Eclipse With No Milk - Tumblr Posts

Your requests have opened and i'm a starving animal-

Can the great god tier writer bless me with a meal of Pee Paw Zhongli and eye patch bastard Kaeya, I'm fine with anything you choose for the request! Angst, comfort, hcs, anything

If i cry i cry 🤙

• Barista's Choice (I)•

This is like, the writer's equivalent of "make your favorite drink" and unfortunately for you I drink my coffee without milk-/lh. You know what maybe I'll add a dash of sugar here just a small pinch :D

⚠️ Mentions of Alcohol ⚠️

When you stop coming for drinks:

The elusive gentleman of Liyue opened a teashop out of his own accord, Zhongli finds great comfort in brewing the many beverages he learned over the course of his lifetime, and at one point you also shared his enthusiasm for the sorts of tea he served.

Your first meeting was memorable in a way, it's been a few weeks since he's opened his quaint shop and the flow of customers were not too much nor too light in workload. That was when you came by.

An adventurer stopping by in the capital of commerce? Nothing out of the ordinary, judging by your attire Zhongli concluded that you hailed from somewhere else, save for the tasseled Keychain you have hooked on your bag likely a souvenir from the harbor.

He found amusement in your joy, the way you happily drank up the cup of tea gushing about the flavor it left on your tongue. It was just the right amount of warmth to! The type that even forges the greatest of blades over molten fire.

This first meeting only became special the more you frequented his shop, most of the time you had a tea flavor in mind but there were some days where you allow him to concuct something to surprise you, a chef's recommendation in a way.

And even then you came to love this forgotten flavor he gladly serves, often times when you'd ask what was the name he'd simply raise a gloved finger over his parted lips to signify their covered history, there was a certain narrative behind the brews you so eagerly down and to Zhongli serving them is enough recognition for the stories they herald.

But one day you didn't come by your usual time, the next day was the same and so one until days became weeks, and weeks became months. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't worried, you may not be personally close but he did indeed fester fondness over your presence.

"I'll be here regardless, until they do come by for a drink once more.."

It was a fleeting moment within his vast history, one he got lost in to the point that he shamefully forgot that things come and go differently. In a way that maybe you just cease to exist in his day to day routine.

Whatever happened to you? Did you perhaps went on with your journey? Migrated to another place? Forgive him for his curiosity for its the only thing he can do in his position. He isn't unratoonal enough to actively search for you, he's learned through experience that chasing something that was not within your reach is like complaining what fate serves. And he of all people should know what happens when you question fate.

When the weeks became a year, on the same date you first came by, he left a fresh cup of tea on the counter where he subconsciously hopes you'd come back. The same brew of tea he made for the person that reminded him of humanity's ability to appreciate the smaller things in life.

It's a miracle Diluc even let him be the man behind the bar but here he was. The second adopted son himself shaking drinks for alcohol enthusiasts of every kind ranging from bards to mondstat natives to passing travelers. One of which included you in particular.

It was a bustling hour at the tavern, it was simply by coincidence that you two locked gazes amidst the incoming drunkards. Most would've been turned off by the semi unruly ambience but the liveliness only made you feel more at ease, appreciating Mondstat's freedom in every way you could.

As most tourist would, you asked for a glass of dandelion wine since its the city's staple drink of choice. Kaeya gladly entertains your request even putting on a bit of a show for your amusement, someone as charming as yourself don't come by everyday at the tavern noh?

A throw and shake here a pour and swish there, your liquor was served accompanied by his usual grin, waiting for your reaction to Mondstat's wine. He could faintly remember when he first had a sip of the beverage and he hoped it was the same positive light like yours.

Sure enough you did indeed like the sweet aftertaste it left, it wasn't too sweet but it was the type you chase after once you've feasted on a Savory meal. Your expression of approval earned a satisfied chuckle from the bartender, leaning on the countertop to ask of your story and why you decided to drop by this city (besides for the wine of course.)

Everytime he passes by your figure in the streets he always offers a drink back at the tavern, he may not know where you were staying for time being but he does enjoy your talks after the sun settles leaving the night winds to gently pass by you two whenever he'd escort you to the vicinity for his shift. He's learned to distract himself from the sporadic lifestyle of the city of freedom with your grounded tales over a drink.

He always respected your privacy, but on the day you stopped showing up he started asking around whether anyone saw you recently. The first few people didn't have a beneficial answer but once he asked the personnel at the gate he didn't know why he felt disappointed when they told him that you left that morning.

"Did they now...hah, they could've at least gotten a drink for the road."

Kaeya sets aside one glass in the tavern, one specific glass he never uses when serving anyone else. That glass was a quaint reminder of the person he found amusement in, someone who he wouldn't mind seeing again should the gods allow it.

He's not one to dwell, not after everything that already left him in the past. But whenever he looks to your former seat he can still remember the first expression you made towards the dandelion wine he served to you. As time passes he began to subconsciously associate the wine with fond memories, back to times where a drink was shared among the people he held close.

Wherever you were now, he hoped that you could still have the leisure of having a good drink, hoping that he at least helped in influencing what a good drink was to you. It was just like the wine he's swaying in his hand, a relishing flavor leaving its aftertaste for the drinker to revel in.

Headcanon request for Genshin (Beidou) please?

(Platonic because reader is a small child)

One particularly starless night, the Crux encounters the ghost of a young kid. They rigidly stumble across the planks into the captain’s cabin, leaving the crew in a state of silence.

“H-Hey...” They whisper, their tiny voice seemingly echoing in the cold air. ”You probably d-don’t know me, b-but when I died at sea... whatever that means... I wasn’t scared. I think it’s b-because you were strong, so I was strong too...”

Then they fade away, but the entire ship felt as if it housed one more guest that evening.

• Lightning Catches What Mist Can't Hide •

The sample you wrote was wonderfully written anon-san I'm partially biased to angst laced requests like these 👁. Liyue is filled with its fair share of unmoving souls and we can only wonder where they lay without their mortal body.

⚠️ Mentions of Alcohol ⚠️

The Captain of the Crux, with a ghostly passenger:

As questionable as the Crux fleet is, no one can deny Beidou’s character. Merchants and common folk share an honest perception of her, the Liyue Qixing do feel a similar stance when regarding the Captain of the Crux.

Out of them all, her crew are the most loyal when singing praises to Haishan's slayer. During her perilous battle against a grand monster of the sea, the Crux Fleet savored the last time they'll ever hear her sing her shanty, the one she wholeheartedly vocalized until the horizon showed the first peaks of dawn.

But to someone else, this shanty was not merely a requiem for veteran sailors. It was like a lighthouse amidst the unforgiving waves, at least that's what the young child thought of it as.

So when Beidou one day looks up from her desk in her cabin to a translucent visage, it felt like a reminder of the dimmer aspect of her duties. She does take the time to observe them, she's had her fair share of restless beings that her greatsword can vouch for, but if it's someone that her crew were silently observing beyond the door- she was leaning on peaceful when approaching them.

Their revelation caused a stir in her chest, no matter how many times she's experienced transgression it still tugged at her feelings whenever she witnesses its hidden threads among the fickle waves. And with the amount of times she's faced a foe among the hydrological terrain she can only guess which battle the young child breathed their final breathe at.

"You're a tough one then, that sort of bravery can take some people years before they can even grasp its true meaning. But a lil' bud like you utilized it in the moment...and I greatly respect that"

Even when she can't actually touch your head, the sentiment came through. It's not often that she gets the honor of sending someone off in a peaceful sense like this, it felt...assuring in a way. To know that Beidou's labor amounted to something, one that isn't exactly like the fame and glory of being Liyue's Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean rather, as the benevolent captain who grew up knowing the pains of having no one to clutch onto during a time of hardship.

That night, dinnertime resumes as usual save for the extra serving of grilled tiger fish sitting at the crow's nest, a plate she personally placed herself in hopes that you'd be able to have a hearty meal, sights of a sea that wasn't anything like the unforgiving waves you passed away on but rather a tranquil plane of blue reflecting the string of stars hanging above.

Did you ever experience lantern rite? Had you ever seen snow capped peaks from the horizon where the sun would hit them in way that made them look like freshly mined Cor lapis? Have you ever seen the sky as a mirage of Celestial wonders instead of the murky storm clouds that blocked your hopes of life that day? These thoughts were peacefully laid down when she took a good chug of cold beer next to the plate of food.

The cold chill that passed by after she began making her way down to deck was comforting rather than shivering. From then on the Alcor's sails had expanded in greater shape, receiving the fleeting closure of your will as you soon became the presence that reminds the Crux fleet to always look upwards when the cold water submerged themselves.

Your will's presence is what kept them sober with hope compared to the drunken chants they hale in the dead of night. Sharing a round of memories they wish to make more of, knowing they've been spared the blessing of a longer life. To live for those who wish to live as them was a principal not many follow but the Crux Fleet welcomes it with open arms. Fists were raised high in the air in honor of the fallen, in honor of your recollection of bravery when everyone else was admittedly ready to face death in the eye. You were but a small part but you were what reignited the seamen's love for life. To Beidou, a reminder meant to be held close.

"We take what's changeable into our grasp, and strive forward with our heads held high, never loose sight of the sky beyond that godforsaken storm!"

• Paternal Wishes •

This is for the fatherless girlies out there 😔-/HEAVYLHJ My dearest genshin anon I wish you knew how many fatherless jokes I made behind the screen as a I typed this piece, as a Diluc kinnie I have bullying rights ok-

⚠️ Mentions of Death ⚠️

Taglist: @luvielle @citirusu

Diluc is a callous man, that was probably a wayward adjective most can silently agree on when it comes to describing the Ragnvindr Master. But when he found a special someone to settle with a decade ago everyone collectively agreed that something changed within him. It wasn’t an obvious effect of domestic life nor was it a fatigue specially gotten when tending to your family rather, a relieved glint within his gaze whenever his attention was unoccupied by his usual work.

Then came the day that another close beloved left him behind, the grief reopened past wounds that no one dared remind besides his ever elusive “brother”. The fire his vision ignited became dangerously desperate, it wasn’t the mighty flame that stretched its blazing wings across the air but an avian who departed from its flock too early, desperately flying away to try and find its kindred within the cruel night’s wind.

The line of nostalgia came to a halt when he snapped his gaze away from the candle light, sighing as he averted his scarlet gaze back to where you sat, a bright youngster who couldn’t keep their nose out of a book and Diluc didn’t mind this one bit. The Ragnvindr blood had always been a dominant gene, and you proudly showed off the bright red locks you inherited from your dear father, but your smile and the way your eyes glinted with excitement was unmistakably gotten from your passed parent. Something Diluc had always said he moved on from, but white lies can’t go against burning red, right?

And if he endured that grief to this day then what more would you have to bear should he also fall into the clutches of an untimely death. Such a pessimistic line of thinking made him question how late it was but realistically speaking who do you have left besides him? Sure you were well loved by the people of Mondstat and you have your fair share of friends your age, and he knew deep within his heart that your Auntie Jean wouldn’t neglect you with his wishes but then again she was in the same risk of deathly peril as he was. Barbara? A respectable role model for his child one he wouldn’t mind you looking up to as both an Idol and a familial figure.

“Papa? Do you wanna read?”

Diluc snapped out of his trance, your youthful voice brought him back to reality after staring off into space for a minute too long. You seemed to have taken it as him eyeing your fairy tail book and after working for so long today maybe he wanted to consume something more fictitious rather than the mundane paperwork? That’s what you thought at least.

The older redhead only replied with a dry chuckle, standing up ever so slowly before approaching your much smaller figure and hoisting you and your book up in order for him to slip into your seat— garnering your figure to make rest on his lap. His words of assurance towards your question managed to tug a smile on your expression.

The book you held was a special gift from Lisa for your last birthday, a beige leather book that had a compilation of children’s fairy tales. The current story you were reading was that of a Fairy kingdom where the royal heir goes on adventures with the aid of a holy songstress, an other worldly pirate, a northern toy maker and a benevolent kitsune. Meeting all these people reminded Diluc that perhaps you had a brighter future compared to what his intrusive thoughts entailed. You were currently at the part where the royal heir had finally returned to their kingdom not knowing that their father the King had grown ill.

Diluc grimaced at the scene especially when your innocent mind pointed out how much it sucked that the Heir wasn’t able to spend much time left with their papa. In an attempt to stop you from going down a dimmer line of thinking like he did, he took the reins and began reading for you. You’ve always been unconventionally bright, perhaps you just got it from both parents, something he’s simultaneously cursing and thankful for. And so on he read with the gentlest tone he could muster lest he fail his attempt.

“Even when the fairy king became one with the flowers… He’d always watch over his child, from young royal to a proud monarch. Plucking a flower from the ground is rather… iffy but, know that the absence gives new space for something only the royal child can make. One day you’ll make something of your own and when you do, many people will be there to cheer you on” “Really?” “Of course sweetheart.”

Soon enough you finally retired to your quarters, book clutched within your arms as Diluc pulled your thermal blanket over your figure. He softly shut the mahogany door before turning on his heel to trudge back to his office, passing by the foyer’s open window where he had a perfectly good view of the star littered sky above. Deep down he wished it was him instead of his beloved, he shook those thoughts away allowing his gaze to linger a little longer whilst his thoughts slowly drowned back into the plane of what ifs.

His comrades, his family, his allies, he truly hoped that one day you’ll have your own chosen kindred just like him, ones who wouldn’t allow your hopes and dreams to fall and shatter on the ground into unfixable pieces. That was wishful thinking— even with his current efforts, the world as is was crueler. He ought to send a more realistic wish, one where he hoped that one day you would have people to help you pick up your pieces. A young flame as bright as yourself can pull it off… This was a fact he can count on even beyond the grave. 

“Dawn always comes… and until then, sleep well, dear.”

• Red, White, & Black •

Another personal project because I've fallen back into the hole of Vocaloid TwT. This song fic is based off of Genealogy of Red, White and Black but with a few twists!

Summary ➽ NRC hosts a school based play for the amusement of students and staff alike. You're tasked to act out a peculiar tale with Pomefiore's Dorm Leader and Vice Dorm Leader. However it seems the audience are in for a bloody ride.

Other notes ➽ (Not necessarily an X Reader but it can be taken as such!) The song implies a feminine protagonist but reader is kept ambiguous/Gender neutral

Word Count ➽ 4.8k words (without the pasted lyrics of the song)

Trigger Warnings ➽ Depictions of Killing/Genocide, Blood and bruises, unnatural hanging, Implications of Necrophilia (nothing explicitly graphic, not smut at all). Keep in mind they're only acting a partially dark story.

La tua bellezza è un crimine

Compensa per il crimine in forma chiamò la morte….

The ivory pamphlet in your hand had likely passed between many others before you, as suggested by the faint thumb smears on the margins. But that wasn't what caught your attention- rather the embellished print of text dead center. The day started as odd thanks to the idle whispers that circulated the corridors; this wasn’t too new but you noticed the increase in attention whenever a Pomefiore student passed by. You could’ve sworn you heard something along the lines of “Stage fright” not too long ago— then your curiosity was met with the presence of the self-proclaimed love hunter. 

“ —And that’s when a giddy writer from our dorm proposed his ‘Royal of Snow’ story as a playwright to Roi Du Poisson~! Come to think of it…”

There was little to no space between you and Rook’s face when he took a sharp step forward, studying your expression like a specimen meant to be unraveled.

“Trickster, don’t you need a bit of extra credit?”

That’s how you winded up with the lead role, you had little to no say in the matter; not because Rook forced you (maybe that was the second reason) but because you knew deep down that he was correct, and seeing as you had nothing to lose you reluctantly agreed to participate. Ok perhaps that was a white lie you only had your dignity and pride on the line but the more you read the story and by extension the script— it dawned on you why Vil seemed comfortable in letting you have the role. 

That accidental meeting became a daily meet-up with the Pomefiore heads, days turned to weeks and weeks turned to a few months. Eventually came the day you all stood behind a grand crimson curtain, you couldn’t help but fidget with the fabric of your attire. Shaking your head to snap out of trance a sharp inhale was taken.

The curtains rose and now it's up to you.

“I want a child white as snow that's fallingred as the blood we bleed and black as ebony”Such were the words the woman said in prayerSoon, she would hold the girl the heavens gave her

In the far lands where both spring and summer can cascade down the prosperous kingdom, was a regal king who had an only son. This king cherished his child deeply and as such he can’t help but worry over how the boy would fare should the day come that the heavens whisk him away. On a humble summer afternoon, he asked his son what partner he’d like to have in life. His son was a blunt yet simple boy so one can only picture the king’s reaction when the crown prince delightfully answered;

“Someone as fair as me! Gentle like snowdrops, sweet as the red apples we snack on, and a will as stern as ebony!”

The criteria left the king restless for a few nights. How was he supposed to satisfy the young heir? Day in and out he skimmed through the identities of every royal he knew, for months his search felt fruitless… until he caught wind of a young heir, your brilliance reached this warm kingdom and in turn, brought you a meeting with its solemn king. The golden-haired prince had no qualms in welcoming your presence;  your radiance was unique in a way that the prince thought was ethereal. You weren’t human in his amethyst gaze.

“I raise a toast to the engagement between The Golden Heir and The Royal of Snow!”

Now, many years have passed since that fated day

But it would seem that things are going astray Here, where the light can't reach the shadows under

“Evil” was taking root and growing stronger

Those echoes of champagne glasses clinking sounded a decade ago, it’s been so long and the blooming hope in your chest had long softened— radiance only growing more by the days. Ever since your engagement to this warm prince you moved within the lush kingdom in order to get a better understanding of your supposed soon-to-be land. Your presence was revered by his people and he used to find comfort in it, but if one were to turn their gaze away from the Royal of Snow, you’d see a growing rust on the Golden Heir’s expression. The recent years pricked intrusive thoughts into his heart, an impending fear that despite being this kingdom’s future king, you’d have more influence than him. Whether it was influence on jurisdiction or the masses’ admiration, it left a bittersweet aftertaste on his tongue every time you’d give a kiss of affection to your fiance.

He was a good actor, even when the taste of love grew acetous, he never failed to keep his image in the public eye; fully aware of what may ensue should he act against their long inscribed relationship. Perhaps this was why it took him a few years to act on his authority, but what can the hunter do when the future king threatens to hold his family against him? The poor man couldn’t risk it, especially not with a task as easy as delivering your unconscious body into the Ash Grey Woods.

Aah…. And the hand that reached out, seeking aid 

-- It was quickly brushed away

Searching for what all the hurt and confusion couldn't explain

-- Clouded in disdain!

Aah, and with every minute ripening

-- Poison seeping deeper into me

Unhappy jealousy, enmity, ever sharpening...

--Love slowly changes to insanity!

His orders were clear cut, agenda untouched by the slightest flaw for his foresight entailed a perfect crime. But it seemed your influence on the people is already rooted deeply when he saw your figure descend the grand staircase, for a moment he would have mistaken your visage for that of a ghost out for vengeance, but when your drowsy words snapped him out his train of thought it was then that the Golden Heir realized his dear hunter failed. He’ll deal with the traitor another time—

“Love? Are you alright? You’ve been out of bed a lo-”

Why were you awake? You should’ve been knocked out by now with the dose of medicine he gave you at supper. Surely someone as caring as you didn’t waste his precious gift? It was one question after the other, a spiral of frustration instilled into his gaze turning it redder by the second. A single step forward from you garnered a single step backward from him. Your persistent self didn’t see the change of heart on his face within the moonless halls of the palace. As careful as you were, it didn't ease the seething impulse from the Golden Heir. Your hand reaching to touch his cheek made it worse.

Let go of the hope you hold onto

There’s only my own hateful hue

There is not a trace of so-called love

A sharp sting spread on your left cheek, the physical pain and the scornful gaze your fiance gave you were fighting for responsibility over your aching heart. The shock was enough to warrant panic on your end, it was a bit too sudden and your body was putting out one hypothesis after the other, did you do something wrong? Was this really your fiance of ten years who gave you nothing but warm love?

“Love, wh-” “Pathetic… and yet people put you on a higher pedestal than I.”

The confusion went after your head, rendering both mind and heart uneasy whilst your figure stumbled backward out of caution. Not exactly hopeful in receiving even more unexplainable pain from the very man you were to bind in marital union a few months from now. There was a hopeful part in your heart begging for assurance, this was surely an act! Perhaps he was drunk? The more it begged the more it sought a reason behind the Golden Heir’s glare. It was void of any love you came to know from him, the otherwise affectionate fiance you learned to love over the years. It wasn’t as if you fell at first sight, in fact, you were against moving so suddenly from your cooler climate to this foreign kingdom and that’s merely on top of the pressure you received from your sweet mother and father. They saw the proposal from this  kingdom’s king as an opportunity to prosper your native land by uniting with the lush kingdom. In the past decade you both saw each other’s highs and lows— looking back were you truly foolish for thinking you finally understood him? You weren’t aiming to be his pillar of support nor vice versa you wanted to be enough to stand as equals with the ever-warm heir. This innocent desire was precisely why you worked harder than demanded by the court, you wanted to share the burden with him in childish hope that he’d share yours as well, in recent years this was the fantasy you thought you were living in.

I take the string that connects us in red With a cruel smile,

I cut away the thread

Your “beauty” is but a crime in this world 

So repent! Her own fate will incarcerate the girl

What started as a string of inaudible curses became a heated confession laced with resentment. That string of displeasure tripped you from your usual brilliance, mind still in a stasis of desperation for an answer. The red string of love you thought you two finally tied on your fingers became a rope that suffocated you from the inside out. It didn’t help how tired you already were from the late hour. You weren’t usually this weak, was it something you consumed earlier? There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with your dinner earlier—

“You’d think as the foreign heir to the throne you’d be second to everyone’s thoughts over the royal family… Tsk- reduced to being the Royal of Snow’s fortunate husband. Tell me, since when did you start bewitching the masses to your whim?”

You handled diplomatic exchange as eloquently as possible, taking on the Golden Heir’s tasks to not exhaust his spirit just before he steps onto that regal throne. You worked rigorously to keep your reputation stable and reliable, enough to maintain authority without relying solely on being his fiance or as this kingdom’s future ruler. You didn’t want to be a burden, a disappointment. But this confrontation easily demolished your now ruined perception.

 “Tell me…were you hoping to gain authority over a kingdom bigger than your measly land?”

Everything hurt it didn’t matter whether it was the red mark on your soft skin or the words that sent a stinging surge in your heart, that’s what he thought of your unrelenting effort? A ploy for power over his promised kingdom? He didn’t see you as an ally, far from it, you were a rival, and truth be told you can’t help but take the blame. This misunderstanding was your fault and it was difficult talking to a mind who didn’t seek your truth, it demanded an answer that fits its twisted narrative. It wasn’t as if you could speak anyways… your throat was hoarse and the best you could let out was choked denial.

I bear the blame of unjustified claims

As I burn in the fire that’s fueled by hate

The color that's dripping from my chest

Is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in red

Right, your voice was not of use as of now, but your body urged you to move and as such your single step backward became your sprint’s start. Clad in nothing but a dress shirt and loose scarlet bottoms it didn’t bother you when you shakily grabbed for one of the maid’s old cloak. You knew what he was capable of and your mind told you to head for your parents, rushing to the stables for your trusted steed; a white stallion reacted to your sudden presence albeit confused about your invitation for a ride. With silent beckoning, you two began setting off for the northern planes. Having to pass through the cold woods irked your confidence but nevertheless, onwards you went. You weren’t exactly sure which offered more relief, the haunting scene before you or the confinements of that palace you fled from? The way his actions became a crimson distrust still burned in your memory.

Lost in thought even among the thick fog— neither you nor your steed noticed the steep formation, and one misfortune after the other you crashed at the bottom landform, trusted horse agitated and fleeing despite your cries for the white stallion to come back. The scowl on your face became a melancholic withdrawal, opting to get your bearings first before attempting to find your horse. Dusting off the dirt from your thighs a sudden snap in the dead air caught your attention, head shot towards the direction of the precise noise. The hopeful part of you thought it was your steed having a change of heart but the farther you squinted the more you could make out the faint silhouette of a man. As if the fog finally showed mercy it slowly began to disperse, it was here that the forest-eyed man relished  in your moonlit expression.

“How…fortunate for us to cross paths, ma fleur de glace…”

Skin, oh so pale, like the snow in winter

Lips, bloody red, it makes me want to kiss her

Beauty so stunning I could not behold it

One look at her had pierced me like a bullet

You never tore your gaze away even if you desperately wanted to, it was odd actually. He seemed familiar yet you couldn’t pinpoint from where. The man’s breathing was as clear as day despite the late hour, ragged yet consistent in its own right. A hoarse chuckle spilled from the male’s chapped lips, taking another step towards you with a giddy glint in his gaze.

“Fate is smiling down on us ma fleur de glace… It was bound to happen after so much misfortune~”

You can’t help but shudder yet you still did your best in standing your ground, utilizing whatever experience you had over the years staying at the palace. Eccentric guests weren’t unheard of yet your mind had finally clicked just where you know this pale blonde man. Or should you say, prince… What did he even mean by misfortune? Don’t tell me word of your quarrel with the Golden Heir had already spread? You thought.

“Your highness!... of the south western Hinterlands? I’m astonished to find you in a place like this…” Keep calm, keep calm. It was easier said than done seeing how intense his gaze was over your figure, had you been none the wiser you would’ve lost eye contact the moment he called you by whatever endearing nickname he addressed you with. You disliked your situation if you were being completely honest, a far cry from the forest-eyed prince’s glee. The way he removed his gloves sent a bad feeling in your chest, he reached out his right in a slow innocent manner, yet the way he did so entailed a more cynical ploy; not wanting to be rude to the only other human being within a hundred-mile radius you gulped and gently reached to accept his “friendly handshake”. You wanted it to be swift and over but his hold on your hand only tightened the moment you tried pulling away, not once did he remove his observant eye away from your reluctant expression.

After I ran away into the forest

I came upon a single man in the midst

The look inside his eyes was kind of creepy….

All I could see from him was “lust” to take me

At this point in time that bad feeling turned into a sharp surge of uneasiness, borderline fear and anxiety dwindled into one disgusting ache of your heart. The slow irregular rise and fall of your chest didn’t go unseen under the prince’s gaze, in fact, there’s not a single movement of your body that didn’t engrain itself into his mind. You were the widely praised Royal of Snow said to rule with the admirable Golden Heir and all these years he’s always thought how unreachable you’d be to the Hinterland native. Someone as innocently radiant as you held power that was different from other royals, your charms didn’t rely on how you looked either, a sweet and caring personality mixed well with your wise foresight. He’s only ever been able to witness your brilliance from views afar in diplomatic meetings or the tales he’d hear from this young farmer boy who happily sung praises in your regard.

The forest-eyed prince wasn’t a fool, a good predator knew when to go in for prey. For so long you were untouchable to him, a powerful flower that grew against the snow’s cruelty. Every single day he can only imagine what it’d be like to touch those unreal petals that blossomed from your radiance. The way he went quiet irked you in every sense, gulping and voice coming out by bits. “Prince, please let go—”

Aa, have my wishes finally come to life?

-- Then he grabs my hand so tight

If only I could preserve this moment for the rest of time

-- I can’t leave his side!

Aah… Even if you hate me in the end

-- His derision fills my chest with dread

Still, all I want is to take everything ‘til your last breath...

-- Could he be wishing to make love to Death?!

The tight grip he had on your wrist started to hurt two-fold, and the odd smile on his face grew into a crazed grin that finally warned you in red signals; this is beyond the line of respect and formality. A grunt and gasp from your end somehow became amusing to the pale blonde prince. You turned your head away from him in a desperate attempt to call for your steed once again, desperately hoping the white stallion was around the perimeter to sense your distress amidst the light fog but to no avail. Your desperation to escape gave him the perfect exposure to your neck. How unfortunate indeed… But you were struggling so much, he felt offended YET now that the chance presented itself. He’ll do everything to keep this moment forever. 

I take ahold of your warm, slender neck

And my fingers are cold against your pretty flesh

Your “beauty” is but a crime in this world

So allow me to take repenance from the wretched girl!

I bear the blame of unjustified claims

As I’m forced to bring comfort to a man that I hate

The color of searing pain inside is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in white

His bare hand reached for the base of your neck, calloused thumb pressing harder in the exact middle. Despite the evident lust, it was obvious he wasn’t just aiming for you to faint- far from it with how persistent he was in his hold. The Ash Grey Woods echoed with his pleasured cackles; losing the princely facade the moment you began showing signs of fatigue. The longer you struggled the more you saw white— it wasn’t anything like the comforting snow of your home kingdom, it was the pure ivory one would greet when coming into contact with death. You were inhumanely endearing to everyone around you! Are you even human at all? How can an unexplainable figurehead walk among the unfitting and yet manage to walk about the day as if beholding your presence wasn’t a grave sin. No no no you were far better off returning to where you belong, he thought. Among the heavens with the celestial beings who can come remotely close to your pure soul. This principle repeated in his head like some mantra meant to be made real.

The forest-eyed prince found nothing but absolute pleasure in his current act, undeniably going off from your near-dead body. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t dream of this day every night when he’s alone in his palace quarters, to feel your lifeless body under his touch was like an addicting thought that gave him the highest form of euphoria. That’s it- you were stained, a pleasant snow field stained by incoherent colors that came from so many people yet no one bothered helping your unfortunate self; nevertheless he was there to save you! To free you of your misery, to deliver your ethereal self back into the plane far from the living. But his selfless act deserves a reward does it not? No hunter nor hero has their righteous deeds unrewarded, to him he’s saving you the trouble of thinking of a reward. And he wanted nothing more but to unravel you then and there.

Tears had pricked in the corners of your eyes, rolling back to the back of your head the more he deprived you of precious air. You were barely registering your surroundings to the point where you can’t even show protest when he ripped off your tattered cloak exposing your loose attire. Even when you were on your last string of consciousness you could faintly feel his calloused palm on your clothed waist. Beyond that was just a cruel darkness engulfing your shattered hope. It was as if you were sitting in nothing but a void where neither light nor mercy can reach you. The blurry image of your hands reaching for your face played in a mirror like scene. Your tears of frustration shaking your subconscious mind to its fragile core, rendering that mirror in the dark disturbed until it fell over with an ear piercing noise.

The love that I had always craved

--- Wasn’t given, turned away

The hand I thought would keep me safe

--- Led her to a heinous fate

It took no less than a day to have your humble life ripped from your clutches, the broken mirror scattered in your subconscious plane, each pathetic shard playing a detested scene in your life as if moving your fall from grace. It was far beyond the spectrum of unfairness, your fiance’s wish grew colder than winter. You were so tired but you still wanted to look back, where and when did it all go wrong? What has become of your work over the years, all because of an ambitious dream from childhood? All you asked for was mutual love and respect. From him and your parents, how would the northern king and queen react? Knowing their precious child has been reduced to some wasted husk meant to embody what judging eyes deemed the absolute truth.

And that unwarranted freedom, that prince had no right to force it on you yet here you were limp and unable to do anything against his advancements. Had you been more careful could you have avoided him? Had you been less ambitious to improve yourself… could you have avoided his idolization? The Hinterlands were a neighboring kingdom from the lush lands. They were supposed to be allies to the Golden Heir and by extension you his fiance. What hope do you even have in using that excuse now… the man who was supposed to act as support became your second downfall. The rest of those shards displayed other memories in another point of view, some showing your happy thoughts as cruel manifestations. Others depicted the northern King and Queen's disappointment, the rest was simply history taunting to repeat itself if you stayed here in this state.

What they all expect from me

--- repent your sin of beauty

Time and time again it was all because of a beauty they deem you possess, a sweet partner? A filial child? An ethereal figurehead? Your hands closed on your face tighter, not wanting to witness those mirror scenes even for a split second. You’ve had enough revelations for one day and you knee deep down that if you were to take more it won’t be the mirror that’ll be shattering next. Why is it that you should repent for something that stemmed from outside expectation? It’s so cruel, wicked even. It’s always been from them! You did nothing wrong, right? Your intentions have always been for the greater good, why did everything make you feel like it’s your fault? Fine, this repentance was already taken unwillingly, what else should you do?

Barely holding onto life

--- No one thought she would survive…

You weren’t even aware how long it's been, the sky painted itself a daunting gray as opposed to the cerulean skies outside this forest. Your figure slowly but surely limped aimlessly, there was light in the distance amidst the cruel darkness. You had to tilt your head in order to look between your fallen bangs, there was a small cottage-like structure. If you’d had another misfortune here then you didn’t pay mind for what’s one more? 

*knock* *knock*

Sunrise arrived and yet the warmth within the small building suddenly went ablaze, the smoke somehow reaching a certain heir’s eye from the confinements of his palace. Echoes of wood and metal screeching against the ash-fallen dirt littered the smoke-filled woods. The pungent burnt smell rendered the Ash Grey Woods unassailable even for investigation. That was the last instance of misfortune ever since your leave. Had everyone listened to the witches of fortune… they would’ve known it was a warning of an incoming disaster.

I take the string that had bound us in red

Though it’s broken, I hold it closely to my chest

Without the words for the pain in my heart

I will throw it away now, and tear it all apart

Your "corpse" laid cold and bare dead center of the wooden flooring, all the more emphasized by the lone spotlight pure as white as if mocking your character's loss of hope. It was an artificial ambition falling into despair. The audience varied in their reactions, some pitying your character some agreed with the two cruel princes of how naive the royal of snow was. for two seconds you remained, and it only took those two seconds to pull a few ropes behind the valley of backdrops and curtains. The scene instantly changed into a red-borne field with your silhouette now standing up in bitter pride alongside seven other figures. In your hand was what looked to be a forged blade intricately carved with embossed patterns further emphasized by what the audience can only assume as fake blood.

…drip, drip, drop…

To the audience they didn't find those seven faceless shadows as significant as your current state, the Royal of Snow was naïve, yes. But they have never shied

away from life’s cruelties have they? It only took some time before they gave a proper reason for every forced repenting they received. The field was littered with unrecognizable faces and among them was a white haired beastman dragging what looked to be a roped blonde with their eyes blindfolded, “bruises” blooming beautifully along his bare chest and torso as a tattered dress shirt pathetically clung on to his rolled sleeves. One of the faceless figures took their staff to remove the man’s blindfold only to reveal yet another scornful glare from an amethyst gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that, love. It's rather rude of you to glare at your new monarch”

The ruined Golden Heir spat on your boots, growling against the beastman’s clutches as if he was the one who had animalistic blood in him. The more he struggled the more his lavender tipped hair draped over the sides of his face. “You shameless weed- aCK-”

The staff wielding silhouette stepped forward to reveal bright crimson eyes staring him down in fake bloodlust, using the elongated weapon to carefully tip the ruined heir upwards by the chin; forcing him to meet your mocking glare. “Coming from the Golden Heir, it doesn’t have any edge. Hah…”

Your wrapped arm slowly pointed to behind you, revealing the Hinterland Prince’s 'corpse' hanging upside down by the foot, rope tied to a naked oak tree void of any sign of life, whether it's the figure or the large bark structure it didn’t matter to the audience nor to the bonded heir at your feet. “You two were never really close, yes? I see no need in your shock, my dear”

The broken pieces of love that are left

Will turn into a sword that will give me my revenge

To you who have always wished for my end

I swear, I will lead you to an all-consuming death!

He was unable to move, even when you had precisely cut the binding ropes on his wrists and ankles. Since when did you learn to wield a blade? You've usually been withdrawn, keeping your battlefield within the zones of high society. Was that why you easily took over the lands without much suspicion? “I should’ve served you poison that night…”

His seething statement induced a dry chuckle of amusement on your end. “But you didn’t, and that's your mistake. You know I'm quite amused by how easily you two took everything from me…” 

You gestured between him and the upside-down 'corpse' hanging behind you, looking down on the golden-haired man in such a natural manner it made the audience wonder whether you were still acting at this point in time. “Neither of you managed to finish the job, it made your efforts fall in vain… ah, but I’ve always been kind haven't I…?”

You kneeled down on one knee, staring eye to eye with the resentful heir, a mere short distance between your faces. Someone in the audience had to restrain their seatmate from yelling anything inappropriate such as ‘kiss already’ and thankfully they did. The tension you and your co-star formed was enough to be on the silver screen, all these thoughts of praise snapped short when you resumed your scene. “Sins so clear as snow… distaste as crimson as your blood…”

As if to emphasize your point you let a finger catch the dripping blood from the side of his face, manner agonizingly slow as your growing smile. “Casket as stern as ebony”

Your sword-holding hand skillfully dug into his torso, reeling forward before a garnet pool of ‘blood’ began forming on the stage’s floorboard. Your visage turned back to look at the seven figures along with the audience, your expression a far cry from your dreamy wistful gaze in the beginning. The remaining characters who counted as alive kneeled before your figure. Before a happily ever after could be instilled you drew back your arm and hurled it upwards to the rope that held back the front curtains, a sharp cut was heard penetrating the air by extension the wooden pillar of the stage; the lights in the auditorium went dim for a moment before turning on again to reveal the velvet curtains down. Announcing the end of this play.

I’ll take the blame of unjustified claims

As I rise in the fire that’s fueled by hate

What's blooming now in my heart, at last...

Is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in black

The relief that washed over you was shared by your co-stars, a round of enthusiastic chatter sounding in the stage wings finally marked the end of your month-long endeavors. You had to help Rook down from his tied position while Jack carefully untied the knots of the ropes. “Magnifique~! You did a splendid job playing hero and villain Trickster-” “Hunt-senpai get down first please- ah- AH” 

Vil witnessed the disastrous lump of bodies at the base of the prop tree, he can only click his tongue in exasperation still trying to wipe off the fake bruises and blood staining his skin. It’ll take a good week before his skin can return to its top-tier condition but oh well all ended nicely it seems. He looked back to where you were, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't proud of your effort for this rather dark performance. You had potential in the acting industry and the way you portrayed the wronged hero’s revenge? It was Beauté 100 as Rook would put it. Any other critique he had to give can be delivered another time, this was a time for celebrating after all.

The Pomefiore Dorm Leader managed to get rid of most of the makeup, he was about to approach your spot but a unique sound caught his attention; Vil looked left and right but he couldn’t see the source of that echoing  sound, odd since… The SFX team had already unplugged their systems.

...Did he hear leaking?

...

Taglist :: @citirusu @sherbet-shark @luvielle