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the-night-that-feeds-if · 11 months

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You feel a chill down your spine, the hairs at the back of your neck prickle. You don't dare look behind you... The shadow smiles.

The Night That Feeds is a dark fantasy, interactive story. It will have heavy themes of familial abuse, sexually suggestive themes (perhaps more explicit stuff too, eventually), and other dark themes. A comprehensive content warning will be made available as the story develops.

"This is a story of love, loss, and of trying to find a home".

*** Please keep your mental health in mind when playing games with dark themes. This game won't be as dark as some others, but I want everyone to be safe and healthy when consuming dark content.

Demo currently sitting at 21k words.

✧ Features/Will feature ✧

A customizable protagonist, name, gender, appearance.

Multiple romance options (barely implemented at this time).

Demons! Not in the way you may think.

An interesting fantasy land that you get to explore.

!!BARELY IMPLEMENTED--MOST CHARACTERS NOT MET!!

・❥・ Romance Options ・❥・

✧.*

Captain E. Ward: Fame, fortune, infamy... All these and more follow Captain Ward. Their job is a demanding one, an important one, a dangerous one. They seem to be a commanding, playful person, but how deep do their scars run?

Age: 30

["Isn't it beautiful?" They say as they stare out into the void. Nebulous clouds drift behind, trailing the ship. "So Void-damned beautiful, and so fucked up." They look you in the eyes, and lick the edge of their bottom lip. "You sure you want this, with me?"]

They are a lonely person, they crave, and despise attention. They're afraid of intimacy, of love. What kind of life is a life in the Void? Who would willingly share that with them?

TW: Attempted murder (on them), clinginess.

✧.*

Maddock: A surly mercenary, he watches out for you, all due to a 'favor' of a nature you can't discern. The way he looks at you is reminiscent of a deep longing.

Age: Late 30's, early 40's

["I never thought that I'd be one ta' have somethin' like this at my age. I let my dreams go in my youth." He pats the cushion next to him. "You don' expect things ta' turn out, I've been a merc for so long, felt like all I knew how ta' do."]

He's a gruff man, doesn't got a heart of gold, but if you end up falling for each other, there isn't anything that would come between you.

TW: Possessive, sexual.

✧.*

The Hunger: It's been watching you for a long time...

Age: ???

["Oh, if it isn't my little bird, what is it? Is your wing broken? You don't seem eager to fly away this time..." It slinks closer, grinning wide. ]

An entity, not... malevolent, at least not to you. However, it holds a sick fascination for you.

TW: Yandereish. Stalker. Obsession.

✧.*

Fellis: A woman who seems to be around your age, she's an eager adventurer, she took a liking to you immediately, and seems keen to stoke the flames hotter.

Age: 22, 23

["Oh, lovey. There you are." She takes your hand in hers, placing a gentle kiss along your knuckle. "I've brought something for you."]

She thinks you're the most beautiful person she's seen. She may even take up poetry to describe her budding love for you.

NO TW. MEGA FLUFF ALERT.

✧.*

Xep: A strange person, wearing bright crimson robes, with gorgeous star decaling in gold. They wear copious amounts of jewelry, and enjoy the finer things. They were immediately drawn to you, they were forced to this back water of a town, they never expected anyone like you to cross their path.

Age: 27

["I want to hold you, please stay?" Their mouth creeps upwards, the wine has given them a positively radiant complexion, the heat blatant on their cheeks.]

They're a sad soul, after experiencing a heart break that left them devastated, they never expected to find love again.

SLIGHT TW: Mentions of suicide, heart break, mentions of being cheated on.

Credit to: nyehilism for the sugarcube template, you've made things easier on me as an aspiring IF writer, thank you.

#interactive fiction #dark fantasy #romance #my ocs #original world #interactive novel #tntf #the night that feeds

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nuclearspringworldbuilding · 10 months

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I 3D printed some coins from my world

Originally posted to r/worldbuilding, I'm moving my stuff to Tumblr because of the recent Reddit shenanigans.

These coins are from Bluelake, the largest city-state in the desert of Laroth. The silver ones are called senn, the gold ones glen and the copper ones fen. The smaller silver and copper coins are called valsenn and valfen.

1 gold coin is worth 10 silver, 1 silver is worth 10 copper and the smaller variants are each worth 1/4 of the larger coin.

The senn that's been cut into 3 is called an arrowhead because of the shape and is worth 1/3 senn.

They are cast then sanded down like ancient Chinese coins, and that is why they have a hole in the middle, so they can be put on a rod and rotated to sand them down (the triangular ones are reuloux triangles so it works for them too).

#worldbuilding #world building #conworld #fantasy #fantasy worldbuilding #post apocalyptic #post post apocalypse #fantasy art #original world #reddit #reddit migration #3d printing

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donutdrawsthings · 3 months

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The Reaching Isles is a world that exists out of various layers of energy fields. These energy fields are what all the floating islands and their inhabitants float on! But does everything (or everyone) float? Not exactly!

More of The Reaching Isles here: @thereachingisles !!!

#donutdrawsthings #the reaching isles #original project #original work #worldbuilding #original world #lore #oc lore #world lore #fantasy world #fantasy art #artists on tumblr #digital art #art #world development #development

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nebulaspectry · 19 days

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Drawing of an OC ✨

One of the most powerful no divine characters from my world ✨

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battlegroundofdreams · 13 days

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The meeting in Krios' office doesn't go exactly as planned....

An hour later, and after both getting cleaned up after training, Morpheus and Melinoe headed up to Krios’ office. Both were dressed fully in black and looked like a matching pair, and in time they would be; however, at the moment, Morpheus was still trying to figure out the enigma that was the woman walking next to him. To be called to the office of the Prime, to have a messenger treat her as if she was an officer in the corps, the name the messenger had called her, there were questions that he wanted answers to, and if they didn’t come in the Krios’ office, he’d find out later.

There was no wait once they had arrived at the office. Krios’ assistant had been waiting for them and showed them in immediately. The auburn haired Prime had his back to them when they entered, but his posture left no donut that he was unhappy. Surely soon he would be letting them both know his thoughts on the matter that had called them up.

“Andromeda will be joining us.” The Prime’s deep voice echoed around his office as they took seats across from his desk. He still had not turned from the window. He was expecting problems with Morpheus, and was preparing to reign in his temper to keep from losing one of his best agents. It was no secret that the agent didn’t want a partner, and now to have a case so soon after being assigned, it was sure to cause issues.

Morpheus and Melinoe looked at one another. Not only was the Prime meeting with them but also the Adjutrix, even with what was in the scroll, it didn’t seem a serious enough situation to require that. For the first time since she received the scroll, Melinoe became nervous. Not killing a nightmare on the first attempt was hardly a rare occurrence, let alone when there had been more than one and she had been alone. Morpheus couldn’t miss the trepidation he now saw in her eyes.

“I apologize for my delay,” Andromeda entered the office and closed the door. There was little doubt in either her or Krios’ mind that this would get loud and messy. Morpheus was known for his temper just about as much as his ego.

“EMA (eema) Melinoe, to be honest we're not sure that this nightmare is part of that team you took on, but if not then he's duplicating their methods.” Krios turned from the window, his heavily tattooed forearms crossed over his broad chest. They were a testament to the battles he had fought as an agent. “We've had two more agents almost taken out by him. They're not getting even close to him. This is why we need you.”

Now what the messenger had said made sense to Morpheus. He'd pronounced the acronym wrong, Melinoe was an Elite Master Assassin. That was a rank he hadn't even achieved. It added to his respect for her, but also brought up new questions.

“Agent Morpheus and I will be ready tomorrow to start tracking, sir.” Melinoe answered, still not sure why they had been called up to the office for a routine thing. “We spent today practicing and training, I have no doubt we'll make a good team. His reputation, as I'm sure you know, is well earned.” She turned her head slightly towards Morpheus and gave him a small smile. She was honest .

“EMA Melinoe, we are not worried about your abilities. We want to ensure we do not have another agent down to injuries that could be avoided if one were to use caution, patience, and check their ego at the door.” Andromeda was frank, and the look she cast towards Morpheus made her disdain clear. Now everyone knew why they were there, and none looked happy about it.

“I can assure you..” Melinoe started trying to head off the fight she could almost feel coming. As Andromeda has spoken, Morpheus has straightened and his hands had balled to fists. She couldn’t blame him, the Adjutrix hadn't even attempted to be delicate .

“You're worried about ME getting her injured or killed? Come out and say it if you have the balls.” Morpheus interrupted. “You heard my partner, we function well together and be fine. Can you both fuck off now?”

“Until she steps on your toes or says something you don't like, right Morpheus?” Now Krios was going to take him head on. “Then what? You'll leave her in the dream alone? Tell her to fuck off now? Make her carry your weight? I need both of you back, and I don't care if your ego has to be sacrificed for it.” He leaned over the desk after Morpheus, his hands going flat on it. His muscles could be seen flexing under his dress shirt. Obviously the Prime was ready for a fight.

Unfortunately Morpheus wasn’t looking to disappoint, “you really think that I would do that?” He was now on his feet, quickly followed by Melinoe who was going to try to keep the two powerful men from destroying each other and the office.

“Check my ego and temper, but I'm not the only one with either of those, am I? I get it, she's higher rank, but I have earned respect.” He looked between Krios and Andromeda, obviously enraged. “I would never abandon another agent, or endanger them, because of my ego. I know where to find Mel if I have a score to settle.”

“Morpheus, I don't think that's what they..” once more Melinoe started trying to defuse the situation.

“No, he understood me.” Andromeda cut her off this time. “You're reckless, Morpheus. You take risks. Only now it won't be just you. You'll have one of the best with you and…”

“And who is another of those bests? ME! So I'm pretty damn sure we have this…” Morpheus took a step towards Andromeda, Melinoe gently touching his arm to try and calm him.

“AGENT MORPHEUS!” Krios’ hands slammed down on his desk to get everyone's attention. “You will respect the chain of command in my office or…”

“Or what? You'll take me off the case and send Mel in with someone inferior? You are actually standing there and threatening me?”

Melinoe felt like she was watching the beginning of another World War and she had no interest in it. “Sir, I trust Morpheus and that should be enough. No one is going to be left behind or not protected. I think we all need to think about what we're saying. Morpheus is right, you're both being insulting to his abilities.”

Her hand tightened on Morpheus’ arm. She didn't want a full on fight. If she was going to have to go back up against one of those nightmares, she wanted him as her backup. “Morpheus, it's fine. Don't take their bait.” She kept her voice low and hoped they'd built enough of a report that he'd listen .

“You should listen to your partner Morpheus. It seems at least one of you…” Andromeda started, before being cut off.

“If she's so fucking perfect, what do you need me for? Clean up duty? Someone to take the blame if it goes sideways?” Morpheus didn't ever let her get started before raging. “I've never had to clean up someone’s messes before and I'm not liking it now. It’s not my fault your apparent darling isn’t capable of doing it on her own and needs someone to come in and save it for her. People don’t die on my watch, but I guess now I have to make sure they don’t die on hers too. What exactly am I getting out of this whole arrangement?”

“ENOUGH!!” Now it was Melinoe that had everyone’s attention, and none looked sure what she was going to say.

“Fine, you don't want to, how'd you say it? Clean up my mess? Fine. I'll figure it out myself, and do it without you. I didn't ask for your help, or to be your partner in the first place. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to go prepare for tomorrow. I’m sure Krios and Andromeda can find something to keep you busy while I work.” She gave no one a chance to answer, she strode from the room, slamming the door behind her so hard it rattled.

For a moment no one left in the office moved. Up until then, Melinoe had been the most calm in the room. It was clear she was now, however, seriously pissed. Krios and Andromeda had never seen her anywhere near that emotional regarding anything, let alone that enraged. It was clear that the meeting had gone in a direction that they had not anticipated and now they might have created a problem that could not be rectified easily.

“If anything happens to her either fighting that nightmare or afterwards, your career is over.” Krios said firmly, but flatly. “I will completely decimate your life outside of the agency. You will pray for death. Your skill has got you this far, Morpheus, but you've reached the end of what it can do for you. We gave you the one agent who we believed could work with you, and you’ve not even lasted a day. You’d better hope you can fix this. Now, GET.OUT. of my office.”

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fridka · 4 months

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more oc nonsense and,, maybe a sign of things to come

#my art #fridka oc #sol althaus #oc art #oc artist #fantasy oc #original world #fantasy artist #I’m not tagging the jjba doodles theyre so low effort

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kingkenzieofmold · 7 months

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Marvin is the youngest survivor of the group being 18. He was a freshman going into culinary school when the world ended. He is the primary cook of the group and is good with knives. Marvin is also a bit of green thumb when it comes to plants. Life before the apocalypse is something Marvin doesn’t talk about and prefers to focus on today then yesterday.

Marvin got picked up by Janet on the way out of town having been running around. He has stuck with Janet for the longest having nowhere else to go and not wanting to stick out on his own.

[3/5] survivors unlocked.

#original characters #original character #original story #original art #original oc #original world #original work #apocalypse #post apocalyptic #apocalyptic world #orignial art #moldy art

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talonandelilah · 21 days

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“Tal, why were you hiding a neck tattoo earlier? Does it mean something?” Lightly Del traced over it with one finger, the pattern ornate and flowing, she found it beautiful. “Am I not supposed to see it?” She looked at his face again and met his eyes. He looked confused and that made her a little scared.

He didn’t HAVE a neck tattoo. What was his girl…no…she wouldn’t tease him about....oh fuck! Without saying anything Talon was up off the bed and into the attached bathroom in an instant and flipped on the lights which were way too fucking bright after being in the two dim rooms. As his reflection greeted him though, there it was and he couldn’t deny what he saw. Holy FUCK!

“Uh, Red Hot, ya wanna come here? We need to talk, sweetheart.” Yeah…that was an understatement, genius.

He heard her coming behind him before he saw the red hair over his shoulder and when he turned around he saw it. Fuck yeah! “Babe, I got some good news and some bad news. Which ya want first?”

Del’s eyes searched his face and she felt like crying. After what had just gone on between them and now there was bad news of some kind? Had she done something? Was there something about Talon that Brie hadn’t told her? Did he hate her? Was she just a pity fuck?

“Bad.” She choked out and tried not to cry. He really needed to get better at teasing her. She was going to break his heart if she kept crying when he was trying to to tease.

“K, if you say so.” He got down right in her face so that their noses were touching. “You’re absolutely and positively, 100%, without any doubt….stuck with me. Yep, can’t get rid of me. I mean, you are literally going to have to put up with my fucking ass for…well, ever.” He saw confusion cloud her eyes and she did that thing where she looked back and forth between his eyes and her little eyebrows drew together. FUCKING CUTE! God, he was falling for her in less than five hours, and that was without the nifty magic tattoos they now had.

Talon leaned in and kissed her softly. “There’s more bad news.” Her eyes went wide and before she could react, he deftly moved behind her and pushed her forward so she could see herself in the mirror. “You got one too. Only yours is right over your heart. Kinda cool.” He grinned as he put his chin on her shoulder, watching her stare at herself in the mirror in disbelief. “Ya do know what this means, right?”

There it was, he wasn’t lying. She did have one, and it matched his. And, he was almost giddy over it. He was happy. She was afraid to be happy and could nor be more shocked if he’d said she’d sprouted a second head. They. Were. Mated. Married. Bonded. Paired. Suddenly her eyes met his in the mirror and she still had a look of shock as she tried to take it all in, but as their eyes met the joy in his eyes was not debatable.

“You’re happy about it?” She was hesitant.

“You’re not?” Now he looked unsure, but his arms came around her waist to hold her. He was trying to comfort her, she could tell but she honestly wasn’t sure what she needed.

“I’m overwhelmed.” She was honest, but she was happy and she put her arms over his to keep him from pulling back. This caused his arms to tighten. “I am happy, but this whole immortal thing is new. Like a week old new. And now, I’m married…ish…and…I just….well…I…” Del closed her eyes and took some deep breaths. Her anxiety was kicking up.

“Red, shh.. You don’t have to explain any more than that.” He understood now. He had been afraid she hadn’t wanted him, but now he got it. It hadn’t occurred to him how new all of it was and then this. “We’ll take everything as slow as you need it to be, ok?” Her head nodded and he kissed her cheek before turning her around and pulling her against him, then reaching over and flipping off the light. “Come on, let's go back to bed.” Tracing them over to the bed again, they climbed in and he laid on his back, letting her choose where she wanted to be. Her head came to rest on his chest and it made him smile. “You can stay in here, or have your own place. I’ll leave it up to you. Or you can go back and forth depending on how you feel most comfortable. Delilah, I’m not going anywhere. Even without this new shit, I liked ya. I liked ya A LOT. I didn’t want what just happened to be a one time thing or just something casual. I know we just kinda met and all, but I had a feelin about ya.” Talon’s finger’s were gently caressing Del’s arm as he talked to her. “Del, babe, I was gonna be all yours even before we knew about this. From the second I saw ya and Brie told me about what ya liked, I just wanted to get to know you. No one else. Just so ya know.” He stared up at the ceiling. He had wanted her to know, to understand.

He was HERS? Even before? This sexy as sin man was hers? He could have walked into any bar in any city and walked out with some hot chick and he had wanted her? She found it hard to believe and just about said it, then her brain kicked in. What was it he had asked her about when they’d left breakfast? Gaming. Hot as he was, how many women complained about their men being heavy into gaming? And being immortal, how many women were going to want a man who was heavy into gaming and killing things? Two things that were her passions.

“Right now, I’m liking right where I am.” One of her long legs moved to lay atop his and she heard a light chuckle and felt his chest move. Her fingers played lightly in his chest hair. Unlike so many of the “pretty boys” that her friend had dated, Talon was not smooth chested. He was fuzzy, and she found it sexy. “And don’t you ever shave, Feathers. I like the fuzz. Only place you can shave is the face.” That earned her an outright laugh.

“As my lady wishes, Red Hot.” His free hand rose to press her head briefly into his chest as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. HIS “Any other demands that I must obediently follow? I might have a few demands of my own for you, you know?”

“Whatever this cologne is, wear it. I think I could just smell it all day. I might be addicted.” She pressed her nose into the center of his chest and did a sniff and a slight sigh. “So, what are your demands, Feathers?” She liked their names for each other.

“Darlin, I’m not wearing cologne. Welcome to matehood.” He chuckled and kissed her head again. Damn, this was gonna be good. He might have to ask Brie to put him off of duty with the guard for a while and take her to the tropical area of Imperium for a bit of a honeymoon, a naked one.

“I saw that sports bra and panties combo,” he felt her shift a little uncomfortable and he grinned knowing she wasn’t anticipating what was coming, “get more of those.” She froze. “Like lots. When we’re gaming together, I want ya in that. God, that would be so fuckin hot. No lace, no strappy shit I gotta figure out. Just that. K?”

“Are you serious?” She sounded like she didn’t believe him. She probably didn’t.

“Dead. Get sets in every fucking color. And do you mind just either sleeping in that or naked? I want to feel your skin on mine when you’re with me. Like right now is heaven.” Another kiss to her head.

“You’re being serious? No sexy lacey stuff with heels?” Del asked again, still sure he was joking with her till he tipped her head back using his fingers under her chin and she saw his eyes. No, he was serious. “Okay, cotton panties and sports bras it is. Every color of the rainbow and then some. And I’ll steal your hoodies and shirts.”

“Now you’re talkin, Red Hot.” Talon grinned and she swore she felt herself start falling for him.

“If you hold me like this, I have no problem sleeping naked with you.” Her hand again skimmed lightly over his chest. Him being naked next to her was a pretty nice thing all on its own. “In fact, I’m pretty happy to stay just like this until it’s time to get ready for the ball. Unless you have other plans?”

“Fuck no. Darlin, I am all yours in every way. You and me are going to make plans for things for any time I’m not on duty with the legion. Even if it’s just sittin on the couch and watchin a movie with the door locked and a privacy ward so everyone else can fuck off.” His arm tightened around her. “And tonight I’m talking to the boss and getting some time off. You and me are gonna go to a private place I have here in Imperium on a honeymoon. I’m going to take care of ya. I told ya, I wanted ya before the mating thing. I’m not changin a thing, cept I might be a bit more possessive. Can’t help it, it kinda comes with the territory.” Talon kissed her head, his own still reeling a bit from being mated. “I like the sound of that, Feathers. We have a lot to learn about each other, but we have all the time in the world to do it.”

banner by @cafekitsune

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leotheponderer · 22 hours

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Milking my line art for all its worth, Part 4.

Hide the pain, Kato. Hide the pain with humor, it's the best!

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groovygladiatorsheep · 8 months

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Have my ocs from a world I made :] they’re one of the main characters !

Thé character with butterfly ears is Ellis, and the one with pale skin is Edenyn <3

•─────⋅ᓚᘏᗢ⋅─────•

Info :

Ellis -

- Ellis uses all pronouns ! It started when Edenyn found him, and just decided that she would be all pronouns because he couldn’t decide. The best of all world ?

- Ellis is not so quiet, it’s more that they listen and learn rather than bring a loudmouth.

- The butterfly wings glows in the dark !!

- currently a teenager.

- While she doesn’t often have expressions, he smiles when comfortable or when people they trust !!

- Likes to discover new worlds, as in their universe, planets are connected through path that allows people to visits everywhere.

Edenyn -

- Ellis’s adoptive father

- Tired guy, want nothing more than to raise his kid, and is ready to do a lot to achieve that.

- Always try to find a purpose in life, since that’s how he was created.

- when the wings near his face opens, a fade of multiple colour shine <3

- used to be a mercenary

- He always tries to stay strong so that Ellis can be the safest possible, but you can often hear him crying at night.

- Cold with a lot of people, as a way to protect himself from harm again. Often surprised when people are nice to him.

Ellis feat @oatsynalliums oc Yuu <3

#mdraw #my ocs are my children #my ocs #my oc drawing #Ellis #monarch butterfly #Eden #Edenyn #I should make a tag for their stuff #ref #character references #original character #original world #original work #I plan on making comics with these twos !!!#stay tuned !!!

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inkthemandrake · 8 days

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Silly Knight oc for @sm-baby 's Piece by Piece

I made em a centaur... Cause funny horse piece

#Knight Pipp #piece by piece #oc #oc art #my art #digital art #ink arts #art blog #cute #original world

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devil-in-the-details-ay · 1 month

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A night that was supposed to be romantic is taking a wrong turn....

There had been an ache first in his chest that had told him something was wrong, an almost burning that seemed to grow the longer he stood at the bar. A pull of hurt that grew and twisted, it had no reason for being, and that confused him, briefly distracting him from his anger. Then he looked over towards Yara for a moment just to see how she was doing since he had been gone for longer than he had anticipated or intended to be. Her posture gave it all away, making the ache suddenly make sense to him. It was through their bond and caused by her upset. Whatever had bothered her earlier had gotten worse, and he had a feeling that Argona had not helped it. Turning away from Argona without another word, he strode purposefully towards his wife without another word to the succubus.

“Come, we are leaving.” He gently touched her shoulder, his voice matching the softness of his touch. Astaroth wasn’t upset with her in the slightest, and he didn’t want her to misinterpret that he was. “You are sitting here looking dejected on what I had hoped to be a fun evening out for us, Yara. I am sorry for whatever has upset you. I’ll call the car and we can go back to the cabin and talk.” His expression was soft, as was his voice, but his eyes were studying her meticulously.

“Don’t you need to finish your conversation?” Her voice was a little cold and a lot distant. Yara looked everywhere but at him, uncomfortable,and if he had not been supernatural, her voice would have been too quiet for him to hear. It was all she could do not to cry as she shifted in the chair a little. The last thing she wanted was him feeling sorry for her, pity was worse than anything. “I don’t want to ruin your evening, I’ll be fine. I always am.” She swallowed, fighting her emotions that were having a full fledged war within her.

“It is finished, and I’m not going to leave my wife sitting here looking and feeling dejected in order to talk to anyone.” His brows drew together, not understanding her discomfort and avoidance of him. He hadn’t done anything that he could think of to hurt her, or upset her. Jealousy or insecurity he could understand, but now he was confused. Was this part of that? Was he misunderstanding her reaction? He wanted to support her, but how?

“I'm fine. There is nothing wrong. You do not have to end your conversation with your friend due to me.” She wouldn't look at him, and her voice was anything but convincing. If she met his gaze, he would see the lie plainly in her eyes. At least looking away from him kept it hidden for a few more moments. Actually saying that she knew that he’d prefer to be with anyone in the club but her, would break her. Her father forcing the marriage had been the ultimate punishment on her. Not because Astaroth was cruel, but because he wasn’t. However, he was male. A male that she was quite sure wasn’t oblivious to the fact that many beings in the establishment were lusting over, and most of them would be a better companion for the evening, or for any time, than her.

“Yara, what is wrong?” He waived over a waitress; he needed a drink badly. He took one of her hands gently, still not understanding why she wouldn’t even look in his direction. It felt like they’d gone all the way back to the beginning again, even farther back than the beginning honestly, and he was starting to become frustrated. “You’re lying and I know it. I’m not going to stop asking until you give me a real answer.” For the moment he was able to keep his voice calm, but it was a war that he did not know how long he would be able to win. Her avoiding answering was causing his frustration and anger to rise, and it was not like he’d ever had to contain it before.

“Nothing. I said I'm fine.” Still not looking at him, her chin lifted, and she ordered a blood wine when the waitress came. “You don't have to stay sitting, go finish your conversation. I believe the alluring blonde is still over at the bar.” Now there was an undertone of bitterness that was so palpable in her voice that a deaf being would even have felt it. Yara tried to pull her hand back that he’d taken, but of course he wasn’t going to let that go either, much like the conversation. Once more she swallowed down her emotions and tried to put up walls. Somehow she found that far harder with Astaroth than with anyone in the past. After their previous conversations, the way he had treated her, and the way she had hoped things would be, it now felt like she had been a fool and that stung.

He ordered a demon's brew, neat. After the waitress walked away he leaned in and spoke right next to her ear. “Fine, I will not argue with you here.” His fingertips caressed her upper arm. “I was not having a conversation, I was waiting for the bartender and being annoyed by the bitch of a blonde. If you want to be mad at me for that, I can't stop you. However, you’re not getting rid of me. So, be mad.” He kissed her neck just below her ear then sat upright. His breath had been hot against her neck and ear, fanning out with each word.

Astaroth could have said everything sitting up and she would have heard him. He could have refrained from touching her. The kiss was not needed since at the moment she was doing her best to attempt to pretend he wasn’t there. However, he knew one thing: sometimes you had to gently push someone to pull the truth out of them. It wasn’t something he’d ever done often, but he knew just enough to be able to do it.

She felt a wave of desire flow through her for him when his lips met her skin. There was no doubt that he had known just what he was doing. He wasn’t fighting fair, but then neither was she by not saying anything. She guessed they were even. “I'm not..” Yara looked down, as he took her hand now in both his and laced their fingers. “What are you doing?” Now her head turned to look at him, brows drawn together. What WAS he doing? And WHY?

Smirking, he leaned over until their foreheads were touching as he replied, “not allowing you to push me away because you misread a situation.” When she tried to pull her hand back a second time, he held tighter between his two. “I brought YOU here to have an enjoyable night. If you wish to ruin it, I won't stop you. I, however, will also not argue with you. I’m not leaving your side, and I am still going to show the only woman here who I care to be with, the affection she deserves.” Pulling her hand up, he kissed the back without breaking eye contact. “Together.”

She sat blinking at him without saying anything. What kind of game was he playing? Why did she feel so confused? There were new emotions and feelings flowing through her and she didn’t know how to handle them. Everything was so overwhelming. The words of Lucifer battling the words of Astaroth now in her head. Astaroth’s actions battling her father’s words of foretelling.

While he waited for her to say something he was glad their drinks were delivered. He needed the strong demonic liquid to help him deal with whatever set this round of emotions off. He was perplexed by her behavior and feeling suddenly closed off from her. Why did she suddenly think that he was looking to be with someone else after they’d had this conversation. They’d agreed. This had been covered. Did she not trust him? What had he done to deserve that?

“Asti, I…” suddenly she felt unsure again and her head dropped away from his; so that her eyes were looking at her lap, “I mean you don't have to…” She sighed, and her jaw worked. Why had coming here made her feel so off balance suddenly?

“Have to what? Act like we're married? We are. Act like your husband? I am. Act like I like you? I do. Act like I care?” He reached over and took her chin gently to turn her face to look at him. “Papilio, we may not be madly in love with one another, but I do care about you and want you happy. I’ve told you that before, I don’t know why any of this should come as a surprise. I wasn’t flirting with that female, if that is what you think, and there isn't anyone else here I want to spend time with. I don't know why you're now feeling insecure, but I am yours.” Astaroth leaned over and softly kissed her cheek. He was starting to understand, remembering what she had told him about things Lucifer had said. This was their first time in public. Maybe a place with fewer people would have been better. A wine bar instead of a nightclub.

“Only because you are being forced.” Suddenly her voice was colder, she was fighting tears and she didn't know why. She was trying to put on her millennia old mask of indifference and condescension but it wasn’t working. “We both know I'm not the one in this bar you'd be with if you had a choice.” Her eyes again swept the women lusting after him, then could not meet his afterwards.

His eyes followed hers and he sighed. “I cannot help how others look at me. Just like I can't control the men who are ogling you.” They quick whip of her head, to look at him, told him she hadn't even noticed. She had been so caught up in her own jealousy and insecurity that she had not noticed anyone paying attention to her. He found that intriguing. She had been afraid of losing him. It had never occurred to her that there were others within the bar that would have been glad to take her away from him. It still bothered him slightly that she was taking her insecurity out on him, even if he was beginning to understand. “Why are you getting upset at me for what they are doing?” Astaroth wasn't sure where this patience was coming from, but he was thankful for it.

“I'm not.” Yara protested. “I just know how this goes.” She saw one of his brows raise so she continued with how her thoughts went. “Once you find a way out of…” a finger landed on her lips very softly, but it was the darkening of his eyes that gave her pause more than that. She knew that look. She’d seen it during their wedding. She’d seen it with her father. This was anger. Deep, dark, anger. The fact that what she had started to say evoked that emotion so strong and deep told her one thing: she was very, very wrong.

“I have not, nor do I plan to look for a way out of this. I have tried making plans for the future with you today about the house. We will be visiting someone who can tell us about your mother. Do not finish that sentence if you truly want things to work out between us, even if just as friends in this arrangement. Because if that is what you truly think of me, then there is no future of anything but resentment and discord.” He was angry but trying not to lash at her the way he normally would at someone who insulted him like that. A temper tantrum from her was the last thing he fucking needed.

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palaceofimperium · 1 month

Text

ARCH & SEAMUS #2

“So it has begun?” Seamus was leaned up against the doorframe to Arch’s lab, a brow raised, with his arms crossed over his chest, causing the shoulders of his finely tailored suit coat to pucker slightly.

Arch looked up from the potion he was in the process of gathering the ingredients for to pin the demon with a stare that would have caused lesser males to wither. “You’ve heard, I take it? Do we have a leak in the Palace?” A dark brown brow of his own rose, letting more light play off of his light blue eyes. Eyes that remained trained on the stately silver haired demon as he pushed off of the wood frame to saunter into the room more fully.

“Not unless you consider Arioch a leak, dear friend. He knows I consider those within dear to me, and thought that reinforcements might be needed in the coming days should Damien decide to mount an offensive to get his daughter and her fiance’ back.” A smirk formed on Seamus’ lips as he watched Arch’s eyes roll.

As much as the demon of revenge and the mage played at not liking one another much, Seamus knew the truth that they were friends behind the scenes. Sometimes subterfuge was required to keep the enemy guessing. Since Arch believed that they had enemies within the Palace, that meant hiding the truth from all but those he considered closest to him. He considered himself honored to be amongst those the mage considered a good friend, and therefore knew reality.

“No. I do appreciate him advising you of the situation. I assume you have also heard about the visitor who arrived last eve?” Arch now stood erect and turned to make the two of them tea. “It was the most exciting of days. I am hoping we have some calm for a stretch, but I fear that is not within the plans of the fates and destiny, old friend.”

“I have heard. A most unusual circumstance, indeed.” Seamus replied as he rested one hip against the heavy wooden workbench Arch had previously been working at. “I have also been advised that the newest immortal in Imperium’s companion is to be avoided, lest I set him aflame.” He grinned, slightly malevolently.

Arch chuckled, “I’m surprised that Abriella hasn’t gagged him and hog tied him in a closet after his behavior. She often surprises me with the amount of restraint that she possesses. He is just lucky that he faced her and not Cruz regarding the whole matter I believe.” Pouring the water over the leaves he had macerated, and leaving them to steep, he turned to face his friend and his expression went from slightly amused to more serious. “This is where the darkness becomes stronger. The shadows will become long and the pain within the palace more acute. I wish I could change it, Seamus, but all I can do is stand back and watch. My frustration is growing, but at least working with Olly and the new human, Amaya, will keep me distracted.”

“I also heard rumor that the Prince that Ms. Gail had spoken of having been found.” It seemed that things never did slow down in the Palace. Sometimes he wondered how Abriella kept her sanity, but then again she was the Horseman of Death. Was she truly sane? There were questions.

Now Arch was surprised. This was news to him, but then in the last 24 hours both he and Olly had been rather focused on Amaya. If other things had been transpiring in the Palace or elsewhere, they would not have caught his attention unless someone brought them to him specifically. “I was unaware of that, but something told me he might show up when she disappeared from Earth. He appeared in her dreams, after all, and dream walkers cannot enter the dreams of those in Imperium. I wonder how Abriella will handle that. If he is truly a Prince of another realm, this could get very interesting. ”

“Abriella is meeting with him now topside. I have a feeling they will be returning for the tests to begin shortly.” Seamus knew that this fulfilled more of what Arch had foreseen, and it seemed to trouble his friend as much as it did him. The darkening of his friend’s countenance said as much.

“You know what comes next. What will happen, and what it then leads to. I cannot stop it, Seamus. I cannot even warn those it is going to happen to. I am powerless to intervene lest the Fates take action against me.” The weight of it all seemed to make the tall mage slump some. He could do nothing but mitigate as much of the damage as he could and protect those who were not involved in what was coming….and what was coming was dark….

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