#(//VIBRATES IN THE DEITIES) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

goodgollymissmeli · 1 year

Text

I have been gone for some time! But please don’t be too harsh, I return bearing a gift!! Remember that lil drabble, one shot thingy, Vulture’s Temple? Weeeeellllll, I wrote a part two!! I originally wasn’t planning on it, but quite a few people asked for it, and I got inspiration for it, so here we are!

Once again, thank you to @hanzidanzi, @selfshippinglover, and @janeelyakiri who all beta read this for me!

Genuine CW though, there is animal injury and death in this one; I mean, huntress gonna hunt. It’s a little graphic? But it’s not malicious in the slightest, and the animal and its remains are treated with respect. If it still bothers you, I’ll give a sort of tldr in parenthesis at the very beginning; but I do urge you to then jump down to the second set of “~~~~~~~~”. There’s a lil surprise there that I think will intrigue you all, hehehe~.

(TLDR: The huntress kills a deer, field dresses it [meaning she takes out all the inedible organs and leaves them behind], and returns to the area near the temple to butcher it properly; leaving an offering of the heart and choice cuts of meat inside the temple on a little altar she’s built. It’s been about a week since she arrived, and the wolves recognized that she belonged and have left her alone since then, even as she handles fresh, raw meat. Butchering the deer takes her into the night, and after washing herself off in the nearby stream, she collapses into her little shelter that she constructed a few days ago, feeling unworthy to sleep in the actual temple itself.)

The world slowed as the huntress drew her bowstring back, her arrow nocked and ready. She took a deep, slow breath in as she aimed right behind the shoulder of the broadside deer that stood mere yards away. The animal remained oblivious as it browsed, eating the leaves of the bushes for its dinner.

Her arrow flew straight as she loosed it, piercing the hide and into the flesh, causing the deer to stumble as the sharp tip embedded in a vital organ deep within. Spooked and injured it ran, hooves thumping inconsistently as it tried to compensate for the wound as it fled.

Quickly placing her bow around her torso, the huntress stood and went to track her prey, moving as easily as if the forest was her home.

After about an hour and a half of following the blood trail, she came upon the body of the deer laying in the undergrowth. The huntress took a moment to ensure it was dead before kneeling beside it. She raised the bear claw necklace to her lips and kissed it, a brief show of gratitude to her god before she was able to return to the temple for a proper prayer.

Then taking out her trusty knife, she began to field dress the animal; opening it up to rid it of the entrails within, while leaving the hide on to protect the meat. It was difficult and messy work, especially since she did her best to salvage as many edible organs as she could. Still, it was impossible to suppress her smile. This prize was such a bounty! She couldn’t wait to share these spoils with her beloved deity!

The sun was beginning to set as she returned to the temple, carefully dragging the deer by its antlers so as not to lose any of the edible organs that she’d placed inside the ribcage. Wolves passed her by at a distance, some glancing at her and sniffing the dead creature, but most paid her no mind.

It had been a week or so since her arrival, and since her first terrifying encounter with the carnivores. After seeming ready to kill her, they’d backed off suddenly that night, as though realizing upon closer inspection that she belonged; both in the forest and the temple. The huntress had a feeling that the deity she worshiped had something to do with it. The thought both sparked eternal gratitude, and made her heart flutter.

Using a tree near the temple, she hung the deer by its hind legs in order to slaughter it properly.

As had become habit with her kills over the past week, she took the best cut of meat from the animal and approached the temple. In this case, she carried the small, succulent tenderloins, a decent chunk of the back straps, and the heart; which was a piece that the huntress was particularly fond of when it was fried in a pan alongside onions and some garlic. These would be sacrificed, as only the best foods should be.

The dilapidated and overgrown structure looked particularly beautiful in the fading gold of the sunset, the huntress thought to herself as she approached it. When she hadn’t been gathering food during her stay, she’d been trying to repair it as best as she could, despite lacking any proper equipment. There hadn’t been much progress, in all honesty, the rocks that had made up the building were large and heavy; many were impossible for her to lift above hip height. Still, she’d cleaned and cleared out what seemed to have been a main room of sorts, and had carefully created a sort of altar in the safest corner of the room. Along with the building repairs, she planned on decorating the altar and eventually the entire room to hopefully suit the taste and status of a god.

With her head bowed respectfully, the huntress placed the cuts of meat and the heart on the altar, before taking a step back and kneeling on the ground. Her prayer was one of gratitude for the successful hunt, and of hope that he would enjoy the ‘fruits’ of her labors. Her heart was full and warm as she prayed, and it remained that way as she returned to her work outside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was very late when the huntress washed herself as best as she could in the cold stream nearby. Teeth chattering as she shivered, she made her way back to the fire she’d built earlier, so she would be able to see as she cut the flesh from the bones, and so she could cook some of the meat for her dinner. The rest of the food she had put in a safe place, while the bones she had taken deeper into the forest and had spent a good portion of her time burying; as a sign of respect to the animal that had died to provide herself and her deity sustenance.

Once she was fairly clean and completely dry, she put out the fire before retiring to her shelter. After that first night it had felt sacrilegious to sleep on the ground that had once been a temple, especially considering how dirty and unworthy she was. Therefore, the next day she had set up her own shelter a respectful distance away. It was into this meager structure that she collapsed, barely having the presence of mind to remove her boots and actually climb into her sleeping bag.

Despite her exhaustion, she felt happy and content as she drifted into a much needed restful sleep, feeling like her life was on the right path.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The forest was just as active during the night as it was during the day, perhaps even moreso. Calls of both predator and prey echoed throughout the moonlit ecosystem, animals skittered and stalked through the darkness, creating a nighttime symphony that he blended into seamlessly.

His mask and cape firmly in place, the ancient being stepped out of the dilapidated building that had once been dedicated to worshiping him. Sniffing the air, he tilted his skull at the makeshift shelter nearby, trying to catch the scent as his heavy steps thumped slowly closer.

This human was certainly a curious one. Some would call her foolish, interacting with a god that most had deemed malicious. Yet she’d shown nothing but kindness and loyalty, even though she’d nearly died for it, and all she had to show for it was a simple necklace.

And now here she was: dirty, exhausted, sleeping on the ground under a tarp that protected from some wind and rain, but would do nothing against large animals.

He ducked his head down to better see inside, sniffing curiously. The human shifted and raised her head slightly, looking towards her feet to the entrance of her little, temporary home. She blinked at him sleepily before laying back down and mumbling something. All he caught was the word “moose,” before her breathing became deep and even once more.

Hmm, a strange human indeed…but a kind one nonetheless. He watched for a moment longer before backing away and returning to his abode. Perhaps he’d done the right thing in gifting her a blessing, and allowing her here. Only time would tell.

#and!!!#the Vulture perspective has been approved by Jan!!#so i think it counts as canon!!!#i was legit so excited by that i actually started vibrating #deity!au #vulture!sans #deity!vulture #also yes #the huntress thought the god she worships and adores #was nothing more than a big ol' moose #talk about missed opportunities!

18 notes · View notes

tvrningout-a · 7 months

Text

steeples my fingers. what if lif, miss favored daughter of the mother goddess sunna, was the one who waged war. what if lif became so enraged and resentful of the mortals who did not respect the land and creatures within it despite her efforts. she created elves, nymphs, dragons, and likely others to help foster love for the wilds she had so carefully nurtured, but rather than listen, the mortals squabbled. they killed as they pleased. they destroyed lands to hurt each other. they forced her children back to the forests or into hiding, and lif grew bitter -- even more so as her brother sjor was banished to the sea for his own anger towards the mortals who caused famine among his children of the sea.

so much death and suffering, yet sunna did nothing. lif would not be like her mother. she would act.

i haven't decided on all of the deities who side with each goddess, but i do think it's interesting to have the two creation goddesses fight each other! tbh, only lif could really be counted as sunna's equal ( or at least close to it ); i think the major difference between them is that sunna believed in limiting interactions between deities and mortals to avoid disaster, whereas lif believed deities should play a somewhat active role in the mortals' lives. she wanted to act as an actual parent, in a way. she wanted to protect her children and fight their battles, but sunna believed that would only make matters worse down the line.

she was kinda right. involving themselves and involving mortals in their affairs only led to more bloodshed and destruction. lif's actions and the resulting war are why none of the gods reside in the mortal realm ( except for sjor, but no one knows about him save for the merfolk ) and why the gods do not often grant miracles or meddle as they used to. in order for their children to flourish, they let go and allow them their independence.

there's!! a lot for me to think about now that i have a more solid idea of what " the great war " was really about and who started it!! i'm so excited y'all :' ))

#gonna stop myself from just listing all of my thoughts because i surely will asdfg #writing this even helps me better imagine sunna's character and perspective which is very nice #i'm probably never going to write her as a muse but i need to be able to understand her to an extent #since she plays a huge role in rin's story #i think she is easily mistaken as cold but it's not that? it's just she understands that it isn't her place to meddle in someone's life #she is a goddess and a mother but she gave her children free will and minds of their own for a reason #for better or for worse their lives are their own and she will not step in until it's truly unecessary #AAHHHH I'M JUST!!! VIBRATING AFTER THIS TBH!!!!#ALSO THE OUTRAGE FROM LIF AND SJOR BC MORTALS WON'T JUST!! RESPECT LIFE AND NATURE AND WHATNOT!!!#i really don't which deities would side with them if anyone tbh?? all i know is sla holes up in her mountains with her dwarven children #and refuses to take part in the war bc screw that asdfg #oh my gosh this really really makes me so excited :' ))#headcanons | dórverold

2 notes · View notes

deitiesofduat · 2 years

Text

DEITIES Update -- October 2022

Hi All! Time for a kinda-spontaneous-but-not-really Project Update, along with the current events of this month -- which is a DEITIES themed OC_Tober + and upcoming Askbox Session!

I understand if this all kinda came out of nowhere, so I'll use this short update to share my plans and any additional context, and I hope it's something to look forward to! More information is under the cut!

——————————

OC_TOBER 2022 PLANS PART 1 of 2 -- DEITIES CAST LINEUP & PROFILES

The gist of my OC_Tober plan this month will be sharing separate profiles and featured art each weekday in a thematic order for the DEITIES Project -- 5 per week, 20 total. These will likely debut on my art twitter first, and then be mirrored on tumblr later the same day.

This is my minimum goal, but I'll gauge my free time if I have the bandwidth to do some extra things for fun -- like any additional new art, meme templates, blog posts on the website, or other nostalgia trips.

The character profiles for tumblr, twitter, and my other media accounts will use a new format that I'm still preparing. Meanwhile, anyone who feels like learning more about the deities can view their full profiles on the project site -- https://deitiesproject.com/characters

Fullbody Lineup (Tumblr) -- https://deitiesofduat.tumblr.com/post/696945815967694848/hi-everyone-its-been-a-while-d-so-heres

Higher quality + Full-size Images -- https://sta.sh/21y4noqrsk91 (These are best seen on desktop admittedly, tumblr’s version is is better for mobile viewing!)

For those who feel like viewing / sharing on other social media:

Twitter Version -- https://twitter.com/ColaCanvas/status/1576316256982302721

IG Version -- https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMe683Ds4w/

Artfol Version -- https://www.artfol.me/a/xAk0tvl

(( NOTE: I'll probably revisit this update to add more quick links as well, once I finish organizing what I need this weekend. ))

——————————

OC_TOBER 2022 PLANS PART 2 of 2 -- MONTH-LONG ASKBOX SESSION (Upcoming!!)

In addition to the character profiles, I'll also reopen my tumblr Askbox to answer as many project questions as I can -- albeit gradually, likely to share on the weekends. It'll also help me gauge how much volume I can manage, and whether it something I can keep open or at least re-open more regularly.

As of now the Askbox is still closed -- I was aiming to open it by the start of the month, but needed to put all my energy into completing the lineup before the end of September 😂 Please give me at least another day to rest and prepare before I reopen it, I promise I'll give you all another heads up once it's ready.

In the meantime, you'll find some updated guidelines and FAQs here on the main site -- https://deitiesproject.com/faqs/

(FWIW: I've been working on a site alternative of the askbox for anyone who doesn't have a tumblr, but it'll need to wait a bit longer before it's ready to launch. This shouldn't affect anyone following this tumblr already though, so it's business as usual for anyone who wants to submit questions here -- just please be sure to read the updated guidelines and FAQs first, thank you!)

——————————

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT

I've established in the site's Introduction page how development for DEITIES Project is still ongoing. But I've been having to balance it next to other tasks that require my attention, hence why it's felt a bit slow on tumblr and elsewhere.

Fortunately, some good friends convinced me to participate in this year's Artfight this past summer. Drawing each other's OCs renewed my creative energy, and I enjoyed the encouragement from my peers + the sheer enthusiasm for each others' OCs, it was a great experience with everyone!

From there, I felt re-energized to revisit DEITIES Project and see what next steps and WIPs I could tackle, and I could see that it sorely needed a full lineup sheet for some time. This was especially given how some characters were lacking clear visual references, or had some that were heavily outdated!

This years OC_tober felt like a good opportunity to address this massive to-do, and to re-introduce some of the cast along the way. I had to wait until it was basically finished before I could give you all the heads up, but hopefully it's something to look forward to this month!

——————————

I'll wrap up this update here for now -- if I do add anything more it'll be minor things or edits over the next few days. Anything important (like the Askbox reopening) will be given a heads up on the main blog. With that said, I look forward to sharing more DEITIES Project this month, and hope you all enjoy!

#// I'll swing back to update to edit any new links and text later; meanwhile give me another day or so to reopen that askbox #// I also admittedly need a day to rest before I set up more profiles + I want to indulge in hyping my friends' OC_tober runs as well!#// vibrates excitedly for this month I can't wait!!#DEITIES Project #DEITIES Updates #DEITIES text

16 notes · View notes

rosehappy · 8 days

Text

💎Happiness Formula: Key 5

Embrace self-discovery, embrace transformation.

Embrace tranquility, find inner balance.

Kindness is a superpower, use it.

Embrace self-acceptance, celebrate diversity.

Embrace self-compassion daily.

Unlock motivation, tap here for free gift.💝

#love life #good vibe tribe #ares deity #loki #bigsmile #tropicalvibes #bee reblogs #friendlys #wwwo #tiles pattern #archiereggie #bollywoodedit #pll #my brain is a mess #positive vibrations

0 notes

orlalife · 9 days

Text

👌Cheer Guide: 5 Vital Energies

Cherish connections, nurture relationships.

Inner peace, outer harmony follows.

Calmness, your ally in challenges.

Embrace your worth without question.

Be brave, chase your dreams.

Free motivation gift, tap here to receive.😊

#selfworth #self reflection #artemis deity #dolores haze #astro notes #blkcreatives #molasses #girl #socool #i hate how i was treated #positive vibrations

0 notes

traumatizedjaguar · 3 months

Text

The Gods are very different from what you read and what you’re told about them. Obviously, don’t believe everything you read. I know the higher realms they’re always all about being your best self, pushing yourself, being more virtuous everyday, being a light in this world bc the world needs it, you’re here to serve the world. Use the heart for discernment.

4 notes · View notes

hexora · 6 months

Text

15 Grimoire Page Ideas That Aren't Basic

Chronomancy Correspondences:

Explore the connection between time and magic, including auspicious moments for spellcasting, planetary hours, and lunar phases.

Echoes of Enchantment:

Discuss the use of echoes and resonance in magical workings, tapping into the vibrational frequencies of words, symbols, and intentions.

Liminal Spaces Invocation:

Explore the magical potency of liminal spaces—thresholds, crossroads, and in-between places—and how to invoke their energies.

Numinous Nectar Elixirs:

Detail the creation of magical elixirs using rare and ethereal substances, discussing their uses in rituals and ceremonies.

Quantum Sigilcraft:

Delve into the intersection of quantum physics and sigil magic, exploring the idea that consciousness can influence reality at a fundamental level.

Astral Alphabets:

Introduce lesser-known alphabets or symbolic systems used in astral travel and communication with otherworldly entities.

Dreamweaving Spells:

Discuss the art of crafting spells that are specifically designed to be cast within the dream realm, influencing waking reality.

Candle Color Alchemy:

Explore the magical properties of less common candle colors and their associations with specific intentions, emotions, and energies.

Chthonic Charms:

Focus on charms and talismans specifically attuned to underworld energies and deities, connecting with the mysteries of the subterranean realms.

Technomancy Scripts:

Examine the use of coding languages, digital symbols, and technology-based sigils in modern magical practice.

Quantum Familiars:

Explore the idea of spirit companions that exist beyond the constraints of time and space, bridging the gap between the metaphysical and quantum realms.

Sacred Geometry of Sound:

Investigate the use of sound frequencies and sacred geometry in combination, exploring how they can enhance magical rituals and spellcasting.

Ephemeral Elementals:

Discuss the existence and interaction with elementals that are tied to fleeting or ephemeral elements, such as mist, shadows, or reflections.

Psychotronic Crystals:

Explore the use of crystals not only for their physical properties but also for their alleged ability to interact with psychic and spiritual energies.

Aetheric Anatomy Cleansing:

Detail practices for cleansing and balancing the aetheric body, exploring lesser-known energy centers and channels.

2K notes · View notes

tuhtofu · 11 months

Text

Thinking about Sugar daddy!Pantalone, who escorts you by the arm in public, flashing his close-eyed smile as he shows off the fact that you chose him to the world. Is there a greater honor than that?

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who hires one of his underlings to hack into your phone just so that he can search through your texts for anything you might possibly want that you’re hesitant to ask for. Somehow, you always find yourself spoiled with everything you can think of, and in turn, you throw him a gentle smile as you jokingly ask if he can read your mind. God, that smile of yours is like a drug to him.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who travels with you all around the world, eagerly taking you to the most luxurious spots and making sure that you don’t have to move a single finger, no matter the cost. Though he’s got plenty of rats by his feet, ready to serve him, you’ve got him under yours.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who doesn’t hesitate to take out anyone who dares to look your way for a moment too long. Anyone who has the audacity to offer you help, whether it’s one of his servants suggesting to put your jacket on, or a strange man opening a door for you in public, is met with a death glare that later, when you, the deity beside him isn’t there to witness it, leads to their demise.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who always offers to take care of you. Arrived home after a night out? You mustn’t waste those beautiful hands on something as miniscule and pathetic as changing. Your jacket’s already on the hanger, and he’s on his knees, slowly removing your expensive shoes. He takes a moment to admire the sight in front of him, thinking about all the times he’s been in this exact spot before.

Like when he’d look up at you, just like this, with pleading eyes, begging for you to step on his cock. It has no use, after all. He’ll give you anything you want, as long as you bless him with that disdainful look on your face when you watch how drools and squirms on the floor, trying to gain control over the way his hips jump at the feeling of your foot rubbing him.

Or when you actually allow him to cum from the stimulation, and he knows that the only place to do so is on your shoes, for the sole purpose of buying you new ones, but more than that, so he can lick them clean afterwards, like your own personal dog.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who feels like he’s too cocky for his own good, and needs you to put him down where he belongs. Make him scrape his knees on the floor while you tug at the leash in your hand, one that’s attached to a beautiful silver collar with your initials carved on it, as you force him to crawl to you with his credit card in his mouth. Promise that you’ll only allow him to spend his money on you if he repeats that he’s nothing but a wallet to you, an utterly useless pet whose only purpose is to serve you in every way possible.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who always gets bratty when his ass is stuffed, whether it be by a plug or your cock. He’ll purposefully ignore your commands, talk back and degrade you, resist when you attempt to restrain him, all in hopes that you’ll punish him and fulfill his masochistic desires.

Throw him on the bed, pound into him, gag him with your fingers, spank him with a paddle, torture his cock, gods, just please do whatever you want to him, as long as he’s left in a puddle of cum, drool and tears, unable to think a single coherent thought.

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who loves the strong and powerful image the two of you exude, and the fear in people’s eyes when they recognize him. Little do they know about the ropes hugging his body tightly underneath his clothes, or the vibrating butt plug that’s sitting comfortably inside him, filling him with the anticipation for the moment it’ll turn on. How about the pretty, pink cock cage that serves as a constant reminder of who the true owner of his body is?

Sugar daddy!Pantalone who’s completely and utterly obsessed with you. No money in the world compares to your gaze. His body and soul is nothing if not yours. He would do anything, whether it be betraying his own god, or burning the world away, just to be close to you.

#dom reader #sub genshin #sub pantalone #gn!reader #genshin impact smut #genshin smut #dom!reader #gn reader #sub character #sub genshin impact #sub!genshin #genshin impact

3K notes · View notes

viridian-tay-leaf · 10 months

Text

Made an actual video on YouTube instead of shorts of my art like usual. I'd appreciate it if y'all checked it out, interacted, and came over there to join me on my journey.

I'm going to comic con tomorrow so I won't be able to interact as much then but I will as soon as possible. I plan on making 1 or 2 videos a week depending on my schedule & will share what I have learned on my journey with you.

💜Again, please reblog or click the link below to support me and my journey~💜

youtube

💞 Be good, be kind, be safe~ 💞

2 notes · View notes

trensu · 11 months

Text

Steve had always wanted to be a skilled fighter. The schools that churned out the best fighters all happened to be schools for holy warriors. It was possible that Steve maybe sort of lied a little (with the help of his friends Robin and Dustin) to get into this school by claiming he was full to the brim of religious fervor but hadn’t decided who to pledge his sword to yet. It shouldn’t have worked, if he were honest with himself, but by some stroke of luck it did, and he finished his training as one of the top combatants.

The issue now was that he had to pick a god whose crest to carry. There were all sorts of gods. Gods of water, gods of air, gods of agriculture, war gods, cat gods, plant gods...the list was endless. And while Steve was one of the best fighters around, he was most definitely not one of the best researchers. Thankfully Dustin and Robin were very clever and knew where to find details about the many gods in existence.

“So what kind of god do you want to follow? Maybe we can start there,” Robin asked.

“Uh…a good one?”

“You’re no help at all, you know that?” Dustin grumbled.

They suggested a local god known as Carver who stood for righteousness, but Steve turned that down. It didn't feel like a good fit. They suggested a love god by the name of Chrissy, who valued love of all kinds, romantic, platonic, familial...Steve had been tempted, very tempted, because Steve had always carried an excess of love in his heart. Robin had vetoed that one stating that Steve was already too reckless with his love and she wouldn't stand by and watch him break his own heart over and over again.

Dustin suggested a god of knowledge, Clarke, who blessed and guided those with curiosity, imagination, and a knack for invention. Steve shot that one down immediately. He was never one to be overly imaginative or curious; he preferred to deal with concrete things. Out of their quickly dwindling list, Robin reluctantly suggested Hargrove, a war god favored by a nearby kingdom, but if Carver was ill-fitting, then Hargrove was outright repellent to Steve.

"C'mon, Steve, you gotta pick someone!" Dustin huffed in frustration.

Robin thunked her head against the table in the library where they were looking up deities. She was obviously at her wit's end too. Steve, however, just dug his heels in with a particularly stubborn scowl.

"I can't just pick anyone!" Steve said. "If I'm going to pledge my sword to someone, it has to be someone...someone good. Someone that, I don't know, someone I can believe in, even when--no especially when things go wrong. That’s the whole point!"

"Yeah, I get that," Robin sighed, a mix of fond and annoyed, "but this is the eighth book we've gone through and the only one left here is called the King of Darkness which is hardly going to--huh."

Robin paused mid-rant to look at the page more closely. Steve and Dustin both huddled around her to peek into the book as well. Dustin also made a sound of curiosity.

"That's weird," Dustin said.

"Right?" Robin asked enthusiastically.

"What? What's weird?" Steve didn't get what caught their attention.

"This god only has a couple of sentences," Dustin explained, "And they don't really make sense. Something about dark creatures and the undeserving? The grammar and structure is all weird though."

"It looks like a half-assed translation," Robin added with a nod. "We should find the original text."

"Yeah! And if we can make a better translation, we could get it added to the next edition and they'd have to put our names on the book," Dustin said excitedly. Robin's eyes lit up at the thought and they both rushed off to the stacks to track down any original sources.

"Guys! Guys, what about my..."

The librarian hushed Steve, irritated. Steve groaned in defeat.

"...godly choices. Yeah, fine," Steve slumped back on his seat. "I need to find non-nerd friends."

Two days later, Robin and Dustin finished translating a slim, dusty book. They were nearly vibrating in their seats as Steve reviewed their notes on what they found. Dustin gripped his arm and gave him a shake.

"So? What do you think?" he asked excitedly.

Robin slung her arm across Steve's shoulders. With more tenderness than Steve expected, she said, "I know it doesn't seem like it, he doesn't really fit with your whole style, but it could work."

"Yeah," Steve said with a hopeful smile. "Yeah, this feels right."

It took longer than Steve would've liked, but eventually he managed to track down a small, crumbling shrine. It was an alcove carved near the entrance--no more than a crack in the stone really--of a cave at the edge of a lush forest. He almost missed it, it was so drowned in overgrown crawling vines and weeds. It bore a modest statue, no bigger than Steve, standing atop an equally modest plinth. There was a spot that obviously held a plaque once, but it must’ve been dug out by thieves at some point.

The sight of it made something in Steve's chest twinge; a strange pang of melancholy at seeing a god so forgotten and abandoned. It surprised him as he had never been particularly religious, but there was just something about this one that drew him in.

It was the middle of the day, so Steve quickly made camp and took advantage of the light to begin clearing the shrine. He started where the plaque had been, scrubbing off the dirt and moss that had filled the indentation. He knew a good smith; he could commission a new plaque to be made. After that, he weeded the immediate area around the plinth where worshipers would typically lay their offerings and pray.

By the time he finished that, it was late afternoon and he decided that was good enough for today. He had to eat and get a few hours of sleep so he could be alert once night fell. When he curled up on his bedroll, he couldn't help the grin that spread on his face. He was going to offer himself to his god tonight, and with any luck, his god would accept him.

He woke to a multitude of high pitched squeaks and the sound of many, many flapping wings. The sun had just fully set, and the stars that could be seen through the canopy burned brightly. Steve took his time to fasten on his armor and scabbard properly, and fixed his hair so not a strand was out of place. He took a few deep breaths to calm an unexpected bout of nerves before going to the shrine and kneeling.

His god had no official prayers. Or rather, the prayers for his god were forgotten. Robin and Dustin did their best to find anything prayer-like but it had been in vain. They suspected that most of the god's holy items and lore were purposely lost. Lacking that, Steve decided it was best that he introduce himself.

"Um, hi," he started and immediately winced. "Sorry. I'm not used to...this. I couldn't find any of your…holy words? Prayers? The right ways to speak to you, I guess.

"I'm Steve. Steve Harrington. I'm a fighter. I finished my training a few weeks back. I was the top of my cohort when it came to combat. I'm good with my sword and I know how to take a hit. I can turn just about anything into a weapon if it's needed."

Here Steve paused for a moment, straining to hear but there was nothing other than the typical sounds of a night out in the woods. Steve took a breath and plowed forward.

"I want to be more than a fighter, though. I don't want to just wave a sword around for nothing. I want it to...to matter. So I spent a lot of time trying to decide who to wield my sword for. It took me a while, but I found you. I want to be your shield and sword, if you'll have me."

Steve stopped again to listen. Nothing. Robin warned him this might happen. Gods didn't always accept warriors who offered themselves to them, and forgotten gods weren't always reachable. It was fine, though; he’d try again tomorrow night. Steve turned in just before dawn, eager for night again.

Steve worked on clearing the vines tangled around the statue's legs and feet. He yanked out the thick, scraggly vines, and carefully picked apart the prickling thorny ones. There was a particular gnarl of vines that didn't seem like they had a stranglehold on his god's statue. They were healthy and strong, and the way they curled and grew looked more like a caress than an invasion. He decided to leave those on, though he gently rearranged them while removing the more invasive vines so they looked more decorative.

When night arrived with the sound of squeaks and wings, Steve went to kneel at the shrine. He introduced himself again, gave the same spiel as the night before. Still he heard nothing. He scratched the back of his neck in mild insecurity.

“I guess I should tell you I didn’t find you on my own. My friends Robin and Dustin helped me. They’re way smarter than me, you know? Total nerds. I can swing a sword like nothing, but books and research? Yeah, that never works out for me, so they helped me look up all sorts of gods.

“There’s a lot of them. Way more than I thought. Dustin and Robin both recommended me ones or vetoed others. They were getting frustrated with me because I kept rejecting the ones they gave me.

“Then Robin found you. Kind of by accident, to be honest. But she did her research thing and I knew that I wanted to carry your symbol. It took me forever to find this shrine. Robin said this was probably the only shrine you had left, so I had to find it.

“Dustin kept saying it was on the other side of the forest, but obviously he was wrong. Not that he’ll ever admit it, the little shit, but whatever. I’m sorry your shrine was abandoned like this, but I promise I’ll fix it up. I’m good with my hands, I can do it.”

There was no response to his admittedly disorganized ramble. It was fine, he told himself. He needed to be patient. He’d come back the next night.

–

Around the statue’s waist there was another tangled mess of vines, except these vines had died and rotted to dark sludge. There was fungus growing on it, and it reeked. It was gross. Steve scrubbed at it for hours because the rot had stained the stone. He was able to get rid of the rot and most of the stains before going to catch a few hours of sleep in the afternoon.

Night fell and Steve was kneeling for the third time. He repeated most of what he said the previous two nights. There was still no response. He thought maybe he was pushing too hard. He’d never been the super talkative type anyway. He could share the quiet night with his god, if that was what his god wanted.

A few hours passed when he was startled out of his near meditative state by the sound of snapping twigs. He leapt to his feet, hand on his scabbard. Someone–a man by the look of it–stumbled out of the woods. He was pale and dark haired, dressed in ragged clothes that were probably awful even when they were new. He looked like a vagabond.

Steve stepped in front of the shrine, protectively. The stranger grinned at him and Steve could already tell he was not going to enjoy the conversation that was about to happen.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Steve asked firmly, cutting the man off before he could speak. The smile only grew wider.

“I could ask you the same thing, sir,” the man said, adopting the annoyed huff of a wealthy lord. Steve scowled.

“I asked first.”

“I asked second!”

“You didn’t ask me anything,” Steve responded, somewhat smug. The man paused and then snorted a laugh.

“Yeah, okay.” He raised his hands in mock surrender. “You got me.”

“So?”

“So what?”

“What are you doing here? Who are you?” Steve repeated shortly. The teasing grin was back, and Steve felt his scowl deepen.

“Nothing and no one, m’lord,” the man bows mockingly.

“I’m not a lord.”

“Huh. Could’ve fooled me. You’re certainly as demanding as any lord I’ve ever met.”

“Oh fuck you,” Steve snapped. “I’m a holy warrior.”

The man laughed at him outright.

“Well that doesn’t sound very holy warrior-ish. Are your type allowed to swear?”

Steve grinded his teeth and decided it was not worth it to continue this conversation for much longer.

“Look, if you’re here to steal, I’ve got nothing on me.”

“That’s exactly what someone with something to steal would say.”

“Well, I don’t! I’m on a pilgrimage and I don’t want to spill blood on holy ground. So.” Steve wrapped a hand around the hilt of his sword. “Leave. Please.”

“Holy ground? Here?” the man barks out a laugh. “Don’t you know what this place is?”

“Yes,” Steve says shortly, placing himself more firmly between the shrine and the man. “Please leave. There shouldn’t be violence done here.”

“Oh, it’s far too late for that. This place used to belong to the King of Darkness. It’s said he was so evil that nothing grew here until he was run out and defeated by the god of righteousness. You know the one. Really plays up the holier than thou thing by making his hair all gold and glowy? Gotta say, you could give him a run for his money though.”

“You’re wrong.”

“No really! Your hair is great. Way better than Carver, even with the glowy thing.”

“Not that!” Steve said in frustration. This guy really liked the sound of his own voice and Steve was starting to get a headache. It was near dawn and all he wanted was to spend the last hour or so in the quiet night with his god.

“So you agree your hair is better than a god’s?” The man tsks at him. “That’s pretty blasphemous. Are you sure you’re a holy warrior?”

“No! I mean, yes. Wait,” Steve growls at his own bumbling. “No, I’m not better than any god. But I am a holy warrior. Kind of.”

“Kind of.”

“Look, I’m working on it so I need you to leave. You’ve insulted him enough already.”

“Your god is the King of Dark–”

“Call him that again, and I will draw my sword,” Steve said, voice steely. “He’s the Lord of Night, and I won’t let you insult him at his own shrine.”

The man goes quiet for the first time since he showed up. He looked almost surprised, his mocking grin gone. His eyes flicked over to the dilapidated statue and then back at Steve.

“Lord of Night doesn’t sound much different than what I called him,” the man said lightly.

“Well, it is,” Steve told him. “Now, will you please leave?”

The man stared at him for a moment before shrugging. “Yeah, alright.” And then he left as suddenly as he had arrived.

The tension that had built up in Steve’s shoulders drained away. He went back to kneel in front of the shrine again when he noticed the barest hint of sunrise on the horizon. He cursed under his breath then was hit with a wave of embarrassment at cursing in front of the shrine and the whole situation that had transpired.

“I’m sorry about that,” Steve said, abashed. “It won’t happen again, I promise.”

–

It happened again.

now with an additional snippet here and here

ps: i do not do those reader tag list things. if you'd like to keep up with my stuff, follow my writing tag: trensu tells stories

#trensu tells stories #stranger things #steddie #steve harrington #robin buckley #dustin henderson #eddie munson #i don't even know what to call this #it's an idea i'm playing with but i don't know how well it works #if you're curious about the setting so am i!#if you figure it out do me a favor and tell me what it is #i have more written but it's not done #i'm hoping to post it as a oneshot on ao3 when i finish it #IF i finish it #we'll see i guess #ETA #came up with a title/tag for this #stasis in darkness

2K notes · View notes