#truly THEE vessel

[youchangedmedean]

just obsessed with the thought of jensen driving the backroads outside vancouver on the last day of filming his 15 year show with an unsatisfactory finale coming up with a reason why dean was driving for 40 years and starting to plot out his prequel.... then filing for his own production company 10 days later. KING SHIT!!!

[vindelllas]

a brief exploration of the amatyakarakas 🍸

🍸note: any information regarding amatyakaraka placements should be treated lightly, as a good portion of these celebrities do not have verified birth information. i calculated all of the following celebrities with unverified birth times assuming they were born at noon their time!

🍸the amatyakaraka does not share the immense physical focus of the atmakaraka, but serves as the knight (amatyakaraka) to the king (atmakaraka), as it controls much of the labor/work of the chess of life. it is a karaka designed to aid you in picking a field or hobby that can allow you to fully express the passions of your graha. It is the helpful hand that guides you to who you truly are, in this post i focus on the overarching lessons of this placement.

brihaspati amatyakaraka

🌾 aesthetic: the liberation of the femme fatale

🌾 key components: shares similar characteristics to the femme fatale archetype of brihaspati atmakarakas, but inwardly is garnished with the liberated qualities of brihaspati. this is a placement of timing, expansion, and immense growth in the lens of one's work ethic. this is ultimately why these natives are known for their adventurous (and sometime controversial yet successful) business ventures, e.g. kendall jenner's "818" brand and lana del rey's controversies throughout her musical journey, which are centered around intrinsic learning via the external public eye.

shani amatyakaraka

🪐 aesthetic: the theater of love

🪐 key components: it shares the sensual hollywood starlet aesthetic of shani atmakarakas but this karaka's lesson lies in what they pour themselves into. they excel at possessing the drive and willpower to succeed in their respective fields, but are not without controversy in their private lives. this is emphasized by megan thee stallion's wrongful sh*oting, selena gomez's ex, nicki minaj's infamous husband, julia fox's former partner kanye west, etc.. their incessant focus on their future and work, often leaves much instability in their personal lives outside of their everyday routines.

surya amatyakaraka

🌞 aesthetic: the intersection of promiscuity and materialism

🌞 key components: this placement is similar to the materialism noted in surya atmakaraka natives, but is further heightened by this karaka's penchant for promiscuity. this placement's immensely influential nature and general desire to lead/test others can manifest as a form of sex*al temptation of those around them. from professions of acting to involvement in adult industries to modeling, there is a great need to shine their rays onto those around them. the dichotomy agni (the sun) being of purification and knowledge and soma (the moon) being water and nourishment come into play here. the sun wishes to purify and empower those around them through lessons of spiritual teachings. the general focus of the mouth in the photos of surya amatyakarakas is reflective of the mouth being the vessel of soma/the consumer of water. to achieve the purification of agni, you must first be watered spiritually.

kuja amatyakaraka

☄️ aesthetic: the mysticism confidence

☄️ key components: drawing upon the lessons of kuja atmakarakas, a certain confidence is emphasized within this placement. this confidence lies in taking immense risks and undergoing challenging situations for the betterment of your career, talents, and desires. this is evidenced by amber heard's career-challenging court case and jennifer lawrence's recounts and statements about w*instein. this placement is not without its controversy, but it is a placement of willingness to endure immense controversy for personal gain often without the lesson-emphasis of brihaspati amatyakarakas which results in much healing being needed later on.

buddha amatyakaraka

🌑 aesthetic: the ubiquity of feminism

🌑 key components: learning from the misunderstood lalita, this placement emphasizes a certain call to seeking maturation of the self through a higher power and intellectualism. this placement is symbolic of the overt dichotomy of girlhood-womanhood, these natives personify this experience through their accounts of the male gaze, longings for more expansion within themselves, and consuming all the external rays of others for the purpose of bettering and finding themselves (as buddha does to surya).

shukra amatyakaraka

🍓 aesthetic: the languish of luxury

🍓 key components: this placement indicates a certain affinity yet boredom of the luxurious properties of shukra. it causes many celebrities who grow into financial success to possess a coupled, sometimes delayed, distaste of the spotlight/fame. think of selena quintanilla who grew popular with ease compared to her latina musician counterparts but continued to maintain a relatability to the public (similar to cardi b who is still considered "surprisingly relatable" despite being immensely wealthy compared to the general public).

chandra amatyakaraka

🌙 aesthetic: the insatiable pitfalls of revolution

🌙 key components: these women often serve as role models to individuals through their presence in the media, but often serve as a lesson to the pitfalls that come with being "revolutionary". recall alexis ren who revolutionized mid-2010's social media and fashion yet struggled privately with her eating d*sorder. additionally, kaley cuoco was popularized for her role in "the big bang theory" yet too struggled with her eating habits. this is why some vedic astrologers theorize chandra to be associated with eating d*sorders, as yes soma seeks to nourish, but this nourishment (coupled with the drive/talent/profession denoted in the amatyakaraka) results in a potential for restricting soma (nourishment) to feel in control of one's surroundings--that is one's profession or environment.

🍸all of these placements were found using astrotheme/.com and/or astro-charts/.com. it is important to note that some chandra (moon) placements may be off by up to 6 degrees and lagnas (ascendants/rising signs) as well, due to the fact that many websites do not have 100% accurate birth times for the given celebrities.

🍸i am additionally offering readings again for a limited amount of time! if you are interested in a reading, please privately message me. thank you all for all of your patience! please expect the color analysis post soon since it won the pole <3

xoxo,

angel 💋

[heretherebedork]

Look at the difference! Look at the change! Look at him much they both got from that sense of freedom and their escape! The way Tanthai seeks him out so desperately and the way he clings to him so desperately.

And then the smiles.

This is the first time we've seen them really smile. Either of them! Thee and Tanthai have been trapped in hell for so long and al it takes is a little time together, a little chance at freedom, a taste of what it means to be able to be themselves and all their shields fall down. All their protections collapse. Tanthai goes by Tan and turns into the softest boy in the world who only wants to save a kitten and knows he's a bad person back at home and blames himself. Thee gets to speak his love and to show Tan what he really thinks of him and how highly he holds him in his esteem, to promise him that he doesn't have to be the rowdy, bad boy he acts out as to get his father to look at him.

And then a hug, A protective hug, a gentle hug, a real hug and Thee loves Tan in a way that never wavers and Tan is discovering what it means to be loved by someone who sees him better than he's ever seen himself and it's like watching an empty vessel have water poured in, expecting it all to leak out, only to realize that the cracks have been sealed with gold by a master craftsman who has always loved this vessel and wants it to be beautiful.

(Next week is about sacrifice, it's about what they will have to give up to have a chance at love and what you can't give up to have love and Thee might have given Tan a respite from his father's abuse but he is still the only one who can rescue him truly and he can only be rescued by the truth.)

[mossmurdock]

mosss!!!!! do you have any songs that remind you of knight!sugu??? or maybe just knights overall?? i'm so curious heheheh

- @softgirlgonehaywire

oh my god mickey the can of worms uve just opened,,,this is such a goood question!!! ive had knight suguru in mind specifically for these along with butcher!reader in mind

divine loser by clem turner

tongue & teeth by the crane wives

sane by haley heynderickx

weak for your love by thee sacred souls

how i get myself killed by indigo de souza

i now realize nearly all of these are very angsty songs but i promise the fic itself wont be so awful!! (so far...) this is a very short list atm, but i am for sure going to update it eventually this was so fun to think about i cannot believe i hadnt before!

i didnt just want to list these so here r some specific lyrics that particularly hit for me while thinking about the au. (its taking everything in me not to include all the lyrics rn LMAO)

first up is divine loser by clem turner!!

dear god this song guys. this song. it is so suguru geto, it has his name written all over it!! i really do overuse it in any writing i have for him because this guy is so truly a divine loser. a wet ball of eurgh but in an almost religious way i hate him (lie)

here are some of the lyrics:

My bad habits don't heal They wear a different dress I'm coming down with something I lost my own respect

I bit my fingernails Until I tasted bone So my body remains But my purpose just stopped

DEAR GOD DO YOU GUYS SEE THE VISION??? he's so..he's so....i cant anymore yall. (spolier!! this is also such an amazing song for preist!suguru I MEAN COME ONNNN)

anyway next is tongue & teeth by the crane wives!

this one is angsty<33

And I know that you mean so well But I am not a vessel for your good intent

You gotta know that this won't last Desperation will erase the fact

I will only wring you dry of everything But if you're fine with that If you're fine with that

there are so many more lyrics i have in mind here but these are the ones that make me go "HURRAY HUZAH!!" for this one specifically, im seeing it as from the pov of the reader and addressed to suguru (i hope this doesnt spoil much LMAO)

next is sane by haley heynderickx!

another one where i had the reader in mind, though it was a bit more difficult somehow. im not sure how to explain it, but the significance of this one is a little more complex? hopefully that makes sense

Why am I frightened if it's all just a game But the look in your eyes Oh the look in your eyes Oh the look in your eyes kept me sane

Why am I childish, oh why can't I make sense If everything's certain, well I'm certainly offended

(this lyric in particular has me thinking of both of them!! themes of struggling to understand the world around you. DO YALL GET IT!??!)

next is weak for your love by thee sacred souls!

oh this one is so sweet, it is wonderful and warm and i love the sound of it i highly recommend it. the repetitiveness of the lyrics really get to me here because repetition is such a love struck thing isn't it? and that's a huge part of the beginnings of their relationship (at least what i have in my head so far<3)

Pretty lady, you have me so weak Pretty lady, you have me so weak

You have my heart inside your hands (you have my heart) Baby, be careful what you do with me (be careful, baby) You have control of all the strings (ooh) Baby, be careful what you do with me, me (be careful)

Oh, baby, I go crazy for your love Oh, baby, I go crazy for your love

TEARS THIS SONG APART LOVINGLY RAGGGHHHHHHH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH CRUNCH SNAP TEAR

here comes the very last one!! how i get myself killed by indigo de souza

oh and we r back to angst :'0 ++also this is by one of my very favorite artists pls check them out!!

on another note! this is a song i also used for my fic "more than living" which again, seems very redundant, but i can't help myself. reduce, reuse, recycle is my very best motto.

This is probably how I get myself killed This is probably how I get myself killed This is probably how I get myself killed This is probably how I get myself killed (more important repetition are we seeing a pattern here? LOL)

Oh, come when you're called If this all we've got to work with, then it's all we've got to blame

I'm lovin' your skin darlin', I'm lovin' this hot morning I need to be kicked, maybe fucked, maybe told I'm in the way

the initial meaning of this song, if im correct, is based on a very toxic relationship. which still somewhat applies to this au, but ive sort of expanded on it another way. i had suguru's responsibilities and duties as a knight on the mind! the beckoning!! come dog, and heel while you're at it! <- that sort of thing if yall catch my draft and ofc the reader picks up on this,,,and is maybe a little mean about it :o

anyway WE ARE FINALLY AT THE END LETS GOOOO!!! this was soo much fun! thank you so much for the ask darling i loved it<33

BUT IM VERY CURIOUS NOW!! ur such an inspiration do have any fic playlists of your own, or any stray songs floating around reminding you of certain fics or characters or even interactions?? I WILL TAKE ANYTHING AND PLEASE DO TALK ABOUT IT (if u have the time ofc)

i unfortunately have yet to get through much of your longer writing but i would absolutely love to have something to listen to when i can!

[hellspawntale-rebooted]

Azreal and Emily. A... Thing.

As some of you know, Azreal and Emily are two main Characters in Hellspawntale Rebooted. But, who are they REALLY? Well, that's what this post is all about. Azreal and Emily.

SECTION ONE. Their Characters.

Azreal is a kindhearted child. They are a bit shy sometimes, but not around people they trust. They do have their breaking points though, specifically when someone they care for is in danger or when their horrible excuse for a sister comes around and tries to take them away again. (sarah fucking sucks.) They are canonically the LEAST determined human to fall into the Underground and only have Saving and Loading abilities due to Univer forcing them into Azreal. (with the power of plot i bestoweth upon thee time travel.)

Emily is The Patience Soul. She was awoken by Azreals fall. She was kind of just following them (Along with Frisk, Hellspawn, and eventually Frost.) Around until.. In Waterfall, after Azreal bought some Sea Tea, and then THIS Scene happened. (Recreated with the new sprites :P)

And with that, Emily got a crush on Azreal. However, she would not truly act on it until..

The CORE! After an encounter with an old foe, She encouraged Azreal about how they're a good person, And THAT's when Azzy started to like Emily back. Yes, yes, I know, throwing romance into a story isn't really exciting, but I found it fun.

The moment they for sure knew they liked eachother, however, was When Azreal saved Emily from Asriel (the goat one) during Twisted Timeline.

However, they did not become an official couple until the VERY end of the Christmas Arc of this Askblog, which takes place after the story of Hellspawntale Rebooted.

BOTH are mostly self aware, knowing they are part of just one of many universes. (Thanks to the In-Universe Character of Univer giving them a crash course on all things UTDR MV) They also know about the fact the Askers aren't from the same world as them. They both also have canonically played Undertale Yellow, as with the Help of Univer they can indeed download and play these games from our world.

They are, however, still just kids.

Section TWO. Azreal's LOOORRRREEEE.

Azreal is a descendant of a monster and human family. They can use Magic. They only recently learned how to, though. Magic they canonically learn to use (at some point) is:

Fireball power

Flight

Teleportation of objects and self

Plant magic

Healing spells

and Telepathy

They're kinda OP. Currently though they only have access to Fireballs.

Azreal also adopted the annoying dog and named him Toby (thanks to Univer suggesting the name HMM I WONDER WHERE THEY GOT THE IDEA)

Azreal also was friends with Frisk BEFORE their fall.

SECTION THREE. Emily: Where was she in Hellspawntale prebooted?!?

First off: We don't talk about Prebooted.

Second: Uhhh, Dead? Yeah, this section is basically to explain why Emily was added in as a main Character for prebooted.

I wanted to have someone other than chara ALSO travel with Azreal and Frisk as a ghost, HOWEVER, I ALSO kinda wanted a Love Interest for Azzy.

Emily didn't even reveal her name until New Home, by the way. Although it always was going to be "Emily." I just liked the name.

SECTION FOUR: Appearances in my other AUs?

As you may or may not know, In Univer's Underswap, Azreal and Emily appear as Robots built by undyne for Two ghost monsters (That are NOT related) to use as vessels. She based them off of (insert ambiguious anime couple she saw).

In Undertale Anomalous, However...

Emily takes the Role of Papyrus, and Azreal takes the role of Sans. Don't let that fool you, though! These two are NOT siblings, nor do they see eachother as Siblings. Instead, they are the corpses of 2 fallen humans, that, with the little DT they still had after the experiments, fled their coffins, and surprisingly made it all the way to Maple Midtown. There, they learned how to survive so well they basically started to function like they were monsters. Even going so far as to be able make their skin look relatively normal aside from it's strange color. They protect the citizens of Maple Midtown as The maple mage (and her "lovely" sidekick. Her words not mine.)

SECTION FIVE: Wait, Univer, I thought you were on Hiatus? What's with this post?

I finished the main story of yo-kai watch 3 so i won't be playing as excessively anymore. I'll still be playing, just more balanced. Or at least I'll try to be.

Anyway, uhhh...

Hiatus over!

[psalmonesermons]

The dimensions of God's love Part 2

The width, length, depth, and height of God's love Ephesians 3:18-19

Picking up from Part 1 in Ephesians 3:18 we see that there is a supernatural order of the dimensions of God’s love.

The Holy Spirit directs our attention as follows.

A. What is Breadth? We have some difficulty in seeing the breadth of God’s love to all men of every race and colour, every age from a foetus in the mother’s womb to a man on his death bed, embracing each one of these. In all time past, back to Adam and forward to Christ’s second advent. This breadth tells the Jewish believers of God’s love for the Gentiles and tells us now of His love for all the various parts of the body of Christ. In my Father’s house there are many mansions. God’s love is so broad it embraces His whole family beyond any man-made barriers. He is not a respecter of rank or position. His love is so broad it includes from the humblest to the most exalted of his people.

B. Length, this invites us to meditate on the eternal nature of God’s love. Christ loved us before we got born again. 1 John 4:19 tells us that we love him, because he first loved us and as his love knows no end, so it has no beginning and is from everlasting to everlasting. Jeremiah 31:3 Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness. I have drawn thee the Lord says this to each one of us. His drawing of us unto himself is the effect of his love. John 13:1 Jesus loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Romans 8:35-39 Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Are you catching a glimpse of its length?

C. Depth, another way to look at the depth of God’s love is to look back to where we came from, dying and on the way to eternal death. Each one of us can take a minute to meditate on how deep our Father’s love was to raise us up out of the pit of our sinful lives. We were children wrath by nature see Ephesians 2:1-6. Does this not speak to your heart of the Depth of our Father’s love?

D. Height, so far, we have seen the love of God has a boundless breadth, an endless length, a fathomless depth then surely its height is measureless? In trying to comprehend the height we may look to both our present privileges and our future promises as clearly identified in the word of God. 1 Samuel 2:8, Isaiah 56:5 Romans 8:16-17, 1 John 3:1, and Revelation 22:4-5,19 that we might know the love of Christ which passes knowledge by the Holy Spirit that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Did Paul get carried away with it here or was the Holy Spirit showing us the summit of the prayer?

Are we not heirs of the Father, joint heirs of Christ?

If we ask for bread, will he give us a stone or a snake instead of a fish?

This is the point; the word of God tells us that God wants us at filled with all His own fullness.

Our hearts and minds must constantly be occupied with the love of Christ to be prepared for the being filled with all his fullness.

Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness as in Matthew 5:6?

The Greek for ‘filled with all the fullness’ suggests a continuous process, a progressive and enlarging experience. As a vessel is filled to the brim the vessel then expands and the process continues thus our hearts will grow and take in more of him on an ongoing basis.

Suggestion: Let us agree not to pray any more weak and feeble prayers!

Pray for yourself and others in this manner.

Prayer Father God we bow our knees to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We ask that you grant us, according to your riches, that we might be strengthened with your mighty power in our inner man. We pray that Christ may be dwelling in our hearts by faith, and that we are becoming rooted and grounded in your divine love. We ask that we may be able to comprehend with all your saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of your love, and to come to truly know your love which surpasses mere human knowledge, that we might be filled with the love of God as you are Lord.

Lord, we know you can do much more above all we can ask or even think because your power is at work in us, and we say.

Amen

[tallbluelady]

19 Kissing a wound better - whichever you're feeling in terms of screenies or writing ^^

Rowan could feel the question - why - with each of the kisses Urianger peppered along the cut that was still healing. Her last encounter with Zenos had used so much of her own aether that it would take longer for her body to heal such abrasions. He had explained it as if she had wrung out and completely dried out a sponge - the vessel her body was for aether was completely dried out and it would take time to absorb it naturally. Every kiss was soft, but telling.

Why must thou placest thyself in such peril? Why not merely leave the craven at the edge of the universe alone? Why didst bend to his wishes then? Why didst thou leave us - leave me - in such emotional turmoil?

Urianger had yet to ask any of these questions aloud, however. Mayhap he thought that finding the answers would be too strenuous on Rowan. He did try to spare her from so much. But she did have an answer for him. She had an answer since before they left for Ultima Thule. She waited for him to finish his ministrations first - twas almost a ritual of his at this point.

He sighed as he settled facing her in their bed. The comfort of his presence beside her was almost as healing as the balms and potions he used in lieu of astrology.

"Can I tell you something, darling?" she asked quietly.

"What wouldst thou tell me, beloved?" He started tracing patterns on her arm.

"When - after I defeated the Endsinger. And Meteion had opened the way to the Ragnarok. And I didn't go with her directly after. You've been wondering why."

His eyes and fingers traced down to her wrist. "Thou art correct, I have."

"You know my nightmares. The ones where he tears you from me?"

"Art thou still suffering from those? I could prepare a tea for thee to ensure a dreamless sleep."

"Nay. Any dreams I've had lately are vague at best. But him harming you - harming any children I had... that was always my greatest fear."

Urianger's expression clouded over with grief. "I doubt a more isolated locale could even be imagined..."

"Right... and... I had to make sure, Urianger. I could not risk him coming back for me. To learn of my happiness and hold his blade against it so I would bend to his wishes. I needed that - that - godsdamned cur to be dead and away from me. I needed to make sure that it happened. Because if he learned aught of Dynamis he could have..."

He withdrew his hand. "Twas selfish of you to act only on supposition, Rowan."

Rowan's voice caught in her throat. Had she...?

"Alas, out of all of those on Etheirys, thou art the one most deserving of acting thusly..." He sighed and shook his head. "Beloved, thou art far more precious to me than thou knowest. I cannot... I cannot lose thee to such a thing as uncertainty. To lose thee when only a bright future lay ahead of us. Because thou wert more certain of thy fear."

Rowan could feel the tears starting to well up. "I'm sorry."

Urianger melted - he always did - at the tears in her eyes. He held her cheek and stroked a fallen tear away. "I know. Fate oft guideth us to these paths. I hath only started to follow a more forthright one. That thou stumbled upon it this lone occasion is a testament to thy strength of heart."

She nodded and swallowed some of her tears down.

"I love thee. I love thee most ardently. Promise me that thou wilt refrain from risking our future away over a fear."

"I will. Twas wanting such a future that lead me to follow the path."

Urianger nodded.

"I'm... I'm serious, Urianger. Now that Zenos is gone... let's set a date for the wedding. I want our lives together to truly begin."

He merely smiled and kissed her.

Thanks for the prompt! I wrote like, 90% of this in one sitting lol.

[autisticcasforthewin]

People who just equate Cas to just a part of Destiel are really missing out because man is thee character of all time.

Like his rebellion is his, it was his choice and like yes he tells Dean “I rebelled for you” and that’s true in part this time. But later on we learn from Naomi that Cas has always been a problem and I think the thing that changed was Dean became a focal point. Something real and human for Cas to hold on to as we see in Goodbye Stranger, Dean breaks him free in that moment but we’ve learnt that no matter what or how long Cas will find his way back to that point.

Truly for me his point of no return in his rebellion isn’t in the golden room where Dean needs his help, it’s when he’s using Claire as a vessel and Jimmy is begging him to take him instead. The show tells us that the angel vessel don’t matter in the grand scheme of things to the majority of angels and Cas has just said “I don’t serve man”, and yet when a dying father begs him to spare his daughter and take him instead any other angel should have just stayed in Claire but Cas moved into Jimmy despite the fact he’d just experienced a heavenly brainwashing, that moment sealed his fate he was always going to rebel in that moment with Dean because his rebellion was already in motion and the person he was becoming wouldn’t have allowed him to just let the apocalypse happen let alone be complicit in it.

[cannibalcaprine]

what happen to thy primal Owlin vessel? or rather why are thee now a giraffe oh Mighty Wizardess?

Ah, nothing more than simple mutations, friend! It is something that happens in this line of work, some horns here, a tail there, perhaps some floppy ears. If I am being frank, I truly believed that the tentacles would be the end of me, but no! I still have a beak under there.

[writing-with-gremworm]

Lament of a Branch

When a branch grows into a tree, many hunger for its fruit or cut its branches. When beauty is not enough, the tree becomes the basis of some other want.

Many seek me out with 'good intentions'. Morals that by human standards are honourable.

"Oh Archon, will you grant me this one wish? All I ask is for knowledge. You see, with the knowledge I can save my son."

"Of course, then I shall bestow upon you knowledge."

Some seek me to fix the 'mistakes' they made.

"Oh Archon, I beg of thee, give me just one leaf imbued with elemental energy to soothe my suffering pet."

"As you wish, take it and comfort them well."

Some ask me for purely selfish things.

"Oh, Archon! Please give me a leaf. I simply must hold its beauty in my hands."

"As you wish, but this is not something you may ask for again."

But you are the first to ask something new.

"Archon, I wish you would blossom independently of these people, for they have begun to take too much."

"That ... is a wish I am not permitted to grant."

You are the first to move worlds for me.

"Archon, I have found a way to ensure you're safety, come with me."

"What?"

"I've found out how to free you, to replant you in a garden much more suited for one such as you."

I was shaken.

Truly shaken.

No one had been so bold as to offer me something in return. No one thought a tree needed more than the sun.

"Archon, do you have a name?"

"No, I am simply an extension of Irminsul, I need no name of my own."

"Ah, but I think that's rather lonely. May I give you a name?"

"You ... wish to name me? Ah, I suppose a name can not hurt."

"Wonderful, then, I'll call you Rukkhadevata."

"You wish to name me 'God of the Tree?' Hahaha! Well yes, such is a fitting name. I like it."

You weren't good at picking names, but it was amusing nonetheless. I liked spending time with you. You would tell me things I already knew in ways I had never heard them. Your words shone like stars in the desert. I cherished them, however technically trivial they were.

So when I was faced with your mortality I was surprised that drops of water rained from my leaves.

"Hah, I never thought you'd cry for me. I'm sorry Rukkha, I did not mean to burden you like this."

Your words hurt more than I expected them to. When did you think you became a shackle?

"Rukkha, do you remember when you said I shined like the stars? You- have always been my moon. Though sometimes you are hidden in shadow, the nights when you are in full view you shine the most brilliantly of all. Thank you, for running away with me."

That was the first time I sobbed. As a tree, I was not supposed to cry. As a plant, it should have been impossible to cry. So why did tears pour so desperately as you began to grow weak?

It was a long time before I gave up your body. I sustained it for millennia until It was clear your eyes would never open again.

The garden was a place I cherished.

It held memories in the vibrant flora that surrounded us.

It became the place where I buried you.

I am Rukkhadevata, a holder of unfathomable wisdom, and the one who hosts responsibility for this land.

So why can't I remember your face?

Time flowed unbearably slowly until the day the withering struck your grave. The soil and flora surrounding where you lay were sucked dry of all the colour we had given it. I tried to isolate this blight with some vain hope it would also take me. I did not perish. After all, I was the originator of the blight.

It took me a while to understand what it was. That the principles you had protected me from made you into a vessel for my suffering. Is this why you claimed to be my burden?

I could never hate you for this. Rather, I began to loathe myself, the role I had been given and what leaving my position had led to. If this was retribution for my actions, then I would be swallowed by it.

I was blinded by my sorrow. I was blinded by the human emotions I had learned from you. I suppose that is why a 'hero' was born to cut the rotting branch from the tree.

"Archon! You have fallen from your place and cast a blight on this land, I, Deshret, am here to reason with you."

"Reason with me? Ah, one who does not even know my name wishes for reason? What more do you wish to take from me?"

"I do not wish to take anything, all I ask is-"

"That I purge the blight? That I give others power so they may help prevent the withering from spreading?"

"Yes, that is what I wish."

"Hah, I refuse."

Why would I purge the world of your only memory? You weren't a hero or poet, you didn't leave behind a legacy known to Sumeru, and you were the taker of the Archon, but who would believe a human did such a thing? If blight is all the remains, then blight shall consume all else. I will not forgive anyone who purges you.

"Why do you refuse? Are not the people of this land important to you?"

"They were, but not anymore. Those who could not fix themselves asked me for cloth to cover arrow wounds."

"Your ... leaves."

"You know well despite the time since I gave such things. I suppose that is in your archives, though I doubt you recall the one thing that matters."

"I may not, but perhaps I can pass on that knowledge should we be able to stop the blight."

"It's impossible. I can not remember their face, or their name. All I recall is the warmth they gave and the rules they broke to give it."

"I ... am sorry for your loss."

"A shame, if only you had come a little sooner. Before they were buried."

Silence remained for a long time before Deshret showed me something new. It was a technology that didn't exist before we left Sumeru.

"This ... Knowledge Capsule can contain information, but it can also contain other elements if modified a little. You could contain the blight within its shell and keep it, but it may burst forth in the future."

"I ... accept this arrangement."

You became a knowledge capsule. With you inside it, the world slowly regained vitality. I often visited the capsule, indulging in the memories I left inside it, and clinging to the fragments of you that weren't rendered inconsequential.

More time passed and soon I longed to recall more of you, to know what it felt like to be beside you again. I knew it was impossible, but this desire grew and I didn't notice the cracks beginning to form on the Capsule.

"Hello, Archon. I've come to rid you of your worries. Ah, I should introduce myself properly. Greetings, my name is Il Dottore. I have a way to bring them back to you."

It goes against the laws of this world to revive the dead, on all bases a true revival of the dead was impossible.

"Oh?"

But I listened to him anyway.

"All you need is their soul, after all, their soul contains their memories, but they're locked away so that rebirth is made possible. My soul shares many bodies, that is why I know this works. I can find them for you, all I need is access to that Knowledge Capsule."

"If you're lying to me I will stop at nothing to eliminate every version of you."

I decided to trust him.

"Worry not, I know exactly what to do."

I foolishly decided to trust him.

"I can even make their face suitable for you."

"Alright. How long will this take?"

"Five years."

Five years was so short, how could I pass up this chance to see you again?

"Then if you do not return in five years, you will no longer roam so freely."

Five years passed. Il Dottore arrived, and then I met with you. Your face wasn't the same, but your voice and demeanor felt the same. However, one thing was clear. You were infested with the blight, and your footsteps brought it with you even as you seemed to be fine.

"What do you want Il Dottore? You've brought them back, so what do you want? Knowledge? Life? Secrets?"

"I already have what I wish. Just make sure you protect them this time. You wouldn't want to be at fault for their death twice in a row."

His words struck me. Had I been blaming myself this whole time? Yes, I suppose I had. I guess that's why I ignored the little differences in you.

We spent time together again. We laughed, danced, read, and so much more. I remembered what bliss I felt from my indulgences with you. I felt so happy to have you back.

But I was never allowed to be happy, was I?

I had gotten too comfortable, so the sword that skewered us both came as a surprise.

"Deshret, is this what you meant when you warned me that the blight would return? That if I protected it, you would stop at nothing to save your people?"

"... Yes. I ... take no pleasure in seeing you like this. I understand the loss of your beloved, I know the pain forgetting their visage creates. But I can not abide by your actions. I hope that this at least, is merciful for you. That maybe, with a sword designed to seal power, you will finally rest.

"Hah, hahahahaha, I see. So this is how this ends. Deshret. Without my power, this place will become a desert. If you truly have someone you want to save, then I will grant you the last wish. Take this cutting from Irminsul, and shower it with love and knowledge. Maybe that tree will grow to be a better God than me."

"Archon-"

"Rukkhadevata"

"What?"

"They named me Rukkhadevata, let their name for me be how I am recorded."

"I- understand."

--

"I wonder what it's like out there." Nahida ponders.

"Haiz, there is only so much I can learn from dreams. I wonder what the previous branch was like. I keep hearing great things about her, but nothing more." She sighed, a bit frustrated by how limited this space was. But this was home. How could she wish for more if it wasn't safe?

But was it dangerous?

Nahida heard many prayers in her cage.

Wishes for health, fame, fortune, or beauty came in droves. But one wish stuck out to her above all the others.

"Archon, I wish you would blossom independently of these people, for they have begun to take too much."

Had they been taking too much? She did not know.

After all.

Nahida was a child.

[winterdeepelegy]

Prompt #21 - Grave

Ciel was one of the first outside visitors to the settlement. It was strictly formality since Glace had asked her to perform some manner of funerary rite for his Siblings who died in the events leading up to the Final Days, and even though she was no priest of Thal, she agreed to do what she could.

Introductions were made to those survivors who were willing, and she maintained a respectful distance from those who wished to have nothing to do with her. She didn't belong among them. Most of these people had found themselves so distanced from the Twelve over the years that they barely knew Their names. Nonetheless, this was a gesture of closure for those who still kept some faith, and one that she hoped would grant both the living and the dead some peace.

She wore the green of her patron, Oschon, and skewed none of her wardrobe toward extravagance. Such a somber ritual had no place for expensive raiment or fancy jewels.

She approached the river bank with an urn enfolded by her arms, and this vessel contained the cremains of what flesh Glace was able to recovered of the lost ones. She knew them not at all, but for all she had learned of them they had known so little kindness in life that granting them comfort in their passage to their next lives was the very least she could do.

As Glace and a handful of others watch in silence, Ciel slipped her feet out of her boots on the river's edge and waded into the water. She stopped once she was knee deep and bowed her head, the urn held forth beneath mist-obscured streams of sunlight.

"Hear me, brothers and sisters beneath the divine - though I know you not, I have come forth as your guide. I am neither priestess nor god, but I am one who ferries the lost across the River."

She lifted her head but kept her eyes closed.

"I call upon the Twelve in Their mercy.

Nald'Thal - As it is unto Thine gate that they are soon to arrive, I pray that they are given comfort even though they had so little fortune in life. Take of my coin to pay their passage if it must be so, but fault them not for their lack of it.

Azeyma - I can ask only that Thou now lighteth their way, away from lives spent dwelling in so much pain and darkness.

Rhalgr - Though their bodies are no more, may what memories their souls carry be changed away from the fear and agony of their last moments.

Byergot - Grant their souls new strength in their coming rest that they may meet new futures with brilliant resolve.

Oschon - My beloved patron, I ask that Thou walketh beside them unto whatever new roads may lay before them for with Thee none are truly lost.

Llymlaen - Pray, guide them true and keep them safe on their journey.

Nymeia - Though their threads are severed from Thy wheel but for the moment, I beg Thee be gentle whence their fates return to Thy palm.

Thaliak - Here I stand amidst Thine waters unto which they will soon be given, to begin their journey.

Menphina - Bring them unto the comforts of home and wrap them in the silvery threads of Thy loving embrace.

Halone - Quell any fury that may remain in their souls. Their endings were not gentle or just, nor were they noble heroes fighting a just war. 'Twas a war and an ending not of their choosing, and though their rage be justified, it should not follow them hence.

Althyk - Pray grant them as much time as they need to rest and heal. Hasten them not unto their next lives if they are not ready.

And lastly, Nophica - In Thy bounty, I ask that their next lives be fruitful and lack for nothing."

Ciel removed the top of the urn and lowered the vessel toward the water to pour fourth the ashes. "Here and now do I commit thee to the River, unto freedom and peace long overdue. May it carry thee to the embrace of Aetherial Sea. May your next lives be kinder."

With the urn emptied, she sealed it shut and stared off in the direction of the river's flow for a moment before closing her eyes and bowing her head in reverence.

[kirby-souljourney-au]

MERCY — AU oneshot

Greatness is a curse. Power is a curse. Holiness is a curse.

She is a curse, and she knows.

But still, she wishes to protect.

She lay motionless on a bed of flower petals and feathers, eyes closed, breathing even, comatose.

Her power was much too great. It had overwhelmed her, and sent her into a deep sleep, thought to be permanent.

Despite the predictions, though, she awoke from her slumber.

She slowly opened her eyes, blinking away the pain of the light burning in her vision. The Healer nearby her shaded her with an umbrella of leaves. He asks, art thou alright?

She blinks. Prithee, what happened here? She muses, memory foggy and blurred. What landed such as she in thy den?

He breathes deeply, closing his eyes momentarily. He dost not know, he was not there to witness it. TheGreat One simply arrived with thee in their arms, injured and unconscious. They hath not said what occurred.

The Hero looks away, down at herself for a few moments, thinking, trying to remember. Her eyes close.

Images fill her mind in split-second flashes, appearing and disappearing rapidly.

All she sees is black, white, and blood red. She cannot process the images her mind provides. They are incomprehensible and incomplete.

Her eyes snap open, wide and afraid. She dost not recall — the memories rush by too quick to decipher. In truth, she dost not wish to remember. It all seems too dark for a pure mind such as hers.

Return to thy dreamscape, Lord, the Healer speaks. Let thine body heal itself. His magic hast done what it can.

She closes her eyes, and lets herself return to the pitch-black sleep her body required.

Ah, she remembers now. Her Divine magic took a great toll on her body, sending her into a deep, multi-week long slumber. The beast she and The Great One hast destroyed was ungodly powerful and wholly unholy — as such, it would require absolute Holiness to defeat it. Divinity of the Soul.

She almost died along with the unholy beast, but against all odds, she survived, waking in the caring hands of her tribe.

…

She knows that she hast become dangerous. This newfound power of hers is volatile.

…She shalt be executed eventually.

…

…Tis for the better.

The Healer returns to the den, holding a small bowl of tea in his palm. Thou art awake, he speaks, handing the tea over to her. She gratefully accepts the drink, sipping at it carefully.

Dost thou recall how thee ended up in a state of comatose? He questions her, sitting beside the bed she rested upon.

Indeed. Indeed she does.

The air was stale and painful to breathe. The beast stood towering above the Hero and the God, bladed arms aimed for their hearts.

…

The God called the Hero’s name, their voice pained and raspy from inhaling the toxic air. From her place on the ground, she opened a single eye, looking towards her companion.

They held something strange in their hand — it glowed beautifully, and radiated pure Holy magic. The beast cringed, squinting its many eyes at the light the God held, backing away cautiously. It seemed to damage it somehow, even if just partially.

The Hero used what energy she could to lift her arm off the ground, reaching out to her closest confidant, body shaking violently. She would be a corpse in a matter of seconds if they didn’t make haste.

The God extended their hand to hers, and the Holy light floated over to her, nearing her dying hand.

Once it contacted her flesh, something truly miraculous happened.

Her entire body was enveloped in the Holy light the God expelled, causing her to glow with Purity. The beast flinched away, screeching in agony as the Holy magic scorched its impure skin.

Suddenly, her energy and life had returned, and she was beginning to float.

She… she couldn’t move.

A sharp sense of pain shot through her entire being, her vessel and Soul alike writhing as it transformed into something far greater than anything believed to be possible.

Her new form, encased fully in bright white and pink flames, shimmered and glowed, causing the beast further agony. It screamed, its skin beginning to sizzle and smoke as the Holy magic surrounding the area began slowly burning it away.

Her six wings flapped and she flew into the air gracefully, floating above the beast, absolute Purity destroying it piece by piece. It continued making its wretched sounds and it slowly died, and the Hero simply watched it happen.

She floated idle until the beast made a last-stand attempt to impale her with its blades. She teleported away quickly before it could damage her. Various Spears of the Heart formed above and around her as she prepared her counter attack. The beast again screeched at her Holy power devouring its very being. She sent the flurry of Pure weapons down into the beast’s body, deep red blood pouring out of each wound they made.

These Spears of the Heart were not as they were normally. They were fully charged with Purity and the raw power of the Hero’s soul itself, making them the greatest weapons to have ever been used.

Somehow, the beast survived the attack. It began to grow a ball of dark energy above itself, and the Hero sent more Spears of the Heart into its form, though it barely reacted. It was too focused on building this dark energy blast to care about the injuries it sustained. It had one mission, and one mission alone: destroy the Greatest Warrior in the Universe. It did not need to survive in the end.

The Hero brought out the beginnings of a similar attack, charged with Purity and the Holy magic of the Ykka themselves.

The two godlike beings threw their attacks at each other, light exploding from the collision between Pure and Evil. The beast shrieked in agony as the light hit its face, its war cry piercing the Universe itself — the nearby God covered their ears. Its unholy scream was painful and dangerous, threatening to corrupt them.

But, the Great Hero of Eternity prevailed.

Her Holy magic burst through the beast’s attack, blasting into its face and beginning to obliterate its body. It screamed louder, in more pain than anyone else could have ever experienced in their feeble mortal lives. The beast still fought, sending attacks of pure darkness wherever it possibly could. The Warrior did what none could ever imagine.

Out from her hand, a being of Absolute Purity emerged, charging at the impure being with ferocity unseen in millions upon millions of years. The Pure Being attacked, holding the beast still so that it could no longer counter the Holy Warrior in front of it.

The Holy Light enveloped the beast, it’s agonized screams filling the wasteland in which they battled. Soon enough, its body had dissipated, never to be seen again.

The Warrior collapsed onto the ground, Divinity having taken quite the toll on her body. She could no longer move. It was difficult to breathe,though her Soul Divinity purified the toxic air. She was in great amounts of pain, but she did not react. She was unable to, in this state of paralysis.

The Pure Being she summoned did not leave for another few moments. It turned to the God with a kind look in its eyes, and spoke. Oh, how glad it was to gaze upon The Great One’s face once again after so many millennia.

It then disappeared in a puff of smoke, sparks, and Holy lights, not saying another word as its essence returned to the Warrior whom summoned it.

It never spoke its name, but somehow, she knew.

Ynufouu.

Ah, so that is what occurred? The healer mused. She dost understand how dangerous such power is, correct?

Yes, she does. She was fully aware she had brought upon the Universe the power of the Ykka themselves, and she knew she was, by proxy, a threat due to her untamed magical abilities. Her newfound Divinity was not something she could ever control, and thus, she would not continue with it,

However, as she was prepared to be executed the next day, her heart beat rapidly in her chest. She was afraid. She did not want to die.

But nobody does, and her power was far too great for anyone to handle, even including The Great One themselves.

It had to happen, lest tragedy strike, and she returned as the new Ultima.

At dawn, she laid down on the slab of rock, eyes closed as she waited for the end.

The Yonna surrounding her began to chant their spells, starting the casting away of her life.

She felt nothing, but only momentarily. Soon, the Ykka brought their magic down upon her weakened form, bringing about unfathomable agony, much like what she imagined the beast had endured when she struck it down. She shrieked as the crystals began to encase her, though she did not resist. If she were meant to live, this spell would not be working.

Only a few agonized minutes later, she was fully crystallized. Her body now took on a shimmering, pink glow, signifying the completion of the ritual.

That meant… they were too late.

The Great One stood nearby, eyes wide and full of rage and grief as they stared at the scene in front of them.

Their closest friend was now a crystal. They had lost what meant everything to them.

This was the brutal end of the Great Eterna Hero.

What an unfortunate event. She saved the Multiverse, and willingly let herself die just a month later.

Such is the way of lives as ancient as hers.

How will her dear friend fare after her untimely demise? I wonder.

[urutaguja]

Cult Of The Lamb Poetric/Possible Song Lyric

I saw my world decay,

At the very end of the blade… 

My time must be nigh,

But why must I betray?

My vessel, take the Red Crown

And slay those who hate!

The pain is only a farce who made you close

To me! 

And yet why do I feel so,

Wonderful?

Every step I make feels better,

Way better than the last.

My children have been made into

Perfect toys of the 

Needs to destroy the very chains

Of abuse and neglect. 

I have my perfect views,

You are just by need.

To fulfill the prophecy!

Don't think you

Are done,

There is more work ahead. 

And yet why do I feel

The rage that seeps,

The bleeding is 

temporary but the decay is eternally just 

As there to smell so close.

My time grows long… 

I HAVE SLAYED MANY FALSE FLOCK

YOU ARE NOTHING COMPARE,

TO THE ETERNAL TRUTH!

LET MY FURY CONSUME 

ON YOUR HERETIC OF THE 

HEART THAT YOU 

MAINTAIN!

Watch me as I slay your pathetic little 

Monsters and force them into 

My working fortune, you have no 

Choice but to commit to my 

Commands!

Yes, that's right, fear of me

And my own fist, for

The Red Crown of it's rightful

Brow has the correct

Choice to unbind the reality you have forged,

It's just the lay,

Of a damned engage. 

My own decay was never

MY DISMAY!

They did this to themselves,

Even though they were also wise and

Old but not, even so close. 

Betray those who hurt me in these very 

CHAINS!

Break them apart, I watch

Your step and make it 

Grow, do your delights and

Make me close to your love,

Loyalty is everything,

Yet fear is also the same for you. 

And yet why do I need to continue on, 

For my own kind is dead?

Those damned bishops thought very well, 

To the very detail of my hurtful end… 

And yet THEY WERE WRONG!!!

I WATCHED EVERY PATH AND SLAYED

THOSE WITH HATE!

THESE CHAINS BOUND BY THEE,

SHALL NOT KEEP ME AWAYYYYYYY!!!

I WILL BRING YOU THE TRUTH! 

Many deaths I could count have

Been lost and yet why do I keep myself

To believe the false deceptions they throw?

My children grow to hate for thinking

I am weak and yet I come back to feed

Them their daily bread!

Are the sermons not enough,

What do you wish to decide on your gift

Or maybe stop asking to eat your deadly

Feces of your fellows.

My sweet Lamb, fear not for they lie,

Watch their fear and kill their KIND!

They think so much and leave more,

To the very clue of my eternal watch. 

Watch me defeat your sad little

Sheep and try to make them against me 

For either I can lead or destroy them as well!

I can lead just as well as any of you,

No, I don't like to make it

Competitional but I believe that's

Your belief and I could,

Probably respect that

The end is near,

For my time is here,

To free my own desire,

Let my god in you and have 

Just as faith as me. 

Pretty soldier, you have

War on them, I saw

Bloodshed in your hands,

My powers served you well, but

To finish the errands you could return

The very source back.

After all, it was my belonging,

Return your loyalty back. 

Oh you have me here,

For what have I truly led on,

Knowing I could have it all,

Or maybe throw it away like

My kin and brethren in the soil? 

Why must I wait? 

Give back which I promised yee,

I can give you rest, do you

Wish against it oh, so soon? 

Return the crown or not?

My own raised flock was made

By my work,

Sensible and flawed but it made

Me go this far… 

Give me all the debt,

Your time was just a game,

Oh, forget the pain of past,

I REFUSE YOU!!! 

Watch me betray you as I take your

Powers against you,

Let me tell you a thing, 

I can be just a mortal with a god 

Flay to decide who will you be next!

AFTER ALL, I GOT A HEART OF GOLDEN

AGELESS RAGE!!! 

I am not afraid, you have me astray,

Take the tongue and speak 

Away,

Look at my faith to display

The power of the true leader of a greater

Future!

LET ME IN TO THE ROLE, TAKE BACK WHAT

SHOULD BE MINE,

RULE UPON THOSE TO WORSHIP ME

IN VAIN! 

I had enough of your

Same lies and now it's time to finish it,

For once and for ALL!!! 

Why did you behave? Won't

You kill me dead?

Am I just a pawn to your game?

Who are you to decide my PLAY!?

I spared you just like thee,

When the past was broken 

In ruins of the nightly

Fear,

You have no need to be 

Enslaved,

Neither have I to say.

Let us continue to grow the 

Cult of the Lamb,

Let us consume the eternals 

At day,

Go forth and decay, the death is only

The ultimate to become your free

Being of eternal satisfaction,

Yet don't you dare spread the hate

That I ate upon the lasts years or so… 

Let us continue to grow the 

Cult of the Lamb,

Let us consume the eternals 

At day,

Go forth and decay, the death is only

The ultimate to become your free

Being of eternal satisfaction,

Yet don't you dare spread the hate

Or I'll be seeing you, tied up in prison walls.

Let us continue to grow the 

Cult of the Lamb,

Let us consume the eternals 

At day,

Go forth and decay, the death is only

The ultimate to become your free

Being of eternal satisfaction,

Yet don't you dare spread the hate

Or I'll SEE THAT YOU'LL BE MY, 

NEXT POWER MEAL!!! 

Let us continue to grow the 

Cult of the Lamb,

Let us consume the eternals 

At day,

Go forth and decay, the death is only

The ultimate to become your free

Being of eternal satisfaction,

Yet don't you dare spread the hate

That I ate upon the lasts years or so… 

"Won't you join me for a lovely sermon?" 

----

This Poem was made as a single idea that could be made much more, if you, the reader viewing this, would like to convert these lyrics into a song, please DM me for more to discuss, as I have a slight idea that may fit for lyrical songwriting rhythm. Otherwise, please do take it as fit and give me recognition for the poem above.

Thank you for reading all the way.

And congrats for the game devs for their fast reach of 1 million before its first week, as I am also one of the 1 million to buy and play the game.

[eldenlordofdragons]

A Good Papa

Godfrey's memories of Nepheli's childhood are vague, faded as though but a dream's mist. Like most other men and women of the Badlands, there wasn't a very huge concern over one's appearance other than to signify their importance, be it by birth or by the blood they spill onto the dirt. To put it another way, to be well-groomed is simple, but to put excessive unneeded care is... well, self-explanatory.

When Perona returned from a venture on her own, even he could sense her being on the verge of crumbling. Being the first Elden Lord and having any sort of contact with the gods themselves, it's not difficult to sense the auras of forces beyond even Her Majesty's understanding.

And surely, even he believes, that Marika too would have wept for the poor little thing. A ruthless queen she was, but to be under the watchful eye and cruel judgment of the Greater Will leaves no room for love... Nay, nay, the petty biases of gods and men alike, they're to blame.

So for the moment, Godfrey had given Serosh a simple command: Take care of the lass, and set her mind whole once more.

She bears him well, almost resembling a hero of her own making - and that she would become, with time.

Now, according to Godwyn, this child is the 'vessel' of Miquella's power. It's much more accurate to say she is truly a champion, as she had the fortitude to withstand world-ending chaos and find something beautiful, and thus was someone Miquella can better connect to. However, Godwyn doesn't seem to acknowledge her. Or well, the appropriate way to say it is it's hard for him to picture a child holding such significance. And to his credit, it's hard for Godfrey himself to wrap his head around, but he has never denied her and it's not starting now.

So why not, in a moment of peace, do her a good turn?

With some badgering old Gideon - whom shudders every time he even looks at the old badger - he found some books and scrolls some womenfolk wrote in regards to hair. From what he can tell, Perona's hair is actually quite long, in that it can reach the base of her spine. So maybe a style from one of the far-gone kingdoms, so the little lass feels like a princess?

With a nod, he tears the page right out of the book and goes to seek her. Her chambers aren't hard to find, considering she burns incense and prays all the time when she isn't out fighting for her life. Serosh can interconnect them, or at least be a bridge between them considering they both are his masters. From what Godfrey himself understands, the church itself has burned her down with corruption stewing from the inside. To suffer at the hands of so-called prophets and servants, and yet love the gods with such measure... Truly, she is a kind child.

For a few minutes he waits outside the door, scrunching up his nose at the concerningly potent scents. Prayer comes from the heart, not the lips nor the hands. So, her impediment hasn't stopped her from her devotion - and the gods hear it loud and clear.

Soon, the scent weakens, and Serosh mewls from inside, Perona's broken giggles and his chuffs sounding as the bed creaks in the almost routine pets and cuddles. Snorting with the bliss this girl lights up in his own heart, he lifts a large hand and taps. (The poor sap found out early that knocking... knocks the door straight down.)

"A... A... En-ter!" She calls, and the first thing he sees upon opening the door is her sitting there swinging her legs, Serosh licking her arm. As expected her hair’s more tamed, but a bit mangled in attempts at recreating one of the old styles. Upon realizing who it is her face lights up like the sun, a smile stretching from ear to ear. "Papa!"

“Hello, lass!” He greets, not being able to help but reflect her smile. “Couldst I ask thee to borrow thine brush?”

Tilting her head like a listening puppy, she soon nods, slipping off and almost tumbling over her own feet. Flitting over to her wardrobe she grabs a fine brush - one of those more ornate ones with well-bunched horsehair or something. Must have cost her all the coins in her pouch, or a gift from her brother before he passed away. Without questioning it in the slightest she bounces back over to him, offering it without a why or how.

“Thank thee kindly...” Now finding it a bit awkward, not her fault at all, he clears his throat. “Now, couldst thou sit with thine back to me?”

It takes her a few moments to process, but when she does an elongated gasp of excitement inflates her like a balloon, and she squeals with joy. About bouncing on her heels she rushes around, eventually finding a tall-ish stool - a girl has to reach high-sitting books, thanks Gideon - and setting it in the center. With her giddiness refusing to keep her still she perches herself on it, Serosh kneading her back to help her calm down.

A small chuckle. She’s so undeniably cute.

Taking extra caution with his huge hands, he kneels behind her and, remembering his days caring for Nepheli when she was a lass, untangles the snow white strands from the makeshift ribbons. Even with the knots he does run into with each stroke through her hair, she doesn’t flinch or fuss; the scars of cuts and burns concealed by robes and hair alike reveal why.

it’s so soft, like a cloud... That should be impossible, to be so delicate, but Perona is, and while she is she is strong as well. She’d have much to talk about, surely, with Alexander.

“Papa.” She slightly turns her head, quizzically. “Wa... Wa... Weee... Wa... Win... Win-nie?”

“Winnie?” He echoes. “... Oh. Doth thou mean Godwyn? The man you healed before?”

She nods.

“He is in good health - I have thee to thank. Th’art a kind lass, truly, to do something so wonderful for anyone.” He runs a large hand through the now tamed locks; perfection. A few more caring strokes through the side hairs. “I won’t ask thee to strain thyself explaining - Serosh will help.”

Nodding again, she stays perfectly still as he starts to part and braid her hair. Given his size it is difficult - being a warrior should help being dexterous - but he’s managing finely. All he really needs is some pressed flowers now! As though equally pleased, Serosh lets out a chuff, settling into Perona’s lap as she spoils him with ear rubs. The very sight and memory being created washes his heart, bringing a smile to his face.

“Here we are.” Furrowing a brow in concentration he tugs the braids up and tucks them, using a pin to keep them there. “And there we are!”

Squealing in apparent joy, Perona slips right off the stool and runs toward the dressing mirror. Jittering she bounces on her heels, turning to him happily and pointing to her hair. As is normal for her, the happiness keeps her from talking, but there’s no need for her to - her running back over to give him her take on a bear hug communicates enough.

“Papaaa~!” She squeaks, and his hearty laugh bounces her a bit. “Papa, papaaaa!”

With gentle pats on her back, their laughter is shared, Serosh chuffing away as he tries to worm between them. For a moment Godfrey has another daughter, or better yet a doting granddaughter. If she would be to become Elden Lord, though, he will be there at her side, filling the void and acting as the needed father figure she’s been deprived. However Marika will see her, whatever lies ahead, he will be there, if it is what she decides.

All in all, it has been a good day.

[emporormittens]

Hear me, mortals, for I stand before you, a humble servant of the culinary arts, burdened by the weight of my own hubris. A tale of arrogance and defiance unfolds, woven within the fabric of a humble Totino's Pizza Roll's bag. Behold, for it proclaims in bold letters, "Not recommended," a grievous insult hurled at my very cooking prowess!

Oh, Totino's, thou hast underestimated my abilities, thou hast doubted the strength of my culinary command! With each rising sun, I wield the spatula and dance amidst the flames of the kitchen, my domain. But lo, how dare thou imply that the mighty toaster oven, a vessel of culinary wonder, cannot bear the weight of forty pizza rolls?

Amidst the smoky haze of ambition, I scoff at thy warning, Totino's, and I defy thee! For I, in my audacious quest for gastronomic glory, shall test the limits of thy cautionary decree. I shall place forty pizza rolls within the infernal belly of my toaster oven, and I shall revel in the fiery dance of melted cheese and crispy crusts!

But let us ponder the consequences of my daring act, the inevitable clash of my audacity and thy warning. Shall I be greeted with burnt offerings, blackened relics of my overambitious folly? Or, perchance, shall the gods of gastronomy smile upon me, bestowing upon my senses a symphony of flavors unimaginable?

As I stand on the precipice of this culinary odyssey, let it be known that my intentions are pure, though my arrogance is laid bare. I am but a mere mortal, driven by an insatiable hunger for greatness, a hunger that only thy humble pizza rolls can sate. And so, I shall rise, my apron donned, and face the blazing inferno with valorous determination.

Should my endeavor end in failure, let it be a lesson for all, a cautionary tale whispered amongst the kitchens of old. For even the mightiest among us can be humbled by the fires of our own hubris. But should I emerge victorious, let it be known that Totino's underestimated my resolve, my unyielding spirit, and my unparalleled skill.

So, my friends, raise your spatulas high in defiance! Join me in this culinary conquest, this battle against the boundaries of conventional wisdom. For within these humble pizza rolls lies the potential for culinary transcendence, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

Together, let us feast upon the spoils of our audacity, and in doing so, forever etch our names in the annals of culinary lore. Let Totino's bear witness to the unrivaled might of my toaster oven, for today, we shall transcend the limitations of thy cautionary words and emerge victorious!

I bid you, my fellow epicureans, to embrace the allure of thy culinary ambitions, to defy the odds, and to never shy away from the flames that test our resolve. Let us ignite the fires of innovation and cast aside the shackles of doubt, for it is in the pursuit of greatness that we truly find ourselves.

Now, let the toaster oven roar, and may the cheese within these pizza rolls melt to perfection! Onward, my comrades, to a feast that shall forever be remembered!

[the-rovarians]

Fare Thee Well

//final thread for @redemptionofthefallen

Draco could recall very few times he had ever seen-or rather, heard, as she couldn't actually do it, but she still made the sounds-her cry. Really truly cry. But this one was the worst for him. Because he was the reason she was doing it. He was the reason she was breaking down, her usual strength failing her. And for once, she wasn't even trying to fight it. Before, she'd put on a brave face and saved her breakdowns for later, when it was just her and him.

But not this time. This time, she couldn't wait until later, or until it was just the two of them. There wouldn't be a 'later'. Not now or ever again.

Because by the time 'later' came, he would be gone. Dead.

She'd known this was how it would go. They both had. They had always known she would outlive him by far. It was to be expected, with her being a creature of metal and struts as opposed to flesh and bone. She had made the effort, though. So had Aries, who, though still very young for his species, was physically and technically an adult and was now a technology scientist and technology engineer. He was also Lily's best friend.

Draco and Lily had spent the vast majority of their lives on Mars or on other worlds, or on starships voyaging across the galaxy. It was like a rebirth for both of them once they left Earth behind, becoming official, legal Rovarian citizens, meaning an attack on them by anyone from Earth could be treated as a war crime. A new life on a new world, filled with people who were welcoming and accepting of them, and of course a family in the twins. Draco had accompanied Spirit on many adventures, even charged into battles with her and fought at the great warrior's side. He'd gone through ACTUAL training with the Rovarian warriors, and in doing so had earned the custom made suit of Rovarian armor (which Spirit herself had insisted on making and dressing him in at the ceremony where he received it) that marked the completion of his training and his new place as a Rovarian warrior, and he had worn it in many of their battles.

Lily had thrived in their schools, also completing training like Draco had, and joining the Rovarian Star Fleet. Captain Mutou upheld his promise and had a post aboard the Meronym waiting for her. This meant they weren't always together, but everyone stayed in touch, and the distance was worth it to see his pup well on her way to accomplishing her dream. It didn't take her long to rise through the ranks, and soon Lily was promoted and fitted with three separate gold bands around each upper arm with the Command symbol on them, marking her as a Captain, and placed in command of the science and medical vessel Lupus. Spirit had remarked to Draco how fitting it was that the ship named for the wolf constellation (completed before her promotion was confirmed) was now under the command of the wolf girl.

Lupus was now docked in the ground-based Meridiani Shipyards, her crew on shore leave while her captain went with her family to the place where Draco would pass on. She stood on one side of Spirit now, one hand on the Rovarian's shoulder, the other holding one of Draco's.

On Spirit's other side was her brother Opportunity, an arm around his sister, always there for her, and now wishing he could ease the pain he knew she was feeling. But he was feeling it too. That sort of cracking and breaking inside, and he knew his sister felt it much worse than he did.

Spirit was lowered to the ground, not trusting her trembling axles to hold her up. She wanted to say something but she didn't know what. Draco liked telling her she always knew what to say, and many times it turned out she did. But this time, her words were failing her. But she had to say something, dammit. She couldn't let him go with nothing.

"M'sorry." she choked out, "I don't have some big speech or anything......hurting too much to think of one. But......you did it Draco. You have proved everything people on Earth said about you wrong. You are an amazing and brave warrior. It's been such an honor to know you. To love you. And to be loved by you. You're an amazing person, and i.....I was so lucky to meet you. I....I wish I had more time......But even if I could get it, it would never be enough. I'd always want more time with you. So.....instead, I'll be thankful for the time I got. I love you, Draco. So much." There was something else she wanted him to hear also.

"And I'm sure......when you meet her again, because you're about to........I never knew her, but from what you've told me, I know for sure she's going to be so proud of you. She's going to be so happy for you, for all that you've done."

"We certainly are." Opportunity said, "You brought my sister so much happiness and joy, and in doing so, you brought me joy for her. You've been like a brother to me, and it's been an honor to have you as one of our people."

The place they had picked was the place Spirit showed him on the Artax's simdeck so long ago. She'd taken him to the real place as promised and he'd loved it as much as she had. They had considered taking him to the Whitsunday Islands, his favorite place on Earth for his passing, but he'd said no. Too many bad memories on that planet. So instead, he'd chosen Jadis Two, the subterranean bioluminescent world Spirit loved. They were now on the beach there, the jungle alight, as was the incredible world beneath the sea. He wanted to explore this amazing place one more time with her. His force field bracelets she'd made him were already on his arms, and Lily had a pair of her own.

When he said he was ready for their final trip, Spirit lifted him in her arms, held him close to her, and activated his bracelets. Flanked by Lily and Opportunity, she then rose up on her axles and drove into the warm clear water, then dove beneath the surface. Held against her like this, he could really feel how powerful a swimmer she was. Deceptively graceful in her movements as they traveled the vast undersea world again. Just as they had that day on the simdeck.

On their first visit to the actual Jadis Two, she had added to the experience, and they used that addition again now. A special device worn on her back activated as they rose from the water again. A pair of huge, lighted wings spread from each of them's back. But Spirit's were the most impressive. She'd had their appearance designed as a surprise for him the first time they did this. While Lilly and Opportunity had their own designs, Spirit's were great fiery red and orange wings. Two long, ribbonlike tails extended behind her. And the lights of Jadis Two's nature reflecting off her armor gave her the look of being on fire.

Like what he always called her, she had been transformed into a blazing phoenix. This, she had decided, would be his last image of her. In what they'd often joked was her true form. He would pass in the sky, flying in the arms of his mighty Phoenix Queen.