#threads of gold

[dreamingpartone]

Somehow, Asahi leaned closer, closer…

Threads of Gold: chapter four

[sarahscribbles]

Oh yeah I have 2000 words of the first chapter of Threads of Gold written!! 😎

[spadebrigade]

Chapters: 5/7 Fandom: Haikyuu!! Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Azumane Asahi/Nishinoya Yuu, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Characters: Azumane Asahi, Nishinoya Yuu, Azumane Asahi's Family, Sugawara Koushi, Sawamura Daichi, Ukai Keishin Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Pirate, Pirates, Kidnapping, Historical Inaccuracy, Found Family, Tailor!Asahi, Pirate!Noya, Fate & Destiny, Family Issues, Responsibility, Freedom, First Meetings, Romance, Slow Romance, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Drama & Romance, Adventure & Romance, World Travel, Humor, Implied Sexual Content, Oblivious Azumane Asahi, First Love Fic Summary:

Asahi is a tailor who leads a simple life in a quiet village.

At least he was, until he was kidnapped by Nishinoya, captain of the Rolling Thunder.

Now, as he tries to make his way back home, he wonders—is a simple life what he truly wants?

[ Featuring art by Ash ( @dreamingpartone ) ]

Chapter summary:

A popular vacation spot, the Sea of Many Islands is home to over a hundred isles. Each with white sand beaches and rum-filled coconuts—who wouldn’t consider it a dream? However, even though each island is surrounded by water, their inhabitants are all connected.

[faranae]

I love Reddit sometimes.

[symbolishplant]

forumheads

[gvaine]

You're a better man than your father. Always were.

[vinceaddams]

Early 18th (and late 17th) century fashions are so under-utilized in vampire media and I think it's a damn shame.

I don't actually think I've ever seen a single image of a vampire character in an early 18th century suit. Hardly any movies set in that era either, and hardly any historical costumers who do it. (Even my beloved gay pirate show set in 1717 takes nearly all of its 18th century looks from the second half of the century. Not enough appreciation for baroque fashion!!)

Yes I love late 18th century fashion as much as anyone, and 19th century formal suits are all very well and good, but if you want something that says old, dead, wealthy, and slightly dishevelled, then the 1690's-1730's are where it's at.

(Retrato del Virrey Alencastre Noroña y Silva, Duque de Linares, ca. 1711-1723.)

There was so much dark velvet, and so many little metallic buttons & buttonholes. Blood red linings were VERY fashionable in this era, no matter what the colour of the rest of the suit was.

(Johann Christoph Freiherr von Bartenstein by Martin van Meytens the Younger, 1730's.)

The slits on the front of the shirts are super low, they button only at the collar, and it's fashionable to leave most of the waistcoat unbuttoned so the shirt sticks out, as seen in the above portraits.

(Portrait of Anne Louis Goislard de Montsabert, Comte de Richbourg-le-Toureil, 1734.)

Waistcoats are very long, coats are very full, and the cuffs are huge. But the sleeves are on the shorter side to show off more of that shirt, and the ruffles if it has them! Creepy undead hands with long nails would sit so nicely under those ruffles.

(1720's-30's, LACMA)

Embroidery designs are huge and chunky and often full of metallic threads, and the brocade designs even bigger.

(1730's, V&A, metal and silk embroidery on silk satin.)

Sometimes they did this fun thing where the coat would have contrasting cuffs made from the same fabric as the waistcoat.

(Niklaus Sigmund Steiger by Johann Rudolf Huber, 1724.)

Tell me this look isn't positively made for vampires!

(Portrait of Jean-Baptiste de Roll-Montpellier, 1713.)

(Yeah I am cherry-picking mostly red and black examples for this post, and there are plenty of non-vampire-y looking images from this time, but you get the idea!)

And the wrappers (at-home robes) were also cut very large, and, if you could afford it, made with incredible brocades.

(Portrait of a nobleman by Giovanni Maria delle Piane, no date given but I'd guess maybe 1680's or 90's.)

(Circle of Giovanni Maria delle Piane, no date given but I'd guess very late 17th or very early 18th century.)

Now that looks like a child who's been stuck at the same age for a hundred years if I ever saw one!

I don't know as much about the women's fashion from this era, but they had many equally large and elabourate things.

(1730's, Museo del Traje.)

(Don't believe The Met's shitty dating, this is a robe volante from probably the 1720's.)

(Mantua, c. 1708, The Met. No idea why they had to be that specific when they get other things wrong by entire decades but ok.)

(Portrait of Duchess Colavit Piccolomini, 1690's.)

(Maria van Buttinga-van Berghuys by Hermannus Collenius, 1717.)

Sometimes they also had these cute little devil horn hair curls that came down on either side of the forehead.

(Viago in drag Portrait of a lady, Italian School, c. 1690.)

Enough suave Victorian vampires, I want to see Baroque ones! With huge wigs and brocade coat cuffs so big they go past the elbow!

[kelogsloops]

'The Surrender' releases as a print tomorrow, Thursday Nov 23rd, 12PM (PT) on my store!

This piece was from my solo exhibition a few years back titled, ’Sanctuary’. The theme of the show was centred around states of mental rest and respite. This piece was about envisioning the waves of thoughts that run through your mind: sometimes gentle, but sometimes crashing swells that leave you with no room to breathe or gasp for air. But in knowing that the waves are cyclical and eventually ease, she finds herself surrendering to the motions and trusting that it will be okay. 

NOTE: This gold-foil edition of this print will only be available for 72-hours & will not be available again thereafter.

#brbchasingdreams

[tanuki-kimono]

Mind blowing gold thread couching for this antique obi depicting a Chinese-styled dragon (seriously this couching must have taken ages to sew on considering what a pain in the ass couching is!).

This obi is paired with far quieter striped kimono with kanji spelling "rising dragon" (昇龍).

[lucienarcheron]

That Single Thread of Gold [ Elucien ]

Prompt: Inspired by @eospaint lovely elucien piece here. I went a little nuts in the tags of it but then couldn't contain it and had to write this little fic! I love writing elucien being caught up in their awkward feelings stage. I hope you enjoy! | AO3

He told himself it was for the best if he didn't see her this time. It was almost always awkward. Tense. Lucien could do without the stress of their uncomfortable interactions this visit; he was here to see Feyre, after all. He had given Feyre enough notice that she would inform Elain and there would be no need for them to cross paths. They had no need to see each other, especially when she had clearly never expressed the desire to see him anyway. 

So Lucien sat and waited in Feyre’s living room, let in by one of the twins. He sat and waited and tried not to let the crumpled pieces of his stupid heart hope. Tried not to set himself up for disappointment. His fingers drummed on his knees as he glanced towards the half open door, waiting for his friend to arrive. 

Instead, her scent flooded his senses. 

And then she appeared in the doorway. 

Lucien didn’t know what to do with himself as she blinked at him in surprise, almost as shocked as he was that she was standing there. 

Elain hadn’t even meant to stumble into the room. She knew he was coming today – Feyre had given her the heads up but – but something about her had been different today. Today felt different and she wasn’t sure why. Normally, Elain had no desire to meet him and allow herself to feel all the things she did whenever he was close. Normally, she was very good at being a coward and avoiding him. 

But today…that tug of the bond had pulled her into the room before she could stop it or realize what was happening.

She stood by the door and blinked, then blinked again. Elain hadn’t even realized he was already here.

Lucien stood immediately and as anticipated, the expected awkwardness unfurled between them, quickly followed by that strained tension.

Touch. Taste. Claim.

Lucien fisted his hands by his side and instead bowed graciously, murmuring, “My lady.” 

He said nothing more as his mate watched him, a muscle flexing in his jaw at her gaze, because here she was staring at him like she had no idea what to do with him and Lucien felt heat rise in his body. He swallowed, then cleared his throat and casually said, “I’m here to see Feyre. It seems she’s running a little late.”

“Oh.” is all Elain could think to reply and a flicker of emotion passed his expression quicker than she could read it. She licked her lips, her hands fisting in the folds of her dress and Elain couldn’t help but catalog every inch of him; she normally didn’t allow herself to look at him for too long and Elain wasn’t sure what it was this time around compelling her to take him in. 

Was it because it had been a while since she’d seen him? Was it the lack of sleep? Was it the thread of gold that chafed at her whenever he was in the general vicinity? He always seemed to handle himself so well around her despite what Elain had heard about the mating bond doing to males; he always handled himself so well.

She wished he’d yell at her, if only once. So she had a reason to actually avoid him. So she had a reason to resist him, to be justified in cowering. 

But no. He was always so polite.

Realizing a few moments had passed and she hadn’t said anything, Elain cleared her throat and said, “I’m not sure when Feyre will be back.”

Lucien tried not to fidget beneath her gaze despite the urge to shift on his feet. She’d never looked at him so directly before. It was unnerving him but Lucien didn’t let himself hope. He squashed down any possible emotions he could feel and instead nodded. “I understand. I’ll take my leave then.” he said and gave her a thin smile. “She knows where to find me.” 

He didn’t allow himself another word and instead, took a step aiming to leave but – but then Elain took a step towards him and he froze. 

All her senses went on high alert as Elain realized that she too had paused in that half step. A half step she had taken towards him before – long ago. Her eyes widened slightly and she watched as Lucien’s brows furrowed, his body strained as her pulse quickened beneath her skin, her heart pounding.

Lucien tilted his head, straightening, her reaction confusing him. “Is there something else I can help you with?” he asked tightly. 

And it was Elain’s turn to swallow because she didn’t know. Was there something else he could help her with? She hadn’t been alone with him in – in a long while. She had made sure of it.

She went out of her way not to actively think about him, not to have him in her mind so he wouldn’t follow her in her dreams the way he did anyway on so many nights. But now he was here standing in front of her and she wasn't sure what to do with him.

Her pulse was fluttering and Elain wanted to be angry with him even though none of this was really his fault. She wanted to be mean to him even though he didn’t deserve it. She just wanted someone who sees how wretched she feels about it all. She wanted someone to see behind her stupid fake smiles and her distance from him. She wanted someone to understand why.

And the longer she stood staring at him, the more Lucien seemed to read her mind. That single thread of gold between them…he seemed to understand the whirlwind of feelings she was battling and his expression softened for a moment. Like he really did see.

Elain almost hated that even more but she wasn’t even sure why and the thought threatened to release tears she had no business showing in front of him. Her bottom lip trembled for a breath before she straightened and shook her head.

Lucien stood still for a moment then forced himself to take a step then another until he stood in front of her and slowly, held out his hand. Then waited.

Because he could feel her. He could hear her heart and Lucien couldn’t stop himself from trying to bring her comfort in some way. The instincts beneath his skin wouldn't let him walk away when he knew his mate was on the verge of tears, even when Lucien had no idea if he was the reason for them.

This fae life – this mating bond had been thrust on her and the way she had been pretending to adjust since then was one of the main reasons he never pushed. He felt her confusion, her inner turmoil. He knew what it was like to swallow it all and play pretend. The least he could do was allow himself to be the guiding light through the dark for her. Even if he wasn’t sure she’d want that from him. Lucien couldn’t help but offer. 

Elain glanced down at his hand and she felt her throat tighten. They didn’t touch. They rarely even stood so close. Did she want to touch him? She didn’t know what his skin felt like but in her dreams – in her sleep she wondered – she felt like she knew – 

Before she could let herself doubt any further and even as the battle of emotions threatened to swallow her whole, Elain couldn’t help but slowly, carefully slide her hand in his. 

And it felt – it felt –

Elain felt herself take a breath. She waited for the discomfort. For the prickling anxiety that usually haunted her. For the wretchedness to snap at her heels.  

But his hand was softer than she imagined. Strong, calloused – a warrior’s hand but – it didn’t feel bad at all. It felt…better than expected. It was gentle. Warm.

She glanced at him then away, suddenly embarrassed and truly not sure what to do with herself. He was so patient and it only made her feel so much worse about herself. She owed him nothing and he owed her nothing and yet…

Lucien only held out his other hand and Elain met his gaze as he gave her a small knowing smile.

Elain’s throat bobbed and even as she slid her other hand into his, she whispered, “Why?”

The simple question seemed to make Lucien’s shoulders sag because even to Elain, her one question asked about a hundred more. Why was he still here? Why did he still try with her? Why did she hesitate to even speak with him? Why did she hide? 

Why? Why? Why?

“Because you looked like you needed some comfort.” he said quietly and shrugged. “And I know what it’s like to need a steady hand.” 

And it was like he’d snatched the breath from her throat. 

Had her sisters been right about what a mating bond could do for those blessed with one? About what her mate could do for her? Was it indeed a blessing then? Had she really only been hurting herself with her distance? She had only slid her hand in his, touching him so very lightly and yet…with this simple touch, Elain had found herself willing to stand in this room with him a little longer.

“A steady hand?” she repeated softly and the brush of his thumb against the back of her hand seemed involuntary.

“A steady hand and a good friend make all the difference.” he said and hoped his yearning wasn’t too obvious as she met his gaze again. 

“A good friend?” she repeated once more and the corner of his mouth lifted, the movement highlighting his scar as he nodded.

“Indeed.”

A friend. 

The thought seemed to hit Elain so suddenly and the sheer longing of it almost overwhelmed her. 

A friend. 

She needed one more than she could put into words and Elain could only stare at her mate. The rapid beating of her heart seemed so loud in the silence between them but for once, it was a comfortable silence. 

Comfortable enough that Elain found herself asking so very quietly as roses bloomed on her cheeks, “Do you happen to know any good friends available?”

His lips twitched and Lucien was sure the rapid beating of his own heart now matched hers as he answered in that same quiet tone, “I daresay, I have the perfect person in mind.” 

[lumosinlove]

We may need another sequel…Idk what I’m gonna do when this ends

<3 <3 <3 Thread of Gold will be the third in the series! Takes place a little bit in the future and includes the Winter Olympics.

[dreamingpartone]

He had grieved over that jacket for months, only for it to be hidden away by hands yearning for a fantasy of a future. Yet he couldn’t be upset. “I really fell for a madman.”

my artwork from the final chapter of Threads of Gold (by the marvellous @spadebrigade)

[kennexara]

so uh, remember back in 2019 when I was like I want to do a Dishonored cross-stitch, something harder than the Outsider’s Mark but also easier than actual people? And I wasn’t seeing a lot of existing patterns so I spent some time messing with C-Stitch and didn’t start stitching it until 2020? And I decided it would look cooler if I used the Diament metallic gold instead of just plain gold floss, aka I made it 10x more difficult. And also it would be 10in by 10in which is big for me. Like, I’ve never finished anything that big. 

Well, until now.

[spadebrigade]

Chapters: 3/7 Fandom: Haikyuu!! Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Azumane Asahi/Nishinoya Yuu, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Characters: Azumane Asahi, Nishinoya Yuu, Azumane Asahi's Family, Sugawara Koushi, Sawamura Daichi, Ukai Keishin Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Pirate, Pirates, Kidnapping, Historical Inaccuracy, Found Family, Tailor!Asahi, Pirate!Noya, Fate & Destiny, Family Issues, Responsibility, Freedom, First Meetings, Romance, Slow Romance, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Drama & Romance, Adventure & Romance, World Travel, Humor, Implied Sexual Content, Oblivious Azumane Asahi, First Love

Fic summary:

Asahi is a tailor who leads a simple life in a quiet village.

At least he was, until he was kidnapped by Nishinoya, captain of the Rolling Thunder.

Now, as he tries to make his way back home, he wonders—is a simple life what he truly wants?

[ Featuring art by Ash ( @dreamingpartone ) ]

Chapter summary:

Any traveler embarking on a nautical trip will no doubt cross the North Sea, which contains some of the busiest waters in all the world. When you pass through its waves, you will find ships carrying goods from distant lands, or adventurers in search of gold. But beware of pirates!

[strawbebe-dk]

We can’t all be pun masters

TEXT THREAD: https://www.tumblr.com/abandoned-quiche/698662637983186944/chili-made-with-the-demirramon-textbox-generator

[gvaine]

1.05 — Lancelot