#there will never be another Yvaine

[prythianpages]

ACOSM | The Night she met Azriel

azriel x rhysand's sister (oc)

warnings: fluff/angst

A/N: this is an imagine among my collection of imagines that follow Rhysand's sister, Valeria. while I'm still working on it, you can find the masterlist for it here. The song I pictured Valeria playing was Snowfall by Oneheart x Reidenshi. Also, I think Azriel is older than Rhys and Cass but for the sake of this fic, they are all the same age. They're all young kids in this imagine.

**

“Come on now, dear. It’s much too cold outside to stay out here.” Lady Yvaine said to the young boy behind her. She placed a gentle hand onto his shoulder and offered the boy a smile as she ushered him inside her house, making a note to buy him a proper coat for this bitter winter first thing tomorrow morning.

“Make yourself at home. I was just finishing up dinner before you arrived.” Lady Yvaine gave him a soft pat on the shoulder before disappearing down the hallway.

The boy stood in the foyer for a moment.

A beautiful sound –one he’d never heard before, resonated from somewhere in the house. The sound drew his curiosity in and he found himself stepping forward into what appeared to be the living room. His steps were slow and quiet, afraid that his intrusion would waver the music. His shadows were pressed against his back–some hiding behind his wings and others curiously peeking over his shoulders. Beautiful, they whispered into his ears.

That’s when he saw her. 

The girl in the dark blue dress who was one with the music. Her back was straight but wings relaxed, eyes closed and legs crossed as they dangled over her seat. Her fingers glided easily over the keys of the grand piano before her, bringing each note to life with such care and tenderness.He remained silent, watching the scene before him in awe. 

A sense of tranquil beauty and wistful nostalgia filled the room. The song was a perfect embodiment of the serenity and purity of the snow falling outside. It painted a picture of a peaceful winter landscape– a deep contrast to the dark and harsh camp outside. 

When the song came to a gradual end, the girl finally opened her eyes. Her body grew still for a brief moment and the shadows wrapped around his shoulders tensed in nervous excitement. She could sense him.

And then the girl was looking at him with blue eyes so deep they were violet. Breathtakingly beautiful. A quick sudden widening of her eyes occurred and he silently ordered his curious shadows to stay put, worry and fear washing over him. She was frightened–

He didn’t get to finish his thoughts as his shadows swarmed over to her, defiant against his orders and she giggled. He watched with pure shock etched onto his face as his shadows caressed her arms, eliciting another giggle. His shadows had never rushed toward someone else like this before.

And then the girl was smiling. At him.

“You must be the Shadowsinger.” She said.

“The Shadowsinger has a name, dear.” Lady Yvaine’s voice corrected the girl from the kitchen. “Azriel.”

“Azriel.” The girl repeated.

Azriel did not think he could hear anything prettier than the song she just played but at the sound of his name coming from her lips, he was proven wrong again.

Everything happened in a blur next. One moment he was standing alone at the entrance of the living room and the next, she was right in front of him with a wide smile. Her hand found his and he found himself holding his breath. Her hand was soft and gentle. His hand was rough and harsh, permanently scarred by the cruelty of his own brothers. He worried as he held his breath if she would find his hands repulsive as most people did. But she paid no mind to it, happily dragging him toward her piano. 

It was only once they were seated that he allowed himself to breathe again.

Friend, his shadows whispered in the same excitement as before as they returned to him.

 Distracted by his shadows, he hadn’t realized she’d been staring at him the whole time, even as she began to play another song. A more joyful tune this time–one he recognized instantly as it was a popular tune of the Night Court. His gaze met her expectant one. His eyebrows knitted together. Why was she staring at him like that?

“Why aren’t you singing?” The girl asked.

Azriel blinked back at her. “I don’t sing.”

Now, it was her turn for her eyebrows to knit in confusion. “But you’re a shadowsinger.”

Laughter was quick to follow the awkward silence. 

As he heard footsteps, Azriel looked up toward the stairs of the house. Two young boys, similar in age to him, ran down the steps. They both had dark hair, sun kissed skin and wings like his but their similarities ended there. One had short and neatly combed hair with eyes similar to the girl beside Azriel. The other had longer hair–barely past his chin–and it was messier than the boy’s in front of him. His eyes were also darker.

“By the Cauldron, Valeria!” The boy with similar eyes to the girl chuckled. They must be related, he thought. “Just because he is a shadowsinger doesn’t mean he sings.”

Valeria, Azriel repeated to himself in his head. What a pretty name.

Valeria sent the boy a vulgar gesture as she stood from her seat beside Azriel. Heat rose up to her cheeks as she turned to him again. “Perhaps, it’s your shadows that sing?”

Azriel couldn’t bring himself to reply. He did not want to lie to her but he also did not want to disappoint her. Sensing this, one of his shadows flew to one of the keys of the piano and pressed it randomly. Valeria’s face blushed deeper at the realization while the other two boys erupted into laughter.

“I’m sorry.” Azriel said.

“Don’t apologize for my sister’s stupidity.” The boy said in a playful warning tone. “You’ll quickly grow tired of it as unfortunately, she is always this embarrassing.”

“No, I must apologize.” Valeria said as she glared daggers at her brother. “Because my dear brother here is infuriating and you’ll quickly grow annoyed by the sight of him. His head is so big because it’s full of shi–”

“Children!” Lady Yvaine yelled at them. Her voice sounded closer this time. So that was their mother, Azriel confirmed to himself.

“Bed-wetter.”

Valeria gasped, sparing Azriel and the boy beside her brother a mortified look. He had promised not to tell anyone. “It was only one time! You–you, lint-licker!”

Azriel watched with wide eyes as the siblings continued to throw insults at each other, the distance decreasing between them with each one. The other boy came to stand next to Azriel and turned to him with an amused grin. “Don’t worry. The best part is yet to come.”

“I’m Cassian by the way,” the boy finally introduced himself.

“The best part?” Azriel couldn’t help but repeat in disbelief as he recalled the times he and his brothers would fight. Nothing good would come out of this…

Instead of answering Azriel, Cassian pointed toward the doorway that led to the kitchen and began to countdown. “3..2..1…”

“That is enough, you two!” A voice, Lady Yvaine’s, exclaimed in anger as she finally appeared with a wooden spoon in her hand. “Bonding time!”

The siblings let out a sound of protest.

“Now.”

Azriel watched as fear flashed in both of the sibling’s eyes at their mother’s tone. Without further protest, the two sat themselves on the floor, across from each other with their knees touching. Cassian seated himself on the piano bench next to Azriel, adjusting himself so their wings wouldn’t be touching.

“Rhysand,” their mother spoke. “You may begin.”

Rhysand let out a huff. He reluctantly reached out to grab for his sister’s hand. “Your eyes are pretty.”

Valeria rolled her “pretty” eyes. They were identical to Rhysand’s in shape but differed slightly in color. Valeria’s eyes were a deeper violet, appearing more purple than blue. Judging by the flicker of amusement that flashed within his violet orbs, she knew he was merely complimenting himself.

“I guess your hair is nice...today.”

Lady Yvaine shot them both a glare and if looks could kill, Valeria and Rhysand might’ve found themselves six feet under.

Valeria sighed. “While your head is big, I do not think it’s full of shit.”

Cassian snorted and Lady Yvaine winced at the curse word.

“I’m sure it’s filled with the burden of being the firstborn.” Valeria continued. “I know it’s not easy, which is why I admire your strength and perseverance. No matter how many times you get your as--butt kicked."

“Thank you, my dear sister.” Rhysand replied with a smile. Although there was a certain wittiness and mischief to her words, he recognized there was also truth and sincerity in them. A fine line Valeria walked. So he decided to continue in the sly banter to match his sister’s level, not daring to cross the line either–just enough as to not upset their mother further but also enough to leave her satisfied.

“I’m afraid I misspoke earlier.” Rhysand apologized. “You’re not embarrassing–at least not always. I do find myself admiring your curiosity. You’re really brave.”

Valeria’s lips curved upwards to mirror her brother’s smile. They turned to their mother, who gave them an approving nod after some moments of hesitance and contemplation. Exchanging a brief hug, the two got up to their feet.

Lady Yvaine chose to ignore Cassian’s protest of letting them get off the hook so easily. She was already embarrassed at the scene they caused in front of their guest.

“Alright, now before we have dinner, I want to formally introduce our new guest.” Lady Yvaine announced as she walked over to the piano bench. Her hands rested upon Azriel’s shoulders. “This is Azriel. His mother is a close friend of mine. She’s unable to be here at the moment so he will be staying with us for as long as he needs to.”

“Welcome, Azriel.” Rhysand said with a nod of his head.

“I hope we didn’t frighten you.” Valeria said with a timid smile, her shoulder bumping into Rhysand, who returned the gesture, with a gentle smile of his own.

“Come along now, children. It’s time for dinner.” 

Cassian was the first to follow, falling into step with Lady Yvaine, eager to find what was for dinner tonight. Azriel watched in silence as Lady Yvaine patted Cassian’s head, chiding him over his messy, tangled hair. He groaned in protest, claiming that he had in fact brushed his hair this morning. 

Rhysand and Valeria fell into step behind them, still shoving each other lightly and mumbling things to each other. Their laughter echoed the joy of their restored sibling bond, their playful interactions a testament to their resilience. The ability to forgive and let go and the profound understanding that no matter what, their bond would always remain unbreakable.

Something that Azriel didn’t have. It struck something in him, bringing back to surface a familiar ache. An ache residing so deep within the core of his being. It was an emptiness that yearned to be filled. The same emptiness that provided a constant reminder of the absence of love and support in his life. He told himself he would be okay, that the emptiness was a cruel friend of his. 

But as he found himself captivated by Valeria’s laughter, he couldn’t help but play out what happened moments ago in his head again. From Valeria’s instant kindness, the way her eyes lit up at his presence, Lady Yvaine’s warmth and generosity, Cassian and Rhysand welcoming him to the way they had all accepted his shadows with no fear of them. 

Rhysand looked back to Azriel, pulling him out of his thoughts with a knowing smile as he gestured for Azriel to follow them to the dining table.

There was the slightest curve to Azriel’s lips as he followed them. The first time he dared to smile in months–years, even. The ache still lingered deep in his chest but the emptiness was threatened. While there was still a tinge of sadness in his heart, there was now a shimmer of hope.

Family? His shadows dared to whisper to him.

#azriel shadowsinger #azriel imagine #azriel x reader #azriel x oc #rhysand's sister #rhysand imagine #acotar imagine

[7hrsh]

𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒌 | 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆

Pairing: Lucifer Morningstar x Angel!OC

(note: this story was inspired by @saturncodedstarlette 's lucifer drabbles)

Whenever a human soul is born on earth, they are automatically assigned an angel to guide and guard them throughout their lives. A guardian angel can only guide them in choosing the right decision to be on the correct path in life but of course, not every human can pick the best choice for themselves. Guardian angels are present to record and witness how a human chooses to control their lives, with this they will be able to put them under divine judgment to see if they are to be put in heaven or hell.

Unknown to the humans of today’s earth, the angel who was tasked to guide the first man and woman, failed and had to face consequences.

There’s only a handful of angels that God himself acknowledges, most of them being seraphims. One of his sons, Lucifer, is a seraphim himself. An angel with an explosive personality, beloved by fellow residents in their realm. His love for animals is as big as his heart, passionately telling and teaching the angelic residents how amazing those creatures are, especially his favorite, which are adorable winged birds, one he cannot seem to avoid talking about. Lucifer indeed is a charming lad no matter what he does. He has his way of enchanting people to listen to him.

With this, most of the angelic residents know of Lucifer. Another one of the seraphim, Yvaine was captivated by his natural charm. An Angel beloved by many, one who is also acknowledged by God due to her kindness and how the heaven-born residents can rely on her most of the time. The two of them met through mutual connections which is by Sera, being close in age and as two of the youngest seraphim, the both of them instantly clicked and became friends.

The two of them spent most of their time together as they talked about how the earth probably has different kinds of creatures.

“Thank you for watching over the little ones, Yvaine. They seem to be very fond of you and enjoy your presence.” one of the heaven-born elders flashed Yvaine a smile as the children ran around the place. It seems as if Yvaine voluntarily goes to this facility to teach the little ones about heaven and the goodness of oneself. “It’s no problem, I like taking care of these little angels. They are very attentive listeners despite being an energetic bunch,” she answered as she knelt down to match the little one’s eye level while pinching their cheeks and patting their head making the little angel giggle. “Will we be able to see you again, the next day, miss?” The little one asked, Yvaine looked at them, shook her head, and gave them a sad smile. “I won’t be able to visit you all the next few days, unfortunately, I have to work on some of my duties but don’t worry I’ll visit you once I get free time.” she smiled.

“Oh, it seems that my friend is here. I have to go now, I’ll see you soon!” She looks at the entrance of the place and sees Lucifer standing there patiently as he waits for her. The little angel waved goodbye to Yvaine as she sauntered towards her friend. “Lucifer, you’re just on time. I see that you have your book with you. Did you teach them about the winged creatures on Earth?” she asked, chuckling and showing him an adorable smile. “Well, It seems that there are more unknown creatures on earth that fly and crawl around it. So, I had to check it out with my magic.” Lucifer replied, giving his book a tap as he lifted it up to face her.

“Really now? Why don't you talk to me about it as we go on our way?” She asked, looking at her friend who's eyes sparkled and grin growing bigger than ever. He's always been a curious one, fascinated by the beauty and mystery of such creatures that marvel on earth. Never has he not talked about them without any hint of passion in his voice, he adored them clearly.

Eons passed and their bond remained stronger than ever, some even thought of them as a couple seeing as they were glued to the hip. Even God himself found it intriguing, witnessing the blossoming relationship between the two.

A perfect obedient angel with his son Lucifer, he pondered at the thought of the two being together. He knows that Lucifer is often going out and about all his creations on earth, learning and teaching fellow angels about its inhabitants and the peaceful life there is at present. While there is Yvaine, one who is willing to listen to Lucifer's ramblings indulging in his fascination with such mere creatures. An angel who is able to keep up with him and keep him in check. A perfect match, God thought.

Hence, why he decided to put matters into his own hands. Grabbing his quilt, God began to write down a letter to pass on Sera who shall break the news contained in the scroll to both of the younger seraphim.

#sevy writings ☆ #hazbin hotel fanfiction #hazbin hotel x reader #hazbin hotel #hazbin lucifer #hazbin hotel angst #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel lucifer #hazbin hotel angel oc #hazbin hotel fan fiction #lucifer x reader #lucifer magne #lucifer morningstar x reader #lucifer morningstar #hell's greatest dad

[queer-ragnelle]

is there any text or tumblr post that dives into the ways in which sir lancelot is insane? like a freak? i’ve read a couple extracts ab him giving the idea that he was effed up a bit and like a whole murderbot with raging feelings of hatred and love? i would like to know more ab the crazy things he does or says that make ppl go “this man is a freakazoid”. also i adore your blog thank you for making sumn this nice!

hi there!

i'm unsure if you mean excerpts from medieval sources in which lancelot is "mad" or academic articles dissecting those instances...but i have both for you lol now a disclaimer: i'm neither a medievalist nor a psychologist, so all i can offer you is the raw material and my opinion. while we shouldn't "diagnose" anyone of the past as we do now, lancelot isn't a real person, so i think that affords us a little more freedom to speculate about him, and more importantly, what it is he represented: a medieval anxiety surrounding trauma and the resulting mental toll. info and sources below a cut. huge content warning for self harm and suicidal ideation.

Academic Sources: Medieval Attitudes Towards Mental Illness by Edith A. Wright, Of Metal and Men by Julie Singer, The Enemy Inside by Brian Burfield

Medieval Sources: The Knight of The Cart by Chréiten de Troyes, The Vulgate Cycle edited by Norris J. Lacy

so for starters, let's establish what it is people are responding to when they discuss lancelot's mental instability. the character first appears in "the knight of the cart" by chrétien de troyes, and right from the getgo, lancelot exhibits a lot of mental distress, up to and including, a suicide attempt.

from his inception, lancelot was unwell. at another point, he appears to disassociate so completely, he forgets his own identity, and loses perception of his body.

now you may have noticed that the text always links lancelot's episodes to his fixation on guinevere. we'd be here forever if we incorporated the way medieval authors offset the blame of their protagonists' deteriorating mental states onto the fault of a woman (see also: yvain/owain's madness when laudine/countess divorced him, tristan's madness out of longing for isolde, etc.) whereas when a woman shows upset, it's never attributed to her lover, but a shortcoming within herself. so for the sake of staying on topic, we'll focus on lancelot's symptoms as they are, rather than trying to unravel the middle ages-sized knot of misogyny that is the fictitious root of these madness episodes. "medieval attitudes towards mental illness" by edith a. wright discusses this trend in depth.

i'm going to be focusing on "the vulgate cycle" as my main source of lancelot's madness as he has multiple distinct episodes in that text written in excruciating detail that we can discuss. generally speaking, lancelot is presented as an extremely anxious individual that's highly susceptible to outside influence (whether that be guinevere's, galehaut's, etc.) but that in and of itself is not necessarily indicative of mental illness so much as a rarely explored introverted quirk of his personality. as discussed in "of metal and men" by julie singer, it seems lancelot's at his most confident when operating as an anonymous knight and therefore not subject to the scrutiny of societal expectation.

this, however, can develop in extreme ways when lancelot is pushed past his limits, and he succumbs to a berserker-like state neither his friends nor family can shake him from. while imprisoned at saxon rock, lancelot has to be segregated from the other prisoners, despite galehaut begging to be housed with him, the jailers refuse as lancelot's psychosis is so intense that he'd kill his fellow hostages and thus neutralize the enemy army's advantage. lancelot's refusal to eat exacerbates his symptoms. [Lancelot Part II, Ch. 71. Lancelot’s Madness and Cure; Defeat of the Saxons and Irish; Lancelot, Galehaut, and Hector Become Companions of the Round Table]

this psychotic episode continues even after lancelot is freed. eventually guinevere is forced to lock him alone in a room to protect the others, as he continues to attack anyone who comes near, including his own younger cousin and squire lionel who had attempted to talk him down and was struck. lancelot only recovers after his adoptive mother, the lady of the lake, arrives and utilizes strikingly modern de-escalation techniques, such as referring to lancelot by his childhood name to ground him, administering some medicine to help him sleep, allowing him uninterrupted rest, and then bathing him. (this is tinged with medieval mysticism, of course, but you get the idea.) the lady of the lake then instructs guinevere on how to care for him thereafter. once lancelot awakens from his magic/healing-induced coma, his sanity is restored.

it feels important to note here that, once lancelot regains his senses, he feels ashamed of his behavior, and worries that his mental instability would cause guinevere to love him less. but she assures him that she loves him and is committed as long as they both live. even in medieval times, people recognized that a strong support system was of utmost importance for the mentally ill to thrive.

lancelot is, for the most part, stable for a time after this, contented to live at sorealis with galehaut (and guinevere for a bit as well). but growing restless, lancelot leaves galehaut's company to go adventuring. through some misunderstanding, galehaut believes lancelot had died, and thus dies of heartbreak himself. on discovery of his beloved's tomb, lancelot grieves so bitterly that he intends to kill himself on the spot. [Lancelot Part IV, Ch. 120. Lancelot Discovers Galehaut’s Casket and Defends It; Lancelot Rescues Meleagant’s Sister]

it's here that a messenger of the lady of the lake arrives. the lady had been informed by her oracle that this would happen, so acting quickly, she sent someone to intervene. the messenger takes the sword from lancelot and immediately gives him a task, one that would exhume galehaut and bring his body to where lancelot would eventually be buried beside him. in the short term, this prevented lancelot from harming himself, and in the long term, guided him toward shifting gears long enough that he eventually overcomes his grief through completion of his lady's instruction.

the next time lancelot is driven mad is after he is beguiled by elaine of corbenic into bed with her at camelot. (this is the second time, galahad had already been conceived). [Lancelot Part VI, Ch. 176 Lancelot and Arthur Go to Gaul; Claudas Abandons Gaunes; King Pelles’s Daughter Deceives Lancelot; Guenevere Expels Lancelot]

at this point, lancelot is beyond the reach of even his mother, the lady of the lake, so this psychotic episode persists for many years. he's declared missing and all of the knights set out in search of him, to no avail, and he is assumed dead. lancelot, meanwhile, survives the winter by attacking people and stealing their resources. [Lancelot Part VI, Ch. 178 Lancelot’s Madness and Subsequent Cure]

eventually, while lancelot is subdued in a deep sleep, a pair of charitable brother knights, recognizing that lancelot is unable to care for himself and a danger to those around him, successfully transport him to their castle. they don't know who he is. they keep him chained for safety but feed and clothe him. during this time, lancelot mutilates himself to be free.

eventually, lancelot is calm enough to be freed from his bindings, and lives with the brothers in this way for two years. he eats little and completely loses touch with his identity and the reality of the world around him.

but one day, lancelot looks out his tower window and sees a passing boar. he's compelled to follow it and departs the castle of the brothers without a word. he ends up in a battle with the boar which he barely survives. a holy man happens upon him and tries to administer healing, but lancelot attacks him.

after this the holy man flees and enlists the help of some men-at-arms, who assist in capturing lancelot and forcibly strapping him to a litter to be drawn away. ultimately, despite the best intentions, lancelot's condition only worsens.

i'm going to make a brief aside here as this reminds me of an article i read detailing a similar situation which occurred in real life. in "the enemy inside" by brian burfield, john of ancaster suffered mental distress as a result of the war in france, subsequently inflicting harm on himself and others. in this case, it was his father that restrained him into a horse-drawn cart, and brought him to a place of healing which was revolutionary of the time period, as friar bartholomeus recognized the connection between trauma and mental distress without attributing it to demonic possession, thus attracting many people in need of help to his monastery for treatment. so there is, at least in part, historical precedence of similar occurrences.

anyway, back to lancelot. he eventually flees from his intended caretakers yet again and wanders to the town of corbenic. there the children recognize his madness and begin to harass him, throwing stones and sticks, until he's incited to retaliate and wounds anyone who crosses him. eventually he wanders into the castle itself. the courtlings recognize he's mad, and feed him scraps. satiated, he literally curls up and sleeps on the floor like a dog. it's this, at last, that allows him to begin the slow recovery to wellness.

finally, after all these years, someone recognizes lancelot for who he is. none other than elaine of corbenic.

she tells her father pelles and he concocts a plan to capture and cure lancelot using the power of the holy grail. so as the times before, they wait until lancelot falls asleep, and bind him up. then at long last, his senses are restored.

when lancelot awakens from his stupor, he knows not how he got there, but begins walking upright and talking coherently again. he implores pelles to explain how he came there. once up to speed. lancelot is grateful no one but pelles and elaine recognized him. now let it be made clear that while lancelot's psychotic episode had finally concluded, he's not otherwise alleviated of mental anguish. he's still depressed about his banishment from logres and camelot, and deeply ashamed of his many years spent mad. thus he requests of pelles to live somewhere far away, where no one but pelles and elaine will ever recognize him.

so an island with a castle is located on which lancelot can live and he, together with elaine and a small court, go there to stay. lancelot loses his knightly abilities and instead takes up the daily ritual of subjecting himself to painful memories of logres, which then in turn bring him "relief" and "comfort". an apt description of rumination and self harm.

eventually, lancelot sends a secret message back to the land of logres intended to entice people to the island to fight him so he can relive the glory days.

in the end, it's lancelot's own half brother hector along with young and newly knighted perceval who find lancelot on the isle of joy. hector tells lancelot that the queen summons him, and lancelot immediately prepares to leave. on hearing this, galahad tells his grandfather he'll go and lodge in the abbey run by his great aunt, so that he might be nearer to his father. [Lancelot Part VI, Ch. 179 Hector and Perceval Find Lancelot, and They All Return to Camelot; Galahad’s Arrival Is Announced]

and with that, lancelot reenters society with his brother and son, which kicks off the grail quest in the subsequent book. that's a lot of info and reading, but all this to say that yeah, lancelot is known for his mental instability, to say the least. thanks for the ask!

#arthurian legend #arthurian legends #arthuriana #arthurian mythology #sir lancelot #lancelot #mental illness #ask #anonymous #my post

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Catch A Falling Star

Dream of the Endless/Morpheus x fallen star!reader Summary: This is a Stardust/Sandman crossover. When a fallen star arrives in the Dreaming, Morpheus takes it upon himself to protect her but it quickly becomes something more. Warnings: fluff, love at first sight-ish/quick to fall in love, witch attack, reader hurt, smiting. WC: 4.46k

The Sandman Masterlist

“Careful you don’t burn too bright, little sister,” Andromache warned, sending her consciousness across the cosmos and into your orbit. “It would break my heart to watch you burn out and fall.”

You were young and reckless, barely 5000 years old, flaunting your light so it could reach the farthest forms of life hurtling through the universe. “You worry too much. I will live for a million years, you’ll see.”

Countless sisters sparkled with you, dancing and skipping around the asteroids and shivering in the wake of icy comets, watching the worlds pass by. Like you, they were born of the Galaxias Kuklos - the Milky Way - keeping each other company through the eternal revolutions of the Centre. There was beauty in your endless travels, bringing hope to those who saw your light and wished upon it. It was also deadly. 

When a star burned too bright she could lose control and explode into a supernova, the light flickering out and the fall began. Or, if one were like poor Yvaine, an object crashed into her - throwing her from the burning core to fall like a supernova without the big bang. 

You had seen it twice during your life and your sisters had wept along with you, the tears falling with her so that she didn’t fall alone. The tears were like diamonds raining upon the galaxy, turning to dust as they burned through the atmosphere - becoming stardust.

A darkness spread across the universe in a way that you had never experienced, not even Andromache could explain the change. It was as if hope had faded and the wishes upon your shimmering light came few and far between. Whispers came from other galaxies, tales of a blight that consumed the consciousness and left trillions sedated and slumbering. You couldn’t let the darkness consume your sisters. 

Your heart burned brighter until all worlds were bathed in the silvery glow of your light. You pushed yourself harder, hotter, combusting at a pace you were not meant to burn with. With each rotation of the Centre you felt your control slipping but you kept your heart burning still, a glimmer of hope in the endless dark. 

Even during the day while your sisters slept, you kept your light glowing.

You felt the moment, a shift within your molecules, and a light flared from inside your core. It whipped out, streaking across the void of space before another escaped, then another. Pure white light dispersed in all directions until you were no longer a compressed being of energy but an explosion. 

“Thank you, little sister,” Andromache whispered softly. “Your light gave us hope.”

You wanted to call out to her, to all your sisters, but you were already falling. No energy, no mass, you had no path of orbit remaining and began to tumble down and down towards the pull of the closest planet.  

A billion tears fell with you, their shimmering light comforting you in the final descent, and you reached out for Andromache’s. You cradled the precious drop to your chest, as your sisters faded to pinpricks of light on a black canvas, and let your own wish be heard.

–

“Did you say something, boss?” Matthew asked, his head tipping inquisitively. 

“No, Matthew, I did not,” Dream uttered, peering around the throne room as he tried to decipher where the voice had come from. 

The fabric of Dream’s cloak rustled and the raven took to the air with a squawk, something about finding Lucienne. Dream was too stunned to deny the order as he heard your voice, gentle and warm, pleading in a language he did not recognise. He was Endless, there should have been no language that he couldn’t understand. 

“My lord-” Lucienne lost her words as she stepped into the throne room and saw Dream lift the long tail of his cloak and your body tumbled out. 

Matthew hopped across the stone and flapped his wings against your kin “Tell me she hasn’t been trapped in your cloak this entire time.”

“I, I don’t know,” Dream admitted as he took the cloak off entirely and draped it over your naked body. “I don’t know where she has come from.”

“Yeesh.” Matthew shivered. “Wonder what else is hiding in there.”

“My lord,” Lucienne interrupted quietly as he stood contemplatively over you. “I think I may know what she is.”

His head turned halfway to Lucienne, one eye kept on your unconscious form. “And what might that be?”

“She fell from your cloak, sir, could she not be a fallen star?”

Dream’s lips parted as he turned his attention back to you, your eyelashes splayed across your cheeks in what he would have thought would be sleep but your mind was not in the Dreaming. 

A glimmer of something iridescent caught his sight and he knelt at your side, gently opening your fist to see the large teardrop diamond you had protected from the destructive descent. His voice was sombre at the truth and he placed it back into your hand, “You are correct, Lucienne, she is a fallen star.”

Lucienne bowed her head in sadness. “She looks young, too young from what the old tomes have mentioned of their kind.” 

“Return to your library,” Dream said as he lifted you from the cold stone. “Bring everything we have on the Astral beings to my chambers.”

“Of course, my lord, but are you sure you are ready for this responsibility?” Lucienne asked after a moment's hesitation. “We have only just got you back and many beings have gone to war to win her sister’s hearts. I fear this will be no different.”

“What choice do I have, Lucienne?” Dream said as he stared at you in his arms. “I will not cast her beyond the gates to have her heart carved out.” 

The Head Librarian kept her thoughts to herself as she bowed her head and made her exit to begin her task. The Dream that she knew before he was captured would have tossed the young star out without a second thought but he was no longer cold and removed from his feelings. It was the first time she thought that it might be a bad thing. 

Irritation woke you, the scratch of something across your surface. Skin. That was what coated you, what remained when your blinding light had peeled away and turned to vapour. You opened your eyes and slammed them shut from the harsh light that burned them, a painful sound clawing from your dry throat as you turned away.

“It will take a moment to adjust,” a quiet voice soothed. “Open them slowly.”

You followed the instructions blinking slowly until the burn faded and the room came into focus. You didn’t recognise your voice as you used the tongue of man and not the song of your sisters, “Who are you? Why is everything so loud?”

The fire crackled and popped, a heavy repetitive thud echoed in your chest and even your voice hurt to hear.

“I am Dream of the Endless, but you may call me Morpheus,“ he said as he rose from the chair in the corner of the room. “You are no longer in the void of space, sound travels differently here. It will take some getting used to.”

You looked at your empty hands and sobbed as you remembered holding onto your dearest sister's tear, the last piece of home you had. Morpheus crossed the room, his robe swishing with each step, and placed the precious gem into your palm.

“Thank you,” you whispered gratefully. “I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose this.”

He waved his hand over yours without a word and a thin silver chain wrapped around the diamond in delicate swirls. His fingers were cool against yours as he lifted the chain and draped it over your head, the gem coming to rest against your heart. 

“You do not have to thank me, Astra.” Morpheus stepped back and reached for his own chest but caught himself before it could touch the empty space, where his own precious gem used to hang. “It is I who should thank you.”

He gestured to the mountains of books that filled the corner of the room where he had sat while you rested. “You appeared a surprising amount of times in the Library of Dreams. Your light brought hope to many during my imprisonment - brought them comfort when the darkness no longer embraced them in welcome.”

“You…” you gasped and shifted further away from him, “you were the darkness that threatened to consume my sister stars!”

“No,” Dream denied firmly, draping himself back into the chair and pressing his hand to his forehead as if there was an ache forming. “My absence caused the darkness you speak of, I have been trying to repair the damage of that darkness since I returned.”

You relaxed slightly at the admission and sighed with relief that your sisters would be safe. It didn’t make the pain of losing them any less but you knew your burnout had not been in vain. 

“There is something I want to show you, Astra,” Morpheus said after watching your emotions play across your face. Another wave of his hand created a beautiful gown that looked as if it were made from starlight, and it drifted along an invisible current to drape across the foot of the bed.

You rose from the bed, feeling his eyes on your body that you had yet to see for yourself. “My name is y/n.”

You stepped into the gown and immediately enjoyed the silken texture across your skin, much softer than what lined the bedding. Turning your back to Morpheus, you looked over your shoulder and silently requested help with the pearl buttons that traced your spine. 

It took him a moment to move from the stupor he found himself in, but then he closed the distance with two long strides. A knuckle teased the curve of your spine with each button he closed until he reached your nape and he smoothed his thumb over your bare shoulder.

“How do I look?” you asked, nervously running your palms over the material.

“Radiant.”

A low glow shimmered beneath your skin when you smiled and he swallowed at the sight, something akin to fear making him step away. “It’s only light, it won’t hurt you.”

“It is not me I am worried about,” Dream said as he saw the hurt on your face. “I fear someone will try to take that light away from you.”

He began to lead the way from the room and through the palace explaining why your light was so coveted. 

“So there are creatures out there that mean to cut out my heart and eat it?” You shivered at the thought and unconsciously stepped closer to his side. His billowing cloak rubbed against the sway of your silken dress and you realised you were quite the opposite to him. Where his cloak was black as a starless night, your dress shimmered with the ethereal glow of a thousand twinkling stars. 

“I would not let that happen,” Morpheus swore as he looked across at you. “You are under my protection here.”

You smiled at his kindness before taking in the sight of his land that spread under the night sky. It was peaceful. “Why? Why protect me? You don’t know me.” 

He chewed on the question as you followed the stone path beyond the palace gates and the giant winged creatures that perched above them. “You fell from the skies after giving your all, your burning core, so that others may have hope during my imprisonment. You fell out of the galaxy within my robes. I cannot believe it was mere coincidence. I suppose I should contact my eldest sister, Destiny of the Endless, to see if it is her I should thank.”

“I have seen your kind before, two of them actually,” you admitted, seeing his interest pique at the quiet words. “The Endless.”

“Oh?” he prompted when you fell silent. 

“There was one who travelled through our space, destroying our playground - leaving inhabitable planets in his wake.”

“The Prodigal,” Dream said surprised. “My younger brother hasn’t been seen in centuries.”

“The stars see all, hear all. He was hurt.”

Dream’s large hand wrapped around your wrist, a shock passing through you at the touch, and he pulled you to a stop. “You know where he is. Wait, you said he was hurt? How could he be hurt, he is invulnerable.”

You shook your head. “No being is invulnerable if they can love. Unfortunately, his lover was lost to the other Endless’ embrace. He does not wish to be disturbed and we promised to keep his sanctuary a secret.”

“Desire?” Dream asked with a deep frown. “They have crossed a line taking another sibling's lover as their own.”

“Not Desire, whoever that may be, it was Death,” you said, placing your hand over his and uncurling the grip that had grown tighter. “Why do you people love so freely when it so often ends poorly?”

The terrain shifted beneath your feet and it was only the hold you had on Dream that kept you upright. Suddenly the flat path had risen and you found yourself at the top of a mountain peak. The air was thinner and the drop in temperature had your breath misting in front of your face but you were too stunned to complain. 

“Andromache,” you choked as you looked up and found the brightest star in the sky that sparkled with a wave. The urge to reach out and see if she were as close as she looked almost had you let go of Dream’s hand, but you knew she was still lightyears away. 

You broke away from her light to look at Morpheus, who was once again watching you, and you lost yourself to the stars that danced in his own eyes. “Thank you.”

“We are lonely,” Dream said when he looked back at your sister stars. “We have a function that will endure for all of time. If we were to grow cold and neglect our roles then all worlds would suffer for it. Love keeps us…compassionate, and the loneliness from destroying us.”

“That is a poor reason to love,” you gasped, clutching your chest in surprise, while the cool air seeped through the thin dress and sent a shiver rolling down your spine. “Love should bring you joy and it should be irrational and unreasonable.”

Morpheus quietly contemplated your impassioned outburst before waving his hand and a fur lined cloak fell over your shoulders. “The love you speak of seems to only exist in dreams these days.”

You looked around the cold mountainside, void of life except for the two of you. The cloak had chased away the chill and you curled it tighter around you as a breeze blew across the peak. “Where?”

“Where?” he repeated back in confusion.

“Where is this love? I would like to see it.”

Dream offered his hand and you were once again shocked by his touch as you placed yours in his. In a flicker of star the scenery changed and you found yourself spinning in awe at the setting around you. Joy and colour saturated every molecule of the carnival and a laugh bubbled from your chest as your skin began to glow. 

“This is wonderful!” You gripped Dream’s hand tighter and towed him towards the big top tent where music and cheers were erupting from, your smile so wide it hurt your cheeks. Dancers with ribbons spun their way across the grass path and you felt the silken strands tease through your fingers when you reached out.

“Close your eyes,” Morpheus said as he stopped you and held something hidden behind his back. You trembled with excitement as you slammed your eyes shut. “Now, open your mouth.”

You froze at the gentle command but took a deep breath and trusted him as you parted your lips. Sweetness filled your mouth, the odd texture turning to liquid on your tongue, and you opened your eyes in surprise. “What is that?”

A small smile twitched at his lips as he revealed the fluffy pink cloud on a stick. “Cotton candy.” He plucked a piece off and popped it into his mouth, the colour leaving a trace of brighter pink on his lips. 

You giggled as you stole some for yourself and marvelled at how it disappeared on your tongue again. “You should smile more.”

“Should I? And why is that?” he asked as he leant forward and brushed your ear with his warm breath, his voice full of cool amusement. “Does it bring you joy?”

You tilted your head with a teasing smile of your own. “It does, and you are quite handsome when the morose masquerade is removed.”

“It is no masquerade,” he chuckled, taking your hand and leading you closer to the tent. “Lucienne often reminds me how sullen I am.”

“You should share this side of you with her too.”

“I don’t think she cares for how handsome I am.”

You nudged him in the ribs with your elbow and he huffed a laugh. “I meant smiling, silly! You are denser than my sister Calvera.”

“I’m not sure who should be more insulted, your sister or I.”

You leaned into his side and placed your head on his shoulder as you tried not to laugh. “She is a Neutron star.”

A deep laugh rumbled from his chest before yours joined him. “Are all of your sisters as amusing as you?”

You shook your head and looked up at the stars that filled the sky, the bright point of Andromache barely visible in this place. “No, most of them are very serious. Andromache was constantly telling me to grow up but I think she gave up after I completed my 2nd millenia. I was supposedly mature by then.”

Another smile grew freely on his face before he caught sight of another food vendor. “You have to try a Toffee Apple.”

He slipped from your fingers as he crossed the path and you were distracted by a kind face waving you towards her tent. “Dare to see what your future holds, my dear?”

“You can see the future?” you asked in wonder, stepping closer to the curtains she held aside. 

“I can,” she said with a wink. “I see a very bright future indeed.” You turned to look for Dream but the woman grabbed your hand with a smile and pulled you behind the curtains. “You can find your boyfriend again soon.”

The tent glowed at the term before you felt your face heat and looked away with a nervous laugh. “Oh, he’s not my boyfriend…”

She waved her hand towards the velvet stool and you took a seat as she shuffled around the low table to sit across a crystal ball. “From the glow about you, I’m sure that won’t last for much longer. You have snared him with your light, little star.”

Your stomach lurched and you tried to stand up but found a silver chain had silently threaded around your ankle and leashed you to the table leg. 

“Tut-tut-tut, no need to be afraid.” The witch rose from her seat to reveal an obsidian blade in the folds of the table cloth. “You’ll waste all that precious light.”

“Morpheus!” you screamed, the strength of the sound piercing your slowly adjusting hearing. “Help!”

“Shut it, impudent wretch,” the witch hissed as she raised her hand to your face, a harsh sound snapping the air before your cheek began to burn from the slap. “You dare call on the King of Dreams for help. The Dream Lord would not meddle in our affairs I assure you, there is no helping you.”

Tears were quickly filling your eyes as she spoke with such certainty that you almost believed her. You had never felt such physical pain before, it was still dull compared to the pain of falling from the stars but it ached in a vastly different way. The pain consumed you as she pushed you off the stool and onto the cold woven mat that covered the floor, dirt and muck from the shoes of patrons smearing across your beautiful dress. 

“You cannot have my heart,” you whimpered as you clutched your hands protectively over your chest. 

A wind whipped through the tent, the curtain flapping open sharply before a larger gust tore the fabric away - hefting it up into the sky and baring the stars to witness your pain. There, in the absent entrance stood Morpheus.

You light flared brightly as he stalked across the floor, his face a hard mask of fury as he approached the witch. “This star is under my protection, Tabitha Three-Eyes, and by attacking her you challenge me, your King.”

“I’m sorry, your Majesty,” she stammered as she bowed her head. “I didn’t know she belonged to you.”

Morpheus curled his fingers and the chain unravelled and slithered away from your legs. You scrambled to your feet and scuttled away from the witch whose face had changed since he had arrived, as if the spell that made her kind and welcoming dissolved in the acid of her personality. The perfect image withered to a crone with gnarled fingers and blackened teeth bared in a snarl.

“Don’t try me, spellcaster,” Morpheus warned as he noticed the gleam in her eyes. 

Like a woman possessed, she lurched forward with claws and screamed as black tendrils exploded from her hands. Morpheus threw his hand up and the wave of power shot back tenfold, hurling her back to shatter the table and the crystal ball too. He reached blindly behind his back, a soft sigh slipping from his lips when he felt you safely tucked away. 

“Are you alright?” 

You weren’t quite sure how to answer that as you trembled at his back. “She tried to kill me.” 

“A fatal mistake of hers,” he growled as he eyes the smouldering outline where the witch had landed before turning around. His face was full of concern as he gently cradled your cheek that was swollen from her slap. “She got off too lightly.”

“She is dead.”

“She hurt you.” Dropping his forehead to yours he closed his eyes and exhaled, his breath mingling with yours. “She deserved something far worse than death.”

He opened his eyes again and winced when he looked at your cheek. You gingerly touched the spot and asked, “How do I look?”

“Still radiant,” he smiled sweetly as he leaned, those mesmerising eyes that reminded you of home holding you captive, “still beautiful.”

Your breath caught in your lungs as his lips brushed yours, that familiar spark shocking you back to life. You pressed yourself closer, opening yourself to his exploration and moaning when his tongue took the opportunity. Hands reached for each other, yours lacing into his silky hair while his snaked beneath your cloak to splay across your lower back.

Shimmering dust drifted from the skies above as your glow illuminated the night. You pulled apart gasping at both the intensity of your first kiss and at the sight of the stardust. They were like bright bursts of fireworks casting a myriad of colour around the empty field that had held the carnival, not the dull grey dusting of sorrowful tears. 

“My sisters’ blessings,” you whispered with a smile as you found their tears of joy catching in Morpheus’ hair, the colours stark against the jet black strands. Taking his hands, you placed them on your chest, over the diamond teardrop that hung from your neck. “Having a heart is dangerous.”

Dream wanted to deny it but it was the truth so he settled for the next best thing. “I will protect it.”

“I know you will.” You closed your eyes against the bright glow that radiated from your entire body. Slowly that light shifted until it was concentrated beneath your palms and you released the hold you had on the diamond. The gemstone had changed, taking on a dark red hue that pulsed with a steady beat. You stared at the stone in wonder for a moment longer before slipping the chain over your head and lifting it towards Morpheus. “It is yours if you will have it.”

He bowed his head so you could drape it over his neck, the blood red gem pulsing over his own heart. He felt its warmth as he picked up the stone hanging from the chain, raising it to his lips to place a tender kiss on its surface. You swore you could feel the softness of his lips on your skin before he tucked it beneath his shirt to rest against his skin. 

“I shall cherish your gift until the end of time,” Morpheus promised as he brushed his thumb across your kiss-swollen lips and pouted. “But I have no gift for you.”

You nipped at his thumb and it brought a smile to his forlorn face. “You have given me hope, Morpheus. I thought it was lost when I fell. And you saved my life. I think that is more than enough.”

Dream shook his head and the walls of the palace rose around you, the high stained glass windows behind his throne telling you exactly where you were. “I have offered you protection and sanctuary within my realm…but how about a home?”

“A home…” you mused as you circled the cavernous room and the stairs that lead to a single throne, “with you?”

His lips twitched at your teasing tone and he nodded. “Yes, with me.”

“You would have to smile more,” you warned as you climbed the first step and rose to eye level with him. 

He lost the internal battle to remain impartial and a smile parted his lips. “I’m sure I would have more reason to smile with you here.”

You took another step higher and looked down at Dream, his pretty eyes following your every move as you shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ll have to think about it.”

Those eyes narrowed as you failed to hold your giggle and you couldn’t remain apart any longer, wrapping your arms around his neck and leaning down to taste those pouting lips. “Yes, Morpheus.” 

“Really?” he asked half excited, half uncertain he heard you correctly as he closed those two steps and pulled you flush with his body. 

You kissed his chest, where the rapidly pulsing gem rested, and looked into his starry eyes. “I already gave you my heart because that is where home is.”

Taglist: @endlessly-entertaining @damndonner @remusismyhousewife @juxtaposeddreamer @hedwigprewett12 @depressooexxpressoo @jesllianaquilesrolon Tagging from interest in my stardust/sandman crossover post: @ahsxkatano @lorosette @pinksirensong @lostinthedreaming @intothesoul

#the sandman fanfic #sandman fanfiction #sandman x reader #the sandman imagine #the sandman x reader #the sandman x you #morpheus fanfiction #morpheus imagine #morpheus x reader #morpheus x y/n #morpheus x you #dream of the endless #dream of the endless imagine #dream of the endless x reader #stardust/sandman crossover fanfic

[3minsover]

Steddie Stardust AU thoughts

Steve is sweet, unworldly Tristan, son of an adventurous young man and an enslaved princess. Eddie is the fallen star Yvaine, knocked from his astral perch by a flying magical, royal pendant.

hHaving promised the girl of his dreams, Nancy, that he’d cross the mystical wall into another world and bring her back the star they watched plummet from the sky, Steve uses the portal candle his mother left nestled in the basket she sent him to his father in to travel to wherever the star touched ground. Steve is initially confused to find a man lying clumsily in a crater, but overjoyed when Eddie clarifies, rather impatiently, that he is the star, and that he’s very much not on board with being presented as a birthday gift for Nancy. Steve manages to convince a very grumbly, bitchy Eddie to accompany him back to Hawkins for Nancy’s birthday before letting him return to the sky with the last use of the portal candle.

And Eddie never intended to to fall in love with Steve’s bumbling charm and effortless romanticism, but fall he does, and this time the descent is even more disconcerting that the last. He sees Steve’s clear admiration for Nancy, and finds himself imagining himself at the center of Steve’s attention. Meanwhile, Steve is set on returning to prove to Nancy that his love is purer than that of Jonathan, who’s rumoured to have travelled across the county to buy her a ring. He’s so single-mindedly focused on Nancy that at first he doesn’t notice the faint glow that begins to surround Eddie - it’s just a shimmer at first, until he quite literally lights up a room when he walks into it.

It sneaks up on Steve, that light, his eyes becoming accustomed to it until the illumination is near-blinding. Yet, Steve can’t look away. He is, in a word, bewitched. All thoughts of Nancy fade, and Steve finally sees his infatuation for what it was: just that.

Enter Vecna as Lamia (the witch) hunting Eddie down for the power he contains, and the party being the princes fighting each other (non fatally, of course) for the throne of Stormhold, chasing down the pendant that had originally knocked Eddie from the sky.

The three paths converge as Steve realises his feelings, with Vecna capturing Eddie and Max reaching the peak of her search for the pendant. It’s up to Steve, with the help of the recently-found mother he never knew, to save Eddie from Vecna’s clutches.

Also Murray as Captain Shakespeare.

Like the dialogue just translates effortlessly…

Eddie: “You have a Babylon Candle?!” Steve: “Y- Yeah, I have a bubbling candle.” Eddie: “Babylon Candle.” Steve: “Babylon Candle yeah that’s what I said.”

#steddie #steddie au #steve harrington x eddie munson #steddie drabble #twitter crosspost #3minsover

[the-cosmos-withinus]

Shadow Puppets AU - The Archivists

General Headcanons

They are the physical manifestations of stars, similar to the character Yvaine in Neil Gaiman's Stardust

Groups of them form constellations and refer to one another as 'siblings' but not as in modern definitions re: brother and sister, they means any relationship in a familial bond

in this case the two eldest, the Archivist and the Preserver would be more closely defined as the parents of this group, which is why they are the most decorated

They are Collectively known as the Archivists after the Eldest in their Constellation, though individuals and pairs have come to be known by other names as well

All of them are non binary, but some of them would have chosen to use pronouns if given the chance

The Archivists technically started the war by attempting to wipe out the Titans, but were acting out of fear after discovering the Titans were immune to their power and the Collector was imprisoned before the conclusion of the war leading the Assessor specifically to begin acting out of revenge

Because they are actual stars, when they die, their corresponding star is destroyed, along with any of their surrounding planets, which means that the actual death toll in the Archivist/Titan War was immeasurable

The Archivist

No face reveal, they are an enigma. The Preserver is the only one who has ever seen the Archivist without their hood

They are eldest of this constellation and founder of the Universal Archive House

Would go by He/They pronouns

They started the mission to preserve endangered species

already more solitary than the rest of their constellation and rarely seen outside of the House, but since the Titan war has become a complete recluse due to blaming themselves for the Assessor and the Cataloger's deaths as well as the Collector's disappearance

The Preserver

The second eldest star in the Constellation, known in tandem with the Archivist as 'the Observers' since they were non-interfering explorers before they began archiving endangered species.

Would answer to she/they pronouns

Was also the one who was closest to the Collector, the only one who would actively stop what they were doing in order to play with him

Openly opposed the war with the Titans and refused to take part in any of it.

They mourn their fallen and have become somewhat reclusive as well, but not nearly as much as the Archivist

Still has faith that the Collector is alive and periodically sends one of his toys out to search for him, this toy is known on the Boiling Isles a the Wailing Star.

The Assessor

The largest of the Archivists, but actually is the second youngest after the Collector

The most hostile and war-like of all the Archivists and if anyone could be pointed at as the one that actually started the Archivist/Titan War, it would be them because of their constant fearmongering

They are the one that the Titan Trappers actually knew as 'The Grand Huntsmen'

Though referred to by the Trappers as he/him and masculine in appearance, if the Assessor ever discovered She/Her pronouns they would have taken them and never looked back

Spent most of the war in search of the Collector and with their dying breath told the Trappers to kill the last Titan in order to free 'them' referring to the Collector

The Cataloger

The Cataloger was the overworked one that never had time for anything, including pronouns (might have tried she/them)

Though too busy for the Collector, they would humor him by listening to him talk about the specimen he collected as they cataloged them

Victim of the Assessor's fearmongering, fought in the war and was the creator of the Draining Spell

The Cataloger was the first Archivist casualty in the war

They have a passing resemblance to Odalia Blight because of a now abandoned plot point of the AU had this resemblance to his sibling was the reason that Astrophel chose Odalia to be 'Mamadalia"

#toh collector #toh archivists #toh ocs #the owl house oc #shadow puppets au #Lore post

[ofglories]

Another silly headcanon list, this time for my Arthurian/Arthurian-adjacent muses and how much they swear from most to least:

In first place is Elouan. He may be the Lady of the Lake's reincarnation but he's got a mouth so foul a sailor would blush.

Close second place is Dinadan. He's a farm boy before he's the son of a lord or even a Knight of the Round and someone has to tell Tristan off.

In third place to the surprise of anyone who doesn't know her it's Gareth! She grew up with three older brothers, spent time hanging around the fishermen at the Orkney docks, and spent a year working in the kitchens of Camelot. It's habit.

King Lot comes in at fourth place. He's more controlled about swearing than Gareth, but his creativity makes up for it by more than enough. But he never swears around his kids, or around Morgan.

Uther's in fifth, surprisingly. But let's not linger on him he sucks.

Emrys is very creative with swearing, but he doesn't often do so out loud. If he does start cursing then it's for a very good reason and is usually a sign of something being very wrong.

Accolon doesn't usually swear more than the occasional muttered "damn", but he can explode if his temper is pushed enough. Still, for the most part he's pretty polite and formal.

Arthur very rarely swears, and if he does it's almost always under his breath. A king needs to be without flaw, and it wouldn't do for him to give people reason to remember who his father is. He did swear a lot more often before he was crowned king, though.

Percival has only ever sworn during high-stress moments on the Grail Quest, and only because he wasn't thinking of anything beyond getting Galahad and Bors out of the situations alive.

Do you honestly think Taliesin has ever even whispered a swear word in his entire life? That man lives and breathes formal speech. The most he's ever done was writing the ancient language words down for Yvain to learn for fun.

Not even the big man upstairs could get Bors to swear. He's more formal than even Taliesin and a lot less inclined towards writing poetry. It somehow makes the moments when he calls someone a "fool" to their face all the more cutting since he doesn't accentuate it with a swear though...

Marrok is a dog.

#an endless tale; headcanon #the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon #twelve seals unleashed; arthur pendragon #as fair as the northerly winds; gareth beaumains #knight of sacred fire; bors the younger #the sign of the red dragon; uther pendragon #howl to the moon and tear the world; marrok #a song that echoes upon time ; taliesin #a poisonous smile like dawn before war; accolon #chosen by the other sacred lance; percival #undefeated wolf king of the north; king lot #the knight who rejects courtly love; dinadan #to you who will crown a king; elouan

[gellavonhamster]

reading lancelot, part 2

solidarity with the cousin of the lady of Malehaut who tried to persuade her not to kiss Lancelot (her prisoner) while he’s asleep, because really, girl, what the fuck

5 Yvains and it’s just on the list of the knights who went to search for Lancelot, amazing

I love that Guinevere calls Gawain “dear nephew”. Does she ever refer to any other of Arthur’s nephews like that, in any text ever? And in general, I love how fond she and Arthur are of Gawain. He may be the eldest of many children of Morgause and Lot, but he’s also kind of her and Arthur’s only child 🥺

Galehaut making sure that Arthur’s men see him taking Lancelot away… what a move

“Do you suppose I have any regrets? If all the world were mine, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to him” I am going feral

“and it grieves me much,” he said, “that I didn’t get to know him long ago the way I do now, for I’d have been much the better for it” - I just like this line

normal things to say: Gawain edition

never change, dear

the lady of Malehaut really said “if I can’t be his girlfriend, I can be his girlfriend’s girlfriend”. And succeeded

Guinevere: wouldn’t it be nice if my girlfriend dated my boyfriend’s boyfriend

this will surely end well and no one’s heart will get broken

really struggling to visualize the lion thing that happened to Lionel when he was a baby. Like... if it was a spot (flat) on his chest, how he could have seized it round the neck. I am already suspending disbelief as hard as I can

wait which sister of Arthur is Lore’s mother? Elaine? Some new character?

Gawain, Yvain, Kay, Sagremor, and Griflet “had great affection for one another” :’)

apparently Sagremor, here called the Unruly instead of the Desirous, is the one who’s supposed to perform all unruly acts. Officially appointed Do It for the Vine guy

I think the ladies who made Agravaine fall ill did nothing wrong, considering that he literally tried to rape one of them

Sagremor and his new gf are so flirty, it’s kinda cute

“Sagremor-Starvation”, another banger from Kay (who else)

obsessed with Guinevere being “not at all sorrowful” about Arthur leaving her for the night (to go to his mistress)

“for it would be better for him to kill me than to leave me” dang, Galehaut absolutely destroying me with his lines again

I’m pleased with how it’s easier to read than I expected so far. Even if I sometimes get confused which quest is whose and who did what

#gella talks arthuriana #talk talk talk #arthurian legends #arthuriana #guinevere #gawain #galehaut #the lady of malehaut #sagramore the desirous

[shiranui7]

Anymore questions? If you don't how about something about Shuri Jenna or their friends

Well *rubs hands

Shuri is Duncan's little sister, even though she's bigger than him.

Jenna has the typical princess singing voice, while Shuri has a lower and more growling pitch

Duncan is the only hyena with blue eyes

Duncan saved Harvey from a bully and became his first friend

Harvey is a bobcat-cat mix but his fur is blue and he's made fun for it

Monty is another member of the group. He's an emerald green pyton with a tuft of blue hair on his head. He's very shy and sensitive

Yvaine is the last member of the 4. She's a big and brave white tiger, very protective of her 3 friends who saved her life

Harvey has a crush on Yvaine

They all know about Shuri and Jenna's secret dates because they literally run into them while they were kissing. They keep the secret since it is against both clans' laws

Yvaine comes from a different place then the other 3 and so she doesn't know anything about civilization. She stays hidden in the forest.

Yvaine was ostracized for her albinism in her clan so he hates everyone who talks shit about her fur

She was the first one to never ask a question about Harvey's strange fur colour since she had never seen a cat before. Harvey had never seen a tiger too so he just commented how beautiful her white fur was. Instant bond.

I hope you like these!

#shiranui7oc #duncan #shuri #Jenna #Harvey #monty #Yvaine #shiranui7headcanons

[velnica]

Singing Along Ch 6 - I wish I may, I wish I might

Fandom: FFXIV

Ship: Sanson/Guydelot

Tags: Modern AU/University, Falling in Love, Meet Cute

Rating: Explicit (later chapters)

Inviting Guydelot over for Starlight had been done on a whim, and Sanson could never have anticipated the ease in which his roommate slipped into his life. His family, of course, was not helping matters in the slightest.

“Would you like me to come with you to the aged care?” Guydelot asked as he returned to the living room.

Sanson’s first reaction was to say no; the part of him that desperately wanted to flee rearing its head once more. But the other, more rational part of his head butted in just in time, reminding him that he did invite Guydelot here in the first place, and he shouldn’t push the man away just because his head—and heart—was a tangled mess. He tried to keep his voice neutral.

“Sure, unless mum needs help setting up the dodo?”

She checked her watch. “I was going to wait until your uncle comes; he shouldn’t be too far away now. But, if you’d like to offer, I wouldn’t say no either.”

The Elezen held his chin like he was thinking, though his grin confirmed it was all an act. “Tough choice, beautiful lady or her equally cute son?” Yvaine giggled while Sanson rolled his eyes, a tell-tale pink tinge colouring his cheeks. “Forgive me, my lady, but alas another important task calls and pulls me away from your beautiful visage,” Guydelot claimed exaggeratedly as he bowed to the woman. Sanson sighed. Beholden to his whims indeed.

Perhaps he was already part of those whims.

#fic: singing along to the start of forever #sanson smyth #guydelot thildonnet #guydesan #ffxiv #part two of a two-parter #I adore this chapter so much #Sanson's family is delightful to write #and guydelot gets spoiled in the best of ways #my fic writing #modern au #luciane corne #ywain deepwell #conrad kemp #My GPOSEs

[thedawnbeauty]

The first letter, caused him to read it twice. He read the same sentence over and over again “ But I must go in person to discuss what we have decided”

That hurt, more than what he expected it too. He had begged her to stay, but he understand she also needed to explain what they had agreed too. What they had felt in their hearts. He was going to write back; when a roaring storm came in blasting all the shutter windows open. A dark cloud circled above, and he immediately thought of Robin. She’s on.. another island. He had to remind himself, she’s on another island and she’s safe.

She with her. We trust her.

He peered towards the windows, as he watched as the waves crashed against the shoreline. From a distance he caught the shimmering light of scales,plunging out of the water was the dragon that had caused the friction in the water. His eyes widen, as he watched it expand it wings and dove back into the cold water.

It was swimming towards the castle. The bells from the tower began to ring, warning the other isles of the creature. He prayed they were loud enough for the castle to begin preparations.

“ It’s blue..” the voice, caused Luca to jump away from the window as he turned to the door and spotted Mila, and Yvaine. Completely out of breathe and soaked. “ we haven’t had a blue one in a long time, and I don’t even think it’s real. Just something in the eyes..” Yvaine collapsed in the chair in his room, as Mila placed a hand across her chest, feeling her poor heart beat out of her chest.

“ We ran.. as fast as we could.. we think we saw some sort of cove underneath the water. Maybes that’s what the dragon is hiding.” Mila sunk into the chair, as she watched Luca move to grab blankets and pour them glasses of ale to bring them warmth.

“ Blue is also dangerous, they are highly protective and whatever in that coven is worth everything to it. I don’t want either of you to go near the beaches, I’ll handle it.”

He ordered the guards in the hall way to watch over them, as he gave the order to bring in the fishermen and banned anyone from walking on the shores.

“ Close off the reef and do not allow anyone to visit. Not until I give the order.” He command, slicking his hair back as he made his way towards the pier ensuring everyone was inside and the doors were locked.

His eyebrows raised in curiosity, as clinging to the reef was a siren. The wind covered her face with her hair, as he understood they never revealed themselves unless they were in danger or in trouble.

Carefully he removed his boots, offering a slow nod as he walked slowly into the water, with both of his palms up.

“ I’m here.. I understand “

[thebookwormslair]

Welcome, book lovers, to another delightful post on our blog dedicated to the realm of magical love stories! In this edition, we have curated a list of enchanting fantasy fairy tale romance books that will transport you to captivating worlds filled with romance, adventure, and mythical creatures. So, prepare to be swept away by these spellbinding tales of love and wonder!

"The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black:

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of Faerie in this bewitching novel. Filled with political intrigue, dark magic, and a slow-burning romance, this book follows the journey of a mortal girl named Jude as she navigates the treacherous Court of the High King. Prepare for unexpected twists, forbidden desires, and a love story that will leave you longing for more.

"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik:

This standalone novel beautifully blends elements of fantasy and folklore. In a remote village plagued by a malevolent forest, Agnieszka finds herself chosen by the mysterious Dragon, a powerful wizard, to serve him. As she delves into her magical abilities, she discovers a love that transcends boundaries and a destiny she never imagined. Novik's lyrical prose and intricate world-building make this an unforgettable read.

"Heart's Blood" by Juliet Marillier:

Set in a reimagined medieval Ireland, this romantic fairy tale follows Caitrin, a skilled scribe who seeks refuge in the fortress of Whistling Tor. There, she encounters the brooding Lord Anluan, scarred by a curse that haunts his family. As they unravel the secrets of the castle together, their bond deepens amidst enchantments, ghosts, and ancient prophecies. Marillier's storytelling will transport you to a world of magic and forbidden love.

"The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker:

Prepare to be captivated by this magical tale set in the bustling streets of 19th-century New York City. When a golem and a jinni, both bound to human form, cross paths, their unlikely friendship blossoms into something more profound. This lyrical and atmospheric novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of love that transcends cultural differences.

"Stardust" by Neil Gaiman:

In this whimsical and romantic fairy tale, Gaiman takes readers on a journey to the enchanting realm of Faerie. Tristran Thorn embarks on a quest to retrieve a fallen star, only to discover that it has taken the form of a captivating young woman named Yvaine. As they traverse a world of witches, pirates, and magical creatures, their bond deepens amidst danger and destiny. Gaiman's masterful storytelling will leave you utterly enchanted.

Indulge your imagination and let these fantasy fairy tale romance books transport you to worlds filled with magical creatures, epic quests, and epic love stories. Whether you're a fan of political intrigue, atmospheric settings, or star-crossed lovers, these enchanting tales are sure to captivate your heart and leave you longing for more. So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and let the magic unfold within the pages of these delightful books!

#book quotes #booknerd #book quotations #books and literature #library #quotes #writing #fantasy #writeblr #literature

[cantillat-moved]

The more I read about Arthuriana the more I want to yell.

I'm so annoyed how Kay, Gawain and Percival were downgraded after megachad Lance was added -- nothing against Lancelot, I just think it is sad and a smidge of bad writing when you need to make others characters worse to make another look better.

Robert Graves commented that the early description of Cei "is close to the account given of the Sun-hero Cuchulain in his battle rage. But in the later Arthurian legends Cei has degenerated into a buffoon "—an aspect of the folklore process whereby old heroes must be downgraded (but not forgotten) in order to make room for new.

Meanwhile John Matthews comments how Gawain was still a hot-headed guy, but was still an accomplished adventurer before joining Arthur's court and a servant of the Goddess (an aspect that early Christians didn't like too much) but in at least one account he eventually even became the Pope ! And soon that he heard his buddy Arthur was in trouble he dropped everything and left Rome to help the guy.

And then there's Avenable, a girl who was from a family that got into hard times and disguised herself as a man and become a knight, going to many adventures and becoming a general. Merlin entrusted her with investigating a premonition that the Emperor had in his dreams and her stories are pretty much like any other hero: capable and full of excitement.

There's also Sir Morien, coming from the Dutch tradition, who was a mixed race with dark skin. His brothers-in-arms never once showing the prejudice that we see the dudebros bitching about "there ain't no women or blacks in my medieval fantasy ! " He was another cool knight with fun stories.

Originally Percival, Percival's sister and Bors were the ones who saw the Grail but after Lancelot and, subsequently, perfect boy Galahad made their way into Arthurian canon all the other ones were pretty much forgotten. Big sad.

So many cool knights were ignored by Malory, who is the biggest source nowadays. Like the knight who was just chilling as a dog, no lesson or anything there. Just dogo being dogo. Speaking of knights-as-animals there was also a she-wolf that was causing trouble and it was never said if she was a female werewolf or just wolf, but her children joined Arthur -- if they were wolves or werewolves is also up in the air. Some legends says that Kay could hold his breath for 9 days, others says it was for 4 days. Another dude could hear a ant scratching itself 5 miles away. Yvain was also a very cool knight with his lion partner slaying all the beasts.

#. out of bullets

[lyubimyyy]

- Wool and Gamble -

This is the fourth chapter of a series inspired by this post and roughly follows this post by @fearyandear about a Yandere servant! Princess’ POV

- Chap 1 - Chap 2 - Chap 3 - Chap 4 - Chap 5 - Chap 6 - Chap 7 -

---------------  ---------------  ---------------

CHAPTER 4: Purpose (Her POV)

It has been 3 years since the death of my trusted knight. He told me that it was a pleasure to serve me, but perhaps I was foolish back then. Having connections with the Information Guild fed into my hubris and the consequence had been paid in blood. I can even say that I have narrowly escaped death thanks to Jonas keeping quiet about my involvement in the “mutiny”.

“I’ve heard that you’ve not been meeting the expectations of your teachers.” The King moves a pawn in front of my knight. The chess pieces I have are fewer than his, but I assure myself they were not defeated in vain. As I’ve expected, whenever I set up a situation where the King would choose to defeat either a powerful piece or a pawn, he would choose the former. That predictability is what set the result of this game; he underestimated the pawn with limitless potential.

My pawn steps on the edge of the board. I swapped it for a queen chess piece. Checkmate. The King piece had not moved at all since the start of the match. I would expect nothing less from a stationary King that hides behind his council. “I’ve not been feeling well, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern.” I reply in an even tone. I find this whole situation strange; the King had never called for me personally before.

The King coughed as if to clear the awkward air. “I’ve heard something about your involvement. I’m certain it has something to do with the former Knight three years ago.” He looks at me with an unreadable expression. “My council has been talking about it. You did not think I would catch wind of it now, did you?”

My blood ran cold. We weren’t the only ones there in the port that night. Where did the information come from?

A spy in Jonas’ ranks? No, he’s too meticulous to not spot a rat. His subordinates? No, that’s not right, they’re too loyal to do such a thing. The gruff knight that my dear Saber bit? I suppose it is hard to make up a reason for a human bitemark. The escaped trafficker? Maybe it was Count Steed himself---

The King laughed, “Daughter, why so nervous? I have only heard about you offering prayers and donations in the temple so fervently!” The King continued “The council could not believe it! The spoiled princess Ebony devoting her time to such good causes.” I was stunned speechless because of this twisted turn of conversation. I smile. Perhaps I should be thankful that the King’s information is so late and wrong. With the number of children he has, I’m not surprised.

“It’s Yvaine, Your Majesty.” I say suppressing another smile. Honestly, I was not offended, I even find the situation funny. The King does a Casling move. My queen ate the rook and has accomplished a checkmate once again.

“As I said!” The King was embarrassed. “Yvaine, you have done well in… spiritual matters, but it is no reason to set aside your studies.” He looks at the board “It would be a waste for that brain of yours, I’ve bestowed that treasure upon you, afterall!” He ends with a hearty chuckle while tapping the side of his right temple.

 “Why did you name a worm Marvin?”

“… I shall keep that in mind, Your Majesty.”

---------------------------------------------

“Marvin’s entire existence is to prove you wrong.” I say teasingly to Saber. “This is the fattest tomato you have ever seen, yes?”. I held up one of the juicy tomatoes that Marvin the earthworm helped tend to. It’s almost as red as Saber’s face. “Can you finally get me my snack? I’ve been asking for a while now.” I sigh.

“You’ve already eaten three tarts, two crumpets, a slice of toast, and a candy before meeting his Majesty.”

“Oh, come on, Saber! Please?” Something sweet would help relieve me of that sour taste I got from meeting my royal father. Saber opened his mouth to retort, but thankfully a few bats of my eyelashes softened him…. somehow, at least.

“… Fine, I’ll get you your snack.” As Saber walked away, I could hear him grumbling about things like “spoiled” and “last time to indulge her”. It was the same thing he said on my third tart, and yet he still brought me snacks without fail. I look back at my earlier conversation.

It was true that I had been a frequent visitor to the temple. The only things I prayed about were asking for forgiveness and a plea to something, some higher being, to remove the cancer from my people’s lives. My faith had done nothing to appease my grief, nor lift my spirits enough to have hope. The King is the highest power and absolute authority, two things I can’t even comprehend to have.

“… Here it is.” Saber put chocolate pudding in front of me. I poked it with a spoon and giggled at how it wiggled. “Good to know you’re memorizing the trail I taught you! How well have you memorized the Code of Herleinz?”  

“… Are you sure that telling me the secret palace passageways is a good idea?” Saber asked me incredulously before dismissing the thought then speaking again “It’s a lesson about leadership and kingdom management, something YOU should be learning instead of me”.

“First of all, if it gets me my snack faster, then yes, it is a good idea.” I gave him a grin before eating a spoonful of pudding. “Isn’t it funny?” I swallow “How despite knowing the moral quality of good. One could still be persuaded by the pressure of adherence?”

The Code of Herleinz is a scholarly text that teaches how to maintain a kingdom, strategies on how to spot and quell rebellions, and rewarding conforming behavior. A disgusting piece of literature for the regnant class to keep the oppressed compliant, and if used as an antithesis, it can bring about the destabilization of a kingdom with enough power… or force.

Saber looked at me with unbelieving eyes “How would someone like you know obedience, when you have been so spoiled?” I simply take a bite from my pudding and exclaimed. “Oh! But I’m quite powerless, you know! So many siblings that my sad excuse of a father couldn’t be bothered to remember the names of his spawns.” I wave the spoon dramatically and slump in my chair “Ebony, he called me! Oh, how I feel so hurt!”

I could have sworn that for a split second, I saw sympathy flash in his eyes. It was gone before I could think more of it, though. “How could that be? You’re the most stubborn and fiery of all! You’re way too unforgettable for that, princess.”

“Oh hush, you’re only saying that, Saber.” I raise an eyebrow at him as he folds his arms in front of his chest.

“I’m not. I’d recognize your stupid smile from a crowd of royals any day.”

It seems that three years of serving me has brought us closer together. It almost makes me feel bad for using him like this, as the pawn to maneuver until it reaches the end of this metaphorical political board. Little by little, I shall foster his hatred for the royal blood, teach him our ways if only for him and his friends to finally unravel the twisted knots of this kingdom.

I slap the pudding from the table and watch it splatter on the ground. “I’m so clumsy! Saber, be a good staff and clean that up, would you?” Saber looked at me “… What is wrong with you?!”.

He knelt to clean the mess I made while I stood up only to stare down at his crouched form. “I couldn’t help but notice that you’re becoming soft, Saber.” I said this with the most patronizing form I could muster. “Don’t forget your purpose for being here.”

By the end of this all, if the desire to ravage me is what it takes for him to cause an uprising and uproot this cursed bloodline, then so be it. The fire in his eyes might be hatred, but for me, it is hope for the people of this kingdom.

#nystb #yandere male #yandere butler #wool and gamble

[sapientiiae-a]

@fxmiliarity​ asked: ❝ i ran away from all this. i never wanted to touch a bloody knife again. ❞ you (season 4) starters | if anyone else sends me angst I am coming for you with a stick accepting

How was it possible for an individual to have a history that was DARKER than that of an ENTIRE kingdom? A kingdom that had a record of curses, wars, and unnecessary bloodshed? If there was anyone that was going to rival the Kingdom of Hyrule, it was Yvaine.

It hadn’t been easy to get Yvaine to open up to her. Aside from the legends of Hylia’s familiar written in ancient texts, they’d met with Zelda knowing nothing of Yvaine’s background. It was only once they’d gotten to know one another, grow closer, that the familiar began to reveal their history layer by layer. As if a never-ending curse between Hylia, her chosen Hero, and Demise wasn’t enough, why not add in a familiar that had once been enslaved, forced to do someone else’s dirty work.

Yvaine’s strength far exceeded that of ten men, which made them the perfect tool for doing someone else’s bidding — even if it meant bringing others to their final day. She’d seen countless wars, and now she returned to Hyrule as the goddess’s familiar every time the cycle reset and the realm was in danger. More war. More bloodshed. 

Yvaine had never WANTED to touch another blade, and yet she was beckoned back each time as threat of another war arose. And once again, she was forced to pick up Lilarcor.

“Yve….this curse was never meant to extend to you. Demise, the chosen Hero, and Hylia….they…we…were the ones cursed. It was never your burden to carry. You have seen enough bloodshed in your lifetime,” she responded, her voice gentle as she took a step forward, hand gingerly sliding along Yvaine’s arm before lingering at her hand to giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“If you were to STOP bearing the role of Hylia’s familiar…I am sure Hylia would understand. I would understand. What if you stopped? Laid down Lilarcor and chose to be selfish for once? Allowed yourself to the peace and happiness you deserved?”

#fxmiliarity #the clear water’s surface reflects growth ⌈ ᴀɴsᴡᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴀsᴋs ⌋ #[ Is Zelda lowkey suggesting Yve take on a different alias and finally live a happy life? #Maybe ] #would your heart know if i met you in a brand new set of bones ♥ ʏᴠᴀɪɴᴇ: ꜰxᴍɪʟɪᴀʀɪᴛʏ

[sayonaramidnight]

Tell me more about their relationship with the world. How do they see Etheirys/Hydaelyn and their responsibility to it? Are they simply citizens, responsible for their own impact and no one else's, or are they guardians, responsible for monitoring the effect of everything? Or something else, something in between, something completely different.

Tell me of their relationship to the world.

OH <3

Listen, Helvi never expected to bear responsibility for the whole world. Not because she didn't love the world and its people - on the contrary! - but because she didn't consider herself that strong or unusual or important. It all felt too big. She became an adventurer so she could travel and... do all these side quests, run errands and help people, listening to their troubles, making their lives a little easier and making the world a little better bit by bit, within her capability.

And then it turned out this capability was bigger than she'd thought.

She started experiencing the Echo and hearing Hydaelyn when she was lost and confused, trying to regain her missing memories - and she thought, 'what if there's a reason for it I can't remember? what if I used to be more than I can remember?'? So she went to the Scions in hope for answers, but the next moment she was battling primals and imperials and treated like a hero - and she felt very out of place there.

But she tried her best to met everyone's expectations and find her own reasons to keep fighting. Smaller, more personal reasons - and that was her loved ones. So she fought for the three main city-states for the sake of her family and old friends from her old life. She fought for Ishgard for the sake of Haurchefant and his family and all the new friends she made there. She fought for Doma for the sake of Yugiri and Gosetsu and regular people like Isse and his sister. She fought for Ala Mhigo for the sake of Lyse, Rhun and the memory of Minfilia. And then she fought for the First for the sake of both her friends trapped there and their friends as well.

Then Endwalker came and she did not have to carry this burden alone anymore. It never felt right to be a hero, but it feels right to be one of the heroes in a world where anyone can be one, on their own terms. And it makes her love the world even more.

And then Arianna. Arianna never wanted to be anything more than a Thanalan Tiny and an Immortal Flame, and maybe low-key hobbyist crocheter. But then she gained another purpose, which was glaring from over Helvi's shoulder at people who were trying to use Helvi for their own goals (or so Arianna saw it).

And you know what is said about the Warrior of Light inspiring people, right? Well, Arianna sure was inspired, even if she wasn't aware of that.

And so she went from glaring at Yvain, calling his guild out on its bigotry, to becoming the new Azure Dragoon*. From fighting Garleans at Carteneau to travelling the Empire with a bunch of porxies. From pointing out Alphinaud's mistakes to loving both twins fiercely. From a technophobe to the Ironworks test pilot. From a regular soldier to a Flame Spymaster in making. From an atoning ex-bandit to a defender. From an outcast to a hero on her own terms.

And she feels... relatively fine with where she is now.

tl; dr - it's been a long way for them, but in the end, they've accepted the place they're in.

*I'm pretty sure Yvain sent her to Alberic just so she could go glare at someone else for a change.

#thank you for indulging me <3 #not sure if that's exactly what you wanted but my mind was going places XD #ainyan #replies #thanalan tinies