#vesuvia’s dump

[ladyvesuvia]

what an odd way of saying “shut the fuck up”

[mermaidchan05]

Vesuvia Weekly: LI and Apprentice Dynamics

Finally getting to join the party started by @vesuviaweekly!

(fair warning I love writing about this kind of stuff so there are a looot of words here lol)

Meleia & Asra

(sketch by the amazing @missrabbitart it's wonderful I love it so much)

Truly two halves of a greater whole.

Soft soft soft soft soft

They're both each other's first love, which is really cute.

(And both of them were super awkward about it at first because neither of them knew how to actually Talk to people)

Meleia loves Asra's wanderlust. Life is never boring with him.

Asra adores the way Meleia throws her all into whatever she cares about, be it as mundane as a sewing project or as huge as protecting the people she loves from the likes of Lucio or the Devil.

And on the subject of sewing... they're both crafty people!

Meleia makes her own clothes and Asra knits, so the two of them combined are a force to be reckoned with.

Meleia has a lot of self-confidence issues for a lot of reasons. Asra's always been there to help her through her rough spots.

Neither of them have a good sense of direction, so Faust and Forge (Meleia's familiar, a fennec fox) always end up doing most of the navigating when they travel.

They love reading together, making things together, exploring together, dancing together... they'd basically do anything and everything together.

(Except cleaning. Asra leaves stuff everywhere, and Meleia likes to keep the shop neat. It's about the only thing they have teasing arguments about.)

To Meleia, Asra is home. She can truly be her awkward and shy and geeky self around him, and she appreciates that more than she can ever say.

To Asra, Meleia is a beacon of light and joy. She cares so deeply about things and people, including the little kid who grew up alone on the docks.

Songs that remind me of Them: "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, "All I've Ever Known" from Hadestown, "Curses" by the Crane Wives.

My other apprentices are under the cut!

Damian & Julian

In a nutshell, they are that one scene from Coco.

(Drawing by me, it's a redraw of the final panel of this old thing)

In all honesty, though, they tease each other but they are very much in love.

They're both intelligent and leaders in their fields of study.

Damian's an alchemist, Julian's a doctor... their styles have more in common than Julian ever thought at first.

They can and will be found having intense discussions about various practices in both medicine and alchemy using highly technical terms that no one else in the room understands.

They were a dream team when working to find a cure for the plague. Except for the arguments where Damian insisted that the plague itself must have been magical in nature and Julian was firmly convinced it was nothing more than a disease.

Damian's stubborn, and never afraid to show his anger or annoyance, but Julian always has a way of making things up to him. And they never stay upset or mad at each other for long.

Both of them are musically inclined, Julian with his vielle and Damian with his guitar. So whenever emotions are too strong for words, they connect through playing together.

Julian is all for the drama, while Damian's humor is more dry and witty.

Julian is the only person who can get Damian to dance on a table.

Songs that remind me of them: "I See the Light" from Tangled, "Inferno" from Promare.

Chimalus, Nadia, and Portia

Chimalus and Nadia art by the fabulous @ace--of--swords!

I've talked about Chimalus' dynamics with Nadia and Portia before, but I wanted to go into more detail about the polycule here :)

Dream Team 2 Electric Boogaloo

Chimalus and Portia are both always at the ready to help Nadia with whatever plan she has, be it city reservations, the next Masquerade, or just a picnic out in the garden.

Chimalus is the Heart of the trio, with their pure loyalty, good judgement, and a particularly kind heart.

Both Nadia and Portia admire Chimalus' quiet strength and clever mind. No matter how tough the problem, Chimalus finds a way to keep a relatively cool head and work their way through it.

Whenever Chimalus' lingering trauma pops up from their dark past, Nadia and Portia are always right there to help them through it.

Portia loves "dragging" Nadia and Chimalus off on adventures. Not that Chimalus or Nadia complain.

Book buddies!

The three of them basically have their own book club. They always meet up as soon as they're done reading the current book and chat about it over snacks (and usually tea and/or wine).

They all bond over animals, too! Between the palace horses, Chandra, Pepi, and Chimalus' familiar Skye the bluebird, they have quite a few critter friends to fawn over together.

Songs that remind me of them: "More With You" by MALINDA, "Running With the Wolves" from Wolfwalkers, "To the Ends of the Earth" by Natewantstobattle.

[murielsbottombitch]

muriel meeting my parents cause I love them and I love him. don't mind me. just self indulgence.

for starters, I'd find my parents by putting flyers fucking everywhere with my name, date of birth, that sort of thing until they end up being tracked down outside of vesuvia. the reason asra wouldn't help is because he probably only met them once or twice and doesn't remember much. he tells me some things like the fact I look like my mom but nothing that could help find them.

so, I'd leave vesuvia with muriel (probably julian too tbh) to "meet" them for the first time after my memory loss.

muriel would stand back throughout a good chunk of the reconciliation but then my dad would definitely just start talking to him about random shit. muriel would definitely gravitate towards my dad because he's the most passive mf you will ever meet in your life, his flat affect only adding to his passive demeanor. bro will info dump for well over an hour if you let him, muriel definitely will let him.

I feel like muriel would feel really weird about my mom because we look incredibly similar, all the way to being the same height. kaden but an older woman might be a little weird for him, especially since I get my personality from her too. her glasses and long hair help a little but muriel can only see my mouth, eyes and nose when he looks at her, it weirds him out. still, he appreciates her a lot. it takes a lot to intimate her so she wouldn't bat an eye at his appearance, she is incredibly welcoming, non-judgmental, incredibly sweet but won't take any shit and she'd probably murder for her loved ones. she reminds him a lot of morga with her take-no-shit attitude and how quick she is to defend people. he cries when she calls him part of the family.

muriel doesn't like my brothers or sister, will only talk to them if necessary ♡

what extended family? muriel doesn't know anything about an extended family.

[mjart12699]

Work Song

It’s cold today. Winter is making its way through Vesuvia, cloaking everything in sheets of ice and the first round of snow. The black sands of The Lazaret stick to my shoes with a mixture of slush, but it doesn’t bother me.

I no longer go to the coliseum. Ever since I broke out with Inanna I’ve stayed in the forest as much as I can if I can count on it. However, the things needed to survive cost money, and I cannot rely on Asra for everything. So for the moment I work on the Lazaret, the quarantine island where those afflicted with the plague are sent to spend their final days. I dig the graves here, whether they be for multiple bodies or just one.

Setting my shovel down for a moment, I look at how far I have made it with preparing the grave in front of me.

It’s one of the mass ones, shallow enough that the bodies, wrapped in cloth or burnt to ash will be piled on top of each other in a careless fashion. I’ve worked here long enough to know that it’s not that the other people working here don’t care, it’s just that it’s easier on the body and mind this way.

Another breath taken and I am back to digging the sand, ignoring the ache in my shoulders as I push the shovel into the ground again and again. The building where they cremate the bodies roars in the distance, and the sound of other shovels hitting the sand accompanies it in a disgusting tune.

It’s all too familiar.

Someone starts bringing out bodies from one of the quarantine buildings in a wheelbarrow, dumping them next to the pit before going back inside to retrieve more. Once I’ve finished digging out the last layer I start to arrange the bodies in their final resting place, always making sure to be careful and give them one more act of gentleness in the last light.

I’m used to bodies having some post-death reactions, such as sighs or groans, but the one I pick up now manages to flail. It shocks me enough that I nearly drop them.

They are small, probably a child if I had to guess. I pull back the burial cloth from their face, kneeling into the sands and bracing myself for what I might see.

I am met with a classic plague victim, but instead of being dead this one is still alive. The whites of their eyes are red, and the blood vessels on their face and neck are purple and crimson as well. Their face is gaunt, showing no sign of the baby fat that was probably there just the other week. They feel like a bag of bones in my arms, much like the other dead, but despite that their heart still beats softly in their chest.

Even with the near blindness they have, their eyes shine with recognition, and fear as they gasp for air. Their chest rattles audibly with the movement, and I try to set them back into the sands to continue with the others.

“Wait!” At first I don’t hear it, a whisper in the wind that could easily be ignored, but for some reason I do as I am asked. “Please… don’t want to be alone…” Logically, it’s a bad idea. Even with the cloth mask I wear by the doctors recommendations on the island the plague is still incredibly contagious, taking the life of anyone no matter their circumstances. However, I do as I am asked and continue to hold them, forcing myself to relax and not quite meeting their gaze.

“You’re… you’re The Scourge, right?” The child manages to say between coughs and wheezes, the words like knives to me. I nod in response. “What are you doing here? You’re not sick.” I take a few moments to think of an answer.

“I needed a job.” They try to nod, only to go into a violent coughing fit. I sit them up forward, trying to ease their pain just a little. Once that stops they still breathe heavily, as if they had been drowning.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they were, judging from what the doctors say.

I half expect them to stay quiet, to ease into a permanent sleep and for the thrum of their pulse to stop fluttering. Death seems to be watching, closer than it normally feels and yet far away at the same time, not yet ready to collect them.

Of course I’m wrong again.

“You’re being kind to me… why did you fight then?” Kids are always straight to the point, although I can’t fault them for their words. Adults are worse, especially since you know that they know what their words mean.

“To protect someone.” There’s no point in lying, or trying to avoid their questions. They seem to accept that, leaning into my arm as though it was a pillow.

It’s started to snow again, little white flakes falling through the sky and melting on the kids' cheeks. “I really wanted to see the first snow.”

“You did.”

“From my window, at home.” Another coughing fit interrupts them, their cheeks, which were already red, turning an even brighter shade. “I don’t feel it though.” That’s no surprise to me. The clothes that they had been wearing in the quarantine building are thin, and the burial cloth isn’t much better. Their skin looks nearly gray in the cold light, the only color coming from the angry streaks of red on their face and neck.

I watch as people walk across the sands, wrapped in thick coats to protect from the disease and the elements. A luxury the dead and dying aren’t afforded.

It doesn’t matter if they soon won’t feel anything. I take off my cloak, the fur dull but still warm, and adjust it to wrap around their small frame. My hair whips in the cold wind behind me, making me wince as it stings against my back.

The kid nearly melts into the material, closing their eyes and rubbing their cheek against the dark fur. I can no longer see their chest moving, or the thrum of their pulse beneath their throat as they sigh into the material, but they seem content. That’s all that matters.

“What’s your real name?” Once again, there is no point in avoiding the question, but the fear-like feeling that rises in my chest nearly prevents my answer.

“Muriel… My name is Muriel.”

“Hm… that’s a nice name.” I’ve never thought so before, only being told the same thing by one other person. “I’m going to die soon… aren’t I?” A simple nod is all I give them once again, the tight feeling in my chest slowly growing. “Will you stay with me?” It’s a quiet request, but said with all the bravery they can muster. Once again, I nod.

The sun in the gray sky looks nearly white, just like the frost that covers the ground and falls around us. The chill makes my skin prickle with goosebumps, a feeling all too familiar to me yet again, but I don’t even think of taking my cloak back. The crematorium continues to roar behind us, and its warmth is of no comfort in the cold. Their breathing continues to slow, minute after minute, although it feels like hours. The ragged sound in their chest seems louder than the chains I wear on my neck, and the coughs from them and others boom in my ears.

They take their last breath when the sun finally sets, mere minutes after I had picked them up in the first place. I don’t take my cloak back, instead choosing to wrap the burial cloth around their face once again and tuck them into the fur as though they were simply going to bed once again. My entire body aches from the cold as I lay the other bodies in the grave first, arranging them gently as I’ve always done.

The last body is wrapped in furs, the white cloth covering their small face barely peeking through before I pick up the shovel again and fill the grave with sand.

The snow continues to fall as I finish what last tasks I am given for the night, falling harder and harder as the hours pass. By the time everyone is taking the last boat home it’s heavy enough that all have donned their hats and cloaks, their forms like solid shadow in the flurry.

I stay on the back of the boat like always, my eyes downcast to the floor of the craft in the same manner as everyone else.

Walking home feels like a chore, even as the streets empty for the frigid night ahead I feel the gaze of those who knew what I have done follow me through the cobblestone streets. They only stop when the stone begins to turn to dirt and roots.

Inanna meets me halfway home, walking silently next to me and nudging her cold nose against my hand. The hut is cold when I open the door, and I make sure to kick any excess snow off before going further inside. It takes time for the house to warm once I start the fire, and I busy myself with other things in the meantime.

“Where is your cloak?” I feel her words more than hear them, Inanna’s voice ringing through my head as I stir the leftover dinner from yesterday in the pot.

“Someone else needed it.”

[stariisoda]

[Kade's Arcana Swap!AU Idea dump]

Yo I had a dumb idea for an Arcana AU maybe it's been done before but I've seen similar role swap AUs. (Also none of the designs are finalized they are just silly doodles off the top of my head with no references)

(More under the cut if you're interested in the explanation)

So, this is a Swap AU. What's different? I only have 2 characters with more fleshed out ideas, which are Lucio and Julian.

In this AU, Lucio and Julian actually swap with each other.

Lucio Morgasson

Lucio Morgasson is an ex-mercenary and currently fugitive on the run for the murder of Count Julian Devorak. (Lucio in this AU is also a doctor, but only because after the war he could no longer fight due to the loss of his left arm. So he learned to be a doctor instead)

He was still raised in Morga's war tribe, but never made a deal with Vlastomil. He still wanted to be leader, so he challenged his mother to a duel to the death for leadership. He was in the end, cowardly and backed down. He retains a long scar down his chest from this fight. He ran, tail between his legs, away forever, exiled from his tribe. He changed his name from Montag to Lucio and that was when he came to Vesuvia.

Eventually, Lucio became a mercenary under the count at the time, Count Spada. Lucio knew he could win the count's favor so he could accend the throne himself. He meets Julian, who is an apprentice doctor, but also training as a merc. The two become friends. However, it won't last forever. Lucio eventually becomes severely injured while protecting Count Spada and is dying. Julian is the one who amputates Lucio's arm to save him. After this, Julian replaces Lucio and fights while he recovers. Eventually, the war is won. Julian actually saves the count from death in the battlefield and also tends to his injuries. Due to that, Julian wins Count Spada's favor and is named heir to the Vesuvian throne. After this, Lucio begins to fall out of favor with Julian. He is miserable because he likes fighting, but cannot. Also his sword arm was his left, so he's devastated and also too stubborn to relearn using is right. He decides to become a doctor. (Also, Lucio never gets his prosthetic arm since he never became Count and is just too poor to afford anything like one. So he hides his lack of arm by wearing a cape, since he's very insecure about it)

Count Julian Devorak

Julian Devorak was also a mercanary with Lucio (most of it written above). He became the heir of Count Spada after winning the war. But where did he come from? (This isn't super fleshed out if you want to help with ideas that would be awesome) He most likely made a deal to protect his family from danger, due to him and Portia (or should I say Pasha) not being rescued by the grandma's (maybe this happens maybe not) He does everything he can do to protect her, but doesn't think he's strong enough, so he wants a way to weaken any threats. But Julian doesn't trust many people, so most are a threat. He bargains his soul, but eventually runs away with his sister to Vesuvia, never completing his deal. The plague eventually follows him. He begins to lose bits of his soul over time, causing him to go mad. Julian gets more "evil" due to it, but he is still devoted to his sister, so much so that he becomes possessive over her. Pasha runs away and is found by Mazelinka. Julian is furious and heartbroken, but he becomes a merc and eventually the Count of Vesuvia.

A little bit about Portia

I'm going to sketch her soon, but Portia in the AU, I plan to swap her with Asra (although I'm not planning for Asra to have her role) So Portia will be with MC and going to investigate the Count's murder, although she's very unwilling, but that's because she hasn't mentioned the Count is her brother. I was thinking maybe she is a magician but maybe not and she just runs a normal shop with MC.

I was also thinking that Asra would swap with Nadia, Nadia would swap with Muriel and Muriel swaps with Portia.

Anyway, that's just an idea I had. If it sounds good let me know. And if you have any ideas, that would be cool too.

[consul-valerius]

“Are you going to just stand there and let this outfit go to waste?”

“I’m going to tear you apart with my teeth.”

Had to pause all the oc lore dumping to get out something unabashedly horny, and who better to use (hehehehe) than Lucio :’))) was thinking specifically that this is how he greets Sam whenever he comes to Vesuvia, but let’s be real, he could be spreading his legs for anyone LMAO

full nude undercut aaaand a special little pet play treat with an implied butt plug undercut :’) minors I’ll take ya fucking knees if you interact.

If anyone tags this as gender bending I’ll fucking bite

This is the first full body, not joke post Lucio I’ve drawn ?.?? He’s so. Shaped. And I don’t think I really nailed some of the stuff I wanted to, but this was fun and I should draw more lewds of him in the future lmao I also refuse to draw him without his red eyes, they’re peak character design and idc idc he doesn’t have the plague, he’s just high LMFAOOO

[jellyfish-and-therapy]

Day 1 - Introduce your apprentice!

Franquelin Rotwald

Art by my lovely friend @astranovvaa 💙

Basics:

Pronouns: they/he

Gender: genderqueer

Sexuality: panromantic/demisexual

Birthday: November 18th (Scorpio)

Fashion sense: thrift store goth with a healthy dose of glitter and DIY

Occupation: sells magical cosmetic items at the local shop, part-time translator/interpreteur employed by The Palace.

Magic: Fran is a skilled illusionist and alligist (has an ability to understand and use all languages), dabbles in druidcraft.

Fun fact: His eye color changes in connection with Arcana or during extreme emotional state (hence why he often wears glasses).

Favorites:

Color: turquoise

Season: autumn

Food: Cherry danish

Drink: Cloudberry wine (non-alcoholic – hot chocolate with candied violets)

Flowers: hellebore and cornflower

A bit of backstory under the cut:

Was born in Ruthenia, a county near Nevivon.

Bookworm through and thourgh, Fran was always called too mature for their age. They used to be very naive and talkative (pre-amnesia), which led to some troubles with local kids. Unfortunately, his parents were working most of the time, so Fran had to learn to fend for themselves early.

Working since his early teens, by 21 he had saved up enough to go study languages in Vesuvia. That's where he met Asra — at the backyard of a library, looking through the dumped books for magic-related stuff.

In the city, Fran also found his aunt by accident (as he didn't know his paternal side at all). She was glad to finally leave a derelict shop to someone else and then sail off to travel. Fran to put a lot of work into place to restore it. Asra and Muriel helped them and became their first friends in the city.

[uncreativebean]

The mc in The Arcana is so freaking boring. I get they're not supposed to have like concrete personality traits because they're us but!!! Come on!! Give me some angst man. I wanna be mad about things that made me mad or be upset about things that are upsetting!!!

*SPOILERS*

Like when we find out we DIED??? I wanna be shocked by that!! Upset!! Scream!!! Cry!!! Anything but "oh that's weird".

I wanna be mad at Asra for making a deal in a risky ritual for something that I deem is kinda stupid (bringing back a dead person?? You didn't know what would happen!!). I want to be mad at him for LEAVING us on a bad note (the argument we had before he straight up just left Vesuvia). And did he just never contact us while he was gone? Even through dreams?? Did he just completely abandon us while we were in the middle of a plagued city?? I get he didn't want to STAY but you didn't have to ghost us either!!

I wanna freak out that I was DEAD. I wanna be more upset by Lucio straight up just haunting my ass or the fact that me and Muriel probably knew each other and were friends but I DIED and I cannot remember him. I wanna be mad that Julian DUMPED ME after a good ass day date where we both had fun!! Give me the ANGST. Or at least the choice to make things super angsty and not say that they're bad choices. They're human!! Human emotions!!

[mxgicthot]

I can't decide on a specific ask, so here is an invitation to info-dump about Erden ❤️

-xvi-the-tower

Mmm okay I got some notes on Erden's Kurtadam abilities, that I still need to update so I'll just dump it here.

.

Kurtadams are special shamanic warriors and protectors of the village, it's also passed down from father to son.

These warriors go through drug induced rituals to change into a Kurtadam (werewolf) Which is similar to a berserker, except it's physical as well as to an extent a mental transformation.

Erden was born with these abilities but it remained dormant until the first time he hunted and killed a wolf (he was around 16) The wolf's spirt merged with his own and triggered his abilities.

The first few weeks were rough, the transformations were painful. He was plagued with strange nightmares of people speaking in language he didn't understand. When awake his head was filled with the voices of his ancestral spirts whispering to him.

He became hyper sensitive to everything. He also started getting very aggressive and couldn't control his rage, even killed a few people in a frenzy.

Tired and frustrated Erden spent weeks alone in the outskirts of Vesuvia trying to figure out his power.

It was here where he met his golden eagle familiar Khan who guided him with preforming the intence rituals to transform safely.

He uses his ability for two main purposes, for ancestral magic and spirit work - he's much more calm and vaguely aware of his surroundings.

And for fighting - he fights in a battle frenzy, and can't differentiate between friend and foe.

[b00ket]

Give us some Donovan lore!

He's been in a nebulous state, lots of his lore is related to another blorbo.

For now I can say I did give him a family!

While dumped with the other orphans of Vesuvia by his biological mother, he was picked up by a high status couple. Both working with the Vesuvian government, a military leader and a politician.

Partially why Donovan is a Renaissance man, he had developed many skills and interests because of his rich up bringing.

He joined the military because of his metal working skills and a glorified idea of battle given to him by his parents.

I haven't decided whether they're alive today, either way Donovan has cut ties with all of them after getting into it with a monstrous cult leader and being their little underground scientist. He does have PTSD from the battle and still lost his arm during his battle years.

[rainmonarch]

.

[ladyvesuvia]

tumblr moots meetup (real) had so much fun with you guys today

[mermaidchan05]

Vesuvia Weekly: How it Started, How it's Going

Additional entry for the "things that changed" prompt because I will take any chance to dump OC lore on everyone and that is a threat lol

(Slight content warning for very vague mentions of abuse)

Chimalus and Nadia

How it Started

Chimalus and Nadia actually met briefly when they were children.

Chimalus, though a far cry from royalty, was the firstborn of a small but wealthy noble family.

Their father was the type to always find a way to hobnob with those in higher power. If he wasn’t throwing a party himself, he was attending someone else’s fancy gathering… and dragging his child along with him.

Chimalus and Nadia both decided to escape a fancy event at the Prakran palace at the exact same time.

And so the two of them wound up accidentally enjoying a moment on their own private balcony.

It was awkward at first, but Nadia was eager to have someone listen to her talk about anything other than the endless fancy-party small talk, and Chimalus was only too happy to listen.

The two of them could just be kids, and it was a beautiful moment for them both.

Sadly, both of their lives fell through many, many dark twists and turns after that party.

And yet, somehow, those twisting paths led them both to Vesuvia.

How it's Going

Chimalus’ life was actually better after waking up in the life of a (relatively) ordinary shopkeep instead of the first in line for head of a noble house.

Their father was the picture of corrupt nobility, obsessed with power in any form over all else... including the welfare and wellbeing of his child.

He actively caused a lot of harm.

But now Chimalus has been given the chance to leave all of that behind.

Learning to be a person again with Asra meant that they actually had someone who encouraged them, who helped them find and pursue their own interests, and actually showed physical affection.

This was one of the biggest things that Chimalus was able to share with Nadia when the two of them finally met again.

Without even realizing it, they did exactly the same thing they had done during that party: they treated her like a person instead of a Countess or Princess.

Now Nadia and Chimalus take on everything together, from the biggest problems in the city to the much lower-stakes but equally challenging book club debates.

Perhaps someday one or the other will remember the moment that started it all.

But either way, in each other they found what they had both longed for as long as they could remember: being together as equals.

Meleia and Asra

How it Started

Meleia had always been an outcast. Even before she moved to Vesuvia.

Living and working with her aunt only made things more difficult.

Meleia came from a very distant place, somewhere literally off the map, and she was forbidden from talking about her past.

Between that, and her foreign magic utterly clashing with her aunt’s magical style, and her general lack of knowledge about Vesuvian culture, she felt trapped and alone.

And then she met Asra.

Asra happened to be in the right place at the right time to help her out of a sticky situation in the market just before the whole “stuck in the same spot during Nadia’s procession” thing happened.

They found kinship in each other, a pair of outcasts with magic they weren’t entirely sure what to do with.

But what had really amazed Meleia about Asra at the time was his willingness to actually help her out. To listen to her.

Even though the fleeting moments at the annual Masquerade were the only times they were “allowed” to run into each other, there was such a sense of hope and relief when they were together.

Her life significantly improved when her aunt eventually moved out of the shop, which let Asra visit much more often.

He helped her learn how to control her magic better.

But their relationship, as much as it was built on trust and sharing their mutual curiosities, was always veiled underneath secrets.

Meleia couldn’t talk about her past. Asra didn’t want to burden her with his.

And Meleia couldn’t explain-- not because she wasn’t allowed to, simply because she didn’t know-- why she never quite managed to control her magic.

Still, it was wonderful to have Asra by her side… until the night of that fateful argument.

How it's Going

It was tough at first, after waking up.

Meleia always felt a little guilty that Asra was so often the one taking care of her, and she longed to take care of him in return.

But now things are better in nearly every way.

Finally, finally, the two of them are exactly where they need to be.

Meleia has someone she can truly be herself around.

Asra has someone both to support him and to help him soldier through the more difficult choices and parts of life without slipping away.

The two of them have a deep understanding and trust of each other. Misfits have to stick together, right?

There are no secrets between them anymore, and ever since Meleia discovered the truth behind her resurrection and her new body, Asra has been more determined than ever to help her reclaim her past.

In all honesty, her new body helps a lot with magical control: one thing they did find out was that Meleia’s parents were both incredibly powerful magicians with two very different styles, leaving her with almost too much power for one person to handle alone. Having the borrowed body of an Arcana grants her the strength she needs.

The rest of her life remains a mystery… so far.

But whether they uncover it or not, Meleia and Asra will always, always have each other. And their friends. And Meleia found her familiar. And Asra found his parents.

They both have a family now, both with each other and beyond. And Meleia finally has a place-- and a person-- to call home.

[bottomvalerius]

I meant to post these yesterday, but but but

Here is a random assortment of Valerius HCs that have literally No Basis in Reality, but I see them as my own personal canon 😌

Used to do fencing, but was not very good at it at all. Musically inclined; classically trained to sing and various string instruments. Thinks he can oil paint well, but…… it lacks a certain something something lol

Was never really too physically active, but was definitely a Former Gifted and Talented Kid who was considered a prodigy with his private tutors before burning out

Is closer to his mother than his father; HOWEVER, very much had a “mother will now trauma dump but not reciprocate for you” sorta deal 😬

Was never very close to his maternal side of the family as they were overseas; family on his paternal side (the side from Vesuvia) is Tense and Weird.

Probably had a very intense, everyone thought they were going to get married relationship that ended up horribly, which is why he isn’t in a long term relationship by the time he’s consul. It gave him Issues™️

This is insanely self indulgent, but I think his first time would have been at an Rich People Orgy Party, which in turn affected the way he sees sex and long term relationships. In general very insecure about being a Hoe (adoration), but is a hoe nevertheless and we love him for it

Is not a huge fan of animals (too many smells, noises, bodily fluids), but enjoys small dogs (see: Donna)! He himself is a bit too cat like to enjoy cats lmao

Presented a bit more femme in his younger days, but Rich Old Men are the devil, and so he stopped doing that. Dresses similarly to his mother though in general

Is not the biggest fan of sailing; he gets very sea sick easily (also why he doesn’t visit his maternal side as a often)

Is extremely well organized and pristine. Does not like when people disrupt the flow he has in his rooms, which also can make living with him a bit stressful. Also why he rarely has anyone at his home if he’s sleeping with them— he prefers going to their place instead

Collects: shoes, art + sculptures, monster porn/erotica, antique costume pieces to use for display

[the-melting-world]

Treasure | Arcana Secret Cupid

@arcanasecretcupid

Hello @alotsgonnachange! I'm your secret cupid! 🎊💝

I had a lovely time getting to know Ki while putting this together. Happy Valentines and enjoy 💖

.

Kiyoung x Asra

Music: "Treasure" by Sampha

~ 470 words

.

Asra and Kiyoung did not realize what day it was until they were well into their third cup of tea.

“What should we do today?”

It didn’t take them long to make up their minds.

Ash Beach was the perfect temperature for strolling along – somewhere between cool and chilly, allowing the pair to walk barefoot in the sand.

Asra stopped every few steps to collect washed-up shells. Meanwhile, Ki watched the slow crashing of waves against the shoreline. It wasn’t quite as cold as where he came from, but he welcomed the dip in salty air and still thought of home.

When Ki and Asra reached the marketplace, they brought out all of their mismatched tote bags and began collecting whatever free Valentines samples were being handed out. By the time they made it through the bazaar, their bags were filled to the brim with complimentary fruit, an assortment of sweet and spicy peppers, and fun little knick knacks crafted by hobbyists from all over Vesuvia.

Ki was practically vibrating with excitement at the prospect of returning to the shop and finding homes for all of the little figurines and weavings of art. When he looked over at Asra, he saw that the magician was just as eager to go home and organize their new collection.

Asra turned to Ki and asked, “Would you let me try my hand at making one of the dishes you like?”

Ki said that he would, wondering which of his favorite meals Asra had in mind.

When the magicians arrived back at the shop, they dumped out their wares on the coffee table and stood back to admire all of the market freebies mixed in with the shells from the ocean. Some of the seashells and crafts caught the sunlight that filtered in through the windows. It cast warm, pink and deep peachy shadows all around the shop’s interior. As if the spirit of Valentines had followed them home.

Late into the afternoon, Asra and Ki were still enjoying their Valentines treasures. Asra was wrapped up in the fiery, bold flavors unlocked from the peppers as he prepared dinner.

Ki got to enjoy looking at his new figurines atop his piano while he played for Asra. Every now and then Asra would leave the kitchen to hug Ki from behind. He would leave a kiss against Ki’s ear before returning to the stove.

The magicians returned to their own little worlds, keeping one open between them where they could reach out and connect with each other whenever they needed. Ki sang softly to himself as his deft fingers flew over the black and white keys. Too soft for Asra to hear probably.

He sang of peace and love for his partner. He sang of how happy he was. Just being.

[drustvar]

The Lion’s Path: 4.1 Echo

A retelling of the Arcana Prologue featuring Rosie Springwald, a vindictive hedgewitch searching for herself. 

 Huge thank you to my beta readers. This is also available on ao3 here (link in reblog) WC: 1062

Rosie stood on a black stone path, worn by wind and rust-colored sand. The dark clouds above hung heavier than before, the storm inside of them churning and threatening to burst open at any moment. ‘Asra…where’s Asra? ’

She wondered, as the wind stung her eyes. She could see him up ahead, still with the lumbering beast. They were stopped at a fork in the road; one twisting east and the other west. Asra dismounted the creature; turning west while it turned east…

‘That’s the wrong way,’ she thought, her eyes widening. 

“Asra, don’t! Not that way, not again!” She called out to him, her hands cupped around her mouth to be heard over the wind. His head turned, and she felt his eyes meet hers from across the impossible distance. 

“Rosie?” Asra’s voice was a longing whisper in the wind. She forced her legs to move, and managed to leap forward.  Somehow, the distance between them shrank; she could reach him. Their hands touched and his eyes sparkled with wonder. But before either of them could speak, everything around them dissolved and fell away.

When the world came into focus again, Rosie stood in the shop, sweeping up a mess of powdered bat milk. Asra wandered in, whistling quietly. He was cheerful as ever.

“Rosie,” Asra said as he playfully drummed his fingers up her back. “Wait ‘till you see what the woods had to offer today.” 

“Oh? Not more frogs, I hope.” She smiled, and set her broom aside. Asra dumped his bag out on the counter, where mushrooms, fruit, and roots of all kinds came spilling out. 

“Oooh!” Rosie’s eyes sparkled as she picked up an iridescent, fluted mushroom, watching as its colors shifted in the light. Asra rested his chin on his hands as he watched her. “Oh Asra, it’s beautiful! I’ve never seen one like this!” She glanced down at all the other foraged goods scattered out between them. “And all this too! It’s much more than we need.” 

“I thought it’d be better to have plenty. I don’t want to leave you here with nothing but pumpkin bread.” 

“I’ll make us a nice big supper before you go,” she said as she gathered up everything in her arms. With her hands occupied, Asra popped a gold berry into her mouth. “Cheeky,” she murmured, as she burst  it between her teeth. 

“I’d like to come with you this time,” she said quietly as she put everything into a basket. Asra blinked, dropping his gaze to the floor. She turned around, just in time for him to gently cup her face, looking deep into her eyes.

“I know. I wish I could take you, it’s just...it’s too risky.” Rosie frowned, and took his hands in hers. 

“If I’m so fragile, then, don’t go.” He squeezed her hands, and she let one return to her cheek. She shut her eyes, sighing tiredly as his fingers trailed down her neck, his thumb brushing lightly against her shoulder. 

“Don’t go?” “Isn’t it enough here? The shop? The neighborhood? Vesuvia?” The last pleading word was one she couldn’t bring herself to say. ‘Me?’ “I wish I could stay. Soon I won’t have to go anywhere you can’t follow.”

“Oh, enough with these riddles!” she said, shaking her head and pushing past him, heading to the kitchen with the basket. 

“It’s just...you’re still learning, Rosie.” Asra said as he fluffed the back of his hair. “You’ve never traveled these paths before. Even if I held your hand the whole way, one wrong step could separate us...and it’ll be a thousand times as dangerous trying to find your way back alone.” 

“Where are you even going that’s so dangerous?” Rosie asked, slamming the basket onto the counter. “Why do you have to go and I have to stay?” She said as she started to haphazardly chop a root. 

“Rosie,” Asra hugged her from behind and ran his hands down her arm, trying to soothe her. “You’re really serious this time…” She said nothing, just continued to angrily  hack away at the vegetables. 

“Turning you down is even harder when we want the same thing. You don’t want to be left behind, and I don’t want to leave you, But-”

“Must not be too hard, since you keep doin’ it,” she said bitterly. He sighed, and pressed his face into her hair.

“Sometimes we can’t have what we want, even when it feels right. I’ll bring back whatever you want, okay? Anything.”

‘A promise. A life together. Tell me your secrets, I want you to hold me as closely as you do them.’ She thought, her brow furrowed as she chewed her lip. Asra squeezed her hand in apology.

“I don’t want any souvenirs.” She murmured. 'I have to stop waiting. I need to put this to rest…’ Rosie set down her paring knife, and turned to meet Asra’s eyes. Her cheeks flushed lightly and she squeezed his hands. “Asra,” Rosie’s voice was soft, quiet. “Don’t you want to stay? Don’t you want me? ” He hugged her so tightly, it caught her by surprise. She shut her eyes, tears faint under her lashes as she leaned into him. It was  like his answer was radiating off of him: Yes. Yes. Yes. I want you. I need you. I miss you so much, even when we aren’t apart. ‘ But if that’s so...why does he keep running? ’

’Asra carefully slid his fingers between hers, his eyes lowered. “I...I-I can’t.” 

“Why? ” Rosie’s voice was strangled with anger and pain.

“If you only knew….” Asra broke their embrace, the clarity in his eyes was startling. “You’re more honest in dreams.” He reached to tuck a flower behind her ear, but she exploded. 

“What does that even mean?! ‘I’m more honest in dreams’, What kind of bullshit is that?!”

“Rosie-” “Why-why can’t you just give me an answer! I...” Rosie words were cut off by her own sobbing, and after a moment she felt Asra’s arms around her, pulling her gently into a comforting hug.

“I’m sorry.”  “Just go upstairs ‘an let me fix dinner. Before I get upset again.”| “Okay,” Asra obeyed, slinking away before pausing on the stairs. “I’ll miss you... and I really can’t wait to see you again. I’ll be back soon.” At the last of his words, the dream faded away.