;; a new life

[liu-daiyu]

‘ jessie mei li, genderqueer, she/they, 260/ 26 , high fae ’ ― cauldron save you. it seems LIU DAIYU has been teleported to the summer court, the APPRENTICE TO THE HIGH HEALER from DUSK COURT is said to be INQUISITIVE and is said to describe themselves with STACKS OF BOOKS READ LATE INTO THE NIGHT, THE SOUND OF LAUGHTER FILLING A TAVERN, THE UNWANTED CLUTCHING OF A CANE and with all of this in mind their RECKLESS nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time. ;

tw: sickness, death, near death experience

b a s i c s

FULL NAME:  liu daiyu

NICKNAME(S): dai, yuyu

AGE:  26 / 260

GENDER: genderqueer

PRONOUNS: she/they

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: pansexual

AFFILIATION: dusk

ABILITIES: healing, dragon rider

DRAGON: novriss an orange dragon, freshly bounded 

a p p e a r a n c e

FACECLAIM:  jessie mei li

HAIR COLOR AND STYLE: dark black with a little wave normally keeps it about shoulder length or longer

COMPLEXION: pale

EYE COLOR: dark brown

HEIGHT: 5'3

OTHER: has a small cane she uses when her sickness comes back or her constitution is weak again. she still has not fully recovered from nearly being killed by poisoning. some days she pushes herself too far which is when she can be compromised again

PERSONALITY.

POSITIVE TRAITS:  courageous, observant, honest

NEGATIVE TRAITS: reckless, rebellious, stubborn

MORAL ALIGNMENT: chaotic neutral

FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS, ETC.

MOTHER: wang jiayi. deceased.

FATHER:  liu bai. deceased.

BEST FRIEND: tbd

EXES: tbd

SIBLING(S):  yanyan (oldest sister), older brother

EXTENDED FAMILY: two distant cousins (living), seven close cousins (deceased).

b a c k s t o r y

you were born into a family of immense love and care. you had everything going for you. a family. a sister and brother whom you cared for more than anything in the world. you were starting your official training as a healer as an apprentice. you were ready to take on the world. maybe a little nervous. a little scared but you were ready.

why did things have to change?

you were at dinner with you cousins. a night that was supposed to be about family and about the love you all shared with one another. you urged everyone to wait for your sister. she was running late but that wasnt unusual with how busy she was nowadays. but your cousins insisted you started. you didnt want to be rude. you wanted to be good and kind like you always are. so you started without her. you ate dinner with everyone and then everything went back

you were in an out on consciousness. you remember pain. you remember everything being blurry. was there a scream or was that your imagination? you dont know. 

you woke up in an infirmary bed. too weak to talk. too weak to move. you were in and out of consciousness. when you finally built up enough strength and were mentally ready you were given the news. 

you had been poisoned.

along with your brother and your parents. your parents didnt make it. some miracle you survived given how much poison you had been given. it seems whoever did it tried to make sure you went first. but it didnt work. you lived.

you couldnt even fathom how much time had passed. how much you missed. you missed their funerals.

you missed so much and your grief only had just started.

it took much more time before you were even able to sit up out of bed. and then walk. and then leave the infirmary. you should be resting more but you cant sit around anymore. you refuse to. too much time has been lost. you’ve been given your life back and you want to do the most with it.

you go to bars. you go out late and stay until everyone is waking for work. you meet new people. you let them take you bed sometimes or just adventure into the wild. you don’t care. you just want something. you want to feel something again.

there are times you can keep your feet grounded. you get back to being an apprentice for the high healer. back to what you loved before. the one thing you take seriously in your life. everything else can come and go but your healing is always there. you have that.

you arent letting anything else go by you again.

[slivertm]

yìzé hopes the other fae is too nice to mention the stench radiating off of him - knowing that he reeks of fish and wet dog. NB: he's the dog in the situation. it's his fault too. he'd taken his twin out to the water, not realizing that the celebrations were beginning.

the commander would soon worm his way to the foretold spas beyond the market square, he simply had to work his way out first. he was simply charming for his own good. "they've made a wonderful effort at your likeness," the dusk fae says, looking over the artist's shoulder, inspecting the canvas with no true discernment in his analysis. "should i sit for one too?"

at the portrait painting.

closed for @liuyan, @liu-daiyu, @brckenrctual, and @stxrfclls.

[liu-daiyu]

.

“yìzé!”

daiyu lit up the second she saw him, already moving before he even finished his sentence. she threw her arms around him in a quick, impulsive hug tight, brief, and familiar. “i knew you’d show up eventually,” she said, grinning as she stepped back, eyes shining. “the festivities were way too calm without you.”

her gaze flicked to the painting, lips twitching. “okay, first of all, rude. if you think that’s a good likeness of me, we’re going to have a very dramatic, very public falling-out.” a pause, then wide eyes not realizing the artist was still there. "ah..ha, i was kidding of course it's wonderful" she said to them, giving a look back to yìzé. “second of all, yes, you should absolutely sit for one. maybe with a sword. or a flower crown. or both. something ridiculous. you’d make it look iconic. but maybe later”

she looped her arm through his, tugging him a little to the side as they walked away from the artist’s stall. “i missed you at the start of all of this. so. you owe me a drink. and at least one dance. and probably a bad idea or two before the night’s over.”

she looked up at him, eyes gleaming. “deal?”

[brckenrctual]

the sun never ceases to blaze hot, but shade offers comfort to RAHIM and DAIYU when walking through the MARKET. // @liu-daiyu

the festivities in full swing, rahim's gaze burns curious beside daiyu. the sun's faded light never changes in dusk, so a solstice --- a festival --- like this is simultaneously exciting and overwhelming. once again, it's a reminder that he, and any other duskian, are foreigners to the mainland.

shaking his head, he eyes one of the flower crown stalls, leaning closer to daiyu as he does. when he points to one of the many flowers decorating the space, he says, "the purple one there --- what's the flower name and what would we use it for?"

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu practically glowed beneath the lantern light. cheeks flushed, eyes shining, energy buzzing through their bones like they'd swallowed the solstice itself. the music thrummed in their chest, laughter spilled across the square, and for once, their cane wasn’t with them. a decision they’d justified with exactly zero forethought and too much confidence.

they turned at rahim’s question and immediately let out a deep, theatrical sigh, one hand flying to their chest like his words had wounded them.

“you did not just bring up botany in the middle of a festival”theywhined, dragging out every syllable with purpose. “rahim. rahim. there are lights. and music. and very attractive strangers. and you want to talk plants?”

a beat.

“…it’s larkspur, by the way” they added in the same breath, arms now crossed, chin tilted with pride. “used in sleep tinctures, can soothe nervous tremors, and it’s mildly toxic if you’re dumb enough to eat it raw.”

they bumped their shoulder into his playfully. “there. happy? your star pupil hasn’t lost her edge. can we please go dance now? or at least steal some wine? maybe not steal but drink. or there are so many events!”

a mischievous grin tugged at their lips as they reached out to snag his sleeve, tugging him forward.

“unless, of course, you want to sit here and quiz me on every damn flower in the court. in which case, i will pretend to faint.”

[ethercvl-archive]

╰ ♡ continued from here @liu-daiyu

╰   ♡   ❝   it's   a   shame   that   a   merchant   would   accuse   his   customer   of   stealing   instead   of   just   getting   the   payment   he   would   have   wished   for.   must   not   make   very   much   if   you   accuse   even   the   slightest   of   a   fae   of   theft.   ❞   she   scoffs   adding   to   the   other's   words.   

╰   ♡   ❝   most   probably   would   not   have   jumped   in,   unfortunately   fae   are   an   incredibly   selfish   species.   most   would   not   want   the   attention   brought   onto   them.   ❞   technically   the   spring   lady   could   have   walked   away   from   the   whole   encounter   and   left   the   other   to   fend   the   merhant   off.   however   that   wasn't   always   the   case   with   willow.   at   least   she   had   hoped   that   someone   would   have   helped   her   if   the   tables   were   turned.   though   she   did   not   expect   it.   ❝   i   certainly   will   join   you,   there   is   nothing   that   i   could   not   get   from   another   merchant.   one   that   would   not   accuse   anyone   of   stealing.   ❞

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu huffed a quiet laugh, she steps light but uneven as they made their way down the row of glowing stalls. she didn’t fully need the cane tonight but the weight of it in her hand helped her feel steadier. and she didn't wish to fall in front of new friends. the marketplace was still buzzing behind them, but the tension from the encounter had started to bleed away.

“well” she muttered, glancing sideways at willow, “you’ve already done more for me than half the courts here. you sure you’re not moonlighting as some kind of justice fae?” there was something teasing in her tone, but also curious. daiyu rarely trusted quickly, but she noticed people who surprised her.

“and you’re right, by the way. most wouldn’t have said a thing. i’ve been in tighter spots than that with a whole crowd around, and not a soul stepped in.”

a pause. then, lightly, “maybe i looked too mean. or too breakable. haven’t figured out which yet.”

they stopped in front of a quieter fruit stand, its wooden crates stacked high with oranges so vibrant they looked like little pieces of firelight. daiyu reached for one, flipping a coin toward the vendor without waiting for a price. whatever it was she was sure she just paid double but she didn't care. rather give this merchant extra than the other anything.

“i am daiyu. dusk court.” they added, glancing at willow again.

their grin returned, crooked and self-deprecating.

“what about you, stranger who shamed a merchant and saved my night?” their voice was softer now, genuinely curious. “got a name?”

[liuyan-deactivated20250809]

YANYAN SNICKERED AT HER SISTER'S THEATRICS, affectionate smile tugging on her lips. She did not think it wise to mentions she bribed Erinya to keep tabs on her younger sister - it would ruin the moment. "My winnowing is tied directly to the amount of chaos you intend to do & given the speed you've slammed that poor glass down, I'd say I came in the nick of time. What is that you're drinking, anyway?" she asked, smirking at her sister as the younger Liu all but pulled her into her seat.

lucky for her no one else from Dusk was present, or they would've seen a side of their commander only perhaps one other fae had seen.

Yanyan threw her a glance that said she did not believe the excuse she'd given her. "You just want to drink on your own, admit it." she lightly teased, then scrunched her nose. "Honestly, you make it sound like I'm harsh on you. If I spoiled you any more, you'd morph into a yoghurt." even before The Incident, she had spoiled her siblings rotten.

she couldn't help but to worry.

Guilt still gnawed at her, raged in her heart like an inferno that just won't die down, won't be appeased. She hoped she was not suffocating her sister with her care, but she had enough faith in Daiyu to openly tell her if she was being too overprotective. "I'll always worry over you, it's kind of my job description as your elder sister. But, I am glad you're alright tonight." she smiled, affection evident in her voice. The expression turned to a chuckle as she clinked her glass against Yuyu's.

"You don't give me enough credit, A'Yu. I have had my share of questionable decisions, as well. Wearing this salmon colored dress is one of the most recent ones."

[liu-daiyu]

.

"maybe this place needs a little more chaos!" she said the last part a little louder causing a few heads to turn. "since I missed it all when everyone came to dusk I figured I need to make some here". daiyu leaned back in her chair with a theatrical sigh, one hand draped across her chest like she was acting in some over-the-top tavern play that would make its way around the dusk kingdom.

“oh shush you look perfect in that dress. i like the color. it's perfect. don't let anyone tell you it isn't. did someone tell you that?" she said the drinks getting to her a little more. “see big sis, you have a charm that just makes everyone assume you've got it all together looking way too composed for this dump, and now everyone’s gonna assume i’ve got my life together too.” they glanced sideways at yanyan, their grin blooming again. “seriously, you’re ruining my reputation.” she teased her as she often

they took another sip of their drinkless chaotic than the last and exhaled slowly, clearly enjoying themself now that yanyan was beside them. the tavern felt warmer. safer. "some sort of sweet rum. bartender said they made it here in town. it is very good. would you like some?"

“and for the record,” they added, nudging her knee under the table, “i did think about sending word. but then i figured this might be more fun if you stumble upon me as you often do.”

daiyu tapped their glass against yanyan’s, playful.

"you really do keep showing up at exactly the right time. it’s getting suspicious. do you have a sixth sense? a chaos radar? a pocket-sized prophecy stone with my name carved into it?”

but even with all the teasing, there was warmth behind their words. love woven into every jab and smirk. "drink alone is fine but it is so much better with someone else around. i am glad you are here. now you can tell me what you've been up to since we have gotten here. tell me everything."

[n1ghtsongs-deactivated20250913]

the  hubbub  arises  a  couple  of  stalls  down  from  where  the  youngest  nightshade  sets  up  their  shop  .  they're  trained  to  respond  to  such  a  ruckus  by  now  ,  putting  one  foot  up  on  their  table  to  stand  and  search  with  a  hand  over  their  eyes  .  it  takes  not  long  to  spot  them  in  the  midst  of  an  argument  with  another  merchant  ,  a  fine  -  suited  fellow  who  often  struggled  to  sell  at  this  time  of  night  and  had  been  dealing  with  an  uptick  in  thieves  .  zorya  shakes  their  head  ,  blowing  air  from  between  their  lips  ,  which  curls  the  tendrils  spilling  out  of  their  braids  as  they  leap  back  down  ,  boots  clapping  along  the  market  streets  until  they  reach  the  site  .  their  hands  on  their  hips  ,  strong  disappointment  shuddering  through  their  gaze  ,  a  lot  more  courage  than  they  felt  —  but  it  was  helped  immensely  by  her  exhaustion  and  annoyance  pouring  through  .  “  now  ,  leo  ,  do  we  have  to  do  this  again  ?   does  she  really  look  like  the  thieving  sort  ?  ”  fists  balling  ,  the  midnight  light  wavering  in  their  surroundings  .  they  have  to  keep  that  under  control  . “  you  know  it's  ser  finnegan's  son  doing  the  stealing  ,  not  this  fine  dusk  lady  .  or  do  i  have  to  say  more  ?  ” they  arch  their  brow  ,  awaiting  further  ruckus  .  they're  not  above  a  brawl  or  two  ,  however  figurative  or  literal  that  it  becomes  ,  and  when  they  meet  the  other's  gaze  ,  zorya  winks  .  a  very  carden  thing  to  do  ,  they  think  to  themself  ,  despite  how  much  time  the  siblings  have  spent  in  each  other's  absence  .

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu opened her mouth to spit back words at the merchant. ready to keep sparing with him if she needed. her hot temper getting hotter and hotter. gods only know what she was going to say next. and then someone else was there with their words already lined up like knives. and it gave her pause.

they watched zorya speak, arms still crossed, but the tension in their shoulders eased just a little.

“he’s really still blaming strangers when half the court’s seen finnegan’s brat swiping everything that isn’t nailed down?” daiyu said, with a sharp laugh that didn’t reach her eyes. “i’ve been in this market ten minutes and even i know that.” she didn't know that. but why not play along to see if it helped her case.

her gaze flicked from leo, now shifting awkwardly and avoiding zorya’s stare. he looked like a child being scolded by a parent. the thought made her lips twitch into a smile.

a beat passed, and then without waiting for permission, she moved forward, snatching her bag back from the merchant’s stall with a quick hand and steadying herself with a firm press of her cane. she gave it a tap on the ground like a punctuation mark, then looked back to zorya.

“liu daiyu,” they offered, chin tilted. “dusk court. not a thief. despite the thrilling rumors.”

a pause. grin crooked.

“wanna help me find a real orange stand? one that doesn’t come with accusations?”

[stxrfclls]

closed for @liu-daiyu; continued from here

desmera's  gaze  simply  remains  on  the  other,  brow  raised  in  question  but  nothing  else  exposed  on  the  high  lady's  face.  she  has  a  way  with  self  control,  an  infuriating  way  of  keeping  all  her  inner  thoughts  and  reactions  buried  away  so  another  may  not  pick  up  on  them.  even  those  who  know  her  best  may  struggle,  so  she  doubts  the  other  will  determine  her  real  reaction  to  that  initial  greeting.  "  i  am  not  from  the  summer  court,  therefore  my  own  thoughts  on  the  climate  differ  from  those  born  and  raised  here.  "  she  allows  this  knowledge  to  slip,  as  it's  more  than  clear  they  have  no  clue  who  she  is.  it  also  tells  desmera  they  either  live  under  a  rock  or  are  from  dusk,  as  by  now  most  –  even  outside  of  winter  and  with  des's  reclusive  habits  –  know  the  high  rulers.  "  i  am  high  lady  desmera,  of  the  winter  court.  "  she  offers,  guarded,  reserved,  and  cautious  as  ever.

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu froze. just for a second.

“…oh,” they breathed, and for once, the smirk faded from their face.

they sat up straighter, hands folding awkwardly in their lap, like they’d only just realized they’d plopped down next to royalty in wrinkled linen and sandy shoes.

“gods… okay. that’s on me,” they said, not bothering to dress the apology up with any diplomatic polish. it would feel fake, and she didnt want to offend her futher by some mock of apology. “i didn’t know. if i had, i wouldn’t have..well, i wouldn’t have made the joke about the sun granting personality. even if i stand by it.”

they offered a sheepish, side-glance that didn’t quite meet her gaze. “i’m from dusk,” they repeated, more deliberately this time. “still learning everyone’s faces. and titles. i wasn’t around when the other courts visited. still recovering at homethen. didn’t exactly have the strength to crawl out of bed, let alone attend anything formal.”

a pause, softer now.

“but i am sorry, truly. i didn’t mean to be rude.”

they tapped their fingers against the cane beside them, grounding themself again before the grin returned smaller this time, more thoughtful.

they glanced back at the water, then back at her.

“would it be a terrible idea to still share the beach?”

[cetusxcetus]

THIS WAS SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL. He had wondered if tonight might be the night he turns a little bitch into a shriveled up anthropomorphic grape - or perhaps the vendor will notice his presence & shrivel down himself, without Cetus having to even lift a finger. Head eerily tilted to the side, the Commander of Summer, quietly stepped behind the young dark haired fae, his hands idly resting atop the silver carved, sea-serpent head of his cane. The vendor, naturally, widened their eyes as their gaze fell upon the commander. It did not help his fear that Cetus was grinning from ear to ear.

perhaps he won't have to shrivel anyone - a shame, really.

"Scatter, scavenger." the commander said, daring the vendor to protest. They did not. Already bored by the abysmal interaction, Cetus turned towards the youngling fae he'd protected. "Don't let these urchins bully you, girl. Our High lady had been a little too lenient over such miscreants. Perhaps I should bring this to her attention." a murky, yellow green gaze casts upon the terrified vendor - they dare not speak. Good.

"I recall seeing you around the palace. If you are done with your purchase, perhaps you'll allow me to escort you back? Recent events have left this place... more tense than usual."

[liu-daiyu]

.

there was a the shift in the air before they even turned around. that kind of quiet didn’t just happen in a place like this. they could see it on the vendors face a moment before the voice came out

when cetus spoke, daiyu didn't flinch. didn't move. only glanced over their shoulder slowly, brows lifting, mouth twitching not quite a full smile, but close.

as he spoke the vendor did back away. “scatter, huh?” they echoed, voice low. “dramatic… but impressive”

“you’ve got a very… specific style of stepping in,” daiyu said, tilting their head slightly, cane still braced beneath one hand her eyes flickering over to the one he had. “effective, though. i’ll give you that.” she laughed

their eyes flicked toward the now-shrinking vendor, then back to cetus. “he won’t try that again. not with me, anyway. probably not with anyone, after that look you gave him.”

they paused. measuring him for a moment. very interesting indeed

“you’re not what i expected out of summer court command." they added, tone light but edged. though not malice in their voice. their fingers tightened around the handle of their bag, gaze steady. “thanks for the dramatic rescue. i would say you don't have to walk me back but I would love the company. and I owe you a thank you for helping me. but don't worry i’ll try not to get ambushed by a gang of fruit vendors.”

[wcngxue]

WANG XUE DESPISED BULLIES. Of any kind. To bully a young woman over something she, most definitely did not do ( as the High Healer had been shopping at the stall beside it, witnessing the sly glint in the vendor's eyes ). She subtly inched closer to the stall, tossing a coin to the vendor she had been chatting with about her current purchase, & excused herself, purposely bumping into the fruit vendor who had seemed hell bent on either stealing or extorting funds from the other fae.

she sweetly smiled as the vendor bumped against their stall.

"So sorry! I am terribly clumsy." she chirped, turning towards the fae. "Did I bump too hard into you? Are you well?" - utterly ignoring the vendor that had been grunting behind her back. Leaning forward to the brunette, Xue whispered. "He's trying to bully you into paying without buying. It's best we left, or he may press for a physical altercation & that may be harder to explain to the ruling fae. Just ignore him."

if the fae wished for an orange, Xue had an idea.

"There is a stall of freshly squeezed orange juice down on the beach. From midnight until one in the morning, the drinks are completely free. How about we venture there, instead? The scenery is nicer & I can guarantee you the company will be more pleasant."

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu blinked as the vendor stumbled back a step, face twisting with annoyance and just a touch of fear. her eyes snapped to xue, half-expecting another confrontation...only to find a soft voice and an even softer smile.

xue leaned in didn’t pull away. she listened. then straightened, narrowing her eyes at the merchant one last time before turning her full attention to the woman now at her side.“…you’re either very clumsy or very good at pretending to be” she muttered under her breath as she leaned in, a half smile tugging at her mouth.

“he picked the wrong fae to try that on,” daiyu said, her tone still sharp but quieter now, the heat slowly ebbing from her chest. “but… thank you. for stepping in.”

she adjusted her bag over one shoulder, hand tightening on her cane as her weight shifted. her pride wanted to stay and argue for the sake of it, but the ache in her bones whispered otherwise. and xue’s offer, it didn’t feel like pity. it felt like an out.

“orange juice on the beach?” daiyu repeated, raising a brow. “that sounds suspiciously wonderful” she teased at her “lead the way, stranger.”

[shvdwscng]

although a rather unplanned visit to summer, the high priestess of autumn can make do, as she'd hardly protest seeing her fellow high priestess. some were new faces, but the seasonal ones, ones she'd trained aside were welcome faces. now more than ever, after all that had occurred in what a court she considers to be a paradise of sorts. zehra, in fact, did not wish to be further from her fellow sisters. there was a peace that settled within her, finally afters months, of hearing the mother's whispers so close to her heart. as it usually went, their deity disappeared swiftly after but not before assuring them all she would not be absent for so long.

the yelling just a few feet behind her was difficult to ignore, but she'd been idly listening enough to know this would be a never ending battle. turning on her heels away from one of the stalls she'd been eyeing for several moments, the autumn lady glances between the merchant and the younger fae. petty theft was of no interest to her, perhaps a bit unheard for a high priestess to condone such a behavior, yet she had little care if such was the case at this moment. she steps in, fixing a steady gaze to the merchant, a brow rising expectantly. "come now, is that how you were taught to treat a lady? tsk." her chocolate hues drifting to the bag of oranges, "for a few oranges? hmm, i understand you have a business to run - how much are those?" a few coins in her slipped into her traditional robe, to which she pulled out one. far more than what the fruit costs but could one place a price on wishing a peaceful evening? "this should suffice - consider it a gift your efforts." there was a low note of sarcasm, before her gaze drifts to the lady to retrieve her bag.

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu eyebrow raised, impressed. not by the coins, but by the way the other woman spoke. like her voice didn’t need to rise to cut through everything. calm. clean. final.

she hated how much she admired that instead of the fire that burn in her chest.

“you’ve got a way with assholes,” daiyu said, a lopsided grin on her face. “you do this often? save strangers from being manhandled over produce?”

she looked back at the merchant, who was suddenly all too eager to be rid of the situation. without waiting for ceremony, daiyu stepped forward.

“i’ll take that,” she said, snatching her bag from the man’s fumbling hands. her fingers curled tight around the strap as she took a step back, planting her cane firmly into the packed dirt at her side. the pressure grounded her, even as her knees quietly reminded her she'd overdone it. but she wouldn't let that show. not in front of a stranger, and someone who interested her.

she glanced at zehra again. “thanks,” she said, and this time, she meant it.

a pause. her lips quirked.

“and if you’re planning to follow me to the bread stand next, don’t bother. i fight harder over loaves.”

[ethercvl-archive]

╰   ♡   every   single   time   the   spring   lady   had   ventured   into   the   midnight   market   it   had   been   an   adventure.   surely   it   wasn't   nearly   as   chaotic   when   it   wasn't   filled   with   the   several   extra   courts   stuck   in   the   summer   court.   honestly   if   willow   could   have   avoided   the   place,   she   would   have.

╰   ♡   except   that   she   had   needed   to   pick   up   a   few   minor   ingredients   for   the   tinctures   she   often   used   in   aiding   the   healing   process.   making   her   way   through   the   throngs   of   fae   and   booths   set   up,   she'd   nearly   made   it   to   the   exit   when   she   heard   the   other   speak   up.

╰   ♡   watching   from   a   distance   at   first,   eyes   taking   in   the   scene   as   the   mercenary   accuses   the   other   of   stealing   from   them.   the   female   fighting   back,   refusing   to   show   the   contents   of   her   bag   to   them.

╰   ♡   ❝   do   you   accuse   everyone   who   shows   a   slight   amount   of   interest   in   your   products   of   theft?   pretty   sure   you'll   never   sell   a   damn   thing   if   you   keep   that   up.   ❞   willow   states   as   she   looks   the   merchant   in   the   eye.

╰   ♡   turning   to   face   the   female,   eyes   leaving   the   merchant   with   a   glare.   ❝   don't   listen   to   that   idiot,   he'll   never   make   any   money   that   way.   did   you   get   those   oranges   you   came   for?   ❞   asks   she. 

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu blinked. once. twice. she hadn’t expected backup. but the smirk that grew on daiyu's face made it clear she was happy to have it. found herself standing up straighter.

“look at that,” she muttered, eyes still on the merchant who suddenly couldn’t meet anyone’s gaze. “a stranger with sense.”

she exhaled, slow and tight. her fingers loosened slightly around her cane, though she didn’t put it away.

“i didn’t take anything,” she repeated. not to willow, but to the space between them, like saying it again would bleed out the tension. “just wanted some damn fruit.”

“no,” she said after a pause, shaking her head. “didn’t get the oranges. got accused of thievery instead. ten out of ten shopping experience.”

then, a slow grin, crooked, a little wild around the edges.

“thanks, though,” she added, voice a little softer, like she hadn’t meant to say it out loud. “for stepping in. people don’t usually do that.” she gave a small nod of her head away from the merchant. "rather buy them somewhere else if you'd like to come"

[liu-daiyu]

open starter location: the midnight market, as daiyu is arguing with a merchant who believes she has stolen something

the midnight marketplace was alive with color and chaos, just how she liked it. smoke curling from food stalls, colorful lanterns swaying overhead, music slipping between laughter and haggling. it was the kind of night that promised trouble. daiyu should’ve known better.

“i didn’t take anything,” she snapped, standing her ground despite the stall owner towering over her like a storm cloud. her arms were crossed, chin tilted up, fire in her eyes. her cane clutched in her hand

the man, broad-shouldered and red-faced jabbed a finger toward her satchel. “then open the bag.”

“no.” daiyu’s voice didn’t waver. “because if i let every jumpy merchant rifle through my things, i’d be here all week.”

she felt it: the heat rising in her chest, the old pulse of anger and exhaustion. her body still ached from overexertion the night before, but she refused to let it show. she wasn’t going to shrink. not tonight.

“i came to buy oranges,” she said “not get accused of petty theft by a man who can’t count his own stock.”

the tension crackled like lightning. one more word might ignite it or let it fizzle out. daiyu didn't care which

[liuyan-deactivated20250809]

CLOSED for @liu-daiyu. a bar in adriata, night time.

THERE WERE A FEW PLACES WHERE SHE HAD EXPECTED TO SEE HER SISTER, but a bar was not too high on that list. Then again, given Yanyan's own taste for lurking about crowded places unseen with a glass of gin in her hand, she really should not have been surprised her younger sister had followed in her footsteps. Yet, after the... infernal incident, she was worried about her - worried of the frailty in her sister's constitution after the unfortunate meal with their relatives.

Yanyan still hated herself for not coming home early.

The guilt was, even now, sometimes unbearable - but, unlike the fae that would let it break the bond with the sibling, it only strengthened Yan's resolve to always be there for Yuer & to protect her, even if from afar. Though, right now, the commander of Dusk was also craving a drink. Pushing the door to the bar open, Erinya circling the skies above before perching upon a roof, Liu Yan entered the establishment, dark gaze immediately fixing upon the younger Liu.

a smile fluttered on her lips - the kind only her siblings ever elicited from her.

Plopping down on a seat beside Daiyu, Yanyan crooked a grin. "I wondered where I'd find you, Yuyu. You could've at least sent for me, instead of dooming to wander aimlessly in this heat. What are you having? I'm getting us double."

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu blinked up from her drink just as her sister’s voice cut through the din. her eyes lit up instantly, her expression breaking into a wide, slightly unsteady grin.

“yanyan!” she half-gasped, half-laughed, slamming her half-empty glass down on the table like it had personally offended her. “see? i knew if i got into just enough trouble you'd appear like a summoned spirit. works every time.”

she shifted, making room without being asked, practically dragging her sister into the seat beside her with a force that was more affection than grace. her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol or maybe just from seeing her…probably both.

“i was going to send word. i swear.” she leaned her chin into her palm, staring up at yan with eyes that gleamed just a little too brightly. “but then i didn't want to risk being scolded for being out too late again and being tucked away in bed with tea.”

she bumped her shoulder gently against yan’s, voice dropping into something softer, honest. “you worry too much. i’m fine tonight.” a beat. “better than fine now that you're here.”

and then, because she couldn’t let the softness linger too long. she flagged down someone to bring two more, placing them in front of them.

she reached for her drink again, raised it in salute. “to sisters. and questionable decisions.”

a pause, then a grin.

“mostly mine, obviously.”

[slivertm]

"we must sojourn to the water!" chevalier calls out, rivulets of water drip of the ends of his indomitable curls as he shakes out his head - much like a dog. chevalier's heart raced in his chest, made young again by swimming through a huge wave. he'd learned as a boy, taught by his father in a lake by his house and made better by his time as an emissary. he leaves the water for just a moment to catch his breath, wrapping himself in a towel. "the sun is high in the sky, the water is cool. what good is life if we do not enjoy it?"

open for @ofcourtfablesarchive + @crxssdhearts' xavier.

[liu-daiyu]

.

“you make it sound like a religious experience.”

daiyu stood at the edge of the sand, arms crossed over her chest, the wind tugging at loose strands of her hair. her boots were already kicked off, feet buried in the warm grains, but she hadn’t stepped closer. not yet.

she watched the water roll and shimmer under the sun, cool and wild and calling.

“i wasn’t planning to swim,” she admitted, tone light but edged with that familiar tension, the kind that came when her body was behaving for now, but she didn’t quite trust it to stay that way. she had left her cane in her room for the day since she felt so good. but unsure if this was pushing herself too much

her eyes flicked to him, water dripping off him, beaming, wrapped in a towel like he hadn’t just launched himself into the sea with all the joy of a young child. she couldn’t help the crooked grin that pulled at her mouth.

“but ah, cauldron, you’re right.” she stepped forward, one foot, then another. her fingers already reaching to undo the buttons on her linen shirt. “what good is life if i just sit on the edge and watch it?”

with that, she ran, not gracefully, not carefully, just pure joy, straight into the water, laughing as the cold hit her like a challenge.

“if i drown” she shouted over her shoulder, “you’re dragging my body back and explaining to my dragon, and he’s mean when he’s mourning!” she teased

[escteric]

open starter !

he had heard people list all sorts of reasons for their dislike of the summer court: the warmth, the bright sun, the buzzing city scape, the secluded palace — ironically, the items on the list were also the things people had fallen in love with the court. he considered most of the details irrelevant. but what he was both intrigued by and averse to, was the sheer amount of unique flavours the court had to offer. the fruits, the drinks, the spices... everything was just a bit sweeter, more vibrant, stronger — and that was exactly where the danger lay. kain grimaced at the spasm his throat made when the plum wine burned it. did it even qualify as wine ? mother know if it did. as discreetly as he just could, he coughed to free himself of the tightness in his throat. " have you ever given this a chance ? " the untouched crystal glass that had been meant for water got filled with the deep amber liquid. he had decided he was not going to be alone with his suffering. with the tips of his fingers he slid the glass closer to the person sitting close by. " it is what one might describe as an experience. "

[liu-daiyu]

.

daiyu had was jumping around trying to get her boots on.the floor was cool stone beneath her bare feet. outside, the hum of summer still buzzed, distant and alive—but in here, it was quiet.

too quiet. she wanted to get out

she spotted kain nursing something suspiciously plum-colored at the low table, and her grin kicked in before her mind did.

“you mean to tell me you choked it down just to drag someone else into the fire with you?”

she dropped onto the cushions beside him without asking, her cane left leaning against the wall, forgotten for now. her sleeves were rolled to the elbows, her boots finally now on

“now that’s the dusk spirit. misery loves company and liquor that might kill you.”

she snatched the glass and raised it in a half-sarcastic salute before taking a bold swig. her expression twisted. the plum wine hit her tongue, sharp and hot, and she made a small noise halfway between a cough and a laugh.

“gods,” she wheezed, eyes watering just a bit. “it tastes like regret in a velvet bottle.”

a moment passed before she finished the glass anyways.

“come on,” she said, pushing herself up and offering a hand, half an invitation, half a challenge. “let’s go get a real drink. one that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to start a war in your throat.” she smiled. "i could use a partner in crime tonight" she said leaning down to finish lacing her boots

[stxrfclls]

open starter / @ofcourtfablesarchive

desmera  was  still  a  lady  of  winter,  still  not  used  to  the  heat  of  a  summer  sun  on  her  skin  for  prolonged  hours  of  the  day.  however,  she  found  that  at  night  the  beaches  were  simply  irresistible,  far  less  busy  and  the  heat  was  not  a  pill  to  endure.  she  was  trying  to  embrace  what  she  could,  and  this  seemed  the  best  way  to  do  so.  when  another  joins  her  on  the  lounge  chair  beside  her  she  can't  help  but  turn  with  a  slight  grin,  the  night  time  breeze  blowing  enough  around  them  to  keep  catching  the  thin  dress  she  wore  and  require  a  hand  to  hold  it  down.  annoying,  but  tolerable.  "  and  here  i  thought  i  was  the  only  to  enjoy  the  beaches  at  night.  "  comes  her  greeting  to  the  newcomer.

[liu-daiyu]

.

“give it five minutes—i’ll make you regret sharing the view.”

the voice came soft, wry, and unmistakably amused. daiyu dropped into the lounge chair beside desmera with all the elegance of someone who didn’t quite care about looking elegant, her cane resting against the wood with a quiet clunk. she leaned back, letting the moonlight catch on the rings she hadn’t taken off in weeks.

“the night is the perfect time to be out. I'm still used to all the...sun.but i’m glad you’re not one of those summer court types who worship the sun like it grants personality. oh shit...no offense if you are summer” she tilted her head, studying desmera through shadowed lashes, her dark eyes sharp even in the dim light.

a pause. the wind tugged at daiyu’s long sleeves. she didn’t bother fixing them.

“liu daiyu,” she added, finally. “dusk court. and you are? sorry i don't know. still learning everyone”

there was something curious in her tone—not quite challenge, not quite invitation. just interest. and for daiyu, that was rare.