@theartofmadeline
occasionally subtle
Alisa U Zemlji Chuda
Sweet Seals For You, Always
Misplaced Lens Cap
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Three Goblin Art
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titsay
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
will byers stan first human second
DEAR READER
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
JVL
祝日 / Permanent Vacation
noise dept.
Not today Justin
tannertan36
Janaina Medeiros
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@baelburningstar
born of fire.
BASICS.
Name: Aries Galehorn | Bael Age: 354 | 2000 Gender & Pronouns: Cis Male | He/They Sexuality: Pansexual & Panromantic Rank & Occupation: Ruling Monarch | King of Haven Species: Ignis Immortalem (previously thought to be a witch) Face Claim: Lee Pace
Keep reading
Who: Iris + Aries (@baelburningstar)
Where: Kings Hill - cocktail welcome party
Iris was excited about this weekend. Mainly because it meant she got to dress up and mingle. She also enjoyed the excited energy coming off of most people today. As she weaved through the guests here, chatting with some, she spotted Haven's King. A grin slid across her features and her own feelings of excitement bubbled. She always had fun speaking with Aries, particularly because she loved pushing his buttons and flirting with him, knowing that it was all harmless fun. Nothing came of it but her being a friendly, lovable annoyance to the man more than likely. Once she approached him, she stood on her toes to tap him on the shoulder. "Is it hot in here, or is that just you?" she asked, grinning as she looked up at him. "I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to say hi since I haven't visited you in a while. I'm sure you've missed the burning, fiery passion between us," she joked. "That thick tension has been void for far too long. I feel it missing right in here." Iris tapped her chest just above her heart. It took everything in her not to chuckle as she spoke, finally breaking at the end. "How have you been?"
Despite the tense political situation between Haven and King's Hill, Aries was excited to attend the coronation weekend of King Sebastian. Not only was it an opportunity to put that messy situation behind them and move on, but it was also a chance for Aries to get to see certain people, shmooze a little, break bread and clink glasses. Besides, it would've raised more eyebrows for him to be invited, and not turned up.
The appearance of Iris, Goddess Divine of the Divine Forest, made him smirk. Like many of her kind, she was a natural flirt, and Aries was more than welcome to it. "Goddess Divine," Aries greeted her with a grin. "Perhaps the heat is just the return of our fiery passions for one another now that we're reunited, at long last?" He suggested, raising his eyebrows. "I'm sorry you have suffered such loss... but if it makes you feel better, I have shared your grief. It's been too long."
He reached out to her, silently asking for her hand. "I'm well, thank you. Yourself? Enjoying the cocktails?"
For: @baelburningstar Aila and Aries Location: Musical Performance at The Pavillion
Her eyes widened seeing the Haven king searching for a spot before she waved him over proceeded to scoot over on her blanket. "You can sit here if you want. I'm alone for now." Her brows raising knowing she wasn't completely alone with guard detail but she felt alone which had been nice for the first two bands. "Are you enjoying everything so far? Sebastian has definitely gone all out."
Aries had gotten lost. He had acquired his own 'royal box' - a small glamping set up of rugs, blankets, giant cushions and even chairs with a light security detail, but had somehow managed to lose his own campsite after wandering through the grounds with some friends. In the meantime, he'd stumbled across Princess Aila and her own 'royal box', although hers seemed a lot more low-key than his own.
"Princess Aila. Thank you, it would be a pleasure." Aries took a seat beside her, settling into a reclined position, and sat up on his elbows. "It's a very impressive display. I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm enjoying this musical performance much more than I would have the theatre, so I appreciate the option of both."
He turned to look at her, taking in her expression. "And are you enjoying today? It must be somewhat nerve-wracking, your brother ascending the throne."
who: aries @baelburningstar when: musical performance
Her fingers tapped along to the beat that was thrumming the air, making it feel electric to even be there or that sparks would fly should she reach out to touch someone. It called to her. The past few months had been sporadic to getting her on stage, usually cancelling at the last minute as she drifted along rather than jump back into the love for performing that lay in her heart. She felt disconnected as she smiled despite being caught up in the melody that curled around her heart and offered her a chance to sing along. "I miss it," she murmured just loud enough that the one who lounged alongside her could hear. She missed it all even though it took so much from her over the years that she flickered in and out of existence so much that she wasn't even real some days.
.
Aries much preferred the idea of music to theatre. Plays and comedies had never much been this thing, but live music he enjoyed a great deal. He wasn't surprised to run into Lark, with King Sebastian's coronation being an event that the public and nobility were invited to attend. He was surprised to find her so melancholy over the performances. He knew her as an incredible performer and a friend, but they weren't close... He didn't know her inner world.
"The music?" He asked gently, turning to look at her. They were at Aries' 'royal box', which was more of a glamping situation with rugs, blankets, giant cushions and even chairs, although the two were on the cushions and pillows. They had a picnic of sparkling wine, fruit, cold meats, cheeses, bread, and Haven Royal honey.
"Do you wish you were performing?"
etherivalmuse:
aries x louisa { @baelburningstar } / location: the coronation weekend celebrations
Louisa had a desire to be anywhere but court. If she had to attend another bureaucratic meeting about the previous meeting’s minutes and talk about something that won’t get decided until the meeting after that one, well, she might rip another head off.
She spun around on the dance floor and locked eyes with Aries, who was leaning against the VIP bar with a debonair grin. Louisa left the floor as one song seemingly faded to another. She walked over to Aries and the crowd parted around the Hybrid Queen. “Hey stranger,” Louisa grinned a toothy grin at Aries. She turned to face the bar and requested her favorite drink presently—sanguine negroni sbagliato.
“Glad you got my email and you were too engrossed in your own work to have a little fun. Too much work, and I won’t enjoy your company anymore. I have a reputation to protect. I can’t be seen with workaholics,” she joked and pulled her drink to her lip glossed lips and took a satisfying sip.
.
The coronation weekend was in full swing, and Aries was looking to enjoy himself. He was doing his best to navigate the politics of the event, considering the tension caused between Haven and Kings Hill regarding the hiding of an heir under the noses of Haven’s government. That reflected poorly on their neutral stance in the world’s affairs.
He was lucky his own personal affairs didn’t reflect on his realm, otherwise he would be been seriously limited for fun. He’d come to find one of his lovers, Louisa, who had sent him a rather tempting message and almost-promise if he made his way to her. “Hard work deserves hard play.” Aries responded, taking a drink of his whisky ginger. He leaned down to speak against her ear. “Are you going to force me to dance, or can I steal you away now?”
theartofruling:
“Do you have beer? Seeing as you’re a King and you give off this very fancy vibe, I’m not sure if you just have a six-pack chilling in the fridge. If not wine is fine.” Alden felt as though he’d stumbled into connections to royalty and he didn’t really have a taste for wine etiquette but would try at least to seem less of an embarrassment than he felt when he stepped foot into the palace.
“Our safety. Is…Is what we are really a danger?” He couldn’t fathom how it could be, but then again Alden couldn’t fathom what was so special about them that people knowing could mean danger. “I promise to keep it between us.” Alden’s eyes widened at the thought that they could be related. “I’ve always known my mother. She didn’t truly know what she was either, but my father just came back into my life. He bailed after he caught some kind of amnesia or something that’s apparently common for us after physical trauma or death he said. But when he remembered me and who he was in a past life…which is weird that we could have a past life…he said his dad was someone named Bael. Are you related to that guy?”
.
“Beer can be arranged. Although I will admit, it might not come out of a... six-pack. I prefer glass bottles.” Aries admitted with a smile. He went to a phone on a side table, turn-dialled a number and spoke to his kitchen staff, asking for Alden to be brought a beer. “It’ll be with us in a few minutes.” Aries promised, putting the phone down and wandering back into the centre of the room.
“It can be. There are those out there who will consider us a threat. There are others who will seek to use our powers for their own gain. It’s been that way for thousands of years, so you should learn to keep your wits about you.” Aries took up his glass and took a drink of wine. He listened with serious concern, but his eyebrows rose when Alden revealed his father was... his son. Aries felt his stomach drop. So, at least one of his children was an Immortalem. And he had gone on to have his own children. Alden... was his grandson.
“Yes. When we die... we lose our memory. If our body suffers too much damage, we cannot... recover, so instead we are reborn. Our body returns to it’s infant state, and we grow and live again. I believe something happened on the night of the Sturgeon Moon, last year. You might’ve heard that I collapsed and fell into a coma for several days. When I awoke, I remembered everything.” Aries approached Alden, taking in his features. He did look like him...
“I am not related to Bael.” He said, his face immoveable. “...I am Bael.”
“King Aries,” Sebastian smiled before returning the handshake with the other. “Thank you. I’m happy to be back.” A part of him wishes it wasn’t under these circumstances but instead being able to go back to his hometown and connect with his friends and old coworkers once more. When he was summoned to meet with the king of Haven, Sebastian was slightly surprised. He had talked it over with Barclay several times of if it was worthwhile to make contact with Aries, however, he was informed to let the elder king make the decision on their own terms. The pretense of Haven being a place of neutrality with zero allegiance would not be the depiction any further when people learned about Sebastian’s upbringing. Granted he was nowhere near the throne at that point in time and simply that of a layman and blacksmith, people were more than likely to come to their own conclusions.
Not once since he was a resident Haven had he stepped into the palace. He’d seen it in the distance many times but was amazed by the grandeur of it all. The gardens were lavished and incredibly tended to. Sebastian would have to make some mental notes to share with the horticulturist back in Kings Hill. “Shall I ask what the request of visitation is in regards to? I will have you know I have never meant any form of disrespect to your reign or that of the throne.” Sebastian quickly learned the significance of what that image of someone in power held for people. No one wanted to be made a mockery out of and the Isley would make sure that it was communicated as such.
“Well, if we’re being honest with one another... The two of us find ourselves in a potential predicament.” Aries spoke plainly, but his expression was kind and good-natured. In truth, he felt no threat from the reveal of Sebastian’s lineage to his rule. His advisors had argued amongst themselves of the best course, but ultimately, he was king, and as king, he had made the decision to tackle the issue head on. “Walk with me.” Aries turned, cocking his head in the direction of the path. He set a slow pace, leading Sebastian through the gardens.
“I understand that no disrespect will have been meant with your... living situation within Haven. However... there are some who might not see it that way. The situation is tricky. Haven has long been a neutral country. We ally ourselves with no one, and we make enemies of no one. Everyone is welcome past our borders, so long as they do not threaten our peace, or seek to spread propaganda or sway favour towards or against the other kingdoms. You being brought here and raised here in itself is not... against our rules. But when Haven becomes the secret refuge of a future King... It makes things complicated.”
Aries let out a sigh. It was a political challenge, to be sure, but he did see himself as the type to shy away from difficulty. “...Some might even raise an eyebrow at me inviting you back here but... I wanted to, to make myself clear.” He stopped, and turned towards Sebastian, looking him in the eye. “...I feel no ill will towards you, Sebastian. As a man... I wish you the very best in your rule as King. But as King... I can never offer you support as an ally. You are welcome to travel to Haven, where you will be treated as everyone else is... but you may never seek refuge here. If you wish to live here again... You must renounce your crown and your family name, and your situation will be judged as every one seeking a home here is. However... you strike me as the loyal type so... I doubt I will see that day. I just wanted to make sure... that you understand.”
“There is... also the matter of those who brought you here, and those who raised you here.”
Markus nodded, “we are very happy to have Princess Scarlett join the family. She’s been with her father, Prince Viggo some and that is something Queen Rowan is not handling completely well but she is doing better than I expected.”
“I like to hear that the word has spread. I like to keep them public the ones I have information on but the ones I’m unsure about I don’t want to share until I have more details.” He was a stickler for information but he also wanted to be in the know first. He didn’t want to share information quickly he wanted to absorb it first. “Perhaps you could help place some of them as well. I enjoy allowing those that are interested in trying to share the information with me.” He smiled before opening up the doors to the private collection with a proud sigh. “Here it is. Please, help yourself I’ll just walk through with you and try to give as much information as I can. Like I said a lot of these artifacts I know nothing about. I just know that they are part of Lume’s history.”
“It would be a pleasure to help wherever I can.” It was possible Aries would be able to tell Markus something about his artefacts. He wasn’t a historian, but he was hoping would crop up. It was difficult to find out information without arousing suspicion... But if he got Markus onside, he could be a valuable ally. Or perhaps Haven’s neutrality would provide enough respect for him to move throughout the world as he pleased, so long as he didn’t do any damage. Which he had no intention of doing... Unless he absolutely had to.
“Wow...” Aries was impressed as he stepped into the room. There was more than he expected. Some of it were more simple pieces - ceramics, stone carvings, small tools, jewellery - every day objects with little consequence. But there were also statues, piece of armours, weaponry. The air in this room felt different, thick with age. It felt heavy in his lungs. “This is... incredible. How far back does this collection go? A millennia? Two millennia?” Aries asked as if he were simply curious, but he was burning with the desire to know. There could be something in this room that would lead him to his past.
“What’s the... oldest object you have in here?” His eyes danced between each artefact, lingering on armour and weapons, especially swords. He could... feel something in here. Something waiting for him. The anticipation felt electric.
Who: Robin + Aries @baelburningstar
Where: Haven Palace
Robin had a decision weighing heavily on her and she didn't want to be the one to make it. It was the second most responsible decision she'd ever had to make. The first was when she decided to take down her adoptive father. Now, she'd lost that feeling of purpose and existence and felt the call of it somewhere else. Robin's purpose became less about an easy gig, instead, it became more about wanting to protect someone she cared about in a realm that had been known not to do that very thing.
Now, she was tasked with having to speak with her boss. The King about it. She didn't know how well he would take it but wanted to make clear that this wasn't at the behest of Sebastian. This was her doing what she felt was right in the moment. Haven would be fine. They had a great King at the helm and an incredible royal advisor at his side. Whoever filled her shoes would be great at the job.
She requested an audience with the King and bowed her head when she entered the room. "Thank you for making time for me. I have something pretty serious I needed to speak with you about. But don't worry it's not any immediate threats."
As King, it was not uncommon for Aries' presence to be requested, especially not by his own staff. Aries liked Robin - she was smart and strong, and reliable. Aries had requested she changes the way their soldiers were trained... He wanted them to understand new techniques, for defence, but also for offence. He wasn't sure who in their history had decided their soldiers only be taught defensive strategy - if Haven were to be invaded, they would need to know how to push back. And Aries was going to be the naive King who assumed the neutrality of Haven would be respected by conquering armies.
"Captain, it's a pleasure to see you," Aries responded. They were in the throne room, where his throne sat raised by several steps above the rest of the room. He travelled down those steps, meeting Robin at her level... excluding the fact he towered over her from his height. "I'm curious what it is you have to tell me." He admitted. Serious, but not an immediate threat?
Aila smiled, “Thank you. I appreciate that offer. I’ve been drawn to thinking ten times more often than I used to. A lot of revelation and just processing.” She had so much to process and hadn’t really even begun to unravel it all or truly mourn her parents.
“You’re welcome, I enjoyed it as well. I wish I could have got some closer from the Celebration of the Dead.” She shrugged, “I still feel very… lost with so much. I feel as though I should be more grief stricken.” The grief was buried under the new puzzle pieces of herself she had to figure out. “Are you alright? Hopefully being the leader you have been you are not as lost as I am.” She smiled hoping that someone at least knew themselves.
Aries regarded her carefully as she spoke. It was natural, for one to be so confused by their own feelings and emotions whilst one was so young. Hell, he was also two millennia old, and it had taken him quite some time to process everything he understood now. He nodded at her words, watching her for a moment before glancing off towards the water, considering his reply.
“It’s is natural, to take time to process complex emotions and thoughts.” He began finally. The silence in-between his sentences were filled with the soft sounds of the pools, the fountains, the waterfalls. “And grief is... rarely simple. Often, we’re told by the world around us how we should feel but truly... grief is varied and fluid. It changes, it grows and shrinks. Just because you don’t feel it now, doesn’t mean you won’t.” Aries promised, looking at her with a soft expression.
“I have been lost, too. But I am older and more experienced than yourself, so I have found my way. You will too.” He chuckled. “It is the nature of youth to be impatient, but these things take time. You must move through it slowly, as frustrating as it is.”
-🧸-
For the past few weeks, those closest to Evren seemed… off. The nymph could literally feel it. However, she left them to their thoughts nor did she push. Aries was on the list of those persons. It was with an unspoken, quiet hope that she joined him on his private balcony. The location wasn’t new to her. But she knew that out of several locations on the palace’s grounds, it was one that Aries was fond of. The balcony.
“Should I have said no, instead?” She replied with a light smile and returned the expression to him as she walked through the open glass doors. He felt… certain. Which was a sigh of relief from how he’d felt to her recently. “So, why am I here, Aries?” Evren asked with lowering brows as she regarded him where he stood, leaning against the railing. “Are you… feeling better?” She asked instead. It was a safe question.
“You could’ve said no, if you wanted to. Although... I would’ve just sought you out.” Aries admitted, giving her a slow smile. He moved from the railing towards a table, laid out with another glass and the bottle of wine. He took a sip of his own drink. It was good, one of Haven’s own. “Would you like a glass of wine? It’s delicious.” He promised, turning to look at her from beside the table.
“You’re here because I have something to tell you, and it’s very important. It’s something I’ve been sat on for a while...” He admitted, taking another drink of wine, then placing his glass down on the table. “And yes, I am. I’m feeling very well. Can’t you tell?” He asked cheekily, approaching her with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You can read that sort of thing, surely.”
theartofruling:
After meeting Aries Alden had taken heed of the man’s word about keeping what he was a secret. Truth be told, finding out about immortalem was a feat in and of itself. His entire being was some secret, obscure myth that he found trouble even remotely learning much. Books on the subject looked like they were older than the world itself and it was as though after a certain time people stopped caring to find out more about said species.
Getting an invite by Aries surprised him, but excited him at the potential to find out more and gain some perspective. After being led into the room where Aries was, Alden smiled in greeting, shaking the man’s outstretched hand. “It was. It always is when I journey here.” He respected the peace of Haven and actually enjoyed knowing that it was one of the most secure places in Lume. “Thank you for inviting me here. It’s been a while and our last conversation left me on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I have kept quiet about…what we spoken about.” Their species.
.
“I’m glad. If there is anything you need during your stay, let me or any of the staff know, and it can be arranged. Within reason, of course.” Aries made a move back towards the table, reaching for a bottle of wine. “I’m glad to speak to you again. We can talk about it here without fear of being listened to. No one will disturb us unless it is of grave importance. Wine?” He offered, after pouring himself a glass. The liquid was a deep, rich red.
“So... I must ask that what is said between us remains between us. For our shared safety and... for the moment, best interests. In case you haven’t realised it, the reason I told you to stay quiet about being what you are... is because of what I am. I am also Immortalem. Specifically Ignis Immortalem. There are different kinds of us. And while we’re being completely open... I believe you might even be related to me.” Aries admitted, turning to look at Alden.
“Are you aware of your true parentage?”
ocean-eyeslnrp:
Markus entered the room Aries had been placed in with a quick smile and bowed to his fellow leader. “I wasn’t expecting you. I’m sorry for the wait as well. I have been particularly busy with Rowan’s maternity leave and such.” He cleared his throat before stepping closer and extending his hand. “I heard you have an interest in my collection. It’s more of a museum. I’ve enjoyed collecting things from all over Lume.” His brow raising, “If you follow me I’ll show you the more private pieces of my collection. I have some on public display but others that I haven’t really been able to discover their past their I keep to myself.”
.
Aries returned the smile and the bow, inclining his full head in respect. “Not at all, I’m happy to wait. Please pass on my well wishes to your lady wife. You must be very excited about the new addition of Princess Scarlett to your family.” Aries replied, taking Markus hand in both of his and shaking it.
“Yes, I’ve heard great things about your collection. I’m lucky to finally have the time to take it in properly.” Aries admitted, letting go of Markus’ hand and falling into step beside him. “It would be an honour to see your private collection. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of our realms. I’m particularly interested in ancient artefacts.”
theartofruling:
Between chaos and Valentine’s Day, Roxana needed a break and fun that she didn’t have to plan first. She had been pleasantly surprised when Aries invited her to a private party. As she sat, taking in the scenery around her, she was pleasantly surprised at how lively it was and how intimately private it was. This kind of party reminded her that in life she’d become exactly the woman she fought so hard to be.
She had a successful career, had a budding PR firm with the Northland Falls High Lord as her first client, and saved a realm from disaster and now had been given a title in Westland and a duchy. Roxy had become a self made woman to be proud of, and now she could celebrate by taking a night off and enjoying herself with the King of Haven realm.
When he returned, her pensive moment ended. “I was just thinking about how nice it is to attend a party that I didn’t have to plan. But don’t worry I’m prepared for a little rowdiness. So is this my glimpse into the kind of nightlife you enjoy?” she wondered aloud as she picked up her glass to clink to his before taking a sip of her wine. “After Valentine’s Day, I assumed you’d be in high demand now that you’ve confirmed to the masses that you’re single with that bee broach.” Roxy was only teasing. “I’m glad we get a do over hanging out since our last encounter was filled with zombies essentially.” She visibly shuddered, but grinned all the same.
.
Aries grinned at her. “On occasion I like to have a little fun. All work and no play makes for a dull boy.” He clinked glasses with her and took a drink. It was good, and it went down very easily. He laughed at her teasing, his eyes alight with mischief. He settled down beside her, his arm easily resting on the sofa behind her, close but not quite touching. “What was it I was dubbed? The Bachelor King.” He laughed, taking another drink. “I was only trying to get into the holiday spirit.”
“I’m glad I get to spend time with you again too.” He grinned at her. “I’ve already decided that even with any nasty interruptions, I’ll keep you out of harms way... and I’ll still be holding to my promise of body shots.” He assured her in good humour.
ocean-eyeslnrp:
Aila had been just watching the pools, lost in thought as she sat pondering it all. How exactly she would handle her seemingly delicate situations. She nearly jumped when Bael addressed before she stood up to curtsey to him, and sat back down. “I needed to step away for a bit and found this. It’s very gorgeous here.” She shook her head, “I don’t mind. I’ve just… got to where I have to find time to think on things a little more than I used to.” She scooted over on the bench to make room for him, “Thank you for inviting us here by the way. I’m very thankful to be able to learn more about Haven since Sebastian was here for so long.”
.
“It is very gorgeous. These pools and gardens are open to all occupants and guests of the Palace, including their families.” Aries explained, turning his gaze to look over the pools. In a few months, the Dry season would be upon them, and the pools would be drained and cleaned before they filled again. Their water was maintained, unless the water urgently needed to be used somewhere else, but that had only happened a handful of times in Aries’ current lifetime.
“You are welcome to come here whenever you wish. To the water gardens, to Haven. Even if it’s just for a few hours to think.” Aries told her, turning to look at her. They had only met the once, but Aries had grown fond of Princess Aila. Their conversation at the Celebration of the Dead had been open and vulnerable. He hadn’t talked about the people he’d lost in his previous lives, and although he hadn’t revealed the full truth of that to her, he had felt comforted by her understanding. She seemed such a sweet, shy creature. It made Aries want to treat her gently.
“It’s a pleasure to have the two of you here. And to meet you again. I appreciated our talk during the Celebration of the Dead.”
where: the dining room of King Aries’ private residence, Haven Royal Palaces with: Alden Michaels ( @theartofruling )
It had been six months since Aries had stumbled across Alden Michaels of Kings Hill at the Westland Realm’s Celebration of the Dead. Their interaction had been brief, but the boy had revealed himself to be like Aries, an Immortalem with the magic of fire. Aries blamed his youth for revealing himself so easily to a stranger, and had urged him to seek him out after the events of that week. Now they would finally be able to speak alone, and Aries could maybe find himself getting a little closer to the truth he desperately sought.
“Alden Michaels is here to see you, my King.” A servant announced, and Aries nodded, urging him to let him through. They could speak privately here without fear of being overheard or interruption. When the door opened, he stepped forward to greet Alden, extending his hand for the other to shake. “Alden Michaels. Thank you for meeting with me. I trust your journey was pleasant.”
