#nira: about

[celestialshearts]

tag drop pt. 2 !!

[nuclearanomaly]

She didn't Surecast...

[kata-kemi]

Envoy Nira, Willbender. A High ranking Inquest Officer. Sponsored by Arenanet.

[dustandshadows-if]

On a scale of least to most slowburn, where do all of the ROs lie? Can you tag this question with #slowburn, please?

hmmm on a scale from least to most slow burn:

farrah, quinn, nira, juliette 🫶

[thedailyvio]

Day 121

Rejected anatomy:

[alexiaugustin]

i love love love that skamfr made a point of showing how easily abusers and rapists apologizing can make victims feel guilty to a point where they feel guilty for reporting them. how easy it is to believe that they might genuinely regret what they’ve done and that maybe that should be enough, maybe you will be the bigger bitch for still wanting them to be punished legally. they had hugo admit that all along he knew that he had raped her and that he would take responsibility and tell the court the truth. just for him to lie the next day because he was scared of the consequences. i love love love that the message of this season is that abusers and rapists will always choose themselves over taking responsibility, that they will always protect themselves first and that they will always stick up for themselves. which is exactly why it’s time for women to stick up for themselves instead of feeling guilty, to speak up instead of letting abusers or guilt or both at the same time silence victims.

[aeris-flores]

ツ (for nira!)

AERIS 📲 NIRA — I'm really not sure if you're going to hate me for this, but AERIS 📲 NIRA — I got you featured in a Tattoo & Piercing magazine AERIS 📲 NIRA — Interview set up with the editors on the upcoming Monday. You can clear your book and take any of the other days off to make up for it AERIS 📲 NIRA — CONGRATS! From the best boss ever

@nirawuu

[yjwonz]

i forgot i cant openly joke about my mother eesh

[stardoomed-if]

Stardoomed is an 18+ drama/romance interactive fiction novel set in Los Angeles. Focus on relationships and avoid falling into bad habits; the road to fame is more filled with pitfalls than you ever imagined.

When destiny leads you, a newcomer to the world of K-pop, to become the last member selected for the most anticipated new group, Next Gen, the journey to fame seems like a dream come true. But behind the bright lights and smiles on stage, dark secrets and overwhelming challenges lurk.

Each member of Next Gen faces their own demons as they struggle to stay afloat in a world that loves and hates them in equal measure, a world to which you now belong. You'll be drawn into a whirlwind of drama, romance, and friendship as you navigate the complexities of life as a new idol.

With the fate of the group and your own career at stake, you'll have to make tough decisions, face your deepest fears, and discover what it truly means to achieve greatness in a world where success can be as fleeting as a star.

Are you ready to live the dream?

CW: explicit language, sexual themes, discrimination (homophobia, transphobia, racism), substance abuse, non explicit violence.

✦ Play as a male, female, straight or queer, question your gender, and challenge the world for something you didn't choose.

✦ Full customization: personality, appearance, style, nationality, and just like in real life, be judged by how you look.

✦ Choose your role in the group, are you a dancer or a rapper? perhaps a talented singer? or maybe... nothing.

✦ Become part of one of the most promising K-pop groups of the decade.

✦ Face the true face of the industry.

✦ Succeed as an idol or pursue your true dream, be a painter, an actor, a CEO—the choice is yours.

✦ Fight against your projective mother to regain control of your life or give in to her whims for a bit of her affection.

✦ Embark on a forbidden romance with one of your three group mates or the company staff, either way, they'll fire you when they find out.

✦ Meaningful decisions. Here, everything matters, even your weight, unfortunately.

✦ Choose between your mental health or stardom.

✦ THE MAIN CHARACTER

The fourth and final member of Next Gen seems to be more about luck than talent. Insecure, repressed, and with questionable mental health, they will need to learn to put themselves first and take control of their own life, even if it means destroying the almost nonexistent relationship with their mother.

✦ NIKO / NIKA ROMANOV [ro; m/f] see more

One of the choreographers at HYPE. Contrasting with their rough appearance and tattoos, they are a kind and warm person who, although their smile never fades, carries the weight of their past with them.

"Leave it all behind."

✦ HANNY / HANNAH SONG [ro; m/f] see more

Talented beauty blogger and one of the main makeup artists at HYPE. Cheerful, shy, introverted, and full of colors, they are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. It's a pity they don't think the same.

"There's always a reason to be grateful."

✦ DEVON DILLARD [ro; non-binary] see more

A music producer at HYPE, with a distinctive style and incomparable talent, they have broken barriers and more than a dozen hearts. A free soul is what they are, and all they want is to have fun. Although you are increasingly convinced that everything is a facade.

"I'm too sober for this shit."

✦ JIHOON / JIWOO CHO [ro; mcs gender] see more

The charming vocalist and center of Next Gen. Charismatic and with an incredible sense of fashion, they have risen and made a mark in the industry. However, fame has its price, and forgetting who they are was what they had to pay.

"I dress to impress me."

✦ NIRA [ro; mcs gender] see more

Perfectionist is an understatement. Leader of Next Gen and main dancer, Nira is as demanding as they are talented. Some call them a prodigy, and yet it has never been enough. Perfection doesn't exist; that's something they soon have to face.

"My only competition is my potential."

✦ DANIEL / DANIELLE HAN [ro; mcs gender] see more

As outgoing and affectionate as a Husky, Dani is the main rapper of Next Gen. A streamer and gamer turned idol, not a bad combination… right? Well, it seems that things aren't so fun with a contract involved.

"My life is full of exciting possibilities."

DEMO [TBD August-September] | COG FORUM TBA |

[bellezaycafe]

Get Your Shit Together - Chapter 3

genre: 2024 Season AU

pairing: there will be romance but I haven't finalised who yet. platonic! oc x literally the whole grid.

warnings: swearing

context: Sadie, a 20 year old university student from Melbourne, decided to take a gap year and volunteer at 2 Formula One races in different countries.

Sadie's Faceclaim: Maia Mitchell (but you can visualise her howver you want :) )

comments: I guess this is a series now. I'm keeping the title Get Your Shit Together because I think Sadie is the kind of person who pretends to have her shit together but doesn't, so she helps everyone else get theirs together.

Part 1 | Masterlist

----$----

Max Verstappen was in a paddock interview when someone caught his eye. Dark brown hair, round face, sharp nose and a confident aura that compared to no others.

“Wait- hang on. Lewis, Lewis.” The older man looked over and his gaze followed Max’s pointed finger. “Mate, is that who I think it is?”

“Yeah mate, I think so.” Lewis’ smile only grew as he agreed.

“Who are you pointing too?” the interviewer asked.

Max hoped that she was just out of view of the cameras as he said, “the volunteer from Australia. The good one.”

He didn’t know how else to explain his respect for her in English; to him, she was good.

“It’ll be good to finally learn her name,” Lewis mused, scratching at his neat stubble.

“None of you know her name?” The reporter asked.

“No,” Lewis said into Max’s microphone. “I never had the chance to find her after the interviews.”

“I saw her the next day, I apologised for my behaviour to her,” Max commented. “But I forgot to ask her for her name.”

The reporter shook his head. “Alright well, thank you both for your time.”

Max nodded respectfully while Lewis said, “thank you.”

Then they both charged through the crowd towards the last place they saw the woman.

“Bets on her name?” Lewis asked.

“I don’t know. Something very Australian?”

“I feel like she’s a Layla or a Nira.”

"I think it's Sadie," came Lando's voice as he squished himself between the champions. "I asked Dave, one of the McLaren staff."

But when they reached the spot she had been, she'd vanished.

Max frowned and tried to use his height to see her but it was hopeless. Lewis pulled his phone out of nowhere and dialed a number. Lando just sat on the edge of a nearby pot plant.

"Heya," Lewis said into his phone. "I'm gonna need a paddock pass for our garage."

A pause.

"No, ass. I haven't found someone for the weekend and I don't intend to. It's for the girl from Melbourne, the volunteer George told you about... Yes, I know Carmen wants to meet her, that's why I'm asking you for a paddock pass."

Lando laughed from his seat, something boisterous and loud that had surrounding staff glancing over. Max was glad to hear his laugh again, it had been too long since they had hung out.

"No, I don't know her last name. I haven't even confirmed her first name... I can't ask her, she's not in front of me... I don't know where she is, we saw her from a distance... Max and Lando... Alright, fine. We'll find her."

Lewis hung up and sighed with a glance to the sky.

"They won't give you a pass?" Max guessed.

"They need her name first."

"Did you see who she was with?" Lando asked.

"Yeah," Lewis said. "Some paramedics. I recognised Mark, he's been the on call medic for years."

Max mulled over the fact he hadn't noticed anyone around her. He also mulled over the excitement little Lando Norris was trying to squash.

"I know where the medic tent is." He almost leapt up from his perch.

Lewis gave Max a knowing smirk as they disappeared into the crowd.

——$——

Sadie had no idea they had seen her. She was hoping that none of the drivers would remember her. She still hadn't seen their interviews from Melbourne and was clueless about the actions the FIA had taken to hand out penalties directly after the race.

"Hungry?" Mark, a middle-aged paramedic with greying blonde hair and smile lines besides his eyes, asked.

"I am starving, please tell me there is somewhere I can get a decent sanga."

Mark frowned. "Sanga?"

"Sandwich," Sadie corrected. She was almost bouncing as she spotted the food trucks.

"You Australian's are weird," Mark commented but he couldn't hide his smile.

"And you English are uncultured," she returned.

She liked Mark, they'd met yesterday during practices and clicked. He was her supervisor during the free practice sessions and qualifying but she'd stuck by his side off track too. He didn't mind, he knew she was there, on the other side of the world, alone, to work for a sport she loved.

He'd told her at the volunteer's group dinner last night that she was living the dream he had wanted to at 20. He'd had a couple wines and would not shut up about how much his wife would love to meet her.

"Mark, what do you want?" she called over her shoulder as the reached the sandwich truck. When he didn't reply, she glanced behind her.

He was 100 metres back, talking to none other than Sir Lewis Hamilton. Sadie turned back around, remembering their interaction in Melbourne.

Another body stepped up beside her, swathed in bright orange.

Correction: Papaya.

Sadie didn't turn, assuming it was a McLaren employee looking fro some early lunch.

"It's a surprise to see you here." Lando offered the icebreaker.

She turned at his voice and fought to keep her composure. His brown curls swished as he turned his head towards her.

"I didn't think you'd remember me," she said truthfully. Sadie focused her eyes on the bridge of his nose as she spoke, she didn't want to meet those ever-changing eyes. She'd already noted that they matched the day's grey sky.

"Most of us did." The driver shrugged. "Carmen, George's partner, wants to meet you. Lewis is trying to get you Mercedes paddock passes."

Sadie groaned at that, stepping closer to the food truck as the line moved forwards. "I'm not stepping near any of your garages unless I'm doing my job. Too many cameras, too many people."

Lando laughed. "Understandable, but Lewis is determined."

Sadie paused for a moment as the line moved again. "How about, I will come and meet George and Carmen after the race? I'll meet Carmen while Lewis and George do their interviews and debriefs?"

The same brown curls swayed as Lando nodded. "I think they'll agree to that. All the cameras will be focused on the interviews and top three."

Sadie made an 'exactly' gesture and stepped up to the food truck with a goodbye wave.

By the time she had ordered her sandwich and Mark's signature wrap, the drivers had finished speaking with the paramedic.

He joined her while they waited.

"You never told me it was you who scolded Max in Melbourne," Mark noted.

Sadie muttered a curse. "I was hoping that everyone had forgotten about that. I lost my temper and I'm not proud of it."

"Lewis said that you stood up for yourself."

"I scolded him like a school teacher."

"You did call him a child."

"Angry, remember?"

"Sandwich and wrap for Sadie!" the food vendor shouted.

She stepped up, collected their food and handed her wrap to Mark.

"I didn't tell anyone about it because don't like media attention," she told him. "I hate how how the media follow the drivers. They have to fight for a private life, and I hate that. Max was angry, I was angry, and that interaction was something between the drivers and I. It had nothing to do with the fan's consumption of the race."

Mark hummed his agreement around his wrap.

"The media circus doesn't know what happened, and they don't need to. His reaction was fair, and they don't need to be involved."

Sadie watched something pass over Mark's face but she couldn't place what it was. She devoured her sandwich instead.

----$----

Please let me know about how you feel about the direction this thing is going!!

[xzhdjsj]

Grand Returns and Unforgotten Letters

Zaros x Reader

You leave Serulla, only returning when danger threatens your kingdom

This fic is based on THIS brilliant theory by @astralbulldragon13. I simply couldn't get it out of my head and had to write about it I have to say I'm not very happy with the way this came out, but I spent too much time on it to not post it😭

Also, this is really long (almost 3.5k words) idk how it happened🤡 when I started writing it, I just couldn't stop. Plz let me know if I made any mistakes (probably butchered some names loll)

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

"There, you win. Your son is now the Eminence, but know this, if you try to rule my kingdom vicariously through your Zaros, or control his new life in any way, there is no where you could go, no hole you can hide in, that I won’t find you."

-

The realisation dawned on you, way before the trials began. You weren’t interested in the throne; that wasn’t where your heart lies. That position was polished and refined for your brother, but guilt has its ways of twisting one's mind and kept you fighting for a life that was stolen from him, replacing a prodigy child that was stolen from your mother.

Zaros' insults and demeaning remarks only contributed to your mindset, though that didn’t make them any less hurtful. How could they not be? Especially when coming from someone you admired and cherished. They were fuel to the fire, a constant reminder of how unfit you are.

It was hard to imagine yourself as a good ruler anyways. Sure, you were knowledgeable, but what good is education with no real experience or empathy for the struggles of your people? Not to mention being cloaked by a porcelain mask 24/7, designed and altered to meet the needs of the people around you.

Zaros, on the other hand, was different. His pernicious attitude cracked the corners of your mask, forcing raw emotions to erupt to daylight. It was a distasteful experience considering your position, but deep down you never felt more alive than when you could be yourself with him, throwing insults right back into his face. It forced the masked persona to face the real you and come to terms with what you wanted, before it was too late.

You wanted a life that was yours to live, a life where you could be yourself. Not one you are forced to live, or a person you are required to be. There were things you had to let go of and things you needed to learn.

By himself, Zaros would be a skillful leader capable of building a successful future for Serulla. He had the experience that you lacked, that alone could potentially secure Serulla a brighter future than you could ever offer. The only threat was his mother, Nira Atha’lin. She was obnoxious, quick to point out every miniscule flaw and mistake in your ways, if Zaros was unbearable, she was enough to push you to insanity. Her personality was sour and ugly, like biting into a mouldy rotting fruit. Her intentions are unclear, but it isn’t hard to see her abusing the authority of her son and the crown.

Though that didn’t matter, you trust Zaros, he would never put the wellbeing of Serulla at risk. He’s headstrong and stubborn. It’s no wonder you admire him, in some way or another he’s just like you.

He has become a decent acquaintance in your life. Looking back, he could have easily double-crossed you in the trials and spited his way to the top, but he didn’t. Every last minute of it was fair and just. Maybe that’s why you felt so strongly for him now.

-

Outside the hall, minutes away from a final decision, both Zaros and you stood. If you had something to do, now was the time to do it.

He reaches for the heavy gold handles of the door, but he doesn’t get to push it open.

"Zaros", you take his hand.

He ignores the door, turning to face you.

"If you are indeed the victor, which.... I have no doubt you are; I need you to promise me something."

His eyebrows perk upwards, and he steps closer, taking your hand fully in his.

"We don't know that yet. You gave me quite a challenge during the trials you know. Don't tell me you're giving up now?", signature smirk plastered to his face, though you no longer feel the need to punch it off.

“Please listen to me.”, you sigh, "I need you to promise me you'll never let Serulla suffer. I know I'm not capable of helping all the people who deserve our help, but you are. I’m certain of it, so promise me."

The seriousness in your eyes was enough to stifle his usual sarcasm.

"I... I promise." He barely mutters, no longer smiling. It’s an unusual sight, the kind that makes you feel nauseous. He's even more alarmed when you offer a pinkie to him, like you used to do years ago when you were just kids roaming the corridors and sneaking into the kitchen.

"Pinkie promise?" You smile.

He caught his own pinkie onto yours. "I promise, I'll do my best."

He knew what you were about to do. But he also knows how stubborn you are and there was no way he could stop you, no matter how desperately he wanted to.

After facing Nira that day, you smiled at him and whispered a gentle "Take care of yourself and my home for me". You swore that from that moment onwards, you’d never mask yourself again.

Those were your last words to him before you'd vanished, leaving behind only a letter. In which, you asked that he looked after your mother and detailed an apology as well as a segment of feelings you'd harboured for him. It was an intended goodbye before he forgets about you, lest you have a reason to return. You hoped you wouldn't.

-

Throughout your travels you faced many hardships, the expected reality of being a lone traveler. But you grew from those experiences. You learnt from the people around you and made friends.

You sharpened your survival skills as you traversed the lands, a melody of experiences of new cultures and flavours, from continents you'd only dreamt of, melted on your tongue. Those fleeting dreams were nothing compared to the reality you held in your own two hands. You learnt to appreciate life and how to trust.

The last place you ventured was the Northern Nation, though their reputation is scandalous, their culture is rich. What you weren’t expecting was to meet see a familiar face, a palace staff, an informant no less. Only now he worked for Nira, delivering letters to the most dangerous kingdom of all the nations and had informed you that you were banned from the home you grew up in.

After 8 years, it was time to turn back. It was time to head home.

-

There was a masquerade ball being held in Serulla at dawn, the perfect opportunity to tiptoe into the palace unnoticed. What was the plan? You weren’t entirely sure but one way or another you had to speak to Zaros. If you marched in like you own the place, you would be promptly kicked out a few feet upon entering the gate. It’s a good thing you knew your way around every crack and crevice like the back of your hand. It shouldn’t be too hard blending in once you’re inside. But first you needed clothes and a mask, nothing extravagant, just enough to blur into the masses.

Learning to walk silently made slipping in as easy as dreaming, before you could blink you were in the ballroom. Oh, did it feel nostalgic, you remember the times you were the main focus of these elaborate events. Now look at you, sneaking in and avoiding any attention whatsoever. You missed these walls, they look the exact same since you’ve left them, grand, luxurious and unchanged. You couldn’t help but take a minute to reminisce and admire.

“Can I ask for a dance later, mysterious stranger?” a young man snapped you out of your trance.

“I’m afraid not sir. I have prior arrangements for the evening”, you bow. “My sincerest apologies.”

What a nuisance, you thought, abruptly turning and leaving. You had to find Zaros. As King of Serulla he had to be here, his presence is of utmost importance and entirely compulsory for this kind of event. Perhaps he’d show up later in the evening, all you had to do was wait amongst the crowd. Maybe a drink would take the edge off while you do, maybe it would help you ignore the eyes you felt burning holes into your back.

Hours later the arrival of the king was finally announced, and there he was, fashionably late in all his blond glory. He’s just as captivating as you left him all those years ago, just as beautiful and refined. It was like staring at the sun, glowing so brightly it just might blind someone. Yes, you were staring, but so was everyone else. Who wouldn’t stare when graced with the presence of the King himself? His lips moved as he acknowledged his audience, but your mind was too preoccupied with gawking at him to hear a single word. You’re yanked back to reality when the crowd scatters at his dismissal, so you retreat to a space further away, where you could keep an eye on him as he conversed with guests. It would be unwise to approach him now, there’s too many eyes on him this early into the night. Once the crowd has had their fill of wine and was no longer capable of seeing any further than their nose, you’d seize the opportunity to steal him away.

Lay low, keep an eye on him. Two simple tasks to accomplish. But the fool you’d rejected earlier in the eventing, now a drunken fool, apparently doesn’t understand the meaning of two simple letters, no. You rejected him twice already but he keeps coming back.

“I’m not taking no for answer hic- you simple must dance with me”, before you could reject him again, he’s dragging you to the floor. If it weren’t for the fact that you didn’t want any attention tonight, his arm would’ve been broken on the spot.

You struggle in his grip as he swayed you, haphazardly and arrhythmic to the music, and FUCK you lost sight of Zaros. If only this imbecile would let go of you! And cease his gooselike movements!

“Unfortunately, good sir, they’re not available to dance with YOU this evening.”, you’re backed into a hard wall, a clothed wall? A familiar smelling wall. A speaking wall.

His sticky hands are gone from your body in an instant, he even backs away from you.

“You-your Majesty”, he stuttered.

“All of their dances are promised to me tonight. I’ll assume you weren’t aware and turn a blind eye just this once.”, the wall speaks again, replacing unpleasant hands with a gentle yet possessive grip. It's very obvious who this wall is.

“Now if you’ll excuse us, I’ll be stealing them away now”, he doesn’t wait for a response, pulling you further onto the dance floor. You’re still facing away from him as he guides your body to the tune that swirls the room.

“Welcome back Earis” he whispers and you can just hear the smirk he’s wearing.

“A bit of a lost cause on such title now, aren’t I?” you answer. “How did you know it was me?”, he moved your body effortlessly, like it was made specially to fit beneath his palms.

“How could I not? I could feel your eyes on me all night.” Following the music, he spins you around to finally face him. “Even if death took me, I’d still remember those eyes.”

You scoff, “How charming. But everyone’s eyes are on you tonight.”

“Hmm you think so? A shame, none are as captivating as yours.”

“I need to speak to you Zaros.”

“We’re speaking right now, are we not?”

Fuck, why does he always have to be so difficult?

“Not here. I need to speak to you in private.”

There was too much attention on him for you to speak freely, it’s a surprise guards haven’t escorted you out the room yet.

“Sounds alarming. And just when I thought you came back to see me.” he fakes a frown, and let’s go of your hand as he ends the dance. You curtsy, and he leans closer to whispers for you to follow him. He leaves first and you linger around the corners before disappearing yourself.

Eventually you’re back in the abandoned hallways of the palace, walking with Zaros.

“So why are you back?”

“I’ve made a recent discovery, and I was worried. I needed to talk to you about it.”

“Worried?”

“You’re aware of the notoriety of the Northern Nation, correct?”

“Who isn’t? Their name stains chapters of history text with the blood they’ve spilt.”

“Yes, that’s why it was a surprise when I found out your mother exchanges letters with their King and his court.”

He halts, “What? What are you talking about?”

You turn to him, removing the mask from your face. “While I stayed in the city of the Northern Nation, I recognised a familiar face. A Surullian informant. I’ve seen him work for my mother for years, naturally, I was confused by his presence there.”, you sigh. “I tried to get as much information as I could from him, but he knew nothing. He had simple instructions from your mother to deliver the letters to and from the Northern Kingdom. Unfortunately for me, he had already passed on the letters, so I did not get a look. He swore to never tell a soul of our encounter to avoid any further issues, but I also found out I'm blacklisted here.”

“What are you saying? Why would she even want to converse with the Northern Kingdom? An alliance with them is like an alliance with hyenas. They bring nothing but war and bloodshed. And what on Earth do you mean ‘blacklisted’?”, he shouts in frustration. “She’s my mother, I trust her. I find it all of this hard to believe.”

“Hah of course you don't believe me." you look around frantically. "Follow me.”

He stomped after you as you made your way for the nearest set of guards.

“Wait here, and watch.”

You walked up to them, as if to inquire something, only to be quickly apprehended.

“Let go of them immediately! What do you think you're doing?”, Zaros march in their direction.

“Apologies, your Majesty. We’re only following orders!”

“Whose orders?”, he yells.

“Lady Atha’lin, you Majesty!”, the fear is evident in their voices, and you give him a knowing look.

“Fuck”, he whispers under his breathe. “You’re dismissed and inform every guard in this palace that no one is to lay a finger on them. Do you hear me?”, he says, curt and unforgiving, as they shuffle away clumsily.

“As I said, blacklisted. Do you believe me now mama’s boy?”

If looks could kill, you’d be dead in milliseconds the way he glared at you. He's angry as can be, it’s not every day the tables are turned.

“A shame, had I been kicked out at the gates, you’d be oblivious to your mommy’s devious little plans.” You push.

“Oh what do you care? You left Serulla for 8 years. You’re back to warn me once and suddenly you’re high and might?”

“Hah, I was not just here to warn you. No Zaros, my initial plan was to meet your mother directly.”, you roll your eyes.

“Allow me to refresh your memory, 8 years ago, before I left, I made a promise to Nira Atha’lin that if she threatened Serulla in any way I’d be back to drag to her to hell with me. For your sake, I wanted to meet you first. But know this Zaros, if you’re incapable of handling your mother, I am not. I have no qualms in removing her by force, with or without your permission.”

You went overboard, but it was too late to take it back. The anger in his eyes boils over, as does the internal turmoil, but he keeps silent. He paces back and forth, and it might be better if you left him alone with his thoughts for a while.

“I’ll leave you be for now, when you are ready to find me again, I’ll be in the garden.”, a vast contrast to the tone you had previously.

-

You leave Zaros to decipher his feelings alone, it would be better if you weren’t there. You were annoyed at him for doubting you, yet that was no way for you to speak to him, especially considering the amount of information to process in such short time. How did it even progress that quickly? Sometimes old habits are hard to kill. You needed to apologise to him later.

The garden is still as beautiful as it always was, flourishing healthily despite your mother’s absence. You had heard of it, the news circulated Serulla and its neighbouring nations with the passing wind. The Queen was no more, and her child was absolutely vile for leaving her. People will always talk.

But it looks like Zaros kept his promise to take care of your home.

The garden was silence, as you stood before the two memorial tablets mounted there. One for your brother, another for your mother. You prayed that somewhere in her heart she’d forgiven you for leaving her alone. You wipe away the tears that warmed your cheek.

“She kept speaking highly of you, to the very end.”, his voice startles you, relaxed and calmer now.

“I don’t deserve it, I left her. But there was no point in returning then, if anything it made me not want to return at all.”, you replied, kissing the top of the stone with your mother’s name carved into it.

“I’m sorry.”, he sounded sincere, the most sincere you’ve ever heard him be.

“It’s not your fault, we all have to die one day, do we not?”

“No, for not stopping you from leaving.”

“What?”, confusion thickens your voice. “What are you talking about?”

“All these years you were gone, I couldn’t help but believe it was my fault. I felt guilty, like I pushed you out of your own home. Like this was never truly my place, but yours. I’d found you again after 8 years, only for you to slips through my fingers for another 8. I really am sorry.”

“Zaros.”, you stand directly in front of him. “That was not your fault. I chose to leave. I wanted to, I had to find myself. If anything, your stupid insults helped me, although they still hurt, don't get me wrong. Besides look at how well off Serulla is! You are more of a ruler than I ever would’ve been-”

“And I missed you.” He cuts you off and silence ensues, save for the soft howls of the wind. You didn’t expect him to confess that to you so openly and easily.

“I… I missed you too.” He takes a breath and smiles, not one of his devious smirks or teasing grins. A real genuine smile that once again showed a sincerity you were unfamiliar with. You sit with him in silence for a long time, admiring the stars and flowers. and you remembered a conversation you had a long time ago. He was right watching them in the moonlight was comforting. You could only hope he feels the same way right now.

“Remember how you told me to look at the flowers in the garden at night? It was so long ago; I almost don’t remember their name. What were they called again? Bitter bell something?”, you reminisced.

“Bitter bell dureni” (sorry ik I probably butchered that idk how to spell)

“Right, yes those. I got to see them tonight. They really are beautiful.”

“I’m sorry for how I reacted.", he confessed. "I promised you I’d keep Serulla safe, and I intend to keep that promise, even if it means revoking all authorities from my mother.”

“I’d much rather not use violence too. I apologise for provoking you.”

“I suppose it was a taste of my own medicine”, he laughs and you join him. “Does this mean you’re leaving again?”

“What? Do you want me to leave that badly?”

“Ha-ha, very funny.”

“No, I plan on staying a while, as long as your guards keep their hands to themselves of course.”, he laughs again and you can see yourself getting addicted to it. He sounds serene.

“Then, it’s my honour to have you.”, he reaches for your hand. “Come, your old room has been vacant for 8 years. It’s about time someone used it.”

“You kept my room vacant?”

“I may have had a little hope you’d return some day. To Serulla. To me.”

It’s hard not to smile when he says such things.

You take his hand, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, and he averts his gaze, though not enough to hide the dusty pink shade of his skin.

“I have another question.”,

“Yes?”

“Did you really mean all those things you said in your letter?”

It’s silent again as you walk the familiar path to your room. You both knew the answer to that.

[writers-potion]

Fantastical Asian Monsters (Part I)

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I Fly Undead, Gangsi (殭屍)

Nationality: China Form: Human-type Size: 1.5~1.7m

Gangsi first appeared in the late Ming Dynasty, but it was most common during the Qing dynasty. Thus, Gangsis often appear in Qing attire.

When people died in battle, they attached an amulet to the body which helped them to return to their hometown.

if the amulet falls in the middle, they become Gangsi and wander. It is said that the whole body has already hardened and cannot walk like a human, but they can fly / jump around.

When attacked by Gangsi, the attacked person also turns into Gangsi, but if they hold their breath or run over a tree, Gangsi cannot find them.

I’m So Hungry, Go-su-yeo-chil (고수여칠)

Nationality: Korea Form: Human-type Size: 1.6m

It is a monster in the form of a dried-up man.

It has thin bone-like leg with a paper skirt around it, and it is hard to see the upper body. It is said to make an old woman's voice and imitate the voice of a dead family member or relative

They enter a house to eat food, tear window paper, and throw tiles or stones to cause damage.

Will You Marry Me? Gumiho (구미호)

Nationality: Korea/China/Japan Form: Animal-type Size: 1.6m

It is a fox monster with nine tails.

Foxes appear in various countries and are said to have the ability to attract people. Foxes do not have nine tails from birth, andhen they develop a tail every few hundred years and have all nine tails, they become an immortal monster.

Although it is a fox, it can be turned into a beautiful person, and it is said that it gets energy from humans or eats human liver through fox beads.

It is said that people who are deprived of energy may not die if they are lucky, but all people who are deprived of their livers will die.

There is a story that if a Gumiho eats 100 livers, marry a human, and don't get identified for 100 days, a Gumiho will turn human.

Droppings of Doom, Gwicha (鬼車)

Nationality: China Form: Bird-type Size: 1.5~2m

It is a monster in the form of a bird with nine heads. It is also called a 'tune' because it has nine heads on one body. The ear car looks similar to an owl as a whole, but it is said that the nine faces sometimes look similar to the human figure. It is said to be about 3m in size when both wings are unfolded. Blood keeps dripping from one of the nine heads, and if a person gets hit with it, not only the person but also the person

Even Nira's family suffers from misfortune. However, even if your car is not hit by blood, it enters people's homes on its own to spread misfortune or take away people's souls.

It is said that the car is blind during the day, so they usually go around only at night, and at this time, they become blind immediately just by looking at a small fire debt and fall even when they fly. So people say that when a car comes in the middle of the night, they immediately light a candle or make the dog bark and drive it away.

The ultimate oval face, Nopperabo (のっぺらぼう)

Nationality: Japan Form: Human-type Size: 2m

This is a monster with a human face but no eyes, nose, or mouth.

It is said to appear both as a woman and a man, and show his face to a person who stands still and talks to him on a dark night road.

They surprise humans to mak them run away, or surprise customers who come after being in a cart bar or noodle restaurant.

It is said that there are several strands of hair attached to the clothes of a person who meets Nopperabo.

Known as an "egg ghost" in Korea.

Forfeit Your Firstborn! Langda

Nationality: Indonesia Form: Human-type Size: 1.5~1.7m

It is a monster in the form of a human woman, with eyes that are likely to protrude from the red face, a tongue that stretches to the waist, and four tusks protruding out of the mouth, and its head is always loose and worn.

Langda is a wicked creature that preys on infants and uses black magic, with the ability to control low-ranking demons and other monsters, and the ability to freely transform into other creatures. It is said that by swearing at people or spreading diseases, they lose their lives and damage crops. However, they also use magic to heal people's suffering and diseases by whimpering, which is why some areas open Langda

It is said to be worshipped as a god and regarded as the guardian deity of the village.

No Ordinary Leech, Bes Kemwar

Nationality: Malaysia Form: Worm-type Size: 0.1~0.2m

It is a monster in the form of a furry earthworm. Beth Kemwer always bites her tail and curls its body into a round shape.

It eats crops such as rice and vegetables as a staple food, and it is usually hard to see, but in February, it appears near the river.

If a person drinks water from a river containing Baskemwor or from a river where Baskemwor's hair has fallen, the body swells up, hives rise, coughs and even bleeds. If you get treatment early after bleeding, you can recover quickly, but over time, the pain gets worse and you lose your life because you can't eat or drink.

It is said to live mostly at the end of branches, and people who pass by trees near it also develop hives and swell up all over their bodies. The swelling does not go until two or three months later.

Mongolian Death, Olgoi-Khorkhoi

Nationality: Mongol Form: Worm-type Size:0.6~14m

It is a huge, fat worm-shaped monster. It is also called the 'Mongolian Death Will'.

Each individual has a various size, and his whole body has a bright red color. There are several pointed tentacles on one side of his body, not a head. He can't see because he has no eyes, but he has excellent touch and hearing.

Olgoi corcoi only live in the desert and roam freely in the sand, and when a person or camel appears, it appears on the sand, eats and disappears in an instant. It is said that it emits a strong acidic poison a little away from the prey, which melts the prey, and when it feels dangerous, it releases electricity to make the other person electrocute.

Look Me in the Face, Inmyeonsu

Nationality: East Asia Form: Hybrid Size: 0.7~1m

It is a monster in the form of a bird.

Human turkeys have human faces and arms on their bodies, or their entire upper bodies are shaped like humans. They exist all over the world, and they have very different looks and characteristics from time to time and country.

They are considered sacred beings that prevent bad luck for people, and they are also considered ominous beings that eat people and harm villages.

The mere appearance of human turkeys caused natural disasters and wars in the world.

They make beautiful sounds and bless people with their own unique sounds, but as soon as they hear human turkeys, damage may occur and people and livestock may be killed

Living on Your Scent, Gandharva

Nationality: India Form: Human-type Size: 1.7m

A humanoid monster that hunts down scents.

Sometimes called "Gundalba"; or "Shimhyang."

Gandharba is not an individual, but a race, which protects children and the weak from evil. Gandharba was born in water, but he is able to roam freely in the sky and on earth. With a horse tail on his human body, golden wings and birds.

Gandharba eats fragrant scents as their main food, and they always have a scent around them. They are mostly masculine and like beautiful women so much that they sometimes form relationships with humans.

They generally enjoy freewheeling life, but they are said to be extremely jealous.

References:

The monster profiles have been adapted from <동양 문화 속 괴물들의 이야기 괴물도감 (동양편)> written and illustrated by 고고학자(강석민). All image credits in this post goes to 강석민. Translation from Korean to English by me. 

Feel free to ask me questions, if any :)

[nuclearanomaly]

Hashtag Nailed It

[sleeping-shade]

I was reading through OrokinArchive (it's a very cool website, I 100% recommend checking it out) and I spotted something I never really noticed. The archons are people. Moreover, they remind me of three types of people in the origin system.

Let me begin with the Owl. Solitary and thinking himself above all, only recognizing the Ram as an equal, Boreal feels hatred for what was done to him. Mutilated, grafted onto the body of this abomination. Just like Umbra, just like Dagath, and perhaps like Arthur. Unwillingly turned into a weapon. In a way, Pazuul is his revenge for what Erra had done to him.

Amar has the least about him in this tale. The Wolf was simply a hunter with no prey. I can't say much about him unless there's something in his codex entry that I don't have. My best guess is that he actively chose to become an archon, promised this New Creation and hoped to become a lord of Tau. The only parallel I can draw is of the Zariman colonists. Choosing (probably not entirely of their own volition) to go on a dangerous mission to Tau and hoping for a new and better life. Instead they became a weapon of something greater. Just like Amar but did not become a trophy like he did.

Finally, the Snake. Nira is old, full of secrets, and with a forked silver tongue. Her venom poisoning those it afflicts with delusions. The Snake would go so far as to devour her own siblings. Nira reminds me of the Orokin and their greed. A class of people who'd keep secrets from their entire empire, sweet talkers who would always get what they wanted regardless of how many they'd hurt. Yet they were greedy, willing to descend into delusional madness to get what they want.

I don't think Pazuul is the Ram. I believe that the Lotus is wrong. I think Pazuul is simply a cruel mask placed on Erra to get what the archons want. Besides, keeping Natah's brother under what is essentially a veil. Playing with her guilt at times, and forcing her to hear one of her greatest failures? Sounds like something at least Boreal would do.

And well, Pazuul doesn't have his own shard color. In his head is a fragment of a serpent's amber venom. Feeding him delusions to keep the herd of bios subservient.

[dustandshadows-if]

Waking up in an alleyway covered in blood and with no memories is not a situation anyone wishes to find themselves in, yet here you are. With no other options, you're forced to run. From what? You're not entirely sure but you do know that if they catch you you'll find yourself suffering a fate far worse than death.

And so you run not knowing that running was quite literally going to make your life Hell. Now you have a monster in the shadows hunting you and a group of Shadowhunters, demon killers, claiming that you alone are responsible for a string of murders.

The worst part? You have no idea if you're innocent.

No memories, no allies, and no idea who you are the only thing you can do is try to find a way to prove your innocence before it is too late.

Somewhat customizable appearance (hair type and color, complexion, height, build). Mc does have a set eye color.

Four Romance Options (Two gender selectable options, one nonbinary option, and one female option)

Rediscover the life you lost or make a new one

Try to out run your past

Be an enemy of the clave (and well everyone)<3

Be severely behind on the politics of the shadow world

Oh and a voice that is very much not your own in your head

16+. Content warnings for implied torture, violence, swearing, child abuse/neglect, murder. This list will be updated as development continues

Ianira Clarke aka Nira | Age: ??? | Non-Binary | Warlock (Ro)

The high warlock of Seattle and one of the only friends that you have. Not that they would willing call you a friend, but that's besides the point. They've made sure to take care of you whenever you need help and have been working tirelessly to help you figure out what exactly happened to you. A good friend and an even greater ally; without Nira, you would've been dead on the street months ago.

Juliette Monroe | Age: 18 | Female | Vampire (Ro)

The very first person you met that didn't immediately want to kill you. She's the one who told you everything you need to know about the shadow world. Despite only being a vampire for a year she's managed to gain a good bit of fame throughout the shadow world of Seattle anyone who is anyone knows Juliette, but you're one of the lucky few who gets to actually know her. She's got a soft spot for you, but she'd rather walk into the sun than ever admit it.

Quinn Highsmith | Age: 19 | Gender Selectable | Shadowhunter (Ro)

One of the many that are hunting you. Honestly, they're so bad at catching you that one might think they're leading everyone astray on purpose... They claim to know you, but you have no memory of them. Part of you knows there was once something between the two of you, love that would've moved mountains with the way they still look at you. But that's in the past. Now, they're just another obstacle in your way, stopping you from proving your innocence.

Farrah Ashdown | Age: 19 | Gender Selectable | Shadowhunter (Ro)

Another shadowhunter and another person stopping you from clearing your name. Maybe in another life, you would've been able to truly know them for the kind and genuine person they seem to be. You'll almost never see them stray from Quinn's side. Their undying loyalty and desire for justice has made one of the nicest people to walk this Earth, your worst enemy.

Demo | Playlist | Pinterest

[thedailyvio]

Day 3