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sihayadunee · 6 days

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🌘 THE ECLIPSE a UNION of OPPOSITES 🌒

an analysis of the mythic motifs in dune part two through the lens of mythologist joseph campbell, and some predictions for dune messiah

• Divine Couple

• Death and Rebirth

• Redemption Through Divine Union

• House of Atreus

• Lunar-Masculine / Solar-Feminine

• Goddesses

THE ECLIPSE

This motif has been connected to Dune since the first film’s promo, especially with the concluding track of Dark Side of the Moon accompanying the initial trailer. Some fans believed this theme had been dropped as it wasn’t very present in the first film. However the eclipse continued throughout the promo of the second film. This was because Part Two is where the real pay off is, already in the first 10 minutes.

This concept is intrinsic to Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation. Since the first film I have been saying that Dune embraces the Lunar-Masculine (Paul) and Solar-Feminine (Chani). However beyond just that, Dune: Part Two showcases multiple pairings of the lunar-solar dynamic.

But before we jump into that, let’s establish the meaning of an eclipses in general mythology. Typically they are a symbol of death and renewal. Common interpretations have a beast devouring the sun, or a celestial couple evading or pursuing one another. These interpretations are consistent over and again in Dune.

What we will see, is that the greater Imperium holds a Solar-Masculine identity, but when it comes to Arrakis there is a distinct shift to the Solar-Feminine archetype.

PAUL as the MOON

There are an innumerable amount of connections. Bull motifs are reoccurring throughout the first film, where he grew up on a water world. After all, the moon is associated with the tides. He takes the name Muad’Dib, and one of the moons of Arrakis has the icon of a Muad’Dib aka Desert Mouse visible on its surface. And ultimately, Paul experiences rebirth in Part Two.

The bull is a figure of sacrifice which aligns very well with the lineage of House Atreides which can be traced back to the House of Atreus and it’s curse of familial murder, betrayal and symbolic consumption. Sacrifice of the children in each new generation.

IRULAN and the GOLDEN LION THRONE

Starting here is a good place, because it shows the transition of the Solar-Masculine of the wider Imperium toward the Solar-Feminine of Arrakis. Irulan Corrino of House Corrino is the daughter of Emperor Shaddam who sits on the Golden Lion Throne. His reign is coming to a close as Paul rises on Arrakis, and with no male heirs Irulan his eldest is the successor destined for marriage. In this way Irulan becomes the embodiment of the Lion Throne, and her determination in Dune Messiah to produce Paul’s heir becomes clear. That function of the Queen Mother and how that feeds back into the Solar-Masculine as the King becomes tied to the lion and the throne once more.

In particular I would say her story is best reflected in the myth of the goddess Cybele who falls for Attis and when he falls for a mortal girl Cybele plots betrayal. Something for which she later feels guilt and tries to make amends for (Children of Dune).

PAUL and JESSICA

Their dynamic is incredibly complicated, but I think the opening of the film during the eclipse sums it up very well. You follow the path of the moon as it covers the sun, and as it meets its full coverage Paul is the one taking action in the fight against the Harkonnen. However as the moon passes by and the sun takes over again, Jessica emerges to save Paul’s life.

This was intentional by the filmmakers, as is revealed in the Art and Soul of Dune Part Two, DP Greig Fraser identified the exact time, date and location in order to shoot the sun as it appears directly behind Rebecca Ferguson.

Jessica represents the sun on Arrakis, and in this scene we see how the moon dies into the sun to be reborn in their dynamic. It also lines up with motifs of the sun goddess giving birth to the sacrificial bull. Sacrifice toward this death and rebirth.

What we see is the separation of mother and son that brings them back together in the same place. Paul takes the lead and rejects his mother’s influence, but she leads him toward the death and rebirth he must experience, and this brings them back to a common understanding.

This is also why having Jessica sit the Atreides “throne” in the finale instead of Paul (who did so in the book) makes mythic sense. Because again we return to the Solar-Feminine mother as the throne, and her son as king. But in a different context here then what Irulan aspires toward.

A SYMBOLIC UNION aka THE BULL SACRIFICE

The House Harkonnen family seal in the books is the griffin, which makes his introduction in a gladiator arena killing Atreides even more appropriate. Feyd’s birthday is also associated with a solar event. Because ultimately Feyd is the matador and Paul is the bull.

What works so fantastically about the dual, is how it is bathed in the sunlight. After all, the sun figure (day) is facing off against the moon (night) figure in this sequence. Plus the bull was the eventual demise of Paul’s grandfather who was a matador. This takes place at sunrise, and it’s a dual for the throne, where whoever is victorious inherits the Golden Lion Throne. The

Denis specially describes the dual as a symbolic union, and it works on multiple layers. This bull sacrifice, is in essence the quote from part one of “when you take a life you take your own” so Paul killing Feyd is penetration, intimacy, it is rebirth.

It is also reminiscent of how Campbell describes the sun-moon twins of Navajo myth:

The two, Sun-child and Water-child, antagonistic yet cooperative, represent a single cosmic force, polarized, split, and turned against itself in mutual portions. The life-supporting sap-power, mysterious in the lunar rhythm of its tides, growing and decaying at a time, counters and tempers the solar file of the zenith, life- desiccating it its brilliance, yet by whose heat all lives.

— Joseph Campbell's Commentary from "Where the Two Came to Their Father: A Navaho War Ceremonial" by Jeff King and Maud Oakes

DESERT SPRING TEARS and DIVINE UNION

There is a section in the Dune Encyclopedia that talks about the foundation of the Bene Gesserit beliefs. In particular the teachings of a certain ancestral memory personality, called Inanna (yes that is the name of the Sumerian goddess who was also in a divine union caught between life and death glad you asked) about the Kwisatz Haderach. It basically establishes that the entire premise of the Bene Gesserit and the Kwisatz Haderach is in essence the Divine Couple.

It specifies two mirrored dynamics the son saved/resurrected by the mother and the husband saved/resurrected by the wife. Inanna called them Au Set and Au Sar. The Kemet names for Isis and Osiris. The idea of the Bene Gesserit would have this as the mother of the KH, and the Corrino princess he would have married. But with things thrown off course, it represents outside their control.

In Dune, we see it between Paul and Chani. Like Isis who has the solar disc and Osiris who is tied to water and death, her lover has died and she is the one to revive him.

Furthermore the concept of mythical tears can be found in the goddess Freya (who arguably is compatible with sun-goddess motifs) who weeps when her husband Odin is lost to her.

But perhaps most compatible—the healing tears of a phoenix. A bird archetype similar to Isis as bird. This is where the yin-yang dynamic of Chani and Paul becomes most apparent, since the serpent is synonymous with the bull and therefore Paul who “makes peace with Shai-Hulud” encompasses the dragon (yang) as a complement to Chani’s phoenix (yin).

In the behind the scenes of Dune Part Two, the Maker Temple is said to be designed like the infinity symbol with the two circles (one of sand and one of water). Sand being death and water being life, but also the reverse. As the sandworm thrives in the sand but is drowned in the water. And Paul is stuck between life and death, literally laying between both pools, when Chani comes to resurrect him.

This film literally has three kisses. Their first kiss when Chani says she will show him the way of the Fremen, their second kiss on screen when she says he will never lose her before going South, and the third symbolic kiss of life.

This marriage/death is also foreshadowed in Paul’s visions in Part One when Chani kisses him and then stabs him. Which is where we return to Isis and Osiris because Paul’s death state (dying again as we established, after killing Feyd, similar in a way to Set and Osiris) is where we will eventually get the twins Leto II and Ghanima with Leto II being the Horus in this equation.

As the Pink Floyd lyrics say, the sun is eclipsed by the moon and this is captured in the heartbreak Chani feels over losing Paul and losing her people to the Lisan al Gaib. The Fremen way of life has been eclipsed and over taken by the Atreides and the Bene Gesserit. Here we see more of the concept of that beast devouring the sun from the beginning, verses the celestial couple dynamic.

Chani leaving the residency chamber is also reminiscent of certain myths like Amaterasu going into hiding, or the Inuit folktale about the sun goddess fleeing her moon god brother/lover who pursues her.

However the Dune Encyclopedia also talks about the concept of redemption (which is why in the film Mohiam asks Margot if Feyd is capable of redemption) of the “mate savior”. The Kwisatz Haderach. They would bring about a release from bondage through redemption and rebirth.

Which is relevant to the dynamic of Paul and Chani in Dune Messiah for Denis, because he has said Paul is going to be looking to save his soul in part three, and how Paul and Chani come back together won’t just be explained away off screen between films. It will be that continued cycle of rebirth, through redemptive love. Rebirth as a whole in Dune is worth its own discussion, since all the different Jungian descriptions of it can be found within this universe.

CONCLUSION

The eclipse, a lunar-solar dynamic representing the union of opposites, is very significant in Dune Part Two and sheds a lot of light onto what we can anticipate next in Dune Messiah, particularly in regards to the central romance between Paul and Chani and the changes Denis has made from book to screen.

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throwaway-yandere · 10 months

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Misaligned Strings (Jing Yuan/Reader)

A/n: The reader is AMAB at the beginning (nothing angstier than gender norms–) and gn in the time skip. If there are incorrect translations, please comment!!!! I’d be very happy to change it :DD and im very happy with how my drawing turned out ngl-

For the sake of flashbacks: ████████ = prince reader's previous name, ████ = jing yuan's previous name

Synopsis: He held his feelings back once for you were his prince and he was but a knight. But for Jing Yuan, he doesn't care if you're a human prince or a foxian, you are always worth the wait. Even when it literally took a lifetime. He's not so different from Snowmoon, you know?

CW: none. slight angst and fluff so don’t worry. Prolly the cutest and lowkey proudest work I’ve done in a while. I was actively whispering "me when" while writing lmao. This one's for you, 😋 anon.

遠在天邊，近在眼前，千里姻緣一線牽.

From the Most Distant Horizon at the Ends of Where the Heavens Stretch, to Right in Front of One's Eyes, the Single Thread Crosses Unfathomable Distances to Draw in those that are Tethered to it.

In silent whispers and inaudible footsteps, a taizi and his ménkè would stroll about in the crack of dawn. The Crown Prince of the old dynasty seldom ever initiated conversations, but his servant didn't venture to strike up an exchange. Since the prince wasn’t one to like entertaining large sums and enjoyed the comfort of nature, he has a habit of dragging his favorite retainer alongside him when trekking woodlands. The white-haired servant was perfectly content with this as he listened to the sound of the streams of the nearby water bank and the morning birds’ humming.

But most of all, the retainer couldn’t think of spending his mornings better than to be by Prince ████████’s side. Deep down, he knew his calloused hands did not deserve to touch such an expensive fabric. The decorative embellishments embroidered in such as gold-laced threads, jades, and ████████’s birthstones mustn't be soiled by a commoner like him. He thinks his hands, which frequently danced with blood, are cleaner than the stains that mud had left on his prince's long robes.

And yet, the retainer feared he loved his prince too much to stop.

“My Lord…” the white-haired man mutters gently, daring to tug the noble’s robes. The (h/c) haired man peered in his direction.

Atop the prince's head was a mianguan that further accentuates their difference in social status. Despite it being a rare ceremonial headdress only to be worn on sacrificial events, the prince had one custom made by a famous jeweler for his daily use. His fashionable headdress chimed for a brief moment as he turned, but he did not stare him in the eye.

Still, the prince smiled so sweetly.

“Yes, baozi?”

The retainer’s breath hitched.

He knew he shouldn’t harbor such emotions– he knew it shouldn’t make him happy that the prince would call him his treasure. However, there was not a trace of deceit in Prince ████████’s voice.

“Be careful,” the retainer heaved, staring at the ground. “There’s a fallen trunk nearby, you would’ve tripped.”

“O-Oh?”

The prince’s smile faltered before he regained it in a concerningly quick but regal fashion.

“My apologies, it was not my intention to make you worry,” he laughed, but there was no joy to be conveyed. “I’m afraid I will have to depend on you once more.”

The prince's laugh, once filled with warmth and adoration whenever they met, now sounded distant. It was veiled sorrow, yet not to the point where the prince would be willing to sever whatever thread bound their fates together. During their quiet moments, ████ would catch glimpses of that sorrow lingering in the prince's demeanor.

It was as if a shadow loomed over their secret rendezvous. The retainer wondered if his suspicions were true— if the prince's noble lineage would soon bind him to political arrangements. A duty that will tear them both apart.

But he didn’t wish to entertain those thoughts.

The retainer nodded while speaking. “Anything for you, My lord.”

The prince turned back to the lying trunk.

Everyone in Asia knew of Prince ████████’s impaired eyes.

The Emperor’s heir lacked vision in a battle he somberly forbids any to reminisce about. It was the very same battle his beloved retainer first fought in since he was a new hire at the time. This led to several concubines shoving their children to the feet of the emperor, but satisfyingly, none could beat the prince in any aspect. Their attempts to weaken both the prince and the empress’s political hold were grounds for concern. Ultimately, that resulted in nothing.

That does not make the prince any less bitter about it, but he never held ████ accountable. His presence was the royal’s only comfort, even if he never saw his face at least once. The prince never trusted his parents with any of his inner turmoil.

Although, the retainer wished he saw his prince’s eyes at least once. His Highness had always wrapped a red cloth around his eyes like half a mask. This is why, in the humble servant’s prayers, he wished for his master to be more secure with his body

“Prince ████████…” The white-haired retainer starts again, this time, his voice was laced with mischief. “Have I ever told you that you are the most gorgeous man in the land?”

“W-Where is this coming from?” The prince laughed heartily. Prince ████████ knew that his retainer wanted to cheer him up, but he’d rather hear him say it.

“Nothing,” the retainer smiled. “I just wanted you to hear it. You’re incredibly handsome.”

“Stop!” The prince chuckled, hiding his face with his silk clothes. “You are embarrassing, ████.”

The white-haired man chuckled.

“Only for you, my baobei.”

It was silent for a moment. Suddenly, the prince exhaled. The retainer quietly noted that it was not the same sound he’d hear whenever they would peacefully stroll in the woods as they usually do. This one sounded stifled as if he wanted to trap it in his throat.

He may not be able to see, but he still looked away.

“████, I have something I need to discuss with you.”

“What is it?”

Silence again.

Despite being warned that there might be a trunk in his way, the prince took small steps forward. As though he hoped to trip– as though he hoped someone would catch him.

Yet, the words spoken next were delivered unlike a damsel in distress but a man in solitude.

“I am to be wed around the coming months.” He stuttered. “I-I’m afraid I can no longer remain both blind and deaf to my mother and the Emperor’s nagging.”

Time stood still.

The solace of nature faded into insignificance, leaving only the sound of cracks inside ████’s head. In that silence, unspoken words passed between them. Only the sound of their restricted breathing remained. It was a poignant acknowledgment– an unspoken promise of love that fate had cruelly denied them. Swallowing his pain, the retainer fought to maintain a facade of unwavering loyalty. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword.

The dynasty would burn before their union would ever be accepted.

The retainer stood tall, a pillar of fortitude even as his heart fractured with each beat. As always, Prince ████████ was the image of his unattainable desires. He will always play his role as the prince's retainer, his heart bleeding in silence, forever locked away.

In the depths of his being, ████’s cherished stolen glances and clandestine touches— precious moments of tenderness concealed beneath the weight of their stations— will remain hidden but never forgotten. He will carry their shared memories as he vowed to “only” protect Prince █████████ on the surface.

The prince continued. Tears welled up in his eyes, but as his father has stated, a man cannot cry. Much less the next emperor.

“████—”

“It is alright,” the retainer spoke, voice already jaded. “We both knew that this is how it ends.”

“Would it be selfish of me to ask you a favor?”

The retainer took a deep breath.

“Do not make this harder, Your Highness.”

It pained his heart to hear the prince gulp in anguish. No use of “my”, just an unpossessed “your”. Even the retainer could not forgive himself for calling him by his title so distantly and without so much as using any honorifics that he is his prince.

He was his prince.

But the prince was not deterred.

“Can you promise me that you’ll find me again?”

He cupped his retainer’s hand with his eyes closed peacefully. The retainer paused before also placing his other hand above his prince’s. Prince ████████ quietly sobbed. “Please…”

“Promise me– promise that you’ll find me in the next life.”

The retainer nodded weakly.

“I promise.”

“Soon, I shall take the Imperial Princess Consort as my Empress, but–”

The prince tilted his retainer’s head down and gently kissed him. The white-haired man felt his knees giving in as the prince then kissed his upper left cheek, just below his eye. That had always been his favorite spot to pepper. Even in the end, his highness will always cherish planting feather-like kisses as though it would soothe his troubles. The prince’s smile never left his face yet unbeknownst to him, a couple of his tears had already fallen.

“Why don’t we talk about a life we could’ve had, even for just a small fraction of this ephemeral life?”

The conversation that followed was regrettably sweet. Throughout their exchange, they remained seated on the fallen tree as the prince gingerly ran his fingers through his retainer’s white hair. They both ingrained every detail of this memory in their head for they knew this would be their last intimate moment.

Their conversations lasted as if the outside world never existed. They talked about the places they could’ve been, a kingdom they should’ve had until they reached the topic of their true desires:

A domestic life.

A life where they could say ‘Baobei, I’m home’.

“What about a little lion?”

“Your ideas for a housepet are very peculiar,” the retainer humored him, but his voice echoed how cautious the thought made him. “Had I been in your position, I would’ve been tempted to care for timid endangered animals instead.”

“Well, you sounded disinterested when I brought up carps. So, what about little lions?”

“Are you referring to shih tzus?” The royal has an affinity for trying new things so the white-haired man already knew he’d never refer to a simple dog.

“Perhaps,” the prince laughed. “But not quite.”

“You don’t mean to imply you want a genuine cub now…?”

“What if I do?”

“You have a dangerous habit of giving your retainers more reasons to worry,” his lover muttered.

He pretended not to hear it, “what would you name it?”

“Hmm…how about…”

“Snowmoon.”

Caelus looked up at the General who was focusing on the bustling streets of the Exalting Sanctum.

After the events that unfolded in the Xianzhou Luofu, he and Jing Yuan had grown closer. To him, the general was a good role model and a nice change of pace after being dragged along by Clara’s adventures in the robot settlement and Serval and Natasha’s heartbreaking familial tales. Caelus was appreciative that the general messaged him to ask if he wished to accompany him to buy meat for Mimi. The trailblazer simply wished for something he can sign as a “day off” in Pom-Pom's log book without incurring any physical damages. For now, he doesn’t want to think about how Blade is running loose.

Now that he’s hanging out with Jing Yuan though, it seems as though he miscalculated everything. He didn't expect emotional expenses instead.

“That’s your old lion’s name?”

The trailblazer pretended not to know. It was a rather heavy story and he didn’t want to seem like a person who relied on gossip. Besides, Qingzu wasn’t a reliable storyteller.

As they talked, they walked past both merchants and pedestrians. There must be an event or an ongoing flea market since the ratio between sellers and consumers was staggeringly unequal. There’s a nosier place they haven’t traversed yet; there must be a sale going on. Although Caelus had more than enough money to his name (thanks to his latest deal with Sampo Koski), he did not tempt himself with a glance at any merchandise. His eyes were on the attractive “dozing general” instead.

“Yes, he was a loyal one…” Jing Yuan smiled softly. “I had a special connection to Snowmoon.”

“I heard it waited for 300 years.”

“Ah, so you are aware of what this story is about already.”

Caelus laughed awkwardly.

“Yes. Yes, Snowmoon did wait for me,” Jing Yuan said. “And I will forever understand that undying loyalty. That’s when I knew I’d truly reconnected with the lion.”

“In its final moments, all I thought to myself was how much the little cub and I were so much alike,” he recalled with a sad smile on his face.

“For him to wait for so long to see a loved one return– and to lay in his arms. I wonder what that would be like for me.”

Caelus blinked.

“You’re waiting for someone?” Caelus tilted his head. “I see you doing more sleeping than waiting. But who’s the lucky person?”

“I’m afraid you would not understand,” Jing Yuan said. “It’s rather difficult to explain. My mother and father did not comprehend it– then again, they didn’t understand my decision to be a soldier either.”

“Is this person the reason why you’re a general now?”

He stopped and raised an eyebrow.

“Spot on. How did you figure?”

Caelus shrugged, uncommitted. “Just a guess.”

The general chuckled.

“I’ve been waiting for him since I was reborn.”

Jing Yuan looked at their surroundings again as they resumed their walk. His hands were both behind his back as they took in the atmosphere. For him, the experience was not unlike his strolls with Yanqing– and for Caelus, he had compared him with Mr. Yang.

“There is a Foxian custom wherein very young children would figuratively carve their future career path by choosing between the objects their parents had laid down. Unsurprisingly, I grabbed a toy sword in hopes I can find him.”

The general rambled as though Caelus would understand the context. The trailblazer can only nod along, reminded of how old people do whatever Jing Yuan was doing at present.

“Alas, maybe he didn’t reincarnate as I had hoped,” Jing Yuan breathed in shakily. “I’ve traveled far and still, nothing. I’m afraid at this point they won’t be able to recognize me. While my voice was similar to how it was in my previous life, it had deepened with age. And I won't have any luck with my appearance either.”

Caelus frowned for him.

Jing Yuan was optimistic when Jingliu had taken him in as an apprentice– he thought it was an opportunity to find him again. There were numerous thoughts that maybe he will thread a similar path to his first life. In the realm of Xianzhou Luofu, where long and short-life species coexisted, he thought he glimpsed his baobei several times. With each encounter, his heart would skip a beat, hope blossoming like a new leaf, only to be shattered in the next breath. Jing Yuan had grown weary, not unlike Snowmoon. He's now somber and wiser.

If only he had not died so early. If only he didn't save the Imperial Consort when the palace burned. Would he have lived enough to stand at the prince’s side if he didn't put his duty as a soldier first?

Then again, none of that matters now. Today, he is Jing Yuan, the “Dozing” (and sometimes “Glutton”) General and not ████, the Crown Prince’s retainer. He should not burden himself with the regrets of a failed servant. But the thought of dying without ever seeing ████████'s face again... Jing Yuan hopes it will not happen again in this life. The General would continue searching for he had faith that one day, his prince would find his way. It may not be a popular tale in this realm and era, but he still believes that the red string binds their souls across the ages.

At the mention of reincarnation, Caelus’ ears perked up.

“Reincarnate…?”

“To live again in another form.”

“I know what it means. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“Based on what Mr. Yang had told me, I’m inclined to believe that your situation is nearly synonymous with that phrase.” Jing Yuan teased.

“Come to think of it,” Jing Yuan looked at his phone. “It is ██/██ today, is it not?”

“Huh? Yeah. Do you have other plans, General?”

Caelus tried to keep up the pace with Jing Yuan. They were nearing the especially crowded and noisy area they saw before and he was worried he wouldn’t hear his response.

“No, none of the sort. On the contrary, I often take a day off on this particular date,” Jing Yuan answered nonchalantly. “Truth is, it’s ████████’s birthday–”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!!”

The crowd roared and the two halted. As it turns out, there was no sale in the area, but a celebration. The both of them stopped specifically at certain familiar voices in the crowd. Caelus was certain that he heard both Qingque and Tingyun,

but Jing Yuan’s intuition spoke for something else.

“Hey, isn’t that Miss Tingyun– woah, why are you running?!”

He left Caelus and immediately dashed to the noise. A couple of restaurant staff glanced over in confusion as the man pushed the door farther open. Some servers had made way upon recognizing the general and others who weren't quick on the uptake tried to stop him from meddling with the event. But when the staff had caught on that he was a man they cannot dismiss, a questionable scene had begun unfolding before anyone could control it.

The song died as soon as everyone saw the general standing near the middle of the tables and seated chairs. There were familiar faces just as Caelus had mentioned— Qingque and Sushang's presence can be felt. He stared, shocked at who sat beside Tingyun.

The Foxian amicassador then guardedly placed a hand on top of the person's shoulders, looking at Jing Yuan as though he was an animal ready to strike. He didn't know what her look meant, but everyone else in the room concurred that it didn't appear as though he was there to make small talk.

"Can we help you, General?"

"... My Lord?"

Jing Yuan whispered weakly.

"Prince ████████... Is that truly you...?" He laughed, sounding nearly defeated. “I have not reached geriatric psychosis so soon, have I?”

The man had both his knees down on the ground, looking up at the birthday celebrant.

You.

Prince ████████– rather— (Y/n) (L/n), a Foxian now aged 250, sat amidst the room wearing robes embroidered with relatively inexpensive jades and gems gifted by friends and family. You were at a loss for what to do and looked to colleagues for advice before gazing back at the strange white-haired person kneeling on the ground.

Before he had made himself known, you appeared slightly uncomfortable. He wagered it had something to do with the crowd. The others must’ve thrown this as a surprise makeover and party, but as much as you wished to understand and be more in touch with your friendships, you likely found this situation rather difficult. And Jing Yuan was not helping.

You’d have to forgive him later. He just can’t help himself.

Your vulpine ears stood up straighter, alert as he reluctantly reached for your hand. If you could postpone this birthday “party” and finish all these tiring exchanges later, you probably would. You were taken aback at how fast his movements were– you swore that in one second he stood by the door and in the next he knelt near your chair.

You still look so wonderful…

“Y-Your Majesty…”

He grabbed your hands.

“████████…” Jing Yuan gasped for a strip of breath. “You have no idea how long I have waited. I-I have waited for you for s-so SO long– I had nearly thrown all hope I had of finding you several times but I knew we’ll find one another again…”

He looked up, hope in his eyes.

“It’s me, My Lord. I have fulfilled my promise.”

The general’s heart raced as he finally laid eyes on his reincarnated lover, sitting before him in all your ethereal beauty. His eyes lingered on your face, speechless at the softness that remained despite the passage of time. Your features held a timeless allure, radiant– and will forever enrapture his poor old heart.

His gaze respectfully traced the lines of your figure, adorned with jades that only accentuated your presence. The vibrant gems seemed to mirror the regalness of your past self– as if the jades themselves will always choose to highlight your inherent grace.

But it was in your eyes that General Jing Yuan found himself lost. The eyes that he never got to see a lifetime before. That calming sense of expression in your (e/c) eyes held a depth that stirred his soul. They sparkled with a familiar light, revealing the person he had loved throughout the centuries. In your stare, he had grasped the solace he had been waiting for– the emotion Snowmoon had felt in his 300-year-long return– the "reconnection" that eased the most troubled of spirits.

Amidst the confusion that surrounded you both, Jing Yuan remained on bended knees, cherishing the sight, grateful for the opportunity to witness your enchanting presence once more.

He finally saw your eyes.

And you finally saw him.

With a heart brimming with emotions, Jing Yuan whispered:

"You are as stunning as ever, My Lord. Even in this new timeline, your beauty is unmatched– the most gorgeous person in the universe." His voice carried the weight of longing.

You jolted. There was something in your expression that made his hopes bubble up more. Was it a glint of remembrance? Did you retain your memories since birth as he did? He was uncertain but his grip on you tightened.

“I missed you so much,” he said almost inaudibly. “It’s overwhelming.”

No one spoke as the general looked at you without any intention to be the first to break eye contact. Everyone invited was too stunned to move or resume the song. Most notably, Qingque was preparing to sneak out in fear of more work while Sushang took out her notebook, scribbling notes on how to "paralyze" onlookers in what she dubbed as "The General Jing Yuan style". Only Tingyun was animated in the sense that she was willing to hand the intruder a phony smile and mouth the words "What are you doing here?" behind your back.

But there's always a true oddball waiting to bounce amongst a sea of people. And in this case, it was the "not born yesterday" trailblazer, Caelus.

Unpredictable as he is, he joined in on the “farce.” He puffed his chest and strode large steps to reach where Tingyun, you, and Jingyuan were. Caelus fixed his sleeves and coughed loudly, which brought nearly everyone's attention to him except for the lovestruck General.

And then, he brazenly declared:

“AND I AM DAN HENG,” he mimicked his crewmate’s voice. “ALSO KNOWN AS COLD DRAGON YOUNG.”

Pause.

People started snorting, no longer stiff. Qingque quietly muttered with a hand slowly letting go of the doorknob that it must’ve been just a “bit” to liven up the party. Eventually, that became everyone's final interpretation.

That… effectively switched the mood.

“W-What?” That flicker in your eyes was gone in an instant.

You shook your head.

“Seriously? What’s going on?! Stop! You’re all being silly!!!”

For a moment, you contemplated throwing a spoon in Caelus’ direction but decided against it. Caelus is a friend of yours and you will not put a strain on that relationship on your birthday. But this guy? Who?

You tore your hands away from Jing Yuan, which effectively broke his heart.

“And WHO are you anyways?!”

Tingyun laughed, hard. Both you and Jing Yuan didn't notice her, so she brought attention to herself. The amicassador, whom you nearly forgot was with you from all the ruckus, tapped your shoulder with a shrewd grin.

“Love, I have a guess as to why he introduced himself like that, but for now, that’s General Jing Yuan.”

“Okay, Mister Jing Yuan–” you started, barely threatening despite your hesitant intentions to make him uneased. “Let’s talk outside– wait.”

Your head snapped back at Tingyun.

“Babygirl, did you just say General Jing Yuan?” You gawked.

“Like, THE Dozing General, Jing Yuan?” You turned your back on him, discreetly whispering and pointing. “The one you sold overpriced photocards of?”

Tingyun hid her mouth behind her fan.

Sure, you’re not a big fan of draining your social battery so much that you’ll remember everyone’s faces, but how come you only remembered who he was based on how Tingyun exploited his looks?

“Pff– Yes, that’s him. That's the one, love. Welcome to (Y/n)’s birthday party, General!”

Caelus stood beside Jing Yuan, shaking his head. “No. That is not General Jing Yuan! That is–... Err– I didn’t get his new name. What did you say your name was, General?”

“No, no way,” Sushang cut in, slightly pushing the trailblazer. “You’re not Dan Heng! And that’s definitely General Jing Yuan, one of the seven Arbiter-Generals!!!”

Sushang then bowed to the general, spouting apologies and greetings in one incoherent jumble. Since it was Sushang who said it, you were 100% convinced this man is an important figure… and you also 100% got yourself a headache.

"Haaaaah…?!"

You brought your attention back to Jing Yuan, who diligently awaited any of your instructions like a pup. You squinted as you tried to make out what a general could possibly want with you on your birthday of all days. Then, you recalled what he called you.

That's... Not your current name.

"Weird..." You muttered.

You took a deep breath, terrified of your next course of action but deemed it necessary for the festivities to resume. The chair squeaked as you stood from your seat, staring nervously at the general. You seriously don’t want to talk to a stranger one-on-one.

"L-Let's talk outside."

Jing Yuan perked up.

"Of course, My Lord."

"Why are you calling me–" Whispers started making rounds as soon as Jing Yuan spoke those words. You shouted, panicking. "I'M NOT HIS LORD OR ANYTHING IMPORTANT, I PROMISE!!!"

That didn't seem to clear any suspicions but at least you made an attempt. You grabbed Jing Yuan's hand and led him outside, failing to see him smile like a dog as he thought about how you were both holding hands.

Outside, it was silent.

The party went on without its birthday celebrant and "heckler." Notably, Tingyun's playing host, and her voice can be heard from your location. Jing Yuan crossed his arms while you leaned on the wall. Both of you were waiting for the other to initiate the conversation. Although you can start the conversation, it’s not something you prefer to do. Eventually, the general couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"████████–"

"Sir–"

You both awkwardly paused. Honestly, you weren't planning on saying anything, you spoke by mere instinct.

Jing Yuan shook his head.

"You go first, My Lord."

"... W-Why are you calling me that?"

For a moment, his lips curled into a frown but he was not quick enough to hide it from you. He smiled politely and bowed with a hand on his chest.

"Because you are my prince–" Jing Yuan added with a mutter. "At least, you were mine for just a small fraction of that ephemeral life."

You swore you heard those words from somewhere.

Did you say them before?

"... Which one?"

He stood up straighter. His posture was enough to indicate that he is indeed a general. "Which what? Would you kindly elucidate me more?"

"Which one of my retainers were you?"

Jing Yuan's face brightened.

"You can recall–!"

"Not much, to be honest," you laughed, strained. "And I'm sorry if that question was rude. Tingyun– well, we both knew her as my Empress– told me that our physical attributes are very similar to the ones we have in our previous lives, but I was blind before. And your voice is unfamiliar."

Tingyun's… the Imperial Court Princess?

The same woman he sacrificed his life to save?

“... I see… So that’s why you called her ‘babygirl’...” Jing Yuan spoke bitterly.

Who is he kidding? Of course, you've moved on.

And he's here. Foolishly awaiting no one. A lion had more luck than him in both lives.

You continued.

"So… forgive me for my lack of– whatever words I used to have back then. I'm just not royal as I used to be. I-I like being casual.” you chuckled nervously. “But w-who are you? A-Are you ██?”

“... I have never heard that name before.”

“W-Welp, I guess you’re not my childhood babysitter huh?” You joked, mildly disappointed. “Poor ██, I hope you’re not dead yet in this world.”

Jing Yuan’s face crumpled in confusion.

“Why would you assume that I’m ██?”

“Same hair, and you reincarnated waaayyy before me and Tingyun s-so I was just trying to figure out who died before we did.”

“████.” Jing Yuan closed his eyes, pained. “████ died before you did.”

Why haven't you mentioned his old name?

“Yes, ████…” Your eyes softened and your next words sounded broken. “Of course, that’s… unfortunately… true…but if you knew him, I guess that just means you’re someone I knew in my late twenties.”

You smiled. “████… I still hope he’s out there. I miss him a lot.”

That smile.

That was the smile he had not seen in his last days. From the last secret meeting they shared, the prince’s smile and laughter seemed rather distant, devoid of life. This time, it was the polar opposite. He felt the same affection the prince once gave to his beloved retainer.

With eyes looking back at the party, your tone has shifted from tender to authoritative, truly deserving of the title once bestowed upon you.

“Jing Yuan, I do not know who you were in my first life, but I will say this–

“Back then, I couldn’t reveal this, but I will tell everyone I will reunite with now. There’s no one else I loved romantically more than ████.” You glared at him. “He has always been there for me– and he will forever be someone dear to me.”

You were no longer nervous. You did not care that he was a stranger– you didn’t care about the prejudice that might follow. You were going to speak your truth. No matter what.

“I don’t give a damn if you’re an Arbiter-General. If you cannot respect that love, then do not call me your prince. That’s all.”

…

You were expecting another rant about honor like what another reincarnated nobleman whose name you never bothered to remember had done or a “who cares” and an “I knew since the beginning” like your royal jade specialist, ███ or Qingque, had said.

But his response baffled you more.

“Thank you.”

Seeing Jing Yuan smile proudly with tears forming in his eyes was the last thing you expected.

“A-And I still love you too.”

…

“Baozi…?” Your eyes widened.

“Baobei…” Jing Yuan reached for your hand again. “As I announced proudly earlier, I fulfilled my promise.

I found you again. In another life.”

You wish you could say you had a brilliant time after that revelation. You wish you could say you went back to Tingyun and giddily told her everything. You wish you could say you returned home with a smile on your face.

But no. You were too mentally and socially spent as a result of the unanticipated events. It brought back vivid memories of how, in a previous life, you would retreat to your room after banquets to avoid further conversations. Realistically, the only course of action that could have been taken after that was for you to ask him for his contact information and request some time to gather your thoughts because despite how wonderful it was to see the person you loved most after 250 years and more, the mechanical hands continue to haunt you.

Jing Yuan has existed and will continue to exist for a very long time. The same cannot be said for you.

But despite delaying all interactions, his invitations never ceased. On the first day, he tried to invite you to the Divine Seat of Foresight using Qingque– but she forgot about that task and only told you about it in the middle of a game. On the second day, he wrote you a letter stating that you were always welcome to visit him and that you have full access to all rooms (his trust for you concerned Yukong.) And yesterday, Tingyun implied that Mimi wanted to see you, joking about how it’s about time you adopt a lion.

And today, he is at your door, holding a bouquet.

You can't delay this anymore.

“I-I’m sorry, baozi, but I don’t think we should talk.”

“How so?” Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow, not irritated but genuinely confused. “We’re finally together– you and I— unless…”

He looked down. In an instant, you knew he was thinking about Tingyun– rather– your past Empress. Who you never had feelings for and never consummated the marriage with. And she’d say the same about you.

“Oh, no, no, no, no,” you shook your head. “We’re not together. Nope. No way.”

“Are you certain?”

“Obviously, duh!” You said. Curiously enough, you sounded very annoyed at that. “If it’s because of that babygirl thing– dude, I swear, that was a joke cause everyone thinks we’re in love so we’re just playing along as a joke like we used to when we were quote-unquote ‘married’ and– man, why am I explaining this? Welp, I’ll try to shut up now.”

You put your head in your hands, which would’ve normally made Jing Yuan laugh, but he was more concerned than anything.

“Then why are you being deterred?”

“It’s just,” you sighed, giving up. “I’m a Foxian.”

“And so?”

“My life… is relatively brief compared to yours.”

You held his hands, slowly tracing his palms.

“I’ve heard of snippets of your life on the streets. I heard you got statues of your deceased lion when it died.”

You looked up, smiling sadly. It reminded him so much of the expression you’d wear when the ministers have shared intel regarding casualties. He never enjoyed gazing at that look.

“Other than the fact I kinda don’t want a statue of me inside the Divine Seat of Foresight,” you joked. “I don’t want to make you feel the same pain or worse.”

“I’m 250 years old. If I’m lucky and if I take care of myself better, add 150 more and that will be the end of it.” You explained. “Just that... You're a human that can live for millennia, and I can only live till 400."

You took a sharp breath. At the time, he could only hear you and your movements, the sounds of your neighborhood were non-existent.

"Wouldn't being with me just make you sad in the end? My life is just like Snowmoon. I don't want to know that being with me will just make your heart break." You laughed cheaply.

"Wouldn't that make me selfish?"

Jing Yuan did not speak. Instead, he grabbed you by the waist and encircled his strong arms around you. In an instant, you felt the urge to cry. You had never been attached to a person quite like him and to know that he feels the same feels painful somehow. Aware of your weakness, you know that emotions can be sometimes hard to understand for you, but that doesn't make you unemotional.

"No. No, you're not. And you never will be for wanting to love again," he spoke, sounding breathy yet low. "It would be more selfish if you to deny this happiness for the both of us."

"Did you fully comprehend how long I've waited for us to reunite? Do you understand how every action I've taken that led us to this point was so that I could see you again? Speak to you again? Touch you again?" Jing Yuan shook his head slowly.

"No. Letting me go on living without you is not only selfish, it is cruel. There is no competition, being with you, even if our time together is but another brief moment like our last rendezvous in the forest, is much more preferable than never seeing you again."

In those excruciating three days of reluctance, those were the words you were hoping to hear from him. And he delivered more.

Your worries were for nothing. You were trying to be “mature”, steeling your resolve for when he’ll “inevitably face the music” and “live to be happy” without pursuing you in this life.

You can’t hold it back any longer. Tears of happiness trickled down your cheeks, and you buried your face in his chest, holding him as tightly as he held you. In that quiet moment of reconnection, your love was reciprocated, and the fear that had held you back was gone, replaced by a profound sense of contentment and belonging.

“Y-You know…”

You had a wet-faced yet wide grin as you slithered a hand on the back of his head, untying his red ribbon. You were kind of proud of yourself for nicknaming him Baozi. With that white hair, he does look like a steamed bun.

Slowly, you cupped his cheek and tilted his face slightly downwards.

“I’ve heard from my fellow Foxians that moles are where your lover from a past life enjoyed kissing you,” you traced his left cheek with your thumb. “What do you think?”

Jing Yuan blushed.

It was unspoken, but it made him happy nonetheless.

You’re letting him love you.

There is no greater joy to be had in his life than to be yours again.

“W-Well, I’d say we proved that myth to be true–” he cleared his throat. “Given how obsessed you were with kissing the spot below my eyelid.”

“So true,” you hummed. “You’re very pretty, Jing Yuan. I wish I could’ve seen how beautiful you are before.”

He was meant to joke about how he would always guide your face to his lips so that you wouldn’t “miss”, but Jing Yuan couldn’t help but melt at your words.

“You’re too wonderful, baobei.”

“I know.”

Jing Yuan chuckled heartily.

“I see your sense of humor is intact.”

You scoffed and quickly stuck your tongue out in a playful quip.

"My humor didn't remain– it evolved– and you got a character arc too didn't you? You went from not liking lions to owning TWO. T-W-O. Way before I got a hand on one as well. Don’t think I forgot about that bet, Mr. ████. You seriously owe me 200 wu zhus."

"I've certainly grown mundane–" Upon realizing what you fully said, he paused and laughed. "–Haha! Sharp as ever. Unfortunately, my lord, finding the old currency would be a tall task. How about 40,000 strales?"

“Hmm… Not a very convincing equivalent exchange.” You shrugged. “You know what? I may not be the brightest math person since I’ve been skipping it for music lessons, but with a bet taking this long, surely we have to consider the interest rate, right? How about adding a wedding ring? ”

His heart skipped a beat.

Jing Yuan pulled you closer.

"... Always with a follow-up argument, but I shall go along with this. After all, I’ve always fantasized about saying…"

The general smiled as he buried his face in the crook of your neck, locking your hands together with his. Jing Yuan, ████— whatever his name is— felt safe and warm in your presence as he kissed your neck.

Finally, a domestic life. A life where they can both say:

“Baobei, I’m home.”

有情人终成眷属

The Lovers are Finally Together; All Shall Be Well.

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meteortrails · 5 months

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something to be said for how Lucis is defined by death and niflheim is defined by undeath in ffxv. like they were NOT subtle about what was gonna do down with their protagonist and antagonist lmao. niflheim literally lives with the corpse of a god who still lives at their doorstep; their whole military runs on the power of the undeath that plagues their world. and meanwhile every ruler of Lucis dresses in black and finds their strength in the tombs of their ancestors. there’s this reverence for death, a sense that the primary purpose of every king or queen is to eventually die and make their kingdom and lineage stronger in the process. a whole long line of sacrificial lambs who are destined to die young, if for no other reason than that their own magic is slowly tearing them apart. so yeah, no fucking wonder the main antagonist is actually someone unnaturally kept alive for far too long, and the protagonist is someone quite literally born for the express purpose of dying young. fucked up!!!

#it genuinely makes me wanna scream like the citadel isn’t a stronghold or castle it’s a tomb waiting to be filled!!!!#I’m real normal about it pinky promise #ffxv #final fantasy xv

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blueiskewl · 3 months

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Jade Mosaic Mask Discovered in Maya King's Royal Tomb

Revealing rare treasures and royal lineage.

A Tulane University archaeologist has recently discovered an ancient Maya tomb dating back 1,700 years at the site of Chochkitam in Guatemala near the borders of Mexico and Belize.

The tomb’s remarkable funeral offerings, such as a mosaic jade mask, rare mollusk shells, and writings carved in human femur bones, provide valuable insights into Maya civilization. The discovery includes depictions of a previously unknown king believed to be holding a jade mask similar to the one found in the tomb.

Hieroglyphs on the artifact are thought to connect the ruler to the Maya states of Tikal and Teotihuacan, providing historical and genealogical information.

This discovery is like winning the lottery in terms of information. It opens a window into an obscure time we have little texts about. The newly discovered tomb from the Maya classic period, dating from 250-900 AD, is a significant find given the limited remnants from this era, primarily affected by looting.

The tomb, located just 2 meters away from where looters had previously stopped, is remarkably well-preserved, with minimal damage aside from the natural decay and the collapse of the stone ceiling. This fortunate preservation provides archaeologists with a rare opportunity to explore the rich history and offerings within the tomb.

Estrada-Belli, a research assistant professor in the Tulane University School of Liberal Arts, said, “That was the first amazing thing about it. It was fortunate.”

Lidar technology played a crucial role in the tomb’s discovery by enabling archaeologists to detect looters’ tunnels and map the jungle floor precisely. This advanced technology, akin to ‘taking x-rays of the jungle floor,’ revolutionizes archaeological exploration, allowing researchers to navigate more efficiently through dense vegetation.

The tomb’s contents, including over 16 rare spondylus shells, provide valuable insights into ancient Maya practices, emphasizing their significance in royal contexts as symbols of wealth and elements used in religious and sacrificial ceremonies.

The relics from the tomb, dating back to 350 CE, establish a historical link between Tikal and the central Mexican site of Teotihuacan. This connection sheds light on the cultural exchanges and influences between Maya rulers and the wider Mesoamerican region during the Maya classic period.

The tomb’s contents, including a mosaic jade mask and hieroglyphs carved on human femur bones, offer insights into religious practices and royal lineage, enriching our understanding of ancient Maya civilization. The discovery at Chochkitam, after a century since Fran Blom’s initial exploration, underscores the significance of continued archaeological efforts.

Estrada-Belli said the next stage in his work at the site will be to conduct DNA testing on the bones and maybe uncover additional essential contents buried within the abandoned pyramid.

By Amit Malewar.

#Jade Mosaic Mask Discovered in Maya King's Royal Tomb #Chochkitam #Guatemala #ancient grave #ancient tomb #royal tomb #jade #ancient artifacts #archeology #archeolgst #history #history news #ancient history #ancient culture #ancient civilizations #maya history #maya art

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midnightechoes · 1 year

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Episode 10 of The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady , a summary:

ANISPHIA: “I, being the self-sacrificial lesbian protagonist, am about to sacrifice my happiness for the good of the kingdom. I’ll also probably have to marry a man for archaic lineage reasons.”

LAINIE, TO EUPHYLLIA: “Doesn’t that bother you?”

EUPHYLLIA: “No.”

LAINIE: “But, I thought you were gay.”

EUPHYLLIA: “...”

ILIA: “Aren’t you gay?”

EUPHYLLIA: “...?”

TILTY: “ BITCH, you are gaaaaaaaaay.”

EUPHYLLIA: “...!”

EUPHYLLIA, TO HER FATHER: “Father, I am sorry if this disappoints you, but I am gay and wish to bang the princess.”

DUKE MAGENTA: “It is okay, my daughter. I am also gay and wish to bang the king.”

#the magical revolution of the reincarnated princess and the genius young lady #magirevo #magirevo spoilers #anisphia wynn palletia #euphyllia magenta #lainie cyan #tilty claret #grantz magenta #the entire magenta family is down bad for the royal that they serve #love to see it #everyone is gay #except algard #that's why he was banished

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nikichan234 · 2 months

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WHOOOAAA- after hemming and hawing over it for a while, I finally decided to post my takes on Cain and Abel for Hazbin Hotel!!

I’ve been thinking about these two an unhealthy amount, so here they are- the human versions, and then their versions in Hell hehe~ Below I have more in-depth reasonings behind their designs and the story I have given for them both~

Starting off let’s start with Abel!! The youngest little man here we go!!

For Abel- I really wanted him to take after Adam a lot. He resembles him the most, inheriting his brown hair, possibly build as well, and relatively taking after him a bit in personality as well just a little bit, mostly in being pretty prideful (which isn’t hard to do when you’re Heaven’s, and objectively your dad’s, favorite kid oops-). Not much to say on his human design, he’s pretty dang simple, so let’s get into his demon side shall we?

Now- Abel I imagine is in hell, which is like. Vaguely confirmed when Sera brings up the fact that Adam was the first human soul in Heaven. Now, frankly, while that’s most likely a throw away line, I wanna imagine that there’s a genuine reason that Abel ended up in hell, and I wanna say he became a little sinful in his life and that gave him his one way ticket to Hell.

With being the golden child of Heaven and his family, I wanna think he became a bit too prideful and arrogant about it, and with everyone around him basically being a yes-man to him, he just sorta internalized it and ran with it (parallels to Adam?? Yes.) While I imagine he wasn’t like a complete asshole, and has a good heart deep down, it just wasn’t enough, and the boy woke up in Hell.

For his demon design, I wanted to keep it fairly simple and give him a sheep/ram motif since 1. Being a shepherd, he’s around sheep and rams, and 2. a play on the whole ‘sacrificial lamb’ because he was the first ever victim of murder? Lots of fun to play with. He’s got a little sheep tail, possibly some furry haunches he keeps sheared to wear pants, and little cloven feet. I’m not the most satisfied with it, since it’s my first time doing something like this, but I’m fairly happy with how he looks. Little sheep boy we love~ I will probably redesign him before the year is over I swear-

And- for the wildest part, I wanna say he took after Adam in more ways than one and is in a rather popular rock band in Hell. I wanna imagine maybe Adam passed down his love of music/singing to his sons, as a treat, and Abel just kinda went with it since well. What else can ya do, gotta make a living doing something. He goes by his stage name commonly, to make sure no one knows he’s the son of Adam- the guy responsible for a lot of demon death. He’s not particularly strong, so keeping his head low and the truth of his lineage a secret is very very important for him.

I also imagine his time in Hell has seriously humbled him, so he’s much less arrogant and just living his life down there. He’s realized his own wrongs and is just trying his best to keep on living. Only big downside is he has to consistently go through new band members as some do get killed in the exterminations, thanks a lot Adam :|

And now for Cain

For Cain, I like him taking after Eve the most, so I decided to go with a more dirty-blond hair look. I do HC Eve as looking similar, if not identical, to Lilith so lighter hair was a must- and not only that, but with the theories of Cain being Lucifer’s son, I did wanna give a little nod towards that as well (and give Adam some subconscious reasons to favor his younger son over Cain whooopsie-)

I also gave him freckles because those are for me, as a treat.

I didn’t exactly want Cain to be vengeful and full of pure evil, I love those versions of him very much, but I wanted to play with the regret and remorse aspect a bit more, as well as the whole redemption thing. So in my HC’s Cain killed Abel in his fit of rage and jealousy, but once he’s off on his own and cursed by Heaven to wander alone with his immortality, he does genuinely start to regret it. At first of course he blames Heaven, his dad, Abel, anyone else but himself, but as the years drag on, he does genuinely begin to regret and repent for it.

Of course the damage is done, and his spawns are unfortunately evil, but he does work hard to repent for his mistakes, and once he inevitably does die much much later on, he’s genuinely repented enough so that he is at first granted access into Heaven. Heaven is technically all about redemption and all for humanity, so I think it’d be fun to flip the scripts a bit and let Cain just taste something good like that, all that hard work did pay off.

But unfortunately for him, a certain someone is (very) the slightest bit pissed off that he got up there when his brother didn’t and took it upon himself to send Cain to Hell personally.

Because I enjoy ✨family drama✨ very much. That’s for meeee-

Because of that he’s just kind of a little guy, got some cool horns, clawed hands, just a little guy doin his best. Cain generally just kind of keeps to himself and does his own thing. Due to his lineage, he also goes by a different name to avoid people making the connection between him and Adam as well. While he probably would have a few sinners going for him since he’s the first murderer and that could possibly get him some good street cred, it could also be very bad for him, so he really just keeps to himself and does his best to avoid other demons as much as possible. I imagine he would be rather powerful as well, and could hold his own very easily in Hell, but he prefers to just be left alone so you’d never know how powerful he truly is.

I also say he enjoys plants. While he also got the music treatment, he prefers to just grow various types of plants in his home and possibly sells some different ones as well. It ain’t much, but it’s honest work. Got his temper still, but now he’s just kind of living his life and avoiding people the best he can.

Now- I also wanna imagine both brothers do have some sort of relationship with each other as well when they’re in Hell together. They do eventually run into each other, both are shocked seeing the other there, and they have plenty of time to talk about everything.

It’s not the closest in the world, but Cain sincerely apologized for his actions when they were alive, and Abel did forgive him, so now they do chat a bit about their jobs, small things here and there, and are relatively polite towards each other. Not best friends or anything like that, but they can hold good conversations and joke around a bit. Cain also gives Abel plants as house warming gifts and such, and sometimes Abel can’t tell if the plants are genuine or if it’s a thinly veiled threat due to some being a bit more dangerous than others- but he appreciates it nonetheless~

#hazbin hotel #digital art #hazbin hotel au #adam hazbin hotel #OC stuff maybe???#idk if this counts as OC stuff 😳#certainly as AU stuff

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stayatsam · 1 month

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long long elden ring meta about Ranni and breaking the Elden Ring below

I see the opinion a lot floating around tumblr and twitter of people hating Ranni for having Godwyn killed instead of Godrick in her plot to shed her flesh. Everyone hates Godrick so by killing that demigod she still would've been able to kill her body and preserve her soul

but honestly like. it HAD to be Godwyn for her ultimate plan to succeed. Marika (probably) lent the Black Knives to Ranni and how far her hand in the plot after that goes we really don't know. but if Ranni was going to force Marika's hand to shatter the Elden Ring, since only she or Radagon could, it had to be someone Marika loved.

Godwyn really seems to have been the poster boy of the golden lineage as a national hero over the war with the dragons and protector of Leyndell (his knights were the dragon/Leyndell Knights with the desc "knights sworn to defend the royal capital of Leyndell."

Miquella and Malenia were developing the Haligtree, Rykard assisted Ranni, and it doesn't really seem like Marika had a bond with Radahn. So Godwyn remained to be the sacrificial lamb and stir up the status quo.

when it comes to people blaming Ranni for the onset of deathblight it's good to point out also that no one could've predicted the aftereffects of killing Godwyn's soul but preserving his body. the game reiterates that he was the first demigod to die, with no precedent as to what would happen let alone dying in such an unorthodox state. and if anyone's to attribute the rise of deathblight to you could point to Marika as a source for burying him under the Erdtree.

also...there seems to be a common idea that Ranni is an evil mastermind sitting in a dark room rubbing her hands together and laughing menacingly over the amount of bloodshed and suffering that came out of the Shattering, and that she sadistically murdered Godwyn for purely selfish reasons. but going through her questline it never seems like she ever took pleasure in the plot.

she felt she was doing what she had to to remove the Greater Will's influence. she's so aware that what she's doing is dangerous that she even refuses to take you along on the quest, YOU go out of your way to join her in her ending.

fromsoft games run with the themes that stagnation is destructive and in order for the world to get better there MUST be change. and Ranni wasn't the only one planning to disrupt the golden order, she was just the only one to succeed.

Miquella, a fan favorite, (and Malenia) grew the Haligtree specifically to replace the Erdtree. Mohg was trying to raise a new dynasty to replace the Greater Will with the Formless Mother. Both of them failed.

Miquella failed in the Haligtree. The Haligtree is rotting away. that's why he left in the first place. Mohg also failed, as we see that Miquella never woke up for him to become Mohg's god despite being fed blood.

#sam crying #ANYWAY.#thats my thoughts on the matter #im a huge godwyn fan but he had to die #might be a stretch to call leyndell knights his since theres speculation the mausoleum knights might be his army instead #but considering they use dragon incantations and we know it was godwyn who had a relationship w dragons and their worship #i wouldnt say its out there to think of leyndell knights as his #that morgott then took control of during the shattering

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dialovers-translations · 8 months

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Diabolik Lovers CHAOS LINEAGE ー Subaru [Euphoria Ending]

ー The scene starts in the Church

Subaru: Uu...Gaah...!

Yui: Subaru-kun!? Please, let go of my hand! Don't try to save me...!

Subaru: Fuck off! Not in a million years!

Yui: You can't, you'll get caught up as well...!

Subaru: Still, I just can't let go of...Uu...Guh...!

Yui: ( Ah, his wounds are aching...He's trying to protect me, even in his current state. )

( I appreciate the sentiment...but! )

Let me go, Subaru-kun! In your current state...!

Subaru: As if I can watch you die in front of me! I promised that I'd keep you save no matter what, remember!?

Yui: And I want to protect you too! I don't want to let you die...!!

Subaru: Shut up! You better not think I'm gonna let you kick the bucket either!

Yui: ...

Subaru: ...

Yui: Fufu...

Subaru: ...Hehe.

Yui: ーー Hey, Subaru-kun. We're very similar, aren't we?

We both refuse to give the other up. Even in a situation like this.

Subaru: Yeah, you're right.

Yui: In that case, we might as well go togetherーー

Subaru: ...

Hah, you big idiot. But I guess dyin' alongside you wouldn't be that bad.

We'll be together, as we die, and in the afterlife as well.

Let's just allow the wind to swallow us up. Rest assured. I definitely won't let go of you.

Yui: Yeah, I'll be fine. Nothing scares me when we're together.

Subaru: Yeah. Come on, look at me. I'll kiss you until the bitter end.

Yui: Okay...

Subaru: ...Nn...

Yui: Nn...

( Such a sweet kiss. The type of kiss which I love so much, making me forget all about my fears or worries. )

( If this is how I'll approach my end, there's nothing to be afraid of... )

*Flash*

Yui: ...!?

Subaru: What was that light just now...!?

*Rumble rumble*

Subaru: Oi, is it just me or is this Church fallin' apart...!?

Yui: Yeah, but how odd. The strong gust of wind and the rubble are all disappearing. Like they're fading into particles of light...

Subaru: Yeah, it's almost as if this World itself is breaking down...!

Don't worry! Just hang onto me tight, 'kay? ...Kuh!

*WOOSH*

ー The scene shifts to the mysterious Chamber

Yui: ...Huh...?

( Where are we...? We were at that Church, and then... )

Subaru: Nn...? Oi, are you alright?

Yui: Yeah, I'm fine! How about you?

Subaru: I somehow turned out alright as well...Where are we...?

The Castle at Eden...?

Yui: Does that mean we safely made it out of that World?

Subaru: Probably.

Yui: Ah, everyone else is here too! They seem to be unconscious too...

But how did this happen? Someone needed to be sacrificied for that World to be destroyed, no?

Subaru: Yeah...But seems like that World fell apart for god knows what reason.

*Woosh*

Socrates: The experiment was a succes.

Subaru: This light, and voice...Socrates, is that you!?

Socrates: At that critical moment of life or death, Adam and Eve most definitely embraced the love for each other.

I witnessed it all with my very own eyes. True love, worthy of the new World.

Subaru: The fuck...!?

Yui: ( I don't quite get it, but I guess this means his experiment has come to an end? )

Socrates: The hint I gave in regards to how you could destroy that World played a big part in everything, no?

Subaru: Haah!? You've gotta be fuckin' with us! How was that bullshit 'bout one person havin' to die supposed to help us!?

Socrates: I am not referring to that. The real clue as to how to break that World was hidden in the legend.

Subaru: The legend? The thing 'bout kissin' Eve in the Church?

Yui: But I wasn't woken up through a kiss...

Socrates: The true meaning behind the story of Sleeping Beauty lies in the fact that awakening must happen through genuine love.

If Adam and Eve can prove that their love is real and seal it with a kiss, the cage will crumble and an end will come to the everlasting nightmare.

Everyone will wake up, and a new Supreme Overlord...In other words, Adam will be born.

Yui: So, the fact we kissed at the Church...

Subaru: Was exactly that...?

Socrates: Now I have seen it all. I will accept losing a dear friend for a love this strong.

I am satisfiedーー

ー Socrates disappears

Subaru: Oi, what the fuck!? Don't just have your say and then dip on us!?

Yui: I wonder who that guy was in the end? Also, this 'friend' he spoke of...

Karlheinz: ...I witnessed all of it as well, my dear friend Socrates. It was a formidable experiment.

Subaru: You bastard...What rock did you crawl out from under!?

Yui: Karlheinz-san. Then this 'dear friend' Socrates mentioned...

Karlheinz: He was referring to me, Eve.

Still, I did not think you would have grown this much, Subaru.

Subaru: ...Che.

Karlheinz: You are now more than worthy to inherit my powers.

Both my friend and I have lost track of just how long we have waited for Adam and Eve to find true love.

For that exact moment where we discover genuine love through the appearance of two people capable of creating a new Worldーー

Eve and yourself did an excellent job proving your true love for one another. I could not wish for any more.

Now, accept these powers of mineーー

Subaru: I don't want them!

Karlheinz: ...Why not?

Subaru: I'll use my own strength to live alongside her!

*Rustle*

Yui: ( Ah...He's holding me tight. )

Subaru: My name's Subaru and she's Yui. We're not 'Adam' and 'Eve'.

I'll stay with her, both in life and death, because that's my own choice.

I don't give a damn 'bout what you have to think of that!

Yui: Me too...I am with Subaru-kun as myself, not as Eve.

Now and forever.

Karlheinz: ...I see. So you will reject every aspect of our experiment, rendering it null and void?

Very well. You did most definitely show us your genuine love after all.

I shall give you two my blessing! As you chose love over powerーー

ー Karlheinz vanishes

Yui: ( Ah, he disappeared...But now we've finally been freed from that cage. )

We can go back at last!

Subaru: Yeah. Let's get outta here already.

Yui: Yup!

Monologue The miniature World fell apart, and we finally got back to our everyday lives. All of us made it back safe and sound, without anyone having to be sacrificed. Of course, this includes Subaru-kun as well. This event proved to us, that we both absolutely need each other. One of us cannot be removed from the picture, even if that is nothing but self-satisfaction. If we truly want the other to smile, then we simply cannot leave their smile. I believe that is difficult, as easy as it may sound. However, I refuse to leave Subaru-kun's side, no matter what happens. I'll live and die alongside himーー That is different from what Karlheinz-san and his friend had in mind for us, but we shall continue to walk down this path, which we carved for ourselves.

ー The scene shifts to Subaru's room at the Sakamaki manor

Yui: Subaru-kun, you're still not getting up? Reiji-san's telling you to get out of bed already.

Subaru: Don't listen to what that guy has to say. Who cares if I stay like this a bit longer?

Yui: But you'll be late for school if you don't get up soon.

Subaru: I can just skip, right? More importantly, you should join me over here.

*Rustle*

Yui: Wah...!

Subaru: Hah, now he'll get on your case as well.

Yui: Geez, Subaru-kun.

( But somehow I'm okay with getting scolded if it's together with Subaru-kun. )

Subaru: Oi, look at me. ...Nn.

Yui: Nnh...!

You can't, Subaru-kun! If we kiss now, who knows when Reiji-san might walk in to wake us...

Subaru: Then let's give him a show. We'll make it very clear that we're too busy for school today.

Yui: Gosh...

Subaru: Who cares? We made it out of that place alive.

Let me feel you even more. I want to confirm that you're actually here with me.

Yui: Subaru-kun...

Subaru: Nn...

Yui: ...Phew...

( No fair...I can't say no when he says such things. )

Subaru: I love you. Forever, and ever.

ーー THE END ーー

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #subaru sakamaki #chaos lineage #diabolik lovers translation #clsubarueuphoria

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ahsnapitskat · 5 months

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Each family has a black sheep a.k.a the Sacrificial Lamb, meaning you were placed here to break the generational curses that were placed upon your lineage. Your "Oddness" is what makes you great. Your journey is a bit more complex. You'll go through many trials and tribulations that will break you down and force you to rebuild yourself even stronger. Your family will be your greatest teacher as well as your greatest obstacle. Keep your head high, you're almost to your breakthrough.

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atlasssssssssss · 7 months

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what makes babel compelling is that it’s also realistic in how the victims of colonialism view revolution. while griffin and ramy’s ideas of revolution are violent and sacrificial but ultimately proven correct, it’s really victoire’s ideas that are representative of most people. for them, the point of revolution is not principle or justice, it’s about survival to see a better future. victoire is my great-grandparents surviving the british raj and grandparents surviving partition - it’s my parents surviving immigration to america. it’s real, it’s tangible, it’s wanting to see your lineage escape unscathed and bloom

#babel or the necessity of violence

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beneathashadytree · 2 years

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Hello! I saw that you write yuumori oneshots and that requests are open! Can I request Albert James Moriarty x reader arranged marriage where the reader belongs to corrupt family and she wasn't exempted to the bad reputation and when they got married the whole Moriarty fam especially Albert is planning to treat her cruelly but realized she wasn't evil as the rumours make out to be and albert eventually retreated the plan and realized reader is also just a victim of the corruption and he started to warm up to her and has come to love her, I hope this makes sense! Thank you so much and sorry for the long request :))

THE MARRYING KIND - ALBERT MORIARTY X READER

Warnings : one implication of sex, marriage of convenience, this is not proofread, reader identifies as female!

Genre : fluff (but there’s like 10% spice near the end)

Word count : 2.2K words

Additional notes : Thank you so much for requesting! It took me quite some time to think of a plot for this, since I struggle a bit with gendered readers🫣 Since it’s a oneshot and not a ficlet, it’s not too detailed or too long, but I hope that’s alright. I really hope you enjoy reading this, anon! 💗

Requests : Are open! Check the rules over here.

Want to support me financially? Here’s my CashApp!

Masterlist

“Brother… are you sure you want to go through with this?”

The eldest of the three stopped in his tracks, turning around to face his youngest brother, whose face openly showed the hesitance he seemed to currently feel.

“Pardon?”

William glanced at Louis, before nodding and replying in his stead. “I think what Louis wants to say… we’re not exactly looking forward to you chaining yourself in a marriage that you don’t care for. Trapping you like this was never in our plan.”

Albert couldn’t help his expression from softening as he regarded his two younger brothers look so worried. With one gnawing at his lower lip while the other looked infinitely saddened by what was to happen, it selfishly made him happy to see them both so concerned for his happiness. A surge of affection threatened to swallow him whole.

Shaking his own, Albert reached out to fondly pat their heads. “We all knew it was going to happen eventually. Nobility always end up marrying within each other. It’s the only way they can keep their lineage so snotty and stuck up.”

“But there are no haughty parents to pressure you into this,” Louis protested weakly, still stubbornly trying to make him see sense, “There’s no reason why you should follow such traditions.”

Albert sighed, “Much as I dislike the idea of marrying into a vile family whose cruel reputation precedes them, and whose daughters reign above the aristocracy as the absolute worst, it can’t be helped.” He glanced at his pocketwatch, eyes widening for a second before he went on. “A few hours remain, but my resolve hasn’t wavered. I’d rather have a daft, callous woman who wouldn’t care for interfering with my life as my wife, than have someone nosy enough to spoil our plans.”

They noticed the way his footsteps began to hurry as he walked across the hallway to their personal wing. William inhaled sharply, knowing that nothing would deter his brother once his self-sacrificial nature was at play. In that manner, he reminded him all too much of his own self. “How do you intend to put up with her then?”

“Rotten attitude will only be met with complete neglect, of course.” With a shrug, Albert opened his bedroom door. His voice was icy as he spoke again. “I no longer have the patience to entertain unfounded conceit and rude brattiness. I’m sure you’ll find yourselves pleased to do the same.” He smiled slightly, his eyes kinder this time as he nodded at them both. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be getting ready in a few. I advise you two to do the same, given that the wedding is in a few hours.”

And gently clicking the door shut behind him, he seemed to put an end to this discussion. Standing still in the hallway, the two younger brothers glanced at each other, sharing a look of understanding. They too would be sure to express their absolute disdain in their complete and utter ignoring of her presence. They would not stand to tolerate the cruelty of nobility under the same roof. They’d make sure to tamp some manners into her, or leave her to whine alone into the dark. It was the least they could do for their beloved older brother who was willing to go to such lengths to protect them.

***

Perhaps Albert had been too short-sighted, because he certainly hadn’t foreseen this. It threw a wrench in their plans, and disturbed the entire image he had formed in his head of the following years. It turned out, as a matter of fact, she was far lovelier than he expected her to be.

It wasn’t that he’d been unaware of her physical attributes; she was a rather beautiful young woman. He’d thought that he would’ve easily brushed her looks aside, had they been her only charms. However, her reluctance to marry that he’d once written off as another haughty act of hers, only turned out to be for the same reasons as his own second thoughts.

“You… do not wish to room together either?” He’d arched his brow at that, watching as she firmly nodded.

“I apologize if that offends you. However, surely by now you must be aware of the influence my parents have had on all the decisions leading up to this. As such, I still do not know you, though we are married by law.”

“And in the eyes of God as well, should He exist, that is.”

She’d cocked her head at him. “A cynical comment befitting of the situation. It seems both you and I are in the same predicament.” Hesitating for only a few beats, she’d offered him a slight polite bow. “My apologies for what my parents have subjected the both of us to. I’ll be off to bed now.”

And without further ado, she’d left him astounded that very first night. She was far from what he’d expected her to be, and it left him with a certain feeling of curiosity that threatened to ask her to come back and speak with him a little more. But no matter; it was clear that they’d have plenty more time to do so in the future.

***

“And… you do not wish to sire an heir at the moment?”

Her words caused Albert to stiffen in his office, where he’d invited her in. That particular line of questioning was one he’d been hoping to avoid; after all, he had little interest in bringing a child into this rotten world, and none at all in having one from a loveless marriage that could only serve as a way to pin him down.

He cleared his throat. “Not exactly. Is there a problem with that?”

His wife’s shoulders seemed to sag with relief at that, a small smile on her face. “Oh, thank goodness. No, I believe I agree. Though would adoption be out of the question as well?”

Albert was now positively stunned. That question seemed far too good to be true. Surely she wouldn’t…?

“I would like to adopt. Sometime in the future.”

Her smile bloomed into a radiant grin that had his heart stuttering in his chest rather against his will and better judgement. “Then we’re in agreement.”

All plans to ignore her presence in the manor were now thrown out of the window. There was absolutely no way he could be so cruel so as to neglect someone who seemed to cradle such rare light within their palms and their heart. He’d have to remember to inform his brothers that the plan was off, and that there no longer was any need to viciously push her away.

***

“You’ve barely touched your soufflé. Should I take it’s not to your liking?” Albert asked her over breakfast weeks later, watching as she nibbled at her food.

Vehemently shaking her head no, she turned to Louis. “My compliments to you. It’s as delicious as always.” Facing Albert at the head of the table, she gave him a weak smile that resembled nothing of the captivating one she’d been blessing him with for the past few weeks of getting to know each other. “There’s just been a lot on my mind.”

Concern on his features, he set his cutlery down. “If you wish, tell me what has your mind preoccupied. I would do all I could as your husband to fix things, even if I am so in name only.”

His words seemed to strike a cord in her, and she visibly winced. The two younger brothers sitting at the table shared a look, before William pushed his chair back and stood, a kind smile on his face, having picked up on the growing tension in the room.

“You’ll have to excuse us, but it seems we’d left some work unfinished in the office. I do hope you feel better, my lady.”

Louis offered a nod in her direction, quick to leave behind him. Albert focused entirely on his supposed wife, who seemed to have a troubled expression.

“That’s just it, isn’t it?” she sighed, before she continued, “As we’re only married to please my parents and our status, I know nothing of any previous… paramours.” Her eyes grew determined as she seemed to come to a decision. “I do not wish to come between two lovers. If you had someone you held dear to you, then I will turn a blind eye to any dalliances.”

A feeling akin to horror mixed with intense admiration built up inside Albert’s chest. How had he failed to notice such a detail? He’d thought he’d gone to great extents to line up their schedules these past few weeks in order to spend more time getting to know each other’s likes and dislikes, to understand how their minds worked and what their personalities were comprised of, but the subject of love had not once been broached. Of course she’d have doubts concerning his fidelity, and of course this alarmingly kind woman would believe that he did not owe her any of it.

“I’ve had none,” he firmly said, “And I do not intend to have any. Even if it had started out as something dictated by nobility, I will not have our marriage turn into one of begrudging civility.”

She floundered for a second, struggling to find a reply to that. “But surely… Lord Albert—!”

“Please,” he interrupted, “Call me Albert. Though I will not force my status as your husband on you,” he paused for a second, the words bubbling forth from his lips before he could stop them, “I would like it if you grew to like me as one.”

Visibly swallowing thickly, a glimmer of what looked like understanding and fondness flashed in her bright eyes. Before he could retract his bold statement, she nodded in agreement.

“I would very much like the same. You do make it rather easy, after all… Albert.”

***

Before long, they’d been married for 3 months, and 3 months it had been of peace and tranquillity spent together. Though it had only been little over two months since Albert had decided to formally court her, as he probably would have done first under different circumstances, he couldn’t deny the blooming feelings of affection and quite possibly love.

It was that very feeling that had him asking her out on a lovely jam-making date at a strawberry farm, whose fields he now lay sprawled in, with her leaning back against the trunk of an old willow tree. Positively beaming and damp with a little sweat in the sunshine, she looked the picture of ethereal beauty as he looked up at her from his position on his back.

“I’m glad you smile more often than you did at first.”

She chuckled, “Well, pardon me for having not felt the happiest to have been forced into a marriage I hadn’t asked for.”

Albert stilled, glancing up at the sky for a brief moment. “Don’t worry, I’m not blaming you for that.” He shook his head, looking back at her. “You’ve already told me enough for me to detest your parents.”

Shrugging, she slid to lie down beside him, clearly not minding any grass stains on her clothes. “I don’t particularly hate them for bringing us together in that manner, though.” With a certain twinkle in her eyes that he’d grown to look forward to, she boldly reached out to take his hand in her smaller ones. “After all, I get to do this without receiving any judgemental looks in town.”

“The privilege that comes with being married, I suppose.” The mischievous look in his eyes matched hers. “I could kiss you and no one would bat an eye, now, would they?”

She arched her brow. “I think I would.”

“I’d rather your eyes be closed when I kiss you,” he softly said, thumb reaching to delicately press against her soft lips, not caring that their color slightly stained his skin. “If I do.”

His grin had her rolling his eyes. Childish.

“You’re a horrid tease,” she grumbled, before very gently leaning in to press a chaste kiss to his lips, so impossibly fast that by the time Albert’s eyes had grown wide with surprise, it was already over. The effect it had on his heart, however, was anything but, leaving it racing in his chest and his cheeks warming at the whirling thoughts of her lips molded softly against his.

“I think we should get home,” he managed to breath out.

Furrowing her eyebrows, she glanced around, “I thought you quite liked the sunshine here.”

A small kiss landed on her hairline, before he murmured against her skin, his low voice stirring something in her belly; something that wasn’t foreign anymore, after having spent so much time together recently. “Yes, but I happen to like the idea of being with my wife tonight even more. Do you think you would like that?”

Perhaps it was the way Albert had called her his, or perhaps it was the insinuation behind his words, or perhaps it was the sultry, dark look in his emerald eyes and the inviting smirk on his face—for whatever reason it was, she found herself even more eager than she’d previously been to enact some of her recent nightly dreams.

And with a slight tug at his dark locks to pull him in once more, she sealed it with a more daring kiss—the first of many of that incredibly special night with her beloved husband, now rightfully claimed as truly hers.

Taglist: @sherlockscumslut @lilias-highlights @whitecelluyu @wifeofkyojuro

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