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shark vs the universe
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
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Today's Document

Janaina Medeiros

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Discoholic đȘ©

blake kathryn

if i look back, i am lost
Not today Justin
todays bird
YOU ARE THE REASON

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@rigelwitchofhope
June Activity Check
Status: Passed!!

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kiss roulette
inspired by the infamous "i want the k" meme by deactivated tumblr user tastcful. send đČ to generate a kiss! potential suggestive/nsf.w themes may appear
A kiss on the cheek
A kiss on the nose
A kiss on the forehead
A kiss to the top of the head
A firm kiss
A gentle peck
A romantic kiss
A platonic kiss
A kiss to the eyelid
A kiss along the jawline
A kiss to the neck
A kiss along the collar bone
A kiss on the chest
A kiss to the stomach
A kiss along the hips
A kiss in the rain
An upside-down "Spider-Man" kiss
A kiss while laughing
A kiss underwater
A rough kiss
WILDCARD! Dealer's choice :)
A french kiss/kiss with tongue
A kiss influenced by alcohol/other substances
A sleepy kiss
A kiss that's an accident
A kiss while one or both parties are crying
A kiss in greeting
A kiss in parting
A kiss to the back of the hand
A kiss to the palm of the hand
A kiss to the inner thigh
A kiss while someone watches
A kiss to a scar, birthmark, injury, or other marking
A kiss after a bite
A kiss against a wall
A kiss to the shoulder
A kiss to the back of the neck
A kiss while one party is carried
A tentative kiss
An impulsive kiss
A kiss out of spite
A clumsy kiss
A bloody kiss
Home Grown Medicine
continued from (x)
Inside, it was quiet. Outside, there was a smattering of shouts, sounds of daily student activity. Ingrid shifted restlessly despite knowing she was in no shape to join them. She was of no use in here either, bedridden, watching Rinea bustle about, and was unaccustomed to being fussed over by anyone not connected to her family. Rineaâs attention wasnât unwelcome; it was rather calming, actually, just foreign.
Ingrid received the offered cup with both hands and a murmured, âThank you.â She settled it into her palms, feeling the heat bloom against her skin. The herbal scent was more potent now, in the steam rising from the tea, but not unpleasant.
She blew over its surface, took a tentative-yet-sizeable sip. Her eyes widened. The flavor was not so different from the smell, but more complex than sheâd expected. She assessed another sip. The warmth slipped soothing down her inflamed throat.
âItâs surprisingly good, for medicine,â Ingrid decided, nodding. âI would be curious to know the recipe. If it is effective, I wonder⊠if it might prove helpful to share with the people of my county. Withââa hasty additionââyour permission, of course. Iâve been fortunate as the daughter of a noble house, but our people are poor and this seems a resourceful way of dealing with sickness.â
âAlthoughâŠâ She took another whiff of the tea, then frowned thoughtfully at Rinea. âIâm not sure I recognize the flavors aside fromâthe honey, and ginger, maybe? I cannot imagine it was easy to gather the same ingredients so far from your land.â
Rinea put no thought in the hustle and bustle of the dorms, even if these weren't hers, she was still a student. She belonged here. Instead, she takes a sip of her own tea, her own blend, designed to help with her nerves. She had found the ingredients, while rare in her homeland, were far more plentiful here, making the tea much cheaper.
She merely smiles when Ingrid thanks her, a genuine one, so rare but becoming more common in this new land. "We are friends, are we not? Is that not what friends are for?" She had been so alone in Rigel, it was nice to have another to confide in.
Watching her tentatively called friend drank more of the tea, and for a moment it was peaceful but companionable silence. Had she ever had this with anyone before? She couldn't think of any. The ladies at Court had only shown shallow interest in her once her engagement was announced, before closing their ranks to her once again once they realized just where she had come from. But this? It was nice.
"That's why it works so well, you want to drink it." She giggled once. Had she ever done that for anyone besides Lord Berkut or her parents? Not that she could remember. "It's comprised mostly of herbs that are found in very hardy areas, like my homeland of Rigel. You could probably get it to grow in the, ummm," Oh goodness she couldn't remember what the hardy and cold of the three powers was called again, how embarrassing, "Kingdom! If I could acquire the seeds."
She thinks again to the merchant in the Abyss. It will cost her, but to help people, it's worth it. "I think I know a way to get some. Unfortunately, it will take me some time. But I want to help the people of your county since I can no longer help those of my baronet, if you could even call it even that." Her family's land's barely even existed on the map when she was engaged to Berkut, much less now. She merely patted Ingrid's bed. "But for now, you should focus on getting better. In the meantime, perhaps we can make some plans?"
[  glance  ]
He almost thought it a trick of the mind or eye, when he spotted her.
Lukas had not seen the lady Rinea in life, but it was difficult to forget the sight of body and soul alight in molten agony and adoration. It...should not be possible. Not only for her to be here, alive, but to be...of herself. There was no coming back from being turned into a witch, as far as he knew.
That was part of what made them terrifying, wrong. They were a carved out puppet of what had been, mimicking the memories and personality of the person that was no longer there. Their soul taken by Duma, replaced by dark power.
Duma, who now slumbered eternal with Mila.
So how? How could this be?
Lukas was staring. He was staring intensely.
non-verbal memes || Accepting!!
Rinea felt eyes on her for quite a while, her studies interrupted by the feeling that she was being watched vigilantly. Knowing she was getting nowhere with this immense distraction, and anxiety inducer, she began looking around, searching for the source.
And she found it very readily. A young man in red, who seemed familiar, but in a way that made her head throb with pain and made the burning sensation begin at her fingers again. She could hear screams that sounded like her own, voices shouting in pain, was his one of them?
She didn't like it. It churned itself into knots in her belly, the reminder of what happened to her, of what she had been forced to become. Of the reality that she continuously rejected.
But if she ran, that would just confirm it, wouldn't it? Confirm that what happened was real? No, she wanted her happy reality for just a little longer. Standing up shakily like a newborn fawn finding its legs, she walks over, all smiles, even as her nails bite into her palms. Even as she felt a slight singing of the fabric of her glove, she smiles.
"I couldn't help but notice you staring at me over there. Is there something I can do to help you?"
it tastes even better under the earth
cont from x
âIâm fine, young one,â Sonya gruffly shuts down Rineaâs concern in a very un-fine manner. She attempts to stand herself up even taller, but the damage has already been done. Those white and rosy cheeks have retreated, the blue-haired student now staring up with concern.
A reminder of the consequences of getting too involved with the kids. If the professor were to excuse herself now, the anxiety would simply eat away at the innocent youth. Or thatâs what Sonya surmises. Rinea seems like the type.
Which is why after a sigh that comes out perhaps a bit too heavy, Sonya lifts up her hands. âBut. Maybe I can feel more fine after a taste of your blend. Tea has always been a favorite of mine.â
Thatâs a lie. The mage would rather indulge in a coffee when given the chance, and thatâs assuming no ale is available. But she gets the idea that neither will be as common as a cup of tea in this new land. Sheâs already seen way too many of the punks above sipping it up.
Might as well get used to it with a âfriendlyâ face, before accepting her fate.
âYou say itâs back in your room? Go there, and I could follow⊠Oh, wait. Would that be ill-advised? I canât seem to rememberâŠâ
@rigelwitchofhope
When the Professor says she's fine Rinea wants to wilt away and blindly agree, yet her better nature wins out for once. Instead of curling into herself, she found it in herself to sit at least a little straighter. It's low stakes, almost too low to matter, perhaps that's what gives her the confidence to stand up for herself. It won't make a difference either way what she does.
"I-I just want to be sure..."
Her voice fails her towards the end, and she begins fiddling with the ends of a piece of her hair, a habit from girlhood she thought she had shaken. But as the Professor speaks more, Rinea finds herself perking up more.
"Oh, for you as well? I'll bring all the fixings for a proper tea then! It was something I enjoyed often back home as well. Do you mind if I ask where you are from? There's something that reminds me of home about you, but I can't quite place it."
She considers a moment before lighting up with an idea.
"I can bring it and my supplies from my room to the common area if that's quite alright! I can meet you there and we can speak of home together! Of course, only if that's alright with you."
She had gotten so far ahead of herself but it was then that the nerves struck her. Yet, she still didn't quite shrink in on herself quite yet.

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[  flower  ]  sender  places  a  flower  behind  receiverâs  ear
The gardener is tending to the bellflowers. Sanaki watches, distracted from her book. It seems a shame to just let the flowers fall to the ground, when they're still so vibrant.
On a whim, she stands and picks up the freshest cut blossom, turning to the girl with whom she had shared a quiet afternoon on the greenhouse bench. Watching for any sign of resistance, Sanaki carefully tucks the bellflower into the other's hair.
Sanaki steps back, admiring her handiwork. The colours really do match, she thinks, smiling.
non verbal ask meme || Accepting!!
The greenhouse had always reminded Rinea of an expanded version of her mother's garden back in her small estate. In a way, it was like a piece of home so far away from her actual home. It was a nice place to study, as it was always quiet.
Another seems to have picked this place and time to enjoy the atmosphere of the greenhouse, as they had quietly enjoyed the same bench for quite a while. When the other girl stands up, Rinea looks up, finally looking up from her studies, only to see the other girl place one of the fallen bellflowers into her hair.
She smiles softly, thinking of how she'll probably press the flower later to preserve it.
"Thank you. Ah, wait a moment."
She goes over to the flowers herself, and as the gardener has moved on to the hyacinths, the takes only the most pristine ones that would have gone to waste anyways and comes back with a makeshift bouquet of blue hyacinths.
"Here, for you. My name is Rinea, may I have your name?"
Cujo or Mansion in the Woods: Pick your Cliché
Rinea + Lachesis || Riding +1
Rain poured down upon the two, the only light being the occasional flash of lightning illuminating the gloomy mansion that loomed over the estate. However, it lay in the center of a sprawling garden maze, which the two now stood at the entrance of. Her companion appeared strong and capable, and hadn't laughed her off like she had believed she might when Rinea had suggested the idea of investigating the sprawling estate. For that she was grateful.
Rinea had heard rumors of the lady of the manor, how she treated first her pets which was horrific enough, but what really turned her stomach was the rumors of human experimentation. Memories of hands cutting, of searing flesh, of human and non human screams fill her mind, and she has to choke down a whimper. It wouldn't do to appear weak in front of her companion. She can seek comfort later. Finally turning to address the fine lady, she curtsies a bit.
"Thank you for accompanying me. I couldn't have done this on my own. I hear it is rather frightening, but you seem rather strong. We should at least know the basics about each other before we come into the thick of things. My name is Rinea, and-"
She never finishes her thought as a howl similar to a dog's but unlike any she's ever heard before rings out above the downpour. It seems they had been discovered earlier than anticipated.
"We must hurry! I daren't think of what they'd do to us if we should be caught!"
Gently but firmly shoving the lady further into the maze so they could start running from whatever made the horrific noise she just heard, she dared not even pray to the gods that they should escape. They were on their own in this godless estate.
@landsbluod
Cujo or Mansion in the Woods: Pick your Cliché
Rinea + Lachesis || Riding +1
[ coated ] receiver finds sender covered in blood
Berkut stumbled, away from the bodies of whoever those people had been. The assailants had come out of nowhere, the shadows of the Abyss having hid them until they were practically on top of him. Barely managing to beat them back.
His vision blurred, as he collapsed to the ground. No... he couldn't fall here. Not after everything... A flash of blue entered his eyes, before everything turned black.
non-verbal responses || Accepting!!
She hadn't been meant to see that. She knew that, but once she saw who they were attacking she knew she couldn't stand by. She rushed to be by his side, seeing red blooming upon the white uniform of the Ashen Wolves like a twisted flower. She begged to whatever wicked gods would listen to please let it only belong to his assailants but as he stumbles, she knows it to not be the case.
A cry of despair echoes through the halls as she finally catches up to him, finding him collapsed on the ground. Yet, she knows it's not over for him yet. As gently as she can, she hoists him over her shoulder and carries him to her room. She removes her sheets and sets him on her bed, determination shining in her eyes.
Working through the night, she takes her sewing kit and sews the deeper gashes closed, but wraps her sheets around all of them. Her sheets, his uniform, those can all be replaced, but she isn't sure she can bring him back should he perish on her.
As the sun rises, all she can do left is pray to whatever gods can even hear or would even listen to a sinful existence like hers.
nonverbal meme prompts âȘ they seem few & far between, so i tried to come up with as many scenarios as i could think of where dialogue wasnât a necessary starting point. some are more uh specific than others / drabble-y, but theyâre all dialogue-free ( tho ofc this does not necessarily extend to the response itself ). to reverse who sends what, send â  [  prompt ]+ â  !  alter any as  you  see  fit, & lemme know if anythingâs unclear âĄ
[  pull  ]  sender  pulls  receiver  closer  to  them
[  touch  ]  sender  places  their  hand  affectionately  on  receiver
[  guide  ]  sender  helps  receiver  through  a  difficult  video  game
[  lean  ]  sender  leans  on  receiver
[  pierce  ]  sender  helps  receiver  with  a  new  piercing  (  doing,  aftercare,  etc  )
[  sit  ]  sender  sits  in  receiverâs  lap
[  spar  ]  sender  pins  receiver  down  in  a  practice  fight
[  cook  ]  sender  makes  food  for  receiver
[  slide ]  sender  pushes  an  item  across  the  table  to  receiver
[  kiss  ]  sender  kisses  (  lips,  cheek,  forehead,  hand,  etc  )
[  lead  ]  sender  leads  receiver  someplace
[  wound  ]  sender  injures  muse  in  a  fight  (  practice  or  real  )
[  snap  ]  sender  takes  a  photo  of  receiver  (  candid  or  posed  )
[  drape  ]  sender  drapes  their  arm  around  receiverâs  shoulders
[  bullet  ]  sender  takes  a  bullet  for  receiver  (  literal  or  figurative  )
[  nap  ]  sender  falls  asleep  against  receiver
[  teeth  ]  sender  bears  teeth  at  receiver
[  trace  ]  sender  traces  one  of  receiverâs  scars
[  cocktail  ]  sender  makes  /  gives  receiver  a  cocktail
[  comfort  ]  sender  comforts  receiver  when  they  are  upset  /  crying
[  bouquet  ]  sender  surprises  receiver  with  a  bouquet
[  massage  ]  sender  gives  receiver  a  massage  (  planned,  spontaneous,  full  body,  shoulder,  etc  )
[  mentor  ]  sender  takes  muse  under  their  wing
[  tattoo  ]  sender  helps  receiver  with  a  new  tattoo  (  doing,  aftercare,  etc  )
[  dare  ]  receiver  acts  out  a  dare  from  sender
[  hug  ]  sender  pulls  receiver  into  a  hug
[  phone  ] receiver sees  sender smiling at  something  on  their  phone
[  popcorn  ]  sender  makes  popcorn  for  a  movie  night
[  wake  ]  sender  tries  to  wake  receiver
[  groom  ]  sender  tries  to  make  receiver  look  more  presentable
[  flower  ]  sender  places  a  flower  behind  receiverâs  ear
[  sad  ]  sender  looks  at  receiver  sorrowfully
[  playlist  ]  sender  curates  a  playlist
[  fashion  show  ]  sender  tries  to  help  receiver  choose  an  outfit
[  shield  ]  sender  steps  between  receiver  and  danger
[  bandage  ]  sender  helps  bandage  up  receiverâs  wounds
[  duel  ]  muses  get  into  a  fight
[  fear  ]  sender  finds  receiver  having  a  nightmare
[  hold  ]  sender  holds  receiverâs  hand
[  bruise  ]  sender  finds  receiver  with  a  bruise  /  tries  to  help  receiver  cover  up  a  bruise
[  brush  ]  sender  brushes  /  styles  /  dyes  receiverâs  hair
[  portrait  ]  receiver  paints  a  portrait  of  receiver
[  assist  ]  sender  helps  the  receiver  with  a  task  theyâre  struggling  in
[  wow  ]  sender  does  something  to  really  amaze  receiver
[  glare  ]  sender  is  still  hurt  after  an  argument
[  roast  ]  muses  roast  marshmallows  together  /  make  sâmores
[  shoot  ]  muses  attend  a  game  of  paintball
[  diary  ]  receiver  writes  a  journal  entry  about  sender  (  maybe  they  find  it  ?  )
[  dance  ]  sender  whisks  receiver  onto  to  â  dance  floor  â ( can be actual or pretend )
[  rest  ]  sender  rests  their  chin  on  receiverâs  head  /  shoulder
[  manicure  ]  sender  paints  receiverâs  nails
[  tuck  ]  sender  tucks  in  receiverâs  shirt,  hair  behind  ear,  etc
[  chin  ]  sender  lifts  receiverâs  chin  up
[  lap  ]  sender  puts  their  feet  in  receiverâs  lap
[  write  ]  receiver  writes  sender  a  note
[  play  ]  muses  play  a  board  game  /  card  game  together
[  glance  ]  receiver  catches  sender  looking  at  them
[  ill  ]  sender  takes  care  of  receiver  when  they  are  unwell
[  hearth  ]  sender  lights  a  fire
[  tap  ]  sender  taps  receiver  on  the  shoulder
[  bake  ]  muses  bake  together
[  read  ]  sender  reads  to  receiver
[  study  ]  sender  tries  to  help  receiver  study
[  push ]  sender  pushes receiver in anger
[  skill ]  receiver tries to assist sender in learning a new skill
[ coated ] receiver finds sender covered in blood
[ gesture ] sender motions for receiver to follow them
[ downpour ] receiver finds sender out in the rain

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Home Grown Medicine
continued from (x)
A gentle smile comes over Rinea's face. Gently, she plucks the jar from Ingrid's hands to set it to the side. When she had heard the other girl had fallen ill, she had begged the merchant in the Abyss for the ingredients, using what little money she had, and the promise of helping him in the future as leverage, she had made a fresh batch of her family's old recipe.
The kettle she had put on earlier begins to scream, and Rinea stands from her position from Ingrid's side.
"I'll be right back, and I'll show you how to use it best."
Two cups of tea are made, the first made to her own preferences, the second left untouched. She returns and opens the jar, the herbal scent filling the air with a touch of the honey she used as base.
"It's meant to be consumed, but it goes down easiest when dissolved in a cup of tea. At least that's how my parents got me to take it as a little girl."
She gives a small but sadly fond smile at the mention of her parents. They must believe her and their lineage dead. There was a truth to it after all. She turns back to Ingrid.
"Its base is honey, so it should ease any soreness in your throat from coughing. I can give you the recipe if you find it agreeable. The ingredients are cheap and easy to acquire, at least in my homeland. We couldn't afford healers, so we made do ourselves."
She had been open before so there was no point in being shy with the girl now. She hands Ingrid the tea with the medicine dissolved within, and watches to make sure she drinks it.
@burningquake
Do you ever feel like an imposter?
Loaded Questions || Accepting!!
Rinea swirls the sugar cube in her tea, considering her answer. How much of her history should she reveal to the other student? It was all extremely painful even now. But something in the other girl reminded her of herself, and she found herself opening up.
"I used to. I went from impoverished noble family on the brink of bankruptcy to being engaged to the nephew of the Emperor of my homeland. My every move, my every word, was scrutinized heavily. I felt as though I didn't belong amongst them."
She then realizes how poorly that might reflect upon Lord Berkut, and an urge to defend him still overtakes her.
"My fiancé, well former fiancé, never made made me feel that way, but the Court."
She shudders. But her expression falls.
"Due to tragedy and hidden machinations, we never made it to the altar. I sometimes wonder, what if?"
But she turns back to the other girl, rueful smile on her face.
"Nowadays, I no longer feel that way. Amazing what effects the lack of a Court breathing down your neck can have?"
I See a Song of Past Romance
When he drops the line of questioning, she lets out the breath she doesn't know she was holding. What she's been through, she doesn't want to burden him with that knowledge, she doesn't want to relive it again even for him. The screams, not all her own and not entirely human, fill her mind, and her lip quivers once before it stills. She must be strong of spirit for him.
Her lip quivers exactly once again before stilling as he wipes the tears from her face in a tenderness she hasn't seen from him before. This was the man she always knew he could be, the one she had always believed deep down in.
She waits for him to say what he wants to but it's clear the words die in his throat, but if it is what she thinks it is, she doesn't want to hear it just yet. It makes everything too real. Makes it hurt again. For now they can exist as they did. Apologies are a conversation for later.
"Let us just enjoy this moment Lord Berkut."
It seems he agrees, as hands move down to a familiar position. One she knew and loved oh so well. Her main hand laces with his, and her other finds its way to his shoulder, a natural position, from their many dances together.
She lets him lead the dance, but leans her head against his chest, and when she hears a heartbeat, she almost laughs in joy. He's truly alive, she's truly alive. They can dance again like this once again. Whether this turns out to be a curse or a blessing in the end, this one thing is a gift she can take for herself. As she looks back at him, the smile she gives is pure, unfiltered joy.
"For you, always, Lord Berkut."
"How much do you enjoy being in control?"
Loaded Questions || Accepting!
Panic surges through Rinea at the thought of even remotely being in control. She looks to her Professor, wondering whatever could have given her the impression that she would ever enjoy being in control. That was part of what made things work so well with Lord Berkut, he took charge and she just had to follow along. It was a peaceful existence, until he started spiraling and she could no longer comfort him.
"I loathe being in control. I could find myself quite happy following along with someone else."
Of course that would just be her repeating the same tragedies that had befallen her before, wouldn't it? But wouldn't be a more peaceful life, one she could be content with until the end came, as long as it did not come the same way? Would she fight the end if it did more if it did? Who's to say. She didn't like to think such thoughts.
It started as simple observations from afar. After all, there was little to care about regarding her students on the surface. But as the class time piled up and sheâs gotten more used to the bluebirdâs face and mannerisms, Sonya elects for an initial approach. Once the professorâs brief Reason lecture comes to pass, she takes her chance before the student can slip away.
âHey kid,â Sonya hollers, pausing to give the other time to adjust herself. âRinea, right?â she adds on, not meaning to startle the girl as she draws closer.
âWas just thinking - youâre pretty attentive for a face that just dropped down here. A pretty face, too. They donât give me the funds to host welcome parties, nor would I throw one, butâŠâ
Footsteps pause simultaneously with her voice. Now only a few paces away from the newcomer, the air around them suddenly feelsâŠrestless. Sonyaâs eyes morph into a squint at Rinea, more to hide troubled eyes than to intimidate.
Where has she felt this pressured atmosphere before? Why is it nostalgic?
She forces her eyes to widen back to normal size, picking at her collar while attempting to hide suspicion with a returning smile.
âI merely wanted to welcome you to this mess of a house. In case no one else found the time to yet.â
Rinea remembers, in the before times, her parents had once tried to have her tutored in magic, but she had shown absolutely no talent and it was deemed an absolute waste of money. Yet in the here and now, magic came easy to her, a reminder of what she had been through. It leaves a bitter taste in her mouth, especially as she let out a horrified scream the first time she used her magic, the memories of that day flooding her, the flames, the screaming that sounded so much like her own.
From that day on she had merely kept her head down, content to learn the theories behind it as if that would make it safer to her, as if it would make the horrible sensation that sometimes licked at her like flames go away.
Yet, it seemed she had been noticed by her Professor. Prepared to apologize and share her notes to show she had been more than just coasting by in class. She almost dares not to look up at the Professor as she approaches but answers. "Yes, I am Rinea, Professor."
She waits for the scolding the never comes, that she's not participating enough, but she's scared, so scared of this magic she never thought possible for her to use. Instead, she's praised for her attentiveness and her beauty. The only person who had ever praised her before was Lord Berkut, but perhaps this place would be a positive change in her life?
She gives a small, shy smile. Her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink from the praise. The welcome also warms her heart.
"Thank you Professor. Not many had besides a familiar face from home, but I welcome it all the same."
But she notices how her normally confident professor squints at her and picks at her collar. Those are behaviors more akin to her own, not befitting the beautiful, confident professor she's used to seeing in lessons.
"Are you quite allright, Professor? I have a blend of tea that's good for calming nerves back in my room if that's your problem. I use it quite frequently myself."

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I See a Song of Past Romance
"Lord Berkut..."
Her voice breaks and is naught more than a whimper as the tears fall freely from her eyes with no sign of stopping. She has so many things so wants to say, there's so many things they left unsaid in what was supposed to be their final farewell, but the words die in her throat. Now is a time of reunions, not rehashing the past and how he wronged her, if she even has the strength to mention that at all.
When he rose to his feet, she finds herself pulling in close on instinct before catching herself. Death already did them part once, and they never even took their vows. But her hand never leaves his, not yet wishing to part, that last connection keeping her grounded in a way she hasn't felt since she awoke in her second chance.
His hand lifts to her face and she finds herself leaning in to the comfort she is so accustomed to, her eyes never leaving his, watching his every movement, before looking away.
"I had thought you were forever walking a path I couldn't follow." Her voice is quiet, almost a whisper.
When he asks her how she got here, she closes her eyes in pain at the memory, and whimpers once. She opens her eyes and gazes at him almost pleadingly. "I don't remember much and what I do is not pleasant. I would rather not speak more on the subject."
I See a Song of Past Romance
Berkut let out a satisfied sigh as he put away the training gear. Every muscle seemed to ache, yet it was felt so familiar it was almost a relief. Grabbing his lance, he looked it over, checking for any damage during the training. All part of his normal routine, checking for any chips in the iron, cracks in the wood.
There was an exhaustion to him, yet he tried to brush it off. Already he knew if he had a mirror, there would no doubt be bags under his eyes. The nightmares had grown more frequent, a reason he spent hours training away. The slight hope that if he worked himself into exhaustion, his rest would be utterly dreamless.
As he hefted the lance onto his shoulder, he heard someone gasp near the door to the room. With a scowl he began to turn. "Whoever is there I am not in the mood-" He froze. Utterly still in shock, staring at the door. Memories rushed through his mind, the last time he had seen that face.
"Were you laughing along with them?"
"Berkut you're frightening me!"
"Duma! O ancient god!"
He didn't register the clattering of the lance falling from his grasp. Nor the fact he had collapsed onto his knees. Staring ahead of him, a shaking hand slowly rising.
Was this some cruel trick of the gods? Had his sleepless nights finally driven him to madness? She couldn't be here, yet she was. Right in front of him, standing at the door to the room. His lips parted, but no words could form. A breath escaped him, and finally in a breathless voice, almost like a prayer to the undeserving gods above, he spoke.
"Rinea?"
@rigelwitchofhope
She spins around and around with one of the younger children laughing all the while in what might have once been a splendid ballroom before ruin hit when the pealing of the bell reminds her of time's passage. His mother comes to pick him up from her lessons, beginner's for now, and she realizes she hasn't had that much fun dancing since she last danced with Him.
Oh, how her heart still yearned for him, even as the rational part of her mind knows he wronged her in some of the worst ways a partner can wrong another. Yet the heart wants what it wants, and her heart still wanted him and only him. Only he had noticed her at that ball all those years ago, only he had spoken to her, a house on the verge of being cast from the nobility despite his status as the Emperor's nephew. He had never made her feel less than, until that very last moment. Could a man be condemned forever over a single mistake?
It mattered not even if it did, for he was likely in a land far away. Even with this second chance, she would never see him again.
She walked the halls of the Abyss, almost consumed in her melancholy, until a figure in the training hall should catch her eye. A gasp escapes her before she can stop herself and her feet carry her before she can think to be stopped.
She doesn't register the way the lance clatters from his hand, but when he collapses to his knees, she has half a mind to run her hand through his hair as she used to, but she catches herself, but when his hand raises, she doesn't catch herself before she puts her own in his and gives it a comforting squeeze, just like she used to.
She doesn't notice the tears that gather in her own eyes, even as they spill freely or how wet her cheeks are.
"Lord Berkut? Is it... truly you?"
Her voice is wet with her tears, but she'd never notice. The emotions she feels are rich but indescribable. But he's here, and for now, that's all that matters.