#Inanna the wolf

[paperstarwriters]

When Things Go Wrong (Feat. Inanna)

I know the larger trend is to lean comedy, but I couldn't help myself lmao. Also oof, the fic ended up with a lot less focus on things going wrong and a lot more focus on repair. Whoops lmao Pairing: Inanna & Reader (Platonic; familial), Muriel & Reader (Platonic, though could also be viewed as romantic)

Warnings: slight angst, hurt/comfort, Reader deals with feelings of inadequacy, Inanna acts a lot like Muriel.

Summary: Inanna had lost her pack once before, but here, she found a new pack with you and Muriel. It's small, but it's hers, and she will do what she can to protect every member of this little pack. So, when things go wrong, she has to fix it.

Vesuvia Weekly Prompt | Masterlists | The Arcana Masterlist Word Count: 4,085

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"And? When it all goes wrong, what will you do?"

When Inanna was a pup, she would have flashed her teeth in a terrifying snarl, gnash her jaws and howled her answer: "Fight! I would fight, I will fight!" But that is the bark of a child, of a pup, though she knows many grown wolves who would yowl the same sentiment.

Perhaps she shouldn't treat this as if she was somehow wiser. After all, it is wise for a wolf to solve problems with their fellows in a wolfish manner. The predicament occurs when you're dealing with a not-wolf-pack. Two strange magicians with one that too often loves to leave the pack and explore like an overeager puppy, while the other stumbles around occasionally like a newborn. Of course, then there was the snake, mischievous in the same way their wandering puppy magician was, and yet somehow much worse from their small intimidating size, and ability to slip behind and between and into things, without other people knowing. It's terrifying sometimes to see a snake and fear for your life only to realize it's your friend, covered in mud, intent on scaring you to death.

There were others as well, the tall slim bird-man. who sometimes had the face of a bird with cold unblinking eyes which he could somehow remove and leave on a wall, with his own raven friend who freaked out at the slightest inconvenience. There was the soft one, with her tiny little cat, who blinked and "meep!"ed at random intervals and fascinated Inanna to no end, unless she got angry which made her far more terrifying.

There was the wispy one, dressed in spiderwebs with an owl by her side. Inanna liked the owl, for their conversations, but she could never get around the sight of it turning it's head all the way around to stare her down. She's tried it before, it's very very hard to do, and yet the owl can do it without even blinking. Not to mention how irritatingly silent she can be sometimes as she flies around them.

Ah, but in short, they were an eclectic bunch, and though they didn't stay as closely together as a typical pack would, they were close enough, visiting often and being kind to each other. Especially her familiar, and the stumbling magician-ling. Muriel rolled his eyes at the title she gave you. Magician-ling, as if you were a newborn magician. She knew that wasn't true, but she thought it was a fonder title than, the undead. Muriel certainly seemed to prefer it.

Muriel certainly seemed to prefer you.

She remembers the delight in watching the two of you grow close, how you seemed to open the floodgates of connection and re-established his ability to find solace in a pack, to have friends, to have fellows he could rely on. Perhaps not fellow wolves, but someone at least. After he grew close to you, suddenly he was eating with others, suddenly he wasn't so alone anymore. And neither was she. She loves you for that, for giving her a pack to be with again, even if it was more spread out, and even if there were sometimes where they'd end up alone again, it was a little pack she found herself a part of all over again. Her pack. Her home.

And as you spent more and more time sleeping in their den, sharing Muriel's warmth, and cuddling up with her, she found her delight as a member of a pack of three. Muriel was happier with you to, so, so happy as his face grew soft, and his smiles grew wide, and when he did his chores, or wandered through the forest, you would sometimes jump up and delight her in a game, in a chance to chase, and jump and throw and catch, and sometimes, Muriel would join in too, and like a pair of wolves chasing after an agile deer, she would hunt you alongside Muriel peppering your face with kisses instead of bites when they inevitably found and caught you.

It was fun. It was happy. Small as you may be the three of you were a pack, which was why she had to fix this.

She knows why it happened, why you left so suddenly, and she's ashamed to know she had a paw in your sorrow large and clumsy as she was, she had knocked over your inkwell onto your book. You had been working on that so intently, staying up so late... too late in her and Muriel's opinion. It was the source of so many of your disagreements, and when you found it soaked in ink, all you did was cry.

She didn't mean to. She really didn't mean to. Her tail hit the bottle when she saw you finally taking a break and it just spilled all over the pages. And in that moment, you didn't dare to even look at her.

"Don't follow me," you had told Muriel with a frightening look in your eyes. You didn't say the same to her, though Muriel tried to argue for her to follow regardless.

"They don't want to be bothered," he insisted. "I... I think they just need to take a breather."

She could tell, in the way that familiars could, that more than anything, he wanted to defy that request. Instead, with his dexterous hands, he tries to salvage your work, to clean up the mess that she made, that she's helpless to fix, that she would only ever worsen if she even dared lay a paw upon it.

Still, she had to do something.

Muriel doesn't call after her when she slips out the door. The sound of wood creaking open, the sound of it slamming shut after was unmistakable, but he says nothing, despite that deep connection that would have allowed her to hear him despite the distance. He's silent, and though her chest pangs at the thought of leaving him in that state, she knows finding you, and fixing her mistake would surely bring you back, would surely fix his mood. So she tracks you down, the agile deer she's caught many times before, following your familiar scent, the familiar prints you leave in the forest around you, and finds you far far far away, crying, and gasping, panicking in that way she's seen Muriel do so many times before.

And in that way she's done to Muriel so many times before, she curls around you, lets you rest your head against her pelt, and quietly speaks, though she knows you can't hear.

"I'm sorry," she whispers. "I didn't mean to."

You lean into her touch, sob into her fur, and don't accept her apology, unable to understand a word she speaks. Her distress, is visible, is audible and you try to sniffle and pat her but you're too caught up in your own distress to try and console her. He licks at your tears, wiping them away like she's seen Muriel do with his hands, and you giggle at the feeling. She doesn't intend to make you giggle, but she keeps licking over and over again, if only to hear you laugh instead of cry.

"Inanna!" You bat her away, as gently as you can manage, and it pains her to be unable to tell you the same things Muriel does. You sound so sweet when you laugh, so why must you cry? Why cling to the sorrow she's given you when all she wants is to make you smile?

She wishes you could understand when she says how sorry she is.

Still, she curls around you, tucks her head atop your lap, and tries to keep you warm, to keep you company as you struggle to terms with the mistake she's made in you. At the very least, you sweep the tears from her eyes, and you fix her with a sad and tired look, like a puppy denied her mother. A pup denied her home.

Inanna knows she is giving you the same stare.

"I'm sorry Nana," you mumble perhaps in reply to her own sorrow, and she presses her face further against you, agonized at the idea that she has made you sorry. That you feel the need to apologize at all. Was it not her mistake that made you cry? Was it not her mistake that sent you running?

You lean in, and bask in the feel of her fluffy pelt, rubbing your hands against her fur, in that soothing manner that all you humans so loved to do. She basks in the feeling, the soft and tender feeling, and presses herself further into you, as if it would grant her more. It's greedy perhaps, but it seems to soothe you as much as it does her, as tears slowly dribble, then drip to a halt.

And you look to the forest your soul somewhere far away. And you look the spitting image of Muriel before you came into his life.

And she wonders what happened to you, when you made their life better...had... had they been making your life worse?

She nudges her face into your stomach, hoping and praying that you would get the message. She is curious, she wants to hear your thoughts. She does not want you to be alone in whatever suffering she and Muriel had left you to endure alone.

You look down at her, and as if by some miracle you smile and hear her silent plea.

"Do you ever feel like you're not what you're supposed to be?"

And Inanna curses the fates, the heavens and the moon who guides her. Curses that she was given such a wonderful pack to be a part of an eclectic mix of creatures big and small who all share that connection of affection with each other, who, though not often can sit at the same table and eat their shared catch together, and share whatever meal they've caught in their hunts. She curses that she's been given such a tiny intimate loving pack amidst the larger one, and that she is powerless to protect either when she cannot bear her teeth at the problem.

She wishes, again, begs and pleas to the very moon she just cursed that you could understand her once more.

"I do not understand," she would whisper in sad sorry sound "I am what I am and you are what you are, what is incorrect of our existence?"

And you look down at her, and twist that smile into a pitying thing. With a hand on her jaw you rub at your cheek and chuckle as she allows you this minor cruelty, forcing one eye shut, as she stares with the other.

"You're so tame Inanna, so kind. People say wolves should be fiercer, scarier than this. You seem almost more like a dog sometimes."

It's another cruelty that she must allow. If you could hear her, she would bear her teeth, scold you for thinking such cruel terms, as if others' thoughts could make her any less the wolf she is. But you would not hear her words, and you would not know her anger was not at you. Her jaws remain shut, though she could open them to remind you of her nature. And she leans further into your touch, to inform you of the rest of her.

She can be scarier, she can be fiercer, to her prey and any threat, but only a foolish wolf would bear her fangs at a pack-member in need.

"Inanna, did you know me when I was alive?"

She stares once more, eyes turning up to observe you from where she rests in your lap. She knows you now, and you are alive now. Is that not enough?

Again that sorrow pools in your eyes, sags over your shoulders and brings pains to your fingertips as you clutch at her fur. She wants to whimper to whine in pain but her silence is her gift to you, and an urge to listen to more.

She is here to fix, perhaps this is more than her mistake, but she has caused you pain and she wishes to know how to fix it—if she could fix it. The job seems grander and grander with every word that falls from your lips, every twist of your expression in pain and sorrow, and she is left helpless at her inability to talk to you as she so wishes.

"I knew more magic then, right?"

She tries to nod. It's true, before your death you knew far more than you knew now, but then you had seemed so unhappy as well. Wouldn't you be pleased to let go of such sorrows?

"I wish I still knew all that magic."

It clicks then, and she wants to speak. She begs for the ability to speak.

"Asra mentions it sometimes, how I used to be smarter, stronger, more capable."

"I wish I knew more magic too," she wants to say. "I wish I knew how to tell you that you're enough."

"Does Muriel ever mention it? How it would be nice if he didn't have to cover for my clumsiness all the time?"

"I wish I could tell you how much we love you."

Inanna does what she can. She shakes her head furiously, as she's seen you and Muriel do many times before, and she bears the brunt of dizziness that the movement brings. She wants to tell you that you're wrong, she wants to tell you that you are loved, she wants to tell you that to her, newborn as you are, you are just as powerful as the you of that past, that you had magic that your old self never could have reached. You had the ability to bring people together, to make a pack from a crowd of such different animals.

You had the magic to give her a pack again.

A pack of her, you, and—

"Are you okay?"

Muriel! Inanna leaps up, and she wonders at how she hadn't thought of it before. In a manner reminiscent of the day she first truly got to know you, she rushes behind Muriel, forgoing telling him what he needs to do in favour of telling him all that you were suffering alone. Muriel, she knew was clever. He'd know what to tell you, and he could speak for her too.

And yet when they turn to look at you, when she drags Muriel by his clothes yanked from between her teeth, she catches sight of your eyes growing wide, of your brows drawing down and your own body retreating from the both of them.

"Ah, sorry," Muriel tries to say. "I know you said not to follow you, but Inanna sounded distressed and—"

And you looked at her as if she had betrayed you. Hot tears building up on your face as you look away and try to hide, to hide from the both of them, of course, but to hide from yourself, she thinks as well.

"I'm fine. We're—Inanna and I were fine," you speak, around a mouthful of your own flesh and clothes. She can hear the shudder of your throat the warble in your tone, and she knows it is not merely from her keen ears that the sound carries through.

Muriel fixes her with a look, concern worry and curiosity, but when he whispers to her, in a voice only the two of them can hear, he asks her not to tell him. Not right away at least. She knows. She accepts, she never would have even if he didn't ask.

"Nana... Inanna wasn't fine."

You go still for a moment, back straightening, as if you're about to turn, before you burry your face deeper into your lap an attempt to hide more shame. Still the source of your sorrow, Inanna curls up beside Muriel, intent on doing the same.

"I'm sorry," and you sound so, so small.

Was this what he meant? When Muriel once fussed over his towering size. You sound so small, smaller than a bunny, smaller than a squirrel, you sound as if you could be held between her jaws and locked behind her teeth, and if she held you like she held a pup, she would have to take extra care not to bring you any harm.

It sounded like even before starting, she had already failed.

"It's not you," Muriel clarifies, shuffling close to lean against you. He starts with a hand on your shoulder, gives you ample time to shrug it off before he comes in with the rest of himself, pulling you into his embrace, into his affection and care.

And Inanna watches as you relax, suddenly wishing she was more like you.

She is a member of an eclectic pack of many different animals, but one mostly made of humans. Maybe she could take better care of you all if she traded her fangs for a form like yours. If she traded her fur for your skin.

She curls up beside you, trying to amend her inadequacy, and your hand finds her fur, stroking once more, calming even more.

If she can soothe you like this, then perhaps it isn't so bad.

"Inanna wanted to talk to you, but you can't understand what she says."

You say nothing, but you look away from the both of them, and Inanna understands. You still long for that magic so far out of your reach, you still long for the spells that you once had before your demise. She's sorry that she had stood between you and your goal, sorry that she had ruined your hard work to achieving it.

"She says she's sorry," Muriel says, and you sigh, shoulders sagging, as your hand returns to her fur.

"Its okay Nana, it was an accident I know."

"no, no, not only for that," she whispers.

"Not only for that," Muriel says.

"I'm sorry you think that you are lesser now than you were before"

"She says she's sorry that you think you're lesser now than you were before."

"I'm sorry that you think you are inadequate"

"She's sorry that you think you're inadequate."

"I'm sorry that you think we don't love you so much as you are now."

"She's sorry—" and Muriel falters, words dying on his tongue. "Do... do you not think we love you as you are now? Do you think we'd love the you from before... more?"

"It's not.... I know you didn't even really know me then" you try to argue back, but your voice warbles and cracks and though you try to deny it, it's clear the feeling was there. "But I... I was such a skilled magician before. Asra tries not to mention it but.... but I hear it sometimes. In the way that they speak.... they look so sad, so disappointed, as if they're upset that I'm not like that anymore—and I know that they're probably more upset that I've forgotten them," you're hiccuping now, gasping for air, that your lungs deprive yourself of a self harm that mirrors your words, cruel bitter things, where you pretend as if it's foolish for you not to be so hurt. "It's just that... I... I ... It'd be nicer wouldn't it? If I wasn't so clumsy, and if I knew all those spells. I'm sure I knew a spell to understand familiars once, I could've talked to her—I could have talked to you Inanna. And I just... I thought that maybe if I studied a little more I could do it again. That you know, maybe I could do other things too, and you wouldn't need to help me so often.

"I just feel like there's just so many things I can't do anymore. So many things I don't remember how to do, that would be so, so helpful."

And Muriel speaks exactly what Inanna thinks, without a word of encouragement from her side. "Do you think you aren't really helpful right now? Even if you aren't helpful, it doesn't make you any less...wonderful."

With his dexterous hands, Muriel slips your cheek into his palm, cradling your face, as he shuffles around you to make it easier for you to turn to him, to make it easier for him to wipe away your tears, to make it easier for him to tug you into his chest, let you sob into his shirt as he holds you tight. Inanna nuzzles up beside you, rubs her cheek against your shuddering ribs, and though it's hardly the same as the affection Muriel gives you, she hopes you can feel it too.

"You've done so much for me. For Inanna too. You remember how you told me that my past doesn't define me? The same applies to you, you know. You're amazing now, what does it matter how skilled you were before?"

"I don't know," you sob. "But... gods, it still makes me feel like I've somehow failed. Like I've grown worse over time instead of getting better. I should be getting better, shouldn't I?"

Muriel opens his mouth to say something, but grimaces at the thought. Inanna knows. Inanna knows full well what he's thinking, and she speaks for him, before he chooses silence.

"I... um... oh... Inanna says that.... no pup learns how to walk without stumbling, and.... and that no hunt future hunt will be better if the current one is successful. And.... and she says that even if she fails to catch her food, she is no less a wolf. And... and that applies to the both of us."

Muriel's face turns a little pink at the mention, and you turn to look up at him, your own hand coming up to mirror his own, cradled on his cheek. As you ask with your heart of concern, "You think you're not good enough?"

His brows dip though that pink colour doesn't go away. "I should be saying that to you, you know. You already know so much magic..."

"And you know so much about the forest, about life."

Muriel scoffs, eyes growing dark. "I know a lot about ending it."

"And a lot about healing it. Even without magic, you know how to mend wounds so well."

"And even without as much knowledge as before, you know how to do so much." You scoff at his retort, and Inanna buts her head against you, something Muriel is eager to translate. "Inanna agrees."

You roll your eyes, at their shared agreement, and smile. Muriel smiles in turn seemingly satisfied with this outcome, but Inanna is not convinced.

She speaks through Muriel, wagging her tail as she squirms into the space between the both of you, hoping to curl up around both of you and emphasize her points.

"Nanna!" you yelp

"Pfft." Muriel swats at her tail, likely stuck in his face. She doesn't regret a thing, only that it makes him slower to speak. "Inanna, oof, Nanna says that she loves you by the way."

"Both of you. I love both of you."

Muriel stubbornly refuses to voice the latter part. She swats her tail against his face again. "Hey! Okay, okay, both of us she says."

"You are my pack."

"She says we're her pack," and Muriel further translates. "She says we're her family."

"Inanna..." You open your arms, and let her into her lap, showering her with affection and cuddles, hands scratching and petting and fluffing and rubbing. "I love you too Nanna!"

From the side Muriel watches with a small smile on his lips as Inanna peppers you with slobbery kisses, and before he dares lapse into any feelings of isolation, Inanna twists, intent on pulling him into this pile of affection and play, as for the first time in a long time, she shows her love for her family the way a wolf does best.

So perhaps she cannot fix her pack's problems by bearing her teeth. She can fix them with play and affection with kisses, and with help. She's not alone anymore. And neither are either of you.

#familiars screwed up #but she also fixed it in the end lmao #x reader #reader insert #Muriel x reader #Muriel the arcana #Muriel #the arcana muriel #the arcana muriel x reader #the arcana #Muriel the mountain man #Muriel the hermit #muriel of the kokkhuri #muriel arcana #muriel the hermit #Inanna #Inanna the arcana #the arcana Inanna #Inanna the wolf

[bri-the-bi]

The worst part about being in fandoms like the Arcana is that everyone’s so talented with art and stuff and I’m just here in a pile of fabric and a broken sewing machine trying to get my dog not to eat poop and screaming I WANT TO CREATE BUT DO NOT HAVE THE SKILL

Anyway this is aforementioned dog I named her Inanna after Inanna and she’s adorable fluffy

#she’s just a fluffy lil thing #Inanna #the arcana #guys look she’s adorable #LOOK AT MY DOG YOU FOOLS #yes she’s named after the wolf from the Arcana #my friend joked that she might be a vampire because I said she can’t have garlic because dogs can’t have garlic #i said that might be kinda awkward considering I named her after a wolf #sometimes I’ll just imagine muriel interacting with this fluffy lil Pomeranian named after his wolf #or just think about inanna interacting with inanna #this gigantic black wolf and this tiny lil 4 month old Pomeranian

[littlegrrl7]

Not an apology

I’m busy writing on two series and a anthology piece right now, and as my brain is locked into that I like saving art that inspires me. So expect to see me reblogging pieces.

Skadi-  polyamorous wolf-shifters, found family, full out war between opposing packs. I’m doing so much that is both on and off genre in this one that I posted the first draft to A03 to untangle it in my head and see if it might have an audience. Not a day goes by that my brain isn’t working out a 5 books series an the twisting plot lines. So yeah, I save a lot of werewolf art because it relates in my head, or I just like it.

Queen of Swords- Badass goddess Inanna, demons from the underworld, dragon the size of a castle stalking her, fuckbuddies to enemies to lovers vibes. Hoping the first draft of this one is done by the end of may because it’s tearing my brain apart with the angst. This novel accompanies the novella Queen of Heaven coming out in June in Celestial Awakening.

Untitled sapphic anthology piece - THIS - I’m putting together a sapphic fantasy romance anthology with a couple author friends who approached me about the project. The gorgeous cover is done and I expect to be officially announcing it by June. It’s my first sapphic piece, and I can’t wait to dive in. Who wants a cozy fairy tale love story between a tavern keep and the impish selkie who gets tangled in her fishing net? This short story is screaming to get written and I have to tell it to take a number I’m busy.

#writer woes #toomanystories #never enough time #wolf shifter romance #badassgoddess #inanna #sapphicsweetness

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

I come with another mini request, what if the mc babied the m6s familiars. Like the familiar is on their seat and the m6 try to move it and mc playful gasps and tells them to stop being to them. (I do this with my friend and their cat) :) ty for the last mini request it was delightful

- 🦞

The Arcana Mini-HCs: When MC babies the M6's familiars

Malak (and Julian): you have never seen a raven look so smug, or a plague doctor look so much like a wet puppy. Malak is delighted that at least somebody has the sense to take him seriously. Julian doesn't know how to feel about having to share your attention with a bird

Faust (and Asra): oh, she loooves your coddles and attention. yeah that's right, Asra, she's going to be the one sitting next to you while they have to settle for the other side of the table. Asra playfully pretends to be annoyed but he can't stop the grin on his face

Chandra (and Nadia): she's ... not sure how to feel. is this a sign that she's been treating her precious familiar poorly? is this yet another area in which she's failed someone precious - oh, you're just messing around? well then, prepare to be playfully fought over

Inanna (and Muriel): let's be clear - Inanna does not like to be babied. however, she loves it when you tell Muriel that she's right and he should listen to her. this usually results in you getting wolf cuddling rights and Muriel hiding his smile under a fake huffy sulk

Pepi (and Portia): well, of course you'd dote on Pepi. all cats deserve and expect their human companions to adore them. it's about time Portia caught on, really, she's been starving for fishies for the last four and a half minutes. Portia enables it to the point of spoiling

Mercedes and Melchior (and Lucio): these dogs are smarter than they let on and they think the opportunity to get the credit they deserve after what Lucio put them through is golden. they'll hog all the attention you give them and then some. Lucio's offended

#ask arcana brainrot #the arcana #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #the arcana game #asra the arcana #julian the arcana #nadia the arcana #muriel the arcana #portia the arcana #lucio the arcana #asra alnazar #julian devorak #nadia satrinava #muriel of the kokhuri #portia devorak #lucio morgasson

[vestercorax]

Soft domestic fluff with M6 — Waking Up

Asra

The Shop now opens an hour later.

Yes, that’s a new schedule. Something about different day length, did you know-

No, Faust is not bribed with snaccs, she’s just hanging out on the doorknob, why?

Oh, look how conveniently you are snuggled, now it will be considered a crime to separate yourselves, and you don’t want crimes in your house, do you?

He doesn’t want to hear anything about bribery being considered a crime

Asra really just wants to enjoy every minute you’re together, when nothing is bothering you or demanding immediate attention (which happens all the time, hard magicians’ life)

Mornings are the most suitable time, when you can speak unhurriedly, dream a little and plan your little next week’s adventure

Nadia

Nadia has to wake up early, even on holidays :(

That habit is ingrained so deeply that it is an outright surprise for her if you don’t share it. Everyone rise early to get everything done, no?..

It warms her heart to see you so relaxed and satisfied in your bedchambers like nowhere else

She leaves, but servants are already preparing everything for your awakening

Nadia will make up for all the skipped morning caresses in the afternoon-

Lots of kisses and tea brewed with petals will improve your mood, whichever way you woke up

One day you wake up and first thing you feel is the weight on the other side of the bed

Your eyes fly open just to see Nadia’s ruby ones filled with tenderness and adoration, as she observes you and smiles bright and soft at your expression

Only then you notice the lightest tracing of her elegant fingers caressing your pillow-marked cheek

Julian

Julian is headed straight to work upon waking up

This man’s body wakes up much later than his brain does — it occurs to him it’s time to eat only an hour or two after he dug into his notes

Do you like taking naps? Good

After a brief activity burst (which consist of wolfing down the delicious breakfast you brought him) he is back in bed

No, not a single movement for at least half an hour.

Perharps, besides…

Yeah, pillow fights, sounds incredible

May or may not pretend that you stabbed him with a narrow one to doze off a little

Are deadmen supposed to have such a death grip on their killers, huh?

Portia

Portia is an early bird

The earlier you wake up, the more time there is to get done with work and have fun!

Extremely energetic + wants you besides immediately

Before you know what is going on, she is already straddling you and tickling your sides

She wants to press her nose into yours until you wake up, to peer into your eyes with her bright blue ones. But she just can’t contain her excited giggling at the simple thought of the spooked little jump you’ll definitely make

She’ll get there one morning, don’t even doubt.

If you get too cranky, she will leave you be… for a week at most.

Muriel

Muriel will leave at dawn, desperately trying not to wake you. He doesn’t want to disturb you; it’s his chores after all

He ignores your demands to stop to consider every chore only his own

Will ask Inanna to check on you if he is wandering far into the forest. He knows you will be safe, it’s just… He feels more reassured this way

Congratulations, you are guarded by a big floofy wolf, who thinks to guard = to lie flat on you and sometimes poke her nose in yours

She’s right, honestly

If you are tough enough to sleep through that, prepare for the ultimate attack: breakfast

Riding proudly on the wolf’s back to the kitchen, you are greeted with a “good morning” hum

As you eat half-sleepily, Muriel adoringly studies your face, trying and failing to hide it

His own face turns slightly red, when you try to feed him a little bit of your portion, even though he has already eaten

You succeed.

Lucio

If it was up to him, he would be staying under the covers till the sun has passed its peak

Oh, wait, it is up to him. The deal is sealed then.

And he will be very delighted to have you in his arms

Carefully, you won’t be able to escape after indulging even once. Lazy and long mornings, stretches, laughter and adoring stares… Who would be, honestly?

After crawling out of the bed and eating it’s time to refine your day plans. Ones for evening are the most exciting

After that he will attend to his training

“You want all of me hard as steel, don’t you? ;)”

Will encourage you to join him and will literally beam if you say yes

First headcanon post, there we go

Masterlist, if you wish

#the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #asra alzanar #nadia satrinava #julian devorak #portia devorak #muriel #muriel the arcana #count lucio #lucio morgasson #fluff #domestic #the arcana imagines

[taduki]

🌿 Taduki & Muriel 🌿

Aka scary looking sweetheart and his sweet girlfriend. 💕💕

Calls him hubby, also scruffy bear, also blueberry muffin, also—

The start of the trip with Morga was not working out. Tad can’t walk so far on such different terrain, but they had to get going. Muriel was considering carrying her, but didn’t feel like he knew her enough to ask — until Morga played wingwoman and straight up told Muriel to carry her.

Tad felt horrible about the situation but Muriel assured her, “It’s fine…”

The whole trip, she was very gentle and patient with him, but she struggled with holding back from touching him. She wanted to put her hand on his, rub his back, comb his hair, and she sometimes couldn’t stop herself. Muriel would flinch back, but one day, he let her in. They had to work together.

Post-route, the two agreed to live with each other. She would cook tasty meals and he would clean as always. It was hard at first, but only because Muriel was just getting used to doing the things Asra would do for her. She couldn't lift jugs, chop wood, or go on long patrols, but she found ways to get by.

Some things she could use magic for. A quick dusting, levitation for high up shelves, etc. She also has a knack for crocheting and sewing so Muriel now has a nice drawer full of fitted homemade clothing.

One investment they made was a big futon they could roll out in front of the fireplace for extra chilly winters. Tad LIVES on that thing and Muriel can't blame her... Well, if you can't beat em, join em.

Inanna was standoffish at first but luckily Tad loves to baby animals, and a big scary wolf was no exception. Their naps sync up. 🥺

Due to her condition, Tad’s brain can sometimes be a little empty. Her memory and processing declined and she has trouble with basic tasks. It’s a soft spot for her, so Muriel is just as patient with her as she is with him. He waits as long as he needs for her to finish her thoughts. He reciprocates her actions back to her. He pets her head, holds her hands, and rests his head on her.

May add more hcs! Thank you for reading!! 💕🙏 (Listening material at the bottom)

#MC/LI dynamics #Vesuvia weekly #the arcana game #the arcana muriel #muriel of the kokhuri #the arcana hc #the arcana mc #apprentisona #oc #not Muriel #he’s from the arcana #lol #Youtube

[kettlemouse13]

Security In Arms

Muriel x Reader

His touch always seemed grounding to you, the soft squeeze of his arms chasing away the most stubborn of worries, it was about time that a certain ex gladiator got a taste of his own medicine.

I am aware that smut isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so enjoy your teeth rotting fluff, my dear readers.

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

A triumphant sigh slipped from your lips as the last log of wood split under your axe, breath visible in the cool fall air. You arms heavy with a slight ache after cutting so much wood, but it was either freezing during night time or suffering from aching limbs for an hour or so.

A soft thud echoed from the ground below you, prompting you to look down in curiosity, a happy Inanna looking up at you with a twig at your feet.

A soft chortle shook your shoulders, “What is it girl?”

You knew full well what she wanted and she seemed to know that you knew. A whiny yelp escaping from her maw, telling you off almost before nosing the stick.

“Oh yeah? You want this—” With a swipe of your hand, the stick was held tightly in your grip, Inanna attempted to nip at the wooden object in excitement, crouching down in a readied stance. You sike her out a few times, mimicking a throwing action before finally tossing the twig a fair distance, the wolf following after the airborne object.

A huff of amusement from behind you caught your attention, your beloved mountain man stood there, a little chicken nestled in his arm.

“It still amazes me how excited she gets over a stick.” His voice, though soft, rumbled deep in his throat, a sound that almost always made you swoon. With a cheeky smile, you reach down and pick up a few pieces of firewood.

“Muriel, and it still amazes me how I managed to get a wonderful man such as yourself.”

Blush immediately invaded his features, eyes adverting from yours.

With a slight skip in your step and a snicker in your throat, you pass by Muriel—not forgetting to plant a big kiss on his cheek—to head inside, throwing the wood into the fireplace. The fire dancing around the logs of wood was ever so mesmerizing, the movement as calming as the burning lumber scent.

The delicious smell from the cauldron overtook your mind, pulling your attention from the fire to the bubbling stew, chunks of rabbit mingling with carrots, potatoes and herbs. Your hand found the handle of a ladle, wrist moving in a circular motion to stir the liquid.

Deciding the meal to be finished, your hands fished for two bowls and spoons, filling them with the broth then plopping a few chunks of food in them.

With the intention of setting the table, you pivot on foot and—

“Gah!” You immediately jumped in surprise at the towering sight of Muriel standing right there.

“Shit… You startled me, Muriel.” The amused grin graced your features but it had not reached his eyes, almost as if he was looking through you.

You knew that feeling.

You silently maneuvered around his large frame, gently placing the bowls on the table.

Your moved seemed to have caught his attention, his eyes following you. The corners of his lips couldn’t help but lift the smallest bit as the legs of his chair was pulled out from the table. He only broke from his statuesque position when you patted the seat of the chair.

A startled grunt left Muriel’s throat, eyes widening as you slipped into his lap, “Wha—What are you doing?”

A soft hush slipped through your teeth, hands cupping around his cheeks.

His eyes softened at the tender sensation, his larger hands shyly resting on your hips. Any unease and fog left his mind, only you replacing the empty space in his mind.

“Thank you…” His voice was a low whisper, almost afraid that any louder would startle the calm air surrounding the two of you. His head ducked to press against your neck, his cheeks hot against your skin.

“I got you, Muriel. I got you.”

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Reblogs are appreciated <3

#x reader #reader insert #sfw #muriel x reader #muriel #fluff #gn reader #gender neutral reader

[bakuliwrites]

Day Three- Muriel of the Kokhuri

500 Follower Event, 30 Day Writing Prompts Prompt: Silk, Glacial, Citrus, Muriel (The Arcana) Pairing: Muriel x Reader Tags: Fluff, Snuggling, Kisses, Inanna! Word Count: 800

Wind cuts through your body, icy and sharp, chilling the very marrow in your bones. Not even the heavy coat wrapped around your shoulders is enough to combat the almost glacial Vesuvian winter. It’s unusual to be getting this much snow and ice, but a passing storm has practically turned the city into a kingdom of ice. The cobblestone is slick with frost, slippery and more dangerous with each passing moment. Vesuvia moves at a snail’s pace, its citizens cautious as they slide along the narrow passageways and tiptoe carefully through particularly slippery alleys. Icicles hang from awnings, crystalline and wicked as daggers. Occasionally, as you pass by, one will fall and shatter to the ground beneath, sending shards of ice in every direction. Tiny icebergs float down the canals, and some of the smaller ones have nearly frozen over entirely.

You are grateful once you reach the powdery snow beyond the city streets. At least you won’t have to worry about slipping, though part of you is nervous about falling into an embankment and getting stuck. Luckily, you know this area like the back of your hand and manage to traverse it quite well, trudging slowly through the thick layer of snow and into the dark forest. It’s deathly quiet, save a few somber colored birds that flit from barren branch to barren branch, chirping a greeting at you as you shuffle by. Another violent gust of wind nearly knocks you to the ground beneath, but you manage to steady yourself on a gnarled tree. The tip of your nose is frozen, your breath releasing in clouds of fog. What you wouldn’t give for a cozy blanket and a crackling fire right about now. 

It’s then that you spot a large figure lumbering towards you out of the swirling snow. A lantern swings at their side, pools of warm light wavering with each step they make. Out darts a small wolf from behind one of the nearby trees, yipping joyously at the sight of you, snuffling your outstretched hands as you reach to pet her. 

“Inanna!” you exclaim, burying your frozen fingers in her warm fur, soft as silk. Her tongue lolls out to the side, happy whines escaping her throat. After a moment, she wags her tail enthusiastically, beckoning you to follow, before darting back towards the not-so-mysterious figure. A grateful smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you abandon the tree that steadied you and dart towards your rescuers. 

Muriel catches you up in his embrace, holding your shivering form close and warming you in an instant. 

“You’re freezing,” his low voice rumbles in your ear. When you glance up to meet his gaze, his brows are knit with worry. 

“Not with you here, I’m not,” you mumble against him, burying yourself in his chest. He lets out a small chuckle before gently nudging you and taking your hand in his. Inanna prances eagerly beside you, sending up bits of fluffy snow into the air and leaving perhaps some of the cutest paw prints in her wake. You chit-chat quietly with Muriel about your day at the shop and the perils of this unusually frozen Vesuvian winter. You worry about the forest, about the animals that call this woodland home. 

“Spring will come soon enough,” Muriel mutters, a soft, knowing smile reaching his eyes when he looks to you, “And then the forest will bloom again.”

He gives your hand a small, reassuring squeeze. With this, the two of you fall silent for a bit, enjoying the tranquility of the winter wonderland surrounding you. It’s not long until you reach Muriel’s hut. Smoke pours from the chimney and a welcome blast of warm air greets you as soon as you open the door. It smells of citrus, bright and inviting, two cups of lemon tea waiting for you and your beloved by the fire. Muriel takes your cloak from you, hanging it up to dry and gives you a moment to strip yourself of your icy, soaking clothes. 

Once you’re situated, Muriel guides you to the furs before the fire, snuggling close and pressing a tender kiss to your lips. This frozen Vesuvian winter is no match for Muriel’s gentility and warmth. 

“Welcome home,” he murmurs, wrapping his arms around you. You hum as he draws you in, warming you to your very core. No amount of chill or ice could penetrate the comfort of this home. Inanna cuddles up to the two of you, slumbering peacefully as you and Muriel enjoy some invigorating honey-lemon tea and lay kiss after kiss to one another’s lips. You arrived home just in time, heavy snowfall pummeling Vesuvia almost as soon as you settled in for the night. But you are unconcerned, safely wrapped up in Muriel’s embrace.

A/N: I always get wordy with Muriel and I'm not entirely sure why. Don't get me wrong, I adore him. I'm just surprised that of all the M6, Muriel is the one I get the most wordy with when it comes to headcanons and mini-fics, haha. Also, I seem to have a common theme in the first fic and this fic, and that theme is being cold. I think I must be channeling how cold I am right now, lol. Thank you for reading! Up next will be Prince Sidon from The Legend of Zelda! As a note, not all of these fics will be Character x Reader. Many of them will be, but they might also be Character x Character, or simply have no pairing :) I'm just letting the prompts take me where they may.

#the arcana #muriel of the kokhuri #muriel the arcana #muriel x you #muriel x apprentice #arcana fanfiction #my writing #dani writes #500 follower event #30 day challenge #inanna the arcana #fluff #drabble

[paperstarwriters]

I swear someone before me probably mentioned this but I don't care I'm bringing it up again because I just really really cannot get the idea out of my head.

[angst warning & also I just scribbled this down idk if it makes sense lol]

But like, what if Inanna was Muriel's mother's name? Or like, if not his mother, then something that sounds like his mother's name or his father's name.

like I know that Inanna is often represented as a sister to Muriel almost, but I can't help but feel like she's more like an older sister. Sometimes playful and silly but also sometimes very parental and caring, and I really just think it's because that's what Muriel needed in a companion when he left the coliseum.

But like yeah. What if Inanna was a name really close to his mother's name, what if it was his mother's name. What if in the Arcana realms Muriel's mom watches him from somewhere in the moon's realm between realities with a hand in the heart of his familiar making sure that he is loved, if not by herself, then at least by his familiar, and if not by that, then a friend.

Like I don't know what's better or what's worse, Muriel just by chance naming the wolf he has such a deep connection with Inanna, maybe because he had a dream and remembered her from somewhere, or if Inanna told him her name, or at least the closest thing she had to a name or something idk.

Idk it's probably just me and I'm probably just reaching hear but.... it's just Inanna—and especially her nickname Nana—feels so close to the tagalog word "nanay" meaning mother and I just hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Imagine that in that first year after he first escaped with Inanna. Imagine her telling him her name or him giving her that name and the faint little twinge of familiarity with that name, as if he's always known it—something he assumes is because of familiars or something. Imagine him trying and failing to go to sleep after running, too wound up and anxious about it all, expecting to hear the sound of soldiers with their sharp staffs and shining armor to drag him back where he belongs to kill Inanna and bring him back. Imagine him fearing the day that Lucio would just kick down his door and do all of that alone.

Imagine Inanna resting her head on his chest, trying to get him to breathe, Imagine her acting as a pillow, letting him hug her, and sob into her fur. Imagine her licking away his tears when he wakes up from a nightmare. Imagine her trying and failing to get him something to eat, because she knows that a pup needs to eat after they've been hurt in order to heal up quicker, but from what she's seen he needs to have his food cooked and she can't cook so she's always pacing by his bedside helpless to encourage him to eat, helpless to get him to eat more.

Imagine how Inanna had fought tooth and nail to protect him against Lucio, only to fail. Imagine how scared Inanna had been when her little brother, her son, her pup, her best friend was bleeding out in the forest, refusing her help and trying to chase her away so she'd be protected. Imagine her relief when you finally come along and do your magic. Her joy and pride when you two become tentative friends, even if Muriel is bristly the entire time.

Imagine all the quippy remarks Inanna makes to Muriel on his new friend, she teases him the way a mother does, or how a sister does, and how it all only serves to make him even more embarrassed. Imagine her, not only showing the both of you wolf pups in the forest to lift your spirits (and introduce Muriel to those who Inanna sees as his cousins maybe lol) but also showing you herbs found in these colder regions beneath the snow, showing you the faeries that linger in this portion of the forest. Showing you, though she cannot explain, things that Muriel would have known if he hadn't been ripped away from her arms.

Imagine Inanna's fear when the both of you disappeared into the arcana realms. When she worried about her little brother vanished into thin air, into a place filled with magic and strange fae. Imagine that second voice that always sat at the back of her mind just a pace or two away reassuring her that they will be cared for.

and you know all those times that Inanna worms her way into Muriel & MC's lap—most notably that one time during the death book? as they sit and huddle by the fire and wait out the winter storm? I can't help but imagine that's Inanna's attempt at a hug, that as the both of you keep each other warm she wants to be able to put effort into keeping you warm as well (and maybe because she wants extra warmth as well lol)

and then at the end of everything, at the end of all of it, when you putter around the hut helping Muriel cook food, threats of Lucio and threats of the devil both long gone and long lost, Inanna watches wagging her tail against the floorboards as she watches the both of you putter around and cook a hearty meal. The bulk of it, she knows is because you both want to be kind to each other. Muriel, she knows intends to make sure you're at least well fed, even if he is not, but you intend to make sure he is well fed and Inanna intends to help.

and just imagine, on occasion as you cook, a little idea slips into her mind and she rummages around the herbs and vegetables that you have in store, to bring you an ingredient that you're missing that would make the dish taste better, or an ingredient that she'd use to make it taste like home. Imagine her reveling in this small chance to share with Muriel her culture, knowing that someday soon, you'll show up, and someday soon, she'll be brave enough, or powerful enough, or whatever-defficiency-held-her-back-the-first-time enough to meet her son and properly hold her baby boy.

But for now, Inanna curls around him as the both of you sit by the fire place. And a sister sits by her brother, and a mother holds her son.

#I made myself sad writing this :( #the arcana #muriel #Inanna #inanna the wolf #the arcana inanna #inanna the arcana #x reader #reader insert #Muriel x reader #Muriel the arcana #Muriel #the arcana muriel #the arcana muriel x reader

[musescafe]

@notyetfixed gets a starter for nox.

Muriel wasn't sure how he had gotten roped into traveling with a group of people. He usually tried to avoid groups of people if he could help it. He preferred his solitude (except for Inanna, of course).

Still, Nox had promised that they would help Muriel figure out what was making his forest ill if he helped them in return. They'd figured out the source and destroyed it. Now he had a debt to repay.

He'd grumble about it, but he was a man of his word. He didn't like to break promises.

It wasn't the worst thing in the world. Nox wasn't unpleasant to be around. Some of the others were a little too loud for his tastes and a few he didn't trust. It was an odd group.

They'd made camp for the night. Muriel set up his tent a little bit away from the others. Inanna gave him a pointed look but he ignored the wolf's displeased stare. If she wanted to go get pets, she could walk over to the others to get them. He wouldn't stop her.

He hadn't noticed Nox until he'd turned around from tying off the last stake. He hesitated, unsure of what she wanted or what he should say. He'd never been good with words.

"Did you need something?"

He sounded brusque and grumpy, like he always did. Inanna gave him another look.

#notyetfixed #muriel (threads) #down by the river (muriel; baldur's gate)

[laughsinfandom]

A Whittle Help

Muriel X GN! Reader

“could i possibly ask for a muriel x reader where the MC is picking up whittling to share an interest with muriel? and they end up getting cut because they're new to it, so muriel's trying to teach them how to do it right...”

Thank you SO MUCH for requesting Anon! Hopefully this is good enough T-T ❤️

(I also did this and edited it through my Phone notes so I apologize for any mis-spellings or anything of the sort.. Please tell me through DM’s or ask box if there is anything to improve T-T!!!!)

Please have a Wonderful day and Stay Safe!

Love you!

=====================

The small piece of wood sat within my hand, small shavings slowly falling from the piece as I glide the whittling knife into the grain; The indents of a face had began to settle into the wood.

You’ve been working on this piece for a while now, it was supposed to be a gift for your lover; Muriel, a surprise gift if you will. You had no prior experience with this sort of thing but, He had little wooden figures all throughout the hut you both shared and you wanted to add to his collection of handmade items.

Inanna trotted up near where i was settled on the fur piled onto the floor, a happy pep in her step. Seeing her walk up, a smile fell upon my lips, seeing as i’ve made a generous amount of progress today I sat the items held within my hands down and began giving lnanna a scratch behind her ear.

As I rubbed against her ear she began to lower her head and sniff away at the shavings on the floor, her ears perking up as she eyed the knife that laid near. Her tail began to slowly wag as her face drifted between the knife and my face.

Then Suddenly, the knife was no longer there.

“Inanna! Put that down!”

The wolf’s tail wagged viciously as she bounced around, a small whittling knife trapped tightly between her jaws. I couldn’t help but laugh a bit as she began to playfully growl when my hand reached for the knife.

Heavy footsteps sounded off behind me as I dropped to my knees; attempting to trade the knife for a stick.

“Do you…need any help?” Muriels voice, always deep and laced with a small level of concern hit my ears. I look over my shoulder and give him a quick smile.

“I’m good!” His eyes cast a curious gaze down at inanna, the knife still held tightly in her jaw. At seeing this Muriels face drops, his large form flashes quickly from where he stood and towards inanna; the sudden action causing her to make a break for the door of the hut.

“Inanna!” Muriels voice thunders after her, a heavy lacing of worry coating it as he jolts after her.

I make a run after the two only for Inanna to curve past Muriel and begin darting towards me. I attempt to grab her only for her to jump away, with the knife dropping from her mouth.

A heavy sigh left my mouth as i bend to pick up the sharp utensil till I notice something; Blood. Blood was settled onto the blade, my eyes widen and my stomach drops. It was coming from me.

A small but deep cut in my hand had began to trickle blood, the small rivers of it gliding down my hand as i stare down at the now shaking palm.

Two large hands quickly fall into my vision and grip onto my wrist, Inanna slowly shuffles into view beside me; A sad look in her eyes.

Muriel stood before me, eyes widened with worry and a frown stained onto his lips. He quickly ushered me back inside the hut and began to wrap my wounded hand.

“How did she get it?” He asked.

Honestly, you didn’t wanna say. It was supposed to be a surprise, you didn’t want this little incident to spoil months of hard work.

“Please…” You couldn’t help but sigh and look up at him, His face still crunched into a worried expression.

“It was supposed to be a surprise.” Your non injured hand goes to rub your temple; “I was working on something for you but I didn’t realize inanna wanted to help too.” A small chuckle escaped your mouth.

The Wolf’s ears perk up at the sound of her name and she trotted over, my hand settles once again on her head and i give her a gentle scratch behind the ear. I look up at Muriel; an awkward smile on my face, the smile fades quickly as i notice his features blooming in a dark red.

“You… You wanted to make me something?” His voice was barely above a whisper, a small smile attempting to curve his lips as he finished wrapping your hand.

“Yeah!” I giggled at his flushed expression and stood up, pulling his arm with me in the process. I pulled him over to the pile of furs I had been working and grab the small wooden figure.

Turning the small thing within my hand I grab his and place it within his palm.

“It was gonna be you! I was gonna make one of me too, but..” Watching Muriel turn the figure around in his hand was almost vomit inducing, his eyes were just … Studying the figure; His thumb rubbing against the pieces edges.

“It’s … wonderful.” A smile graces his lips as he stares down at the figure.

At his words my face began to heat up, a heavy blush settling upon my features. His eyes rise from the figure to stare into mine, his own blush returning. One hand falls from the figure to grasp my own, his fingers curl tightly around mine.

“Thank you. But, Next time… let’s do it together.” His voice was soft as he began to express how he adored the figure, and the rest of the night was filled with giggles and wood shavings covering the floor. Your unskilled hands being guided by one of a near master, inanna was seated near the fireplace; a heavy bone settled in her jaws. Muriels way of keeping her curious and playful self away from the sharp tools.

=========================

#arcana #the arcana muriel #arcana x reader #the arcana #the arcana x reader #Muriel x reader #Muriel arcana

[saemi-the-writer]

Heart Hunter - Erwin

Last but not least, Erwin!

The Shop: (neutral) “Oh, are you here to visit Niamh? I can wait with you until she opens if you wish.”

Forest: (serious) “It’s dangerous to go alone MC, let me escort you.”

Forest (night): (pensive) “O Hunter, snare me his shadow! O Nightingale, catch me his strain! Else moonstruck with music and madness I track him in vain!” (*quotes: Oscar Wilde)

Cave: (smiling) “Are you here to explore? With some luck, there might be a treasure in here.”

Cave (night): (surprised) “I wonder from where or whom does all this magic come.”

Docks: (smiling) “If you’re in for a boat ride, I’m your man. I would love to sail for a bit.”

Town Square: (serious) “Sorry but I cannot leave this spot, this is where I have the better view. I must be ready to interfere if troubles arise.”

Community Theatre: (smiling) “It’s been a good while since I last attended theatre. I hope we will spend a good moment.”

Coliseum: (gloomy) “…………”

Red Market: (playful, in disguise) “My duty forbids me to come to such a place… but who am I to say no to the thrill of the forbidden once in a while?”

The Rowdy Raven: (smiling, in disguise) “Their mead is very good; do you want to taste some?”

Market: (disgruntled, in uniform) “I certainly hope those two guards have paid for what they took from that merchant. Otherwise…”

Flooded District: (smiling, in uniform) “Oh, are you here to help? That’s very thoughtful of you!”

Fields: (nostalgic smile) “This reminds me of the time Miomo and I were travelling. I could tell you a lot of stories if you wanted.”

South End: (serious, in disguise) “This area is not safe. Stay close to me, MC.”

The Lazaret: (sad) “*mutters some prayers under his breath*”

Mazelinka’s House: (worried) “Isn’t anyone watching the pot on the fire?!”

Portia’s Cottage: (neutral) “I saw Camio flying over here, would you help me bring him back, please? Before he bothers Portia again.”

Muriel’s Hut: (discomforted) “I’m not sure if I am really welcome here, but I’ll wait with you.”

Asra’s Sanctuary: (smiling) “This place is nice.”

The Palace: (smiling, in uniform) “Good morning/evening MC, do you have business in the Palace?”

Palace Gardens: (amused) “Melchior and Mercedes are in a playful mood today. Don’t worry, I’ll handle them if you’re scared.”

Lucio’s Wing: (tearful) “I- Forgive me, but I need some time alone.”

Interactions

The Shop

Lucio (grinning): Niamh said she has a surprise for me! I can’t wait to see what it is!

Erwin (smiling): Let’s enter and find out.

Portia: (smiling): I really like your cousin’s shop! Do you think she would accept to teach me some magic?

Erwin (smiling): You should ask her. I am sure she would love to do it.

Erwin (neutral): Hello Asra. Are you leaving or coming back?

Asra (in his travelling clothes): I’ve just come back. Hello Erwin.

Erwin (surprised): Oh. Are you friends with Niamh?

Muriel (frowning, upset): We are not friends.

Erwin (neutral): If you break in with dirty boots, you’ll get a bucket of water thrown at your face in retaliation.

Julian (smirking): Can’t be worse than a broken glass bottle or a huge sewing needle pointing at your throat!

Nadia (neutral): Ah, Captain Erwin. Have you seen Niamh?

Erwin (neutral): She’s currently doing a card reading. It should be over soon.

Erwin (smiling): Glad to see your business is thriving, Hummingbird.

Niamh (happy): We had another busy day indeed! Would you like some tea?

Erwin (smiling): It’s been a while since we had tea time together, the three of us.

Réamann (smiling): True. Let’s hope it will be the whole family soon.

Forest

Erwin (smiling): Why, hello there! You’re quite an affectionate wolf, or are you scrounging some of my grilled meat?

Muriel (shocked, whispering): Inanna, what are you doing with him?!

Asra (surprised): Erwin? What are you doing here?

Erwin (neutral): I’m looking for Réamann. Have you seen him by any chance?

Erwin (neutral): That’s a nice sword you have here, Doctor, but way too fragile. If you want to go the distance, you should invest in a better one!

Julian (embarrassed): Fragile?? How come?!

Erwin (concerned): Stop! What if it’s a poisonous mushroom?

Portia: (laughing): Oh, come on! I was joking, Cap’!

Erwin (relieved): There you are, Milady! Are you hurt?

Nadia (smiling): Only the carriage was damaged, thankfully. Thank you for your concern.

Lucio (grinning): I’ve caught that annoying boar! Let’s make skewers out of it!!

Erwin (amused): What did that boar ever do to you to deserve such a grudge?

Erwin (serious): Be careful when you’re on your own here, Réamann. I heard the Courtiers speaking about the forest when they were away from curious ears.

Réamann (shocked): What?... Thanks, Erwin! I’ll keep that in mind!

Erwin (neutral): Did you find everything you needed?

Niamh (smiling): I did. Thanks for coming with me!

Forest (night)

Erwin (pensive): This reminds me of an old poem Miomo read to me, long ago…

Portia: (mischievous): Ooooh? I didn’t know you were into poetry!

Erwin (smiling, blushing): Accept this flower of Yugao please. I hope that you won’t fade as quickly as it or the woman in the poem. I solely wish to cherish what little time we have together.

Lucio (blushing, stunned): I-I… Thank you, Erwin. I will cherish it as much as I cherish you.

Nadia (teasing): My, you’re such a poet, Captain! Why would you hide your talent?

Erwin (blushing): I am not. I blame my mother and Réamann for that.

Julian (laughing): Someone’s been listening to his bard cousin a lot lately!

Erwin (blushing): Réamann talks a lot about this author! So I read some of his books and memorized some of his poems to make him happy, that’s all.

Erwin (crossed): Not. A. Word!

Muriel (shocked): I wasn’t going to say anything!?

Erwin (frowning): You’re going to pester me about it, don’t you?

Asra (mischievous): Who knows~?

Niamh (smiling): It’s a beautiful poem! Do you know more like this?

Erwin (blushing): …*grumbles*

Réamann (overjoyed): Did you just quote-

Erwin (blushing): Yes, I did! Not another word about it!

Cave

Erwin (flirting): I didn’t know you were the swooning type, Doctor.

Julian (blushing): Well, I am grateful you are the catching type, Captain!

Erwin (raising an eyebrow): What are you worried about? That I might drown?

Asra (worried): You could drown, it’s no ordinary pool! Come back!

Lucio (blushing): Wait! When I said carry me, I didn’t mean like that!

Erwin (smirking): You’ll need to be precise about how next time then.

Erwin (focused): Stay close to me, it is getting slippery.

Portia: (smiling): I’ll catch you if you fall!

Nadia (neutral): You seem to know the way, have you been here before?

Erwin (focused): No, but I am used to explore places like this.

Muriel (frowning): …..

Erwin (apologetic): Don’t mind me, I am only passing.

Erwin (smiling): Hello Faust, is Asra around?

Faust: Explore alone!

Niamh (fascinated): These lily pads are huge! Do you think it could bear our weight?

Erwin (serious): Only one way to find out. I’ll go first.

Erwin (nostalgic): It reminds me of some caves we had, back in the South.

Réamann (surprised): You rarely speak of your life in the South!

Cave (night)

Erwin (neutral): Drakr? No, I’ve never been there.

Julian (smiling): I am sure you would like it! We should go there together someday!

Erwin (wary): Is this one of your pranks?...

Asra (awkward): No! There is really a magic snail in there!

Faust: Pretty!

Erwin (smiling): It sure is.

Erwin (grinning, drenched): We’ve got it!

Lucio (grinning, drenched): Yes!! We’re the best!

Portia: (excited): Haha! I knew we would find something in here!

Erwin (smiling): Indeed. You have a very good instinct, Portia.

Nadia (interested): This one looks like Prakran ancient literature writing!

Erwin (surprised): Is it? Strange, some of these look like Southern Runes to me!

Muriel (frowning): What is he looking for?

Erwin (focused): Was it a snail or a slug again?

Réamann (smiling): It’s so beautiful! I think I will do a painting of it once we go home.

Erwin (smiling): I will be looking forwards seeing your artwork.

Erwin (concerned): Be careful, Niamh!

Niamh (smiling, drenched): The water is so clear and refreshing! Come on, swim with me!

Docks

Erwin (blushing, drenched): H-here, take my cape. You are going to catch a cold!

Lucio (grinning, drenched): A cold? Hahaha!! I don’t mind you ogling at me, if that’s what you’re worried about!

Portia: (mischievous): I heard that you knew how to sail?

Erwin (unimpressed): I have a great affection for you, but I won’t help you steal a boat.

Erwin (smiling): I must say that you impress me, Doctor. You’re quite full of surprises.

Julian (smirking): Oh, I am. But you know what would be even more impressive? The two of us as a team!

Erwin (neutral): Need something, Faust?

Faust: Busted! Run!

Erwin (mournful): Niamh used to love walking here since she was a teenager. We used to take strolls together…

Asra (sad): She still loves to walk bare feet in the sand.

Erwin (out of breath, drenched): Is this what you lost?

Muriel (shocked): D-did you dive in just to get it back?!

Nadia (surprised): The Frozen Sea, you say? No wonder you seem so at ease sailing here!

Erwin (smiling): Only when I sail a small boat. I might not be able to steer a huge boat such as yours.

Erwin (smiling): I know that a lot of people just come at this hour hoping to find you here, to listen to your singing.

Réamann (laughing): Oh! That would explain a lot!

Erwin (smiling): Would you like a boat ride?

Niamh (excited): I would love to!!

Town square

Erwin (neutral): Impressive speech, Milady. Allow me to escort you back.

Nadia (neutral): Thank you, Captain.

Erwin (neutral): May I help you?

Muriel (crossed): Just stay away from me.

Portia: (shocked): Phew! The crowd is wild today! Thanks for getting me out of there, Erwin!

Erwin (worried): You’re welcome, Portia. You’re not hurt, are you?

Julian (smiling): Thank you for lending me that cloaking ring of yours, Erwin! It is way easier for me to walk around here with it!

Erwin (raising an eyebrow): You didn’t seem to worry about that before.

Erwin (serious): I’d rather have you by my side than thousands of statues of you here without you.

Lucio (shocked, blushing): O-oh. (I can’t say anything!?)

Asra (smiling): Here, Niamh and I made this for you. Good luck with your work.

Erwin (smiling): Thank you very much, Asra. Say hello to Niamh for me.

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Thanks for playing along, Erwin! The kids loved it!

Erwin (smirking): “Captain Stone-face” at your service, young Bard.

Niamh (smiling): I am heading towards the Temple district, would you like me to do an offering for you?

Erwin (smiling): Hmm, if you have a prayer spared for me, it would be enough. Thanks.

Community theatre

Erwin (smirking): Julian was very good, but his partner leaves much to be desired. And if I were to get upset over so little, I’d have to switch profession.

Asra (unsure): I can’t tell if you’re being passive-aggressive or not.

Erwin (smirking): Losing your composure already? Tsk! Amateur!

Muriel (raised eyebrow): Is he going to comment all along?

Nadia (surprised): I was not expecting to see you here, Erwin!

Erwin (smiling): After work, I’m just a civilian looking for some entertainment.

Lucio (disgruntled): You hesitated! I saw it!! You flimflam, I’m not talking to you!

Erwin (embarrassed): Alright, sorry! But still, you should really learn to control your temper!

Portia: (laughing): Now, that was some good “Vaudeville”! Let’s go meet Ilya!

Erwin (laughing): I’m buying you both drinks after that!

Erwin (smiling): Congratulations for your success, Julian! You were fantastic on stage!

Julian (blushing): It means a lot that you liked it! I didn’t think you were into comedies…

Erwin (laughing): This was completely crazy! I loved it!

Niamh (laughing): They really nailed it for that scene! It was hilarious!

Réamann (smiling): Seems like you need to clear your mind. Let’s enjoy the show together!

Erwin (smiling): Knowing you, I am sure you picked the right play for that.

Coliseum

Lucio (cruel smile): I remember the day I reopened this place. It was so thrilling! That rush of adrenaline!...

Erwin (alarmed): Are you feeling frenetic? Do you want to spar?

Erwin (neutral): Looking good. But you’d be better as a gladiator on a theatre stage than in the Coliseum.

Julian (smiling, dressed as a gladiator): Aw, where’d be the fun in that?

Portia: (confident smile): I was a good pirate, I would have been a great gladiator!

Erwin (concerned): I don’t question your skills, I just wonder if it would have been the best job for you though.

Nadia (concerned): Tell me Captain, when you still lived in the South, were there similar violent games to condemn criminals?

Erwin (neutral): Criminals considered unpardonable were quickly executed after a trial in mine. The duel was an option when the offended party requested for it.

Muriel (angry): You’re no different than him.

Erwin (frowning): I have blood on my hands, that is true. But my duty was and remains to protect helpless people.

Asra (upset): Why didn’t you help Muriel out, back then?

Erwin (gloomy): I could answer you the same question, Asra. Anyway, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.

Niamh (neutral): So… what happened exactly in there?

Erwin (neutral): You might want to sit, it is a long story.

Réamann (sad): Maybe some criminals deserved what they got there, but their spirits haunting the place ad vitam aeternam isn’t a good thing.

Erwin (neutral): I guess not. Do you have a song to appease these restless souls?

Red market

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): We used to eat these pepper berries raw to keep ourselves from the cold or as a spice. Would you like to try one?

Nadia (smiling): How delightfully spicy! I shall buy some for the cooking staff and myself!

Erwin (amused, in disguise): Look over there, I think you will like it.

Portia: (in awe): (Gasps) What are those?! They’re so cute, so fluffy! I want to pet them!!

Julian (surprised): Erwin?! I swear that all of my purchases are legal!

Erwin (disgruntled, in disguise): Quiet! Don’t blow my cover!!

Erwin (disgusted, in disguise): Some people are sick. Kimochiwarui!

Muriel (gloomy): Tell me about it!

Erwin (taken aback, in disguise): Wait a-! These white roses aren’t ordinary, are they? I think I saw similar ones before…

Asra (unemotional): …

Lucio (curious): I’ve never seen a goldfish like this before, thanks for catching it for me!

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): An Ushanian legend says that goldfishes like this are lucky and brings good fortune if you make them happy.

Niamh (serious): If you wear this ring, your shadow will disappear. It would be good to combine it with your cloaking ring!

Erwin (interested, in disguise): Interesting. I’ll see if I can negotiate for it.

Erwin (shocked, in disguise): Did you pilfer that guy’s merch?!

Réamann (smirking): I didn’t steal anything, I’ve just hustled a hustler!

The Rowdy Raven

Julian (excited): A liquor made from coffee?! Where can I get this treasure?

Erwin (embarrassed, in disguise): What have I done?

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): I never got to taste the mead from the South, how was it?

Lucio (smirking): You didn’t miss much, believe me! I’ll buy you the good booze!

Asra (shocked): Wai- (coughs) Arcana’s sake!! Did you seriously swallow that eyeball?! I was just messing with you!

Erwin (smirking, in disguise): Asra “the great magician” can’t tell the difference between a real eyeball and a fancy candy?

Portia: (shocked): Eeeeek! Please, tell me it wasn’t a real eyeball!! Or you’re just playing me, right?!

Erwin (laughing, in disguise): I was indeed teasing you! Let me apologize with another drink!

Nadia (shocked): Oh! Was it really necessary to knock this man out that way?

Erwin (serious, in disguise): For this kind of nuisances, yes. I recognized him as an infamous pimp.

Muriel (shocked, blushing): Why is my mead so tangy?!

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): I think the waiter got my order mixed with someone else’s, this is black mead when I ordered capsicumel mead.

Erwin (smirk, in disguise): May I help you down?

Niamh (teasing): Catch me, then! On three!

Réamann (smiling): It’s very good! Pour me another glass, please!

Erwin (shocked, in disguise): Réamann, this is not the kind of drink you just chug like that!!

Market

Erwin (neutral, wearing a revealing top): Sorry I kept you waiting. It took longer than I expected to forge this sword.

Lucio (blushing, grinning, horny): No problem~ I quite enjoyed the show~!

Nadia (embarrassed): It would be comforting to hear that you recognized me thanks to your sharp eye, but I won’t force you to lie like that.

Erwin (awkward, sweating a bit): …(coughs) I could lend you my cloaking ring, if you need to.

Erwin (disgruntled): Try that again, and you’ll earn 50 extra lap races and a salary reduction!

Muriel (neutral): He’s actually decent, I guess.

Erwin (neutral): I’ve sharpened some knives of the kitchen staff. Then I forged new ones to replace the damaged others.

Portia: (impressed): Oh, wow! You didn’t have to! Thanks!

Erwin (neutral): This sword is made the Harshenian way, this one is Ushanian and the other is inspired by my old tribe’s weaponsmiths, the Misty Hunters.

Julian (fascinated): I’ve never had the chance to see such swords so close! They look amazing!

Erwin (neutral): Here are your new sickle, and a new set of scissors for Niamh. Was it all?

Asra (smiling): It’s all good! Do you want some pumpkin bread for your break?

Réamann (grinning): I got a discount for this! Do you want some?

Erwin (jaded): How come you always get a discount for everything?

Niamh (smiling): I’ve brought you some tea! It smells wonderful, don’t you think?

Erwin (smiling): It does. Thank you, it’s just what I needed.

Flooded district

Erwin (on guard): I feel like someone is watching me.

Muriel (sad): Maybe I misjudged him.

Asra (shocked): You… you’re not paid for what you are doing here? Didn’t Nadia send you?

Erwin (frowning): I don’t need anyone’s order to go and help people. And I refuse to be paid when this place has been neglected for so long.

Erwin (laughing): How did you even manage to get your rowing stuck like that?

Julian (blushing): You really have strong arms- I mean I REALLY HAVE BAD LUCK!!

Portia: (excited): Woohoo! This is so fun! I’m quite good at this, aren’t I?

Erwin (worried): Yes-yes you are, but please slow down!!

Nadia (ashamed): You… you took a very thoughtful initiative, Captain.

Erwin (frowning): Someone has to.

Lucio (ashamed): Hey, do I- do you need help?...

Erwin (neutral): Yes, please. Take the other side of this plank, we need to move it.

Erwin (smiling): Thank you for coming, small deer. Your music sparked joy for everyone here.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): Don’t mention it.

Niamh (unsure): It seemed you needed a little pick-me-up, so I brought homemade snacks and refreshing drinks for you all.

Erwin (smiling widely): Just what we needed, many thanks! Everyone, gather around!

Fields

Lucio (smiling): It’s been a while since we last went out together like this. Do you sometimes miss our mercenary days?

Erwin (smiling sadly): …Yes, I often think about them.

Nadia (impressed): You are an outstanding horseman, Erwin! But you haven’t won yet!

Erwin (grinning): Well prepare yourself to loose, for I’ve never lost a horse race and I don’t intend to start today!

Erwin (smiling): - and after that, we settled in Vesuvia. Then Miomo met Mama, Lucina, and they were married the following year.

Portia: (smiling): Wow! This was such an amazing tale! Thank you for sharing it with me!

Erwin (smiling): You’ve travelled around the world a lot, maybe our paths crossed before.

Julian (grinning): It would be amazing if we did! Although, I doubt I’d forget a face as handsome as yours!

Erwin (smiling): Fûjin seems to like you.

Muriel (blushing): …she is a nice mare.

Asra (mischievous): I wonder which is the swiftest between our respective mounts!

Erwin (amused): Only one way to find out. I challenge you in a race!

Réamann (laughing): Funny how the same story is different depending on who tells it!

Erwin (smirking): I can only imagine how Lucio told you about it.

Niamh (excited): It was wonderful!! Thank you for letting me ride Fûjin, she’s amazing!

Erwin (smiling): You’re a very good horsewoman too. Fûjin doesn’t let just anyone ride her like that.

South End

Erwin (concerned, in disguise): Why are you so obsessed with leeches? Suction cup, bloodletting, even I know these and I’m not a doctor.

Julian (embarrassed): I am not obsessed! They are great for treatments and fascinating, that’s all!

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): You’re very skilled in combat, were you taught martial arts?

Portia: (smiling): I’ve been taught some on my way to Vesuvia by a friend!

Erwin (frowning, in disguise): These eels should never have been brought here. They’re not in their environment, and it’s too dangerous for people.

Nadia (frowning): Glad to see we agree about that. If only Lucio listened to us.

Lucio (smiling): Don’t worry, Erwin! I’ve got your back!

Erwin (embarrassed, in disguise): Why don’t you scream my name louder, then?!

Faust: Knife!

Erwin (surprised, in disguise): Excuse me? Are you asking me to give you one??

Asra (concerned): This is not the safest place for you! What’s going on?

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): Nothing bad, I’m just looking for Julian.

Muriel (frowning): This is my hiding spot. Find yourself another.

Erwin (deadpanned, in disguise): Excuse me. I wasn’t aware it was a private spot.

Réamann (teasing): You’re awfully familiar with the way, Erwin!

Erwin (poker face, in disguise): Your point?

Niamh (curious): Is it true that you were ambushed here?

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): Several times. The captain of the guards is not really welcome here.

The Lazaret

Lucio (remorseful): I would have stopped it if I could, really! But... Please, I don’t want to stay here!

Erwin (glum): I know. Let’s go away.

Erwin (mournful): Don’t hurt yourself, Asra! Let’s go back.

Asra (tearful): It was too late, I tried, I really did!

Julian (sad): So many people died… and I couldn’t do anything to save them.

Erwin (sad): Stop blaming yourself. There’s only so much you could have done about it.

Erwin (mournful): In Harshen, they say that when people die feeling a deep resentment, the place where they died becomes cursed.

Portia: (concerned): Hm, maybe we shouldn’t be here then?

Erwin (gloomy): Yet another place where the shadow of Death hangs over…

Muriel (eyes closed): Plants started growing here though. It might not be completely hopeless.

Erwin (gloom): This place is like Hell on Earth…

Nadia (sad): Alas! Will the ghosts in there ever find peace?

Réamann (crying): …

Erwin (mournful): Let’s go home.

Erwin (gloom): Sorry Niamh. You may be angry at me once you wake up.

Niamh (unconscious): … renascentia tua cinerem …

Mazelinka’s house

Portia: (blushing, sweating): This- this is good, but… Argh!! Water!!

Erwin (laughing): Wait! Drink this instead! If you drink water, it’ll only make it worse!

Julian (surprised): I didn’t know you liked your food so spicy! Don’t ask Mazelinka to add this into her soup though, for both our sake!

Erwin (smiling): It’s just for a snack or a side-dish. I wouldn’t dare to ask her to change her recipe.

Erwin (surprised): This spyglass is amazing! Did you bring it as a gift for Mazelinka?

Lucio (smiling): Well, someone told me it was rude to come empty-handed when invited.

Nadia (relieved): I am glad we reached this house both unharmed. You shall receive a bonus for taking such risks daily, Captain!

Erwin (smiling): I am only doing my duty but I appreciate the gesture, Countess.

Erwin (concerned): Is it really safe to leave this unattended?

Asra (smiling): Mazelinka knows what she’s doing, don’t worry about the soup!

Erwin (neutral): ……… (Should I try and grasp the nettle or just keep waiting in silence?)

Muriel (neutral): ……… (Don’t talk to me, don’t talk to me.)

Erwin (surprised): Niamh! What are you doing here?

Niamh (smiling): Portia invited me, what about you?

Erwin (concerned): I am surprised that Mazelinka welcomes me so warmly despite everything.

Réamann (smiling): Why wouldn’t she? She’s smart enough to figure out you’re not a creep!

Portia’s cottage

Portia: (annoyed): I swear that next time Camio wakes me up like this, I am cooking him for dinner!

Erwin (embarrassed): Please don’t. I’ll do my best so he won’t do it again.

Asra (laughing): Green magic? Maybe Portia can use it, but maybe she just has a green thumb.

Erwin (unimpressed): …..Ha. Ha. Ha.

Erwin (teasing): Good morning Countess, the Chamberlain was worried when told you weren’t in your room.

Nadia (blushing): I just took an early morning walk, Captain. I shall go and put this poor man’s worries at rest.

Erwin (smiling): I was looking for Camio, but he’s the one who found me.

Lucio (smiling): My Camio has always liked you. You are privileged!

Erwin (smiling): I made this brooch for you. Portia’s garden inspired me.

Julian (blushing): O-oh! It’s lovely! Th-thank you!

Muriel (blushing): Pepi refuses to move. What do I do??

Erwin (amused): Keep petting her?

Erwin (neutral): Réa, what have you been teaching Camio?

Réamann (awkward smile): Er… some funny lines?

Niamh (smiling): I wish I had such a beautiful garden and a cute, snuggly cat!

Erwin (teasing): Ask Portia if you can move in.

Muriel’s hut

Muriel (raised eyebrow): What are you doing with my tools?

Erwin (focused): Cleaning and sharpening some of them. You really should take better care of your things!

Erwin (neutral): I know he will listen to you. Just warn him about them.

Asra (concerned): I will, thank you.

Erwin (serious): You’re not really in the position to take offence for not being welcome here. How would you feel if Vlastomil or your mother just barged into your room?

Lucio (ill-at-ease): (shudders) Yeah, right. I see your point.

Erwin (neutral): I can escort you back if you wish to, but I’d rather wait for you outside in the meantime.

Nadia (concerned): It sounds unfair to me, Erwin. My lack of action also makes me guilty of poor Muriel’s case.

Julian (confused): How can you tell that someone is speaking ill of me??

Erwin (teasing): You’ve just sneezed twice.

Portia: (curious): So one sneeze is for good things said about you, two for bad, right? What about three sneezes?

Erwin (teasing): Then, you have a cold.

Erwin (neutral): If you’re not welcome, I can barely imagine how it is for me.

Niamh (saddened): It’s alright, not everyone will love me. I’ll just leave this here with a note.

Réamann (surprised): Why are you giving me those weapons?

Erwin (serious): I know the Courtiers are lurking around and you’re often here. Be prepared for anything.

Asra’s sanctuary

Erwin (smiling): It is really nice and quiet here. Do you mind if I meditate for a while?

Asra (smiling): Not at all. I was about to go out for some shopping.

Faust: Rest!

Erwin (smiling): It’s a very good place to, Faust.

Lucio (grinning): Oh, you’re up! Good! Look at what I bought you! You have to come with me next time!

Erwin (surprised): I wasn’t sleeping- oh! This sword is amazing!

Nadia (smiling): I did not have the occasion to practice meditation with someone else in a while. I had almost forgotten its beneficial effects.

Erwin (smiling): So did I. Thank you for joining.

Erwin (surprised): I fell asleep?! Oh no, you went to pick the groceries alone!

Julian (smiling): It seemed like you needed the rest, don’t sweat it!

Portia: (mischievous): If you’re too tired for the Festival, shall we prepare a slumber party?

Erwin (wry smile): Why not? Let’s welcome Asra with a pillow fight!

Erwin (confused): Is this some kind of peace offering or something?

Muriel (embarrassed): Don’t jump to conclusions.

Erwin (smiling): This place is really cozy. Thanks for inviting me.

Niamh (smiling): You’re welcome. Asra did wonders with this little house!

Erwin (eyes closed): …

Réamann (unsure): Is he meditating or sleeping?

The palace

Lucio (grinning, blushing): I knew this would look great on you! Can’t let my bodyguard walk around in dull clothing~

Erwin (blushing, wearing a new attire): Thank you, Lucio.

Julian (grinning, wearing a wig): Wow, you look like Beowulf like that!

Erwin (confused, wearing his uniform): What are you up to?

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): Some guards misbehaved today, I apologize on their behalf.

Nadia (wry smile): Were they too exhausted after their intense training to apologize themselves?

Portia: (mischievous): I’ll take a break only if you take it with me!

Erwin (smiling, wearing his uniform): Alright, you won. Let’s take a snack in the kitchen.

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): There you are, Asra. Countess Nadia is expecting you.

Asra (smiling): I shall not make her wait longer, then.

Muriel (neutral): …Is Asra around?

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): He’s still with Nadia. You may join them.

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): If you have enough guts to prank the nobles, you should be able to leave Niamh on her own. She’s not a child.

Réamann (concerned): But what if something happens to her and she needs help?

Erwin (smiling, wearing his uniform): Red suits you. You should wear it more often.

Niamh (surprised, wearing a red tunic): You think?

Palace’s garden

Erwin (tender smile): “But I send you a cream-white rosebud; With a flush on its petal tips; For the love that is purest and sweetest; Has a kiss of desire on the lips.”*

Lucio (blushing, stunned): !!!…………………………………………………

*Poem: “The White Rose”, John Boyle O'Reilly

Erwin (nostalgic smile): Niamh’s favourite flowers are yarrows, and Réamann’s are asters. They’ve always loved all kinds of flowers and animals.

Nadia (smiling): How very fitting. Have you ever heard about flower language, Erwin? You would be surprised by what your favourites might mean too.

Asra (sleeping): Zzzzzzz… *snoring slightly*

Erwin (amused): “Happiness hides in small moments.”

Erwin (surprised): Is that Ceres? Réamann was looking for her, he was so worried!

Muriel (blushing): She kept following me around. I’ll bring her back to him.

Erwin (concerned): Sorry about that, Julian! The dogs are back inside now, jump! I’ll catch you!

Julian (embarrassed): O-okay. I guess it’s like some crazy trusting exercise… right?

Erwin (smiling): Seems like Melchior wants to play with you.

Portia: (smiling): You want me to throw the ball, boy? Sure thing!

Erwin (pensive): It was Asra who carved “Niamh” here, wasn’t he?

Faust: Friend lost. Asra sorrowful…

Niamh (smiling): Portia told me to be careful around the dogs, but they’ve been nice to me so far!

Erwin (amused): They probably smell that you’re a good cook. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Réamann (smiling): So? Did Lucio like the poem?

Erwin (laughing): He was speechless and red-faced, I call it a grand victory!

Lucio’s wing

Lucio (blushing, sweating a bit): Erwin? As much as I love hugs, you’re choking me a bit here!

Erwin (tearful): I’m sorry… Please, just five minutes more.

Julian (worried): You’ve been scratching at your hands for a while. Do your scars hurt?

Erwin (sad): My heart aches so much more.

Erwin (gloom): I am indebted to your brother. I will never forget how he saved me that night.

Portia: (shocked): …he did?

Erwin (sullen): You think I should have burnt with him, don’t you?

Muriel (gloomy): I might not like you, but I’ve never wished such a cruel fate for you.

Asra (upset): On your feet, soldier! You still have a family who loves you!

Erwin (sad smile): You’re right… Sorry, Asra.

Erwin (angered): Lucio’s paintings might be tacky, but you reek the opulence of good birth!

Nadia (scornful): Mind your manners, Captain. I shall not forget that.

Erwin (sad): I miss him. Despite everything, I miss him so bad!

Niamh (sad, compassionate): I will join my prayers to yours.

Réamann (upset): You know that we would have been heartbroken if you too had burnt in there that night!

Erwin (sad): I know… I’m sorry.

#the arcana #lucio morgasson #julian devorak #portia devorak #nadia satrivana #asra alnazar #muriel of the kokhuri #the arcana headcanons #heart hunter interactions #the arcana heart hunter

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

I've been wanting to do a mini headcanon, and I like your writing very much, have a nice day or night.

But may you please do a mini headcanon of M6 reacting to Mc's familiar as a coyote, and its known to be a trickster and a troublemaker, but Mc is almost the opposite of their familiar and seem innocent, and they can transform in their coyote familiar during the night and evening, since Mc has a time limit form shifting.

I like your blog and keep the hard work up!

The Arcana Mini-HCs: With a coyote familiar

Julian: all he knows is that this creature looks akin to a dog, and he misses his old dog very much, and he's more than happy to bond with this one. (watching him chase it for his slippers is hilarious)

Asra: a trickster, you say? you'd hoped they'd end up cancelling each other's mischief out, but instead Asra seems to have taken it up as their prankster apprentice. at least Faust will side with you ... right?

Nadia: on the outside, she's playing the role of responsible Countess and interacting with it calmly and respectfully. on the inside, she's cheering it on as it chases Camio around the Palace Gardens

Muriel: not hugely worried since it seems perfectly at home among the trees. Inanna, on the other hand, has turned into a fondly exasperated big sister wolf around it and has started stress shedding

Portia: a troublemaker, you say? count her in! >:3 seriously though, she's going to become their worst enabler as long as the trouble doesn't end up tracking mud across her floors or breaking dishes

Lucio: between the coyote's intelligence, Mercede's and Melchior's natural gift for chaos, and Lucio's impulsive decision making, you're either about to be the responsible one or the terror of the continent

#ask arcana brainrot #the arcana #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #the arcana game #asra the arcana #julian the arcana #nadia the arcana #muriel the arcana #portia the arcana #lucio the arcana #asra alnazar #julian devorak #nadia satrinava #muriel of the kokhuri #portia devorak #lucio morgasson

[totally-not-here-for-the-smut]

Muriel x Nadia

<next|Part5|previous>

Nadia asks Muriel for help with the goat & coup problems. He accepts under the condition they'll be partners and not boss and subordinate.

The revelation incident

Nadia and Muriel head towards the hill, since the goat's ghost was last seen there. She's on her horse, and he's walking.

There's a question in Muriel's mind. Eventually he gives in and asks.

"Countess. I am aware of your gift. Why don't you use your foresight to know what's happening in your court?"

Now, Muriel is an hunter

Luckily

He has hella good reflexes

LUCKILY

He just barely manages to see Nadia falling from the horse. His body moves faster than his mind, and he catches her before she hits the ground

There's a pained expressions in her eyes.

Narrowed pupils, foreahd sweating, heavy breathing, the whole thing

"My... head... head, too light... too much light"

Muriel is in panic. Curses at himself. Of course she has what Asra's apprentice has.

He tries to help. Covers her eyes with her scarf. Lifts her, and goes back to the hut.

WHY THE HELL DID SHE CAME ALONE

WHERE ARE PEOPLE WHEN THEYRE NEEDED DAMMIT

He lies her on the furs. Inanna looks hella worried

Nice lady with gift for inanna be sick INANNA MUST PROTEC

The wolf lies next to her with the head onto her lap.

Nadia's torn apart by the headache

she legit has no idea where she is

There's just this smell. Myrrh?

Muriel works quickly. Draws runes on Nadia's forhead and prepares some powders. He blows them on her

Nadia goes still. Asleep. Relieved from the pain

He hopes she will forget again. Asra told him about the countess's gift. Of course he didn't told him about the curse coming with it... he was too busy with his apprentice

For now, Muriel just hopes Nadia will wake up... sooner or later.

Sooner. The sooner the better, actually.

#the arcana #the arcana game #nadia satrinava #nadia the arcana #muriel arcana #muriel of the khokuri #muriel the arcana #muriel x nadia #the arcana fanfic

[elsyrel]

Ok, I was thinking about familiars, and about the fact that it seems to exist a connection between them and arcana patrons. It seems that your patron arcana could influence which creature becomes your familiar. To put it in context, these are the characters whose familiars we know:

Asra, Faust (snake). Patron: the magician (fox).

Nadia, Chandra (owl). Patron: the high priestess (owl).

Julian, Malak (crow). Patron: the hanged man (crow).

Muriel, Inanna (wolf). Patron: the hermit (bear).

Portia, Pepi (cat). Patron: the star (cat).

Lucio, Mercedes and Melchior (dog). Patron: the devil (goat) + the fool (dog).

Aisha, Chimes (snake). Patron: the lovers (snake).

Salim, Flamel (snake). Patron: the lovers (snake).

Morga, Jaeger (eagle). Patron: the chariot (cheetah).

Nafizah, Darude (turtle). Patron: the world (turtle).

From these 10 characters, 7 have a coincidence between familiar and patron... which means that even though the familiar does not depend exclusively on the patron, it is influenced by it.

The most interesting case is Lucio. As we know, his patron is the devil... in this case, familiar and patron do not coincide. BUT, as stated by the devs, patrons can change with time. Lucio's patron changes in his own route, and he becomes the fool... which DOES COINCIDE with his familiars. And this makes me think that familiars are influenced by patrons, but also a familiar is indicative of the arcanas that have a strong connection with a person.

If this is true, Asra would have a strong connection not only with the magician, but also with the lovers. Muriel would have a strong connection with the moon. And Morga could have a strong connection with the sun. I think this gives extra information about the characters :D!! (For example, that love and connection is incredibly important for Asra, or that Muriel has a connection with what's hidden, illusions and doubts). Lucio confirms this theory.

It is also interesting that all known familiars are an animal represented by one of the arcanas... which makes me think that there are certain creatures that form connections with humans more easily than others (specifically, those creatures that are represented by one of the arcanas).

#the arcana #The Arcana Game #the arcana headcanons #headcanons

[reginarubie]

Sansa is connected with Medusa. Winged creature(winged wolf) and with serpent's in hair(silver hairnet with black amythest). She was used as pawn to kill Joffery and there were rumours about her doing witchcraft for escaping as wolf. But I think Dany is also a Medusa. Winged creatures can be Dragons. What do you think?

Ciao anon!,

you pose an interesting question and I think the matter of mythology in asoiaf is extremely interesting and that certain character might embody more than one singular mythological figure. Just look at Cersei (Venus and Eris) or Daenerys (Inanna/Astarte/Ishtar and Hecate) or Arya (Athena/Enyo and Hecate).

Sansa, herself, on the same line of thought might embody more than just one mythological figure. Some are already confirmed (like the Medusa and Persephone connection) others are just potential while sustained by textual evidence (Psyche, Gunnlöd and Isis for example).

As always, some premises are in order. Firstly I am in no way an expert on this subject and matter, I form my opinion and deliver it to you, based off the researches I do and the classical studies I did in high school, but I am in no way pretending to either an expert nor to hold the complete truth of it, so if anyone knows better please come forward for I enjoy learning on every subject.

Secondly, when speaking of ancient mythological figures, exactly as for goddesses etcetera, we have to take in consideration that during the span of time in which they've piled up, they have suffered from mixing, merging and shaping to serve the purpose and means that the author wanted them to serve. So it's never a clean-cut interpretation and often these figures embody elements that we'd not approach together (desire/death, for example, or love/destruction, like I have analysed in the Venus meta pertaining Cersei and Daenerys, x).

So, now, let's hop onto the first confirmed connection you have cited:

MEDUSA THE GORGON AND THE MAID AT THE FEAST WITH PURPLE SERPENTS IN HER HAIR

"I dreamt a wolf howling in the rain, but no one heard his grief," the dwarf woman was saying. "I dreamt such a clangor I thought my head might burst, drums and horns and pipes and screams, but the saddest sound was the little bells. I dreamt of a maid at a feast with purple serpents in her hair, venom dripping from their fangs. And later I dreamt that maid again, slaying a savage giant in a castle built of snow." — Arya VIII, ASOS

I am not digressing on the whole ‘(...) the saddest sound was the little bells’, I am not digressing on the whole ‘(...) the saddest sound was the little bells’ connected to war and destruction and — damn I totally am, in that other meta someone requested about Daenerys/Cleopatra (@sansaissteel this is all your fault, I want you to know, you fiend, I adore it).

Anyhow, back on track. We know, for sure, that Sansa is the maid at the feast with purple serpents in her hair, their fangs dripping with venom, as she wears the silver and black amethyst hairnet to Joffrey's wedding feast — and I've already said it, but purple is not only the colour of sorcery and power, but also of royalty and Sansa is royalty, by being princess in the North to her brother Robb, but I am digressing on colour codification and this is neither the place neither the time; just let it sink in that the only women who wear shades of purple/lilac are Daenerys a former princess turned queen, Sansa a princess and Arya another princess; three girls born as royalty as three are the Gorgons? mhhhh— and that inside the gems of the hairnet was the poison used to killed Joffrey (the strangler).

"There was murder in them!"

"Softly, my lady, softly. No murder. He choked on his pigeon pie." Dontos chortled. "Oh, tasty tasty pie. Silver and stones, that's all it was, silver and stone and magic."

The bells were tolling, and the wind was making a noise like he had made as he tried to suck a breath of air. "You poisoned him. You did. You took a stone from my hair..." — Sansa V, ASOS

By your description of Medusa, I assume you are talking about the most ancient myth associated with this particular gorgon, the one by which she was already born with serpents for hair and the capacity of turning to stone those who looked in her eyes, she also had wings, like her other two sisters.

In this, more ancient, essentially greek-migrated-from-the-east version of the myth Medusa was the daughter of the ancient marine deities, Phorkys and Keto, and she had two sisters, she was also the only mortal of the three gorgon. Perseus, demigod son of Zeus, kills her by beheading her, retaining her head for its properties (turning those who met her eyes to stone).

But, personally, I think Sansa represents better the roman version of this myth, the one narrated by Ovidio, whom transformed Medusa into a very beautiful woman whose most beautiful asset was her long hair, who Poseidon had sex with inside a sanctuary of Athena, who, furious at this, condemned the girl to become a monster, making of her beautiful hair serpents and making sure that she could meet no one's else gaze anymore, making sure her beauty became her curse. Mostly because Sansa was not a Medusa to begin with, she still isn't, as she was unaware of the purpose of the hairnet, and was framed thanks to it, and is aghast when she understand it. Also, it recalls nicely to the fact that Sansa's beauty resides much also in her thick, curly, auburn hair — so much that Cat thinks she'll grow more beautiful than her, when she recalls about brushing her hair — and the fact that after she was made of a Medusa she is forced to hide her identity for safety reasons and thus has to dye her hair dark, thus taking away part of her own beauty and identity.

She's still beautiful and charming — as proved by the fact that not a single lord or lady dismiss her and her role as de facto great lady of the Eyrie, and they hate LF, so they don't do it out of respect for him — still, her identity is put under trial here.

Also, as you yourself state, Medusa is a winged creature with serpents for hair and Sansa — who has worn poison in her hairnet — is being framed for Joffrey's murder — becoming a murdress, and herein comes the connotation of the name Medusa for ‘becoming a monster/ or lovely who does evil’ — and people say (a metropolitan myth if you'll like) that she killed the king with a spell — much like Medusa killed with her eyes only — later turned into a wolf with bat-like wings and flew away.

The northern girl. Winterfell's daughter. We heard she killed the king with a spell, and afterward changed into a wolf with big leather wings like a bat, and flew out a tower window. — Arya XIII, ASOS

So, wings. Of the Starklings only Bran and Sansa are connected with this image of the winged wolf. Sansa, as most women, connotated negatively (as a witch) and Bran as some sort of all-powerful mage. Which actually shall bring the twist because I believe Sansa to be the more innocent out of all her siblings, barred for Rickon, and Bran will have an hard time breaking free from Bloodraven, tho he ultimately will and in doing so he will reject the winged wolf and never fly again. Sacrificing magic, which can mean so much to him, for the good of the Realm and thus posing himself as the best prospect to lead the realm. Sansa, instead, is supposed to rule the North and she will do so by shedding the veil of this false accusation of being a Medusa, by proving she's her father's daughter first and foremost. Besides, I live for the Sansa Stark/Cregan Stark parallels and Sansa being appalled at Joffrey's end and her unwitting, unwilling part in it reminds me of Cregan schooling everyone as to why a king, even an opposing king, should be killed with honour, in battle, and not by poison. Sansa too washed her hands off the South in the same way as Cregan refused to stay and serve as Hand.

Anyway, digressing is a nice activity, but I will never come to end of this reply if I keep this on.

Sansa is also deeply connected with Jenny of Oldstone, flowers in her hair and dragonfly theme associated with her; and we all know that Jenny was married to Duncan, who refused his right and claim to the Iron throne to stay with her. Kind of like Jon refused his claim and right (Robb made him his heir, not that he knows yet) and everything he ever wanted for his sister *cough* cousin *cough* Sansa.

“Winterfell belongs to my sister Sansa” — Jon Snow, hidden Targaryen ‘prince’

“By right Winterfell should go to my sister Sansa.” — Jon Snow, hidden Targaryen ‘prince’

As a footnote, in some forms of the myth Medusa is pregnant by Poseidon when she's killed and posthumous she births Pegasus and Chryasor (a giant wielding a golden sword); so she's connected to another winged creature — which, again dragonfly (Sansa is connected to dragonflies and thus Jenny of Oldstone and her prince Duncan) and dragons.

Jon (hidden Targaryen — dragon, winged creature/direwolf, crow) and Sansa (‘winged’ wolf — little bird) mhhhh why does this sound like a pattern?

So, yes, without doubt Sansa does have some parallels in some form Medusa, but I think it will more of a Sansa shedding this forced image of Medusa imposed on her by her being framed for Joff's murder, than her embracing her inner gorgon (murdress). She'll probably skirt the line, but in the end as the red keeps creeping back under the dark dye, Sansa will always remain Ned Stark's daughter as I have analysed here (connected with LF trying to trap her in his schemes) and here (connected with her choosing the pear instead of the pomegranate LF offers).

THE GORGON AND DAENERYS

On the contrary, Daenerys is embracing her inner gorgon. As we've seen when she embraces the dragon (winged creature) capable of killing from distance (dragonfire), as she flees Meereen on Drogon's back.

‘Mother of dragons, mother of monsters (...) if they are monsters, so am I’ — Daenerys Targaryen

And she embraces both the more ancient form of the myth as, just as Medusa, Daenerys is a children of three from an incestous marriage between sibling coming from an ancient line of people (gods) lost in time (the valyrian), just like the Ovidio-version she starts off as a lovely maid which circumstances make of a gorgon, the point is, in this case she is her own perpetrator. She's the one who chooses to do the blood-rite deliberately knowing what it entails, she's the one who embraces the dragon, as I have analysed in this series of metas (x, by the title of blood magic and dark rites), she's the one who keeps embracing the dragon.

She's a lovely maiden, especially when AGOT starts, and her beauty is again mainly focused on her physical traits, her valyrian silver-gold locks and her amethyst eyes, and she's called the silver queen. And, after her blood ritual, and her death and resurrection (this is my personal theory) she lost all of her hair and they have become so brittle because of the stress, that she can't get them long again and styles them short, without braids (if not little ones) and bells instead.

[I won't digress on ‘(...) the saddest sound was the little bells’ connected to warcraft and destruction, I won't. Not now, but I really want to]

Also, just as Medusa posthumously birthed Pegasus (a winged horse, Perseus rides) and the giant with the golden sword...Daenerys too, posthumously imo (again for that theory of resurrection in asoiaf) ‘births’ children. Three dragons (one of which, Drogon, serves as her winged ride — she flees Meereen on dragonback) and if we have to go by the dark AA theory one of them (Drogon, again) might be the Lightbringer (the sword of AA)...even if the rider of Viserion (golden) might actually be connected with this point.

Anyway, you catch my drift. Daenerys chooses to embrace her inner gorgon, her inner Medusa (lovely face capable of great destruction — which coincidentally might be one of the interpretation of her name, as I have already said in the previous ask about her and the Venus parallels, as Daenerys seems to me like a merging of the greek names Deianira and Iris, which would mean ‘extremely beautiful woman capable of great destruction/destructress of mankind’) and this is where her arc is headed imo, though that remain to be seen.

So, yes, of course Daenerys has parallels with Medusa as well, though, as always with these two (Dany and Sansa) they are rivals, they are moral opposites (one shedding and refusing her imposed mask of Medusa, the other embracing it). Unsurprisingly, really.

On a footnote, red keeps creeping back in Sansa dyed hair, while Daenerys’ hair have difficulty growing back — again one rejects the gorgon the other embraces it.

And we could cut it here, sadly, now you have unleashed an long-ass analysis of possible mythological figures connected to Sansa and I won't stop. Sorry, it was your mistake really for stoking my curiosity.

— joking obviously, but I won't stop here.

So get your seatbelts ready.

PERSEPHONE, QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD AND SANSA STARK ~ THE MYTH OF HADES AND PERSEPHONE REVERSED

Petyr cut a pomegranate in two with his dagger, offering half to Sansa. "You should try and eat, my lady."

"Thank you, my lord." Pomegranate seeds were so messy; Sansa chose a pear instead, and took a small delicate bite. It was very ripe. The juice ran down her chin. — Sansa VI, ASOS

It sounds like a wolf, thought Sansa. A ghost wolf, big as mountains. — Alayne II, AFFC

Sansa is deeply connected with Persephone, goddess of spring and queen of the underworld. She's often connected with the pomegranate, not only is she served some — and refuses it choosing the pear instead and I've already analysed what that means for her and LF, who is fulfilling as a foil her Hades in the previously linked post when I spoke of her shedding her Medusa' mask — but she also thinks that when she blushes she looks like a pomegranate. Which makes me think that Sansa refused LF because he is just a foil, a dark look-a-like who truly isn't, of her true Hades who will not try to manipulate her to eat the pomegranate, but will make of her inherently a pomegranate by making her blush 'cause of love.

And, who is currently laying dead in a pool of his own blood (red as the pomegranate) in a snow field?, someone whose death she has felt and that she is foreshadowed in the very same passage as to led him back from the realm of dead and bring him back to life and spring in a reversal myth, Hades brought Persephone to the Underworld and kept her there, Sansa will lead Jon back from the realm of the dead, giving his life back meaning and purpose (like she did in the show) and will possibly help him through from winter to spring, as I have analysed here.

Also, as I have said more than once, Sansa is the first child of Ned and Cat born of love and in Winterfell, but she's also the first Stark kid born after winter (Robb was born during the false spring and the Rebellion — and in fact he creates the North as an independent kingdom but loses it; Jon if the book goes by show will do the same and he should be born in the year of false spring/nearing the fall back of winter), but before the long summer, which has been lasting for 9 years (approximatively since Arya's birth) while Sansa is eleven by the time AGOT starts, so it stands to reason she might be born during spring or at the very beginning of spring.

And Persephone was the goddess of spring and she's connected with Jenny of Oldstone by wearing flowers in her hair, just like the iconography of Persephone, who often is depicted with flowers in her hair.

Also, in the myth, Hades was pretty lax with his punishments (usually it would just suffice running some errand — perilous often — for him and he was done with it) but when Persephone sat beside him on her throne — ah as we said in my high school when we learned of their myth ‘meglio andare all'inferno d'estate, che d'inverno’, ‘better to go to the underworld in summer than winter’ as in winter Persephone was in her tenure as queen of the Underworld — and would administer justice beside her husband, often delivering punishment and justice to the souls that came to Hades' court.

And, as Jon is more focused on “I don't need to trust you to have need of you”, Sansa whole journey in the Vale is aimed at her becoming the one administering justice the same way as Ned was the one to deliver justice when he was lord of Winterfell. Which is why I always grimace at how undeveloped is the scene of LF's trial and execution, based on the whole arc of Sansa in this respect.

So, here's what I think about her confirmed (in part) connection with Persephone.

Let's hop onto the unconfirmed (yet) ones.

GUNNLÖD, THE WINE OF POETRY AND SANSA STARK

And later I dreamt that maid again, slaying a savage giant in a castle built of snow." — Arya VIII, ASOS

So, the connection with Gunnlöd is pretty interesting and actually a bit obscure but I feel like it's greatly pertinent to Sansa and her whole arc at the moment, fulfilling both the role of the original Stark lady and the Stark lord bastard son of Bael the Bard.

Gunnlöd is a figure of the norse mythology, and she's a giantess, daughter of a giant (lord/king of a castle) who is kept prisoner in her father's castle and forced to brew and care for three kettles with beverage she shall not let anyone taste on her own father's order.

You can see where I am aiming for, don't you?, Sansa is posing as Alayne Stone, bastard daughter of Littlefinger, whose family's sigil was the Titan of Braavos and that is highly associated and connected with the giant the same maid of the feast (Sansa) shall slay in a castle build of snow (Winterfell, the whole point of Sansa building Winterfell from snow and using LF's lessons against him as she embrace her identity as Ned Stark's daughter is something I've already discussed about here).

Anyway, point is Gunnlöd is dutiful and obeys her father, but when Odin comes to her, after a long travel very thirsty and ask for a sip of the drinks she is moved by his pleas and offers him to drink, Odin then proceeds to seduce her and offers to obtain three sips in exchange for three nights of passion. Gunnlöd accepts and Odin complies, and after having offered her the three nights he drinks the whole beverage, escaping and sharing it with the rest of the gods of Asgard after having fled in form of an eagle. The beverage he drank was the wine of poetry and thus Odin stole the gift of poetry from Gunnlöd.

Though, other versions of the story, want Gunnlöd to have fallen in love with Odin and have willingly helped him and that he himself would think back on his time with her with fondness, displaying some kind of affection toward her as one of his lovers.

I like this parallel, one because Gunnlöd who is imprisoned in the castle of her father to guard his secret powers (poetry —  A harp can be as dangerous as a sword, in the right hands — something we know, by Arya, that her sister is very good at composing) is the one who makes sure, wittingly or not, that that power is no longer possession of only her father, which makes me think of Sansa whole arc posing as Alayne, learning all of LF's secrets and modus operandi to then use them against him, once again (just like in their Beal and original lady Stark version) fulfilling two roles at once (Bael's bastard son and the lady Stark) the one of Gunnlöd and the one of Odin, also since, ya know ‘red keeps creeping back (like a thief):

"You wrong me, ser. I am no thief!"

Ser Roland placed his hand over his heart. "Then how do you explain this hole in my chest, from where you stole my heart?" — Alayne I, WOW

Especially since, as it's hinted at in the text, is possible Sansa shall use her abilities to spin a story, to forward the rise of House Stark and the restoration of the North.

Just as Gunnlöd crippled her father thanks to her offering the gift of poetry to Odin, in the same way Sansa will cripple LF by using his secrets against him.

So yeah, pretty obscure and relatively unapproached until now, but I stumbled upon this one and I loved it.

PSYCHE AND SANSA STARK (rif)

I've already spoken a bit of the parallels between Sansa and Psyche in the previously linked post about the parallels between Cersei and Daenerys and Venus (linking the story of Eros and Psyche with the younger, more beautiful queen prophecy) I won't digress here further than that simply because I mean to write a meta about it (so, if you are interested stay tuned for that), so let's just say that Sansa has some connection with Psyche as well as Cersei/Venus spiteful of her — for her beauty — marries to a monster/Tyrion from whom Sansa is stolen by Eros/Jon).

And lastly, one of my favourites of these unconfirmed (yet) possible connections:

ISIS, GODDESS QUEEN OF EGYPT AND SANSA STARK

(...) the wind was howling fiercely. It sounds like a wolf, thought Sansa. A ghost wolf, big as mountains. — Alayne II, AFFC

She was a Stark of Winterfell, a noble lady, and someday she would be a queen. — Sansa I, AGOT

Sooooo this might be my favourite (or one of) mythological connections for Sansa ever, and it is mainly Jonsa (I mean, we know that Sansa will play a role as lady — queen — in the restoration of the North when spring comes, and that she'll play an important part in Jon's whole resurrection debacle, as the show has hinted and as that very passages in Alayne II, AFFC and Sansa VII, ASOS hint toward at, and in the political game.

Isis might be one of the few mythological figures that might be perfectly embodied by Sansa.

So, the myth goes that Osiris is king of Egypt and he has a wife, Isis, and they have two other siblings, a girl Nephthys (who was associated with death and decay — keep this in mind it'll be helpful later —) and another male, Seth. Seth, grow envious and jealous of his brother abducts him and puts him in a coffin and sends him off, imprisoned and becomes king of Egypt.

Isis goes in search of her brother-husband coffin and finds it, returning with him to Egypt. Seth, enraged, then tears Osiris to pieces and scatters all pieces in different directions, thus thinking his brother gone for good.

Isis, distraught, with the help of her younger sister Nephthys, searches and finds all the pieces of Osiris (save for his manhood) and bends him back together, making of him a living mummy and the king of the Underworld; later she gives Osiris a son, Horus, whom she puts on the throne of Egypt after he has dethroned Seth (in some stories Isis takes pity on Seth and Horus beheads her to then magically give her back her head and reconcile with her).

Now... Nephthys is connected to death and decay.

Isis, on the other hand, was the picture of the perfect wife of Egyptian times, and her attributes (besides a crown with the solar disk — sun and the moon as for Sansa and Arya — has also wings — again, dragonflies and winged wolf/little bird imaginary) are also linked to Sansa, she taught Egyptian women to sew and manage a household, she was content to stay in the back but offered fierce and fearsome protection to her husband and her son thanks to her wit.

What more, at the beginning of Egyptian society she was mostly obscure and unattended goddess, but she grew in importance as Egypt became richer and stronger, until she became known as one of the most important goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon and ended up as being recognised as the epitome of the queen of Egypt and a example of virtuous and dutiful, clever and intelligent as well as protective wife and queen.

Just see this and think of Sansa and Arya, and Jon (currently dead but that died to go save Arya and that will stitched back together by Sansa, and will probably return as the fiercest protector of his sisters, Arya and Sansa).

Arya who is right now an acolyte of the Faceless Men, servant to the God of Death, that, just like Nephthys, is connected thus with death and decay.

Well...it makes sense to me, does it to you?

As a footnote, the images are not mine, credits to the authors, I simply found them on the net.

As always, thank you for your ask!, it was very interesting and sorry if, after replying your question I ended up taking the tangent and creating a whole ass essay on figures you had asked nothing about...but it sounded compelling and interesting to me, so I said why not?, hope you enjoyed the read!

You can find my other mythology essays here:

Cersei vs Daenerys — Venus decoded

Jonsa mythology — Jonsa foreshadowing, part VIII: Love and Psyche

Jonsa mythology (2) — Jonsa foreshadowing, part IX: Osiris and Isis

As always I wish you a very nice day!

#ask the hag #anon asks #mythology and asoiaf #greek-roman mythology #norse mythology #Egyptian mythology #gorgon #medusa and sansa stark #sansa stark #persephone and sansa stark #psyche and sansa stark #gunnlöd and sansa stark #jonsa #isis and sansa stark #dark daenerys #medusa and Daenerys Targaryen