#portia devorak x y/n

[niphredil-14]

Aw man! It’s fine tho!

I wanted to request a female reader who nervously comes out to Pasha that she is biromantic demisexual, and then Pasha says something along the lines of “so I have to compete with my brother for you. Okay!” In a joking matter, and they just laugh with the reader saying that she does find Iliya attractive, but Pasha will be the one and only for her(reader)?

I hope it’s not too confusing! I’ll happily clear up anything !

I fully believe that Pasha is one of the best people you can come out to, regardless of what you are coming out as. She is so understanding and supportive of you in such a casual and natural way. None of it feels like someone who is trying to learn to accept you, she already does! Which I know, should be the standard, but personally I have had a few experiences that more align with the other.

She might tease you about her brother, or anyone else that you're close to, but in her heart, she knows she is the only one who holds your heart. If you tell her that you don't like her joking like that, then she will stop.

(excuse me if I'm wrong, I'm yet to play her route, but) I definitely see Portia as a crafty type. She would crochet, you can't tell me otherwise. She would make you things in your flags' colors!

Also, she would not make a move on you until you indicated that it was okay for her to do so.

She is the consent Queen! And frequently checks up on you just t make sure that she's not doing anything that is making you upset or uncomfortable and that you were fine with her behavior and affections.

(Also, little A/N here, so sorry it was so short, I wasn't entirely sure if you wanted a story or headcanons or what, so I just went for it, but by all means, please let me know if you want me to do anything differently.)

[malaks-perch]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧

that's right, you've found portia's masterlist. if requests are open, please feel free to leave your mark

𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐒

portia spends the day at the shop with you, link

pirate!reader meets portia, link

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒

swap spit with portia, link

[lillywillow]

Portia's Day Off

Summary: You and Portia spend a wonderful day together

Written for: @the-slumberparty

Words: 1623

Square Filled: B1- Cottage Core and N1- Baking

Pairing: Portia Devorak x Gender Neutral Reader

Warnings: None

Your eyes slowly opened as the morning light cracked in through the curtains. Stretching, you smiled and rolled over to admire Portia’s peacefully sleeping form. Normally, she would be awake long before now but as she had been doing a lot of work lately, Nadia insisted Portia take the day off. Placing a gentle kiss on her ginger curls, you carefully untangled yourself from your comfortable position to make her breakfast in bed. Feeling movement, Pepi woke and moved from her spot on the bed to investigate.

“Sorry, Pepi. I didn’t mean to wake you,” you quietly apologised. “Shall we get started on breakfast?”

Pepi stretched her back before jumping off the bed and heading to the kitchen.

…

After feeding Pepi, you set to work on making Portia her favourite breakfast. You hummed as you cooked, soon feeling a pair of arms wrap around your waist.

“Hey… I thought you were still asleep…” you smiled.

“Bed’s cold without you,” she purred, nuzzling your back.

“Do you want to help me make breakfast since you’re here?”

“You know it,” she grinned.

You smiled back as she stepped beside you and together, you started making a lovely breakfast. Occasionally, there was a playful bump of the hip or a stolen kiss on the cheek as you worked and it wasn’t long before you had your food served up. The pair of you sat down to eat with Pepi taking her usual spot nearby.

“So, what did you want to do today?” Portia asked, digging into her pancakes.

“We could tend the garden, do some baking, invite our friends for tea,” you suggested.

“Yes! Let’s do all of that!” she grinned.

You grinned back and ate your breakfast.

…

After you had finished eating, the pair of you went to check on your newly acquired chickens. It was Muriel who first gave you the idea to raise chickens and after seeing some in the market, you found them so adorable, you couldn’t resist not having them. Every morning, you would open the door to their little enclosure, collect the eggs and gave them some feed for them to scratch around in and every night, you would lock them away all safe and sound. You also had to keep a fence around your veggie garden so they wouldn’t come in and dig up or eat your vegetables.

Once the chickens were tended to, you sent out an invitation to all your friends with a time to come to afternoon tea. You weren’t sure if Muriel would even come but you hoped that maybe Asra might convince him.

You got all the ingredients out as Portia pulled out a few cookbooks. The pair of you looked at a few recipes and decided on a pie and some cookies. You worked on making the pie while Portia made the cookies. So engrossed you were on making sure the base fitted neatly into the pie tin, you never noticed the wicked little grin on Portia’s face. You were humming to yourself when suddenly, you were blasted with a sprinkling of white power. Blinking a few times in surprise, you turned to look at Portia who was doing her best to look innocent but she couldn’t stop the cheeky smile pulling at the corners of her lips.

“Did you just… flick flour at me?” you asked.

“What? Me? Of course not,” she protested, barely able to contain her snickering.

“Really? Well, I didn’t do this!”

You flicked flour back at her. She stared at you dumbfounded before grinning widely.

“Oh, it is on, Y/N!”

And just like that, a battle for the ages began. Dust clouds plumed as flour flew in the air, getting all over the kitchen, your clothes and hair. The pair of you laughed and shouted, getting carried away in the fight. The only the thing that stopped you was a sudden, sharp, “Mrrp!”

You looked down to see Pepi covered in flour, looking rather displeased.

“Oops… Sorry, Pepi…”

Pepi shook herself off and headed outside, leaving little pawprints in her wake. You and Portia looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

“We should- we should get back to work,” you managed to get out between laughs.

“We really should,” Portia agreed, clutching her stomach as she was laughing so hard.

It took a while for the pair of you to settle down but even then you still had the giggles. Eventually, you had your pastries completed and set them bake in the oven. Of course, one would take a little more time than the other so you opted to do some so gardening while you waited.

…

Portia stayed closer to the house while you tended the garden to keep an eye on the oven to make sure it wouldn’t burn. She watered some of the plants by the cottage before getting distracted by watching you weed the garden. You took great care to save the nettles (without them stinging you) for nettle tea and keep the dandelions for dandelion wine. Occasionally, you would stand to stretch your back or wipe the sweat from your brow. Portia couldn’t help but giggle as Pepi brushed up against your leg and as you bent down to do more weeding, headbutt your hands to demand pats.

She smiled to herself and thanked every lucky star she had someone like you in her life; someone who was kind, fun to talk to and loved every little part of her. Portia in turn, loved every little part of you. All those insecurities and demons from the past all seemed to fade away whenever you were together, especially on days like this.

Hearing the ding of the timer, Portia headed in to take the cookies out of the oven and swap for the pie. Once she had completed that task, she called you in for lunch while she busied herself preparing iced fruit tea and toasted the pumpkin bread you bought from the market last week with an assortment of spreads. You greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and set out to help her.

“No, no, I’ve got it. You go and sit down,” Portia insisted.

“I can help,” you protested.

“I’ve got it. You’ve been doing all that hard work outside; you deserve a sit down.”

With a sigh, you took a seat at the table. Portia already did so much for everyone, it made you feel guilty when you couldn’t help her. She soon had everything set out and joined you at the table. The first thing she noticed was your pout.

“What’s that look for?” she asked.

“Nothing…”

Portia grabbed your chin with her thumb and forefinger to make you look at her, causing your face to heat up.

“You’re pouting. Now, tell me what’s wrong,” she asserted.

“It’s just that… you do so much. Around here, at the palace, and I feel like… you deserve to be waited on… I want to spoil you…” you admitted.

Portia smiled and kissed you softly.

“Every day I’m with you I’m spoiled,” she confessed sliding her hand to your cheek.

You smiled and kissed her palm, leaning into her warm touch. The two of you stayed there like that for a moment before pulling away to finish your lunch before your guests arrived.

…

Nadia was the first to knock on your door, bringing a spiced tea from her homeland of Prakra. You began making the preparations for it while she and Portia engaged in pleasant small talk. The next to arrive was Julian, making a dramatic entrance. Portia rolled her eyes at her brother and welcomed him inside. Finally, Asra came brining Muriel with him. Muriel was reluctant to enter your home with too many people for his liking but with some encouragement from Pepi, he soon took a seat at your table.

The table was filled with the pie and cookies you had made that morning along with coffee, a pot of Nadia’s tea and a few assorted snacks and drinks.  The smell of fresh baking still hung in the air. Everyone helped themselves and engaged in lively conversation. Nadia caught everyone up on the latest happenings in the palace. Asra spoke about the gossip he overheard in the marketplace. Julian told tales of his latest escapades at the Rowdy Raven. Portia filled everyone in on how her day off went so far. Feeling like Muriel was being left out, you decided to converse with him.

“Muriel, did you know we have chickens now?”

“You do?”

You could see his features begin to relax.

“We do. I’d be happy to show you when we’re done here,” you assured him.

Muriel softly smiled and turned his attention back to Pepi. You were certain he would have preferred to leave now than be with all these people but having furry to focus on was helping him cope.

…

By the time sunset rolled around, everyone was ready to leave but not before you made good on your promise to show Muriel the chickens and locked them away safely for the night. You welcomed him to come back anytime to see the chickens and Pepi too of course.

At the end of the day, you and Portia made a nice, easy dinner and sat on the porch to unwind a little before heading to bed. Tomorrow, Portia would resume her duties as a palace servant but for now she was all yours and you were all hers. It was a perfect way to end such a wonderful day.

[myuni-moon]

[event details]

warnings: yandere content, drugging, slight violence

the cards have given you the answers you seek, and everything has been set in motion. here are the themes present in your reading.

Julian Devorak

[VIII - Strength] ; What makes them weak in the knees?

just tease him, and he'll practically start melting. he'll try to match your mischievousness, but if you take it up a notch, he's rendered useless from overheating. leave him hanging for a kiss, flirt with him as you pass by, sit on his lap for a bit and watch him squirm-- all of these things should work. if not, just tug his hair, and he's at your mercy. he'll do anything you ask if you do this, even getting rid of whoever it is that pissed you off a few days ago.

Portia Devorak

[VIII - Strength] ; What makes them weak in the knees?

portia can't help but want to pinch your cheeks when you dig in into any cookies or whatever pastry she decides to share with you in domestic bliss. you both rest your heads while enjoying tea and snack on pastries. in her cozy little cottage behind palace walls you look so cute stuffing your face as much as you can with the buttery confection, and portia just laughs while delivering another batch. perhaps, to further help you relax, she has a few little things slipped in. can't have you getting stressed and leaving her after all,

Nadia Satrinava

[VIII - Strength] ; What makes them weak in the knees?

her sense of fashion is second to none. nadia has very refined tastes that she almost always dictates the trends within vesuvia. this is why she feels so proud when you wear something she had personally tailored for you. feathers, gems, jewels, sequins, glitters-- she works something out with something extravagant enough to compliment your beauty but simple enough to make you feel comfortable without everyone gawking at you wherever you go. nadia just loves it dearly when you practically wear a symbol of her love for you. not only that, but it further solidifies that you are hers and hers alone. no one will be able to touch you, not unless they want their hands cut right off.

[sadasch]

Ready for mascerade.

I resently am in love with the arcana, so I was inspired to draw again. <3 So here is a OC.

[to-the-stars8]

The Lamentation of the Apprentice

Parings; Past Female Apprentice x Asra Chapter 1 AO3

Chapter 2

The next time I saw Asra it was days later just after a noon rush. Horror and embarrassment burned in my throat, and I blanked on what I was saying to the customer. The little brat was here to taunt me, I was sure of it. Perhaps he liked to see me squirm, and it almost made small feelings for him waver. My words stumbled over themselves, but I was to be damned if I let him know what his presence did to me.

Asra went to the cases first, leaning so close that his breath fogged up the glass. Then, he went to the shelves, picked up something, then put it down. Finally, Asra made his way next to the customer, looking right into the glass case they had rested their hand on. Awkwardly, they shuffled away and I continued to ignore him.

"--Ultimately, I do not believe it is good for him to use it that way. It is a potion meant for relaxation, and involving horses in a process that will have different effects--" I stopped to look at him from the corner of my eye. Sighing, I looked back at the customer. "I digress, though. Just make sure no horses are involved and your brother should be fine."

The customer thanked me, but I barely acknowledged it as I made my way next to Asra. Bending over to look at what he was staring at. It was a small vial of agrimony leaves with the name on the label and meaning. One of the few herbs in the shop that were not bought out within a day. Not many people seemed to know the magic in Vesuvia, save for Asra, who had been the only person I had met who knew anything at all about magic.

"'To undo hexes and curses'," Asra read aloud.

I hummed in acknowledgment. "Why are you here?"

"Am I not allowed to shop? It would be rude to turn away a customer."

My fists tightened at my sides as hot self-consciousness rose in my chest. Blood rushed to my cheeks and I knew I looked flustered by the smirk on his face. That beautiful face with the perfect nose and cheeky grin. Before any words could escape me, he spoke.

"May I ask you something, MC?"

Still, he said my name slowly unlike everyone else.

"Of course, Asra." Maybe if I said his name in the way he said mine, he might have felt the same butterflies I felt.

I wished he looked at me when he spoke next, but instead, he kept looking into the glass case. "How long have you been watching me?"

"I--"

Gods, I had thought, strike me down now.

When I first saw Asra it was not at my window, rather he was nothing but a blur as I walked by behind the shop. He had been surrounded by people, so the only part of him I could see was the white curls on the top of his head. My aunt had laughed as we passed by and told me to never mind that magician, he would be out of business in a few months.

"After all, MC," She had said. "Street rats die so quickly in the city."

But he stayed in that back alley, even months after my Aunt had left to go back home to Helene. It was only after she left and the honors to him piled up did I start peeking. First every so often, then it became a nightly routine.

"Not long," I lied.

He looked at me finally. If he saw the lie on my face he said nothing. "You are not upset that I take your customers?"

"I--" I was startled by the question. If he had known I knew of his presence there for some time, then the question seemed redundant to ask. Surely if there was an issue it would have been solved immediately. "No. Not at all. And you don't steal my customers."

Asra only smiled in response before going over to the shelf against the wall and complimenting the assortment of herbs, crystals, and other ancient wards I had in there. My mortification, the feeling that I felt the moment I met Asra, had long been gone by then.

Instead, I felt proud that the pretty magician from behind my shop thought it was neat the way I displayed my products. Even as he continued to go from each item to ask me questions, I was answering them with more confidence every time he looked at me.

He seemed to have swindled me into a conversation with him because by the time another customer had walked in the sun was already coming into the shop in an orange hue. As I greeted the customer Asra slipped out with a wink just as he slithered in.

--

I had yet to see Asra again for some time. Not face to face at least. Every night, I would peek down at him to make sure he was still there. When he was, I left satisfied that my knowledge of him there did not scare him off. Though, I doubt myself only knowing that he was there that would do the trick.

When we met again it was in the MarketPlace. The day was cold for once. A sure sign of winter coming in close behind the semi-chilly autumn weather. People were happy about it and seemed more jovial. They could walk around without having to worry about sweating in their clothes once they stopped, and the latest winter fashions had finally sprung amongst the crowd.

With the weather change came a slew of new sicknesses. Colds and stomach aches had been the latest trouble in Vesuvia, and even the new doctor on the other side of the city could only help so many which left me. Unfortunately, the ones that needed my help left me depleted and I could not fulfill orders until mine had come in.

It pained me to see their faces in such a disparaged state. Slipping through the crowd the best I could, I made my way to the herbalist. An old friend that I knew little of, the herbalist greeted me with a loud boast of my name.

"MC! My best customer," I flushed as all eyes turned to me from behind the counter.

I nodded at them and said hello quietly, and gave him the slip for my order.

"Ah, for the colds, yes? A moment, please," The herbalist disappeared behind the curtain.

I walked around, fingering the hanging lavender from the short rafters above and fingering the different slots of herbage. Whitebark, rosemary, sage, and every other plan known to me or any other person. The smell caused me a headache, but I cherished looking at all the products offered. I looked back up at the lavender and thought of Asra. The purple of the petals reminded me of his eyes, but not as deep of a color.

Entranced by the thought, I almost failed to hear my name. When I looked up, my eyes locked with the eyes of the magician I had been thinking about. A familiar purple that still sparkled even in the daylight.

"Oh, hello, Asra," I said, stepping to the side as he reached for the whitebark.

"I hadn't expected to see you here."

I snorted. "Do you expect me to always be in my shop?"

A smirk crossed his face and a flash of something clever flashed in his eyes. "Do you always peep on people?"

My cheeks burned, and just as the words left his mouth the herbalist returned. Out of politeness, he pretended to not hear what Asra just said, but by the questioning look in his eyes, he must have. Paying then grabbing the bag of herbs, I turned on my heel and then quickly left in hopes that Asra would leave the embarrassment behind.

Asra called for me again, running up behind me as I lugged the large bag with me. Before any words other than my name could escape him, he took the bag from my hands. The cooled from my cheeks at that moment and we walked in silence for a few paces before either of us spoke again.

"Thank you."

"Forgive me."

We had spoken in unison and, for a moment, I thought I saw a flush on his cheeks.

"Whatever should I forgive you for?" I asked, brushing my hair out of my face as the cold wind blew against us.

He smiled at the ground before speaking. "Uh, for earlier. I hope I did not embarrass you."

"Oh," I said. "Think nothing of it. I have been in worse situations."

Asra grinned at me, a charismatic, lopsided grin that made my young heart flush with butterflies. "You must tell me."

"Well," The story started.

I had forgotten how long we had talked, but it was for sure long enough that he excused himself. Where my day had ended his was still happening. Asra slipped out the back of the shop, an exit I rarely used, and sat at his booth. Locking up and then slipping into my night clothes I peeked through the curtain again.

This time, when our eyes met as he magically juggled some masquerade masks for some wandering Vesuvians, he winked. My heart stumbled in my chest, and I closed the curtain squealing. I spent the rest of the evening trying to get his smile out of my head, but, when it proved to be fruitless, I opted to read. It was when the words passed through my head did the thought of him and my growing fondness finally fade.

[thembofics]

Characters I Write For

Marvel

Bucky Barnes

Natasha Romanoff

Loki Laufeyson

Sylvie Laufeydottir

Shang-Chi

Katy

Tobey Maguire!Peter Parker

Andrew Garfield!Peter Parker

Carol Danvers

Disney/Kingdom Hearts

Aladdin (2019)

Terra

Luisa Madrigal

Beast/Adam

Elsa

Captain Amelia

Tiana

Flynn Rider

King Magnifico

The Arcana

Asra Alnazar

Nadia Satrinava

Portia Devorak

Muriel

Star Wars

Finn

Luke Skywalker

Rey Skywalker

Poe Dameron

Finnpoe

Rose Tico

Ezra Bridger (Ahsoka)

Lando Calrissian

The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings

Disclaimer: I have yet to watch The Rings of Power.

Bilbo Baggins

Frodo Baggins

Pippin Took

Merry Brandybuck

Samwise Gamgee

Arwen Undomiel

Tauriel

Misc.

Dr. Claw

Inspector Gadget (I'll happily write for animated or live-action Gadget)

David Copperfield (The Personal History of David Copperfield, 2019)

Bruce Wayne (The Batman, 2022)

Harley Quinn

Professor Utonium

Samurai Jack

[psychcticminds]

Journey Home to You

Julian Devorak x (Gender-Neutral) Reader

Summary: Takes place after the events of the love letter from Julian sold by Nix Hydra. Basically, the apprentice has been away from Vesuvia for a bit and they and Julian have been constantly sending letters back and forth while they're separated. Finally, the apprentice is coming back home.

Warnings: None!

Author's Note: I do hope you enjoy reading this! Truthfully, this is shorter than what I typically write, though I did write this probably close to a year or two ago now. I usually tend to write a lot, so do expect longer things in the future.

Feel free to request prompts for me to write! I am most comfortable writing Julian and Lucio since those are the two routes I have completed, but I would be happy to try to write for anyone! Just no NSFW requests please :)

Also available on AO3!

"I'll be at the docks, watching for the sails of the ship carrying you back home. Back to me."

Y/N read those words over and over, a smile on their face. They read through each one of the letters they received, and there were quite a few. One or two were from Asra or Portia, even one from Mazelinka, while the vast majority were from the same person. The one person that was always in Y/N's thoughts already. Julian Devorak. Even just thinking of him was enough to bring a smile to Y/N's face. And now here they were, finally on that ship, sailing back to Vesuvia. Just before they had set sail, they had been able to write a letter, letting Julian know they were finally on their way home.

"We're almost to port!"

Y/N looked up from the letters in their hands when they heard that shout from above deck. Quickly folding up the letters and putting them away in their satchel, they went up the stairs so that they were now on deck. They went to the bow edge of the ship, leaning their hands on the railing so that they could lean forward some, their eyes lighting up when they saw the familiar docks. Not only the docks, but who they saw on them.

Asra was there, with Portia and Mazelinka by his side, Portia waving like mad when she seemed to spot Y/N on the ship. And there, on the very edge, leaning so far forward he could easily fall into the water, was Julian. One hand was on his chest while the other held on to the post at the end of the docks, and the expression on his face was one of such strong adoration when he saw the one he'd been waiting to see for so long.

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as they broke into the biggest grin they could muster, one hand coming up to wipe away some tears. They were finally home.

It felt like too long had passed before they were finally stepping off the ship, but as soon as Y/N was standing on the docks, Portia ran forward to give them a hug. Then Mazelinka stepped forward, her hand resting on Y/N's shoulder. "It's good to see you again, Y/N," she said sweetly, Y/N happily hugging her. "It's good to see you too." Then it was Asra's turn. He hugged Y/N tightly, Faust slithering out from their sleeve to wrap herself around Y/N's arm, showing she missed them as well. Once Asra stepped away, Faust wrapping herself around his shoulders, Y/N finally turned to face Julian.

Neither of them moved for a moment, they were just smiling as they looked at each other, taking in each other's presence after so long apart. Then, Julian came forward, wrapping his arms around Y/N, picking them up, and spinning them in a circle. He kissed all over their face repeatedly, Y/N laughing happily as their arms came around Julian's shoulders. They then buried their face in the crook of Julian's neck, just breathing him in and reveling in him. Julian did the same, slowly setting Y/N down as his face buried in the crook of their neck. After what felt like years, Julian sighed happily before gently whispering, "I've missed you so much, darling." Y/N pulled their head back just enough so that they could kiss Julian's cheek, "I've missed you too."

[im-ovulating]

(A/n: Happy Valentine's Day guys!❤️)

(y/f/f means "your favorite food"; f/f means "favorite flower")

Hope you enjoy~

Navigation

Warnings: mentioned spicy actions, nothing explicit though

Age Rating: Pg 13

The Main 6 on Valentine's Day x GN! Reader

-------------------

Asra

Spends all day preparing

They sent you out on a wild goose chase for some magic ingredient that doesn't exist just to make sure you wouldn't walk in on them setting up the shop

When he finishes decorating and cooking he sends Faust to bring you back

There are candles set up around the shop making a pathway to the back room where Asra waits with steaming dishes of (y/f/f) set out on the table

You guys talk about the most random things, laughing and joking with each other in the dim candle light

The night ending with Asra gently leading you to your shared bedroom; the two of you becoming a tangle of limbs and love

Julian

He's freaking the hell out

What if you don't like it? What was your f/f again?

My guy is basically drenched in sweat by the time you meet him at the pier

He'll shakily hand you a beautiful bouquet and ask you if you'd like to take a walk along the beach

Leads you to a secluded part of the beach where a picnic is set up in perfect view of the horizon

As you guys watch the sunset, feeding each other bites of the food that Mazelinka 1000% made (he denies it though), he'll pull your back against his chest and rest his head against yours

It's moments like this that he fully lets his guard down and drops his joking façade; he'll tell you just how much you mean to him and how he's so grateful you didn't give up on him

Honestly, you probably both end up in tears by the end of it..

Muriel

Truthfully, he probably doesn't even care that it's Valentine's Day

What do you mean there's a day for people to show their love for each other? Shouldn't they do that everyday?

Once you explain it to him, he'll probably plan something small (even though he still doesn't really get it)

Maybe a stroll through the trees, or he'll take you to see his favorite places in the woods

A hidden waterfall maybe, or a meadow filled with the most bright and fragrant flowers

He might not understand Valentine's, but he still wants you to know that he loves and appreciates you

Portia

She'll definitely spend most of the day before making both of your favorite baked goods and treats

Another Devorak that loves a good picnic

She'll find the prettiest spot in the royal gardens and set up a large blanket and a basket

Once you guys get settled and she starts unloading the food, you're stick wondering how she fit everything in the basket

Like, do you guys remember Hermione's bottomless purse? It's like that..

You guys will just sit basking in the warm Vesuvian sun, chatting away about what others would call the most mundane things, snaking on the little sandwiches and cakes

Pepi definitely had to chase away Camio at some point..

Nadia

Has the palace cooks prepare the most extravagant dishes and desserts even when you assure her that she doesn't have to go through all the trouble

Like, shush, let your sugar mama pamper you

Definitely has the servants bring you the most articulate and stylish outfit and tell you to meet her on the veranda

After you guys finish your meal and talk for a bit, she takes you into one of the many rooms of the palace where a show is waiting for the two of you

She had hired the most well renowned acrobats and stunt persons she could find

The night ends with you both cuddled up in bed, engaging in the sweetest pillow talk of your life

Lucio

Nadia 2.0

Has the most expensive and lavish dishes and clothes prepared

Tries to be romantic but fails with his crassness and bluntness

"Have I ever told you that your the sexiest person in all of Vesuvia?"

Will definitely get freaky in the sheets after dinner if you let him

I'm talking not being about to walk the next day freaky😅

If not, he's perfectly fine with just holding you close; though, he will whine about it

After all, he IS still the same spoiled and irritable count we all know and love

[laurensxox]

Fandom :: The Arcana

Pairing :: Julian Devorak x Reader (Not Apprentice)

Requested? :: no

Warning/s :: Julian's Route (Upright) and New Tale Spoilers, Named Apprentice, Female Reader, Chronic Illness, Swearing, Author is projecting their longing

Genre :: Angst

Summary :: Julian spends the night reminiscing over childhood memories and longing to go back to the past where he was in Nevivon again, playing as carefree as one can be with the one person he truly cared about other than his younger sister

Author's Note :: Stark, if you're reading this, I'm fighting you for this dramatic, self-sacrificing dumbdumb-

Song Inspiration :: Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars

Portia's Cottage :: Just After Sundown

A chuckle left the auburn haired man as he watches Pasha relay stories of their childhood to their friends, informing them of how they were raised by a group of grandmothers and how their parents actually perished from a shipwreck caused by a rather strong storm. Mazelinka quickly add in how much of a troublemaker the two of them has become as the years pass by, didn't even waste the chance to tell them about the tooth fairy situation which caused Julian to go beet red in mild embarassment. Their friends were in no need to know that story!

Shaking his head, he let a more genuine smile form on his face. As embarrassed as he is right now, he was happy to see everyone laughing jovially without the fear of Lucio's plans with the Devil weighing on their shoulders. A warm sensation forms in his chest as he tries to hold in his laughter as Pasha nearly slips on her feet with her excitement to share their history. It was nice to be able to just laugh and and thrive in the positive energy inside the cottage! Even Muriel, their very introverted friend, seems to be relaxed as he lets Allen (Apprentice) braid his hair using flower stems while Asra leans on his side.

Looking at the trio and sensing the strong forming bond between Pasha and the Countess, Julian couldn't help the small pang of longing swell somewhere within himself. He couldn't stop his mind from pushing forward memories he tried to bury and lock away.

"Ilya, help! I'm slipping!"

"Don't worry, I'll catch you!"

The longing pang quickly turned to pain as the memories rushes back to the surface. He could feel his hand start to tremble as the formerly locked away memories barrels it's way to the front of his mind. Jumbled memories of playing tag and tending to scraped knees should have made him feel fond but it makes feel nothing but longing. Longing for a time and companionship he knows he'll never be able to have again.

Taking a deep breath, he hadn't noticed that he had closed his eyes until he opened them. With him being occupied with trying to stir himself away from the path of self-loathing once again, he hadn't noticed how quiet the cottage had gotten, its other residents looking at him with concerned eyes. Not even the Familiars scattered in the room made a noise.

He forced a laugh to ease the sudden change of atmosphere in the cottage, hoping it sounded convincing enough to clear the concern away from his family and friends' eyes. While he has come to terms that it's okay to ask and receive help instead of keeping things to himself, he still struggles with it. And it was obvious with the way he tries to act like he was okay, that he wasn't just bombarded with memories he doesn't want to remember.

"What is with that look, my dear friends? I am perfectly well, no worries!" he exclaimed, giving them his usual smirk and raised eyebrow, internally hoping it'll be enough to convince them that there was nothing to be concerned about. "There is nothing in this world that this handsome and smart devil can't handle!" His little comment about himself seems to be the right thing to say as his friends immediately rolled their eyes in fond exasperation. Although, by the look of his sister and honorary grandmother, he guessed that they have seen right through him and he can already see his funeral-

He gave a small sigh and let a small weary look replace his earlier expression, "I'll just head outside to take in a quick breath of fresh air," he said as he quickly exited the cottage before his two family member could say anything. Knowing that they'll probably just follow right after him, he quickly made his way away from the cottage and into the hedge maze by the palace gardens. It took him a while to get to the center but he was relieved to see it empty. Consul Valerius has taken to drinking his usual wine there in this time so he was quite happy to see that for once, the Consul broke his routine. He needed to be alone right now.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs surrounding a rounded table, he crossed his arms on the table and used it to rest his head upon. Taking another deep breath to calm his racing heart, he closed his eyes.

Maybe he needs to stop locking away these memories, he has only done so before due to his need to focus on finding the cure for the plague and then having to focus to not get caught by the patrolling palace guards when he was still a wanted convict. The memories and the longing for his childhood best friend used to be a big distraction for him while he was still working under Valdemar.

He didn't need to do any of those anymore... So maybe...

The soft rapid footsteps echoed in the small forest near the town of Nevivon, followed by the childish giggling of two children. Both children wore a tattered white sheet of cloth, the corners wrapped around their necks in a way that resembles that of a cape. Whilst in their heads rests crudely made paper crowns.

Young Julian and his best friend, (Y/N), were already considered too old for these kind of games by some of the grandmas and fellow children but the two gave them no mind, choosing to continue living in their fantasy world until they were truly too old for it.

The two children stopped once they have reached the center of the forest where a small meadow hides in. It was decorated by dozens of wild flowers and the breeze were always refreshing. The two has deemed this as their spot when they had first found it years ago, back when they were much younger.

They call the meadow as their kingdom, where they are the rulers, side by side as King and Queen. The wild flowers are their loyal subjects and sometimes, when Pasha joins them, she acts as their ambassador.

Young Julian kneeled as they reach the very center that they always keep clean, it was their designated throne room. The young boy carefully plucked a blue hued flower from the ground, he didn't know what kind of flower it was but it was pretty, a perfect gift for his 'Queen'

As if mocking the reminiscing man, right across from him and innocently clinging to the hedge wall was the very same flower that he had picked back then. He didn't know if he wants to sneer at it or be fond of it. He wished he has a glass of Salty Bitters right now, maybe he should have headed to Rowdy Raven instead of here.

"Would you have approved of the man that I have become, (Y/N)?" he whispered as he stares at the flower, as if it would miraculously turn into his childhood friend and answer him. Maybe that was possible? Allen did transform him into Asra back then, would the illusion work on a plant as well? But then again, that will be all it'll ever be. Just an illusion.

The grandmas all exchanged fond gazes as they watch their resident troublemakers sing songs with all their heart, their love for the dramatic was very much obvious at that moment.

Little Portia was banging on pots like drums by the sidelines, sometimes singing some lines as well when prompted by either her older brother or the girl she was starting to see as her older sister.

He stood up from his place and started to make his way out of maze. He wasn't going to go back in the cottage nor was he in any hurry, he just felt too restless to stay sitted in one place. He has gotten used to always moving around with all his running from guards and fighting a Major Arcana. But before he went back to trying to find his way in the maze, he stopped in front of the flower that he has been staring at.

It was a small flower with 6 petals that looks blue and violet at the same time, the bud in the middle was light green in color and it was the only flower growing in the hedge. From what Julian remembers, these flowers grow in bundles. So to see one so alone, well, it didn't help the growing hole inside him.

Gently plucking the flower like he did so in his childhood, he observed the flower a little more before making his way back into maze, taking the small flower with him. Surely, the Countess would not mind him plucking such a small wild flower, now would she?

Julian looked up from his book as he felt something soft being places om his hair, looking up, he saw (Y/N) placing what looks to be a bunch of flowers weaved together in a circlet manner on top of his head. Something similar on her own head as well.

"What are you doing, peanut?" he asked the girl, gently closing his book and waiting for the other to finish adjusting the flowers. He had taken to calling her 'Peanut' after he had caught her trying to sneakily take the peanuts in the communal pantry. He didn't snitch to the grandmas, of course.

"Just adjusting your flower crown, bum-bum" she answered, making small more adjustments before appearing satisfied that the flower crown both looks good and will surely stay on her friend's head when they begin to trek their way home later.

The Doctor surprisingly got out pretty easy, definitely faster than when he was first trying to get to the heart of the maze. Looking down at the flower, he let a sad smile adorn his face.

"I suppose even after all these years, you're still my lucky charm, huh, (Y/N)?" he mumbled under his breath, giving the one of the petals a small kiss before continuing to walk.

He didn't really have a destination, the palace grounds was vast and there are still some areas of it that he hasn't been to. Maybe a little exploring wouldn't hurt? He hopes Pasha wouldn't get too worried if he takes too long to get back to her cottage, he does often find himself in troubling situations.

"You know what? I wouldn't even ask how you manage to be in this situation." (Y/N) said, crossing her arms as she narrows her eyes at the boy dangling before her.

Julian had, at that moment, managed to get himself tangled in the vines surrounding the branches of the tree. Truth be told, he was trying to climb the tree in order to get fresh fruits for his sister and best friend. But when he finally managed to get on a branch, a crow suddenly flew out of its nest and caused him to go off balance, fortunately being caught by the vines, no matter how tangled up he got.

He wouldn't tell her that though, lord knows she wouldn't let him live it down.

"Why, my dear peanut, I was just trying to see how strong these vines are and if they would make a good rope!" It was honestly a good excuse for him, but apprently not good enough for (Y/N) as she just raised her eyebrow at him, clearly not believing him.

After a good bit of exploring, he manages to find himself near the fountains where he saw the trio couple making their way back to the palace. Were they on their way home already? How long has he been outside? Shaking his head, he called for their attention and made his way to them.

"Going home already?" he asked, raising a brow as he observes the many colorful flowers adoring Muriel's hair. It was quite a new look on the tall man but it surprisingly suits him. Seeing his friend give him a narrowed look, he moved his gaze to the two magicians.

"Yeah, I'm feeling quite a bit tired already and Asra wanted to do a quick inventory of the stocks we have left in the shop" Allen explained, moving to lightly keep their wild green hair out of their sight. It was getting a little long, they might need a cut soon. "Though, we don't plan to stay there for the whole night, just a quick inventory and dinner then straight to Muri's where we'll sleep for tonight" the apprentice added, giving the taller doctor a smile.

"I see, I see! Well, don't let me hold you back for any longer, have a safe walk home!" he exclaimed, moving to walk further before he was stopped by a gentle grip on his wrist. Turning back, he saw that it was Allen who held him back. He could see the concern swirling in their green eyes but the smile never faltered away from their face. "Yes, dear?" he asked.

"You know you can talk to us if there's something bothering you, right? You don't have to if you're not comfortable but just remember that we're here, okay?" Moved by their words, Julian pulled them into a sideway hug and let out a genuine laugh. He was so lucky to have his friends. Sometimes he still thinks he doesn't deserve them but he knew to keep it to himself for now. He didn't fancy sitting through another lecture session about his self worth by his sister again.

"Aw, Allen, don't you worry about lil 'ol me! I'm quite alright now!" That was a lie, he was far from alright, but his friend doesn't need to know that. "I may talk to Pasha and Mazelinka about it so no need to worry that cute little head of yours" That seemed to settle the Apprentice as they pulled away from the hug and gave his arm one last pat before moving to stand between their partners.

"You should do that now before Portia wears a hole in her carpet with how much she's pacing when we left" Asra said before he and the other two gave the auburn haired man one last wave and left.

Deciding to do as his magician friend said, he started his way back to his sister's cottage. Earlier was such a good day, it wouldn't do to plague his sister with worries and sour up the light mood. He already did that earlier before he walked out, best not make it worse.

Looking up at the dark sky, he smiled as he admires the scattered stars. It was a beautiful night, the full moon was giving the world such a soft look and it made things seem so peaceful. It made him feel like he was back to laying in the meadow near Nevivon. Like he was laying next to... Next to...

He wasn't able to wipe away his tears before they begun to fall down his cheeks. A sob fought its way out of his throat as he falls to a crouch.

Fuck, he wants to go back. He really really wants to go back-

Julian observed the wide sky and the many stars on them, it was a beautiful night and the night breeze was cold and as he lays on the equally cool grass of the meadow, it soothes his heated skin. It made him sigh in contentment, what more could he want?

Looking at his left, he smiled as he sees his sleeping sister. The little girl had decided to join them that night in their nightly star gazing but it didn't take long before she fell asleep, not used to staying up later than her bedtime. He'll have to carry her home later on.

The sight on his right took his breath away. Blush rushed to his face as he seems to see his best friend in a completely different light.

There, laying beside him, was (Y/N). The moonlight was softly hitting her face, and it made her (eye color) so much more brighter like gems, like the stars that littered the dark sky above them. Her laugh as she continues to talk about the astrology that she learned from Mazelinka, sounds like soothing bells to his ears.

Since when has his peanut became this... pretty?

He longs to be in her arms again, he longs to hear her voice again. No doubt it would still sound like music to his ears. He wants to make flower crowns again, he wants to play king and queen again, he wants to stargaze with her again, he wants to sneakily steal cookies, hangout by the hot springs, pick flowers for the grandmas, share lessons with Lilinka, he wants to...

He really wants to see her again.

Julian sat on her bed by her side, his hand gently holding her weaker and much fragile one, her illness eating away her strength. Her ring finger still holds the flower ring he had made earlier that week, it was already wilting but the girl refuses to take it off.

"I made up my mind." he said, breaking the solemn silence in the room. It made the other look at him curiously, waiting for him to elaborate.

"I'll take the offer to study medicine in Prakra" he explained, finally looking at his best friend and secretly, the girl who has his heart in her gentle grip for he doesn't think his bestfriend could ever be harsh, other than when she's twisting his ear for getting in trouble without her

But he can't, he knew he can't. She probably hates him, gotten word of his 'crimes' and no longer sees him as her best friend. But as a murderer, a plague doctor who assisted his superior on experimenting to dying plague victims in search of the cure.

She probably already has a family of her own now, has 3 children like she once said she wanted. Probably has a nice spouse that always makes her laugh and will never hurt her. A spouse that doesn't have their sins still haunting them in every step and breath they take.

"You're leaving me?" the pain in her voice was clear, she was hurt at the thought. They had planned to wait for her to be cured before they decide to go out of their hometown to travel, to study medicine like they always dreamed of.

"Not for long, I know we planned to study together but..." He took a deep breath, "I'm doing this for you, (Y/N), I want to study now for you"

Silence filled the room once again.

Julian clutched up at his coat, the place right over his heart where it hurts the most. He had completely fallen to his knees, tears continues to drip down to the ground from his eyes, his other hand gripping the ground.

Whispered apologies leaving his mouth over and over again.

"Promise me you'll come back? That you won't forget about me?"

Julian stared at his love's dull but hopeful (eye color) orbs, hisbhand momentarily leaving hers to gently caress her cheek.

"I'm so sorry... (Y/N), I'm so sorry..."

"I promise"

"I broke our promise... I'm so sorry, my love..."

[...]

Meanwhile, in the same meadow of Julian's memories, sits a much grown up version of the girl in his memories. Body trembling as sobs come right after one another, clutching a bundle of those same blue wildflowers to her chest. Her eyes tightly shut as tears falls to the ground of her childhood. The girl looked up, staring at the same moon that Julian was previously admiring.

"Where are you, Ilya? I thought you'll come back... You promised... You promised..."

Anyone interested in a reunion sequel? 👀

My apologies if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes, I just woke up when I finished this lol

Anyways, I hope you all liked this! Let me know what you think, don't be shy! 💙

[springismss]

Careful - p. devorak

a/n; because this adorable red head holds a special place in my heart.

pairing; Portia Devorak x female! reader

reblogs/feedback/likes are appreciated & encouraged. DO NOT repost/steal any of my works.

warnings; n/a

word count; 460

headcanon based; Injured significant other

image credit; ondriaprice (via tumblr)

links; The Arcana Masterlist | Works Masterlist

Goes full on momma mode whenever you get injured. You can’t blame her, especially with who her brother is.

Despite being short in height, she's unbelievably strong. Not that you mind at all. Says that’s how she’s built but you suspect differently.

Carries you over her shoulder as you spout protests on the way to her little cottage on the grounds.

Drops you onto her bed with a small thud. Hard enough to teach you a lesson, light enough not to hurt you more than you already are.

Rushes around while giving you a lecture about being careless yet again. You’d disappoint her slightly if you didn’t get yourself hurt in one way or another at least once a week.

Has a wooden spoon ready just in case you try to escape her. She doesn’t like to use it but being the sister of the infamous Doctor Devorak, she’s always prepared for any situation - including people trying to escape her.

“This will only hurt a little, okay little bug”. She hates seeing you in pain while she tends to you so does her best to make you comfortable beforehand.

Rolls her eyes slightly at your sheepish grin. "Honestly (y/n), all I ask is you be careful and this is what I see? You're worse than Ilya~".

Tucks stray pieces of hair behind your ear while placing soft kisses on your forehead.

Checks you over to make sure you're patched up as best as she can manage until Asra can heal a little better.

Wraps her arms around you protectively. “I only fret because I worry about you, princess".

Pepi makes herself comfy on your laps as your girlfriend pets her. “I don't want to lose you, that’s all”. Not that she’d ever let anything happen to you - she’d hunt them down.

Soft kisses with giggles until you fall asleep. Strokes your hair until she knows you've fallen into a deep sleep.

You're too precious to Portia to be injured so much. She hates seeing you come back from wherever you’ve been hurt.

Gently wraps one of her scarves around your hand so you know she's always with you, even when she's working.

Will spoil you until you've fully healed - soft songs and gentle hums. Warm hugs and tingling kisses.

Will do everything in her power to make you comfortable.

Cries in private when you're asleep feels like she should have protected you better - even if she couldn’t have.

Doesn't want you to see her this weak every time you're hurt. She's open to showing emotions but she wants to be strong for you in a fragile state.

She's the guiding star you never knew you needed in your life. You’re proud to call her your girlfriend.

[malaks-perch]

lock the door

portia x reader

asra should not have left you to clean the shop, especially if he knew portia was swinging by

warnings: fluff, a little steam— wait no, considerable amounts of steam, not a sauna; some crack in there

a/n: i really don't know what happened here, i had fun though and yes i was fully sober for all of it

it was a nice day outside, not that you would know.. it was your turn to go through inventory. you bribed asra with being the one to clean out the shop so that you would be the one to go off on an adventure instead of being left behind.

asra so teasingly flaunted how you practically begged him to be the one to leave the shop and he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t feel guilty when he saw how you visibly deflated.

he patted your head and promised to bring you back something like he always did. but right now? you didn’t want a present. you wanted this broken jar of pickled sage to clean itself up.

asra didn’t even use pickled sage. you set yellow vials stained by the sage atop the counter as you cursed whoever thought up the idea to pickle herbs. you were too busy cleaning up off the slimey substance from your hands to remember that you had indeed left the door to the shop unlocked.

you heard the door opening as you disposed of the glass. “we’re closed!” you called into the shop only to hear a familiar giggle.

“you’re supposed to the friendlier of the magicians.” porta called to you. “what’s with the mess?”

on her days off, portia would always come around the shop. learning what she could from asra and he would leave you to tutor her so you both could have a little practice. sometimes she would drag julian along and he would often watch and take note of the ingredients while asra would sometimes craft new spells. to have her hear would make things go easier.

“not even magicians like to clean their rooms,” you half grumbled making the bubbly devorak laugh.

“what are these little bubbly vials for?” she asked, as you picked up a few bins to bring to the front so you could sort everything by it’s colors.

“asra and i were trying to bring in a few more customers by making little treats. you can try one. let me know what they taste like.”

there was a beat of silence before portia let out a small burp and giggled, “it tastes kind of like a lemon cake. i didn’t know a drink could be so foamy.”

“foamy?” you said to yourself. you and asra didn’t make lemon-

a crash interrupted your thoughts and you were racing out the back to see one of the yellow vials empty on the floor. there was no sign of portia. you went to pick of the vial when you spotted a hand and you followed it to find portia unconscious behind the counter.

“i fucking killed her.” you braced your hands on the sides of your head. asra hadn’t been gone for a day and you were already screwing everything up. you hoped asra liked sailing because there was no telling how vesuvia would react to manslaughter through magic. “oh my gosh, she fuckin’ dead.”

your thoughts were interrupted by portia’s body taking on a golden glow when portia’s hair shifted in the slightest. you knelt down by her, pushing her hair aside when brown pushed up against your hand. you jolted up, throwing yourself at the cluttered counter. pushing the sample treat bottles aside to grab the unmarked yellow ones. you uncapped one and held your nose over it.

it didn’t smell like any regular potion. this must have been one of asra’s forgotten side projects from a long time ago. the date was expired on it, so if a few ingredients had perished, it meant the rest must have mixed to make something completely different. before you could investigate any further you were distracted by a groan.

your head whipped over to portia as she called out to you and your heart dropped into your chest. she wasn’t dead, but what the hell would julian think if he saw portia like this? oh. stars. what would nadia think?

portia’s antlers had grown that so wide that they blocked any way around her. you leaned down, in an effort not to startle her.

“okay. now, portia-”

“what’s wrong?” she was wide eyed, lifting her head and an antler getting caught on a shelf beside her. upon seeing it portia screamed.

“portia, calm down! it’s okay-”

“it’s not okay! this isn’t okay-” she shook her head. an antler hitting the counter making a pink vial come crashing down on portia’s hand. the pink worked instantly, fur growing on her hand and she shrieked even louder.

what the hell did asra have in those old vials?

“portia, if you keep swinging your antlers someone could get hurt-” you were cut short when portia swung her head around a jar from the shelf on your right came hurdling into your face. the jar breaking upon making contact with your face.

you hissed, falling back as the feeling of the potion in your eyes. a scream ripped from your mouth, it felt as if someone had poured salt into your eyes. portia was screaming with you the entire time and when you finally realized it hurt no longer. you pulled your hands away from your face to find that your hands were normal. nothing unusual there.

you looked up at portia and smiled only for her to lift a finger, whimpers coming from her mouth. “don’t scream, okay? don’t scream. portia.” you warned, lifting your hands up when you caught sight of your reflection in the class counter beside you.

green feline eyes had taken the place of your eyes, but your newly transformed eyes dropped to your teeth that resembled those of a leopard.

you were screaming now, turning to portia who was violently shaking her head making potions fall and tumble.

it was a little while later that you both calmed down and portia was sitting on the opposite side of the counter while you swept up the broken glass from your panicking.

“i’m really sorry.” portia motioned to the jars while she let her fingers trail over a few of the bizzare vials that shouldn’t have been too hazardous.

“no, no. it’s my fault. i shouldn’t have put those yellow vials so close to the samples.” you waved her off as you threw away the broken glass. “i didn’t think that asra had so many unfinished projects he’d left around. i was careless.”

portia nodded to herself, a mischevous smile crawling up her face when she picked up a green vial. “you think we’ll get in trouble with asra?” rubbing the underside of her paw against her face.

“probably not. he’s probably forgot about all these potions.” you told her, as you set the broom aside to get back to organizing. “he’ll probably never leave me to do inventory again.”

portia motioned to a box of vials and jars marked expired. “do you want to find out what those do?”

you couldn’t help, but laugh at portia’s resilience. both of you were screaming your heads off moments ago and here she was wanting to have another go at the randomness of potions.

you shook your head, motioning to the box on the floor.

“it’s probably dangerous to be playing with these things.”

upon lifting the box a red vial slipped out of woven box and spill at your feet. purple fog engulfed you as the box slipped from your hands. when it disappeared you found your skin was freckled with red spots.

you shook your head, groaning at the sight of your different skin tone. portia laughed and helped you pick up the box only for portia to slip on the forgotten red vial and go falling beneath you. she yanked at your tunic and a lavender bottle went flying.

your eyes went wide. lavender bottles were important bottles. only important or significant spells and potions were marked down with that lavender color. you were hopping over the counter and diving for the bottle.

portia gasped upon seeing you slam into the bookshelf on the far wall, but when you caught the potion she cheered. you smiled at her, celebrating far too soon because the big book of spells that asra always balanced on the top shelf came slamming down on your hand and the lavender bottle broke in hand. covering you in it’s contents.

your skin began to tingle and you shoved the book off of you to find that you were not covered in scales or fur, but in the sweetest aroma that smelled of strawberries. you coughed at the overwhelming amount and found portia hurdling towards you.

you caught her and spun the redhead so she lay beneath you. more books came tumbling down, but you were focused not on the dictionary that had smacked you on the back of the head but the languid kisses being pressed up your neck.

“h-hey, porita.”

she smiled against your neck and wrapped her legs around your hips to pull you directly on top of her. “hey, my beautiful partner.”

“y-you.. you know what a-asra says... not in the s-shop?” you stammered out when she raked a hand through your hair.

her lips were at your ear, portia eagerly tightening her grip on you and shifting her hips to bring you impossibly closer to her. “asra’s not here, love.”

then it clicked. that potion in particular hadn’t been expired. it needed to be disposed of because it was a love potion. asra refused to sell those and this must have been some of the last that he didn’t get rid of. for those who had already established an insatiable connection, the deeper it’s more.. lewd effects would have on the user.

lewd indeed by the way portia was pressing kisses to your neck.

you pressed a feverish kiss to her lips, silently apologizing to portia as you deepened the kiss. she moaned and when her hold loosened, you bolted.

you grabbed the woven box of potions as you slid rather ungracefully towards the stairs. tripping as portia moaned your name. you were about to slam the bathroom door shut when it was shoved open. vials went flying around you when you fell back into the huge tub.

you scrambled to hold yourself up as portia approached you, “you thought you were going to leave me to take care of myself?” portia hummed as she leaned over the tub, walking so she was between your legs that were high in the air. “not today.”

something broke beneath portia’s foot. you weren’t sure if you were disappointed when the pink haze in portia’s eyes seemed to dissipate, but you knew that the smell that came after was absolutely disgusting.

rotten eggs filled your nose and you scrambled to block out the smell. portia stepped back and another sound of something breaking took the air.

the other smelled of flowers and when it came together. it was less intense, but still so very intoxicating. you let your hands fall from your mouth and you grinned, “now this something i can get behind.”

the intoxicating scent drowned out every thought in your brain before you met eyes with portia who gave you a lazy smile and pointed at you, "i love you, bisshh. i ain't never gonna stop lovin' you, bisshhhh."

you could only smile like a lovestruck fool completely forgetting that portia would tell you.. not those exact words, but exclaim her love every day.

but you, oh you... opened your arms out to welcome her into them and in doing so, freed your upper body from the tub and in turn made your head slam on it's bottom.

portia slurred giggles, nearly falling in the tub upon trying to brace her swaying steps.

"portiaa!" you cried out so loudly that it vibrated the tub. "i hit my head!"

portia laughed again, leaning further into the tub, taking note of your twisted up face. "so? are ya any smarter now?"

"portia, you stoopid." you groaned whacking her in the forehead making her gasp and hold her head. "i'm gonna die! i hit my head."

portia, who was also completely high off whatever fumes were in that bottle, dropped to her knees sobbing.

you rolled your eyes and sat up in the tub, dizzy from hitting your head, shaking the redhead. "i have twenty four hours, dummy. like the stories."

you don't exactly know what stories associated hitting your head with dying in twenty four hours, but boy did you look convinced.

your matter of fact tone made portia nod, her antlers hitting your square in the forehead and sent you flying back in the tub.

"i'm gonna fucking combust if you keep hitting me, portia!" you hissed at her making the redhead put her hands over her mouth.

"you. are. so magical." she grabbed your face, "so beautiful."

she stared at you with wide eyes and slammed her lips to yours. it was.. it was sloppy. kinda hot though. portia stuck her tongue in your mouth and she climbed over you in the tub while you held her hips.

you sat up so fast that you made portia land on her back, sitting at the lip of the tub.

"portia. i got an idea." you looked down at her and then reached over the side of the tub. portia gasped when you pulled up two vials and she leaned forward staring at your hands.

"where did you get those?"

"i don't know." you swallowed, but you met her eyes and handed her a vial. "but these. this should make us birds."

portia shook her head, "but then we die faster."

you shook your head, sitting on your knees in the tub and uncapping your bottle. "if we drink this, we can fly away from death."

there was a beat of silence before portia nodded, enlightenment washing over her. "that makes sense. it can't find us if we're birds."

"exactly and because the feathers will cover our bodies." you told her.

you were tipping back the vial and portia's slipped from her paw and slid down the tub and behind you.

the fog clouding your mind cleared and it was then you saw portia's hair sticking all over her forehead and she was reaching for your pants.

"whoa! portia, what are you—" she grabbed the vial underneath you and tried clawing off the top when you reached for it. "portia, no!"

"we're gonna die! we need to be birds! the feather—" the words came rushed from her mouth, but you understood every word of it and then.. none of it at the same time.

"what the— what are you talking about? you're not gonna die!" you hissed, tugging portia's hair so you could see her eyes. her pupils were dilated and there was almost no trace of her blue irises. the vial went flying out of the tub and you spotted a ton of them strewn on the floor.

before you could react, portia was leaping out of the tub for them. you went to follow her, but she grabbed a vial and uncapped it with her mouth, tipping back a bottle while you slipped out the tub and landed on three.

as portia was sobering up, your skin changed yet again so one side was a vibrant red and the other was a very dark blue.

portia reached over, cupping your face as her brows had drawn up. "oh my stars, are you okay, y/n-"

you burped and flames exuded from your mouth. you and portia stared at each other as ash came down around you both. portia grabbed up another potion, "one of these should take that away, right?"

portia opened another one and dumped it in your mouth as a new flame started up.

the heat in your mouth seemed to stop and you nodded at portia who sighed. before she could sit back, you grabbed her arms.

"check before you sit."

she turned her head, knocking your face to the side with her antlers when she brushed open a spot for her to sit while you carefully picked yourself up off of the broken glass. you were thankful that you'd worn especially thick pants today.

portia sighed, staring at your bicolored skin and weird eyes. she laughed, cupping your face. "i wonder what asra would think if he saw you."

you shook your head, leaning into her touch. "i don't even want to think about asra right now."

"well he can undo everything once he gets back, right?"

the sound of the front door closing downstairs made you sigh. "i forgot to lock the door."

you hurried up, rushing down the stairs with portia on your heels. "how long have we been up here—"

portia was stuck at the stairs, but you hadn't stopped. you were already at the bottom when you spotted julian. you smiled, feeling better knowing that it wasn't some stranger.

julian spotted you and his eyes went wide from where he was looking down at the mess behind the counter.

"monster!"

whatever you were trying to say couldn't be heard over julian's shrieking. he grabbed a broom and raced towards you.

yup, you guessed it. you slipped and fell, successfully breaking a stray vial on the floor.

"hair! hair! julian, look at my hair! it's me!" you squeezed your eyes shut and held your hands out.

he stopped, but before you could say anything to him. you noticed yellow spots coming up on your skin. julian held up his coat lapel as he backed away from you. you stood up, trying to calm him.

"you're sick, love." he told you, tripping over himself as he hurriedly scrambled for the door.

he full on shrieked when you wrapped your arms around him. you couldn't say seeing julian freaked out like this wasn't funny. because it definitely was.

but your fun had come to an end when you saw portia standing at the bottom of the stairs with her arms crossed.

you grinned, but the door opened yet again. stepping through was a white head of hair, his eyes scanning over portia's antlers and paw. then you with your different colored skin and feline eyes as you held a very uncomfortable julian.

asra said nothing. only letting out a sigh and shutting the door behind him.

"that went well." portia smiled.

you shook your head, "we need him to help us get rid of all this."

portia was ushering julian out to catch the magician. after the door shut, portia giggled nuzzling into your side when you shook your head and ran a hand down your face.

"i really should have locked the door."

[inside-of-a-fangirls-mind]

Dancing With Julian

Words: 2,168

Warnings: Mentions of smut and stuff… It’s Julian he’s naughty and horny

Pairing: Julian X Fem!Apprentice Reader

Notes: Idk I felt like making this smut but then I deleted that ending cause like none of the other ones will be. Then I wrote some really depressing smut that I have to edit out of A Sea Of Troubles part 2&3 cause ahh. Any way here's a horny Julian. 

     You held up your hand to cover your eyes for a moment, outside it was nearly pitch black, but the soft hazy lights of the Rowdy Raven made your eyes strain a little while adjusting. You smiled and took in the dive bar around you with a smile before inhaling an all too familiar smell of salty bitters and men who didn't like to bath all too often. It had grown to become a second home to you, and you thought the world of this place. It was your secret hideaway.

You smile and see a familiar man sat in the same back table as always waving you over with two mugs of bitters already on the table waiting for you.

Well, yours and Julians for sure.

You nod to the bartender before sliding past a rather rowdy pair of men fighting over the last bar stroll at the bar, a chuckle on your voice as you greet Julian.

He smirks and looks at you through half-lidded eyes full of love and lust, "My my I do believe I have died and gone to heaven. What have I done to deserve such an angel." He hums dreamily, resting his chin on his palm, looking at you like you were the best thing in the bar. Which if you asked, he would say it was you, the best part of everything, every single time.

You blush softly, not quite used to all the flattery before taking a seat beside him, kissing him on the cheek. "You saved the world, Julian, defeat the devil, fell in love, and oh, I don't know won a certain redhead's heart?" You smirk back at him before looking at the bitters on the table. It was nothing on Golden Goose, but it was cheap, and after a few, you couldn't taste much of anything anymore.

"I do believe that was all you, Darling." He smirks before wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pressing his face into your neck to inhale your scent before smirking. You relaxed, having him at your side before reaching up and rustling his hair softly.

"Don't get too caught up. We have some partying to do. Have the others arrived yet?" You hum, placing a kiss to his ear. You lift your bitters as he turns leaning on your shoulder, still with a massive grin on his lips. His eyes were watching as you downed the heavy tankard of bitters.

"Asra said he would be late, Muriel didn't say if he was showing up and Nadia was unsure if such a place would survive a visit from the countess herself." He sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his forehead like he was swooning.

"My dear Y/N Do you ever think a place like this could handle someone like me, the Countess herself? They might all shit their pants." Julian chuckled before lifting his own tankard to the sky.

You lift your half-empty one and clank it with his before taking another sip and setting it down. "Oh Yeah?" You smirk before tapping your fingers on your chin. "What about another red-headed Devorak oh about this tall." You held out your hand at about Portia's height. "You know full of spunk and always bubbly. She truly gives you a run for your money." You smirk at the Doctor.

His hands flew to his heart before acting as if you had shot him. "Oh, my darling. Don't tell me my sister can take you away from me. After all, we've been through." He knew you were teasing, but that didn't stop him from tilting your chin towards him as he was mere inches from your lips. "Don't tell me you wish it were her moaning your name in the palace sheets, her on her knees worshipping every inch of you, her begging you for more." The shit-eating grin on his face said it all, the way his eyes hooded from desire and the not-so-subtle lip bite as he glanced down at your lips.

You gasped softly, looking at the Doctor with a flustered lip bite, your cheeks flushing the color of his hair. Of course, Julian was a tease; he knew all the right buttons to push, but tonight. You were celebrating, and while it might end with him in your sheets moaning out, you had to push that thought considerably faraway.

Especially as a certain fluffy white-haired Asra pulled up a seat across from the two of you, you swallowed, mentally thanking Asra from saving you. Otherwise, you would have been grabbing Julian by the collar and pulling him off gods know where to relieve the tension he caused.

"Asra!" You chime happily as Julian pulled away eyeing you one last time before turning to his friend with a smirk.

"Glad you could make it! Bar-keep another round for your favorite Doctor!" Julian chimes with a raise of his hand waving at the bartender.

The three of you sat and talked while downing Salty bitters left and right. You all deserved a night off after everything that happened. After defeating the devil himself, it was the most appropriate thing you could think of doing.

"Asra, please tell me Muriel will be showing up. He's so good at cards I wish to beat him this time." You smirked before clenching your fist.

Asra just smirks before Faust slighters onto the table and to your shoulder, butting her head against your neck in a sign of affection. "He said he would make it. For you, at least. Though I don't believe Nadia will be coming. Portia also said she'd follow Nadia where she went, so I count her out too." He smirks before Muriel opens the door to the bar and walks over to us with a small smile on his face. You jump up to greet him in a bear hug before a lively tune comes on, and you can't help yourself from spinning in a circle, the bitters had finally started to get to you.

Julian smirked from his seat, watching you with all the love in the world. Asra leaned over and got Julian's attention. "You better ask her to dance before I do." He teased as Julian shot up and nearly ran over to you.

"Y/N!" He called out as you turned towards him as he grabbed your hand and pulled you off to the dance floor. You laughed, letting him drag you as he spun you into his arms, his hand on your waist the other holding yours tightly. He was radiating pure love. You couldn't help but smile back at him as he took the lead, spinning you around the dusty bar floor.

Everything else seemed to fade away the longer you looked into Julian's eye, the other sadly hidden by his eye patch. Your hand softly reached up, following along his cheek before pushing the eye patch off his head. "You're a hero Julian. The defeater of the plague, no one will say one ill word with me around. I want to see your gorgeous eyes, my love." You hum cupping his cheek as his eye patch dangled from your knuckles.

He didn't say a word but pulled you closer against him, flushed chest to chest as you spun around, his head craning down to only be visible to you. Or so he hoped.

You smiled up at him, entranced by his smile, the curve of his lips, the love in his grey eyes, the soft blush raising onto his pale cheeks. He surely was a work of art. You released you, only holding onto one hand as he spun you around before him. The cheers of the bar sounded worlds away as Julian quickly slide his hands your waist heisting you up onto one of the empty tables as a lively tune played. He followed suit. Careful as a surgeon with his footing, making sure you avoid hands and mugs of bitters as the two of you spun each other over tables, jumping from one to another.

Beads of sweat appearing on his beautiful forehead, but his smile told you he was having the time of his life. He then pulled you closer and dipped you swinging your upper body in a half-circle before pulling you back up his chest as tight as ever. His lips planting a quick kiss to yours before he spun you out of his grip. You jumped off the table and landed on the floor, dust getting kicked up everywhere, but it only looked more magical.

He never let go of your hand as he jumped off the table, too, pulling you flush against him again. He was clinging to you as you felt an all to familiar pressure on your thigh. You smirked up at him as his cheeks became rosy. "Does dancing with me turn you on, my dear Doctor?" You whispered to him before turning in his arms and swayed your backside against his aching desire as you got lower to the floor before he spun you back around tight to him, leaving no air between your bodies.

"My Dear Y/N, surely you don't wish to put on a show for everyone here." He whispers into your ear, looking over at the table where Muriel and Asra were drinking and watching the two of you.

"Let them watch Julian. Let them know was a slut you are for you." You tease before he bites his lip, letting out a whimper in your ear. Oh, you loved nothing more than teasing this man.

You smirked to yourself, two could play the teasing game, and it was payback for earlier. Julian always knew how to catch you off guard, and he was just so easy to rile up like this.

"Darling, if we continue with this, I might have to take you right here on this dance floor, with everyone watching." He smirked, but his voice was choked in his throat as you pressed your thigh against his particular problem.

"Oh? I'd love to see that, Julian. We both know you wouldn't want another soul to hear your noises. Wouldn't want to ruin your reputation and for the world to know how easily you'd beg me." You smirked before he picks up the pace and spins the two of you around more.

"I don't know if it's the bitters or how beautiful you look at the moment, but I don't care. Let them hear me beg your name." He nearly growled before his hands went to your hips, swaying the two of you on the spot. Your thigh only pressured further between his legs as he let out a whimper, his eyes screwing shut tightly.

You almost wanted to take him up on that offer, but he was yours and yours alone. You didn't want to share him with anyone, not even your favorite place. You placed a kiss on his cheek before pulling your thigh from between his. "Jules," You whisper, cupping his cheeks as his eyes slowly opened. "You're mine, only mine. No one else saw ever get the satisfaction of seeing you like that. I refuse to share that." You smile as his hands gripped tighter at your hips, nodding like the good boy he was.

You snake your fingers into his Auburn locks and tug him to your lips for a kiss, his lips desperate for you, devouring you like you were his last meal. You smiled into the kiss, parting your lips slowly, teasing him as his tongue begged to roll around with yours. Finally, you let him get exactly want he wanted. Tongues rolling over each other as a moan softly rumbled in his chest.

You pulled away from him, a thin line of saliva still connecting your lips as you wipe your mouth on your sleeve. Then take his hand, keeping him close to you as you went sat down with the others.

The rest of the night was vague, more salty bitters, Muriel winning at cards every time as per usual. You seated on Julian's lap, cheering with another couple, took the dance floor doing a beautiful job.

Julian whispering naughty things in your ear, which you shushed with a smile wiggle of your hips. His lip remaining swollen from bitten so long.

Asra and Muriel waving farewell as we all went out separate ways. Julian's long fingers intertwining with yours. His skin chill to the touch even though his face burned from the booze.

The walk home was seemingly harmless until he pulled you into an alleyway, his lips on your neck. But well, eventually, the two of you made it home, waking up the next morning and not moving from the bed at Mazelinka's. Even though she yelled, you both needed to eat. You just smirked into Julian's chest as his hands traced shapes over your back.

You would never forget dancing with Julian that night or any other night spent with an extraordinary red-haired doctor every again.

[myuni-moon]

new addition || the arcana!

announcement!

from this point on, the arcana will be part of the list of fandoms/games i write for. the character list will be updated for the characters i'm willing to write as well as the tags once posts start coming out.

make sure to stay tuned for any of my new works!

[arcan-ic]

Julian Devorak X Fem! Reader

"Julian, where are we going?!" (Y/n) laughed as she was led down the hallway with a blindfold over her eyes.

"Be patient, my love, I promise we're almost there!"

"What are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing, (Y/n), you just have to follow your favourite doctor to our destination." Julian smirked to himself as he led the magician through the many corridors of Nadia's palace.

"I don't know if I trust you with leading me places when you got lost in the market place last week, darling."

"Ha ha, very funny! It was one time and you know it, now stop trying to distract me! I'm a man on a mission to bring my beloved girlfriend to a secret location!"

"It wouldn't have to be a secret if you just told me where we're going! You know i don't like to be kept waiting in suspense!"

"I know, (Y/n), but you don't have to wait much longer. We only have to turn through a few more hallways and we'll be there."

"I hope so because my feet are getting tired from walking through the entire palace."

"Oh, well I can fix that, madame!" Announced the Auburn haired man before he slowed down and picked (Y/n) up off the glossy marble floor.

"Ahh! Julian, what are you doing?!" (Y/n) shrieked as she flailed her legs around in an attempt to get out of his grasp.

"Speeding up the process a little! Hold on tight!" He stated as he began to sprint down the hallway. (Y/n) giggled a little bit before inevitably looping her arms around Julian as wind whipped around the pair of them. He held her tight as he skidded around corners, the only noise being their echoing laughter as they passed the palace staff and the sound of Julian's footsteps hitting the ground.

Eventually, Julian's speeding came to a halt as he reached a gem-gilded door with a rose gold arch overhead. He set (Y/n) back on the ground before he gently took one of her hands in his.

"We're here, love. You can take the blindfold off now, if you want to!" Julian informed (Y/n) as she sighed in relief.

"It's about time! I for sure thought I was going blind there for a minute. I'm pretty sure you took me back through the entire palace with how lol you were carrying me for." (Y/n) teased as she tugged the fabric off of her eyes. Julian chuckled at the magician and grabbed the shiny doorknob as she grinned back at him.

"Maybe so, but we can discuss that another time. Are you ready for your surprise?"

"As I'll ever be, I suppose."

"Then (Y/n), I welcome you to your new favorite place in the entire world."

The doctor turned the handle and pushes the door open to reveal a new space to (Y/n). Once her eyes adjusted to the light, her jaw dropped in awe as she saw that the door was an entryway into a gigantic green house, full of all sorts of flowers that had just recently bloomed.

"Darling, this is gorgeous! How did you know that this all was here?"

"I may have asked Asra and Portia to help me plant and grow them all. This used to be a special room for the Masquerades, but Nadia said it would be better suited as a gift for you and I agreed."

"Dr. Ilya Devorak, you are the most amazing man I have ever met!" (Y/n) exclaimed as she pulled him into a tight hug.

"Thank you, (N/n), but this isn't even the best part of it. Follow me." Julian accepted before he started to lead her over to a frosted glass door.

"I wanted to get you something that you could plant in here too, so I got you this."

Julian said before he pushed the door open to show a faintly glowing orchid.

"It's beautiful... Where did you find this?"

"Muriel helped me get it from the forest. Do you like it?"

"Julian, I love it. Thank you so much for everything today."

"You're very welcome, (Y/n).

"There's just one thing that's bothering me, though. You said that the greenhouse would be my new favorite place but I don't think that's true."

"Oh, really? Where is it then?" Julian questioned before (Y/n) brought him into another hug.

"Right here in your arms!" She purred as she rested her head against Julian's chest. He laughed softly before wrapping his arms around her and kissing her forehead.

"I love you, (Y/n)."

"I love you too, Ilya."

[to-the-stars8]

The Lamentation of the Apprentice

Parings; Past Female!Apprentice x Asra Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Ao3

Chapter 4

Muriel's little corner of the world was beautiful. The walk from the city to the woods came with a drastic difference. We walked miles from seeing people to suddenly seeing none. The sound of birds singing and the rustling of leaves replaced the endless echo of people talking. It was utterly serene. When we did make it to the place his home was, it was apparent that Muriel was an outcast from society. His hut, built with stone into an old tree, gave a warmth that only homes so welcoming to those close had. A place where secrets could be said a loud and kept safe.

Yet when I first met Muriel, excited with hope to make a new friend, he slammed the door in my face. Muriel was in the clearing in front of his home when Asra and I appeared, bent over his unnaturally tall frame to feed the chickens that clucked around him. When he looked up, deep green eyes meeting mine, I was surprised by how handsome he was.

Asra had made him sound as if he was war-torn from how he described Muriel. Years in the woods had bulked him to the point that his scarred muscles were well-defined, and, even the few feet I stood away from him a heavy scent of myrrh reached the air--The smell seemed to follow him.

Standing straight, Muriel pushed his oily, long black hair away from his face to properly give me a once over before retreating back into his hut, the chain around his neck clinking as he did so.

I looked at Asra with utter horror. What had I done to upset him? What did Asra tell him? The questions whirled in my head as I tried to make sense of what wrong I had done in such little time. Asra watched as his friend disappeared behind the door, an absolute momentarily look of disappointment crossed his face before returning neutral.

He sighed and patted me on the back with reassurance. “Worry not, Muriel is uncomfortable around new people. He is much more kin to the green of the Earth rather than the people who live on it.”

A bit of relief pushed at the negative thoughts. “I am glad that I did not offend him in any way. I was afraid of having done such.”

“No, but,” The magician leaned in close to whisper to me. “Do not ask of his chains.”

Not thinking much of it, I nodded and then followed Asra through the door of the hut. Compared to the cooler weather outside, the inside was perfectly warm.

Never before had I seen a house built into a tree, so I wondered at it. Tree roots came in through the ceiling, and were utilized to hang pans, herbs, and furs. As I passed a root with white fur on it, I brushed my hand against it. It was smooth, perfectly silky. Every piece of wood furniture seemed to be carved by hand, the hand I only assumed was Muriel’s.

Sat in front of the hearth, the man seemed to curl into himself, only looking at me through awkward side glances. I smiled at him as Asra introduced me. Over his shoulders was a cloak that he pulled to himself as we entered and a gush of winter wind followed us.

“Muriel, this MC, my friend from the shop I told you of.”

Still, he made no move to introduce himself but acknowledged my existence with a sharp nod. Asra motioned for me to sit on the furs close to Muriel’s feet. Before I did, I looked to the man for any hesitance, but his face remained the same--Placid, though a bit anxious. I sat and watched the fire Asra himself got comfortable on my other side.

The room fell into silence. My hands twirled the beads on my bracelet anxiously. Would no one say anything? When I looked up, across the room a black fur moved. Gasping, I watched as a wolf’s head appeared from the mass. With grace, the wolf stood, yellow eyes staring into mine.

“You must be the wolf, Asra mentioned earlier,” I said, holding out a hand for the animal to sniff. “I am MC.”

“Her name is Inanna,” A stranger’s voice said.

Ah, yes, that was the name, I thought. A moment later I looked back at Muriel, surprised that it was his voice that spoke. It was soft, in a whisper-like way but gravelly, too. Nodding shyly, I looked back at Inanna, smiling. “Did you name her, Muriel?”

“No, she told me her name.”

Asra interjected, “She is Muriel’s familiar.”

“Ah,” I said as I watched Inanna sniff my hand and then walk around to the other side of her companion to lay. “Inanna is a name of a goddess that lives further south from Helene.”

Muriel’s eyes meet mine for a moment, and he looked as if he was pondering something. Still, he said nothing as his eyes looked over to Asra and then back down to his hands. Never before had I noticed, but he was whittling a small figure. His hands were too big for me to see anything, but I could make out the attention he was paying to them. His eyebrows were knitted together in concentration and, by the small indention on his face, he was biting the inside of his cheek.

It had become quiet again, and the four of us stayed in it. Somehow, it had become less uncomfortable and more understanding. Muriel did not seem like a person who spoke much but conveyed enough with his face. When I had started to settle more comfortably into the silence, listening to the fire crackle, the magician to my side spoke.

“MC,” Asra yawned as he laid back into the furs. Already his eyes were starting to droop. “Do you play?”

His head nodded over to a mandolin leaning against the wall. It was carved with dark cypress wood and on the body were intricate golden swirls painted. I was mesmerized for a moment.

“MC?” Asra said again.

“Yes, I do. I have not played in some time, though.”

Getting up with a grunt, Asra retrieved the instrument from the wall. He put it into my lap before settling back down as he was again. The wood was smooth, fresh from the shop I was sure. Muriel watched from the corner of his eyes as I positioned myself with the instrument on my lap and moved over to give me room. I tuned the instrument as I addressed the magician, “Asra, are you sure? I do not remember some notes, so it--”

Asra put a hand on mine. “You will play fine. I saw the one in your shop the other day and thought I would try learning it myself. Break it in for me?”

Annoyance tugged at the corners of my mind, and I thought of returning his request with a smart jab, but none came to mind. Sighing, I readied my fingers on the strings. A song came from the strings I played, something that must have been sitting in the back of my mind. To myself I sounded fine, my fingers remembered most of the notes and the strings corrected me when out of turn. Only once, when I had plucked the wrong note, the whole song sounded off, but when I looked to my audience for displeasure they waited in silence for me to continue.

The time I had played, which it seemed for such a short amount for how long I really did play, was lost. Asra had said I played for an hour, so entranced that I could not be stopped. When my fingers did cease their movements, the magician laid his head against my thigh, humming the tune I must have been playing before. Muriel, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, though looked at me momentarily when the music stopped for good.

I put the mandolin along Asra’s stomach, and he whined that the music had stopped. He tried to put it back in my hands, but I refused, pushing the mandolin away. “I will play no more,” I said softly. “My hands are tired.”

“...You play well,” Muriel mumbled as the magician slid the instrument from us.

“She does!” Asra exclaimed through a yawn, stretching like a cat. His arms raised above his head and he arched his back off the furs. “A magician and musician. I believe you covered all the most important ‘m’s.”

Laughter carried off in the air, mine and Asra’s, while Muriel made a snort through his nose. Then, like a flame blown out, we returned to our comfortable silence. Asra slept for the rest of our stay there while Muriel and I shared a few words as his hands whittled.

-- I was watching Muriel feed his chicken, my fingers running through Inanna’s fur as he did when Asra appeared from the hut. He looked pleased that Muriel and I were getting along. For the most part, I believed we were. We hadn’t exchanged more words than I could count on both my hands, but he responded to the few I did say with grunts and nods. It was a start.

When the sun had started to drop behind the trees, Muriel packed up the food for the chickens and then started for the woods wordlessly. The woods were dark, but, in the very far distance, I could see the blue light of magic or spirits. We had something similar back home. I looked to Asra for answers, but he only called after him.

“I will be walking MC home, Muriel.”

He only threw back a half-hearted wave of goodbye.

“It was a pleasure, Muriel! I hope to see you again,” I called out as well.

Muriel looked over his shoulder for a moment before disappearing into the trees.

The walk back seemed shorter than the walk to the hut. Asra did not take his time showing me all the flowers or pointing out any of the birds as it got harder to see through the dim light coming through the branches of the trees. I held onto his arm as we walked, which he had offered me after my second time tripping on a branch. He felt warm against the cold winds that blew harsher, showing that, soon, a storm would rise. Nothing new to Vesuvia, I had learned in the past few months. As we left the woods, it became brighter, city lights appeared as darkness finally took over the sky, but I did not let go of Asra’s arm. The way I held onto him wasn’t intentional, as I was too distracted by the lights and people to really let go. Asra seemed not to mind and leaned into my side as we walked. I hadn’t noticed he’d done that until we reached the shop door.

I broke my release on him as I went to unlock the door, and he finally moved away from me. When the lock clicked and I stepped inside, Asra stayed on the steps, looking up at me with such hesitation. With a snap of my fingers, the lantern hanging on the door lit, and Asra’s face became clearer. A blush was on his cheeks with purple eyes still staring at me, expectantly.

“Would you like to come in for a bit?” I had asked, thinking he was waiting for me to let him in. “To warm-up before leaving.”

Asra shook his head. “No, I must be returning. I--I have something to ask you, first, MC.”

My heart jumped with anxiety and excitement. A thousand possibilities came through my mind in a revolving door. In the seconds I waited for him to say something, the weight between good and absolutely horrible had nothing in the middle. Trying to egg on an answer from his silence, I nodded and waited for him to say something. When he didn’t I asked him to continue.

Asra looked to the ground, before meeting my eyes again. His starry eyes are so determined and focused. “The masquerade is in a month, do you know of it?” Of course, I did, it had been everything, anyone I came across talked about. Essentially a big birthday party to boost the ego of the horrid Count Lucio, but, over the past ten years, had turned into a tradition. Masks, games, music--Everything that made up a party, and all of Vesuvia was invited.

I told Asra I did, and he continued on. “Would you be my partner at the masquerade this year?”

My breath left me all at once, and I stared at him for what felt like hours. He said my name again, eyes pouring into mine as he waited for the answer. I blubbered out some sort of response at first. Confusion plastered across Asra’s face.

“Ahem,” I regain my composure, standing straight. “Yes. I would love to.”

A grin grew across his face and his eyes lit up. “Fantastic. I was nervous to ask you. I will bid you goodnight now.”

He started down the steps before stopping, turning to me quickly as I started to shut the door. “Oh, MC--”

“Yes?”

“I will be leaving for a few weeks tomorrow, so please do not be worried if you do not see me.”

My mind wondered for a moment before asking, “Where will you go?” I didn’t know why my voice had become so soft.

“Nopal, it’s a bit north of the city,” Asra pointed west despite saying the near opposite. I noted the wanderlust in his eyes and admired him for it.

I found myself stepping out from inside to stand on the landing to put my hands on Asra’s shoulders. Leaning over, I placed a kiss on his cheek. “May your journey be safe, Asra.”

His skin was soft under my lips and I heard his breath stop for a moment. When I pulled back his face was flushed, cheeks, ears, and neck all red. My face felt hot, too, despite how used to the affection I was. In Helene, it was common to kiss people close to you before their long journey. Fear suddenly rose in my chest, perhaps I was not as close to Asra as I had thought, and overstepped my bounds.

“Goodnight,” I said quickly before rushing inside, slamming the door shut behind me.

In the shop I grabbed my chest where my heart was in hopes to calm its pounding, but alas it did not work. Gulping back the anxiety bubbling up my throat, I held my shawl closer around my shoulders then bolted upstairs.

My room felt cold and empty compared to Muriel’s hut, and, for a second, I longed to be there with them. Perhaps if my knowledge and closeness to them were better. Gods, frustration burned in my chest at the thought of kissing someone who I had realized in a few seconds I was not at all that close to.

Despite my temporary hatred for myself, I still took my time to peek out the window before retiring to bed. Asra stood below, looking up at my window with an untelling glint in his eyes. When his gaze reached mine, it was not I who ran this time, but him. He smiled as he did so, yelling something that was muffled by the window glass. I would have called out to him, to have him repeat what he said, but he was gone by the time the thought passed.