DEVOTION- Argenti
Character (s) : Argenti (Honkai Star Rail)
Tags: Knight x Princess AU, reader is not trailblazer, implied fem.
Description: Argenti was thorough in his duties, and in his devotion to you.
Words: 2200
Warning; Maybe a bit ooc and self indulgent.
Sugary sweetness slid down your throat after you popped a small, iced delicacy into your eager mouth- the roll of flavour offering a momentary relief from the dizzying and tiring ball.
But alas, all good things must come to an end- as the sudden voice behind you signified.
“My Lady, that is your fifth cake bite of the night” Argenti’s voice bordered on exasperation and amusement at once, his attentive remarks making your heart flush despite their promises of reprimand.
You turned to face him with a pleasant smile
“My dear knight, are you not eager to let me out of your sight for a mere second- so that you may enjoy the festivities of this ball?” This was the same thing you suggested some minutes ago when he found you watching the flame swallowing performers a tad bit too closely.
Argenti sighed briefly and bowed his head
“My lady, an event flourishing with activity and seas of bodies is also the best opportunity for danger” he explained before gesturing forward.
“A number of…interested nobility are actively searching for you,” his hand was vaguely in the direction of a number of gentlemen.
“Let them keep searching,” you muttered. Between the too bright lights and the echoing, drowning sound of heels and boots, laughter and conversation- tiredness cleaved at your bones, and a few gentlemen were not the remedy to that tiredness.
Argenti looked down at you quietly for a moment before lifting his head up to observe the ballroom. He too, was being eyed by several attendees as his red hair, paired with his ethereal visage simply summoned onlookers. You made a movement to walk towards the open doors, hoping that the fresh air outside would bring a cooling relaxation.
Argenti, of course followed.
“I am not going to leap off the stairs, dear knight” You chuckled as he stopped behind while you leaned over a white balcony railing.
“No my lady- you are aware I would not support that decision” he smiled, amusement teasing his voice.
“But I am your knight, and thus I must remain close to you,” he reasoned.
“Ever so thorough in your duty”you chuckled, gazing up at the flickering stars above.
“Duty, yes- and in my devotion to you” he added- the words seemingly harmless had they not caused your stomach to flutter again. You hummed, playing off your internal turmoil as you wrapped your satin shawl around your shoulders when a cold breeze brushed by.
Immediately, two heavy gauntlets fixed your shawl properly around your body, Argenti’s hands quick and easy even in their armour.His breath ghosted over the back of your neck as he ensured you would not be excessively exposed to the cold, but the motion caused your neck to stiffen and goosebumps to rise.
“Perhaps you should return inside, Your Grace” he suggested before pulling away “You may fall ill due to this cold weather” His reasoning was sound but…returning to the loud ball was not an agreeable notion to you.
You expected the scent of a grassy floor coupled with the pain of a smashed nose- but instead, a pair of arms easily scooped you up and cradled you close before you could meet an unfortunate fall. A flush was already forming on your cheeks as you looked up at Argenti, who’s breath was coming out in quick puffs, his red hair slightly dishevelled while he held you against his armoured chest.
Your gown twirled as you turned to face him, taking a step forward in your tight heels.
“Just- a few moments Argenti” you breathed, his name falling easily from your lips as you stood close together in the balcony. You hardly recognized why you moved closer to him- you could easily take the other side of the stairs to the gardens below.
“As you wish- My Lady?” Argenti’s voice was in worry as he noted a slight twinge in your step, green eyes trailing over your figure before he extended a hand warily.
“Huh- oh, nothing” You laughed, assuring him that nothing was wrong- even though your ankles screeched otherwise. “ it is nothing-ah!”
You attempted to take a step down the balcony stairs that extended to the garden, but a heeled foot twisted as you descended down the stairs, making your heart plunge as you tipped forward into airy horror.
“My Lady! Do not cause such senseless worry!” he breathed before descending down the stairs hurriedly.
“Are you alright? I specifically asked your maids to not allow you to wear unfitting heels” he sighed while cradling you close- he was breathing heavily and his eyes were widened with worry.
“It’s alright- just a throb” you told him, brows furrowed as you winced when a weaker throb of pain pulsed in your foot, making him hold you closer.
Suddenly the heels felt far too tight and Argenti’s cold, armoured hands were freezing against your bare arms. His gaze softened when he noticed this shiver before he carried you bridal style towards a smaller entry of the palace.
Subconsciously, you held on tighter to him- a habit you had when you were injured as his familiar grip and scent carried the promise that you would be alright. You turned your face over to the armour he wore, even if this was all an over exaggeration of the pain.
“It’s not a serious injury, Argenti” you told him “there is no need to go to a physician- just sit me down on a bench.”
Argenti began to emphasise that your injury was no light matter but you cut him off
“Please- I can’t bear to have any more fuss around me today.” you breathed so pleadingly that he blew out a long breath and nodded before gently lowering you into a garden bench seat that was hidden from view by the towering flower bushes.
A small pain shot up from your ankle again as Argenti knelt down on the grass, his brows drawn together and his eyes focused as he gazed up at you- it was also an overreaction on his part, but you supposed it meant he cared.
With surprising gentleness, Argenti lifted your skirts and slowly lifted your ankle up, never handling the skin too harshly.
Despite the sensible reason for his action, you found yourself blushing as Argenti focused entirely on your ankle. He loosened the bands and clasp of your heels that wrapped around your ankle before tugging them off to bare your foot to the cool breeze.
“Does it hurt if I do-” he pressed a finger against your ankle, but there was no pain “this?”. He gazed up at you intently, apple green eyes searching yours for any pain- but all they found was an unusual flush across your cheeks.
“No-no Argenti, it does not hurt” you swallowed and avoided thinking about why he was looking up at you so closely. “Perhaps it was just a minor twist, nothing to worry about.”
Of course Argenti would be so direct.
Argenti hummed in acknowledgement before lifting your ankle to his lips. His crimson hair brushed against the skin before his lips pressed to your ankle ever so gently before gazing back up at you. At this stage, your heart wasn’t just beating fast- it was a galloping horse or a cage of butterflies.
“My Lady…you seem to be embarrassed” he murmured, a faint hint of amusement in his voice.
That was a very good twist of words, and a wonderful, brazen lie. But it passed the silent understanding between the two of you- under the pretence of ‘care’ and devotion, Argenti would sometimes hug you, hold you close, and press his lips to an injury now.
“Embarrassed? No my dear knight- it’s just the cool air” you smiled falteringly.
“I know you too well to know that a flush, accompanied by a widening of your eyes is not the result of a shiver” .His words backed you into a corner, much like his precise eyes.
“Ah…is my lady perhaps embarrassed because I kissed her ankle? It is only a comforting touch” he smiled and repeated the gesture again.
“Yes- yes I am- that is not something you do usually..” you breathed, causing Argenti to tilt his head.
“Have I not been clear in my affections, Your Grace?” he wondered aloud with amusement before slipping your heel back on. “Do not fret, I am not doing something untoward, I am merely showing my care to the princess.”
“You are a distinguished liar” you smile, leading him to match your expression, lips curled up as he presses boundaries further by taking hold of your hand and bringing it to his lips.
“Do you doubt my devotion to you, My Lady?” He kissed your knuckles again
“I believe there is a personal motive, disguised as devotion that lurks in your actions”.
A hushed silence fell between the both of you after you spoke, and Argenti looked up at you with a faltering expression.
“Would you prefer it otherwise?” he questioned. Would you? Would you be as comfortable with him if he was strictly your knight, and not Argenti?
“...No.”
Argenti smiled and kissed your hand again
“Then I believe we are in understanding”
Argenti moved up to sit beside you on the bench, turning his face to whisper in your ear
“Would my Lady allow me to continue displaying my devotion?” His words were honeyed and sweeter than any delicacy, raising a shiver in your body as he spoke.
“You know I do not like to speak in riddles,” you turned to look at him as well.
Argenti’s eyes lowered to your lips, his gauntlet covered hand holding yours before he spoke again;
“Then would my Lady allow me to display a show of treason? To act on my most…closeted and ardent desires that have been most arduous to restrain?”
How could anyone refuse him? Your throat tightened and your heart nearly stopped as you searched for any amusement in his eyes, but there was nothing but the expression he wore in serious times.
Even the night air stilled around the two of you, and it almost seemed like the flower bushes were leaning closer.
“I.. I allow you.” There. You stamped his treasonous request with approval, moments before he cupped your jaw and kissed your cheek.
“For so long, I have guarded you with nothing but pure devotion,” he whispered against your cheek before kissing your forehead. “But one can only withstand so much in the face of your beauty”
“You…exaggerate” Your voice came out breathy as your free hand dug into the bench you sat on.
“It is impossible to exaggerate your beauty, but describing it with this unpracticed tongue is a disservice as well”
A shiver trailed down your spine and you swallowed as he kissed the bridge of your nose and your hairline.
“May I?” he breathed, the cool air and the heat of his breath turning you into a puddle of nerves as you spoke; “Yes.”
Argenti wasted no time, angling your jaw so that your lips met his sweet kiss, his free hand securing the small of your back while he kissed you. The two of you shifted on the bench and he held you closely, gently lowering you into his embrace. Every fluttery sensation you felt in the past exploded into a million stars, splashing across your heart as he embraced you so firmly and gently at once when he pulled away.
“I fail…I fail to describe you, My lady- My princess, the object of my yearn and passion” he whispered before kissing you again, closing his eyes and breathing in your sweet scent.
The night breeze turned into a feather caress against your body and you were certain no sweet or bliss in the world could compare to the fulfilment you felt as Argenti embraced you with his flowery kiss.
This was, on one hand a horrific image of treason and shame, a princess and her knight engaging in unrestrained yet improperly guided affection- but on the other hand, it was the sweetest bliss to be held in the arms of a lover beneath a canvas of stars, curtained with roses and flowers on either side. Your heart sang it’s desire strongly in the face of worry- for now, it was best to hold Argenti close- the world could wait a few moments or so, and even if it couldn’t- the sweetness you felt was a wonderful momentary bliss that you couldn’t abandon just yet.
AN: I have not written a fic in like...years.
Reblogs appreciated! <3
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River Lullaby
"Hush now, my baby
Be still love, don't cry
Sleep like you're rocked by the stream
Sleep and remember my lullaby
and I'll be with you when you dream
Drift on a river that flows through my arms
Drift as I'm singing to you
I see you smiling so peaceful and calm
and holding you I'm smiling too
Here in my arms, safe from all harm
Holding you I'm smiling too"
"River Lullaby" - The Prince of Egypt
HELLO HELLO.
So, yesterday I was all busy playing playing Act 3, and as you know, while in Rivington, you can meet Yenna and if you are kind to her, she would sneak in your camp.
Well, while talking with her, she asked if she could stay at camp with us, and Halsin intervened, saying that the laughter of children would be more than welcome.
WOOF. SIR.
PLEASE.
I STILL REMEMBERED SO WELL YOUR EPILOGUE IN MY FIRST PLAYTHROUGH, AND HOW YOU HAD A WHOLE ACOLADE OF WARDS THAT YOU HAVE ADOPTED.
INSTANT BABY FEVER.
So my brain started to itch TREMENDOUSLY and I needed to draw Papa Halsin, because imma be honest, I was thinking with my ovaries ngl.
So, I scavanged among all the pictures I have of when Baby Nemo was a newborn and was being held by my husband AND BOOM.
This is the result (also, I just took the chance of try my hand at rendering eheheh!)
Halsin holding his adored spiderling baby Asra, who is sleeping serenely in her papa's arms, while wrapped in the only thing she had of her mother: a satin shawl of Zakharan origin, imbued with powerful Nocturnal Magic that would protect the little baby from the scorching sun. .
I like to imagine that baby Asra sleeps more soundly when close to water sources, like streams and babbling brookes, and Halsin would always bring her there so that her naps are fully restful (he would be the most considerate of dads, I DO NOT ACCEPT ANY CONTRADICTIONS).
AND, BECAUSE I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF, YESTERDAY NIGHT I FOUND MYSELF IN NEED OF SKETCHING ADULT ASRA REALLY QUICK JUST TO SEE HOW SHE WOULD LOOK
MY DARLING ASRA SILVERBOUGH.
A fierce quick-tempered Druid of The Circle of Dreams, raised by Papa Halsin to love Nature and protect the equilibrium of the world around them! I like to imagine that she has her father's kind eyes and his great kindness.
WELL.
I HOPE YOU WILL LIKE THIS.
--Nemo
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I have a 16 almost 17 year old who wants to start dressing goth/punk, and I'm all for it, I just don't...know...how...to help? I'm not a fashion person, my fashion is funny tee shirts and jeans, and I want to help but I don't know HOW. Do you have sort of a ...starter list of shops or types of clothes or anything? TL;dr -- tee shirt Mom needs help pls
Firstly, you are an AWESOME mom.
Ask your kid what style of goth they're interested in; ask them for images, links, anything. Goth/punk fashion is a vast umbrella for all sorts of different things. No matter what they show you, remember that goth/punk fashion doesn't have to be from "subculture" stores - avoid places like Killstar, Dolls Kill (ESPECIALLY AVOID THEM), Shein, etc. A lot of the basics are things you can find at any big-box mainstream store (or Amazon); for speciality items, shops like Foxblood, Lively Ghosts, and Die With Your Boots On are great. And don't forget resale sites! eBay, Poshmark, Depop, etc.
However, some recommendations for goth/punk basics:
Oversized black shirts - tshirts, button ups, tunics, whatever. All of these can be customized by cutting off collars, sleeves, adding slashes, adding safety pins, adding lace or ribbons ... you get the idea.
Black leggings.
A black duster. Lace, satin, velvet, cotton, rayon, whatever. You can find some amazing ones by searching for "black beach cover up" on Amazon.
Fishnet tights - cut off the feet, cut out the crotch, and boom! Instant fishnet shirt to wear under other things.
Belts. No matter the gender presentation, wearing an interesting belt will make the outfit more striking. There are all sorts of faux corset belts out there (which are my personal preference), but layering a bunch of different belts is also a great look.
Boots! While there are a LOT of specialty gothy boots out there, black boots in a style like the original Dr. Marten's boots are a classic for a reason.
With those things as a foundation, your teen can start enhancing and customizing their look with accessories - necklaces, bracelets, pins, (this is where thrift stores and mainstream mall stores can be helpful - layer on all the necklaces you can find from Ross or TJ Maxx!), or shawls, scarves, plain blazers they customize, etc.
Antimony and Lace has great project tutorials. This Gothic Charm School articles that may also be useful:
Gothy DIY Tools - the Essentials
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