#nadia stratinava

[may-be-rae]

The Arcana Headcanons

M6 Giving Comfort

Asra:

Asra can tell something is wrong before you can. The way your shoulders slouch at the counter…. The way you breathe a heavy sign once a customer leaves…. He was attune to you before he shared his heart.

Asra also knows your desire to be independent. He does his best to support you without being overbearing.

It will start with small things. Things that don’t readily come to mind, but are incredibly helpful. Tidying the living space before you come home. Washing the dishes as you cook. Running the bath ahead of time. After a while, it doesn’t take long for you to clue in. They’ll offer a sheepish, guilty smile in return.

Once you’ve figured it out, he won’t be so shy. Asra will ask if you want to talk about it, whether you’d prefer comfort or advice.

In either case, they will want to hold you. If you say no, they understand. But physical touch is a love language to Asra. He isn’t good with words, not when it comes to discussing more difficult topics. They’re much more confident in their physicality - holding you, offering butterfly kisses. It’s the way he most certainly knows how to tell you he loves you no matter how you’re feeling.

Nadia:

Nadia is a child of two equal but opposite personalities. And fortunately/unfortunately those qualities transfer into her relationship with you. (There are positives and negatives to both.)

Like her mother, Nadia is a problem solver. As a Countess, it’s a trait that she has honed particularly well. She can source the best time, place, and people to assist with your problem.

But like her father, Nadia can be emotional, but this is a trait she’s struggled with in her adult life. With Lucio, Nadia was in survival mode and relied on her problem-solving instincts to get her through. Emotions wouldn’t save her at that time, and now she has trouble just being your shoulder to cry on because in her mind it’s the equivalent of letting you suffer.

Although, she understands your perspective and insight into the situation. She’s also spoken to Asra about it, who encourages her that there is a time and place for both. Like Asra, Nadia has started asking which you’d prefer.

If you prefer help, she’s relieved. She’s on it. If you prefer comfort, she’s bemused at first, but slowly grows into it. If you’re someone uncomfortable with displays of emotion, she’ll take you to her tower so you can cry privately. She’ll walk with you around the gardens to help clear your mind, or she’ll play the piano for you in the lounge to help relax you.

In time, Nadia will see your temperament improve, and she’ll feel honored to know that such simple acts from her do wonders to ease your weary heart.

Julian:

Julian is also a creature of dual personalities. One is a product of nature and the other is a product of trauma.

At the core, Julian is a doctor, a healer. His heart is always seeking to better others. However, this good nature has been used against him in the past, so now he worries that any upset is his fault. He’ll rush to fix things in fear.

With you, he’ll begin to understand differently. Still, he tends to be clingy because of his insecurities, but just give him a kiss on the forehead and ask for space. He’ll understand.

In the meantime, he’ll prepare things he knows will make you happy. A cup of your favorite drink, a bouquet of your favorite flowers…. He’ll have them waiting for you when you’re ready.

Julian will insist that you lie down, allowing your body the ability to regulate itself. Deep breaths, sips of water…. If anything, he understands the dangers of acting out of panic and pressure.

And while you rest, he’ll provide plenty of hugs, kisses, and snuggles. The man’s limbs make him a professional cuddler, albeit a bit boney hah. He also knows a lot of grounding techniques. He’ll rub his hands over your arms and massage your hands to help control your spinning mind.

Julian is also surprisingly great at giving advice. He’s been through a lot…. As much as these experiences harmed him, they’ve also armored him. If anything, he’s grateful for the immense compassion and insightful perspectives these hardships have given him if it means it can help you in a time of need.

Portia:

Portia is a mixture of hard and soft comfort techniques. She tends to have an attitude of “keep your chin up buttercup” or making light of tough situation with laughter, which can seem somewhat flippant if you’re more sensitive (nothing wrong with that!). However, it all balances out against her motherly nature.

She’s a very good listener, very understanding and nonjudgmental. You’ll never have to worry about venting to her. She’s great at separating your emotions from her own.

Like her brother, she’s also a professional cuddler. Blankets, pillows, tissues.. she’s got it covered if you need a good, solid cry. She’ll put Pepi on you, too, because she heard that kitty purrs are healing.

Once the initial outburst is finished, she’ll try to get you moving and busy so that you don’t fall into a slump. A romp around the garden, a visit Mazelinka for pirate stories, a trip to the market.

Portia has been through a lot, and it’s her sunny disposition that kept her head above water. Now that life is slower, much calmer, more peaceful… she’s more than happy to be a little sun for you in rough patches.

Muriel:

Muriel is panicked. It amazes him how someone so tiny could be packed with so much emotion.

His stomach did little flip flops when you first had your outburst. But eventually, he relaxed.

You looked so hurt and scared to him that he needed to protect you. His first instinct was to hold you, wrapping you in his embrace and lifting you into his arms. It’s somewhere he knows you’re safe.

Nature is something that calms him, so before you attempt to tell him what’s wrong, he’ll insist on a walk through the woods. He knows the earth has a way of clearing the senses, clearing minds and hearts. He would hate for you to say or do something in the heat of your emotions that you’d regret later.

Once you’ve calmed, he’ll ask what’s wrong. While he may not always have advice to give, he has a steadiness that empowers you to face your problems head on.

While you’re upset, he’ll help you in maintaining a routine so that you don’t wallow in your sorrows. He’ll cook for you, clean your space, bring water, and make sure that you don’t lose touch with yourself.

He’s also big on aromatherapy, lighting incense and placing herbs above the mantle. He’s also heard that blankets are a big aid in these moments, so he’ll bring you a few to snuggle under and send Innana to lay with you. As you rest, he’ll watch over you, run fingers through your hair, and pray to the gods that you awaken in peace.

Lucio:

You didn’t know what to expect of Lucio when you first outburst in front of him, but you most certainly weren’t prepared for how gentle he was.

Lucio has survived his mother. One would think she’d make him callous to comfort, but it’s actually made him very conscious and aware of it.

He immediately dragged you away from prying eyes. He kneeled, got down to your level, and looked you in the eyes. He’d hold you while you cry, he’d sit you on his lap as you voice your woes.

The only caveat is that Lucio’s advice tend to not be the best…. He still has a childish, immature view on the world, so his advice tend to look more of like a giant middle finger to everyone.

Still, he’s 100% on your side, even if you don’t follow his advice. Lucio is aware that he rarely solved any of his own problem in life and trusts you undoubtedly. Whatever you ask, whatever you need, he’s loyal to the end.

#the arcana #the arcana headcanons #asra the arcana #asra alzanar #nadia the arcana #nadia stratinava #julian the arcana #julian devorak #portia the arcana #portia devorak #muriel the arcana #muriel of the kokhuri #lucio the arcana #lucio morgasson

[ffromthedining-table]

POV: re-reading The Arcana routes and acting shocked when I know damn well what happens.

#the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana lucio #count lucio #nadia stratinava #asra alnazar #julian devorak #portia devorak #the arcana muriel

[lemontines-writing-corner]

Dorian Team: “We’ll be sure to give you guys content on the official Arcana App!”

The Fandom: “Alright!!”

Also Dorian: *Proceeds to shove their piss poor Dorian App to the fandom instead of updating the whole official app*

The Fandom: “You said you’ll be updating it and using the app?”

Dorian: That app is shady and most of it won’t be received from us. Use the Dorian app and give us hearts instead!

The Fandom: *Has their fucking name plastered all over the official app and clearly sees they’re lazy to code out formats

#the arcana game #the arcana #asra arcana #asra and faust #nadia stratinava #nadia arcana #count lucio #the arcana game lucio #portia devorak #julian devorak #muriel the mountain man #dorian app #the arcana fandom

[glassesglam]

I may not have finished all the routs in this game but Nadia was the first and she will always be my favorite.

#the arcana #the arcana nadia #nadia stratinava

[jjthebunbun]

🔞 Commission for [RakaNoir] on Tw1tter of their Apprentice Liore and Nadia from The Arcana Game 🔞

[Full Piece is up on Tw1tter: @anonbunnyart]

#art #my art #nadia the arcana #nadia stratinava #the arcana #the arcana game #for the demons #fan apprentice #my commissions #fanart

[sugary-bluebell]

The arcana m.list:

Asra:

°• Asra and Julian with a s/o that wears suits

°• Julian and Asra being in a qpr with reader

Julian:

°• Asra and Julian with a s/o that wears suits

°• Julian and Asra being in a qpr with reader

Nadia:

《Nothing yet...》

Muriel:

《Nothing yet...》

Portia:

《Nothing yet...》

#the arcana headcanons #the arcana x reader #the arcana x male reader #the arcana game #asra alnazar #nadia stratinava #julian devorak #muriel #portia devorak #pasha devorak #ilya devorak #the arcana asra #the arcana nadia #the arcana julian #the arcana muriel #the arcana portia #the arcana nix hydra #male reader #gn reader

[mysticcopfriendegg]

I waited for a year and a half, but I finally went to Venice (the city that inspired Vesuvia) and posed as my apprentice Kamya from the visual novel "The Arcana - A mystic romance"! I really love the result and I would like to thank my trustworthy photographer @filippomonti 😍 more pics coming!

#the arcana #the arcana apprentice #the arcana a mystic romance #apprentice kamya #asra alnazar #julian devorak #nadia stratinava #count lucio #portia devorak #muriel kokhuri #kamya the apprentice #the arcana asra #the arcana mc #the arcana art #the arcana julian #the arcana nadia #the arcana lucio #the arcana portia #the arcana muriel #asra route #julian route #nadia route #lucio montag #lucio morgasson #lucio route #portia route #muriel route #venezia #venice #nix hydra

[macabre-beth]

MAJULIAN

#the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana spoilers #julian devorak #ilya devorak #portia devorak #pasha devorak #nadia stratinava #this game is fruity as hell with certain scenes such as Nadia saving Portia

[i-really-like-ducks]

Some Portia x Nadia for my tortured soul ♥️

#if the lighting looks weird its bc my led lights were on #Portia #Portia devorak #pasha #pasha deverak #the arcana game #art #artists on tumblr #drawing #the arcana #the arcana fanart #the arcana portia #Nadia #nadia stratinava #nadia arcana #nadia the arcana #portia x nadia #portia x mc #nadia x mc #nadia x apprentice #lesbian #lesbian art #lgbt #i love their chemistry

[may-be-rae]

I've been recovering from a bad flu and was wondering if I could be self indulgent and request Hc's for M6 when Mc is almost recovered from a bad flu?

First example; they cough every so often, they have a dry throat and sound bit horse still. Their favorite foods taste like shit and their appetite isn't fully back yet, but they have most of their energy back and can do everyday things and even feel lazy when doing nothing all day.

Thanks for your request! I’m so sorry for how long this took me. 🥴

I’m sure you’re well over your flu by now 🤧✌️ but since it’s disease central out here, I hope this brings us some comfort. ❤️‍🩹

Stay healthy y’all. Our immune system be fighting wars out here. 🫡 🍊

The Arcana Headcanons

Recovering from the Flu

Asra

Asra takes the days in stride. He’s a fairly relaxed person by nature. He doesn’t understand your rush to return to the everyday world. He prefers you to rest in bed so your mind, body, and spirit can fully recover.

From the beginning of your illness, Asra wanted to care for you, but he’s hesitant to be overbearing. He understands your complex sentiments towards the “caregiver” role he’s taken.

He takes a background role to your healing, acting as a shadow in his support. He makes homemade tea bags, cuts up fruits, prepares soups, washes the bedsheets, draws baths… small things that make a big difference in lightening the load.

He doesn’t nag you about what you chose to do. Want to go for a walk? He’ll join you with a spare coat and water. Insist on going to the market? Let him carry the basket. He’s desperate to see you well and happy once more, and he’ll do anything to show it even if it means taking a step back

In the end, Asra will promise that once you regain your taste, he’ll buy you the biggest, warmest pumpkin loaf at Selasi’s.

Nadia

Nadia has the palace on lockdown. She knows better than to believe that you won’t push your recovery time to a minimum. In Prakra, rest is valued and the body is treated sacredly. A broken vessel can hold nothing good. She urges you to rest as much as possible.

Everything is at your disposal - the finest cloths for your sniffles, the richest honey for your cough, the softest pillows for a midday nap. Nothing is too good for you.

After a few days, she will feel guilty for keeping you under lock and key. She knows how lonely the palace can be, and she wishes she had more time to keep you company.

In the evenings, she’ll try to make it up to you with a true rarity of her highness. She’ll sing to you sweet lullabies her father used to sing to her as a child. Her voice is smooth and deep, and Prakran songs have a rhythm much like a running river. It’s rare to hear her sing, and most are unaware of the Countess’s secret skill.

Julian

Julian, of course, is worried. He’s always worried! However, to best help you Julian switches into “doctor mode” to suppress his emotions. It does pain him to treat you like a patient, but he knows his medical skills are much more helpful than his worries. It’s a much different side to him, something you’re not used to seeing. It’s not bad, though. In fact, it’s rather charming.

He takes an upfront role, stern but soft. He’ll bring you tinctures and supplements from the clinic, as well as ask Mazelinka for any wives’ tale that could prove useful. He’ll cook for you and draw baths, and lights are out no later than 9:00pm.

Julian encourages you to keep moving and stay in a routine. He’ll offer to take you to the beach where you can relax in the sand. He knows the sun, fresh air, and water do wonders for health.

Once you’re fully recovered, Julian is relieved to have you again. He’ll apologize for being so cold, but that he simply wanted to help you. He’ll shower you in kisses and hugs to make up for the empty days.

Portia

While Portia is often one to work herself to the bone while under the weather, she refuses to let you do the same. She’s aware that it’s rather hypocritical of her, but she frankly doesn’t care. She can be somewhat of a nag, and that she does feel guilty for.

Portia is well versed in homeopathic medicine. It’s a skill that she picked up from her hometown, and it reminds her fondly of Mazelinka - the late nights they’d stay up together over the fire, picking dried herbs off their stems, talking about life, and sharing stories of the high seas…. It’s a fond memory for her.

If you insist on working, she’ll pack you a hearty soup and homemade ginger tea, both with plenty of healing herbs infused. When you get home, it’s candles, blankets, and bedtime. She’s also not afraid to snuggle up next to you despite the sniffles. At least if she gets sick too, she has an excuse to stay home with you. 🧡

Muriel

Muriel agrees that it’s no good to linger in bed for too long. If you’re up to it, he’ll support your decision in getting on your feet. This doesn’t erase his worry; he’ll still keep a strong eye on you.

When you go off to the shop, he’ll pack a bundle berries and dried orange peels for you to snack on. He’ll also spent the day preparing bone broth for dinner. If you don’t eat animal products, he’ll swap it for a ginger, garlic, and onion based broth.

The Kokhuri are strong believers of homeopathic remedies, like aromatherapy. Muriel would purchase and prepare incense and dried herbs to burn while you relax at home. He even knows of a great natural hot springs to relax in. If you’re too tired to walk, he’ll carry you.

But most of all, he’s a strong believer that company is truly the best medicine. Like Nadia, he has many lullabies and folk lore to share with you. He’s shy at first, but it’s rather cathartic for him to sing. It’s nice to relive his native tongue once more.

As the night settles in, he and Innana will gladly cuddle up to you once you’re asleep and keep you warm through the night.

Lucio

Lucio actually roughs out his cold most of the time, crediting his “it’s not a problem if I don’t think about it too hard” mindset. He reserves his crybaby tendencies for when he’s feeling truly horrid and sorry for himself.

He’s surprisingly gentle toward you, as he admires your tenacious spirit. Many other partners in his life used his status to pamper themselves in these situations. It’s strange to have someone so independent and capable that choses to stay with him. Lucio knows he’s a pill, and your faithfulness isn’t lost on him. He never wants to diminish your will and strength, so he’ll do his best to support you from the shadows.

Expect servants on the hour to check in on you, periodically bringing over drinks, snacks, and cough drops. Sometimes, Lucio will offer walk through the gardens for some fresh air. If you’re struggling, he’ll bring over a blanket and pillow for a brief nap. Although he’ll promise to wake you up in a few minutes, he’ll allow you to rest longer if that’s what your body demands.

At the ends of his work day, he won’t leave your side. He’ll run a hot bath for you and offer to read to you. Afterwards, the night is yours. Whatever you please, he’ll have it ready for you.

#the arcana #asra the arcana #asra alnazar #julian the arcana #julian devorak #ilya devorak #nadia the arcana #nadia stratinava #portia the arcana #portia devorak #muriel the arcana #muriel of the kokhuri #lucio the arcana #lucio morgasson #the arcana headcanons

[k-0re]

Some arcana sketches

#art #my art #artists on tumblr #the arcana #thearcanafandom #the arcana fanart #illustration #arcana nadia #nadia stratinava #asrathearcana #asra alnazar

[the-fools-route]

THE FOOLS ROUTE

THE ARCANA: fanfic 4,169 words

Chapter 2

_______________________________________________

It's warm, very warm. I'm swaddled in fluffy blankets, but only in a particular fashion. Soft blankets on the bottom, covered in comforters. I'm on my side, holding Candlewick. I hear shuffling above me, it seems I'm not the only one awake. I hesitantly crawl out of bed toward the trapdoor, I hear talking. It's too muffled, even with the door ajar. I peek to see Julian leaning his back against the kitchen counter eating an apple. He is now wearing a strange black outfit with lots of buttons. And I can't even make sense of his coat. Cape? It's just resting on his shoulders, how is it staying there? He's talking to Mazelinka, but I can't see her. I attempt to eavesdrop but Candlewick decides to blow my cover. He sprints up the ladder, scaring me. I accidentally push the trapdoor open all the way, causing it to slam on the wood floor.

Good job, me.

Julian yelps, then covers his mouth in embarrassment. Mazelinka is unfazed.

" Sorry. "

We go about the morning in a normal fashion. I eat an orange, struggling to clean off the pulp. Julian finishes his apple and Candlewick sits on the table, waiting for more attention. Mazelinka packs me a small bag of snacks.

" Well- "

Julian starts.

" Time for us to resume our journey. "

" Journey huh. Where are you two going? " Mazelinka questions.

Julian raises his hands in defense.

" Nowhere bad, she's lost. I'm simply helping her find a friend. "

I guess that's not entirely wrong. He told me we would try to find Asra, and that he might be able to help me.

The streets are busy. People walking to who knows where, work probably. It's misty out, wisps of condensation swirls around as we walk.

" I wonder what the weather will be like today. " Julian begins.

" Wait. "

Why haven't I thought of this before?

" My phone! "

I toss my backpack on the ground and fumble with the zippers. I raise my phone proudly above my head, I hope it isn't dead.

Julian looks lost.

" Your…um, what? "

" My phone. It's a common device used where I'm from. You can check the weather and- "

I pause for dramatic effect.

" Your location! "

My phone is still at 96%, it hasn't gone down since I was on the bus. I turn my location on in hopes something will happen. But nothing does, my phone doesn't know where I am.

" Did it work? "

" No. "

He attempts to change the subject.

" What else can your " phoone " do? "

" Phone. " I correct him.

" Yes, that is what I said. "

" Well. " I pick up my bag, Candlewick taking his respective spot on top.

" I can take pictures, watch. "

I face my phone toward him.

" What are you doing? Do I have to hold still? " Julian fidgets.

" That's preferred for a clear picture. "

I give him my phone and face the screen to him.

" Look. "

His eye widened. He tilts the phone every which way for a better look.

"That's incredible! It's like looking in a mirror. "

As we walk around Julian continues to ask questions about my phone.

" How are they made? "

" Can it give directions like a map? "

" Are they flammable? "

The questions only cease when we stop at a door. It looks like a store. Julian pulls a key ring out from one of his pockets and flips through it until he finds a small brass key. It fits the door. We walk inside and freeze. Asra is sitting in a chair with that purple snake wrapped around their arm. He just kinda stares back in an awkward silence.

He just smiles.

" Well well well. Been a while since you broke into my store Ilya. "

There's that name again. Ilya.

" It's not breaking in if I have a key. "

" Julian, you stole my spare key. "

They continue talking in a playful manner. I was right, old friends. The purple snake props herself up from Asra's arm. She sways around for a minute, then greets me.

" Hello! "

I wave my hand back.

" Hello, good to see you again."

Asra turns his head to look at me.

" Seems you have taken up some company since I saw you yesterday. "

Julian throws his arm over my shoulder, though he has to bend over to do so.

" We've become bosom friends I think. "

Asra and Julian have their own conversation while I have one with the snake. We both sway side to side. I thought it was very insightful.

" A journey to the palace. " Asra begins.

" How fun. "

They grab a colorful cloak and a bag in which the snake slides into. Julian strides to the door to leave.

" Oh no, not you. "

Julian dramaticly gasps.

" You mean I can't go with you? Asra, your words sting. "

They flick his nose.

" You know exactly why you can't come with us. Go through the back door."

Julian sighs wistfully and bows.

" Until we meet again. "

And he leaves.

" He is so dramatic. "

Asra nods.

" So, mind sharing your strange story? "

Here we go again.

" Ok so, long story short. From what I understand I'm from another world/realm or something. And now I am here, I don't know how I got here. "

" I knew you were different. "

I look at him weird.

" What? "

We walk around what Asra called the Heart District, weaving through buildings and people until we come across a large beautiful gate. It is guarded by two large men, they move aside as soon as they see Asra. A long bridge leads us to the entrance, I like the bridge, I think it has alot of character. Asra takes me inside, I am in complete awe. Long stained glass windows line the marble walls, and the floors are so clean I can practically see my own reflection.

" There you are. "

A small woman walks up to Asra. She's practically my height, beautiful thick red hair wrapped skillfully in a bandana.

" I've been looking all over for you! You weren't in the library, your room, or the gardens! I was almost about to send a search party. "

She stops ranting when she notices me.

" Oh, hello. I'm Portia, the head servant. "

I wave, I don't want to say anything wrong. So I'll try not to speak much.

She gasps loudly.

" Oh my goodness, you have a cat with you! "

She is practically rolling on the floor with excitement.

" What's his name? "

I pick him up for introductions, much to his protests.

" This is Candlewick, the best cat of them all. "

She laughs.

" I beg to differ, my cat is the best. "

I smile.

" We will see. "

Asra coughs in his hand.

" She's here to speak to the Countess. "

Portia claps her hands together.

" Perfect, she needs to talk to you anyway. Follow me. "

She immediately takes off down a hall. She is really fast for her height. My heart is racing, what if I upset the Countess.

" I feel kinda bad being here. It's beautiful, nice, neat, and clean. And I'm, well - "

I gesture at my clothes.

" Not that. Will that upset her? "

Asra side eyes me and smiles.

" You make Nadia out to be a cruel woman, you haven even met her yet. "

" Sorry. "

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

We are led through large glass doors to a large terrace of some sort. Gorgeous lush gardens lay just below, golden light fills the scene beautifully like you couldn't imagine. To the left lies a small table filled with small pastries and empty glass cups. One side has two vacant stools, and the other sits the Countess. She's an ethereal being, adorned with jewels and silks. She radiates intelligence, beauty, and authority. Yet her eyes are kind, reassuring.

Portia addresses us as " Asra the magician and guest", I thought that was odd.

Magician.

Is magic real? It couldn't be. Right?

The Countess and Asra converse as I observe my surroundings. The light breeze smells of nostalgia and flowers. It whistles through the trees catching leaves, reminds me of home. But I'm not home, I'm in a palace. I'm with an important person and I'm too busy daydreaming. I don't belong here.

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

" Excuse me. "

I snap back to reality. The Countess is talking to me.

" Are you alright, you look pale. "

" O-oh, um. "

My heart is pounding, what if she thinks I'm a lier? Asra nudges me.

" I- "

" I don't think you will believe me, but this is the truth. "

I explain what had happened in the last 24 or so hours. Waking up, finding Candlewick, the market, I skip the stolen fish, meeting Asra, and finding a bar. Asra cuts me off before I can mention Julian, and how he helped me. Why is Asra avoiding Julian? He couldn't come with us, and they won't even mention him.

What did Julian do?

" She stayed at my shop last night. " Asra begins.

That's a lie. I wasn't at the shop.

" So she was safe. "

The Countess was resting her chin on her hands. But now she fidgets with a tea cup. She seems concerned.

" Asra is working for me, so he is unlikely to be home often. You will have nowhere to stay. "

She smiles, truly a kind smile.

" Would you like to stay with me? I have everything you could ever want here. I can have a room prepared for you."

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

" But you don't know me, I really don't want to be a bother. I don't want to take up your valuable time. Besides, I just told you an impossible story. You can't possibly believe me. "

She narrows her eyes.

" Yes, Your story is implausible. But I have reason to believe you are telling the truth. "

I don't argue back, I really don't want to upset her. She takes my hands and holds them, reassuringly.

" I want you to be here with me. It's been a long time since I had a guest quite like you. "

Nadia beckons Portia over, she had been standing by the door behind me. She whispers in her ear, I couldn't understand what she said. Portia smiles enthusiastically. Portia grabs my hand and leads me to the double doors. As I leave, I hear Asra and Nadia talking about finding someone. But who?

I'm led to a large door and pushed inside. I think I heard Portia say " have fun " before she closed the door. The room is huge. There is a rack with robes toward the front of the room, along with a few chairs. A bath the size a swimming pool fills the room. A huge mirror sits in the leftmost wall. It's maybe 7 feet high, I feel so small in its reflection. My hoodie is wrinkled, my pants are dirt stained. What am I doing here? I take a purple-ish silky robe and change into that. I can see scars on my knees from a rambunctious childhood, each telling a different story. Steam lazily rises from the bath, beckoning me. A golden tray is filled with gleaming bottles and jars, I feel bad using any of it. But one thing does catch my eye. It's a small simple clear bottle, I can hold it between my pointer finger and thumb. The black fluid sloshes around like ink in a well. How familiar. I open the vial, it smells like the forest.

It smells like home.

A set of clothes were set out for me to wear. A loose cream blouse with dark pants, incredibly different from what I'm used to wearing. I try my best to dry my hair before I leave, I don't want to drip water in the hallway. I knock on the door so Portia knows I'm finished.

" Aww, you look so cute in that. Don't worry about your old clothes, someone will take care of them. "

She leads me down a hallway or two and stops me in front of a door.

" Ma'lady is in a meeting and she wants you to join. She is with the courters inside this room. I'll be right outside. "

Oh lovely, strangers.

Cackling fills my ears as I enter, 5 people sit on armchairs and couches not including the Countess. All the attention is brought to me as I walk in, wonderful.

" This is Leigh, my guest. " Nadia announces.

A pale man gasps enthusiastically and clasps his hands together.

" Yes, we have been hearing so much about you. It's absolutely delightful to put a face to your name! My name is Vlastomil, I am the Praetor. "

The larger person on the couch practically screams at me.

" Sit next to me! Everyone wants to sit next to the Pontifex. "

A very small woman on the right of the couch speaks next, with a quivering voice.

" Oh yes, you and your cat are so cute! Please sit next to us. "

Her very small hand pats the couch cushion. I sit into the plush seat between the two while Candlewick sits in the small woman's lap. Her eyes sparkle at the sight of such a majestic creature. I'm too focused on Candlewick being absolutely adorable to realize someone is standing over me. Their red eyes are fixated on my face, unmoving. They don't blink, not once. Bandaged Horns loom over me casting a shadow. They are dressed is some sort of a surgans outfit, black gloves, an apron and a mask. The look is finished with a red brooch shaped as a beatle fixed on the neck.

" Quaestor please. Stop staring at her. "

A very wealthy looking man looking increasingly unimpressed, takes a sip from a wine glass. His hair is in a perfect braid, not a single stray strand. He likely thinks very highly of himself.

" I'm just inspecting her Consul, no harm done. "

He scoffs.

" Sit down before you scare her away. "

The Quaestor strides to their arm chair in a very fluid motion. No extra movement are wasted.

" Now before we get down to business. " The Consul began.

" I'd like to discuss the elephant in the room. "

He looks at me.

" Why is she here. "

Nadia seems slightly annoyed by the question.

" She is an honored guest, and you will treat her as such. "

" Yes, of course Countess. "

He didn't mean it.

I mainly observed as they talked politics or reconstruction of the city. I eventually learned everyone's names. Vlademar, Vlastomil, Volgora, Volta, and Valerius. I held up conversations with almost of them. I talked about worms, favorite foods, knives, and what a lobotomy was. Vlademar's eyes never left me, not once. Always inspecting, never blinking. Eventually everyone left, only I was left with the Countess. She seems happy.

" What did you think of the courters. "

I think very carefully about my answer.

" One word, strange. "

She seems strangely satisfied with my answer.

" Yes, they are- "

She generously pauses.

" Odd. "

She smiles.

" Come sit by me. "

She rubs her perfect smooth hands over my ravaged fingers. I don't understand why she is so kind to me.

" You held up well today. I'm proud of you. "

Proud? Of me?

She stands up, and takes me with her. She leads me out the door to Portia.

" Take her to her new bedroom. "

I look at the Countess weird. A room for me? She takes my hand one last time before departing.

" You deserve it. And please, call me Nadia. "

The room is lit by candles and hanging lanterns. A large bed lies to my right, and next to it is a desk with a mirror. There are a few dressers and knickknacks lying about. The back wall has a huge window overlooking the gardens. It's beautiful. My original clothes lie on a dresser, neatly folded. My backpack is on the floor next to the desk. Candlewick immediately makes himself at home on the bed.

" This is where you will be staying. If you ever need anything, just ask. "

And she leaves. Wick has the right idea, I'd like to rest for a bit. I lay next to him, as I sink into the soft mattress I wonder what will become of me. Where will the world take me?

Warm golden light streams through stained glass windows, the colored glass paints the clean cut marble floor like a gorgeous paint palette. The floor is warm under my bare feet, I feel fuzzy. I'm in a beautiful cathedral filled with marble columns and open windows inviting a cool breeze. A painted ram lies in the ceiling above me, watching me with curiosity. I blink and I am gone.

My bed is cushy and warm, but the room is cool and dark. Wait, it's dark. I sit up and realize I fell asleep, I can't tell what time it is. Well I'm not tired anymore so I might as well explore. Candlewick stole my pillow while I was sleeping, maybe he wants to join me. I poke him but all he does is roll over and squeak at me. He isn't interested.

" Come on, don't you want to hear about my weird dream? "

No answer. I recall the golden light on my face, what a strange dream. My feet hit the cold floor, sending a chill up my spine. But with each step I take, I get used to the chill. I open the door without making a sound. The hall is dark and empty, it's almost eerie. It feels like nothing but me exists in the whole world. Moonlight illuminates the halls with a brilliant silver, lighting a path for me to take. Although, I didn't expect it till take me here. A staircase lies in front of me, and two dogs lie on the second step. They both raise their heads and watch me. I whisper to myself.

" Horse dogs. "

The borzoi, also known as the horse dog. They are a beautiful white color. One of the dogs walk up to me. She tilts her head, I tilt mine back. The second dog joins and they both circle me, inspecting. They grab my pants and take me up the stairs, I almost trip up a few. The hall is dark and cold, more so than the rest of the palace. Noone had been here in a while. A few doors hang open, I look in one of the rooms. Its a Parlor filled with abandoned expensive looking couches and strangely, torn up paintings. Not one is intact. They look like the same person was on all of them. But I cant tell who. I'm pulled out of the room by the dog with the torn ear. The halls seem sad, as if nothing good has ever happened here. Each hallway is decorated differently. Occasional suits of armor line the walls along with more paintings likely related to someone wearing said armor. All torn. I'm lead to a wide hall, it's different then the rest. Dusty complete pictures line the walls, each skillfully painted. They all depict Albino animals at their best, they all have gold collars and rich cloths.

" Hey, it's you two. "

A portrait of Lucio's hunting dogs sticks out from the rest, it looks much newer. They are lounging on overstuffed pillows. They are both in gold jeweled collars. I trace the picture frame, dust collects on my finger. The frame reads " Mercedes and Melchior. "

" Beautiful aren't they. "

A thin voice whispers in my ear. I whip around expecting someone, anyone. But nothing is there. Mercedes and Melchior wag their tails and sniff around. Mercedes lifts her head and howls. She bounds down a hallway, Melchior chasing after her.

" Hey wait! "

I chase them down a few halls till they stop at a door at the very end of a dusty corridor. They paw on the door till I cautiously open it myself for them.

" Hello? "

The room is large and dark, and unmistakably coated with ash. It was a bedroom once, a nice one too. First thing when you walk in is a bed, it's large enough to fit 3 adults at the very least. A frame lines it holding a curtain around the bed for privacy. The source of the fire damage surrounds the bed. Spreading to the carpet under and the wall behind the bed. The wallpaper melted and the red curtains practically disintegrated. The room is larger on the left side. Large wardrobes line the back wall, likely still filled with furs and outfits. A Lavish brick fireplace lies across on the opposite wall. The mantle has small shiny trinkets sprinkled with ash and dust. Two plush armchairs sit in front of the fireplace. The far left wall has a tall Multi-paned window hidden behind red felt curtains. This guy really liked the color red. To the right of the bed, a painting takes up almost the entire wall. It's of a young man, golden blonde. Emitting pure pride. The dogs sit in front of the painted man next to me.

" Was this him? "

The door slams shut causing ash and soot to whirl around the room.

" Was? "

The voice speaks in an offended tone. Melchior jumps around with excitement. Mercedes wags her tail, but stays seated next to me. I pull my blouse over my face so I don't inhale any unwanted debris, the room is ice cold now.

" Who are you? " My voice is muffled.

" Who am I? How dare Vesuvia forget me, their own beloved Count! They forget about me while I rot! Alone and unwanted, how dare they! "

He sounds livid

" I'm sorry. "

" Are you? " He bellows.

" Yes. I am. "

The room grows silent, but it doesn't last.

" Why are you here? I've never seen you before. "

The room's temp slowly returns to normal.

" I was exploring, I couldn't sleep. I found your dogs and they brought me here. I think they miss you. "

Melchior and Mercedes both perk up at being mentioned.

" Can I see you? "

He walks into the moonlight shining through the window causing him to glow like a strange bedside night light. He's taken the form of some sort of goat. He's maybe 7 feet tall and covered in white fur. His hooves and Horns are onyx and he has but one clawed arm, the apparition is complete with ruby red eyes.

" This is what I have been reduced to. "

He sounds somber. He looks down at me and narrows his eyes.

" Are you afraid of me? Are you going to run away like everyone else and call me a monster? "

" I don't think you are a monster. "

His eyes soften.

" How long have you been like this? "

The atmosphere finally calms.

" You don't know? I thought everyone knew. I died three years ago at my own party. "

He attempts to pet Melchior, but his hand phases through. He sighs in defeat.

" I'm sorry, I'm not from here. "

His nose wrinkles.

" Surely you've heard about me from somewhere. About my battles, or tales of great courage. Do people not talk about how great I am anymore? "

Wow, this guy is kinda full of himself.

" I'm sure people still share your stories. But when I say I'm not from here, I really mean I'm not from here. "

We sat and talked for a while, about everything. About my strange predicament or about Lucio's life as the Count. We talked for a few hours about our lives and experiences, Lucio is actually a very interesting person. He used to control the city, which sounds like a huge job. He used to house parties almost daily. And once, he was a mercenary. I also learned a bit about how he lives as a ghost. He can kinda feel, but he really can't touch anything. Or how he can't eat, but he can smell. So I promised to bring him a nice candle, he liked that idea. Lucio looks toward the window and sighs.

" It's pretty late. Don't you need to sleep or something? "

" Probably. "

I stand up to leave, we were laying on the carpet by the window. He stops me before I open the door.

" You will come back, right? "

" I will, promise. "

I felt eyes on me the entire walk back to my room. He's watching me. My room is colder than it was when I left, Candlewick hasn't moved an inch. I lay back down in my bed and try to go back to sleep.

Golden light bathes my face with warmth. I open my eyes to see the painted ram again, watching me. The distant birds fill my ears with such beautiful music, I hum with them. The stained glass windows whistle from the wind. I hear wind chimes from somewhere close by. I must be dreaming again.

" Well well well. "

I hear what sounds like heels walking toward me, clicking on the floor. But then they stop, right behind me. I slowly turn around to see a ram, the one that was painted on the ceiling. He raises a brow at me.

" It's been a while since I had a guest. "

#julian devorak #the arcana #asra alnazar #asrathearcana #dr devorak #the arcana game #the arcana fanfic #portia devorak #countess nadia #nadia stratinava #lucio morgasson #lucio the arcana #count lucio #vlademar the arcana #volta the arcana #volgora the arcana #vlastomil the arcana #Valerius the arcana #the fools route

[adammonter]

New Week, New Art!

So I got back into The Arcana so I had to draw the babes

(Jan 22nd - 28th)

#art challenge #2023 #my art #the arcana #asra alzanar #nadia stratinava #julian devorak #fan art #fanart #digital art #weeks of the year

[zoezenii]

Incomplete drawing of Nadia, but I still love it even if it will never be finished lol

#the arcana #the arcana game #Nadia #nadia stratinava #my art #zoezenii #countess nadia #nadia x reader #she’s gorgeous and I love her uwu

[moon-and-stars-appreciation]

M6 Help With Tricky Magic Part 2/2

More TW

Portia

Honestly she’s psyched that you want/need her help and she’s excited to be a part of this with you!!

She gets really focused on trying to help you and is a huge optimist every time something goes wrong. She knows that even if you don’t show it that this is really important to you and that every time something small goes wrong, she’s basically the only thing keeping you together.

After hitting so many twists and turns, she’s probably only gotten more optimistic while you’re slowly fading out of your confidence. She can tell that you’re barely holding on, but she’s doing her best to keep you energized and on spot. Eventually, when it all leads up to that moment when you’re about to be done, you’re both so excited. Your work will pay off, it’ll all have been worth it, nothing more to worry about.

And then. Well. I guess the spell decided to give you something to worry about.

When you go to preform the spell, the atmosphere changes. Drastically. And you’re both confused for a second until your energy is completely drained and she has to rush to you to make sure you’re okay. And then you look around and see… pain and Death. Everywhere.

You didn’t even think you were capable of this damage, much less when the spell you were trying to preform brought the opposite…

The plants and green life around you withered, turning to black and brown, some even breaking down on the spot. People are lying on the floor, crying out in pain but not truly physically affected. You can’t help but break down crying at this, before your sight even lands on Portia, her body crumpled at your feet, crying and pleading. You realize it must be mentally attacking them as not even one person seems to be bearing it.

You do everything in your power to bring her back to consciousness, but the moment she’s awake and before she’s even feeling good enough to have coherent thoughts, she’s worried about you.

She’s focused on you now, and won’t leave your side. Even though she doesn’t feel any side effect of what happened, you’re worried about her too. Does that mean she’ll let you take care of her? Absolutely not. She has Ilya by your side 24/7 until he starts complaining that physically, you’re perfectly fine. Mentally though, she’s really the only one that can help your nightmares of all those people crying out in pain, and Portia being tortured at your hand.

Muriel

As anxious as Muriel was about this, you were able to convince him to help you, simply because he figured it’d be better to protect you ratchet than let you get hurt. Though he did mention several times that he had a bad feeling about this spell, and there’s no way it would work without more skill than he could help with.

I mean, you’re powerful. But conjuring a spell that should take like 5 of you with just yourself and Muriel? Yeah, that wouldn’t add up in the end.

You always had to be near him if you were gonna practice or even just research it, even if you didn’t want or need his help, he needed to keep an eye on you at all times. He did his best to look out for little details that you might’ve missed, but in all seriousness you seemed pretty thorough to him, for the most part. He helps you out by pointing little things out, and reminding you of things that might’ve slipped your mind.

You’re the optimistic one in this situation. He supports you, but that doesn’t mean that he wants you to get yourself hurt, so really he tries not to say much. When he does, it’s always blunt and the outright truth of the moment or his opinion.

When it comes to the time to preform the spell, he knows the perfect place to do it that it shouldn’t harm or destroy anything if something goes wrong, and after he helps you with whatever you ask, he sets at a distance so that he can watch to make sure you’re okay but so that he’s not in the way.

Everything is going smoothly as you cast the spell, and you close your eyes, trying to just feel the magic coursing through you. Muriel is just on edge, fidgety but also tense and rigid. As he’s watching you, suddenly you disappear from thin air, some trace and smoke but nothing big. Muriel starts with a panic, calling out your name and looking around frantically.

You feel the ground disappear from beneath your feet, and suddenly you feel yourself falling, but for some reason you can’t open your eyes or speak, much less scream. You hear Muriel shouting for you, but you can’t call out to him, and you suddenly break the surface of water beneath you, crashing into this deep, flowing river, too physically numb to swim yourself out of it.

Muriel hears the crash, and immediately rushes over as fast as he can, which is admittedly fast for his size when you’re involved, and he scoops you out of the water. When he does, you’re finally out of your paralyzation, and a shock of pain goes through you at his touch. Muriel winces when he hears you cry out in pain, but he needs to get you out and safe for now.

After you’re safe and closer to the palace and Asra’s shop (he couldn’t keep going because of your whimpers of pain) he just sits down and tends to you. No words are spoken, he just gives you water, makes you eat something small, and then sends Inanna to find Asra.

When you’re okay physically, all that’s left for you is healing mentally, knowing that you might be stuck with those thoughts for a while. But for Asra and Muriel, they’re also trying to figure out what went wrong with the spell so that it never happens again

Muriel is even more reluctant for you to try practicing again but he just checks with Asra to make sure the spell is safe beforehand and always keeps track of where you are (if you’re comfortable with that) so that he doesn’t lose you again.

Lucio

It took some convincing to drag him into your work area of your life because he really didn’t want to deal with the manual labor, or mental for that matter, but once you did he started to see why you liked experimenting with it.

He was skeptical of course at first, what could be more important than him?? What was taking up so much of your time???!! But then he started getting nosey, and had to butt in to see what it was. He saw why you liked experimenting and had to help you, because of course you needed him.

He ended up just being like a curious little puppy and asking questions-

Your spell was a complicated one, and taking care of him was like taking care of a toddler, so you of course were annoyed by the constant of him acting like he knew what he was doing even though he was making things worse, however much you might show it, and however endearing you found it.

After all your Lucio’s hard work, the spell was finally prepared and practiced to where you knew that you could preform it perfectly without a hitch.

Oh look at that

A hitch.

When you preform your spell, you were the only one that knew what went wrong, because no one else saw anything but the fact that it didn’t go all the way through.

While you couldn’t see what exactly caused it to go wrong, you could see so much for devastation than anyone else. The flashbacks, and the hallucinations, Lucio only started getting concerned when you stopped responding, started sobbing, and couldn’t breathe. The world was in shambles, and only you could see it.

Only you could see that it wasn’t Lucio trying to help you, but the Devil, that the scenery wasn’t greenery, but filled with ash and bone, blood and corpses.

The visions lasted for a few hours, but that would be enough to traumatize anyone, even moreso someone who has personally dealt with the devil’s misdoings. Lucio couldn’t understand why you were shaken up, after that. After all, you couldn’t explain it to him, that would only make things worse.

He cared, he really did, and he did his best to let you know that to his ability. He didn’t know how to help but he sat with you, filling the silence when you couldn’t speak, talking about himself to lighten the mood, though it was only a habit for him. But he cared. He cares. He made sure you were well tended to, even in the areas that he knew nothing about, and was just getting the servants to do, he made sure you were ok.

He may not ever know what you went through, but he never wants to see you like that again, and he may be brash with topics like that on accident, but if you express certain things with him, Lucio tries his best to be cautionary.

#asra arcana #nadia stratinava #the arcana #arcana game #the arcana nadia #asra alnazar #muriel of the kokhuri #muriel arcana #goatman lucio #lucio morgasson #lucio arcana #portia devorak #portia arcana #the arcana game #julian devorak #the arcana julian #the arcana lucio #arcana headcanons #angst #tw #love you guys #I promise I’m trying #ilya devorak #asra and muriel #the arcana apprentice #the arcana mc

[mysticcopfriendegg]

#funny memes #gaming #the arcana #the arcana a mystic romance #count lucio #lucio montag #the arcana lucio #lucio morgasson #the arcane game #the arcana asra #the arcana julian #the arcana apprentice #the arcana muriel #the arcana nix hydra #the arcana nadia #the arcana portia #asra alzanar #julian devorak #portia devorak #nadia stratinava #muriel kokhuri #antony starr #the boys #amazon prime video #amazonseries #the boys homelander