The best notes written in manuscripts by medieval monks
Colophon: a statement at the end of a book containing the scribe or owner’s name, date of completion, or bitching about how hard it is to write a book in the dark ages
Oh, my hand
The parchment is very hairy
Thank God it will soon be dark
St. Patrick of Armagh, deliver me from writing
Now I’ve written the whole thing; for Christ’s sake give me a drink
Oh d fuckin abbot
Massive hangover
Whoever translated these Gospels did a very poor job
Cursed be the pesty cat that urinated over this book during the night
If someone else would like such a handsome book, come and look me up in Paris, across from the Notre Dame cathedral
I shall remember, O Christ, that I am writing of Thee, because I am wrecked today
Do not reproach me concerning the letters, the ink is bad and the parchment scanty and the day is dark
11 golden letters, 8 shilling each; 700 letters with double shafts, 7 shilling for each hundred; and 35 quires of text, each 16 leaves, at 3 shilling each. For such an amount I won’t write again
Here ends the second part of the title work of Brother Thomas Aquinas of the Dominican Order; very long, very verbose; and very tedious for the scribe; thank God, thank God, and again thank God
If anyone take away this book, let him die the death, let him be fried in a pan; let the falling sickness and fever seize him; let him be broken on the wheel, and hanged. Amen
"You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath"
- lyrics from 'All too well' by Taylor Swift
Yay, I went on another side quest.
I wanted to draw something that vibed with those song lyrics and I stumbled upon a tutorial for a whimsical scene with a stained glass window.
In the tutorial the procreate drawing assistant was used to create a mandala with random shapes that would become the window, and it looked really pretty. But it didn't feel right to me in the context of my own drawing, I am by no means a history expert but I want to at least maintain the accuracy I am capable of so I did some research on medieval church windows and basically created my own Althred-themed version.
I'm pretty happy with how it came out, especially with the lighting and the colours.
it's so interesting how uhtred blamed alfred for young uhtred's holiness when there was that small interaction between hild and his son in 3×02, i don't know but that use of "sister" to refer to his father's best friend completely betrayed how he was already on the path to become a priest
another interesting thing is how both young uhtred and stiorra saw alfred, because as uhtred presents it only young uhtred was the one to be influenced by him, but then there was also that one moment when stiorra defended alfred's honour in front of sigtryggr as soon as eardwulf tried to paint him in a bad lighting. also that one conversation stiorra and young uhtred had about alfred in s4? the moment stiorra pointed out that alfred separated them to hurt uhtred? CALL ME CRAZY BUT THERE WAS ADMIRATION THERE, young uhtred loved alfred's holiness and stiorra alfred's bastard behaviour and i love them for that i hate that alfred died too soon to have scenes with them
TBF, any and everybody who was Saxon or part of that culture would have called Hild "Sister", exactly the same as they refer to Beocca as Father Beocca. Unless they were close/familiar enough to refer to her by name. Young Uhtred is close but a child so he would have needed to use that honorific to address her.
ONE OF THE THINGS ALFRED LOVED THE MOST THE ONE THING THEY JOKED ABOUT TOGETHER BEING UNABLE TO KILL YOU SO I DESTROY EVERYTHING YOU LOVE AND THAT REMINDS ME OF WHAT WE HAD
Hi! love your work. Can you please write about Orpheous' wedding day, but with reader accompanying Dream as his wife/partner? I love the little snippet we had of him as a father and I would love to read some more about it.
Morpheus X F!Reader: In the light of love
a/n: i think i ended up focusing more on the readers and Dreams relationship (the fatherly aspect is still present though). Hope you enjoy it even so!
Warnings: none this is just fluff and cuteness, no use of y/n, not proofread
Word count: 2.3K
“Don’t pout.”
“I am not.”
You gave Dream a look that said, Yes, you are. He was pouting, but not because he was angry or in one of his moods. He was pouting because… well… that was just his face.
You made your way over to him, leaning your head on his shoulder. Dream would not let many get this close to him, be this affectionate toward him. But you were different. Not just because you were his wife and queen of the Dreaming, but because you made him feel understood. So he did not fear being vulnerable near you.
You pressed your nose into his neck as your hand moved to caress his locks. He closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh.
“Come on, Morpheus. We’ll be late if we don’t get going.”
He stared at the paper in his hands. There was much work to be done, but he would not miss his son’s wedding day. Still, he lingered, standing before his desk.
“What’s bothering you, my King?”
Dream let out a soft smile at your question. You were always able to read him like an open book. It should frighten him, just how much you understood him—but it didn’t. If anything, it brought him a small comfort.
“It is because of Calliope?”
Dream tensed a bit at the mention of her name, and you felt it, your arms moving to wrap around his waist, pressing your chest gently against his back in a soothing manner.
“You have nothing to worry about, Morpheus. Calliope bears no ill will toward you. She hasn’t for a long time.”
“It’s not me I worry for.”
You let out a small scoff, unwinding your body from his. Stepping to the side, you walked to the other end of the desk. Dream watched as you moved, his gaze flitting from the papers on his desk to you. You poised yourself at the opposite end, crossing your arms.
“You don’t have to worry about me, Dream. I’m not some fragile creature.” You nudged a small ball that sat on the desk. “And Calliope doesn’t wish me anything but luck.”
“Luck?”
“Well, she of all people knows how difficult you can be.”
You couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face at Morpheus’ disdainful look.
“Difficult, am I?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing in a way he rarely allowed.
“You are,” you said firmly, tilting your head. “But only to those who don’t know you. Me? I’ve seen the real you.”
Dream’s expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability passing over his usually stoic features. “And what do you see when you look at me now?”
You smiled, walking slowly around the desk so you were directly in front of him. “I see a father. A son. A brother. But most importantly…” You leaned in, brushing your lips against the corner of his mouth, a whisper of a kiss. “…I see my husband. My King.”
For a long moment, Dream said nothing, only letting the faintest hum of a sigh escape him. Then, finally, he reached out, fingers brushing the side of your face, tilting your chin up to meet his gaze.
“And I see my Queen,” he said softly, making you smile against his lips.
You gave him a soft kiss which he happily accepted. You pressed your forehead to his, smiling against his cool skin.
“Now come, your son is to be wed and we shall not miss it.” You laced your fingers against his. “You cannot say no. Your Queen commands you.”
“Is that so?”
You merely smiled at him. Dream straightened, his usual regal composure returning, though now tempered with a quiet warmth.
“Lead the way,” he murmured. And together, hand in hand, despairing in a mist of sand.
You and Dream had been the first to arrive, followed moments later by Calliope. You exchanged cheerful greetings; it was meant to be a happy day, and no matter their history, Calliope and Morpheus both loved their son dearly, so they would make the effort to remain civil—for Orpheus’ sake.
Once the young man saw you, his mouth opened into a bright smile. He ran over, giving his mother an embrace before turning to you. You returned his smile, opening your arms to him. He accepted the hug; you may not have been related by blood, but you always treated him as one of your own, and Orpheus had always seen you as family. There were no grievances between you, and you were glad for it.
Orpheus did not hug his father, and although you wished Morpheus would embrace his child, you knew it was not his custom, and you could not force him to do so.
“Have the rest of the family arrived, Orpheus?”
“Oh, I’m not sure. I’ve only seen Aunt Teleute.”
You relaxed at the news. Death had always been the easiest of the Endless siblings to get along with. You were glad she was here; if anything, her presence gave you a reason to excuse yourself. You placed a kiss on Morpheus’ cheek, bidding him a silent goodbye. You wanted to give the family a moment alone. You could sense Orpheus was nervous, and you hoped Dream would help calm him.
You wandered along the marvelous stone pillars until you found the bride-to-be, accompanied by none other than Death. You approached the two women, smiling as you made your way to them.
“Why, Eurydice, how beautiful you are. I am Morpheus’ wife—it’s a pleasure to meet you, dear. Orpheus speaks highly of you.”
“Thank you, my lady. The honor is mine.”
You gave the young girl a tender smile, tugging her into a short embrace before turning to Death. You wasted no time with greetings, giving Death a strong hug.
“It’s good to see you, Teleute.”
“Always a pleasure.”
You noticed Eurydice glancing around. You gave Death a knowing look.
“Nervous, dear?”
Eurydice flushed a bit at your question, embarrassed.
“I must admit I am a bit… wary,” she confessed. “It’s not that I don’t love Orpheus—I do, very much actually. It’s just that… well…” She trailed off, suddenly self-conscious.
“It’s perfectly normal to be nervous, my dear.”
You leaned in closer, speaking low so only Eurydice could hear your words.
“The day I married Morpheus, I almost fainted.”
Eurydice’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
“It’s true. I was there. We had to keep fanning her until she was standing at the altar.”
You and Death laughed at the memory. You couldn’t help but smile, remembering the day you’d finally married the love of your life. You let out a small sigh, moving to grab Eurydice’s hands.
“Love is an odd thing. It makes you feel desperate and afraid, but it also makes you feel wonder and hope. Orpheus is a good man. He’ll make a fine husband. And I know it’s nerve-wracking finding yourself inserted into his crazy family, but something I’ve learned over the years… they’re not as bad as they seem.”
As if summoned by your words, Orpheus appeared, running to Eurydice. They shared a soft kiss, foreheads resting together for a moment.
You felt someone standing beside you and glanced up at Morpheus. You smiled at him, allowing your hand to slip into his.
“How did it go?” you whispered.
Morpheus watched Orpheus and Eurydice for a while before turning to look at you.
“He really loves her.”
You smiled. “So does she.”
You leaned against Morpheus’ shoulder, savoring his proximity.
“Ah, young love. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Morpheus placed a kiss atop your hair, which surprised you.
“What was that for?”
Morpheus gave you a rare smile. “Just for being you. For being with me, through it all.”
The ceremony was beautiful. All of Dream's siblings came and all though he did not show it you knew he was glad for their presence. As the couple shared their vows Dream’s hand tightened around yours, almost protectively, and for a moment, you were aware of the contrast between him and the human world around you—the calm certainty of Dream and the trembling anticipation of Orpheus. And yet… they were alike in one way: both hearts beating a little faster than usual because of someone they loved.
Dream’s hand in yours was warm, strong, grounding. You could feel the tension in him, the faint pull of the responsibility he always carried with him. But in that moment he was present, fully here, for his child, and it made your chest ache with love for him.
When Orpheus slipped the ring onto Eurydice’s finger, you caught a glimmer of a smile on Dream’s face. It was fleeting, subtle, but it was there—just for you to see. You squeezed his hand, letting him know silently that you noticed.
The reception that followed was filled with laughter, music, and warmth. You noticed the Endless siblings mingling in their own peculiar ways—Death gently teasing a few mortal relatives, Delirium flitting through the crowd in her chaotic delight, Destiny observing with quiet approval—but always circling back to Dream, who sat at the edge of the ceremony. A quiet shadow hidden from sight. But you saw him.
You always did.
Later, as the newlyweds shared their first dance, you found a quiet moment with Dream near one of the pillars. The lights shimmered like starlight across the stone floor, casting a soft glow around the two of you. You settled beside him, watching Orpheus and Eurydice dance.
“He hates it.”
You turned to face Dream.
“What does he hate?”
“Dancing.”
“Like father, like son.”
Morpheus turned to look at you, his eyes catching the longing way you glanced at the dancing couples.
“And yet he still does it anyway.”
You turned to him.
“Of course he does, Morpheus. He loves her. He wants to make her happy.”
You said the words as if they were obvious, as if thinking anything else were impossible. It was then that Dream realized just how different you were from him. You had given up your mortality when you married him, and even though years had passed since then, you still held a knowledge of mortals that Dream often forgot. You knew how they felt because you had been one. And you had given all that up—for him.
He rose from his seat, standing before you. You gazed up at him questioningly. He placed his hand out to you.
“May I have this dance, my Queen?”
Your lips parted in soft surprise. He loathed dancing. You knew just how much he despised it. And so, even though you had always adored dancing, you never asked Morpheus to join you, opting instead to observe. But here he was, offering you the one thing he knew you wanted despite his hatred for it.
It was such a simple act, yet it held so much behind it. You took his hand, allowing him to pull you to your feet. Dream guided you to the floor, earning a few curious glances. But when the music started, and Dream’s hand moved to wrap around your body, the only person you could see was him.
The music swirled around you, soft and ethereal, as Dream’s hand rested gently on your waist. Your other hand found his, fingers intertwining naturally. You felt the faintest tension in him at first—the stiffness of someone unused to such vulnerability—but as he guided you across the floor, it softened.
“You’re… surprisingly graceful,” he murmured, his voice low, almost uncertain.
You smiled, tilting your head to meet his gaze. “So are you, when you want to be,” you teased lightly. “Though you might not admit it.”
Dream allowed a quiet hum of amusement to escape him. “I do not dance often,” he said, voice soft, “but I… wished to be with you. To give you this moment.”
The words made your chest tighten. His rare vulnerability, his willingness to step out of his comfort for you… it made your heart ache in the best possible way.
You leaned into him, resting your forehead against his chest.
“Thank you,” you whispered.
Dream’s hand moved to cradle the back of your head gently, his thumb brushing a strand of hair from your face.
The two of you moved together as if the world had narrowed to just this floor, just this moment. All the formalities, all the watchers, all the Endless duties—they vanished, leaving only the warmth of his hand in yours, the slow rhythm of the music, and the quiet certainty of being together.
“Father?”
Orpheus’ voice broke through the little bubble you and Dream had found yourselves in. You turned to look at him, still clinging to Eurydice, for a moment before glancing back at Dream.
Morpheus’ eyes moved slowly over his son’s features. He stepped away from you softly, giving you space. Eurydice released Orpheus as Dream approached him. The two of you watched as father and son met halfway, standing in silence for a moment.
And then, to your surprise, Morpheus reached out, pulling Orpheus into a loving embrace. Your hand moved to clutch at your heart, the sight before you stirring deep emotion.
Morpheus pulled back just enough to look down at his son with pride. He pressed a gentle kiss to Orpheus’ temple before speaking.
“I am very proud of you, son.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Morpheus opened his mouth, paused for a moment, and then seemed to make up his mind.
“I love you, my son.”
You could see the brief surprise on Orpheus’ face at the words, quickly replaced by pure joy. He clung to his father, giving in to a fierce hug.
“I love you too, Father.”
And when Dream’s eyes found yours in the crowd, you saw his lips move softly to form the words, “I love you.” You responded with a quiet, “Forevermore,” causing him to give you a small, rare smile.
And there, beneath the starlight, basking in the glow of the fires around you and the joy in the air, you witnessed something you had always known to be true: even the Endless, beings of great power and eternal life, could be brought to kneel before the force of love.
Morpheus x reader. Down bad Morpheus. fluffy fluff. Bit insecure reader.
Sometimes dating an otherworldly being can be a bit overwhelming.
an: part of my series of short and sweet snippets of your life with the dream lord
For as long as you've been seeing the Dream lord, you have wanted for nothing. Morpheus was attentive and considerate. More affectionate that one would expect. It was a surprise to everyone who knew him.
Lord Shaper wasn't exactly known for his warm and sunny disposition. His history with his past lovers didn't paint a pretty picture either.
It wasn't until you came into his endless life where something changed. You brought something out of him, a hidden side that even he didn't know existed.
In the beginning of your budding relationship, you weren't aware of the power you held over him. Still quite intimidated of his station and power. Especially when you were just a mere human who caught the eye and heart of such a powerful being.
At that time, you believed you couldn't treat him like a normal boyfriend. Not exactly sure how to treat someone you believed to be beyond you're league, completely out of your depth. But there were normal things, mundane things that you wanted. Things that you thought were below or irrelevant to him.
You wanted affection. Sure, you've kissed, you hold hands all the time, he's whispered words of love and assurances in your ear. Always so respectful and such a gentleman.
But you wanted more, you wanted to know how far you could take it, what boundaries were you allowed to cross? Were you allowed to separate the God and the man who has stolen you're heart? How much could you act on your childish wants and needs?
Say you wanted to surprise him with a back hug or tackle him to ground, would he welcome your touch? or would he freeze and reprimand you for such public displays. If you suddenly felt the urge to shower him with kisses all over his face, would he lean into them or push you away? Could you kiss him in front of his subjects? or was he more of the old fashion type to kiss behind closed doors.
You sigh loudly before plopping down on the fluffy daybed he made for you. All warm and soft and strategically place in front of a window in his chambers.
"If you sigh any louder, the entire dreaming will hear you."
Hearing his deep and raspy voice jolts you back up the bed, you're heart pounding from his sudden appearance, laughing awkwardly, "Morpheus! I didn't notice you were standing there."
"Apologies, It wasn't my intention to scare you," He makes his way to you from his place on the doorway, black coat a river of darkness behind him and sits beside you. a thumb reaches out to smoothen the crease that had unknowingly formed on your forehead, "Though I would like to know what you were thinking so deeply about, I could feel you're anxiousness from the library."
Of course he did. The disadvantages of having an Endless for a boyfriend. You try to
give him a reassuring smile, "Its nothing. Just normal human stuff. Its no big deal."
That wasn't technically a lie.
"You're terrible at lying." And he sees right through you. "Tell me, what's wrong?"
You look down at your fidgeting hands. You didn't know how to tell him without sounding like a needy and clingy girlfriend? Boys hated that, and Endless or not, he was still somewhat a man.
After a moment, he sighs and you hear him shift and to your surprise he drops down on one knee in front of you, pinching your chin to meet his yes.
It took a second for you to process the picture in front of you. The Dream Lord was on his knees for you. His gaze filled with concern and a tinge of warmth. Panicked, you clasp the hand holding your chin, "My Lord– No! You should get up."
Dream shakes his head, "No, not until you talk to me."
Dream has long learned that his pride and selfishness has only earned him eons of pain and suffering. It was still work in progress, yes, but he wasn't about to let it get in the way of your joy and happiness.
It was your turn to shake your head, "Its ridiculous."
"If it bothers you this much then I'm sure it is not." His hands move to cup your cheeks now, softly caressing it with his thumb. Another affectionate gesture that often makes you dizzy. You lean into his palm, worried eyes finally meeting his, "I just– I don't know how to act around you."
He tilts his head in a way that you found so adorable that the urge to tackle him in kisses resurfaces. "Please elaborate."
Gathering your wits about, you sit up properly, taking deep breaths, dropping his hand on your lap. "We're in a relationship right?"
Closing your eyes, you groan at that horrible start. Ugh, he probably thought you were stupid. Yet you saw nothing but patience on his face when you opened your eyes again.
"That's correct."
Clearing your throat to get rid of some of the awkwardness your feeling, "..I just want to know of any boundaries I can or can't cross. I– I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
Dream wanted to chime in and say that he should be the one saying those things, and that your comfort was his utmost priority, but the restless look on your face makes him decide against it. "Okay."
"Okay.. Lets say I arrive at the dreaming and I know its impossible for you not to see me coming, but hypothetically If I decide to surprise you by running and hugging your back really enthusiastically, would you allow it..?"
Morpheus' eyebrows raised just a fraction. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't this. Was he really such a failure as a lover for you to question such things? That you needed permission to shower him in your affections? He balls his fist, angry at himself.
Squeezing the hands on your lap in what he hopes to be a comforting manner, he looks at you so intensely it almost swallows you whole, "Allow it? Id welcome it."
"Really?" And the disbelief in you're voice only frustrates him more. "Yes."
"What if I suddenly wanted to tackle you the ground and shower you with kisses?"
A smile tugs on his lips then, voice softer as he speaks, "Then we'll both be on the floor."
"But what if you were in the middle of work on your desk and I really wanted some cuddles and—"
"Then you sit on my lap as I work, I believe it would be less tedious with your company."
"But Dream–" He shushes you with a finger to your lips, standing up and pulls you up with him by your hands. He kisses your knuckles before resting his hands on your waist. "My love, listen to me."
So you do, "You can do everything your heart desires, you don't need to hold back. I am yours and as much as you are mine. You are free to do whatever you want to do with me. I want every bit of your love and affection. It saddens me greatly that you believed you needed to ask permission for something that is your right."
Your eyes dart down. Insecurities still prickling your skin, "Its just that your the Dream Lord, The Sandman and I'm just.."
"–My future Queen, the light of my life."
Your eyes find his, and your heart squeezes in that stupidly in love way that it creates a lump in your throat. His eyes shines like stars with so much sincerity and love that your feel it run through your veins, setting you alight.
He presses his forehead against yours, and in the quiet of his chambers, it feels like time stopped for just the two of you, "And to you, I'm a simply Morpheus, an imperfect being who's heart belongs to you. If you'll have me."
----
an; another ooc Morpheus cause he is truly in love with you.
snowghoul
turnnoffyourmind
romaincrisis
