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#[ starlit pendant ]
andiloveyoutooangel · 6 months
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its very like,,, interesting? amusing? that i gave Alexandria her name first out of everyone (including my own S/I) and that name is very important to her. she rejects the "Javelin 4-Case A" sht and deliberately names herself Alexandria. Alexandria, from the Library of Alexandria that burned down with all the knowledge inside of it. Alexandria, the name of a protector, meaning defender of the people. Alexandria, an experiment originally created to store all of humanity's knowledge who lashes out to protect herself and her family. (in one of the game's bad ends, she burns down the entire laboratory with herself inside of it) She is human, goddamnit, she is not your experiment.
and then J4-CE is literally still just... that's still his Javelin assignment name. J4-CE, even into the future, when all of their children gain names ("Coby" "Keter" "Dew") and they're in their ending, J4-CE is still under that alias. I'm very passive acceptance while Alexandria has always been active defiance and I think the way our names work attest to that. J4-CE has been forced to be an experiment and so they will be.
I think, maybe in some other ending, some true ending, J4-CE renames themselves Jaceyn/Jason, to mimic Alexandria's Greek name origins (Greek is Alexandria's favorite language <3). Jason means "to heal" :) <3
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moonlit-midnight · 7 months
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Ocean Dreams and Serene Waves | Part 1
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Characters: Jade Leech.
Genre: Platonic Fluff, Friendship, Angst.
Summary: Like the sea waves find the shoreline, you found each other. 
Warnings: 
GN!Reader. Mention of memory loss due to an accident.
This will be 2 parts. I’m struggling to think of a proper ending.
For as long as Jade Leech could remember, his childhood best friend was a sickly person, often in and out of the hospital. 
Despite your condition, you didn’t let it stop you from living your best life.
You were full of life, and charmingly bright like the breathtaking shy breath of the warm sun. 
You were energetic and always brimming with excitement, not caring what form it took as long as it made your heart beat.
Every time you got discharged, Jade would eagerly wait for you by the beach nearby your family’s summerhouse where you first met, arms stretched out like wings to welcome you in his embrace.
You would excitedly run to him, giving him the tightest hugs.
Peals of soft laughter would spill out of his lips when both of you fall backwards into the sandy ground.
Your strong hold on him was a reassurance that you were here with him, breathing and truly alive.
Jade’s head rested on your lap. You were sitting close to the shore, watching the gentle waves touching your feet while your best friend was admiring the glorious rising of the sun.
“Hey Jade, how are you holding up when I’m not around? I bet you feel lonely.” you said in a teasing tone, sun-lit eyes peering down at the young merman.
“Lonely? Not at all. I have my brother to keep me company.” He glanced at you, sharp teeth bared in a playful grin.
“Rascal.” you tousled his teal hair causing him to laugh. “Can you sit for a moment? I have something for you.”
Jade sat up instantly, curiously eyeing the item you fished out from your pocket. In your palm sat a silver necklace paired with a star shaped aquamarine pendant, the gemstone he grew fond of because it was your favorite.
Leaning closer, you cautiously placed it around his neck.
“My mom helped me make this. So you can always have me around.”
“I love it.” He whispered in awe, toying with the pendant. “Thank you. I promise I’ll treasure this beautiful gift.”
You hummed and smiled in return.
“We'll always have each other, won’t we, Jade?”
“Yes, always.”
★ —
Ever since you started your life at NRC, you often woke up from a dream of someone holding you under the deep blue sea.
Was it a real memory or merely a whimsical dream, you weren’t sure.
Despite the dreams being vivid, the stranger’s face always appeared blurred.
The only distinct feature you could glimpse was his piercing heterochromic eyes which was shockingly similar to Jade Leech, the vice housewarden of your dorm.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Jade brushed a thumb over your tear-streaked face.
You shivered at the contact. It was a light touch which felt strangely familiar. 
“God, I don’t know why I am crying, but I’m okay.” you stuttered, wiping your tears with the sleeve of your hoodie. “It’s just, I think I came here a lot with someone dear to me. I feel that I was so happy here, but I can’t remember it.”
It was a weekend, late at night when Jade took you to the seaside to unwind after he noticed how distressed you’ve been lately. It was the same beach that you used to go to together once upon a time.
It was a calm night as the two of you walked quietly along the shore. 
Your attention shifted from the merman beside you to the shining sea water, the starlit sky reflected dazzlingly on the surface.
Your tears came so suddenly because everything felt familiar. The peaceful place, the pleasant atmosphere and Jade’s soothing presence.
It made your heart ache.
You were sure that you experienced this feeling over and over in the past.
However, no matter how hard you tried picturing them in your mind, the images always appeared hazy and out of reach like a faded dream.
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dc-and-arfrona · 10 months
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Birthday Surprise
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----
Nightwing x GN!Reader
Type: Fluff
Word Count: 700+
Masterlist
Summary: He plans a nice surprise party
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As Nightwing, I'm used to planning and executing covert missions, battling supervillains, and protecting Gotham City. But tonight, I'm embarking on a different kind of operation—one that doesn't involve any of the usual crime-fighting gadgets. Tonight, I'm planning a surprise birthday party for someone incredibly special to me: you.
Your birthday is just around the corner, and I've been keeping track of the days like a hawk. I've been sneaking moments here and there to plan the perfect celebration, carefully orchestrating each detail to ensure your absolute delight. I want this night to be unforgettable—a testament to how much you mean to me.
First things first, I had to find the ideal venue for this grand occasion. After considering various options, I settled on Wayne Manor's sprawling garden. The picturesque backdrop of flowers, the gentle whispers of the night breeze, and the moon's radiant glow would set the stage for a magical evening. Alfred, my trusted ally, graciously agreed to help with the preparations, and together, we transformed the garden into a hidden wonderland.
Next, the guest list. Choosing the right people to attend was essential. I wanted to gather your closest friends and family, people who have witnessed the depth of your kindness, strength, and compassion. Each invitation was thoughtfully crafted and hand-delivered, a personal touch to convey just how important this night is.
Time flew, and the day of your birthday finally arrived. I found myself eagerly awaiting the moment when the sun would dip below the horizon, casting its farewell for the day and allowing the stars to claim the sky. It was then that I would unveil the surprise, like a fireworks display illuminating the darkness.
With every passing minute, anticipation coiled within me, urging the hours to pass faster. As night descended upon Gotham City, my heart raced with excitement and nervous energy. I had spent countless nights training, mastering my acrobatics, and honing my detective skills, but nothing had prepared me for this surge of emotions.
As you arrived home, weary from the day's activities, I did my best to conceal the excitement that bubbled inside me. I greeted you with a gentle kiss, masking my intentions behind an affectionate embrace. You leaned into the hug, offering a content sigh, and little did you know that within those arms, a world of surprises awaited you.
"Happy birthday, love," I whispered, my voice filled with warmth and adoration. "I have something special planned for you tonight. But first, let's take a moment to celebrate just the two of us."
Your eyes sparkled with curiosity as you looked at me, a playful smile dancing on your lips. "What do you have in mind, Nightwing?"
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Opening it, I revealed a delicate necklace adorned with a pendant shaped like a night sky. The pendant glistened with tiny, sparkling stars, capturing the essence of our shared moments under the starlit sky.
"I wanted to give you something that reminded you of our countless nights together," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "Each star represents a memory we've created, a moment we've shared. Whenever you wear this necklace, know that you carry a piece of our love and connection with you."
Tears welled up in your eyes as you reached out to take the necklace, holding it close to your heart. "Dick, this is the most beautiful gift I've ever received. It's perfect."
Cupping your face in my hands, I wiped away a tear with my thumb, my voice filled with tenderness. "You deserve nothing less than perfection, my love. Now, let's embark on the rest of our magical night together. There are more surprises waiting for you."
Hand in hand, we ventured into the garden, where the enchantment of the night unfolded before us. The soft glow of lanterns guided our way as we wandered through the maze of blossoming flowers. Laughter and music filled the air, mingling with the sound of your delighted gasps and contagious laughter.
As the evening progressed, we found ourselves stealing moments amidst the celebration, sharing whispered conversations and stolen kisses. With each passing hour, the love between us deepened, strengthened by the magic of this night.
And as the clock struck midnight, marking the transition into a new day—the day you were born—I found myself filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I promised to stand by your side, to protect you, and to cherish each moment we have together. In the darkness, I saw the stars align, and in your eyes, I found my guiding light.
Happy birthday, my love.
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Rainbow Butterfly ~Ethereal Poem~
These starlit hours have begun
Suddenly she appears in a dazzling glint
As the darkness gives way to the light
Her skin is in a very fair complexion, smooth and flawless
Her face is youthful and lovely
Wearing a glistening colorful diamond butterfly pendant around her delicate neck
Her hair is flowy and hip-length and in the color of crimson
With a full fringe concealing her forehead
Her eyes are sparkling and in a deep blue shade like a sapphire
Her lips are pillowy with a tinge of glimmer
Her dress was brilliant and glistening like a diamond in the rough
It's vividly colorful
Her heels are sparkly and match the theme of the dress
Accentuating her flawlessly
Her wings begin to brightly resonate
With a snap
Dozens of sparkly rainbow-colored butterflies appear
The sparkly rainbow-colored butterflies following her
Each butterfly embodied every dream that was granted through warmth desire
She has been recently reborn
Asks herself how she gets here?
From a wish? Or maybe from a promise?
Who knows but she's here
She knows the world is her oyster
She wants to see it and its entirety
Being mesmerized by its shimmery glint
Her wings twinkled in a sheer cloak of night
Concealed it in its colorful glimmer
Now, it's her chance to show herself
With a snap
Another dozen sparkly rainbow-colored butterflies appear
Dispersing and scattering
Spreading the word of the legend
Satisfied with her effort
With a snap
She dissolves herself into a million brightly lit rainbow-colored butterflies
Turning herself into lore as well
The lore of the Rainbow-colored butterfly
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shxwstxpper · 3 months
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STARLIT SONGBIRD - TIMELINE
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1/28/24, 8:22 PM - first occurrence of POKOTHO interacting with KAI.
1/28/24, 8:30 PM - second occurrence of POKOTHO interacting with KAI.
1/28/24, 8:40 PM - third occurrence of POKOTHO interacting with KAI.
1/28/24, 9:02 PM - fourth occurrence of POKOTHO interacting with KAI. KAI agrees to go to the theater.
1/28/24, 9:25 PM - CHRIS tells KAI to stay safe. KAI promises she will be.
1/29/24, 10:23 AM - KAI arrives at the theater. the apotheosis begins to take hold of her.
1/29/24, 12:19 PM - KAI assimilates into the hive.
1/30/24, 12:23 PM - CHRIS arrives at the theater. KAI infects him soon after.
1/30/24, 10:57 PM - KAI reaches out to STEPH, urging her to go to the starlight. she obliges. STEPH is infected soon after.
1/29/24, 8:46 PM - PAUL reaches out to KAI.
1/31/24, 5:46 PM - KAI reaches out to GRACE, urging her to go to the starlight. she obliges. GRACE is infected soon after.
1/30/24, 11:39 AM - WEBBY involves herself, reaching out to POKAITHO.
1/30/24, 6:54 PM - KAI manages to post from the black and white. CHRIS manages to respond. parts of KAI’s past are revealed.
1/31/24, 6:11 PM - KAI reaches out to PAUL23, urging him to go to the starlight. he reluctantly obliges. he tries to explode the meteor. his plan fails. PAUL23 is infected soon after.
1/31/24, 8:51 AM - KAI reaches out to LEX, urging her to go to the starlight. she refuses.
1/30/24, 2:35 PM - VILLE goes to the starlight, and almost assimilates.
1/31/24, 8:30 AM - LAIKA reaches out to KAI, asking about her wellbeing. KAI urges him to go to the theater. he agrees.
2/1/24, 12:36 PM - LAIKA is assimilated into the hive.
1/31/24, 2:19 PM - BEAN involves themselves.
1/31/24, 3:41 PM - POKAITHO taunts PAUL. PAUL agrees to go to the theater.
1/31/24, 4:08 PM - LEAH is assimilated into the hive.
2/1/24, 6:39 PM - EMDROID and PAUL arrive at the starlight. it is revealed that KAI is still alive in some capacity. PAUL almost dies, but thanks to EMDROID, the two escape.
2/1/24, 10:25 AM - TABBY and KAI converse, discussing a possible way to free those from the infection. KAI laments on the fact that she feels that she is already gone.
2/1/24, 11:36 AM - WEBBY gives TABBY a protective amulet.
2/1/24, 1:20 PM - BROOKE involves herself. she and STEPH converse.
2/1/24, 12:46 PM - THE CLIVESDALE PROTECTORS involve themselves.
2/1/24, 1:41 PM - LAIKA convinces KACIE to go to the starlight.
2/1/24, 6:34 PM - KAI convinces ROSARIA to go to the starlight.
2/1/24, 9:30 PM - STEPH breaks out of the infection, with TABBY’S help.
2/1/24, 10:16 PM - TABBY gives LEX a protective pendant.
2/2/24, 11:31 AM - BROOKE reaches out to KAI.
2/2/24, 7:54 AM - STEPH is re-assimilated into the hive.
2/2/24, 7:20 AM - SAM is assimilated into the hive.
2/2/24, 7:24 AM - EMDROID laments.
2/2/24, 7:34 AM - POKAITHO taunts EMDROID.
2/2/24, 9:29 AM - POKAITHO impersonates KAI, tricking PAUL into coming to the starlight. PAUL is assimilated into the hive.
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post will be updated as event goes on! lmk if I missed anything!
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(Starlit Songbird Tag List: @christianchasity @gloryandgrace @lauterishotter @laika-at-hatchetfield @idolikemusicals @paul-matthewsccrp23 @alexandra-foster @perkys-420 @stuckinmyweb @tabbycat-of-hatchetfield @blackjackbisexual @probably-ancient-evil @villeisahuman @kacieewilliams @clivesdale-protectors @hatchetfieldarsonist)
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pepperonibread · 8 months
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Across The Great Divide: Chapter Three - Rockshelf
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read on a03 or below the line break Chapter Index
She found herself in a dream, walking through the desert under a starlit sky. The wind whispered secrets as it rustled through the sand, carrying the scent of rain and adventure. And there, in the distance, stood Logan. His eyes were intense, a mixture of danger and allure, drawing her closer with an irresistible pull.
"Kiran," he called out, his voice a velvety caress that sent shivers down her spine. The desert landscape around them seemed to blur, focusing solely on him.
She hesitated for a moment, caught between the echoes of the past and the unknown future. But something in his gaze, something hauntingly familiar, drew her in. Slowly, she stepped closer, their worlds converging under the vast expanse of the night sky.
A/N: Here I go, casually posting a chapter that's over 8k. I wanted to make the chapters longer for this fic specifically, compared to my Portia fic. I also wanted to point out that my fic (if anyone has read it) "Neon Moon" was kind of like, something I played around with because of another fic I was working on (still following me?) so the events that take place in this story have nothing to do with that one, blah blah blah. Let me know if you enjoyed. Take care!
"Hey, Kiran," Unsuur greeted her in his characteristic oblivious manner as he reached her. His presence was both reassuring and unsettling at once, his easy smile prompting her heart to race. "How was your camping trip?"
Of course, he would ask about that particular topic. But at that moment, Kiran found herself grappling with something she hadn't quite sorted out. Her fingers fumbled with the opal pendant in her hand, a nervous habit that betrayed her inner tumult.
"Uh – fine," she managed to reply, her voice carrying a hint of distraction. "Got caught out in the rain." Her words were true, yet they only skimmed the surface of the profound and intimate experience that had unfolded during that camping trip.
And then she saw his eyes lock onto the opal pendant, a glint of recognition passing across his features as the pieces fell into place - it was quick, but she saw it. A possibility flickered across her mind, and she felt a surge of astonishment at the potential connection that was forming right before her.
"It was you, wasn't it?" The words burst out of her, realization and disbelief coloring her tone.
His raised eyebrow and the fleeting change in his expression were not lost on her. There was something in his eyes, a hint of acknowledgment that he had been caught in his own game.
"Huh? I don't know what you're –" He attempted to deflect, but Kiran wasn't about to let him evade the truth. She needed to say it out loud, to confirm her suspicion.
"You sent me that letter," she declared,. "You're my secret admirer." The revelation hit her like a lightning bolt. How had she missed the signs? The timing of the letter – it all pointed to him.
"I, uh –" he stammered, his usual composure faltering as he shifted uncomfortably. "I gotta go."
But before he could make his escape, Kiran's hand shot out and grasped his arm, stopping him in his tracks. The audacity of his actions left her both indignant and intrigued.
"I don't get it," she stated, her voice laced with confusion. "You practically ran away from me that night after the Blue Moon and then talked to me like I was a...rock or something.." The complexity of his actions perplexed her, and she was determined to unravel the truth behind his vague behavior.
The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a mixture of amusement and something she couldn't quite decipher. He seemed to search for the right words, and she released her grip on his arm, waiting for an explanation.
"I mean – nothing's wrong with talking to rocks," he began, his words stumbling a bit as if he was struggling to find the right way to convey his thoughts. "I mean, you're the best rock, Kiran. No, wait – that's not right either." He rubbed his chin, frustration was evident in his expression.
A jumble of emotions looped within her – a growing realization of his intentions. "So you actually like me?" she asked him, trying to wrap her mind around the idea that he might have genuine feelings for her.
As she waited for his response, the weight of their conversation settled around her like a thick fog. Complications arose in her mind as she considered the possibility that he might actually like her, especially given her recent encounter with Logan in the desert. Her father's old saying echoed in her thoughts, "You get what you pay for." The words now took on a new meaning, a haunting reminder that everything came with its own price.
"I do like you, Kiran," Unsuur finally admitted, his voice carrying a hint of passiveness. His words were like a balm to her uncertainty, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest. She had never been on the receiving end of someone's affections quite like this before.
"I'm a troublemaker, you know," she found herself confessing, a touch of self-awareness in her tone. It wasn't a lie; she had a history of stirring up unexpected situations, even if unintentionally.
"That might not be the best thing for me then," he responded a playful undertone in his words that took her a moment to fully grasp. And then it hit her – he was making a joke, a lighthearted jab at her self-proclaimed troublemaking tendencies. But the surprise didn't stop there. "Because... I'm in the Civil Corps," he added, his words slightly trailing off - as if he tried to determine if the joke sounded okay.
Before she could formulate a response, Unsuur interrupted the flow of their conversation. His words immediately shifted the focus.
"Oh, I forgot," he began, and her curiosity piqued. "Justice needed me to bring you to the Civil Corps office. We need to go into Geegler Station."
Geegler Station – the very mention of it sent a shiver down her spine. She was well aware of the threat the Geeglers posed to Sandrock, a looming danger that had cast a shadow over the town since her arrival. What could Justice possibly need from her in this dire situation?
"Okay, let's go," she agreed, her determination resolute as she stepped forward, poking Unsuur playfully in the chest. "But we'll finish this conversation later." There was a glimmer of mischief in her eyes as she said this, a promise of unresolved emotions that she hoped to explore once the current situation was dealt with.
Upon entering the Civil Corps office, Kiran was met with an unexpected sight – Mi-an and Heidi were already present, standing alongside Justice. The surprise of their presence made her curious, as she tried to piece together why the individuals with construction experience had been summoned by the sheriff.
"Hey, Heidi," Kiran greeted the purple-haired architect casually, offering a friendly nod as they made eye contact. There was an unspoken acknowledgment between them, a recognition of their shared skills and expertise. Heidi responded with a nod of her own, acknowledging Kiran's presence.
"Oh good, you're here," Mi-an exclaimed, her tone a mixture of relief and urgency. Kiran couldn't help but wonder what was unfolding before her.
Justice wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. He turned his attention to the three women gathered before him, his expression serious. "I'll get right to the point then. Minister Matilda has tasked the Civil Corps with chasing off the Geeglers, and we need y'all's help."
Kiran's eyebrows knitted together as she regarded Justice. The Geeglers were known troublemakers, a constant thorn in Sandrock's side. But why were they being called upon now? What role did she have in this?
Justice continued, his gaze steady as he addressed the trio. "Walking over that railway bridge to the desert gives me the willies. The Geeglers have been taking pieces from it for... I don't know how long – but it ain't very stable." His attention shifted to Heidi, acknowledging her expertise.
"Heidi, is there any way we could sneak over on that old trolley system behind our office? That way we could get into their hideout undetected." It was a strategic approach, and Kiran couldn't help but be impressed by Justice's quick thinking.
"You mean..." Heidi began slowly, her brow furrowed in thought. Her gaze shifted between Justice and the others, her mind working to piece together the logistics of his plan. "The old tram system left over from the early days of Sandrock?" She turned her attention fully to Justice, her architectural mind already analyzing the possibilities.
"The two cables are still up there – but there's a couple of problems," Heidi continued, her tone contemplative. "First, the tram carts are nearly rotted; and second, the trolley engines are broken. Not to mention they're on the other side of the canyon – and we would have to check the integrity of the cables..." She paused, realizing she had rambled off more than she had intended.
Justice's hand rose in a gesture of understanding, and he tried to suppress a smile. "Okay, that was more than two things, Heidi," he chuckled lightly, appreciating her attention to detail. "But, uh, never mind... Sounds to me like the first step is to get some tram carts."
As Heidi's gaze shifted towards Mi-an and Kiran, Justice turned his attention to the two of them, his expression expectant. "Can y'all handle that?" he asked.
While addressing Justice, Mi-an's arm found its way around Kiran's shoulders in a supportive gesture. "Of course, we can, can't we, Kiran?" Her gaze shifted to Kiran, and before Kiran could formulate a response, Mi-an was already on a roll. "We can each work on gathering materials for the tram carts and reassemble them up there. Once that's done, we'll manually pull ourselves over to the other side to fix the engines."
Before Kiran could voice her agreement or add her own thoughts, Heidi interjected, her voice carrying a practical tone. "I think that plan has potential. I can reach out to Director Qi; he might have some diagrams from the early days in his collection that could guide you in fixing the tram carts." With that, Heidi excused herself from the room, already focused on her next steps.
Justice's affirmation cut through the air, his tone carrying a sense of readiness. "Great, so we have a plan." His gaze shifted between Mi-an and Kiran, a sense of optimism lighting up his features. "Looks like Sandrock's builders are about to see some action."
"We won't let you down," Mi-an chimed in. Still keeping her arm around Kiran, she turned and gently pulled Kiran along with her, leading them both out of the office.
Once outside, Mi-an released her grasp on Kiran's shoulder, her movement deliberate as she turned to face her. There was a contemplative glint in her eyes as if her thoughts were racing in directions that Kiran couldn't quite grasp.
"Did you get a chance to talk to your brother?" Mi-an's question caught Kiran off guard, its suddenness causing her to momentarily stumble in her thoughts. The conversation she had with Jessie earlier resurfaced in her mind, and she nodded, responding with a simple "Yeah."
The inquisitive look in Mi-an's eyes only deepened, as if she was trying to gauge something beneath the surface. "Is everything alright back home?" Another unexpected question and Kiran couldn't help but feel a bit defensive. Why was Mi-an prying into her personal life? They were colleagues, after all, not confidantes.
"Yeah..." Kiran replied, a note of falseness creeping into her voice. She knew she didn't owe Mi-an any explanations about her personal life, and she preferred to keep it that way. Shifting her focus, she attempted to redirect the conversation. "So, how do you want to tackle this tram project?" She asked, attempting to regain her footing on a topic that was within the realm of their collaboration. Mi-an's mind was still abuzz with thoughts, her goggles perched on her forehead glinting in the sunlight. Her lips contorted as she processed the information, and then her expression brightened as if a puzzle piece had just fallen into place.
"I'll head up to the tram system and assess everything," Mi-an announced decisively. Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and strode purposefully towards the ramp that led to the elevated trolley system. Her boots clacked against the metal surface as she ascended, her steps determined and focused.
Watching Mi-an's brisk departure, Kiran couldn't help but wonder at the whirlwind energy that seemed to constantly drive her colleague. Mi-an's relentless enthusiasm for action was impressive, but Kiran sometimes found herself feeling exhausted just watching her dart around with such intensity.
With a sigh, Kiran shifted her attention away from Mi-an's disappearing form and leaned against the railing of the Civil Corps building. She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling a mix of emotions churning within her. The task ahead seemed both daunting and exciting, and Kiran was well aware that she needed to contribute her share.
The creaking sound of the office door hinges pulled Kiran's attention away from her contemplation, and she observed Unsuur emerging into the sunlight. Captain, the vigilant feline, dashed out ahead of him, a flash of black fur against the wooden backdrop. Unsuur offered a nod in her direction as he gently shut the door behind him, effectively closing the chapter on whatever discussions had transpired within.
Kiran's eyebrows knitted together in curiosity, and she pivoted on her heels to lean over the railing, addressing Unsuur as he descended the steps onto the street. "Where are you off to?"
He turned to face her, a single dark eyebrow arching inquisitively. "Patrolling," he answered with a hint of ambiguity as if the purpose of his departure was something she should have been privy to already. But Kiran wasn't about to let him slip away, not after the recent revelation he had shared with her.
"How about I join you?" she proposed, pushing herself off the steps with a practiced fluidity. Her landing was sure, though a slight twinge in her ankle.
Unsuur regarded her with lingering curiosity, his lips forming a thoughtful line. After a beat, he responded with a seriousness that caught her attention. "Sure, but keep it quiet. Don't let Captain know, he might tell Justice."
A chuckle bubbled up from Kiran's throat. "Don't worry, I doubt the cat would be interested in our little escapade into the desert."
"Captain takes his responsibilities seriously," Unsuur commented, tone still serious. "You might underestimate him."
Kiran laughed softly. "Underestimating a cat? Never thought I'd hear that one."
They embarked on their walk, leaving the Civil Corps building behind. Kiran marveled at how Unsuur could so casually slip into desert patrol mode, seemingly unfazed.
"Seriously, how does the Civil Corps let you guys get away with the cat?" she couldn't help but jest.
"We have our ways," he replied enigmatically, his eyes dancing with a mix of mischief and something else that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was as if his laid-back exterior hid layers of complexity that intrigued her even more.
As they strolled further up the street, the afternoon sun cast long shadows that painted the landscape in warm hues. Unsuur's sudden question caught Kiran off guard, pulling her thoughts away from the present. "What was the Civil Corps like in Highwind?" he inquired, his tone curious and genuine. It was as if he wanted to piece together more of her story, but Kiran hesitated. Her mind flickered to Lewis, the man whose memory seemed to linger in her heart even as the years passed. She wanted to tell Unsuur about the young officer who had once stolen her heart, about the whirlwind romance and the bitter aftermath. But the words hung in the air, unsaid.
"Serious," she replied, her voice carrying a tinge of flatness. "And definitely no cats." It was a simple answer, one that didn't delve into the complexities of her past or the emotions that still stirred within her.
"Speaking of cats..." Unsuur's voice trailed off, and Kiran followed his gaze to the general store, where Captain, the diligent feline guardian of Sandrock, was sprawled lazily on the steps. Avario was seen shooing the cat away half-heartedly. Kiran's lips curled into an amused smile as she watched the interaction.
Before she could react, Unsuur's grip on her arm was firm, and he pulled her to the side, guiding her away from the main street and onto the wooden decks that bordered the back of the buildings. The dreamy oasis was nearby, and the town's water tower stood tall behind them.
Kiran raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with playful skepticism. "Seriously?" she asked, her tone light as she looked at Unsuur.
"I'm all for avoiding Avario," Kiran quipped, her tone lighthearted as she expressed her weariness with the persistent attention from the Barnarock boy. "But avoiding a cat?" She raised an eyebrow playfully, finding the idea amusing.
Unsuur turned slightly away from her and started walking toward the oasis. "Again, Captain takes his duties very seriously."
Kiran quickened her pace, jogging a bit to catch up with him. She rolled her eyes playfully and bumped his shoulder with hers. "Sure he does," she retorted. As they neared the oasis, she looked ahead at the centerpiece of the tranquil scene: the statue of the great inventor Peach perched gracefully in the middle of the oasis. The gentle sound of water flowing and the lush greenery around them created a soothing atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the challenges the desert town often faced.
Kiran tilted her head toward the statue. "You know, it's funny," she mused, "how a place like this can make you forget about everything else for a moment." Her gaze flickered to Unsuur briefly before returning to the statue.
"We still have to finish our conversation from earlier," he interjected, his voice gently pulling her back from her wandering thoughts. Kiran found herself gripping the railing of the oasis as she turned to face him, her fingers brushing against the opal pendant around her neck.
"You don't know me," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of skepticism and vulnerability, realizing the cliché nature of her words. "And you claim you like me."
Unsuur met her gaze, his expression steady. "I know enough," he began, a gesture of his head indicating that they should continue walking. As they strolled along the oasis, he continued with a thoughtful air. "I've noticed things. Like how you walk outside barefoot in the morning—even though a snake could bite you or your feet could get burned. You keep all the newspapers you've ever gotten in town on your table - and you crack your knuckles when you talk to Yan."
A genuine laugh escaped Kiran at his observations. "What else?" she prodded, intrigued by his insights into her habits and quirk - as unconventional as it all seemed.
His eyes briefly glanced up at the sky before he resumed speaking. "When you were working on the new Hydrogel for Zeke, you stood hyperfocused in your yard for so long I thought your brain turned off. You have nails mixed in the same jar as coins, and I've seen you watch the sunset on the cliff behind your house at least six times since you've gotten here."
"So you're stalking me?" Kiran teased, bumping his arm playfully.
He shook his head with mock seriousness. "No," he replied firmly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You were just in my spot."
Kiran rolled her eyes, feigning an apology. "Oh, sorry for trespassing."
He stopped walking suddenly, his hesitation palpable. "And," he began, his voice carrying a touch of uncertainty, "in that messy drawer in your dresser, you have a picture of a kid."
Kiran's breath caught in her throat, a mixture of surprise and vulnerability washing over her. "Observant, aren't you?" she managed to say, her voice laced with a hint of emotion.
He nodded, his expression still steady. "I'd like to think so," he replied in a matter-of-fact manner.
Vulnerability seemed to pour from Kiran unexpectedly, her words overcoming the initial resistance that had momentarily caught them in her throat. The little voice in her head screamed 'Don't tell him,' but something urged her forward.
"That's Harper. My son," she began, her voice carrying a mixture of tenderness and hesitation. "He's three and lives in Highwind with his dad." She paused, her thoughts hovering around the picture of Harper in her dresser—the sole memento of the life she had left behind. The image of the tiny round face with her blue hair was etched into her memory. A bittersweet pang struck her heart as she shared a part of herself that few knew. And then, the weight of another truth compelled her to reveal more. "He doesn't know I exist."
Unsuur's response took her off guard, and she looked up at him, her eyes catching his. "Sounds complicated," he said, his tone carrying a mix of understanding and acknowledgment.
Her laughter danced in the desert air, a moment of lightheartedness in the midst of their conversation. "Well, I warned you I was a troublemaker, didn't I?" she playfully remarked.
As he stepped forward, his hand gently finding its place on her shoulder, she felt a warmth in the gesture that matched the sun's rays. "People have a way of finding a way back to you, Kiran. One way or another," he offered, his words holding a hint of wisdom and experience.
A nod of agreement accompanied her response. "Your detective skills are really something."
He shrugged modestly, deflecting the praise. "I have Justice to thank for that, I guess. But, the past... it's weird. That's probably why they keep putting it in books. So we don't forget it - don't keep making the same mistakes."
Her smile held a touch of nostalgia, mingling with the present moment. "Mistakes are my middle name, though."
His brows furrowed slightly as if missing the humor in her words. "Maybe you should start writing things down then, so you don't forget."
Her laughter resonated in the desert breeze as her gaze met his, the moment carrying a shared understanding. And then, as if moved by an invisible hand, she closed the distance between them, enveloping him in a warm embrace. Her arms encircled his waist, holding him close, and she felt the steady rhythm of his breathing as he reciprocated, his chin finding a resting place atop her head.
"You're pretty cool, Kiran - all that other stuff doesn't make you who you really are." his words reached her ears, spoken into the soft strands of her hair, and she held onto the sentiment like a cherished gift.
Tightly locked in the embrace, the weight of their connection began to stir something within her, a surge of emotions rising like an unstoppable tide. As his words reverberated in the air, a mixture of joy, relief, and vulnerability overwhelmed her senses, causing a choked sob to escape her lips. Her grip on him tightened, as if holding onto him would anchor her in this moment of shared understanding.
Unsuur's hold on her didn't waver; instead, he pulled her even closer, his arms providing a comforting shelter. The sun cast long shadows across the desert, painting the scene with a warm, golden hue, while her tears remained hidden within the shelter of his embrace.
He held her silently, allowing her the space to let her emotions flow freely. The soft rustle of the desert breeze, the distant caw of a bird, and the rhythm of their breathing seemed to form a symphony that underscored. After what felt like an eternity, her sobs subsided, replaced by a sense of relief that washed over her like a cleansing rain. She pulled away slightly, her teary eyes meeting his gaze, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability mirrored between them.
"Thank you," she managed to whisper, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions. "I needed that."
Unsuur's lips curled into a gentle smile, his thumb wiping away a lingering tear from her cheek. "Anytime."
"What do we do now?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. As she eased herself away from their embrace, her gaze remained fixed on him, seeking some semblance of an answer.
Unsuur blinked, seeming momentarily caught off guard by the question. His brows furrowed in thought, his expression thoughtful. "I still need to check on the train station," he replied, as if suddenly remembering a task that had been momentarily set aside - the depth of her question going over his head.
Nodding in understanding, Kiran offered a small smile. "Of course, duty calls," she acknowledged, her tone light as she attempted to mask the reluctance that tugged at her. The thought of their shared moment coming to an end didn't sit entirely well with her.
But then, as if driven by an impulse she couldn't quite contain, she reached out for his hand. Her fingers brushed against his palm, a silent invitation for him to take her hand in his. To her surprise, he complied, his fingers intertwining with hers, their touch gentle and reassuring.
Kiran's eyes caught a glimpse of something different about Unsuur as she watched him on the train platform. He appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on some distant point as if unraveling the threads of a mystery. It was a state of mind she recognized all too well—after all, zoning out had been a personal specialty of hers. Intrigued, she couldn't help but step a bit closer, her curiosity getting the better of her.
With a mischievous grin, she waved her hand in front of his face, effectively snapping him out of his reverie. His attention refocused on her with a blink, and he seemed to come back to the present moment. "Oh," he uttered, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Sorry about that."
Suppressing a chuckle, Kiran raised an eyebrow playfully. "What were you off in la-la land about?" she inquired her tone light and teasing.
Unsuur's expression morphed into his typical stoic look, as if considering how much to reveal. After a moment, he responded with a touch of honesty, "Honestly, nothing in particular." He paused, and then a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "It's just...nice standing here with you. Beats staring off into the abyss all alone."
Her heart did a little flip at his admission, her surprise evident on her face. "Well, I'm glad to be your company for abyss-avoidance," she stated.
In that moment, Unsuur's words seemed to get caught in a brief tangle, leaving both him and Kiran in a somewhat awkward silence. His gaze shifted momentarily to a point behind her before returning to meet her eyes, as if searching for the right words to continue the conversation.
"Kiran," he finally began, his tone a touch uncertain, "Do you think you might have the necessary materials in your workshop to make a...rockshelf?" There was a fleeting hesitation in his voice as if he wasn't entirely sure he had used the right term.
She paused for a moment, her attention shifting toward her workshop in the distance as she mentally assessed its contents. "I think so," she responded thoughtfully, her gaze returning to him. "Why? Do you need one?" It took a moment for the realization to dawn on her. "Wait, you mean a bookshelf?"
Unsuur nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, that's what I meant. I would have commissioned it through your boss, but he mentioned it might be too small a task for you or Mi-an... I didn't really understand what he meant by that, though."
Kiran nodded in understanding. "I can definitely do that," she assured him. "I'll bring it up there tomorrow."
"Sounds good," he replied with a nod. "I should probably be heading out now. See you tomorrow?"
"Absolutely," Kiran affirmed, a playful grin touching her lips. "Bright and early."
The tension between them seemed to linger in the air, only broken by Unsuur's deliberate step forward, a gentle yet firm hold of her chin, and a surprise kiss that left Kiran pleasantly dazed. It was sweet and tender, a moment she'd be sure to remember.
But their brief moment of affection was punctuated by an unexpected meow that reverberated beside them. As they pulled apart, Kiran's gaze shifted toward the source of the sound, revealing Captain.
"Oh no," Unsuur's voice held a hint of humor, though tinged with urgency. "You better get out of here, Kiran."
She shot him a playful smile as she began to back away, her gaze lingering on him. "See ya.”
In the quiet embrace of her bedroom, the dim glow of the moonlight filtering through the window, Kiran found herself lying on her back, staring at the ceiling above. Her thoughts were a tangled mix of the events of the day and the enigmatic presence of the deputy in training. It was strange how the air of mystery around him had ignited something within her—a flutter of excitement reminiscent of a grade school crush.
She couldn't help but smile to herself as she remembered their conversations, his steady gaze that seemed to hold more secrets than words, and the unexpected tenderness of his touch. It was all so unfamiliar yet exhilarating, like uncharted territory. The way he seemed to observe her, noticing the smallest details about her, was both unnerving and flattering.
But as sleep began to gently tug at her consciousness, her thoughts shifted from the present to the future. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to bask in the possibility of their interactions, the conversations, and the shared moments that might unfold.
With a contented sigh, she finally settled deeper into her pillow, feeling herself drift toward slumber. However, just as her consciousness teetered on the edge of dreams, an unexpected face appeared in her mind's eye. It wasn't Unsuur's features that greeted her, but rather the rugged face of Logan...
Surprise rippled through her as his face materialized in her thoughts. The dreamy anticipation she had felt only moments ago shifted into something more complex, tangled with memories and unresolved emotions. It was as if her mind was playing tricks on her, reminding her of the tumultuous encounter and the imponderable stranger whose memory still lingered.
She found herself in a dream, walking through the desert under a starlit sky. The wind whispered secrets as it rustled through the sand, carrying the scent of rain and adventure. And there, in the distance, stood Logan. His eyes were intense, a mixture of danger and allure, drawing her closer with an irresistible pull.
"Kiran," he called out, his voice a velvety caress that sent shivers down her spine. The desert landscape around them seemed to blur, focusing solely on him.
She hesitated for a moment, caught between the echoes of the past and the unknown future. But something in his gaze, something hauntingly familiar, drew her in. Slowly, she stepped closer, their worlds converging under the vast expanse of the night sky.
And then, as if suspended in time, his hand reached out to touch her cheek, his touch both electric and tender. A wordless connection hummed between them, a mix of longing and unspoken understanding. It was as if the desert held its breath, waiting for something profound to happen.
But just as the moment hung in the air, the dream shifted, like sand slipping through her fingers. Logan's features began to blur, dissipating like a mirage, leaving her grasping at a memory that was as elusive as the desert wind.
Kiran awoke with a start, her heart pounding against her chest. The dream left behind a sense of yearning, a mingling of emotions that she struggled to unravel. The memory of Logan's face, so vivid yet distant, lingered in her mind as she stared at the ceiling once more.
As the moonlight continued to cast its gentle glow, she couldn't shake the feeling that her heart was caught between two worlds—the one she had known and the one that was unfolding before her, carried by the currents of mystery and possibility.
The first rays of the morning sun crept through Kiran's window, gradually pulling her away from her dreams. She blinked away the remnants of her outlaw-filled reverie, the images fading as reality took hold. She pushed herself up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The dream was silly, she thought, like her subconscious was trying to play tricks on her. But today was a new day, and there were tasks to be done.
Without wasting a moment, Kiran swung her legs over the side of her bed and stood up. She moved with haste, buttoning her shirt and tucking it into her pants. As she stepped outside, the desert sand immediately met the soles of her feet, burning her toes. She winced and hopped on one foot while quickly putting on her boots, muttering a curse under her breath.
Once properly dressed, Kiran looked around her work yard. The morning air was crisp, and the sky was a canvas of soft hues as the sun continued its ascent. Her gaze wandered across the yard, catching on her tools, the half-finished projects, and the bits of scrap metal strewn about. Then, her thoughts turned to Unsuur's request for a "rockshelf," and she couldn't help but momentarily ponder its meaning.
"What the hell is a rockshelf?" Kiran mumbled to herself, furrowing her brow as she looked around, her confusion evident. She shook her head, a bemused smile forming on her lips. "A bookshelf for rocks?" The idea struck her, and a small laugh escaped her. "He wanted a shelf for rocks. That must be what it is-?"
Kiran's workshop was a treasure trove of odds and ends, and as she scoured the area, she managed to find a few suitable boards for the bookshelf. She laid them out on her workbench, surveying them thoughtfully. The sun had risen higher in the sky now, casting a warm glow over her workspace. With a determined expression, she set to work, measuring, cutting, and assembling the pieces into a small but sturdy bookshelf.
Her hands moved with practiced ease, the tools making familiar sounds as she worked. The desert breeze carried a gentle rhythm of its own, and Kiran found herself lost in the satisfying process of creating something useful. As she tightened the final screw, she stepped back to admire her work. The bookshelf wasn't grand, but it was functional and had a certain rustic charm.
Just as she was about to give herself a small nod of approval, Mi-an's voice cut through the quiet. "Hey, Kiran."
Startled, Kiran turned to find Mi-an standing at the entrance of her yard. "Oh, hey," Kiran replied, a faint smile forming as she wiped her hands on her pants. "What brings you here?"
Mi-an stepped further into the yard, looking around at the various projects scattered about. "Well, I was wondering if you had any spare parts lying around. We're going to need them to repair the tram cars for tomorrow morning's mission."
Kiran's enthusiasm waned slightly as she thought about the impending task. "You're welcome to look," she said, gesturing to the scattered supplies around her. "I'm sure there's something here that could be of use."
With a determined look, Mi-an began rummaging through the various bins and containers. Kiran watched her for a moment before returning her attention to the bookshelf. She gave it a final inspection, satisfied with the outcome.
Mi-an's voice broke the silence again. "I think we should have enough parts to repair the tram cars. Looks like we're in luck."
Kiran glanced back at Mi-an and offered a small smile. "That's good to hear. It's going to be a busy day tomorrow."
Mi-an nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Definitely. But I think we can handle it."
Kiran's gaze drifted back to the bookshelf, and an idea formed in her mind as she wondered how she was going to carry it up the street. "Hey, Mi-an, could you do me a favor?"
Mi-an looked up from her inspection of a pile of metal scraps. "Sure, what do you need?" She asked this eagerly as if she had been waiting for Kiran to ask for help since they first met.
Kiran gestured to the freshly crafted bookshelf. "I just finished making this bookshelf for Unsuur. Do you think you could help me carry it up to the Civil Corps office?"
Mi-an's eyes lit up with curiosity as she glanced at the bookshelf. "Of course!" She set aside the metal scraps and moved closer to Kiran. "Let's get this up there."
"Thanks, Mi-an," Kiran said as they carefully placed the bookshelf in front of Unsuur's door. "I owe you one." She gave Mi-an a grateful smile, hoping that she wouldn't have to call in that favor anytime soon.
Mi-an lingered for a moment, a mischievous grin on her face. "So, uh, you and the deputy?"
Kiran rolled her eyes, her cheeks slightly flushing. "Deputy-in-training," she corrected, her tone slightly exasperated. "Don't you have something else to do?"
Mi-an chuckled, clearly enjoying Kiran's discomfort. "Whatever you say, Kiran." With a wink, she started to back away. "Come find me by the tram carts when you're done, and spill all the details."
Kiran playfully pretended to throw a non-existent object at Mi-an. "If I had something to throw at you, I would," she retorted, her lips quirking into a grin. And just like that, Mi-an disappeared around the corner, leaving Kiran standing in front of Unsuur's door with a mixture of amusement and embarrassment.
Kiran gently knocked her knuckles against the door, her heart quickening with each passing second. She took a subtle step back, her nerves making her palms slightly sweaty. She brushed her hands down the front of her shirt as she waited, attempting to calm her racing heart.
Finally, the door opened, revealing Unsuur on the other side. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes automatically traveled over him - the absence of his jacket revealing a fitted black tee-shirt that showcased his toned arms. She had to remind herself to look up at his face.
"Hi, Kiran," he greeted, and she had to take another step back to regain her composure. She motioned toward the bookshelf next to her, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in her chest.
"Rockshelf," she introduced it with a hint of awkwardness, gesturing towards the wooden creation. "I can help you carry it inside if you—" Her sentence was cut off as he stepped out into the sun, effortlessly lifting the shelf with practiced ease. She watched in awe as he handled the shelf, her own arms suddenly feeling inadequate in comparison.
"No need to show off," she mumbled with a playful roll of her eyes.
With a nod, Kiran stepped into the small space behind Unsuur and he opened the door wider, allowing her entry. She closed the door softly behind her, the feeling of the confined space only adding to the fluttering in her chest. Her gaze was drawn to him as he set the shelf down on the opposite side of the room. He handled the task with such ease, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, even as she admired his strength.
Joining him, she stood beside him as he placed his hands on his hips, his gaze focused on the bookshelf she had crafted. His words brought a sense of accomplishment to her. "Thanks a lot, Kiran. This is great." His appreciation warmed her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
As her eyes roamed around the room, taking in the various crates of rocks and minerals scattered about, she realized that maybe he truly did need the shelf for organizing his collection.
She was drawn back to him when he spoke again, his question carrying a hint of curiosity that piqued her interest. "Do you have anything else going on right now?" His words prompted her to look at him more intently, wondering what he had in mind.
"No, not really," she admitted, knowing that she was supposed to meet up with Mi-an. However, for the moment, her attention was captivated by the deputy-in-training. "Why? Need help getting these rocks in order?" She gestured toward the scattered collection around them.
"Something like that," he responded, his tone giving away that there was more to his request.
"Maybe you could stick around and help me decide what rocks to put here," he continued, his voice drawing her attention back to the present. Kiran's mind seemed momentarily fixated on the chiseled line of his jaw before fully processing his question. The faint strains of music playing from the nearby radio added a sense of ambiance to the moment.
"Huh?" she blurted out, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden question. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she managed to form a coherent response. "Yeah, sure. I mean, I guess I can help you figure out your rock arrangement." A slight nervousness fluttered in her stomach as she realized that she was alone with him, in the intimate space of his room, her mind racing with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
Unsuur appeared unfazed by her momentary distraction, which eased some of Kiran's self-consciousness. He continued explaining his rock-organizing system, guiding her back to the topic at hand.
"So... the short of it is, I like to organize the rocks into three categories: high, mid, and low tier." His hand gestured to the levels of the shelf, as if visually conveying the arrangement. She nodded in acknowledgment, encouraging him to continue.
"The highest tier represents the rocks I like the best," he explained, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "The mid tier includes the ones I think are alright and definitely deserve a place on the shelf. And the low tier... well, those are the rocks I'm not exactly fond of, but I figure someone out there will appreciate them." He shot her a quick glance, as if checking for her understanding.
Kiran gave him an affirming nod, her mind absorbing the details. "Rock tiers. Got it," she said with a hint of amusement. "Bring em out."
"Then let's start with the top," Unsuur suggested, his tone focused as he knelt on the ground and pulled a box toward him. With deft movements, he reached inside and retrieved the first stone. "First, we've got onyx. Dark and mysterious. It's pretty shiny, reflects light. Makes you kinda wonder about the universe," he mused, examining the stone for a moment before passing it to Kiran and delving back into the box. "And this," he presented the next rock, "is painite. Despite the name, it's got nothing to do with 'pain.' It's just a nice red rock I've only found once. Director Qi said it's super rare, maybe the only one in the world. So... I guess you could say this rock is unique."
Kiran took the painite from him, holding it up to the light to admire its rich color and intricate patterns.
He went on, his voice thoughtful. "Zinc is really useful," he said, offering her a piece of the metal. "It's found in the wirings of our telegraphs, street lamp posts... even the firing pins in our Civil Corps pistols are made of zinc. I'd hate to live in a world without zinc." She nodded as he spoke, appreciating his insights.
He continued, reaching into the box once more. "And this one," he trailed off, his expression briefly uncertain. "Well, uh... I had some stuff to say about the others, but not this one. Oh well," he shrugged, standing up.
"Now Kiran," Unsuur stated, "choose your favorite." He paused for a moment before adding, his tone teasing, "And in case you didn't think the stakes were high enough... despite this already being high tier," he gestured at the rocks, "why don't we also choose a rock that makes us think of each other? I'll go first."
She held the rocks out in front of her, her heart suddenly racing. Her eyes were fixed on him as he selected the painite from her hand, his fingers brushing against hers. "Painite," he announced with a warm smile, his gaze locking onto hers. "Because it's the best rock, and you're the best rock." He carefully placed it on the shelf next to him. "Okay, now you pick one."
Kiran's mind was a whirlwind as she looked down at the remaining rocks in her hand, trying to remember what exactly he had said about them. Her fingers hesitated over the choices before she finally made her selection, holding up the one he hadn't mentioned anything about absent-mindedly.
He crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, interesting choice. The other one. So that's what you think of me? The underdog. I'm honored." He reached out and took the rock from her, setting it on the shelf with a chuckle.
She hadn't expected to be swept away in a conversation about rocks, of all things, yet here she was, feeling an odd mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "You're the best rock," she blurted out, feeling her cheeks heat up.
Unsuur's expression softened, his teasing demeanor giving way to a more serious look. "There can only be one 'best rock' by definition, Kiran," he said, his voice gentle, yet serious "and I already said it was you."
"Okay, mid-tier next," Unsuur announced, his tone light as he reached into the box to pull out a handful of rocks. He handed one to her and stood back a little. "Sulfur is toxic," he began, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I just like the way it looks. It's slightly toxic to touch, but definitely don't lick this one. It would make you pretty sick. Well, Captain licked it once and got sick. Guess it hasn't been tested on humans yet."
He handed her the next rock, "That's Selenite. Some people call it selenite rose. Couldn't really recommend licking it either. I mean, maybe once or twice is fine. It's pretty much just salt—" He abruptly stopped as he saw Kiran, her eyes dancing with mischief, lean in and give the rock a quick lick. "Ah, now you've gone and done it."
Kiran couldn't help but grin, the salty taste on her lips making her grimace slightly. "Well, you're right about it being salty," she admitted, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now my lips are all salty..." She chuckled, feeling a rush of playfulness come over her. "Wanna taste?"
Unsuur's smirk deepened, and he took a step closer, his gaze locking onto hers. He leaned in, closing the distance between them, and pressed his lips against hers for a brief but stimulating kiss. "Yeah, you weren't kiddin'," he murmured against her lips as he pulled away, his eyes holding a mixture of amusement and desire.
He held a piece of coal up to her face, the black rock contrasting with her features. "And coal is...well, just coal."
"That's the one that makes me think of you," she blurted out, a touch of playfulness in her voice as if anticipating his next question about her comparisons.
"Nice one," he responded with a chuckle. "You got me there. Boom. Roasted. Now I'm all burnt up...releasing greenhouse gases...oh no..."
Her laughter filled the air, a sweet melody that seemed to fit perfectly in the moment. "What's next?" she asked, genuinely curious and eager to see more of his collection.
He shifted his attention back to the task at hand. "We're about ready to wrap things up here," he said, reaching into the box at his feet and pulling out another rock.
"You know..." she began, her tone contemplative. "You sound really charming talking about your rock collection."
"Uh, thanks," he responded, a faint blush touching his cheeks at the unexpected compliment. "It's nice that you're listening. It's one of the things I like best about you. Not everybody likes to listen. I don't mind if they don't, but it's always better when somebody does. Especially when it's you doing the listening." He paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Gotta write that one down...later...on paper."
Her gaze moved over his features like a caress, an ache of longing deep in her chest. She couldn't help but reach out to him, her touch gentle yet electric as it landed on his arm. "I think we should finish this up later," she murmured, the words barely louder than a whisper, her eyes meeting his with a challenge.
He looked at her then, his dark eyes filled with such intensity that Kiran could hardly breathe. He seemed to be aware of her nearness and paused for the briefest moment as if taken aback by her sudden closeness. His hands hovered just above her waist as he leaned in closer, a current of electricity sparking between them. The morning sunlight illuminated his face with a golden hue, making him seem even more captivating.
"How about we do something...else?" Kiran lost herself in the warmth of his words against her ear, goose bumps rising on her skin as his breath tickled her neck. His playful remark made her cheeks heat up with excitement, and her limbs tingle with anticipation. She gazed into his eyes with an inviting smile on her lips.
Kiran felt a thrill go through her at his words and she couldn't help but smirk in response. "Oh really? What did you have in mind?" She was trying to keep her tone light and playful, yet there was something deeper beneath the surface - something that invited him closer.
He smiled back, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt herself drawn in by the intensity of his gaze. "I think," he began slowly, his voice low and husky, "that maybe we should just...enjoy each other's company." He reached up to brush his thumb along her lower lip, sending electric currents shooting through her body.
Kiran felt herself melting into him as he pulled her closer, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss that seemed to go on forever as their bodies moved together in perfect synchronization. She could feel the heat of his skin against hers as they clung to each other hungrily, exploring every inch of each other with their hands and mouths alike.
Kiran scrambled up the ramp leading to the trolley system, her chest still pounding from her earlier encounter with Unsuur. She hastily tucked her blouse back into her jeans, scolding herself in her mind for not being more composed. "Good job, Kiran," she silently snarked, ignoring the self-criticism as heat rose in her face from an amalgam of both exhilaration and humiliation. Her contemplation drifted back to the deputy, their conversation, and the unexpected closeness and intimacy that left her breathless and flushed. She had surely come to know him much better than she had anticipated; a twinge of pain in her lumbar region served to remind her of their eventful morning hours spent together.
As she reached the tram area, she found Mi-an tinkering with one of the tram carts, her hands deftly working on the mechanics. Kiran's breath caught for a moment, taken aback by Mi-an's capability and the sight of her amidst the machinery. Shaking off her daze, she greeted her with a slightly breathless smile. "Hey, sorry if I kept you waiting."
Mi-an glanced up from her work, offering a warm smile in return. "No worries, Kiran," she replied, her gaze flickering with curiosity. "You seem a little... preoccupied. Everything alright?"
Kiran's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she stammered for a moment before regaining her composure. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just got caught up with something."
Mi-an's gaze sharpened playfully, and her lips curled into a knowing grin. "Oh, caught up, huh? Must have been quite a captivating distraction."
Kiran cleared her throat, her embarrassment growing. "You have no idea." She hoped her flushed face wasn't too obvious, silently cursing her inability to hide her emotions.
As they continued their conversation, Kiran's shirt suddenly caught Mi-an's attention. "By the way, Kiran," Mi-an remarked with a chuckle, "your shirt is on inside out."
Kiran's jaw dropped as she glanced at herself, realizing what Mi-an had pointed out. How could she have buttoned her shirt backward? An embarrassed smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. "Maybe I got a little too excited," she confessed softly, feeling oddly comfortable sharing her enthusiasm with Mi-an.
Mi-an smirked knowingly, gesturing to Kiran's disheveled outfit. "Yeah, it looks like you really went for it, Kiran."
Kiran laughed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she bent down to tie her shoelaces. "I've been called worse," she joked. "Not that it matters what you think. I was in a hurry so I could meet up with you."
Mi-an smiled mischievously and winked at Kiran. "Well I'm flattered then," she said teasingly.
Kiran groaned and shook her head in mock exasperation before turning her attention back to their mission. "Let's focus on getting this tram system up and running by tomorrow," she suggested, setting her playful tone aside. "We better get to work."
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roguelioness · 2 years
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you said forever (and I almost bought it)
Fandom: Wayfarer
Pairing: (implied) Zayah Medrash/Aeran Kellis
Rating: T (angst)
Words: 1626
(read on AO3)
Nineteen, at last.
Zayah looks to where Aeran is surrounded by a group of people, several of them clapping his back and toasting him with tankards of ale. He catches her gaze, eyes bright and face flushed, and grins broad and wide. She replies in kind, hummingbird wings fluttering in her sternum at the attention. 
Nearly a decade of training, and here they are at last, Wayfarers in every sense of the word. 
Her smile drops, vanishes from her face as though it has been wiped away, and apprehension creeps into her stomach like a thief.
They’ll go their separate ways now, she and Aeran, as is the way for the Order. No more sneaking into the kitchens together in the dead of night. No more exploring the ruins in the basement, or grumbling at the books they had to read, or pelting each other with snowballs. No more climbing their way onto the roof after dinner to smoke the dreamweed she’d pilfered from Sero, talking about the vague, heroic dreams they wanted as their future.
No more chances for blushing, hesitantly stolen kisses beneath the starlit sky.
The air in the hall becomes stifling, and she flashes a quick, strained smile to Vesdon as they make their way towards her before fleeing to the balcony. The cold night air slaps at her face, and is a welcome respite from the sudden downturn her thoughts have taken.
Taking a deep breath, she lets it out slowly through pursed lips. The southern lights seem to be in full form tonight, as though they too wish to celebrate with the Spire’s inhabitants. The forest below is quiet and still, the tips of the brush-like canopy generously bathed with the moon’s gentle silver light.
For years she’s dreamed of this day, and now that it is finally here…
Zayah drums her fingers on the railing, a nervous tic she’s been unable to break.  Now that they’ve graduated, they will be cast out into the world to seek their own path. She’s known this, of course - it has been drilled into her over and over. Wayfarers travel the world, and travel it alone.
I need more time, the desperate thought dries out her throat. More time with him. Aeran is her best friend, yes, but he’s more than that; he’s settled into the marrow of her bones in a way she cannot understand or explain, only accept. Sero wouldn’t approve of her line of thinking; they’ve drilled independence and self-sufficiency into her, and she’s learned the lessons, but… 
Vesdon finds their way next to her. They bump their shoulder against hers, and give her a warm smile that shows off the sharpened points of their canines. “So,” they begin conversationally. “It’s finally happened, huh? Never thought that small, clumsy elf  who nearly cried when she heard of Sero’s gauntlet would graduate.”
“Oh, ha ha. Very funny.” The pendant is warm and heavy in the valley of her breasts, and her wrist itches from the fresh tattoo. 
“Shouldn’t you be in there celebrating? I hear Etris brought a flagon of wine all the way from Tol Covere just for you.”
Zayah flushes at the mention of Etris. The half-melusine - who is a few years older than her - was always polite and cordial while she was an apprentice, but the last time she saw him - a year and a half ago - there had been something in his gaze that sent sparks down her spine. 
“I doubt it,” she retorts. “He just got back from hunting that slaad near Lake Parthia.”
“Oh, so you’ve been keeping tabs on him, have you?” Vesdon’s eyes twinkle with mirth.
Her flush deepens. “He was telling me about it earlier, that’s all.”
They fall into an easy silence. Finally, she asks them the question she’s been itching to ask someone all evening. “What happens next?”
Vesdon glances at her, the grin on his face sputtering out at her somber expression. From the hall behind them comes a crash, followed by great whooping and cheering. They both turn to find–
Aeran kissing a woman.
Everything around her falls into sharp, stark silence. The world blurs except for the sight of Aeran and– Meira, she thinks dimly, he’s kissing Meira, he’s kissing Meira… her chest constricts painfully tight, every muscle locked in place, and she wants to turn away, she wants to stop looking but she can’t. seem. to. move. 
“Zayah.” Vesdon’s hand on her shoulder breaks her out of her frozen state, and she can’t fully hide the anguish when she look at him. They sigh, and wrap an arm around her shoulders. “Oh, Zayah. What have you done?”
“It’s nothing,” she says thinly, her heartbreak roaring in her ears. “It’s just…” she darts a look up at them, and her shoulders slump. “It’s just a crush,” she mutters. “It doesn’t matter.”
They’re silent for a long while. When they speak, it’s in a tone so gentle it’s a wound unto itself. “You know there can be nothing more,” Vesdon says. “Who we are, what we are… you can’t hope for a normal life, Zayah. There’s no one out there for us.”
“But,” she tries to argue.
“Others have tried, before you. It never works out.” There’s something about the way he says it that makes her think he’s speaking from a place of experience. “You’re friends now. But you’ll go one way, and he another, and before you know it years have passed. And when you meet again, neither of you will be the same as you are now.” They exhale, their breath a white fog in the cold air. “There are no happy endings for us, Zayah,” they are so bitter it startles her, “the sooner you learn that, the better.” With that, Vesdon walks away, returning to the chaos in the hall, leaving her staring at his back.
When her gaze finally breaks from them, she searches the hall, a blade twisting in her gut when she finds that Aeran is nowhere to be seen.
As is Meira.
-----
She’s due to leave in the morning, at first light. Her pack is ready, her blade newly sharpened, and her armor is neatly stacked in a chair. She should be sleeping, but she can’t. There are too many emotions snarled in her chest, tangled up like a gordian knot, and she’s too tired to try and decipher them. 
The edges of the roof tiles press into her back. She’s going to be sore come dawn, but she can’t bring herself to care. This wasn’t supposed to be this way. She was supposed to have been laughing and joking with Aeran as they packed their supplies, and in the midst of all the nervous anticipation and excitement, she would’ve worked up the courage to kiss him again, only properly this time, and it might have turned into something more, something sweeter, something better.
Instead…
Zayah tenses at the soft crunch of footsteps, then forces herself to deliberately relax. It isn’t his fault. Aeran doesn’t know how she feels, and even though there’s a sphere of polished resentment in her chest at his supposed betrayal, she knows he isn’t to blame.
“I thought you’d be playing one last prank on Sero,” he says. She can hear the smile in his voice.
“Already hidden away their favorite socks,” she replies.
“They’re not going to like that.” He grunts as he seats himself next to her.
 “No,” she keeps her tone light and airy, “they won’t. That’s the point though.”
He laughs. It isn’t a kind she’s familiar with, but new and different and strange seem to have been the lessons of the past few days.
The silence between them is unfamiliar too. She can sense all the unsaid things lurking at the edge of the boundary, and wonders what they hold. 
“I saw you hanging out with Etris,” Aeran says with the kind of casualness that feels forced. 
“He was telling me about his last job,” she glances at him out of the corner of her eye. “I’d have called you over but,” she lifts a shoulder and drops it, “you were spending time with Meira.”
He flushes, and clears his throat awkwardly. “She’s… interesting. Did you know she’s been to Mathara?”
“No.”
She doesn’t mean to sound so harsh, but it slips out before she can stop it. Aeran frowns. “You sound like you don’t like her.”
Zayah’s fingers fold into a fist, her knuckles pressing against her thigh. “I don’t know her well enough to have an opinion.”
“Well, she's interesting," he says again, only more defensively this time. "She's seen a lot of things."
"I'm sure she has," she mutters.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
She sighs, her agitation draining with the action. "Nothing," she exhales. "Look," she shifts to a sitting position and turns towards him, "I don't want to fight, okay?"
The moon lends an argent sheen to his azure eyes. "Me neither," he whispers. “Zee, I-”
“Yes?” she matches his pitch and his lean, their faces getting closer and closer with each passing second.
His gaze is a physical thing against her skin. She can feel it run along her cheekbones, down the bridge of her nose, and her lips tingle when he lingers on them. His eyes flicker back to hers, an indecipherable look in their depths. “I think we should get back down,” he pulls back with a clumsy attempt at a chuckle. “Get some rest while we can.” 
The cold in her stomach isn’t from the wind. “You go ahead,” her smile is an unfamiliar territory. “I’ll be right behind you.”
There are no happy endings for us, Zayah, Vesdon’s voice reminds her sternly, the sooner you learn that, the better.
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kikun · 1 year
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@drolliic said ; "Hey, give me your hand." Aether hums, holding his own out for the other to rest his own on top of it. Once that's done, his other hand reaches into his bag to take something out, making sure that it's perfectly hidden in his palm, catching Wanderer's hand between his own. "I hope this gift will help you find your way if you ever feel lost again. Happy birthday." before letting go to reveal a small box in the other's hand. It contains a necklace with the pendant shaped similarly to a compass. The little needle in the middle even moves!
❝ Huh? ❞ His attention falls to the Traveler, hand already halfway extended in its resting state. He offers it completely when awareness returns to him and once he takes note of the retrieval occurring. ❝ What are you doing, Traveler? ❞ The clasp of their hands almost elicits a scoff from the Wanderer. Why is he playing coy?
But as the conversation moves along, his eyes glint at the mention of a present. It is the first time that the Wanderer has indeed been confronted with the existence of a birthday. How had the entirety of Teyvat come across it? He must question Nahida.
With the box propped in his palm, Akihiko gently drifts towards it, opening the lid with care. He scans the tool laid in the middle, eyeing its delicate and intricate build. There has clearly been a detailed eye at work here. One that would have involved eons of labour.
He regards it a little longer, before he veils the gift in its box and fixes his amaranthines on the starlit individual.
❝ I… appreciate it. It is not often that I find myself lost, but, when the time comes, I will make use of this tool. ❞
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delishaimpex · 3 months
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A Valentine's Tale: Where Memories Sparkle and Love Shines Bright
A Valentine's Tale: Where Memories Sparkle and Love Shines Bright The crisp February air whispered promises of romance, carrying the sweet scent of anticipation. Sarah, with a fluttering heart, stood before the window of Delisha Gems, a kaleidoscope of colors dancing in the sunlight. Each sparkling gem held a story, waiting to be woven into the tapestry of love. A memory flickered to life - her grandmother, eyes twinkling with warmth, gifting her a delicate pearl necklace for her 16th birthday. "Pearls symbolize purity and love," she had said, "a reminder that true beauty lies within."
A gentle sigh escaped Sarah's lips. This Valentine's Day felt different. This year, she longed to express her love not just with words, but with something tangible, something that would speak volumes even in the quiet moments. Her gaze fell upon a dazzling pendant, a single ruby nestled in a bed of shimmering diamonds. It seemed to pulse with an inner fire, mirroring the fiery emotions swirling within her.
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Suddenly, a memory of her first date with Alex materialized. The nervous laughter, the shy glances, the stolen kiss under the starlit sky. She could almost feel his hand brush hers, sending shivers down her spine. This pendant, with its passionate ruby heart, captured the essence of their love perfectly.
With a determined smile, Sarah entered the store. The warm ambiance, the friendly staff, and the exquisite display of jewelry created a haven of love and celebration. As she held the ruby pendant, a wave of warmth washed over her. It wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of their journey, a tangible expression of her love for Alex.
Days later, under the soft glow of candlelight, Sarah presented the pendant to Alex. His eyes widened with surprise, then softened with emotion. "It's beautiful," he whispered, his voice thick with feeling, "but it doesn't compare to the love it represents." In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love, the pendant became more than just an ornament; it became a cherished memory, a symbol of their bond.
This Valentine's Day, let Delisha Gems help you write your own love story. Discover jewelry that speaks to your heart, that captures the essence of your love. It's not just about the sparkle of diamonds or the fire of rubies; it's about the memories they create, the stories they tell, the love they express. Let a piece of Delisha Gems jewelry be the spark that ignites joy, the whisper of a tender memory, the symbol of a love that shines brighter than any diamond. Because true love, like our gemstones, is meant to be treasured, cherished, and passed on, leaving a legacy of love that shines forever.
Visit Delisha Gems today and spread the love this Valentine's Day. Together, let's create memories that sparkle and love that shines bright.
P.S. Don't forget to share your love stories with us on social media using #DelishasLoveStory and inspire others to express their love this Valentine's Day!
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aatmanafashion · 4 months
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Tumble into Boho Chic: Gemstone Glitter & Free-Spirit Flair ✨
Hey, Tumblr fam! Feeling the call of the open road, the whisper of wind chimes, and the sparkle of sun-kissed treasures? Then saddle up, because we're diving headfirst into Boho Chic jewelry trends! Get ready to mix and match, layer with abandon, and unleash your inner free spirit, one dazzling piece at a time.
Summer Sun, Sandy Sandals:
Turquoise & Shells: Let the ocean shimmer on your wrist with turquoise statement bangles layered with delicate shell necklaces. Add a feather charm for a touch of breezy freedom. Gold Hoops & Sunstone: Catch the light in oversized gold hoops, paired with a sunstone pendant symbolizing warmth and optimism. Throw on a flowy floral maxi and be the goddess of beachy vibes. Beaded Anklets & Bare Feet: Skip the shoes and let your anklets do the talking! Layer colorful seed beads and gemstone chips for a playful jingle with every step. Autumn Leaves & Cozy Knits:
Layered Necklaces & Earthy Tones: Cozy up with layered necklaces in amber, garnet, and jasper – hues that echo the changing leaves. Mix metals and chain lengths for a bohemian tapestry around your neck. Feathers & Leather Bracelets: Channel the spirit of a forest adventure with a leather cuff adorned with a single feather. Layer with delicate gemstone bracelets for a mix of rustic and refined. Statement Rings & Boho Knits: Embrace bold rings featuring chunky stones or intricate metalwork. Let them peek out from under chunky knit sweaters for a touch of unexpected sparkle. Winter Solstice & Starry Nights:
Moonstone & Silver: Capture the celestial magic of winter with moonstone earrings and a silver statement necklace. Think icy landscapes and starlit skies for your winter wonderland look. Layered Coin Necklaces & Velvet Dresses: Boho meets vintage with layered coin necklaces nestled against a lush velvet dress. Choose vintage coins or handcrafted pieces for a unique story on your chest. Leather Wrap Bracelets & Sparkly Charms: Cozy up with a leather wrap bracelet adorned with glimmering charms like stars, snowflakes, or tiny moons. It's warmth with a touch of whimsical twinkle. Spring Blossoms & Barefoot Days:
Floral Earrings & Light Fabrics: Let your earrings bloom with delicate flower petals or vibrant gemstone blossoms. Think pastel hues and airy fabrics for a fresh spring vibe. Hand-Painted Beads & Dreamcatchers: Channel your inner artist with hand-painted wooden beads strung onto a dainty necklace. Add a dreamcatcher pendant for a touch of bohemian folklore. Anklets & Bare Ankles: As winter thaws, let your ankles jingle with colorful beaded anklets. Mix different patterns and materials for a playful, sun-kissed look. Remember, Boho Chic isn't about rules, it's about freedom of expression! Play with textures, layers, and unexpected combinations. Infuse your jewelry with personal meaning and stories, and let your inner sparkle guide the way.
Share your favorite Boho Chic jewelry finds in the comments! Let's create a shimmering tapestry of inspiration together! ✨
Don't forget to tag your posts with relevant hashtags like #bohostyle #bohochic #festivalfashion #jewelrylover #armcandy #layerslayerlayer #freeyourspirit #bohemianvibes #gemstonemagic #sparkleandshine and join the tribe of wanderlust souls!
Tumble on, Boho Queens! ✨
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lixrafurniture · 1 year
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How Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting Changes Your Room’s Aura?
The modern pendant lighting has become extremely in demand in almost every home. The Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting is the attraction point of your personal space. This illuminates the space to the level of intensity that you desire, that creates an ambience which is uniquely yours. 
The pendant lighting gives a soothing feeling to the eye for both homeowners as well as professionals too. This creates a bold style statement too. Also, you can Buy Table Lights Online at Best Prices from our collection. All these collections of decorative hanging lights brighten up every corner of your room. 
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There are many more reasons of why the modern pendant lights are being preferred over other types of lighting. Apart from these advantages, there is a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from. As a result, you can also choose the pendant lighting as per your choice of space. 
Convenience of Use 
Pendant lights are extremely useful as they are smaller in size. Also, they are used mostly as task lighting for example if you want to add some lighting on the above of your kitchen island it can be solved by putting one or two pendant lights. Also, you can opt to choose Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting for an enhanced look. 
How are the Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting Important for Bedrooms? 
The pendant lights are not only for kitchen or dining uses. As they put a dramatic touch to your space they are now used in the bedrooms too. The Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting helps you to give a revamped look to your room. You can have an industrial look with putting a concrete pair of bed on either side of the bed. Also, one can dangle a cluster o copper orbs from the bedside table for adding a touch of elegance for an enhanced look. 
If you are looking for a starlit ambience, then it is suggested to strew mini pendant lights all across your ceiling. You can choose to Buy Table Lights Online at Best Prices too. 
The Modern & Contemporary Pendant Lighting gives a revamped look to your space along with a touch of glory.
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andiloveyoutooangel · 8 months
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J4-CE (s/i)
Full Name: Javelin 4, Case E "Jace" Age: 23 Pronouns: he/she/they Relationship: romantic with Alexandria, parent of Coby, Keter and Dew Short Description: Tag: #[ starlit pendant ]
Date of Anniversary: Occupation: Lives in: Hobbies: Description:
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seala-fola · 6 years
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A Catholic, a Demoness, and A Broken Window
[Starter for @corpusdivina , forgive the title ]
Oran’s fingers itched as he watched the scene before him, the detectives working inside the restaurant. As much as he loved being an agent, there were days that he missed being out on a case like this. He could hear them talking somewhat through the broken window, standing just outside the yellow tape.
They hadn’t even done the perimeter right though. There was glass beyond the tape and as the redhead walked by, he grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. “Watch out, glass!”
And damn he was regretting that. His pendant rarely reacted even at work, but this nearly burnt him as he jerked at the cord. Last time it had a strong reaction like that was when he first met Devi...His eyes narrowed slightly.
Just what was she, that the protection charm would go on a blitz like that? “You alright miss?” Strange,she had red eyes, but maybe it was the light, or contacts. This was California after all, it could get a touch weird.
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boobaita · 6 years
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this  is  izu’s  fave  chewy  necklace
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Everlasting Starlight
The atmosphere finally veers its color into a deep navy blue, and the moon emerges in a newly formed hour.
Much like the atmosphere, it's brilliant and luminous, The night was overcast with the specks of billions of sparkly stars.
Perhaps it's a purposeful theme, maybe Mother Nature didn't want to include any alterations and modifications to the vast canvas.
As the night bloomed and the light became brighter and brighter, the sparkly stars were brightly flickering, and it was particularly brilliant on moonless nights like this night, it was like the world itself brightened up.
Its phosphorescence roused her awake, Peyton slowly opened up her eyes and noticed that her starlit pendant was brightly resonated alarmingly.
She looked over to the nightstand and noticed that the starlit mirror and its visage also brightly resonated, she began to lean over and grabbed the starlit mirror and looked at its visage
The visage has an image of the binary system in the constellation
An eclipse of one star by another in a binary system, causing it to bloom in a milky way
She gasps at the realization
Suddenly she has a sinking feeling about this
Then the visage went dark for a couple of seconds and then unexpectedly, the starlit visage of the garden's brilliance transported her
Eventually, she did faint beforehand from the luminance
Suddenly the starlit mirror went dark once again
When she came to and noticed that the starlit mirror resided on the ground
She got up and picked it up, and dusted it off, and began the tour of the vast sanctuary
Seeing the luminescence throughout, the brilliant glow is unprecedented
As the garden's interior began to be taken over by the unparalleled luminescence
The white roses in a row are illuminated as the stars in the night sky, even matching them
Standing in the starlit garden, basking in the brilliant glow
Holding the starlit mirror in her hand
Gazing up at the illuminating stars above through the glass chamber
The illumination brightens the interior of the garden
Putting her in somewhat of a trance
Trying to process what's going on
She heard a voice calling her name
"PEYTON!" "PEYTON!" "PEYTON!"
However, she didn't respond to it
Instead, she silently stood there
While basking in the illuminating starlight
Then she knew her fate was truly sealed
At the moment everything is set
Her life as she knew it, began to change
The starlight always has a way of revealing itself to those who are not aware of its presence
She felt its presence and was even stunned by it
Suddenly everything went completely dark
She lost consciousness and her starlit pendant went dark as well
The sudden silence is deafening and eerie
The eclipse's aftereffects have set themselves in
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herssian · 3 years
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i don’t usually post my writing on here but i was sent a few asks about my WoL and shadowbringers has officially ended and it kicked my ass, so i chose to inflict this upon you (~ ̄▽ ̄)~ set right before 5.0 ends
『♢』『♢』『♢』
It was Minfilia who had first called you the Warrior of Light.
Well, maybe. You’re not certain if that’s true if you’re at all honest with yourself. You think, if you stop and ponder hard enough, that some other soul named you before she even met you, someone in one of your myriad quests helping strangers across Eorzea. That was back then, when tomorrow meant little and the learned motions of every new day, repeated heroic acts of slaying primals, helping city-states, bringing a small modicum of order to faces you didn’t know and would never meet again, was all that mattered.
All that was, in all fairness.
You still help strangers now, that much hasn’t changed, but it’s different. You’re not fresh-faced, for one. Minfilia is gone, for another.
But it matters little because it was she who first uttered it like she believed it in her very soul and it was she who allowed you to finally feel at ease that maybe, just maybe, people weren’t wrong to call you that. That they didn’t see what they longed for in a feeble attempt to bring hope and order and a speckle of safety in their lives no matter the truth of your own limits. Maybe, you had started thinking after one of your first few meetings with the Archon, you were a Warrior of Light. She believed it so vehemently and, to your untold relief, left no room for doubt.
Looking at Norvrandt’s night sky speckled with stars more welcoming that you ever thought a sight to be, you think of her. You often think of Minfillia, the loss a low constant thrum always present in your body ever since that night in Ul’dah, after she urged you to leave, after she stayed and died, but you’ve been thinking of her more often lately, more actively ever since you arrived in the First.
Undoubtedly, Ryne’s presence has a lot to do with it. Even so before, when she was still called Minfilia and the anxiety was clear as day in her features, wanting something more but never daring to admit it to herself, both the Oracle and someone else, both to save and help, but to also simply… be. It’s the reason you took to her so easily, why you began keeping an eye on her during your adventures—sometimes even more so than Thancred, of all people, when he was lost in thought, too trapped in his own silent agony.
Ever since your friend’s final departure, ever since Ryne woke up with bright red hair and lighter shoulders, you stopped hurting as much. The dull ache dulled even more and even though you’d always miss her, always long for her guidance, at least you could sense her peace. Minfilia could rest now.
One day you might too.
“One can only hope, no?” you mutter to yourself with a mocking smile, eyes still upwards.
Your room in the Pendants, you decide, is too spacious. Too big for one person, even if they’re a hero, a savior, Hydaelyn’s beloved child and warrior. You do appreciate the view, however, so you spend many nights by the big window, staring up at a Lightless sky you gifted to all instead of resting as you should.
You don’t want to rest. You want to keep going, one foot in front of the other, until exhaustion overtakes you and forces you to stop. Doing so before that point would only bring you unneeded guilt; you’re alive and breathing so you should be fighting and helping and saving. You’re not good for anything else.
You don’t want to rest but nobody has to know that.
The Warrior of Light, then. The Warrior of Darkness too, now, and you’ve started getting used to that as well. You don’t feel that much like a warrior at all is what you should have told her back then, in the Waking Sands, when things where slightly less perilous, slightly less all-consuming and terrible and bad. It’s not you they should be placing their hopes on. You’ve made a mistake and it’s someone else who should be here. Someone else’s Echo burning bright with power and potential. Given time, you will let them down and it’ll be too late by then, the consequences too great to rein in.
It’s only because of Ardbert’s ghostly aether making its presence known some paces behind you that you make the effort to turn away from the starlit heavens. Even then, he too will join by your side to look at the First beginning to slowly heal, one Lightwarden at a time. One darker sky at a time.
He says something and you almost miss it amidst the cacophony of your thoughts but you manage to quiet it down before you begin one of your many night-long conversations.
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