Cinder Poppy

The blue poppy is associated with a fertile imagination. Commisions are: Open

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #24:

Kusho had given them a small allowance to spend at the spring festival. It was enough for one or two souvenirs, maybe some fancy food. Shen was carefully considering everything before he decided to buy anything; Zed was just along for the ride.

But then Shen saw a pastry, all pretty and decorated, and sadly declined buying it after looking at the price. So Zed decided himself.

Shen’s eyes lit up at the gift, a huge grin spreading over his lips. And yet, Zed couldn't shake the feeling the sugar sticky kiss on his cheek really made him the winner.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #23:

Irelia didn't have much free time, so it was a wonder to her to be able to travel at all, talk about to the beach. The endless expanse of water glistening on the horizon, the breeze on her skin…

“Here, for the sun.” She heard a voice above her head while something was put on it. Irelia patted whatever it was to discover a wide brimmed hat.

“Thank you.” She said to the other, opening her eyes.

Akali stood there with her tattoos on full display, sun glistening off her skin, and Irelia couldn't help but say:

“You look beautiful.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #22:

She jumped from roof to roof, grapple hooks propelling her through the air between walls. The sun was setting sooner the closer winter approached. The sky was already dark, and Piltover’s lights were starting to shine. She didn't have much time.

Landing with not a sound on the streets below, she dispersed a small crowd. Without waiting, she walked briskly towards her destination. The place was almost closing; she was late.

Camille entered the bakery with elegant steps, being immediately tended to by the person on the other side of the counter.

“The usual, please. I've had a… busy day.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #21:

“Quite… sad, Zed.” Kayn grinned, teeth reddened. His nose was bleeding. “Crying... over a weapon.”

Zed frowned, looking at Kayn as if the boy had slighted him in his last moments. The darkin stain took over the left side of his body still.

“What? I am... nothing more than that. A weapon... I remember you telling me so.” His grin grew sharp, eyes narrowed as he struggled to speak. “I was your... weapon. Rhaast... was my tool. I failed.”

“Shut up, Kayn!” Zed’s voice was broken between tears.

“Don't… tell me you thought… at some point... you… raised a son?”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #20:

“Don't.” Zed spit between gritted teeth, the word sharp and pained. Kayn frowned, clenching his hands. The tears came unbidden. “Don't you dare regret it.”

The boy now had eyes so much like Shen’s it almost enraged Zed. He guessed it was fitting, to die by his prime student’s hand, as Kusho had died by his. But the absolute audacity he had to dare cry over Zed’s blood.

“I won't.” Kayn sobbed, drying his tears with shadowed hands. Zed growled, demanding more of him. “I don’t.”

“Good.” He could feel blood oozing from his wounds. “Keep it as a promise.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #19:

Heavy footsteps announced Blitzcrank’s arrival at Viktor’s house and laboratory; the scientist didn't need to look up to know it.

“Father unit, I have learned something new today.” Blitzcrank announced, clearly waiting for Viktor to turn to him

“Oh? That's interesting, Blitzcrank.” The human could even claim to be endeared by the way the robot referred to him as “father unit”, if anyone asked. Not that they ever did. “Do show me, if you please.”

Blitz produced three steel balls, small in his hands, but of significant size. He then proceeded to juggle them.

In spite of everything, Viktor smiled.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #18:

“Xayah!” Was the first thing she heard from Rakan when she came back from scouting. “We have to go to a human city.”

“What? Why? They're all… dead and bland.” She replied, because it was true.

“But I need shoes, sweetheart!” Rakan looked at her with puppy eyes, pouting. “You promised…”

“I didn't…” Xayah started, but stopped herself halfway through. Rakan wouldn't let it go, and damn it all, she was weak to those puppy eyes. “Fine. But just one pair.”

“Really?” He jumped in excitement, picking her up in a spin when she nodded. “They have to be red.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #17:

Existence, however limitless in being the personification of the void itself was, needed… action. Sometimes. Smaller things than changing the course of history, than marking the underdog. Sometimes the black eyed Outsider did simpler craft, such as bone charms.

For health, for magic, for agility, for strength. All sorts of boons could be granted through bone charms. And all sorts of curses.

He carved one out, little by little, engraving the whale bone. This one would make you dead silent, but always hungry. Maybe for Daud, or Granny Rags… But no, instead, he stowed it away.

“For Emily”, he said.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #16:

Go on your Pilgrimage, they said. Make the Ancestors proud, they said. It will make you love the Fleet even more, they said. They weren't wrong. There was a longing in Tali’s heart that yearned for the Migrant Fleet, for her people. But there were also… Other things.

One was turian; tall and handsome and with blue facial markings she wanted to trace with her bare fingers. The other, human; short for one, though taller than her, with red “hair” (was that what they called it?), and green eyes.

Tali sighed. Who would have thought? Her, a xenophile. Damn Pilgrimage.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #15:

The search for Marcus had taken Talon far. Far from his home, Katarina and Cassiopeia. Far from Noxus, even. He had discovered some things, though not what he wanted, good, sometimes.

For example, Ionian tea. Cassiopeia always hated it, such that the Du Couteau manor never had any. Talon loved it.

And while buying some, in actual Ionia, he met… interesting characters. Most stayed away from his constant scowl, but some weren't intimidated.

Such as a yordle, dressed in purple, with a hood with special space for his ears, and a mask. A ninja. A yordle ninja. He said hi.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #14:

Ionia could be very hot, especially during the summer. Didn't give her a reason to slack off, though. If she were to protect her homeland, she needed to be as dedicated as ever. No, even more. Push herself harder than Shen ever did.

She could feel the sweat dripping down her face, her arms, her back. Tracing the slight grooves of her tattoo. She wore no mask, barely any clothes as she trained alone. Hanging from a branch, she lifted herself for the sixtieth time.

She was a rogue assassin, with no master. The Ionian wildcard. She would be strong.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #13:

Akali had her eyes closed in meditation. Still, she perceived the approach of someone else. Undoubtedly by their own will, surrounded by ninjas as she was.

“Akali?” Kennen said. She opened her eyes. “May I meditate with you?”

“Sure.” Akali didn't mind the yordle. She liked him, like family.

Silence fell upon them, both kneeling, eyes closed. Not even their breathing was heard.

“Are you sure?” Kennen asked, and she realized then that he knew. Knew of her plans, of what she wanted to do. To leave and become something else.

She looked at him, her only family now. “Yes.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #12:

Reynauld woke up breathing fast and shallow. His mind was a whirlwind of horrific images, of monsters and the darkness itself. His chest felt tight, too tight, the room was dark and oppressive and the Crusader feared.

“Rey?” The sleep rough voice sounded beside him, a hand tightened around his. His racing heart beat even faster for a moment, before he felt the stubble against his cheek. “I'm here, we both are.”

He pulled Dismas closer, resting his head on the other man’s chest. The cadence of his breath was still slow, lazy, calm.

There, in his beloved’s embrace, peace.

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #11:

Dinner was a special affair in Nadia’s opinion. As the Countess, dinner for her was sumptuous, pompous. It was meant to elevate the participants.

But it wasn't so for Portia. In her cottage, it was discrete, sweet. Simple and savoury dishes made in the same room one ate them. It was calm, intimate, warm. Nadia found it to be… safe.

She didn't visit often, but when she did, Portia made sure to share a meal with her.

“Countess? Are you alright? A headache?” She asked.

“I'm fine.” Nadia replied, and after a moment of hesitation, continued: “Call me Nadia, please.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #10:

The rogue assassin never stayed long. Always on the move, a shadow that left a bright red trail. Unlike Irelia, a shining light followed by old stains. A ninja, a dancer.

Despite never staying long, Akali was good help. She was rebellious, unfit for an army, but she could be kind. Irelia appreciated it.

Yellow eyes were bright and beautiful as she looked at Irelia. She was dressed lightly, proper for exercising.

“Irelia. Didn't think I'd see you this time.” Akali was hanging from a branch, doing pull ups. Irelia stepped close, nose to nose.

“You'll always see me here.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #9:

The Doll wheeled him to a space under the great tree. The night was coming to a close, and the Hunter would soon return.

Gehrman felt cloth gently swipe his cheek. He opened his eyes to see the Doll, smiling softly at him, in an expression unbefitting of her face, of Maria’s face.

“Why do you cry, Gehrman?” Her voice was kind, genuine. An innocent soul resided within that construct. “Will you miss the good hunter?”

She knew well how it was. Under the tree, the night came to an end to those who hunted.

“I miss all of them.”

[cinderpoppy]

Drabbles #8:

It was early, before dawn, when Shen woke up. It was a special day, after all.

Kennen appeared beside him after a short while. The yordle was grinning.

They set about making the food: ramen, small cakes. It was imperative that it was as good as it could be.

Noon arrived in no time, and they served the food. They were seated at a small table, fitting for four or less. They smiled at each other, sadly.

“Akali’s alright out there, Shen, I'm sure of it.” Kennen said, patting the Shen’s hand.

“I hope. It is her birthday, after all.”