#music and animation were exquisite

[hirazuki]

Deep in the throes of updated covid booster-induced fever, so it won't be happening tonight, but I finished Nocturne and I have Thoughts™ about it, which I will probably share eventually, once I have the energy. I also have Many Thoughts about some things I've seen slinking around the tags, which I will not be sharing, as I definitely do not possess the requisite energy for that XD

[nexility-sims]

𝐍𝐎. 𝟖   ❛ 𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 ❜   |   THE DEN, MID MARCH 1991

❧  𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲  /  𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠  /  𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬  /  𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭.

   ❛  Leonor had attended a recital just the day before, but this performance was an entirely different experience. She was unprepared for how arresting it would be. Without knowing, she had noticed the lead singer earlier that night, ostensibly holding court by the far edge of the bar, distracting the bartender with animated conversation. Leonor hadn’t heard anything she said, but her movements were full of energy, almost frenetic. Now, she held still. The bassist swayed from hip to hip. Behind them, the drummer stared out at the audience with a face full of shadows. Leonor thought the frontwoman resembled a pious statue as she stood there, chin tilted upward and eyes closed. The crowd hummed with impatient anticipation, but what she reflected back to them was unfazed tranquility. 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

❧ (the song here, as you perhaps could have guessed from the episode title, is meant to be "doll parts" by hole.) lightly phoned this one in BUT i'd rather keep moving than skip a week bc i was sick, so :^) this is an abridged version, and i'll post an unabridged version later today w/ a label for good measure !!! additionally, we are now done with the entirely self-indulgent red light filter, i promise sdfsdf

𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 & 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭 ↓

The very first chord sent a chill up Leonor’s spine. She watched, rapt, as the statue came to life in a fluid series of motions. Her voice was low and rough, not ethereal by any means but still somehow, to Leonor’s ears, exquisite. The lyrics washed over her unheard. She fixated wholly on the singing itself—on the emotion of it, how the crooning turned to a harsh quaver, within it a lament that felt more defiant than mournful. It was raw. The song’s inspiration, why this woman performed it as she did, was a mystery. It was the vulnerability of it that resonated. Leonor felt the emotion in her bones as she listened. Music was never her preferred outlet but, as she experienced the song, she wished it had been.

For these three minutes, Leonor was alone again. The stage’s pit had been packed with an eager, noisy audience that responded enthusiastically to every line of the song. As it became a concert for one, they faded. Leonor’s eyes followed the movement of the singer, how her lips parted and her fingers strummed the guitar she played. They existed together in a suspended moment outside of time. It might have occurred to her later that extending, even possessing, such a moment was well within her power. For enough money, she could have anyone’s private time—especially artists, people who needed and understood patronage. It wasn't it in the spirit of the venue, but neither was her very presence, arguably. However, she was entirely in the moment as it unfolded. Feelings welled up inside of her. Her skin prickled. Her eyes, too, felt the familiar sensation attendant to being overwhelmed. 

Still, even euphoria had a blush of grief these days.

The song ended, and the bar's spirited ambience rushed back in like a sun-blocking wave. As she began speaking casually to the audience, the singer’s captivating voice changed. Whatever spell she had cast broke. Her friends remained enlivened, but Leonor felt only the desperate need to reclaim the quietude again. The minute of transition between unfamiliar songs felt like too long—too risky—of a wait. Perhaps the night had caught up with her. Or, perhaps, if she ducked into a quiet corner and collected herself, she could resume the admirable attempt at normalcy that had characterized the evening so far. That was her preferred outcome. She knew, on one level, that she was having fun. This momentary lapse wasn’t really an aberration, she feared, but she was determined to treat it as such. 

Leonor turned to Kore instinctively, leaning close to exclaim the most convenient and innocuous escape valve within reach, “Where’s the restroom?”

TRANSCRIPT:

RENZO | Okay, settle down. Next up is a treat. The Fluke girls have a new song for us. This is a songwriter’s song, alright? Conceived in this building. Show some respect.

LEONOR | Where’s the restroom? KORE | Stairs, near the bar!

[Leonor sighs, door opening]

LEONOR | What are you doing here?

LEONOR | Oh—[Laughs]—sorry. RENZO | It’s a bathroom. Maybe I gotta piss.

RENZO | Hey, don’t leave. I’m kidding. Wanted to check on you. LEONOR | Really?

RENZO | Sort of. I also had an ulterior motive. LEONOR | Did you?

RENZO | I wanted to be alone with you again, too. LEONOR | You’re in luck.

RENZO | You know, you do look different in person. More real. LEONOR | I get that a lot. RENZO | Do you? Huh— LEONOR | [Snickers] No, of course not!

RENZO | So, what do you think— LEONOR | No more talking now, okay?

RENZO | I’ll show you the dressing rooms next time. LEONOR | Next time? [Chuckles]

[ferndragon64]

Feeling once again the woes of being robbed a 2D animated version of Cats the musical…

In the 90s Amblin Entertainment was working on one!!! with Spielberg!! but the company shut down and there were issues and so it got cancelled and I mourn every day…

look at them!!!!!!!! wonderful!!!!! exquisite!!!! Shapes and character!!! the music is perfectly fitting to this style it would have been so grand…..

The few pieces of concept art we have fuels my waking hours, the lighting in this is exquisite it feels so painted, I can almost hear it,,,,

EVERY DAY I MOURN THE LOSS

The energy in this final piece is perfect like friends singing in unison, and the lighting on the rainy street is like fresh baked bread to my eyes.

[love--t]

Love From Italy | Part One

Pairing: Seonghwa X Reader

Genere: Fluff, love at first sight, Strangers to lovers.

Warnings: mentions of smoking, Indications that reader is Female

Word count: 2255K

a/n: Hello everyone! i hope you're doing amazing. This story is set in italy, i am not italian so i'm sorry if the language is not accurate or the setting but i did make sure to do my research.

Please like and reblog. feed back is high appreciated, thank you for reading :)

Love from Italy | Part Two

Park Seonghwa ran his hands through his freshly cut blonde hair. A cigarette resting between his pink plush lips as he leaned against the glass balcony door of his small apartment, he took in the dark, breathing out a sigh of relief.

The streets of his rome neighborhood were quiet except for the loud muffled music and the hectic shouting of his friends fighting over UNO coming from his living room.

Don't get the man wrong, he loves his friends, but, he sometimes needs to recharge his social batteries alone and with that, he lit the cigarette and leaned against the railing of his balcony, exhaling the smoke through his nose and letting his body relax.

The quietness of the night is suddenly disturbed by the sound of a melodious laugh ringing out through the night and the barking of an all familiar dog.

Seonghwa snaps his attention to the figure on the street in front of him cooing at the dog he has seen for years roaming around the neighborhood. The scenery brought a small smile to his lips and a beat to his "cold" heart  for the first time in years.

His hard gaze softened when he was met with the most exquisite pair of eyes.

Your laughter rang out through the starry night as you made your way back to the house you're staying at.

It had been your dream since you were a child to come to the city of Rome and when your best friend had decided to have her wedding in italy you obviously couldn't shy away at her offer of paying for your ticket.

After a round of drinks with friends that live in the beautiful city , it was time for you to go home, but on your way you were joined by a dog trying to bite the flowing trail of your dress.

"Let's go!" you shouted to the stray dog as you ran down the cobble road for it to chase you.

The small dog ran after you, its tail wagging wildly from side to side ,barking from happiness as the dog caught up to you.

"Aww you caught me!" You squealed as the dog jumped and laid his paws on your waist as if it were hugging you.

You smiled down at the dog as it panted from happiness, sitting down in front of the K9, you scratched at the base of its ear making the animal flutter its eyes shut leaning into your touch, you cooed at the action and squealed when he started moving his paw.

"Carina" A deep smooth voice Spoke loudly.

You gasped in fright, scrambling to get to your feet, as you searched around for the voice, but a deep blush decorated your cheeks when you were met with the dark eyes of a stranger.

You stared up at the handsome man in front of you, watching as his muscular arms flexed, as he slowly stood to his full height, his sharp eyes not once leaving yours, he let out a chuckle of disbelief at what was happening.

It wasn't possible that Seonghwa had fallen in love at first sight. He didn't believe when his parents told him their story and he definitely didn't believe when his best friends Wooyoung and san spoke about how they fell in love when their eyes locked.

To him the thought of falling in love was a lie, his heart once being broken by the person he thought he would marry only for it to end.

But the way his body is reacting made him believe that maybe just maybe it was true, that maybe all the shit San spewed about destiny and soulmates was real.

A Strange feeling washed over you as your heart started beating faster, palms sweating and stomach squeezing from butterflies flying rapidly.

Little did you know the stranger in front of you was feeling the exact same way, he couldn't see or hear anything but you, he grabbed onto the railing, knuckles turning white from the force of his grip, making sure not to fall to his knees from the faintness that washed over him.

A few moments passed till you chuckled, snapping the man out of his daze.

You looked behind you, scratching your head, looking at anything but him, you let out a soft cough as you mustered up the courage to look back at his captivating eyes.

"um... i'm sorry i don't speak italian"

Seonghwa tensed at the sound of your voice.

"I said Cute," he replied in a deep english voice while taking a drag of the cigarette.

You blushed at his words and looked down at the dog who was now lying on his back. You hummed in reply to his words, bending down as you spoke out.

"Do you say that to all of the stray dogs?"

"No," He answered "only to cute strangers that like to play with dogs"

You stopped caressing the dog, your whole body freezing as a flush of warmth coursed through your body.

Clearing your throat, you gave the dog one last pat and got back to your feet.

A few moments of silence passed as you shyly glanced back at the stranger, only to realize he had already been looking at you, red covering both of your faces at being caught making eyes.

"Well" you started, "it was nice meeting you but it's getting late and i have to go"

You didn't want the night to end but you had to go back to your reality, you'd be leaving in a few days and you'd never see him again.

"Wait!" the boy exclaimed "let me walk you home"

"No, No it's literally just - " You protested, but before you could finish  he had already put out the bud of his cigarette and made his way into his home.

A few seconds of silence passed when all of a sudden  chanting  could be heard through the open door, causing giggles to erupt from you.

A smaller boy with a big smile walked out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing to get a better look at you.

"Guys!" he Screeched looking behind him "she's real!" You stared up at the boy with wide eyes.

"Wooyoung get back in here!" came another voice, belonging to a blonde cat eyed boy. He grabbed his boyfriend by the ear and apologized for his actions while he dragged him back into the living room, the boy known as wooyoung, Whining to whoever else was in the apartment about how pretty you are.

Suddenly a door opens and there is Seonghwa in all of his glory, now sporting a black leather jacket.

"Hi" He Whispers as he stops in front of you.

" Hello" you whisper back, a small smile forming onto your face.

"You know, your friends are quite something" You said, your gaze slowly trailing up to his balcony.

The blonde boy looked at you confused, his eyes landing on the group of 7 boys looking down at both of you with amused smiles on their faces.

"I swear to god if you guys don't go back into the living room i'm making you clean the house for a month." Seonghwa threatened jokingly, making the boys scramble back into the house, not wanting to feel the wrath of the eldest.

"Are they always like that?" you questioned, your gaze scanning his side profile.

He sighed, placing his hands on his hips and throwing his head back.

"Annoying? yeah"

You chuckled at his response, making the boy smile, showing his pearly white teeth.

"Lead the way" He said, letting you walk in front of him.

You both walked side by side down the streets at a slow pace, Conversation coming easy as if you were friends seeing each other again after years apart and hearts feeling fuller than ever.

During the walk you both sat down on a park bench, in front of the house you're staying at.

"So," He started, "What brings you to rome?"

You glanced up at the night, hands by your side on the bench "I'm here for a wedding, my best friend is getting married".

He hummed at your answer, his hand slowly inching its way towards you  "Congratulations to her, when's the big day?"

"A week from now"  you smiled at the thought of seeing your friend get her happy ending.

Seonghwas chest swelled with happiness at your smile, he barely even knew you but he already knew he wanted to see that smile everyday.

“You’re boyfriend is one lucky man to be taking you to the wedding”

You glanced back at the boy who was waiting eagerly for your next words. "It's just  me," you replied, moving your hand to push away a strand of her, making the boy pull his hand away without you noticing. “No boyfriend or anyone” you whispered the last few words.

You heard him let out a sigh of relief, making you raise your eyebrow, a small smirk gracing your face, you shook your head at the thought of the beautiful man wanting to take you to the wedding, remembering that you are strangers.

"Thank you for walking me home"

"The pleasure was mine," he replied with a smile.

Silently you both got up, hands brushing against each other. Timidly you wrapped your pinky with his, both of your breaths hitching at the  feeling of electricity.

Once at your door he let go of your pinky, letting you fish out your keys.

"Carina" He whispered, Leaning in and giving you a soft peck on the cheek.

"May we meet again" He trailed his hand down your shoulder, to your forearm and last to your hand where he gripped it tightly before sliding his own down your finger tips as he walked backwards from you leaving both of your hands in the air for a second as you both brought it down slowly, eyes not once leaving till he turned around and tucked his hands into the pockets of his jacket.

You opened the door wish shaky hands, taking deep breaths as you closed it softly, making sure to not wake up your bestfriend and her fiance as they slept on the second floor

You leaned against the closed door, trying to get your  racing heart to slow down, what had this man done to you?

you ran up the stairs to the room you're using and opened the balcony door slowly.

Only to see the blond still standing there with a big smile on his face.when suddenly  threw his fist up in the air and did a little dance that made you chuckle.

You shook your head and closed the door, throwing yourself to your bed, When suddenly a feeling of pain blossomed in your chest at the thought of the man.

You forgot to ask his name.

Come on y/n! make a wish" Screamed your friend over the sound of bustling tourists and street music floating around the center of rome.

You sighed, turning your gaze to the perfectly carved statue of Neptune that sat above the  waters of the infamous Trevi Fountain.

"You know i don't believe in that," you rolled your eyes, staring back at your hopeful friend, holding up a  golden coin to you.

"Please?" She pouted, making bambi eyes at you.

You huffed out and snatched the coin from her awaiting hand, making her jump up and down from happiness.

"You know they say that if you throw two coins you will find love in Rome"

The girl slid another golden coin into your hands, giving you a little smile and a pat on your shoulder, walking away to her fiance who was taking a photo of the fountain. With a hint of sadness in your eyes  you watched as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, making you caress your own at the thought of the soft lips that were there just a few hours ago.

You turned your back to the fountain, took a deep breath and closed your eyes.

What do I even wish for?

You wracked your brain for the most barbaric thing you could ask for just to prove once and for all to the universe that you weren't their favorite child.

You chuckled loudly to yourself once your thoughts landed on the blonde mysterious man from last night. You thought about the way he made you feel from just one look.

Maybe, just maybe if the gods granted you this one wish, you might just believe in love again.

You felt the wait of the second coin in your left hand, deciding to bring both coins into your right hand. You whispered your wish to yourself, kissed the coins and threw it over your left shoulder. Waiting for the sounds of the coins plopping into the water never came.  You slowly opened your eyes, only for your breath to hitch, a big smile forming onto your face at the sight in front of you.

"Carina" Seonghwa smiled, taking off his sunglasses as he made his way towards.

"I'm Seonghwa"

He held his hand out for you to shake.

You stared into his eyes, searching for something in them, only to see a future full of love.

"I'm Y/N"

He smiled big at your name, leaning in he whispered lowly into your ear, making you shiver.

"I guess we have the Universe to thank for this moment”

He pulled away slightly, only to kiss your cheek once again.

a/n: This story was meant to be long but i decided to just write up to here. If anyone wants me to keep going, i'll make this into a mini series. Please remember that Tumblr works off of reblogs and please send in messages, it means alot to us writers.

[cool-fancier]

What The Future Holds

Synopsis: Bada's dance studio introduced a friendship that blossomed into a heartfelt coffee date and more.

The dancing studio was a haven of rhythm and movement, where melodies and delicate steps merged, painting a canvas of expression and artistry. Your paths met with Bada's here, between the pulsating sounds and exquisite choreography.

Bada was a flurry of grace and passion the first time you saw her, her movements a symphony of fluidity and intensity. Her grace on the dance floor captured your attention like a moth to a flame.

"You have great form," you said after a particularly impressive dance, unable to conceal your excitement for her talent.

Bada's smile was radiant, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation. "Thank you! You're not too bad yourself," she replied, her voice laced with warmth.

The initial talk grew into a friendship established by a mutual love of dance. Conversations expanded outside of the dance studio, meandering over common interests and aspirations.

The friendship between you and Bada became stronger as the days changed into weeks, and weeks into months. The dance studio had been transformed into a paradise of laughter and chat in between routines.

The boundaries of your relationship evolved softly amidst the lively banter and shared moments. Bada's laughter became music to your ears, and her presence was a continual source of solace in the middle of life's chaos.

Bada lingered around one evening after an especially thrilling dance session, a hesitant expression on her features. "Hey, would you want to grab some coffee with me after this?"

Her offer caused you to feel both excited and scared. "Sure, I'd love to!" you said, attempting to keep your feelings in check.

The modest café down the street served as the setting for an evening that marked a turning point in your friendship. Bada's laughter rang through the cosy space, spreading a warmth that wrapped both of you, amidst steaming mugs of coffee and animated conversation.

"I've really enjoyed spending time with you," Bada acknowledged, her eyes meeting yours with a vulnerable expression.

A surge of bravery pushed you to express the feelings that had lingered between you. "Me too. "I feel like we have a real connection, you know?"

There was an unconscious acknowledgement of the developing feelings that simmered beneath the surface in that instant. The café hummed with the electricity of unspoken thoughts, both cautious and eager to move further.

"Would you want to go out with me sometime? Like, on a proper date?" Bada's voice was a little apprehensive, her eyes searching for ease.

Your heart skipped a beat as you smiled and answered her question.  "I'd love to," you said, relief filling your chest at the mutual approval.

And in that moment, amidst the fragrant aroma of coffee and the shared laughter, the unspoken longing found a voice. The decision to take a step beyond the realm of friendship felt like a natural progression, a testament to the bond that had blossomed amidst the rhythms and movements of the dance floor.

-———————

The sun hung slowly in the sky over a peaceful meadow, putting a golden glow on the green expanse. You and Bada lay next to one other, the grass blades cushioning your bodies as you looked up at the canvas of clouds moving slowly across the vast expanse above.

"Look at that cloud, it's like a heart," Bada pointed to a fluffy mass that seemed to resemble an oversized heart.

You chuckled, letting your imagination take hold. "A heart, you say?" It seems to be a fluffy cushion that has been squeezed too much."

Bada laughed, her laughter a gentle melody that blended with the soft rustle of leaves. "A squished pillow heart! I can see that."

The pleasant banter flowed easily between you, a treasured rhythm in the peace of the field. These joyful moments were gems, momentary reprieves from the weight of the world.

As the conversation meandered through whimsical clouds, it inevitably found its way to discussions about the future.

"Do you think we'll live in the city or somewhere quieter?" Bada's gaze was drawn to a distant cloud that appeared to be a bustling city.

"I'd prefer the quieter side," you said, tracing the cloud shapes with your finger. "A quaint cottage with a garden, maybe?"

Bada's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Yes! And we'll certainly have a pet, either a playful puppy or a loving cat."

The thought of a furry pet playing in your envisioned garden made you both grin. The topic moved easily from plans for a dream pet to plans for cooking together.

"We'll make extravagant dinners together," Bada said, her eyes twinkling. "Our own little cooking show every night!"

You burst out laughing. "Absolutely! We'll try recipes from all over the world and create our own culinary adventures."

The laughing mingled with the lovely rustle of leaves in the breeze. Yet, under the surface of the jovial banter and shared objectives, there was an unspoken undercurrent of something deeper, an undiscovered terrain of emotions.

Bada's gaze lingered on the horizon as she continued, her voice gentle. "You know, there are times when I wonder about our future. What it has in store for us."

You turned your gaze toward her, meeting her searching eyes. "I do as well. The unknown can be overwhelming."

In that instant, there was a common understanding, a wordless acknowledgement of life's uncertainties. The link you and Bada shared had weathered many storms, but the future remained a blank canvas, waiting for the strokes of fate.

The need for stability lingered in the midst of the serene surroundings, unspoken but obvious. The longing for a future in which you remained entwined, bound by threads of friendship and hidden feelings, produced a poignant painting against the azure sky's canvas.

"We've shared so much," Bada said, with a voice tinged with nostalgia as she reflected on the events that had shaped your friendship. "I can't imagine a future without you."

Her comments struck a deep chord within you. The idea of a future without her seemed impossible.

"I feel the same," you said, your vulnerability tinted with truth. "The simple idea of not having you around... it's hard to imagine."

The admission hung in the air, a devastating reminder of the depth of your bond and your reluctance to imagine a future apart from each other.

Bada moved in closer, her hand resting on yours in a gentle hug. Her touch imparted a warmth that went beyond words, a gentle reassurance in the face of uncertainty.

"I want to dance more in the future," Bada said determinedly, her eyes blazing with unflinching passion. "I want to express myself through movement."

"That sounds amazing," you said with a sweet smile on your lips. "You're a fantastic dancer." I see you achieving so much."

Bada locked her look on yours, a closeness in her eyes that told volumes. The space between you seemed to vanish in that quick moment, leaving only the strong connection and shared aspirations that bonded your hearts together.

The desire for stability, the longing for a future where dreams intertwined, lingered evidently in the air. A hidden hope for a future where you remained interconnected in each other's lives felt like an unspoken agreement established in the peace of a sun-kissed meadow amid the soft quiet between whispered vows and unspoken thoughts.

The unspoken promise of a future filled with shared dreams, dance, laughter, and unwavering support seemed to hang in the air as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm glow upon your intertwined fingers, a silent yet profound testament to the depth of your bond and the longing to remain intertwined in the chapters yet to unfold.

[timetodiverge]

TL:DR: a brief treatise on learning to love Ahsoka for the gifts it gave us, rather than its shortcomings

Reasons why I struggled to like Ahsoka on first watch:

-my Rebels-fan brain constantly chanting WHERE IS EZRA WHERE IS EZRA WHERE IS EZRA; every episode that ended without him had me screaming

-the portrayal of Ezra as some noble war hero/wise Jedi instead of the little shit devious street urchin thief who, after four seasons of growth, pain, and temptation to turn darkside, turned into an IGnoble war hero with the potential to become a wise Jedi

-the show's habit of far-too-casually dropping facts that emotionally wrecked Rebels fans (ALL the Wrens died on Mandalore?? Could we maybe explore that a bit?? Dave do you remember when you had Sabine collapse into what she thought were her mother's ashes, and the depth of her relief when she realised her family was still alive and she still had a chance to make things right with them?? DO YOU???)

-the show's refusal to recap/reference insanely important events from Rebels and The Clone Wars (Mortis Gods, Trials of the Darksaber, Vader v Ahsoka and Ezra rescuing her via the World Between Worlds, Ahsoka's entire existence, etc) that would have made Ahsoka, Sabine, & Hera's importance in the larger Star Wars universe much more comprehendible for non-Rebels & TCW fans

-watching Sabine, who only ever wanted to be a valued, equal member of a family & team, and who was already incredibly skilled (art/warfare/mechanics), belittling and limiting herself trying to play the part of Jedi Padawan

-the wasted potential of show that could have truly explored how non-Jedi&Sith engage with the whole spectrum of the Force (e.g. other force users such as Nightsisters, loth wolves, purrgil, and non-force-sensative people such as Sabine), instead ultimately championing the light-dark binary and the traditions of the Jedi order (which many of us have little respect for) such as the Master-Apprentice relationship

Reasons why I now adore Ahsoka and would defend it to the death:

-the breath-taking care, love, and attention the production team put into every tiny detail (the sets, the costumes, props, the MUSIC, the background art, the ships and weapons, my god the detail!!)

-the shameless centring of diverse, layered female characters and the exquisite, subtle performances of Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Genevieve O'Reilly

-a mature exploration of how traumatic events e.g. wars may technically "end", but don't end for everyone: Ahsoka and Sabine are still traumatised ex-child soldiers mourning people they desperately loved but had complex & unresolved issues with; Hera still has zero boundaries between being a soldier and her personal life. And this PTSD has very real consequences to the narrative

-the show ultimately resisting the urge to choose a plot-twist Ezra reveal (e.g. turns out Thrawn and Ezra are now buddies/Ezra is the new big bad/Ezra was Marrok), which may have been more interesting but would have deprived us of the wholesome Ezra reveal we actually wanted

-Eman Esfandi giving us the most successful animation-to-live-action transition since Katee Sackhoff's Bo-Katan, and being so perfect in his mannerisms and behaviour that it was almost worth the wait (and looking so much like Ezra's father in Rebels!!)

(...unless you include Chopper, whose transition was actually 120% perfect)

-ultimately refreshing and levelling-up the potential for mature and diverse Star Wars narratives, like Andor did, but instead of leaning away from SW tropes and traditions like Andor, digging deeper into SW tropes and history, and linking non-mainstream-SW-elements such as the Nightsisters of Dathomir, the Mortis Gods, the World Between Worlds, and the existence of other galaxies

[xserpx]

Ankh-Morpork, largest city in the lands around the Circle Sea, slept.

That statement is not really true.

On the one hand, those parts of the city which normally concerned themselves with, for example, selling vegetables, shoeing horses, carving exquisite small jade ornaments, changing money and making tables, on the whole, slept. Unless they had insomnia. Or had got up in the night, as it might be, to go to the lavatory. On the other hand, many of the less law-abiding citizens were wide awake and, for instance, climbing through windows that didn’t, belong to them, slitting throats, mugging one another, listening to loud music in smoky cellars and generally having a lot more fun. But most of the animals were asleep, except for the rats. And the bats, too, of course. As far as the insects were concerned…

The point is that descriptive writing is very rarely entirely accurate and during the reign of Olaf Quimby II as Patrician of Ankh some legislation was passed in a determined attempt to put a stop to this sort of thing and introduce some honesty into reporting. Thus, if a legend said of a notable hero that "all men spoke of his prowess" any bard who valued his life would add hastily add "except for a couple of people in his home village who thought he was a liar, and quite a lot of other people who had never really heard of him." Poetic simile was strictly limited to statements like "his mighty steed was as fleet as the wind on a fairly calm day, say about Force Three," and any loose talk about a beloved having a face that launched a thousand ships would have to be backed by evidence that the object of desire did indeed look like a bottle of champagne.

Quimby was eventually killed by a disgruntled poet during an experiment conducted in the palace grounds to prove the disputed accuracy of the proverb "The pen is mightier than the sword," and in his memory it was amended to include the phrase "only if the sword is very small and the pen is very sharp."

So. Approximately sixty-seven, maybe sixty-eight per cent, of the city slept.

— The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett

[amarionetista]

Melody of shadows

The music filling the hall was truly pleasant, a melody played on wind instruments accompanied by meticulous bell beats. Carmilla watched with great admiration as all the other Overlords conversed, laughed, and danced together in the beautifully decorated hall. She wouldn't say it to Velvet, especially knowing her proud nature, but she had truly made everything beautiful.

She could see Zestial cheerfully pouring himself a glass of wine as Alastor said something and, with a nod, pointed towards Vox. The other Overlord almost dropped the glass he was holding, imagining what the radio demon could be saying about him. Valentino beside him just laughing at the whole scene. This made her roll her eyes.

"If you keep staring, you'll end up falling right onto the dance floor, dear," Velvet said. Velvet was wearing a short black strapless dress, her hair tied in a long ponytail cascading down her back like a waterfall.

"It's amazing that everyone has a moment when they're not fighting or trying to kill each other," Velvet laughed, leaning against one of the columns next to Carmilla.

"Vox isn't so bad once you get to know him."

"Do you really believe that?" Carmilla's smirk made Velvet pretend to think about it.

"Okay," she shrugged. "He's still an asshole."

Carmilla approached Velvet, the shorter Overlord looking at her with bubbling satisfaction, as Carmilla's dress had been designed by Velvet especially for her. Velvet looked at her with a confident smile, like a proud artist admiring their work, but Carmilla could see there was something more, a hidden desire, behind Velvet's smile.

Carmilla brought their faces close, perhaps less than an inch was the last distance separating them. Velvet smiled, more than satisfied with the situation. Carmilla could already feel their lips merging, that is, before Velvet abruptly pulled away and looked down at the dance floor.

"Oh, for Satan's sake! I can't believe it."

When Carmilla saw what was so strange, she saw Vox being held back by Valentino, whose expression of impatience was visible even behind his large glasses. Vox looked like an animal trying with all its might to break free from the restraints to go after Alastor, who laughed loudly at Vox's situation, flipping him off. Carmilla sighed, almost forgetting her slight disappointment from moments ago.

Carmilla noticed when Velvet took her hand, watching with satisfaction as Velvet brought her closer and kissed her, other small kisses being distributed between Carmilla's fingers. Their intertwined fingers were a sight that Carmilla saw as a point of calmness amidst that hell.

On the dance floor, Rosie and Alastor became the owners of the place. An elegant dance with confident steps, as if they had created the steps themselves.

"Wouldn't you like to try?" Velvet asked, and Carmilla let herself be guided.

They moved away from the brightest part and let the music guide them. As Velvet thought, Carmilla was an exquisite dancer, each step taken lightly.

Their bodies pressed against each other were making Velvet forget that there were other people around. She could easily believe that hell was a land where only they existed.

"Despite Vox being a dick," Velvet commented when the music ended. "I still wish this could last forever."

Carmilla brought Velvet closer to her, it had become such a natural movement and yet it didn't seem close enough.

Velvet returned the kiss instantly. Her arms crossed around Carmilla's neck trying to maintain that closeness for eternity.

Carmilla felt Velvet's body shiver when her hands moved from her back to her waist and then to Velvet's bare thighs.

"We can make it last forever."

[marlynnofmany]

Double Duty

It’s a rare day when I have to squint at the sight of a house, but this one was shiny. A giant ball woven out of the brightest metal wires I’d seen in a while, all gold and copper in complex patterns. It made my head hurt to look at. Probably imitation metals, because surely that would be impractical and expensive to use actual gold. But what did I know? Not my species.

I squinted as I walked up with the package, wondering if that was rude of me. My little human eyes probably always looked like I was squinting though, compared to the big bug eyes of the Mesmer who lived there.

And the one walking beside me. Zhee was nodding quietly to himself while he took in the sight, with his vibrant purple praying-mantis exoskeleton looking right at home. If I hadn’t known that one of his people lived here, somehow I feel like I would have guessed. It was flashy in the extreme.

And so was the walkway, a glittering stripe of vivid red that curved through a garden full of alien flowers that probably didn’t bite. I didn’t like the looks of the local butterfly analogues, though; they had stingers I could see from here. I was glad they were keeping their distance.

Zhee reached the door first — a solid slab of bronze with an inlaid galaxy of gemstones, naturally — and he found the doorbell while I ducked under another butterfly. The chime was a brief melody from an instrument I couldn’t identify. It sounded like a violin invented by people whose earliest music was made by rubbing their legs together.

The door pulled inward and slid to the side, showcasing the homeowner who must have been waiting right there for us. Up close, the side of the house had window space visible between the weave, ideal for peeking out but not being seen until you were ready for your close-up.

“Good greetings!” announced the Mesmer woman who towered over both of us, a spectacle of metallic rose-gold coloring. Surely that couldn’t be natural. I’d never seen a Mesmer yet with metal tones; this had to be like full-body nail polish. But I sure as heck wasn’t about to say a peep about it now. I’d ask Zhee later.

“Greetings,” Zhee returned, urging me forward. “Your package.”

I handed it over, wondering if I’d get to see how the thing opened. It was one of the plastic puzzle box dealies that had been a popular way to ship valuables lately. There was one button on top and no visible seams.

Even with that thought, I was surprised when she grabbed it with her pincher arms, kicked a side table into view with one leg, then set it down and tapped out a rhythm on the button. The box split open to dramatically reveal the custom stained-glass lamp that we’d delivered in perfect condition, thankyouverymuch.

“Exquisite,” she said, holding it up to let the light shine through all the aquas and teals. “Just what the blue room needs.” She looked at us. “I have one of each color, you know.”

Zhee nodded like that was normal and admirable. “Excellent.” He held out the electronic payment pad without being so gauche as to mention it out loud, and the customer chattered away about her house as she set down the lamp and paid.

“…The yellow room was the biggest hassle, of course, but I’m most pleased with the rainbow room. I have art, rare plants and a few select exotic animals in there. Those have been a different type of challenge, especially the new one.”

That caught my attention. As I was wondering how best to ask what kind of animals she kept, Zhee beat me to it.

“Animals, you say?” He gestured theatrically toward me. “Robin is an expert in animal care, if you need a consult.”

I turned my head to stare at him with my best what-did-you-just-volunteer-me-for expression, which he could certainly see, given those eyes’ range of vision. He didn’t react.

“I would appreciate a look, now that you mention it,” the large alien said. “My prize oil-slick tentacle has stopped eating, and has begun shaking in a strange way when I get near.”

Zhee immediately haggled for a consultation fee while I wracked my brain for any knowledge of this alien whatsit. I was going to have words with Zhee afterward.

But apparently I was going to look at this thing first. The customer agreed to the price, payable afterward, and led us both into the house. It was just as multicolored as expected. Like each room had been given to a different child to design, with the instructions to use as many expensive jewel tones as possible.

The rainbow room was actually a relief, surprisingly enough. There were darker accents to make the furniture and murals stand out. And the various terrariums were clear glass. I looked between feathers and shells and flowers for anything that could be described as a tentacle.

“It’s over here,” she said, leading me toward a glass case under a spotlight. “I haven’t had it very long, but it was eating before, and I just don’t know why. The medi-scanner says it’s not ill. Perhaps I need a new scanner. What do you think?”

Feeling like the spotlight was aimed directly at me, I stepped up for a look at the thing curled up in the corner. It was, as expected, iridescent like an oil slick. But those scales were familiar.

I moved around it to get a look at the head, then smiled and stood up straight. “That’s a sunbeam snake! My favorite kind!”

“Okay, but what’s wrong with it?” the alien woman asked. “When I give it food, it hisses at me and shudders!” She waggled a pincher arm in imitation.

“It’s trying to scare you away,” I said. “They shake their tails like rattlesnakes do, though they don’t have rattles or venom.”

“Well, I don’t know about all that,” she said with a huff. “Why is it doing that? I’ve been more than kind to it!”

“I’m afraid you’ve given it nowhere to hide,” I explained gently, spreading my hands at the tank with a black floor and only a small water dish in the center. Little blobs of meat littered the area. Images of plants had been painted into the corners, but that did less than nothing to help a burrowing animal. “This type of snake needs several inches of plant life or loose soil to dig into. For one this size, I’d say at least this deep.” I held my hands six inches apart.

“It digs?” the customer asked. “They didn’t tell me that!”

“It spends most of its time hidden,” I said. “Or at least, it’s meant to. This one is extremely stressed by being out in the open like this.”

I was a little worried how she’d take the news, given that this was her prize specimen with all the lights aimed to showcase its rainbow scales. But to her credit, she listened while I suggested framing a good photo of the snake outside the tank, then only watching it during mealtime. Any visiting friends could be told how exotic and special the animal was, and how lucky they would be to even catch a glimpse of it.

“Yes,” she said, clearly thinking. “Yes, I can work with that. I’ll arrange for the adjustments to the enclosure. You said this much ground cover?” She held her pincher arms apart.

“Right, at least that much,” I agreed. “Ideally you’ll also want to bury a few things for enrichment, like rocks and bark and sections of tubing, and have a couple of those on the surface for it to hide under when it comes up for food.”

We ended up going into a different room where she could take notes, which did more to put me at ease about the snake’s future care. I waved at it as I left, wishing it well. I’d always liked sunbeams. Good thing I remembered the specifics of their care needs.

“You’ll also want a bigger water dish, so it can slither through it,” I said. “And the tank should be both warm and very humid…”

The customer took lots of notes while Zhee alternated between standing there looking smug and casting an appraising eye at the room’s gaudy features. This was the purple room, and he blended right in.

Finally we’d covered all the important points. Zhee tactfully brought out the payment pad again, then we strolled back to the front door.

“I will recommend your service to all of my friends,” the customer said as she closed up the lamp case. “Quality parcel delivery, with bonus animal care! That is hard to beat.”

“My pleasure,” I said honestly.

Zhee thanked her as well, and we exited into the garden. Zhee was still looking smug as the door closed behind us. “I am very glad I spoke up.”

I shook my head with a rueful smile. “I’m glad it was an animal I’m actually familiar with, not some independently crawling tentacle.”

“Those do exist, you know.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Of course they do. Guess I’d better do some research in case she does tell all her friends.”

Zhee strode forward with pride. “It will be good business! Captain Sunlight will be pleased.”

“It’ll be interesting, that’s for sure.” I thought of the crewmates who had tentacles of their own. “Mur will probably think it’s funny.”

“Oh, he’ll think it’s terrifying. The mobile tentacles are from his planet; they’re a venomous parasite.”

“Of course they are. Remind me to bring gloves on our next delivery, just in case.”

~~~

The ongoing backstory adventures of the main character from this book. More to come!

[rowany]

Warmth on a winter's night~

(R.A.B x Y/N) 2.8K Words.

-Summary: trying to get some fresh air from a ball, Regulus and Y/N have a deep conversation far into the snow covered garden of the Black Mansion.

-Contains: dark academia/royalty romance, fluff, kissing, implied queer Sirius, slight angst, She/Her pronouns, longing stares,

-Song: Beving: Ala, Joep Beving

🌙🤍🕯️❄️

3rd Person POV.

The chandeliers hung high above the dancing crowd. People moved in sync as they glided across the room while classical music rang out from the acentric vinyl player. Couples spun and looked upon one another while the lights gave the room a faint, white hue creating an elegant atmosphere. Candles floated far above the crowd slowly swaying as if they were mimicking the guests who were waltzing below them. The tall, and exquisite windows gave only a faint light from the full moon; the stars ghosted behind the gloomy snow clouds soon to pour upon the Black residency.

A large mural of a Roman painting was the background of Regulus Black as he gently pressed his back to the wall. Regulus was never exactly the social type, at least not at this large of an event. It was the winter solstice and the Black Family was known for their Winterfest Ball. Regulus was enjoying the music and simply observing the guests gliding across the smooth marble floor, a small part of him wished to have a partner to dance with but tried to deny his longings when Sirius was pestering him to dance earlier in the night.

Sirius was the center of attention at balls, at least among the youthful ladies who wished to snog him. Sirius would tempt them with his lush black hair and chivalrous personality but he never dared to actually go through with the snogging. Regulus watched as Sirius moved from a fair blonde girl to a more beautiful, and warm girl who looked at Sirius as if she saw a familiar sight before her.

“Good evening Sirius, how is the night treating you?” The girl spoke with a soft demeanor and danced with such grace Regulus couldn’t help but be enthralled by her.

“A good evening to you too, Y/N. The night is treating me oh so well I’ve almost been whisked away by many fair maidens.” Sirius could hardly contain his laughter at his posh language, Y/N always loved to act like they were royalty at balls to keep the mood light. Balls usually were fun for everyone except the Black children, if they made any mistake their parents would reprimand them for making a fool of their families name. Sirius used to be on edge every time he was at a ball but since he met Y/N he began to enjoy them.

“You always have fair maidens wanting to snog you!” A cheeky smile spread across her face as Sirius twirled her towards Regulus and quickly pulled her back in. Regulus recognized her but not exactly sure how. At first he just assumed it was one of Sirius flings but she seemed to stay longer than any of his previous girls, she seemed to actually enjoy being around Sirius not just for his pretty face.

Regulus watched as they continued to dance together so in sync it was almost hard to watch without wishing to be Sirius.

Regulus POV.

Sirius had spun the girl towards me and without even thinking about it I began to move towards the tall arch way opening into the hallway. I didn’t want to loiter here anymore wishing I was with a beautiful girl or anyone for that matter.

I dodged and weaved through the tides of couples dancing and slid past my parents undetected. I just needed some fresh air and a moment of silence. The music, the talking, and the stuffy air all became too much for me. I always get overwhelmed when I’m at balls, it’s just too much.

Getting to the arch way I took a sharp right, almost speed walking through the hallway and out the back patio doors. I continued to walk down the stairs off the dark patio, the ground felt cold under me. I stuffed my hands in my trouser pockets as the frost tried to nip at them. I always loved the winter, it was so quiet outside with most animals migrating or hiding in their homes. The sun usually wasn't bright, giving the outside world a dull look but I liked the “dull” look, I found it almost comforting. I just continued walking, lost in thought not listening to the footsteps that followed my own. I slowed down when I came to a willow tree with branches stretching wide with long strings of leaves hanging down.

“Regulus?” Someone touched my shoulder lightly, I turned towards them to realize who it was.

“Y/N? What are you doing out here?”

Y/N POV.

Sirius had been dancing with me for what seemed like ages, I could barely feel my feet in my heels I decided to wear. The ball had been quite exhausting so far, I enjoyed the people but after dancing for so long and constantly being surrounded by people in the stuffy ballroom I just wanted some fresh air honestly.

“SIRIUS! I'M GOING TO GO GET SOME AIR!” I had to yell over the music as it had somehow become louder and louder throughout the night. Sirius just gave me a nod and pointed towards the archway, then gestured to the right. I'd only been in the main part of the Black mansion for balls but I spent most of my summer sneaking into Sirius’ bedroom during the night when he needed someone to talk to. His parents were royally strict and hated their children having fun it seemed. They only cared for their children to uphold their family name and after that they neglected them without even another glance.

I followed where Sirius pointed and saw two tall, smudgeless, dark glass patio doors. When I walked up to the doors my eyes caught a glimpse of what looked like a dark figure, it must be a shadow from the ballroom. As I pulled open the door the cold hit my face quickly with a gust of freezing air. I wrapped my arms around me and walked down the patio stairs, through the garden. I could see fresh footprints in the snow as I walked, following them. The strides they took were large, hard to keep up with. In the garden there were lowly lit lamp posts illuminating the dark foliage of the Black’s garden. It had wilted roses with many dark boxwood bushes forming a twisty pathway. A ghastly tall viburnum bush had dark crimson berries growing, oddly tempting.

I continued my stroll through the garden at a quicker pace, I felt as if I was being pulled through the garden by twine tied around my waist. The snow made a soft squeak when I walked. I glanced forward trying to not become distracted by the greenery surrounding me, a large willow tree came into my view towards what seemed like the end of the pathway I had been following. A figure soon came into view as they moved in front of the tree’s droopy leaves. They had a slim build with incredibly dark hair that laid just below their chin, soft curls forming throughout their hair. The dark suit they wore had caught some snow as they walked, the small white flakes now decorated their suit and shoes while the majority of the flakes adorned their hair. They hadn’t noticed me as I walked closer, I reached my hand out to touch their shoulder. I didn’t want to scare them.

Regulus POV.

I turned quickly around towards who I now know to be Y/N, my brother’s best friend. I looked at her gown, realizing she was who Sirius was last dancing with before I left. All of my questions, well almost all had been answered. Sirius danced with her the longest because she wasn’t flirting with him, they were just messing around. I felt relieved in a way that my jealousy was over his best friend, not a new hook up. I always liked Y/N, she was fun and never seemed to care about anyone's opinions about her, I wish to be that carefree some day. Her face held a happy smile, a real smile. Her face was flushed from the cold I assume and her hair contained a snow globe worth of snow flakes. She was always very pretty but now she looked so naturally gorgeous it was hard to tear my eyes away from the masterpiece before me known as Y/N L/N.

“Y/N? What are you doing out here?” I realized how long I had been staring so I knew I had to speak before I made things awkward like I always do.

“I could ask you the same question Regulus, I just needed some air and I’m guessing you did too?” She always could see through me, even from how little we spoke she knew what I was thinking better than I did most of the time.

“Yeah, the ballroom always gets too warm for me, much prefer the cold.”

“It’s always so hot in there isn’t it?” Y/N’s face shifted into an understanding smile as she lightly laughed, she was such a fluid, expressional person I always enjoyed her presence.

“I don’t know how Sirius does it.” I let the words slip past my lips before even realizing what I said or who would hear.

“Does what? Dance for hours or get every girl to swoon for him.” She had begun to walk towards the tree and sit down on one of the large roots growing out of the tree, she seemed content with her seat.

“Precisely.” I answered her but I stayed still, I didn’t know if I should sit with her or if I’d make her uncomfortable with the proximity.

“You know I sat here so you would sit with me, I just look lonely now.” She let out a small huff as if disappointed by the lack of me next to her.

“S-Sorry, I just assumed you didn’t want me near you.” I quickly moved to sit by her, I could smell her soft vanilla perfume and feel the warmth radiate off of her.

“What? Why would I even think that Regulus, you’re not that terrible to be around, might even say I enjoy your presence.” Y/N let out the most gorgeous laugh, I just wanted to tape the sound and listen to it over and over again.

“I don’t know, I'm sorry for assuming, I won’t do it again.” My head fell slightly not wanting to see her face, I always apologize for my actions no matter how small, it’s what you must to do to survive as a Black child.

“You don’t have to talk to me like I’m your mother, I’m not going to get upset at you Regulus, you’re safe with me.” I felt like I wanted to tear up, no one has told me anything so comforting before. I looked at her and just smiled.

Y/N POV.

A real smile graced Regulus’ lips, I couldn’t contain my own smile.

“I didn’t know you had dimples-” Regulus’ eyes seemed glazed over, I couldn’t tell with what. “they fit you well.” I wished to just capture a photo of Regulus right now, curls tousled from the wind, flushed cheeks and nose, soft eyes, he just looked so perfect. Regulus didn’t answer, he just looked towards the ground. He wore classy black Oxfords while I wore my black heeled mary janes. They oddly matched but in their own way sorta like me and Regulus. Regulus was so form fitting whilst I was in some ways rambunctious, I never apologize for being a free spirit but it’s hard not to be self conscious compared to all the proper young ladies who attend the balls. Sometimes I wish I was more classy or proper so I wouldn’t be looked down upon.

“Are you okay?” I turned to look at Regulus just to be met with his deep gray eyes, they reminded me of storm clouds with the different shades of grays and blacks. He wore a worried expression, I hoped he wasn’t overthinking again.

“Yeah, just lost in thought. It’s so quiet it’s hard to not just be in your own world.”

“I think that’s why I must like the quiet.” Regulus smiled and looked back down at our shoes, I wondered if he was thinking about me like I was thinking of him.

“What are you thinking about?” His question caught me off guard, I didn’t know if I should tell him what I was really hung up on or not.

“Um, it’s kinda hard to explain I guess.”

“Just say something and I’ll try and piece it together, I know how hard it is to convey what’s going through your head sometimes.”

“You know how you don’t know how Sirius does what he does?-“ Regulus gave a small nod, fully looking at me, his full attention on me. I could feel myself warm up under his gaze, even with how cold it was outside. “I feel that way about most girls my age, I don’t know how they can be so modest and forgiving. I feel like I’m too human sometimes, too unapologetically myself.” A small sigh left my lips and I watched as it changed into a mist like smoke.

“I like how you are, I don’t think you should apologize for being you, you’re lovely.” Regulus’ words made me want to melt right then and there. He had a confused look on his face, like a puppy learning what being sad was but not understanding.

“I’m not too much? I know Sirius can keep up with me but I feel like everyone else just wants me to be quiet.”

“You’re the only person I don’t want to be quiet, Y/N.” I looked at Regulus who was already looking at me, I felt my heart beat a little quicker and my face get warmer. I looked back down at our shoes, smiling. I felt Regulus shift next to me but just looked forward now, admiring the plants surrounding us.

A plush jacket fell onto my shoulders as Regulus readjusted it, “Y-You were shaking, didn’t want you to get cold.” His lips were slightly curled into a smile, his gray eyes seemed even more gorgeous than minutes ago. His soft curls fell perfectly onto his forehead, his nose and cheeks pinker now.

“You’re so gorgeous Regulus.” He looked deep into my eyes as I looked into his, I never wanted this moment to end. His small smile turned into a sweet, loving smirk. Regulus seemed much closer to me now than when he first sat down. His jacket lay comfortably around me, his cologne faintly on his jacket collar just enough to get a small hint of it occasionally. I felt very safe around him, a different type of feeling from being around Sirius. It had stopped snowing by now so the moon light shone onto Regulus’ face making his features look ethereal.

“Can I kiss you?” The words uttered so quietly out my mouth I didn’t even think he heard me till I was met with his lips gently pressing onto mine. His lips were soft and plush. He tasted like champagne and a small hint of sweets Sirius had stolen early in the night. I put one of my hands in his hair and the other rested on his chest just above his heart. The kiss was gentle yet longing as if it had been long time coming. Regulus hands were cupping my cheeks as he leaned into the kiss.

We slowly pulled away to catch our breaths, our eyes never leaving each other.

“You’re gorgeous too, Y/N.” Regulus complimented a smile plastered on his face like he had won the lottery.

Regulus POV

She kissed me, the most beautiful and courageous girl I’ve ever met kissed me, Regulus Black. I could barely speak. I just wanted to kiss her over and over again till I couldn’t anymore. She looked amazing wrapped up in my jacket and her lips plump from me kissing her. I could die right here and die the happiest man to live.

“I love being out here with you but It’s really getting cold.” She stood up gracefully and reached a hand out for me to take. I grabbed her hand and began to walk with her through the garden, hand in hand. Her hands were just as soft as her lips and felt warm somehow.

“Your hands are so warm, how?” She gave me a puzzled look and then a smile worth melting for.

“I’ve always just been a warm person.” A small laugh left her lips and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ve always been cold, we match in a way.”

“We do match.” We both were smiling like love sick teenagers which we in fact were. I couldn’t help it, she was holding my hand and it felt so right.

She was the warmth I had always longed for.

[bethanydelleman]

Age 35 is ANCIENT

Reading Sense & Sensibility again (actually listening but same difference) and I love laughing at Marianne’s overly dramatic descriptions of how ANCIENT 35 years old is...

His pleasure in music, though it amounted not to that ecstatic delight which alone could sympathize with her own, was estimable when contrasted against the horrible insensibility of the others; and she was reasonable enough to allow that a man of five and thirty might well have outlived all acuteness of feeling and every exquisite power of enjoyment. She was perfectly disposed to make every allowance for the colonel’s advanced state of life which humanity required. (Ch 7)

And again

the colonel’s advanced years...  “if he were ever animated enough to be in love, must have long outlived every sensation of the kind. It is too ridiculous! When is a man to be safe from such wit, if age and infirmity will not protect him?”...  “But he talked of flannel waistcoats,” said Marianne; “and with me a flannel waistcoat is invariably connected with aches, cramps, rheumatisms, and every species of ailment that can afflict the old and the feeble.” (Ch 8)

Now often people argue to me that Regency people looked a lot older than people today, which is possible. However, the gentry wore hats, did not do hard labour, and had the ability to keep out of the sun. As Sir Walter in Persuasion points out, if they weren’t in the navy they tended to fare pretty well. So I searched through some rulers of the era (they have tons of portraits at different ages) and I found some ANCIENT men!

The Prince Regent of England (later George IV), at the incredibly advanced age of 36:

Napoleon Bonaparte, at 32, clearly already infirm:

And Alexander 1st of Russia, pushing 37! So old:

Now yes, portrait artists of monarchs might hide the signs of aging, but in later portraits of Napoleon the receding hairline is shown and later portraits of  George IV show both aging and weight gain.

Colonel Brandon might have had more sun damage to his face because he was posted in the East Indies, hmmmm... like The Duke of Wellington:

This portrait was painted when Wellington was 46! Here he is at 35:

I’m very sorry Marianne Dashwood, you have exactly zero legs to stand on!

[super-ion]

Such Lovely Fur

[Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3]

Chapter 4

I go on alone.

The passage through the mountain winds and branches, confirming my suspicions of a labyrinth. The light from the entrance persists for a time, longer than it would before my eyes were changed, but soon I am enveloped in pitch darkness. I am guided only by the faint sounds of the space, the subtle smells and whispers of breeze.

I make my way ever forward and ever higher until I discover the faintest light once more. The walls become carved in sharper lines and I begin to pass sconces bearing torches with a strange blue fire that gives off no heat. Eventually the stone walls give way to ice. As I proceed, the temperature drops. The chill of this place penetrates even my thick fur coat and my breath comes out in great clouds.

The further I go, the smoother and more ornate the walls become until I find myself wandering a grand palatial space. It is unnervingly empty, the study paws of my feet barely make a sound, but my footsteps still echo ominously.

That is until I hear the music. The music is somehow worse. It means someone is here. This horrible frozen palace is someone's home.

It is true that I have spent the past few days cavorting with a demon, but Rook was a physical presence, something I could relate to. This place is saturated in some primal elemental power that I cannot fathom.

The music grows ever louder as I make my way higher, drawing me ever closer to my goal. I know that when I find the source of the music, I will find my betrothed.

I finally reach a grand hall, grander than any I have passed yet. Every surface of the ice is carved in exquisitely fine details. The music emanates from a pair of mighty doors at the end of the hall.

As I walk, I suddenly spy a figure out of the corner of my eye. I am so on edge that I leap back in animal fright, laying my ears back and fluffing the fur on my tail. My reflection responded in kind.

What I mistook for another parallel hallway is actually a mirror… or at least a sheet of ice polished mirror smooth.

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have been frightened by my own reflection, but in my defense, I have not seen myself since my transformation.

I stare at the thing that I have become.

I had at least some idea of the fur and the paws and the tail, but Rook's final gift comes as a shock. My face is still generally my own, but the leopard features are unmistakable. My eyes are the color of polished gold, with the irises covering most of the visible surface. My nose has flattened and the tip has darkened. Feline ears poke out from snarled hair that has become the same silver grey color as the rest of my. I bare my teeth and find that my canines are larger than I initially thought.

I have become a beast, more animal than human.

Resolute, I walk to the doors and through the translucent ice, I can make out dim figures moving in time with it.

I take a breath and push them open to reveal a grand ballroom. The space is impossibly cavernous, larger and more extravagant than any room in the manors of any of the merchant princes in my home country. The space is filled with hundreds of dancers garbed in finery from every conceivable culture, from far distant lands and ages long forgotten. Each one of them is more beautiful than the last. The court of the Lady of Winter. Her collection.

All of them have a strange bluish cast to their skin and frost rims the edges of their clothes. Upon my entrance, the nearest dancers fall impossibly still to stare unblinking at me with impassive expressions. The stillness spreads out from me like a ripple in water and the music fades away.

The room is absolutely silent, I am distressed to discover that the only sound is my own heartbeat. Terror siezes me as some mysterious animal instinct tells me that these people do not smell alive. Nor do they smell quite dead. They are frozen, kept animated and eternally beautiful by the everpresent unfathomable power of this place.

I hear another sound, a slow heartbeat at the far end of the chamber.

I take a step forward and the crowd parts. They all stare at me. They stare at my torn and filthy clothes. They stare at my fur and my tail and my ears and my eyes.

I want to run. I want to flee this horrible place.

I take another step forward and another and another until I finally reach a raised dais.

A woman sits on a grand throne of ice that gleams iridescently behind her. Her skin is impossibly pale and perfectly smooth as if she were carved of ice herself. Her hair is white as snow and her eyes are the color of the pale blue ice around us. A crown sits atop her head, gleaming silver and studded with diamonds. Her dress is some sort of silvery silk, shining impossibly like a mirror made into fabric.

I have heard tales of her. All children have. Be good or the Lady of Winter will come for you in the night. In some versions of the tales she is a witch who gained the secret of immorality. In others she is a spirit made flesh, a physical manifestation of winter itself. She is a collector of souls, stealing people away from their homes and bringing them here.

I am so terrified by her presence that I only belatedly notice the figure seated at her side.

My betrothed is clothed in the very same regalia he wore on the celebration on the eve of what was meant to be our wedding. His heart beats so slowly in his chest and his eyes are glazed over, surely in the process of being frozen like the rest of the people here.

He blinks and some of the fog lifts from his eyes. He stares at me for a long while before recognition finally sets in.

“Astra?” he gasps. “What happened to you?”

I should be relieved that he recognizes me, but terror and doubt and uncertainty eat away at me.

“I came to rescue you,” I confess. “Along the way I met a demon. In exchange for her freedom she granted me gifts to not only help me survive but to reach you.”

His eyes widen in horror.

“You did this to yourself?” he asks. “You made yourself into a monster?”

A monster?

My doubts and fears crystalize in my belly. A wave of despair floods through me, but to my surprise it is followed by a wave of hot anger. Rook has given me incredible gifts, they are unorthodox certainly, but they are beautiful.

“Is that how you see me?” I snarl. “A monster? I did this to save you!”

He recoils at the heat in my voice. He opens his mouth, but the Lady of Winter silences him with a raised finger.

“It seems you have a choice, my pet,” she says, her voice resonating unnaturally from the very walls. “Remain here, unchanged and beautiful for eternity, or return home with your fiancee and the knowledge of what she has done to herself.”

He casts her a wild desperate look.

“You would simply let me go?” he asks.

“There are powers in this world great enough to challenge mine,” she replies. “This one has shown great devotion in making the treacherous journey here. If it is indeed true love that drives her, I dare not go against it.”

He looks back to me.

“Astra,” he pleads. “Tell me there is a way to break your curse. We can return home, we can have the life we were meant to have.”

A curse?

“This… this is not a curse,” I gasp. “It is a gift.”

“Astra,” he pleads. “A demon has addled your mind. You have dabbled in magic. If we return and you stay as you are, there will be no place for you in civilized society.”

His words hit me like a hammer

He truly cannot see the gift that has been given to me, can he?

He asks me to change for him?

What is it that your heart desires?

Rook's gifts, the changes I have wrought upon myself, they were not for him. They were never for him.

They were for me. Rook has granted me freedom. She saw through to the heart of me. She saw the truth in me that I could never acknowledge.

I have been a fool.

“No,” I say.

“No?” he replies, aghast.

“No,” I repeat. “I will not change myself for you. Not any more. I do not care if you leave this place or not, but I will not marry you. I have seen too much, experienced too much. I will not go back. I cannot go back.”

I turn to the Lady of Winter and bob a quick curtsey. I do not know how far her hospitality and tolerance for my presence in her court will last. I turn and walk away from them. It takes all my willpower to not break into a run until I am well and truly away from the ballroom.

But once I do start running, I cannot stop. I run and I sprint and I fall to all fours and lope easily down the twisting paths. I need to be out of here. I need to be away. I need… I need…

I retrace my steps through the maze of frozen stone until finally I step into the sunlight and breathe in the cold mountain air.

The world is alive. I am alive.

I survey the landscape beyond the cliff. Somewhere out in that rough craggy terrain is Rook. I need to find her. I cannot rest until-

“Forget something?”

The voice behind me makes me jump, which in turn produces a familiar snicker. There, lounging on an outcropping above the passage is Rook.

“I can't help but notice that you're alone, little cat,” she says.

“He didn't want me, not like this.”

“His loss,” she scoffs.

I do not fully know why, but the words make my heart flutter.

“It is probably for the best,” I admit. “I cannot go back to my old life… and there is something else.”

She sits upright and cocks her head at me curiously.

“A demon stole my heart,” I confess.

She stiffens and very real jealousy plays across her face. Her reaction is enough to summon forth a mirthful giggle from within me. She hisses and hurls a clod of snow at me before hopping off her perch and standing before me.

“It's me, right?” she demands. “Because if I need to go murder somebody-”

“It is you,” I laugh.

Before she can respond, I grab her shoulders and pull her to my level. The kiss is wild and frantic and not at all proper for a lady of my station.

But I am no longer a lady, am I? I have become something else entirely. I do not know what I am yet, but I intend to find out.

She makes a soft self satisfied moan against my lips and her sharp teeth nip at me. She pulls me close and spins us around, pressing my back into the stone of the cliff. I gasp in surprise, which only goads her more. I melt into her attentions and forget myself

I only pull away reluctantly. Her eyes open and she gazes hungrily at my lips. She wants more. She wants so much more.

I want so much more.

“Please,” I gasp. “I want this… just not… here.”

She glances upwards towards the peak of the mountain.

“That's fair,” she admits. “Where would you like to go, little cat?”

“Anywhere,” I respond. “Everywhere.”

[tuyo-truly]

The Wedding

/Where 17-year-old Crown Prince Xie Lian is to marry a princess to prevent a civil war that could have led to him being stabbed a thousand times./

Swords have always felt good in Xie Lian’s hands. He would even carry them along when he didn’t know how to fight. Now at 17, his hands have gotten calloused, but his moves are so elegant it almost seems like a dance whenever he fights. 

And swords were what he was used to anyway; the rough hilt and the sharp blade were what he was meant for. Right?

Now that he was holding hands as delicate as flower petals, this all seemed new. 

Dressed in the finest silks; robes so exquisite it would put the Heavenly Emperor to shame, his bride had walked towards him like a gazelle, enchanting the whole palace with the sounds of her footsteps. 

Xianle was facing a drought, the worst one in history. Not having enough resources had put His Majesty in a very troublesome position. He couldn’t shun his citizens as they were dying, parched, and starved. He didn’t have many options either, as the capital was running out of rations. The option left was to become an ally of their neighbouring kingdom. 

The fortuneteller told the Gong King that if his daughter was not married before the age of 18 to a righteous man, she would bring terror and calamity at the doors of heaven itself. Seeing the raised opportunity, he suggested a marriage between his daughter and Crown Prince Xie Lian in return he’ll give him resources. His Majesty was reluctant at first; considering the fact that his son was cultivating, and that too through abstinence. But he was reassured that it would not be a problem.

So now, Xie Lian and Gong Ai knelt facing each other; they bowed three times, first to the heavens, second to their parents, and third to each other. Then they washed their hands in the plates filled with water brought by servants, symbolising the ceremony's purity and solemnity. The new couple then ate the meat of the same animal followed by drinking cross-cupped wine. 

Although it was against his cultivation to drink wine, Guoshi had said that they could make this event an exception. He took one sip from his cup and waited for Gong Ai to empty half of hers. 

Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Xie Lian had one goal: ascending. One of his training was to not fall for women; due to this, he couldn’t help but feel bad for his bride-to-be, marrying a man who could not fulfil her wants.

After drinking half of the wine in that cup, Gong Ai handed the cup to Xie Lian, and he handed her his. He took another sip and waited for her to finish hers. 

Before the wedding, the parents of the bride tie a red string in her hair which is later removed by the groom. 

Xie Lian stood from his seat across from his bride to sit behind her. He pulled the string from her hair.

“Ah.” Gong Ai yelped, her hand rushing to where the string had stuck.

“I’m so sorry!!!.” Xie Lian said, trying to detangle the string from her headpiece. This shouldn’t have happened. He’s 17, he shouldn’t be making mistakes as foolish as this. As embarrassed as he was, he tried to be as gentle as possible to detangle the string and then returned to his seat.

The couple then had a small strand of hair cut off and tied together.

Xie Lian and Gong Ai got up from their respective seats, walked up, and stood across each other. Gong Ai placed her hands in Xie Lian's outstretched ones. It was time for the vows.

“I pledge to always be by your side. No cause in the 3 Realms could harm you as long as I exist,” Xie Lian said and felt Gong Ai give his hands a little squeeze. “I vow to satiate your every need and to never become the reason for your sorrow.”

“I vow to devote the rest of my life to you,” Gong Ai said and Xie Lian realised that he never fathomed that someone’s spoken voice could sound like music. “I promise to be the moments that bring joy and be the hand that supports you during hardships. I pledge to be the calm to the rout, the relief to the pain, and the conclusion to the uncertainty.” 

And with that, their vows were complete. 

— — — — — —

“Your Highness! I can not believe you said that!” Feng Xin exclaimed. 

They were walking back to Xie Lian's chambers after the wedding and the tea ceremony was over. Her Majesty had told some servants to prepare the room for the night but Xie Lian told her that, he didn't want other people in his room. So to assist him, Feng Xin and Mu Qing had come along. 

“Said what?” Xie Lian said, frowning. 

“That no one in the 3 Realms could harm her as long as you exist!!! You can't just say something like that,” Mu Qing exclaimed. “You need to be more aware of what comes out of your mouth.”

“You can’t say something like that to His Highness! Who do you think you are?!” Feng Xin yelled, and both of them started fighting again. 

Xie Lian didn't think he did anything wrong. That was his future wife, it is his duty to protect her from all harm and he vowed to her just that. There's nothing wrong with that. 

They reached his chambers and started cleaning up. They neatly placed the duet on the bed, brushed the floor, and then made the bed up with new red sheets, and a plate of dried longans, lotus seeds, red dates, and persimmons, and placed a sprig of pomegranate leaves on the bed that was given by Her Majesty. 

“So,” Feng Xin said, scratching the back of his neck, “how are you going to approach the… situation?”

“I don't wish to make it a big deal. I'll tell her that we can not consummate due to my cultivation. Simple.” Xie Lian said, being satisfied with his answer. 

“And you think she'll agree to that?” Mu Qing scoffed.

“Why wouldn't she?” Xie Lian replied, frowning. “I've heard that she's one of the kindest souls that has walked this Earth. Of course, she'd agree.”

“Whatever.” Mu Qing rolled his eyes. 

“Well if that doesn't work then I'll tell her I'm impotent.”

“WHAT?” Feng Xin had left the room to bring back a tray with a pot and two cups. As he entered he was shocked to hear what Xie Lian said. “You can not say that! You're the Crown Prince!”

“Alright alright,” Xie Lian replied. “What's in the pot?”

“Wine.”

“I already had enough wine for 20 years, take it away.”

“I can not, it's the tradition to drink it.”

“But we already did.”

“You're supposed to drink it differently this time I think.”

“Take it away.” Feng Xin huffed and left the room. 

— — — — — — — —

It was time for the bride to come to the chambers. Xie Lian was nervous, sitting at the edge of his bed, his foot tapping away. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself. As the Prince, he should be ready for anything. Political marriages are one of those things. 

The door to his chamber opened and his bride entered.  Xie Lian walked towards her and took her hand in his, to lead her to the bed. He wondered how his calloused hands felt in her feather-soft ones. She had changed her wedding robes and was wearing a less embroidered set just as Xie Lian had. She also wasn’t wearing the headpiece anymore. Regardless, she looked beautiful.

They were both sitting on the bed now. Xie Lian asked, “May I lift your veil?” 

Gong Ai nodded. Xie Lian moved his hand towards the veil and slowly lifted the veil. He gasped. He had an idea that she was beautiful from all the stories and songs he had heard about her but beautiful is not the right word to use. Bewitching, enchanting, alluring perhaps. Yes, they seemed like the right words. Her eyes were dark, her lips were painted red and there was a blush on her cheeks from Xie Lian's reaction. She shyly looked away from him.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Xie Lian said. Gong Ai turned back to look at him. She shook her head and smiled at him. Xie Lian might as well have ascended. 

“I’m okay.” She replied, and they both looked away and stared at their lap.

“I need to tell you something,” Xie Lian said, “I know that we’re usually expected to do things on the wedding night but I can not do them because of my cultivation.”

“This one is aware, my mother told me.” 

“That’s good, that’s good.” Xie Lian said nodding.

“...”

“How are you liking Xianle?”

“It’s beautiful. The art here is quite different from my home but beautiful regardless.”

“It is.” Xie Lian said smiling. “We could go outside the palace sometime if you’re interested?”

“I would love that.” Gong Ai said, smiling back at him. 

“Lovely.”

“Your Highness? I think we should sleep now, it’s getting late.”

“Yes, of course. And you’re my wife, you can call me Xie Lian.”

“Xie Lian,” Gong Ai said, testing how the name sounded on her tongue and nodded “Alright.” 

They both shifted to the back of the bed and rested their heads on the soft pillows. Xie Lian felt happy. His wife was a good person. He had an idea and said, “Do you want to be held?” 

Gong Ai widened her eyes. “Um, if that’s okay with you?”

“It is. Come.” Xie Lian turned towards her and opened his arms. He read in the book that his mother gave him that the bride might feel sad after her wedding because her family would return to their home leaving her to live with the groom’s family, so it was the groom’s responsibility to keep her happy and comfortable.

She shifted towards him and rested her head on his arm. Xie Lian wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders. He felt her bury her face in the crook of his neck. She smelt like flowers. He rested his head on top of her silky hair. 

He felt her foot touch his and pull away. He slowly moved his foot towards hers and let it rest there, implying it’s okay to touch. Realising his implication, she moved her leg to rest between his, entangling them together. She brought her hand, which was resting between them, to his chest. Xie Lian wondered if she could feel his frantic heartbeat. She must have. 

Xie Lian placed his hand on top of hers, “If you ever need anything at all, I’m here for you, okay?” He felt her nod. “Sleep.”

— — — — — — — — — — —

Hiii!!! this is my first time writing a fic. Please be gentle with me, I will cry. And if anyone goes, how could you make a gay man straight, well I'm a pansexual 17-year-old, consider this as me projecting. This is an author self-inserting herself in the tgcf world.

Also, Gong means 'to give' and Ai means 'love'. So her name literally means 'to give love.' However, I don't know how accurate it is because I googled it. So yeah. It is what it is. Hope you liked it!

[roses-dreams-andthorns]

Hello! Just followed a couple of days before and i love your writings. May i request a Eden from honkai reader in twisted wonderland. For example : She can sing and play instruments and she likes to drink wine? It feels wrong to put them with 2nd and 1st years so some 3rd years like Leona, idia, cater and Vil. If you do take up this request. Thank you!

but of course, friendo! Trey is an Eden main so Trey will def be doing this one-

GOᒪᗪEᑎ ᗪIᐯᗩ

"𝕸𝖞 𝖘𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖍𝖆𝖘 𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖉 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖒𝖞 𝖊𝖗𝖆. 𝕸𝖆𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖋𝖚𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖊 𝖇𝖊 𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖌 𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗."

Female!Eden!Reader. (She / Her pronouns used.)

ꪶꫀꪮꪀꪖ ᛕ꠸ꪀᧁᦓᥴꫝꪮꪶꪖ᥅

So the herbivore can play instruments, eh? and she drinks wine... instresting, I guess.

He doesn't care much, but he does like it when you play your instruments for him, they help him fall asleep faster because of the soothing melodies you produce for him, and he also tends to enjoy it when you two join together for a drink, (because Leona is of legal drinking age...) and he finds it funny when you're drunk, just so casually letting people take things from you, no matter how expensive they are, you simply give them away as if they were worth nothing to you, not asking for anything in return. There was a time Ruggie took one of your expensive necklaces while you were drunk, Leona tried to stop him, but you just laughed it off and said; "Take it, dear Ruggie! I'm sure it will look wonderful on you!"

Ruggie still has the necklace...

Ｃａｔｅｒ Ｄｉａｍｏｎｄ

Oh em gee! you can play instruments? Slay! oh- and you can drink? How old are you exactly??

He loves listening to you play your instruments, and he sometimes requests covers of his favorite songs, and you always enjoy accepting them and playing them, and singing. The new, modern songs are always fun to play, in your opinion.

He has witnessed you drunk plently of times before, and he still doesn't understand why, even when you're drunk, you're still so kind. You give away treasures of yours for completely free, and even after you're no longer drunk, you still laugh it off and just continue to let the person keep what you gave them. You always tell Cater; "I like it that way! A gift is a gift, Cay-san."

𝓥𝓲𝓵 𝓢𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓽

Your entire existance thrives with your beauty and elegance, your makeup is always on point, your outfits are elegant and exquisite, and your skill in music is astonishing.

He loves to listen to you play your instruments, he wants to dance to your music so badly...

He has witnessed you drunk so many times, he's tried to cut you off from the wine, but you always end up finding more... there was once a time Epel had tried to take something of yours, he tried to stop him, but you pat his shoulder (while drunk) and said "Come now, Vi-san, don't get so angry..." (while drunk) then you turned to Epel and smiled, "Whatever you tried to take, dear, you can have! I no longer have a use for it." (While still drunk) and went back to drinking your wine like nothing happened, while Vil followed, giving Epel a; "You're lucky..." stare.

𝕀𝕕𝕚𝕒 𝕊𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕕

OMG YOU'RE LIKE THAT ANIME CHARACTER!!!!!!!

He likes listening to you play your instruments, you do covers of songs from the soundtracks of his favorite games or animes, and he loves to hear them. You're quite the drunkard though, everytime he sees you on campus whenever he attends, you're drinking wine out of that fancy goblet of yours, and most likely drunk, because a few minutes later he sees some other students carrying you to the nurse's office because you passed out from how much you've drank... are your internal organs okay? he surely doubts they are...

There are also times you give him expensive looking stuff when you're drunk. There was a time you had bought him some anime figurines while drunk, I mean, he's thankful... but you really didn't have to...

[baldwinivmybeloved]

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡Charper Twenty˖ ࣪. ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ. Xica X Baldwin IV

This charper have NSFW content When this emoji💐 appears is where the NSFW scene begins, you can skip it if it makes you uncomfortable

The grand hall of the castle was dazzling. Tables lined up in perfect rows were adorned with exquisite dishes and floral arrangements, while scented candles illuminated the space with a warm and welcoming light. The music of lutes and violins filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere resonating with the laughter and animated conversations of the guests.

Baldwin and Xica entered the hall, holding hands and smiling at those present. The crowd welcomed them with applause and cheers, although Xica couldn't help but notice some faces that did not share the general enthusiasm. The murmurs and whispers of those who criticized her origin and position reached her, and for a moment, she felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach.

"Remember, we are in this together," Baldwin whispered, squeezing her hand affectionately. "Don't let their words affect you."

Xica nodded, trying to maintain her composure. She knew not everyone would accept her immediately, but she was determined to prove her worth as queen.

The first round of toasts was in honor of the royal couple. Godfrey stood with his glass raised, and the hall fell silent to hear his words.

"Today, we celebrate not only the union of two brave souls but also the beginning of a new era for Jerusalem," Godfrey said, his voice resonating firmly. "Baldwin and Xica have shown us that love and determination can overcome any obstacle. I wish them a life filled with love, justice, and prosperity. To Baldwin and Xica!"

The guests raised their glasses and toasted, and Xica smiled, grateful for Godfrey's support. However, she couldn't help but hear the derogatory comments from some nearby nobles.

"A dark-skinned queen? It's an insult to our nobility," murmured one of them.

"This should never have happened. It's a disgrace to our land," added another.

Xica felt a weight on her chest but decided to focus on the friendly faces around her. Jacobino and Xavier were nearby, talking enthusiastically. When their eyes met, both smiled at her and gestured supportively. Xavier approached and whispered in her ear:

"Don't listen to those fools, Xica. We know who you are and what you're capable of."

"Thank you, Xavier. That means a lot to me," Xica replied, feeling a little better.

As the music continued and guests began to enjoy the food, Baldwin and Xica mingled with the crowd, sharing kind words and thanks with their friends and allies. In a corner, Sybilla, Baldwin's sister, was talking to their mother, Agnes of Courtenay. Both were watching Xica with inscrutable expressions.

"I hope she knows what she's doing," Agnes said quietly, her tone full of skepticism.

"Trust Baldwin, mother. He knows what's best for Jerusalem," Sybilla responded, although her gaze towards Xica was evaluative.

As the night wore on, the tension of the initial moments began to dissipate. The lively music invited the guests to dance, and soon, the dance floor was filled with couples moving to the cheerful rhythm of the instruments. Baldwin took Xica's hand and led her to the center of the floor.

"May I have this dance, my queen?" he asked with a smile.

"It would be an honor, my king," Xica replied, returning his smile.

They danced with grace and elegance, their movements synchronized as if they were born to be together. As they spun and moved across the floor, Xica allowed herself to forget the malicious whispers and focus on the man she loved. Every look, every shared smile with Baldwin, filled her with renewed confidence.

After the dance, Jacobino and Xavier approached to congratulate her again. Jacobino, his eyes bright with emotion, couldn't contain himself.

"Look at our queen, Xavier!" he exclaimed, giving his brother a gentle push. "I knew this day would come, but I never imagined it would be so perfect."

"You're right, Jacobino. Our sister is radiant," Xavier said, smiling broadly. "And we are very proud of her."

Xica hugged her brothers, feeling a surge of love and support that comforted her. As they talked and laughed, Baldwin approached with a glass of wine for her.

"To the most beautiful queen of all," Baldwin said, handing her the glass.

"Thank you, Baldwin," Xica replied, taking a sip and enjoying the sweet and refreshing taste.

The party continued with more dancing, toasts, and moments of joy. But Xica couldn't completely ignore the malicious comments that still lingered in the air. She decided to take a short break and headed to one of the castle's terraces to get some fresh air.

As she gazed at the stars in the sky, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Agnes of Courtenay approaching with a serious expression on her face.

"Xica, we need to talk," Agnes said, her tone imperious.

"About what, madam?" Xica asked, trying to stay calm.

"About your place in this family and this kingdom. Not everyone agrees with this union, and you know well why," Agnes replied, her eyes flashing with hardness. "You must be prepared to face a lot of resistance. And you must prove that you are worthy of this title, beyond my son's favors."

Xica looked at her steadily, her heart pounding.

"I understand your concerns, madam. But I promise you I will do everything I can to be a good queen. Baldwin and I are committed to working together for the good of Jerusalem. And I will not let the prejudices of some stop us."

Agnes watched her in silence for a few moments, then slowly nodded.

"We shall see, Xica. We shall see."

With that, Agnes walked away, leaving her alone on the terrace. Xica sighed, feeling a mix of challenge and determination. She knew the road ahead would not be easy, but she was ready to fight for her place beside Baldwin and for the good of her kingdom.

She returned to the hall, where the party was in full swing. Baldwin, seeing her, gestured for her to come closer.

"Are you all right?" he asked with concern.

"Yes, I just needed a bit of air," Xica replied, taking his hand and feeling his unconditional support.

As the night went on, Xica and Baldwin enjoyed the rest of the celebration, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Despite the challenges they knew they would face, they were ready to start their life together, as king and queen of Jerusalem.

The party continued, and the guests took turns congratulating the royal couple. Tiberias, Baldwin's loyal advisor and friend, approached with a broad smile and open arms.

"My sincerest congratulations, Your Majesties!" he said, embracing Baldwin and then Xica. "Today is a historic day for Jerusalem. I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Tiberias. Your words mean a lot to us," Baldwin replied, returning the hug.

"Yes, thank you very much," Xica added, smiling gratefully.

As they conversed, Agnes of Courtenay approached once again. Her expression was serious, and she couldn't resist making a comment that caused the atmosphere to tense.

"I hope you will soon start thinking about having children. After all, the kingdom needs an heir," she said, looking Xica up and down. "Although I wonder if it will be possible, given the circumstances."

Xica felt a lump in her throat, but before she could respond, Baldwin intervened.

"Mother, please. This is not the time to talk about that," he said firmly, protecting his wife from Agnes' uncomfortable remarks.

"I'm just being realistic, Baldwin," Agnes replied, shrugging. "But you are right. There is time for everything."

Xica tried not to let Agnes' comments affect her. In her mind, she found herself thinking of the little prince, far away in the distant lands. She wondered how he was and wished that he could see how her life had changed. Maybe someday she could tell him her story.

As the night continued, Xica and Baldwin shared moments of joy and laughter with their friends and family. Jacobino and Xavier, always close by, made her laugh with their jokes and comments. The music and dancing continued, filling the hall with a festive atmosphere.

Finally, when the party began to wind down, Baldwin took Xica's hand and led her toward the exit.

"It's time to retire to our chambers, my queen," he said softly.

"Yes, my king," Xica replied, smiling tenderly.

As they walked through the castle corridors, Xica allowed herself to think about everything that had happened and what the future held for them. She felt happy and at the same time anxious about what was to come. When they reached the door of their chambers, Xica stopped and looked at Baldwin.

"I need a few moments to prepare," she said softly. "Could you wait for me here?"

Baldwin nodded, understanding.

"Of course, Xica. Take your time."

Xica entered the room and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door for a moment, taking a deep breath and trying to calm her nerves. She knew that tonight would be the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

She looked around the room, decorated with candles and fresh flowers. Everything was ready for their first night together as husband and wife. With a smile, she began to prepare, knowing that Baldwin was waiting for her with patience and love. 💐

The night was dark and quiet, the moon casting a soft glow on the ancient stone walls of the castle. King Baudouin IV, a man marked by leprosy, lay in bed waiting for his new wife, Xica.

When Xica entered the room, Baldwin's heart began to race. He watched her move gracefully across the floor, her body illuminated by the flickering candles. She walked over to the bed and knelt next to him, reaching out to touch his face.

Baldwin's skin was rough and discolored, but Xica saw past that. She saw the man beneath, the king who had fought for his people and the husband who loved her deeply.

Slowly, Xica began to remove her clothes, revealing her body to Baldwin. He looked at her with a mixture of fascination and fear, not sure how he could please her.

Baldwin knew he had found his true companion, a woman who would support him through thick and thin. He knew that he would be able to face any challenge that came his way, as long as he had Xica by his side.

Baldwin knew he had found a love truly worth fighting for.

The night was dark and quiet, except for the soft rustling of the leaves of the nearby trees. King Baudouin IV and his new wife, Xica, lay in bed waiting for the perfect moment to consummate their marriage. The room was dimly lit by a single candle, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Baldwin, a leper, felt shame and shyness when he looked at Xica's beautiful face. He had always been an introverted man and the thought of exposing his disfigured body to another person was daunting.

Xica, however, was not discouraged by Baldwin's condition. She had fallen in love with him for who he was, not for his physical appearance. She gently took his hand and whispered, "Baldwin, my love, we have waited long enough. Let's make love tonight."

Baldwin hesitated at first, but Xica's gentle touch and reassuring words calmed his nerves. He slowly removed his shirt, revealing his scarred chest and arms. Xica's eyes widened slightly, but she smiled and continued caressing his skin.

"You're beautiful, Baldwin," she whispered. "Your scars are part of you and make you unique."

Baldwin felt a sense of relief wash over him as he saw the love and acceptance in Xica's eyes. He started to take off his pants, but hesitated again. Xica sensed his hesitation and gently guided him to lie down next to her.

She began to kiss his lips and Baldwin felt a surge of passion rising within him. He reached out and pulled her close, kissing her deeply. Their tongues intertwined and Baldwin felt a new confidence and desire.

Xica's hand slowly moved down Baldwin's chest, tracing the contours of his scarred skin. Baldwin shuddered with pleasure as she kissed his neck and felt an intense heat growing inside him.

He continued to explore Baldwin's body, gently caressing his scarred thighs and legs. Baldwin felt a sense of vulnerability and exposure, but also a deep sense of intimacy and connection.

Xica's hand moved downward and Baldwin felt her touch his groin. He shuddered with pleasure as she gently caressed him.

his erect penis. Baldwin felt a sense of pride and confidence as he saw Xica's face light up with desire.

Xica's hand moved even lower and Baldwin felt her fingers brush against his scarred groin. Baldwin felt a moment of hesitation, but Xica reassured him with a soft smile.

Xica's fingers delicately traced the contours of Baldwin's scarred groin, and Baldwin felt a deep sense of pleasure and connection. He felt a sense of pride and confidence knowing that Xica loved him for who he was, not for his physical appearance.

He shuddered with pleasure as she gently licked his erect penis. Baldwin felt a deep sense of vulnerability and exposure, but also a deep sense of intimacy and connection, knowing that Xica loved him for who he was, not for his physical appearance.

King Baldwin IV and Xica lay in their bed, the moon casting a soft glow over the room. Baldwin's eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow and irregular. Xica looked at him, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She knew he was nervous, but she also knew he wanted her more than anything.

Slowly, he reached out and ran his fingers over her face. He could feel his skin, rough and rough from the leprosy that ravaged his body. But his touch was gentle and Baldwin's eyes widened.

"Xica," he whispered, his voice hoarse and strained. "I'm sorry if I'm not what you expected."

Xica leaned in and kissed him, her lips soft and tender against his. "You are everything I hoped for, my love," he murmured. "And more."

Baldwin's hands reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her closer to him. Xica moaned softly, feeling his arousal pressing against her.

"Xica," Baldwin said again, his voice more urgent this time. "I love you. Please let me make love to you."

Xica smiled and nodded, her own desire growing with each passing moment. She reached down and began to unbutton her dress, her movements slow and deliberate. Baldwin looked at her, his eyes fixed on her every movement. But Xica was patient and understanding. She guided Baldwin's hands to her breasts, teaching him how to touch her in a way that brought him pleasure. Baldwin's fingers shook at first, but he soon found a rhythm that worked.

Xica moaned softly as Baldwin's hands roamed over her body, his touch soft and tender. She closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the sensations, her body responding to his touch.

Baldwin's own desire was growing and he felt a stirring in his gut. But he hesitated, unsure of how he could consummate his marriage.

Xica sensed his hesitation and reached out to take his hand. She carried him towards her, her body open and waiting for him. Baldwin hesitated for a moment, but then leaned forward and kissed her with soft, gentle lips.

Xica's body responded to his touch, her breathing becoming labored and ragged. Baldwin's hands moved over her body, exploring every inch of her, and she felt her own desire grow stronger.

Slowly, Baldwin began to move inside her, his body shaking with each thrust. Xica moaned softly, her body responding to his touch, and Baldwin felt a sense of joy and satisfaction he had never known before.

When Xica was finally naked, Baldwin's hands reached out to touch her. He ran his fingers over her skin, his touch soft and reverent. Xica closed her eyes and moaned softly, feeling the heat of his desire against her.

Baldwin lowered his head and began to kiss her, his lips soft and tender against hers. Xica opened her mouth for him, her tongue dancing with his. She felt his hands on her, pulling her closer to him, and responded eagerly.

Baldwin's hands moved down her body, tracing the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. Xica gasped as he reached between her legs and his fingers found the heat and wetness of her desire.

He began to caress her, his fingers moving in slow, sensual circles. Xica felt her body begin to tremble, her desire growing with each passing moment.

Baldwin's mouth moved downward, his lips tracing the curve of her stomach and the softness of her thighs. Xica moaned softly, feeling his tongue against her, and reached down to touch him.

Baldwin's arousal was hard and erect, and Xica took him into her mouth. She began to suck on him, her tongue swirling around him and Baldwin moaned softly.

Xica's hands lowered and her fingers spread between Baldwin's legs. She found his testicles and began to caress them, her touch soft and reverent. Baldwin moaned loudly, his body shaking with desire.

Xica lowered her mouth, taking Baldwin's arousal deep into her throat. I could feel his body squirm and shake, and I knew he was about to cum.

Baldwin's hands went up to her hair, holding her in place as he came, his body shaking with the force of his ecstasy. Xica swallowed his cum, her own desire growing with each passing moment.

Baldwin's hands went down, his fingers found warmth, and we

the firmness of his desire. He began to caress her, his fingers moving in slow, sensual circles. Xica felt her body begin to tremble, her desire growing with each passing moment.

Baldwin's mouth moved downward, his lips tracing the curve of her stomach and the softness of her thighs. Xica moaned softly, feeling his tongue against her, and she reached down to touch him. Her tongue swirled around him and Baldwin moaned softly.

Xica lowered her mouth, taking Baldwin's arousal deep into her throat. I could feel his body squirm and shake, and I knew he was about to cum.

The moon cast a soft glow over the bedroom, illuminating the silhouette of King Baldwin IV and his new wife, Xica. The leper king lay in bed, waiting for his bride to join him. He couldn't help but feel guilt and shame as he anticipated the night of passion to come.

"My king," she whispered, her voice like honey. "I have been waiting for you."

Baldwin cleared his throat nervously. "Xica, I must warn you. I am a leper. I have been cursed with this affliction and I fear it is too much for you, I fear that if we continue you may become ill."

Xica took Baldwin's hand and kissed it softly. "My love, I have chosen to be with you for a reason. I do not care about your condition. The only thing that matters to me is the love we share."

Baldwin felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that Xica was different from any other woman he had ever met. She was kind, compassionate and understanding. He felt safe in her arms.

"Lie down, my king," Xica whispered, her voice low and seductive.

Baldwin did as she ordered and Xica began to kiss him softly. She ran her fingers through his hair and Baldwin felt a sensation of pleasure course through his body.

Xica leaned down and kissed Baldwin's lips, and Baldwin felt her tongue enter his mouth. They kissed passionately, their bodies intertwined in a sensual dance.

Xica continued to pleasure Baldwin orally, and Baldwin felt himself reaching the peak of his pleasure. He leaned in and kissed Baldwin deeply, his tongue exploring his mouth. Baldwin felt a sense of euphoria wash over him. I had never felt anything like this before.

Xica climbed on top of Baldwin and went down on his penis. Baldwin felt her warmth engulf him and felt a sensation of pleasure course through his body.

Xica began to move her body, her hips rubbing against Baldwin's. Baldwin felt a sensation of pleasure he had never experienced before. He leaned down and kissed Baldwin's lips, and Baldwin felt his tongue enter his mouth. They kissed passionately, their bodies intertwined in a sensual dance.

He continued to move his body, his hips brushing against Baldwin's. Baldwin felt a sensation of pleasure that he had never experienced before. Xica began to moan and Baldwin felt his body begin to shake. She screamed in pleasure and Baldwin felt a sensation of ecstasy wash over him.

Baldwin and Xica continued making love, their bodies intertwined in a sensual dance. They kissed passionately, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.

Finally, Baldwin felt a sense of pleasure that he had never experienced before. He let out a loud moan and Xica collapsed onto his chest.

Baldwin and Xica lay on the bed, holding each other closely. Baldwin felt a sense of love and happiness that he had never experienced before.

Xica leaned down and kissed Baldwin deeply. "I love you, my king," she whispered.

Baldwin smiled and felt a sense of joy wash over him. I knew I would never be alone

It was a moonless night and the room was enveloped in darkness. King Baldwin IV, now a leper with a disfigured face, and his new wife, Xica, lay in bed, their bodies tangled. Xica was a dazzling beauty, with long, dark hs.

air and a face that seemed to shine in the darkness. He leaned in and whispered in Baldwin's ear, "My king, I am here for you tonight. Let me show you what true love is."

Baldwin's heart raced as he looked Xica in the eyes. He had married her in the hope of finding a cure for her leprosy, but he also longed for the intimacy that had been missing from his life for so long. Xica's soft lips brushed his and he felt a wave of pleasure wash over him.

"Please, Xica," Baldwin begged, "let me taste you."

Xica smiled and changed the position of her legs, revealing her most intimate parts. Baldwin's eyes widened as he took in her beauty. He leaned down and kissed her softly, savoring the taste of her sweet nectar.

.

Xica smiled and spread her legs wider, inviting Baldwin to continue. Baldwin moved between her legs, his eyes locked on hers. He leaned down and kissed her again, this time with more passion.

Xica's hands ran over Baldwin's body, exploring his scars and imperfections. She whispered in his ear, "My king, you are beautiful. You are perfect for me."

Baldwin's heart filled with love and gratitude. He pushed himself into Xica's body and she screamed with pleasure. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, their passion growing with each passing moment.

Baldwin felt a warmth run through his body as he realized that he had found true love and that Xica was the one to help him find a cure for his leprosy.

Baldwin's heart filled with love and gratitude. He pushed himself into Xica's body and she screamed with pleasure. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, their passion growing with each passing moment.

Baldwin climbed on top of her and slid his cock inside her.

Xica moaned softly and Baldwin began to move. He thrust in and out, and Xica's body responded eagerly.

Baldwin's movements became more frantic and Xica's moans became louder. They were both lost in their own world and forgot about everything else.

Baldwin's thrusts became more urgent and Xica's moans became more intense. Baldwin felt like he was going to explode and knew he was close.

Xica felt Baldwin's cock swell inside her and knew what was happening. She clenched her muscles around his cock and Baldwin let out a loud moan.

Baldwin's cock burst inside Xica's body, and she felt him fill her with his seed. She moaned softly and Baldwin collapsed on top of her.

💐

They remained there for a few moments, their bodies intertwined. Baldwin felt like he had never been so alive. Xica felt like she had never felt so loved.

Xica looked at Baldwin and he looked at her. They smiled at each other and knew this was just the beginning.

Baldwin got out of Xica's body and lay down next to her. He looked at her and she looked at him.

"You're beautiful," Baldwin whispered.

Xica smiled, leaned down and kissed him.

"I love you," he whispered.

Baldwin smiled and kissed her back.

They stood there for a few moments, their bodies intertwined, and they knew this was just the beginning.

"It's been a long day," Baldwin said, letting out a sigh as he sat on the edge of the bed. "But it's also been the happiest day of my life."

"For me too," Xica replied, sitting next to him and taking his hand. "But I can see that you're exhausted. Why don't you lie down for a moment?"

Baldwin nodded, letting himself fall back onto the bed with a sigh of relief. Xica lay down next to him, turning to face him. Their eyes met, and slowly, Baldwin leaned towards her, pressing his lips against Xica's in a soft, loving kiss.

The kiss deepened, their lips moving together in a dance of passion and tenderness. Xica could feel Baldwin's exhaustion but also his desire to be close to her. They embraced, their bodies fitting perfectly together, and Baldwin gently caressed Xica's face with his fingers, as if he wanted to memorize every detail.

"I love you, Xica," Baldwin murmured against her lips, his voice low and full of emotion. "I've never felt this before, and I don't want it to ever end."

"I love you too, Baldwin," Xica replied, whispering the words with all her heart. "Tonight is just the beginning of our life together."

They kissed again, their lips meeting in a silent promise of eternal love. Finally, fatigue won the battle and, embraced, they began to fall asleep. Baldwin cuddled against Xica, his breathing becoming slow and regular.

"Rest, my love," Xica whispered, stroking his hair. "Tomorrow will be another day, and we will face it together."

She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Baldwin's body beside her. The night had been magical, and as they fell into a deep sleep, Xica knew she was beginning a new life full of love, challenges, and hope. The murmurs and criticisms of the nobles faded into the background, eclipsed by the strength of their love and their determination to build a future together.

[raw-law]

idk if someone already asked this but do you guys have any favorite shows or movies? i would also like to know what your favorite genre of music is?? love you both btw

Light:

Maybe this might come as a surprise to you, but I actually rather enjoy Studio Ghibli movies. The animation is exquisite, the storyline's always simple yet heartwarming, and I just love everything Hayao Miyazaki creates. It's become kind of a running joke that he always says the next movie is going to be his last....but, well, I selfishly hope that won't be the case for another few years.

As for music...I don't really enjoy music, or listen to it much. But Will Wood's songs are nice.

L:

i've watched quite a few movies and shows, but none of them were particularly "favorites" of mine. i typically only watch things to understand current pop culture. though, i did end up enjoying Dead Poets Society and Mythic Quest quite a bit. both had very impactful scenes that i still rewatch occasionally, and their characters are incredibly well-crafted too. brad bakshi and mr. keating are simply iconic. it's inarguable.

i don't really have a favourite genre of music either. i suppose pop opera works though, since that's what Les Misérables is described as. will wood is pretty neat too.