tender/Emotional

Combat

Small Battle

Big Battle

Boss Battle

Tavern Brawl

Chase

Themes/settings

Ancient Greece

Bard songs

Patrons/Visions

Visions/Dreams

[hiraya-rawr]

lover from another nation ~ hcs .

characters !! all the genshin men i could think of rn...

note !! it's been a while since i've written hcs for a lot! aaaah just some thoughts i had today (i had a few culture shocks here and there when i met up with new friends hahahah)

~ m o n d s t a d t ~

grabbing zhongli by the hand to dance and sing in the middle of the square because mondstadters live for the festivities! he quickly learns to freestyle dance along with you, moving with the crowd and cheers and wine. (remember that Tangled scene? yes)

kaveh wasn't sure how to react the day you ordered hard liquor on your first date. sure, your freedom and love for a good drink is one of the things which made him fall for you but wow– are you really gonna down that many glasses on a date? what do you mean you're still sober?

ayato finds himself in love with the way you sing. it doesn't follow the rules of inazuman opera at all; it's much more freeing (much like how his house help sings as he does chores) and you'd tell him stories and the history of your homeland in the form of songs. no mondstadter could ever forget the songs they grew up listening to!

heizou being almost appalled by your rather... robust and reckless nature. you don't have any backup plans whenever a situation goes south, you simply hold his hand, smile, and say "we go where the wind blows!"

~ l i y u e ~

diluc having chopsticks as part of your dining utensils because sometimes, you're more comfortable eating with it (let's not forget often having rice on the table! he must learn the joys of garlic rice with his steak <3)

dainsleif stays by your side as you offer incense and fruits to your ancestors. he whispers quiet prayers, bows when you do, and helps you clean their altars. he finds solace in the familial piety of liyuens– it makes him wish he could honor his ancestors with the same kind of peace as you do.

kazuha getting tongue tied over the language being so similar to inazuman but also so different– why are some of the characters the same? why are the meanings different? there's a bit of miscommunication in the start, but you both find your own ways to understand each other when words fail.

we all know gorou has always wanted to climb the mountains of liyue and you made it possible! meeting him by the docks and touring him around your home nation, you made sure to pick hiking routes with the most scenic spots, even managing to tour him around the jade palace and the floating lone island.

~ i n a z u m a ~

kaeya has no idea how you sit on the floor while being comfortable. you've made him sit with you once while reading a book, after that, his bones ached for days! shaking every time he stood back up!

albedo met you in the irodori festival- he painted you for practice and spark between you started. the long distance was difficult at first, but his long letters always had a little drawing of you and you'd send back the scent of cherry blossoms. klee would also send you letters, asking you to come visit soon!

childe loves a new fighting style; like most sword users in inazuma, you followed the raiden shogun's teachings– swift, efficient, and at one with the sword. he loves how you fight and it's often how you end your dates!

cyno was almost confident that you were playing a prank the day you said you'll make him your specialty and you showed him a platter of raw seafood. it's "sashimi and ngiri" you say, and he waited for you to explain the pun of your joke. it wasn't a joke.

~ s u m e r u ~

thoma is quite used to mondstadters and inazumans, two very different cultures, then he meets you and your sumeru upbringing! you show him how to cook foods that can be eaten with hands, and your menu is often so colorful he can't help but admire it!

itto doesn't really understand the study culture of sumeru, but he totally supports whatever it is you're talking about and tries to add in comments (his comments don't exactly make sense though...)

scaramouche, in his "path of redemption and healing", unwillingly gets involved with you as you show him around the beautiful parts of sumeru! you argue that he needs a different, better outfit with a color scheme that matches his vision. he insists that the hat stays. you tell him he looks like an aranara.

~ s n e z h n a y a ~

al haitham was almost concerned the day you got a heatstroke after being in the desert for no more than a few minutes. snezhnaya has prepared you for harsh weather, but never the heat. soon enough your lover is carrying around heatstroke-first aid packs just for you.

bundling up tighnari's fluffy ears before setting foot in snezhnaya because you just know the cold would practically freeze them off. his tail also gets wrapped and bundled warm in the large coats you wear, protection from the harsh snow. he says he looks like a big lummox.

note !! alright, choose your favorite dynamic! i personally think mondstadters with liyue/inazuma would be interesting maybe because i want to force feed them the joys of rice...

// if i misinterpreted a culture then umm... just know it wasn't intentional and let's consider it a real thing in teyvats culture 🫣😎

commissions || general m.list

taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @stygianoir14 @shizunxie @bluriie @aestellia @abyislan08

[krispyweiss]

Sounds Like the Steep Canyon Rangers Will be Just Fine

- Band releases video with new singer Aaron Burdett on “Every River”

On first listen, it sounds like Steep Canyon Rangers will be a-OK in the post-Woody Platt era.

For most fans, the just-released video of the band performing “Every River” at the 2022 Mountain Song festival is their first taste of new frontman Aaron Burdett. And it’s a relief.

Burdett doesn’t sound like Platt, who recently exited 25 years after co-founding the group. But he can sing the song well. More importantly, he and his new bandmates have a good vocal blend already, so the all-important SCR harmonies remain intact, if slightly different.

Platt’s departure seemed potentially disastrous for the band. And it easily could have been.

But this track shows they made a good choice in Burdett and the future suddenly sounds good again for Sound Bites’ favorite bluegrass band with drums and electric slide banjo.

10/23/22

[desi2go]

Stealing the fate

pairing: prince Hongjoong x lady of court reader

warnings: smut, angst, fluff, arranged marriage, royalty au

I finally tried something new! So please go easy on me! Let me know if I should write things like that more often <3

In the kingdom of Outlaw, where mountains kissed the skies and rivers sang the songs of old, you found yourself bound by fate's relentless hand. A marriage with Prince Hongjoong, a spirited and headstrong young man, had been caused by scandalous and unexpected actions.

Nevertheless, your fates entwined, not through love, but through the prince's transgression. As his sister's best friend, you often searched her company at the wedding. Not that your husband would mind. He was somewhere near the drinks, talking to different people, not sparing you a glance after the wedding ceremony was officially over.

You tried to be cold, letting the fact that your husband hated your company not affect you, but the truth is that you were interested in this handsome man for a long time now. Heck, you had the biggest crush on him. It hurt you more than you thought, even fueled your rage. You never imagined a happy and lovingly marriage but you had hoped that he would at least not dislike you. But he couldn't even stand being near you.

His sister knew about your feelings and supported you from the start even though she never understood why you fell in love with his brother. She did her best to distract you for the whole event.

With each minute that passed your consummation got closer and closer. You feared what would happen behind closed doors when you two were the only ones in a room. You weren't afraid of the general consummation, you knew what was expected of you and you heard the married ladies on the court speaking about the act itself. You rather dreaded the proximity and the awkwardness.

But you couldn't do anything against it. And when the huge clock struck twelve, you knew what was about to come when Hongjoong walked towards you, looked so magical like an angel in his bespoke suit. He took your hand while looking to the wall behind you, like you weren't even there. That fueled your rage even more. He couldn't even look you in the eyes. Is he ashamed of you?

"My lady, shall we retire to our room?" He asked.

"Of course, my husband" you answered with clenched teeth. You followed him willingly out of the great hall to your room. No words passed his lips, the only contact between you was his hand in yours.

As soon as you stepped into the huge bedroom, he let go of your hand like the skin to skin contact burned him, grabbing a glass from the table, filled it with something alcoholic and chugged it down immediately.

"So this it?" You asked fiery.

"What?" His attention finally concentrated on you, yet he didn't look you in the eyes.

"If this is what you call our marriage now? Pacing around in separate rooms? Running from our forced union?" You exclaimed, rubbing your temple.

He scoffed and turned around again to fill his glass for another drink.

"Please, forgive me your grace" you added sarcastically.

"Your grace?" He shot back, agitated, turning to you again.

"Can't even look me in the face"

He stepped closer, claiming that this was not true. You chuckled dry. Of course it wasn't.

"And now I must lay in the mess you made!" You said angrily.

"The mess we made" he stated, crossing his arms and taking another step towards you to intimidate you.

"It was your mistake. You stepped on my dress and made me fall" you corrected him, retelling what happend at the festival of lanterns two weeks ago. The anger still ran through your veins. You felt like you were talking to a wall, the only thing that changed was the tension. It became almost unbearable.

"I'm so sorry I stole your fate" he snarled ironically, eyes darkening with the rage that fueled within him.

"Oh, I am sorry that I stole your fate!" You screamed, tears of anger running over your face.

"And now you're forced to love a man you hate" Hongjoong stated loudly and you thought you could see signs of sadness in his eyes.

"I never said that I hated you!" You exclaimed, realising how close he had gotten to you. You were almost chest to chest with him. He nearly towered over you and you could even smell his expensive cologne.

You thought that he would scream or reject you since you nearly admitted your love for him. But you didn't expect him to crash his lips against yours roughly. Teeth crashing together as he pushed you against the door, his hands possessively on your waist, neading the skin underneath your wedding dress. Your breaths were hot on each others skin as you pulled him even closer to you when you realised what he was doing.

One hand grabbed your hair and pulled your head backwards against the door, earning a sweet moan from you while he slipped his tongue into your mouth. Your tongues danced around each other in a fiery fight. You let your hand travel to his own fluffy hair, tugging at some strands while your other hand clutched the material of the suit on his shoulder.

Something hard pressed against your lower stomach and you moaned into his mouth when you realised what that was. With one quick motion, he grabbed your thighs and pushed you in his arms. Your legs clinged around his waist as he carried you safely in his arms to the bed, laying you down in the middle. He immediately hoovered over you, consuming your whole being in a passionate kiss.

He interrupted the kiss again, his hands travelling over your sides and grabbing the fabric.

"I love that dress. Let's destroy it" he moaned in between the kisses. With one quick motion, the fabric of the expensive dress gave away and your gown was splitted in half, revealing your white underwear. Hongjoong growled and pressed kisses along your neck to your collarbone while you clawed at his shoulders when another sinful moan escaped you.

Even through the trousers of his suit, you could feel his growing bulge pressing against your upper thighs. He quickly undressed himself, the suit and his chemise fell forgotten to the floor, leaving him just in his boxer.

Your underwear quickly followed as he planted a hot trail of kisses on your body. You moaned and pressed your body against him. His boxers soon followed the rest of his clothes, making a pile next to the bed.

He grunted as he rubbed your clit with his cock, gathering your wetness near your entrance. With one final look, he reassured himself and pushed his cock inside with one full thrust, making you choke out a broken sob at the sudden stretch. The pain was uncomfortable and some tears gathered in your eyes. But the pain mixed with the pleasure made your brain go all mushy. All you could think about was the way his cock filled you up and the way his hands gripped your waist as he tried his best to not start thrusting into you already, hiding his head in your hair.

Eventually, you relaxed slowly around him, moaning at the completely new feeling of being so full. That was all he needed to hear before he started thrusting in and out of you. First in a slow rhythm and when he noticed how you clenched around him in pleasure, he began building a much quicker pace, trying his best to not break it and absolutely ruin you right there.

“fuck, you’re taking me so well.” his hands reached out for yours, holding onto them and interlocking his fingers with yours. Hongjoong's pace was starting to get a bit rougher, hitting that spot inside you with each thrust, making you cry out in lust.

His lips were against your neck, placing hot, wet kisses on your sensitive skin. His thrusts started getting sloppier as you were both about to reach your highs. The knot in your stomach became unbearable, letting you whine in a high tone and clenching around his cock.

You felt impossibly tighter, messaging Hongjoong with your walls. You were driving him insane.

"Fuck y/n, m’close. so close.” he grunted, holding your hands tightly. Your cunt squeezed around him one last before he released his load deep inside you, your walls fluttering around his cock. he collapsed onto you, rightfully breathless.

He lifted his head from your neck, looking you deep into the eyes. Exhaustion and love was displayed in them, telling more than words. Your husband leaned down again, capturing your lips with his while slipping out if you.

Careful he cleaned you with the soft fabric of his chemise that he had grasped from the floor and cuddled closer to you while pulling the covers over your slowly cooling bodies.

"Good night my dear Y/n" he whispered when he felt you drifting off to sleep.

[vestaignis]

Вот так цветёт дикая китайская слива - Мэйхуа. Мэйхуа - самый главный поэтический символ в Китае. Слива входит и в "4 благородных", и в "три друга зимы". Её цветение приходится на конец зимы-начало весны. В Китае слива мэйхуа была вестником весны, нередко её цветение совпадало с празднованием китайского Нового года — Праздника весны 春节 чунь-цзе, который отмечается в конце января-начале февраля по лунному календарю.

Родиной мэйхуа считается район реки Янцзы, откуда она широко распространилась по всей Восточной Азии, включая Японию, Корею, Тайвань, Вьетнам. Произрастает на каменистых склонах гор на высоте от 300 до 2500 метров над уровнем моря. Мэйхуа зацвет��ет раньше других цветов и выдерживает морозы до -50°. Нежные цветы нередко покрывает снег, создавая удивительный контраст. Цветы сливы отличаются разнообразием: есть белые, розовые, красные.

В эпоху Тан (618-907) в китайской живописи появляется отдельное направление — живопись мэйхуа, которое окончательно оформилось в эпоху Сун (960-1279). 

This is how the wild Chinese plum, Meihua, blooms. Meihua is the most important poetic symbol in China. Plum is included in both the "4 noble ones" and the "three friends of winter". Its flowering occurs at the end of winter-the beginning of spring. In China, the Meihua plum was the herald of spring, often its flowering coincided with the celebration of the Chinese New Year — the Spring Festival 春节 Chun-tse, which is celebrated in late January-early February according to the lunar calendar.

The birthplace of Meihua is considered to be the Yangtze River region, from where it has spread widely throughout East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It grows on rocky mountain slopes at an altitude of 300 to 2500 meters above sea level. Meihua blooms earlier than other flowers and withstands frosts up to -50 °. Delicate flowers are often covered with snow, creating an amazing contrast. Plum flowers are diverse: there are white, pink, red.

In the Tang era (618-907), a separate direction appeared in Chinese painting — Meihua painting, which finally took shape in the Song era (960-1279).

Источник://anashina.com/sliva-meihua/, //russian.news.cn/importnews/2019-02/01/c_137791307_10.htm, //russian.people.com.cn/n3/2017/0130/c31516-9172556-5.html, /chainka.com/blog/simvolika/255-tsvetushchaya-sliva-mejkhua, bogachkova1957.livejournal.com/86338.html, /koryo-saram.site/glavnyj-simvol-nachinayushhejsya-vesny-i-zhizni-czvety-slivy-매화/, /dveimperii.ru/articles/tsvetuschaya-dikaya-sliva.

[forlorn-crows]

𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝑶𝒖𝒕 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌

Rating: Mature (implied sexual content)

Relationship(s): Aether/Rain

Tags: daddy kink, quintosis (quintessence as hypnosis), post-hypnotic trigger/suggestion, implied transmasculine rain, mildly dubious consent & morality, intox kink, alcohol. let aether be SLEAZY let him be NASTY. we love a wine drunk lightweight rain.

Words: 2189

Guppy. The quint ghoul watches the petname hit Rain’s brain and settle there, making his hips falter in their swaying. He makes an unconscious noise, momentarily stupored. But the haze is gone the next time he blinks, replaced with the almost imperceptible dilation of his pupils. A few sparkles of amethyst blend into his normal cerulean irises, indicative of Aether’s little trick he’s just begun to play. It’s simple, really. A little post-hypnotic suggestion, if you will. “That’s a new one; have you called me that before?” Rain giggles a little and takes another sip of his wine. Oh, has he.

Notes: for my bestie @divine-misfortune; happy birthday, void! he requested "I am placing an order fr Aeth and his guppy,,,,As for what theyre doin? Good question-idk maybe gettin him cute n dumb in public or smthn so he needs his daddy" and thus, this fic was born

Read the rest under the cut, or on AO3!

The abbey grounds are alive with celebration; alight with lanterns, string lights, and a great bonfire down the hill; the smell of stew, mulled wine, and crisp apple mixes with the fresh promise of autumn that cools the breeze. Many libations are passed amongst the scattered groups of ghouls and siblings, as well as shared laughs and cozy conversation. It’s a nice night for festivities, and it’s only bound to get rowdier as the evening progresses. 

Rain, of course, is no stranger to a good time. A glass of cranberry wine downed already with another one halfway drunk in his hand, he sways to Swiss and Mountain’s guitar-percussion duo they’ve set up just beyond the bonfire. The multi ghoul strums an unnamed melody while Mountain accompanies with a rhythm on an old floor tom. Easy-going and no particular songs in mind. A few others bustle around him—Cumulus spins Aurora around to her giggling delight, a group of siblings dance amongst their little circle, and Aeon is very obviously wiggling his butt for Swiss’ benefit. 

Not that Rain isn’t doing something similar. Aether’s quite enjoying watching the water ghoul sway his hips and smile coyly over his shoulder as Mountain blows him a kiss. He’s equally as cute in the outfit said drummer most likely picked out for him: a charcoal gray thermal underneath a cream colored blouse, chocolate brown joggers that hover above his leather chelsea boots and show off black wool socks, all topped off with a modest gold ring on his wine-glass-wielding hand. In his hair, bright magenta aster blooms are woven alongside yellow heliopsis flowers in the waterfall braids looping under his horns. 

A right autumn beauty that has Aether itching to touch, to charm.

“Hi, cutie,” he says appreciatively, slipping his hands around Rain’s waist after sauntering up behind him. He pecks the water ghoul on the cheek.

Rain hums and presses his chilled lips to Aether’s mouth. Cinnamon sugar and berry gracing the tip of his tongue. “Hi yourself,” he grins. 

The quint ghoul falls in time with Rain’s hip sways, pressing himself to his back. “And what number drink are we on, love?” he asks, like he doesn’t already know the answer.

“Excuse me, this is only glass number two, thank you very much,” Rain says indignantly. He turns up his nose playfully and flips his hair into Aether’s face, who simply chuckles and blows the strands away.

“Gotta pace yourself; don’t want to see this pretty face passed out in the lawn now, do we?”

Rain rolls his eyes. “I don’t see you enjoying the fruits of Mountain’s berry picking labor.” He throws another coquette look at the earth ghoul, playing it up as a compliment. 

Aether hums. “Open up and let me really taste, then,” he lilts, nipping at Rain’s jaw with a growl. 

“Ugh,” he laughs through a groan. In trying to dodge Aether’s attack, the red wine sloshes over the rim of his glass and soaks into the cuff of his thermal. “Aetherrr,” he complains, picking at the sleeve. 

Aether tuts. “It’s only a little—it’ll dry, guppy.”

Guppy. The quint ghoul watches the petname hit Rain’s brain and settle there, making his hips falter in their swaying. He makes an unconscious noise, momentarily stupored. But the haze is gone the next time he blinks, replaced with the almost imperceptible dilation of his pupils. A few sparkles of amethyst blend into his normal cerulean irises, indicative of Aether’s little trick he’s just begun to play.

It’s simple, really. A little post-hypnotic suggestion, if you will. 

“That’s a new one; have you called me that before?” Rain giggles a little and takes another sip of his wine. 

Oh, has he. He plays innocent. “What, ‘guppy’?” 

Rain giggles again, almost automatic. “Uh huh. Kinda like it.” Aether can tell he doesn’t know why he says so. It’s part of the design, of course, that he doesn’t catch on to what the nickname does to him. How each utterance weaves a little more magick into his mind, dropping him that much further. Rain hums, leaning into Aether more heavily than before. 

“Thought you might,” he rumbles, giving him a peck on the cheek. He catches Mountain’s eye over the water ghoul’s shoulder, his expression now twisted with a mix of amusement, suspicion, and maybe a little bit of jealousy. Aether throws him a wink, and the earth ghoul rolls his eyes and shakes his head with a smirk.

He taps the rim of Rain’s wine glass. “Is my pretty ghoul gonna pace himself properly, or will I have to keep an eye on you, mister?”

“Mmm, you can keep an eye on me all you want.” Rain wiggles his ass against his crotch suggestively. 

Aether chuckles and gives his waist a squeeze. “Watch it, now; you get into too much trouble and I’ll have to whisk you away from all the fun, guppy.”

Rain shakes his head exaggeratedly, whining in disagreement. Stumbling a little on his next hip swivel. “Nooo, let me have fuuun,” he protests. “I’ll be gooood. Promise.” He offers up the pinky on his free hand. The hammered gold band on his middle finger flashes with the firelight across the field. 

Aether links his pinky with his own. “I’ll be watching,” he warns playfully, nipping at his jaw again. Rain doesn’t swat him away this time. The quint ghoul offers a pat on the ass before he walks away, busying himself with hor devours and fish stew.

It’s a few hours later before they cross paths again, Rain noticeably tipsier and loose-limbed as he converses with Dew at the bonfire. If Aether’s observations were correct, the glass of dark, blackberry wine in his hand should be his fourth drink now. He’d be inebriated without the magick, lightweight as water ghouls typically are, but the touch of quintessence makes him needier, more tactile than he otherwise would be. It’s a side effect that makes itself known quite obviously: kissing Mountain full on the mouth after his and Swiss’ set was finished, resting his head on Sunshine’s shoulder as she fed him prosciutto and cheese cubes from her snack plate, holding a sister’s hand as he walked with her through the small rose garden that surrounds the outside walls of the bathhouse. 

Like this, he’s seductive and ripe for the taking. Aether’s drawn back to him like a magnet.

“ . . . wanna go someplace on the coast,” Rain is saying as he approaches the pair. “When it’s warm.” Rain pouts.

Dew makes a face. “Ugh, I don’t know if I can take more outside shows; too fuckin’ hot.”

“Y’re ‘fuckin’ hot,’” the water ghoul smirks, poking at Dew’s leg with his boot. 

Dew just rolls his eyes fondly. “And you’re drunk, starfish.”

“Nuh uh—”

“Think Dew’s right, guppy,” Aether interjects, placing his hands on Rain’s shoulders. “Hm?” Rain raises a finger above his head, waggling it in front of Aether’s chest to emphasize his nuh uh. Aether can feel the magick swirl that much deeper under his fingers, making Rain hiccup and drop his head back against the quint’s body.

Beside them, Dew crosses his arms and laughs knowingly. “Guppy, huh?” He raises an eyebrow and bites the inside of his cheek to stop his mouth from quirking up further. Mentally, Aether shrugs. So a few of them know of his tricks—sue him. They’ve enjoyed the effects of Rain’s (and their own) nickname before, so, really, they have no place to judge.

“‘s cute,” Rain slurs, smiling up at Aether. “Gu-ppy. Guuuuuppy.”

“Why don’t ya say it a few more times?” Dew snorts, turning to busy himself with the fire and leaving Aether to his sleazy antics. Luckily, Ifrit’s there to hold his attention. The quint ghoul slips around and takes the free spot on Rain’s left. He’s immediately greeted with a lapful of clumsy water ghoul, who chooses to climb on top of him instead of stay in his own seat. 

“Hi, love,” Aether says warmly, wrapping his arms around him. Deftly, he plucks the wine glass from Rain’s hand and places it on the stump beside them. “You enjoying yourself?”

“More now tha’ y’re here,” he smiles, all drunk and dopey. He loops his arms around Aether’s neck and hums. Adjusts himself more than comfortably on his lap, legs hanging over his hips and bellies pressed together. 

“I’m glad, my pretty guppy,” Aether rumbles. Rain makes a noise at the back of his throat, quick and breathy. Aether watches his eyelids flutter for the first time since the night began, like a moth's wings as they carry the flying creature closer to the flames. He tuts and brushes his thumb over the water ghoul’s cheek, who leans into the touch with a needy purr. 

“Y’ feel nice,” he sighs dreamily. 

“Not getting tired?” he asks, a self-satisfied smile crossing his face as Rain fights to blink away the haze.

He shakes his head, sticking out his bottom lip and wriggling closer. Rolling his hips not-so-subtly against Aether’s crotch. “Uh-uh.” 

“No? Looks like that wine is getting to you, love,” he teases. 

“Aetherrrrrr,” Rain wines. He wiggles again, and Aether can feel the damp heat starting to radiate off of him. Teetering perfectly between giggly, aroused, and falling asleep standing up. “Let me have fuuun,” he echoes himself from earlier.

“Out here, in front of everyone?” Rain groans and sticks his face into the crook of Aether’s neck. He chuckles to himself and wraps those big arms tight around his lithe body. One more, and he’ll be just where he wants him. He puts his mouth to Rain’s ear and whispers: “No—don’t want you to get sloppy, guppy; why don’t we tuck in for the night? You and me, what do you say?”

It’s like a weight drops on his body, Rain going so lax against him until his arms slip off Aether’s shoulders, head only staying up because his chin keeps it hanging off of Aether’s chest. He’s not dropped all the way, not just yet, but his face pulls into an expression of bliss and his eyes slip all the way closed this time. Purrs increasing in intensity as he helplessly melts into Aether’s control. 

And then he says something Aether wasn’t entirely prepared for; something that makes his breath catch in his throat and his pants get tight.

Rain sighs happily, stupidly, eyes reopening to amethyst-tinged slits as he gazes up at the quint ghoul. He smiles, licking his lips like a dog settling down for a nap. “Okay, daddy.”

Fuck. Aether bites back a groan. “Yeah, baby?” he says softly. “You wanna cozy up with Daddy?”

“Mm-hm,” he nods. 

Aether scoops him up immediately. He can feel Mountain’s jealous stare against his back as he carries Rain back to the abbey, no doubt thwarting the earth ghoul’s plan to strip Rain of the outfit he picked out for him and take him slow and sweet. The quint ghoul flicks his tail behind him: next time, big guy. 

Rain makes a noise of protest as he’s eventually plopped onto Aether’s bed, nearly falling over as he makes grabby hands towards the bigger ghoul.

“Just closing the door, sweet boy,” Aether assures. 

When he turns back, there’s a blush on Rain’s cheeks, rosied from the cool air. He looks back at Aether with big eyes, whining as he starts to paw at his own clothes. Needy and eager. A picture of casual sin, the braids around his horns have gone loose from the night’s festivities, flowers cascading down his curls like fallen leaves that get stuck in branches on their descent to the ground. The merriment which disheveled his pristine look has also sullied his blouse, now stained crimson in a few rogue spots from the wine. And as Rain shifts and spreads his legs a little, Aether catches sight of the tiny damp patch in the crotch of his pants, his sudden arousal obvious and impossible to hide. 

It’s enough to make his mouth water. “Fuck, look at you; handsome, handsome boy,” he rumbles. Aether crouches over him, bracketing Rain’s torso with his arms and leaning in to graze their noses together. The smell of wine and sweet, heady arousal hits him like a punch to the gut. In an instant, his resolve crumbles, and all he can do is groan. “Daddy wants you so bad, baby.”

Rain’s whimper turns into a gasp as Aether runs a hand down his thigh. “Oh . . . but—clothes,” he says dumbly, still grabbing at them. 

“Don’t worry, guppy—” he breathes, tracking that hand back up to the waistband of his pants, then his fly. Rain’s groan is soft, trailing off at the end as he starts to slip somewhere distant, putty in the quint ghoul’s hands. Aether pops the snap and pulls the zipper down with one claw, pushing past Rain’s fly to cup him over his now damp underwear. His mouth brushes against the water ghoul’s messily, hungrily, and lets the momentum of it all take them both down onto the bed. 

“—Daddy’ll take good care of you.”