#darkcage

If we look at the three of them in general, we know that they have attachment issues. I say "seem" because the risk of mischaracterization is uh, strong here, I think. I base sources on "how quick can I find something that justifies this."

The Issues

Dukemir -> Attachment issues seem related to his need to protect everyone in the kingdom/theater. If he can't keep an eye on everyone in the kingdom, or, gods forbid, someone wants to leave the theater, then how can he call himself a good duke? How can he make sure the kingdom stays afloat, MC involved or not? It doesn't matter if he breaks from it, as long as it means he's helping and keeping everyone safe, now does it? [Source 1] [Source 2]

Eden -> Attachment issues seem related to his undeserved isolation, a punishment for crimes he was forced to commit under the heels of others. His unwanted hunger begging him to seek comfort, touch, something that could start filling the void left behind by those he once knew, all distant memories. He can't touch, can't see, yet, after being in isolation for so long, who's to say he isn't also overwhelmed, clinging onto whatever scraps of warmth and kindness his savior has given him to "ground" - though, arguably, it's probably more like fixating - himself? [Source 3] [Source 4]

Wheylan -> Attachment issues are related to their lack of self-worth. Why would others want to be around someone so small (literally) and insignificant in such a gilded kingdom? Their yearning was a sin, to want was to be wrong, to be was to know there was a mold they didn't fit that so many others did. They want to love, to live, but how could they ever be worthy of something so precious? [Source 5] [Source 6]

Outside the Polycule

BlindDevotion (Dukemir/Eden) -> Shoutout to whoever made that name because I also don't know who did that. Old man yaoi where the red flags aren't quite resolved. Like Anon-C said, "[Dukemir's a man] with a million eyes and somehow still don’t see the red flags" [Source 7]. Dukemir's love for everyone and Eden's need for love seem almost endless, boundless, entangling in a way that lets them both satiate their red flags, but it seems more like a cycle of not expanding past their unhealthy perspectives.

"EyeShadow" (Dukemir/Wheylan) -> This ship is in quotations because if someone makes a better name, I'm grabbing it immediately. This is yaoi that also seems more like a red flag cycle, but not as toxic as BlindDevotion. It honestly seems more healthy too, considering Dukemir is generally supportive of people and considering he would be willing to literally work to get money for Wheylan's hobby that's outside the theater [Source 8]. I think it helps that Wheylan already thinks highly of Dukemir, BUT also has criticized the other - at least in their journal - for overworking, having also done something similar [Source 9]. So, this is overall more balanced? Like, this one would have some heavy emotional lifting, but there wouldn't be as much control needed?

ChainedShadow (Eden/Wheylan) -> I think this is literally the most toxic one out of all of these couples. Wheylan's attraction to death and enabling habits are NOT helpful for Eden. Red flag cycle, and it's zooming away, and there is goes, and it went into the stratosphere. This is just...really bad because no one is getting fixed, not even a little, and it sure doesn't help that Wheylan would still want to go out for their hobbies and friends. They love Vivian too much to compromise their friendship for Eden, and well, there would definitely be the use their shadows to keep Eden...safe? Is it really safety though, no, only a hollow excuse of it.

Overall: Love is not love if it is solely through the lens of control, and well, hm...these fellas don't seem too good at seeing that.

Inside the Polycule

What's fascinating is that by putting the three together probably works the best.

Someone can always keep an eye on Eden, both to keep him safe and to ensure he doesn't try anything risky. Safety over enabling for Wheylan and, I guess...safety is like, one of Dukemir's biggest things anyways, so that works. Ryan's involvement might make this a little bit...difficult, but nothing that an extra pair of eyes and hands can help smooth over (probably).

Dukemir can help console Eden when Wheylan wants to spend time with Vivian, holding and giving reassurances while their third is gone because they have a life outside of the polycule's little bubble.

Wheylan can help console Eden when Dukemir is off doing kingdom stuff because well, the ren faires are only a few weeks in the year and they're totally open to sacrificing most of those weeks (because, FUCK those tickets are EXPENSIVE) to be with Eden and Dukemir.

Wheylan and Eden can somehow, maybe, eh, convince Dukemir to take a break and spend time with them. Time with loved ones is precious, right, Dukemir?

This would be a very messy thing to operate, knowing their general selves (love my triforce of emotional disaster, mental disaster, and physical disaster /lh). However, if given the time, I think they could work things out to a point where maybe they re-integrate Eden into general society. If that's too much, then maybe they help Eden in being able to not fear being isolated and stop using the 'lord' title with such reverence, but, well, that's like, not a pressing matter (just odd, looking at you, Wheylan).

I still don't know how they would really meet and develop this relationship (because I, unfortunately, enjoy making somewhat coherent timelines and developments even for my fake ships), but this has been my TedTalk, and I hope you guys made it to the end, heugh.

Edit: I...there is also the intimacy factor and I FORGOT THE INTIMACY FACTOR but do I want to talk about the potential NSFW stuff? I don't know and I still need to ask the others for permission, so, cough...

In order:

The first: A comic strip(?) about two friends getting into shenanigans that involve trying to consume a wine bottle. This is how we learn about why Wheylan doesn't want their mouth to be too damaged. Their shadow self can only keep so many parts stuck together.

The second: A lighthearted comic between DarkCage [Dukemir/Eden/Wheylan]. The trio were almost caught sneaking around the kingdom. A tense moment after, and it appears someone has a bit of a potty mouth. Can't blame them, though.

The third: A puppet stage with paper cutouts of some of the denizens in the kingdom. It appears that not even this little stage can escape a haunting narrative (disclaimer: this is based on assumptions about havocdream's characters).

Suggestive & NSFW content ahead!

The fourth: A small study/fix it of Wheylan's eyes.

The fifth: Looks like there was someone who riled the resident wheelwright up, hm.

Character List:

Dukemir & Countine(?) by @havocdreams

Eden/Interloper by @an0nymous-c