DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A VERY DUKEMIR SIDED ANALYSIS OF THIS SHIP. DESPITE MY LOVE FOR THIS SHIP THE SHIP ALSO TECHNICALLY IS NOT CANNON TO THE LORE OF DUKEMIR OR ANY OF THE OTHER OCS. Despite it being all me, C and bee talk about/silly
The yapping starts here
My thoughts on Darkcage goes into each separate character and how they interact as a group. Theres many things and scenarios that could happen that me, C and Bee have all talked about in one point or another. But to prevent anything that I forgot was a spoiler or to prevent me from mischaracterizeing them this is a very duke centered explanation.
As a group: they might work? Its complicated. They each have their own issues. Their flaws. relying on survival is the main thing that is on their mind. So romance is honestly a second thought. Although with how much they snuggle and seem to care. Its like a romance that is only said first by Eden as he is very direct and then the others agree to it. Dukemir is blind as a bat when it comes to romance. Despite being so charming that a lot of puppets romantize him, he doesn't exactly know the difference between platonic and romantic. So he will have to be told directly by Eden and Wheylan that they are dating. You could sloppy make out with Dukemir and he'd still say you're a good friend unless you ask him out. Wheylan is just a bit shy when it comes to confessions but Dukemir is just straight lost. They all have 0 expirence which I find quite hilarious Because their mostly just winning this whole romance thing while also trying to not get caught. There is still a lot of things that can go wrong...
Eden:
Eden in their relationship takes a large priority, not only due to him being very sensitive when it comes to the other two being away for too long. Also being a prisoner that since escaped is probably heavily searched for. Duke and Wheylan take turns being around Eden. Although I imagine Eden prefers if they are both present. He finds that one of them will atleast suffice. Although for Eden it will take a long time for him to be reintroduced into society. Much more time after that to believe that he belongs with Dukemir and Wheylan. Bee mentioned them giving Eden a bath and a new change of clothes. They cuddle together on the bed and enjoy eachothers touch and company. Eden is unstable and with the more freedom he is given the more likely he will do something. There will be trenches. There will be issues. But together they may find a way to solve them. With time and patience.
Wheylan:
Wheylan's belief that the others have bigger problems then him bound to cause problems. Not only will Dukemir disagree and attempt to reassure Wheylan that he matters too, but there are so many ways that Wheylan's obsession with death and enabling could accidentally encourage Eden and Dukemir's unhealthy habits. Wheylan also has unhealthy ways to deal with going through things to the point where somethings are definitely going to have their issues. It may cause Eden to spiral a time or two. With gentleness and reassurance they could figure it out. These things take time.
Dukemir:
Time... Time that Dukemir doesn't have. Oh that sweet loving slow burn? You thought this was going to be the universe where they get together and live happily ever after? No. Dukemir's time is much more limited than he realizes. His body is decaying by the day, every move he makes, another chip of his puppet shell comes flying off. Everytime he uses his ability to help others? Another body part cracks and crumbles. He doesnt tell anyone. He doesn't mention it. No one will notice. He lives in utter agony but tells absolutely no one. He hasn't been to the healers in years. He doesn't need them to tell him that he only has so much time left. He doesnt want to put that burden on them. Much less his lovers. They obviously need him to stay strong. They need him to keep them safe. He will do so. Until his last breath.
KoM OC Fanfic: Gently Coaxing The First Piece Of Love
Kingdom of Marionettes is owned by thepipiuw. Do not feed this into AI and do not interact with this if below 18, even if this fic isn't NSFW. Listening to and following boundaries is a good thing to practice.
Tags: [Fluff] [Hurt/Comfort] [Non-Sexual Nudity] [Washing As A Sign of Love] [Bathing Someone But There's Nothing Romantic About It] [Dialogue Heavy] [I Had To Rip Those Rags Off Of Eden Sorry C] [Character Study]
Warnings: [Vague Allusions to Eden's Isolation] [Allusions To Dukemir's Low Self-Esteem]
Relationships: DarkCage [Dukemir/Eden/Wheylan], Focus on Eden and Dukemir
Word Count: 3206
Summary: Eden needs a bath. Dukemir goes soft. Wheylan is disgusted by stuff. Everyone is glad water bills don't really exist for the puppets.
A/N: This turned from me wanting Eden and Wheylan to interact into Eden and Dukemir having a moment with Wheylan as a third wheel. This is fun, though. Very unnecessarily long, too. Sorry, everyone.
It had only taken a week of everyone co-existing in the same room for Dukemir to say something. Granted, it likely would have taken longer in other circumstances, but it seemed the odds were in his favor.
For starters, Eden. Just Eden being Eden. Eden being the Eden who was trapped in some deep dungeon for who knows how long, accumulating grime and blood onto his once pristine robes.
Dukemir being the duke who wanted everyone to be treated fairly, thought it was unfair that his friend was still so unclean, especially with the ex-clergyman living in his estate.
Wheylan was out for an emergency task, so Dukemir couldn't leave Eden, and he wouldn't, even if it meant the kingdom's tasks of the day were unfinished. It would be cruel to leave his friend alone, and he didn't want to be cruel.
He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus.
So, here he sat, in all his noble garb, gloves off, filling a bathtub as his companion leaned against his shoulder. Every once in a while, Dukemir scooped some water and pressed it to Eden's face, observing how the other reacted to the water. Nothing too cold, nothing too hot. Just wavering around lukewarm seemed to be safe.
The duke brushed away Eden's hair, eyes staring mournfully at the collar around his friend's neck. he pressed a hand against the key hole, his appendage shifting and molding itself into fitting inside. Eden let out a questioning noise but leaned into the touch.
"Please, my lord," the ex-prisoner whispered, voice quivering with unsuppressed hope.
Ugh, as if Dukemir's heartstrings weren't tugged enough.
"Thank you for trusting me, my soul," Dukemir fiddled with the lock until it clicked and fell off, Dukemir taking and setting it aside for proper disposal later.
Eden reached up, wanting to touch his freed neck, only for his manacles to remind him of the other dilemma. A few tears streamed down his face, Dukemir reaching over with a handkerchief and dabbed them away.
"We will find a way to remove those binds off of you, dear soul, I swear upon my house and life that we will free you," Dukemir vowed, cupping Eden's face and hugging the other close, hoping the proximity would be enough to ease the other's worries for even a little.
The two stayed that way for a while, Dukemir only pulling away to stop the faucet before the water overflowed.
"I hope this is not very intrusive, darling soul, but I will need to ah…" Dukemir's eyes trailed down to the other's…rather crusty robes, if he could politely describe them.
Eden let out a questioning hum, not quite aware of his surroundings with how closely pressed he was to the other.
"I'm here!" A voice yelped from outside, the bedroom and bathroom doors slamming open, the smell of ash suddenly filling the air. "Oh, did you guys take off Sir Eden's collar without me?"
Dukemir let go of Eden and shoved his gloves back on, schooling his face into a warmer expression as he faced the newcomer. Ah, right on time.
Wheylan had returned, a wooden tub of sorts shrugged over their shoulders and a satchel of what Dukemir hoped were the requested soaps in their hands. Ryan darted inside from between their legs, the raccoon coming over to rub against the duke.
Their clothes looked slightly singed, their signature cloak was missing, and their apron had a suspicious amount of colorful raccoon paw prints staining it.
"Sir Ryan fell into my paint while I was working near my forge," They explained, putting their things aside and untying their apron, "Hello, Duke Dukemir. Hello, Sir Eden."
"Hello, my lord."
"Hello, my heart. We did. I hope it was alright if we did it without your company?""
Wheylan made a face at both titles, but accepted them regardless. The shortest of their trio walked over and bumped their head against Eden's shoulder.
"Yeah. Whatever brings Sir Eden comfort first and foremost. I brought extra shampoo and conditioner, as well as some soap bars and my trusty washboard. Oh, and did we need scissors or shears? I brought both."
They reached into their apron and pulled the tools out, showing them off to Dukemir and tapping them against Eden.
"Sir Eden, if you're comfortable with it, I was hoping we could, uh, er, I think we need to cut your clothes off." They poked a sleeve, eyes widening at the slight crunch they heard.
"However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea, we can also wash you in your clothes, my soul." Dukemir offered, giving a worried look to Wheylan.
The wheelwright nodded vigorously, "What the duke said, Sir Eden."
Eden cocked his head, "I will go with whatever you wish, my lords."
"Well, it would make sense if we do what you wish, my soul," Dukemir insisted.
"I wouldn't dare intrude, my lord."
"But it should be your choice, my friend."
"Truly, my lord, it is not that great of a deal."
"I insist, dear friend-"
"I say we strip you," Wheylan groaned, head falling against Eden's arm, "Keeping you in those clothes wouldn't be nice, especially in Duke Dukemir's case, considering he's a duke and status…all that. Something something…generosity. I'm sure we can find something in his wardrobe. Also, the bath is getting cold."
Eden nodded hesitantly to the idea. His lord's logic was sound, but the idea of using Dukemir's clothes, wasn't that rude?
"And fear not about wearing such things, darling soul. I have many outfits and I'm sure one of them shall fit you." Dukemir chimed in, pressing against Eden's side again.
Oh, well…alright.
"I would like that, my lords." Eden said, voice almost unwavering.
With the confirmation, the other two took it as their cue to start moving.
Dukemir looked away as he helped Eden slip off his pants, the things immediately getting taken by Wheylan and dropped into the bin. Next went the shawl…robe…wide sleeves…whatever it was thing, also going into the bin. All that was left was the inner robe.
Wheylan skipped over to the blinded puppet and flexed the shears for a few moments, testing its flexibility. Deeming it suitable, they tapped it against the tattered bottom. Though, it didn't quite feel right.
"I have to cut it from the side because of the manacles, Sir Eden," The wheelwright explained, poking at some more flaking crustiness, "If I cut it from the sides, then we can take the pieces off of you. I can take and wash them, then, uh, I can maybe sew them back together. My mother taught me how to, back in the day. I'm sure I could mend them or adjust them to work better on your body, probably."
"You can still say 'no,' dear soul, and we would not judge you for it," Dukemir once again chimed in, a hand stroking Eden's hair and an arm loosely held around the other's waist.
The ex-clergyman shook his head, pushing himself more into the duke's embrace.
"I am ready, my lord," the blinded puppets voice shook, tears streaming once more, and Dukemir held him tighter.
Tentatively, Wheylan began snipping, moving in small, slow increments. Up and up the shears went, faltering as they reached Eden's thighs.
"May I keep going, Sir Eden?" Wheylan questioned, suppressing a gag as they saw the grime accumulating on their tools.
"Yes, my lord," came the faint reply, Eden almost melting in Dukemir's hold.
Wheylan looked up at the two and rolled their eyes, continuing to cut up, murmuring apologies every time their hands brushed against the other's porcelain.
They stopped right below Eden's arms, cutting the other side with the same hesitance as before.
"Uh, can you raise your arms for me, Sir Eden?" Wheylan prompted, wiping theirs shears with their shirt.
Eden obeyed, limbs quaking from the movement. Dukemir moved his hands to the prisoner's wrists and helped keep them steady.
The wheelwright opened the shears, using the tip of one to cut away at the sleeves. Their hands brushed up against Eden much more than wanted, so the apologies doubled, if not tripled for every accidental touch.
Eventually, they finished, shears caressing Eden's throat before pulling away, clothes, getting carefully tugged off by the wheelwright.
Dukemir guided Eden towards the bath, all his eyes averted from the other's nude form. Wheylan chucked the robes into the tub, a heavy, relieved sigh emerging from them.
"There we go, Eden, one foot after the other. I have you, dear soul," the duke coaxed, water splashing over as Eden was sat in the bath.
The blinded puppet gasped at the sensation of the water, clutching Dukemir tightly. The broader puppet shushed him, pressing his lips to the other's head. He lifted the other's manacles away from the water, Wheylan coming over to shove a tray of sorts under them and hand the bag of soap bottles, glass clinking. The metal tray was slightly warped near one end, but otherwise seemed sturdy, holding the manacles well out of the way. The bottles seemed fine, of decent quality too, though were definitely straining the bag. Dukemir hummed approvingly.
His eyes turned into crescents and he looked to the wheelwright with a soft smile, "Oh, thank-"
He was met with narrowed eyes, purple flashing briefly, "Don't."
He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus.
The duke blinked, then nodded, "Deepest apologies."
"And of no fault of yourself," they responded, handing the duke various bottles of soap, "I'll be using your sink to fill my own tub."
They stepped back and one of Dukemir's eyes caught the wheelwright using some small bucket to fill the tub. Hm, next time, he'll offer the bath for them to use instead.
Their submerged companion tilted his head at the two's conversation, Dukemir patting his cheek, "No worries, dearest soul. Our friend is merely…occupied. They will tell us when they are ready."
He reached for one of the bottles, finding it to be a plain liquid soap. He poured a little onto his gloves and lathered them. Eden whined at the loss of the touch, but settled once Dukemir began soaping his arms.
Although he wanted to be careful, Dukemir could see that some stains and grime were going to need a firm touch.
To say the Eden was dirty was an understatement. Even just sitting in the tub, the water was already turning a muddied dark brownish-gray from all the stains accumulated on Eden. Dukemir winced and continued to soap until the water was well and truly done, grime sticking to the bath's sides.
He patted his friend's back, "I shall be draining the water now, so you may feel a tickling sensation near your feet, darling soul."
"Understood, my lord."
The duke pulled the plunger, watching the bath drain. He tested the water, waiting for it to warm a bit before plugging the bath again.
Time to rinse and repeat.
After the arms went the chest, Dukemir scrubbing as mechanically as he could and as far from more sensitive parts as possible. Not that it really changed much for Eden, considering the puppet's sensitivity, but he understood…somewhat.
After the chest was the stomach, Dukemir eliciting some giggles from Eden as he washed the other. Dukemir laughed along, a soft snort escaping their third as they listening in on the duo's shenanigans.
Eden's back was easy, thank goodness for that. Though, as Dukemir grabbed another bottle of soap, he noticed the supply was dwindling badly, and they still needed to work on his dear friend's hair and legs.
As the duke drained the bath for the nth time, he turned to Wheylan, who was adamantly scrubbing one of the robe pieces against their washboard.
"Dear heart?"
"Hm."
"Could you perhaps grab some soaps from the sink cabinet?"
Wheylan glanced back and sighed, shoulders slumped, "Sure thing, Duke Dukemir."
They trudged over to the cabinet and took out a few more glass bottles, all colored green (what a surprise), handing the delicate things to him. They bowed to him and went back to scrubbing. The broader puppet could have sworn he saw some white peeking through, so it seemed some progress was being made.
For Eden's legs, Dukemir kept the water low, barely reaching the blind puppet's ankles. He opened another bottle and repeated his process, Eden letting out small gasps at the feeling. With the time he soaked in the previous washes, the grime was easier to wash off, though Dukemir still felt it was rude if his touch lingered too long.
The water was, of course, drained right after.
All that left was Eden's face and hair. His eyes lingered on the other's mask, a deep shuddering threatening to go through him. If only he had done something sooner, had known about the situation sooner, if only he had found his voice sooner, if only he did something against him sooner.
He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus. He wasn't Crownus.
Enough; no point in dawdling. He had responsibilities.
The duke shook his head and focused on his friend. Hm, working around the mask on Eden's face would be difficult alone, but the duke didn't want to bother Wheylan anymore…
"Here."
A few more bottles were added to the growing pile, Wheylan's eyes fixated on Eden's hair.
"If it's fine with you, Sir Eden, I can help wash your face while the duke does your hair," they murmured, heading to the sink to wash up.
"That would be fine, my lord," Eden nodded, body shivering from the dampness still left behind on his body.
Dukemir moved slightly, giving Wheylan room to kneel beside the bath. They reached for a few of the bottles and put them closer to the duke, eyes still staring at Eden's hair critically.
Wheylan pointed to each one firmly, "Clearest bottle is conditioner. Red is shampoo. Purple is coconut oil. Sir Eden, I'll be doing your face now, please look up and keep your mouth shut. This does not taste as nice as it smells."
Eden did as he was told, the prisoner leaning into Wheylan's hands as they brought some soap towards his face. If Dukemir could describe it, he would say Eden was being washed like how he washed Ryan. A small massage under the eyes - or in this case, the mask - and an odd emphasis on his cheeks. Must be the tear stains, though the gesture was…mostly useless, considering more tears were falling again.
Dukemir watched as Wheylan scooped some bathwater and poured it carefully over Eden's face, doing small sections at a time. As they approached the mask, they simply wet their hands and wiped away the soap.
"Ahem."
Ah, right.
The duke scooped some water and dampened Eden's scalp, Wheylan pulling a cloth from…somewhere and using it to block any water approaching the mask. When the blind puppet's hair was thoroughly dampened, Dukemir took the offered bottles, going through Eden's hair as carefully as he could.
Wheylan watched, eyes narrowing at every little motion the duke made. They nodded as he untangled the knots in Eden's hair, their own hands coming in to help separate parts better. They hummed as he massaged the other's faded locks until they were soapy, helping him scoop up water to rinse it all out. They let out a sigh, body slumping against the tub as they watched him rinse it all out and add in conditioner, emphasizing the very damaged tips.
"My lords," Eden mumbled, head lolling to the side, "I feel…strange."
Wheylan pulled their hands back and Dukemir finished washing Eden's hair. The wheelwright fetched a towel while Dukemir hoisted Eden into his arms, the puppet leaning into his friend's grasp.
"Oh, crumpets. Sorry about that, dear soul," The duke nodded as Wheylan patted Eden dry, wrapping the towel around the prisoner's hair.
"Can you please grab some robes and pants for our friend, my heart?" He turned, seeing the wheelwright slip out quickly.
"On it, Duke Dukemir," they called back, the sound of hangars being shoved aside making its way into the bathroom.
The duo pressed themselves closer to one another, Eden nuzzling into the crook of Dukemir's neck. The two basked in the touch, time slipping away. Their companion came back with a loose, long bathrobe and some pants, the things spilling onto the ground.
"Here we are."
"Good, you have my thanks, dear heart. My soul, could you please stand for us?"
Eden was set on the ground, still clinging to Dukemir as best he could. Wheylan coaxed one leg in, and then the other, tying the ex-clergyman's pants with a sloppy knot.
Dukemir took the robe, guiding each of Eden's arms through the holes, a breath released as he saw the manacles go through with little resistance.
"We're done, now, my darling soul. You must be tired, yes?" Dukemir guided Eden over to the bed, finding new sheets on the bed, all the old tucked to the side.
Wheylan walked over and patted the duke on the arm, nudging Eden with their head, "I'll go put these into the laundry room. You're doing good, Duke Dukemir. Really good. Why not get dressed for bed and lay with…our friend for a bit, yeah? What do you think, Sir Eden?"
Not Crownus. Not Crownus. Not Crownus.
Arms wrapped around the duke and pulled him towards the bed, "I agree, my lord."
The duke bowing as best he could in Eden's grasp, "And you, dear heart, are an outstanding friend to us both."
Wheylan flashed a small smile to Dukemir, lugging the sheets into their arms, "Uh…thanks? I'll be back soon enough. See you two soon."
The peasant fiddled with the door, opening and closing it clumsily, a little figure darting out with them. The duke lingered in his friend's grasp for a moment longer, pulling away to get more appropriately dressed.
Off came his soaked garments, another robe taken from the closet. The soiled clothing went into a hamper, and the duke was quick to dress himself in something drier and comfortable. Not like he had any other choice, with how Eden seemed to keep his ears trained on the duke's movements, fidgeting without his friend in reach.
Eden barely had to wait, though, as soon enough, Dukemir sliding into the bed with his friend. The two embraced again, the prisoner almost climbing right onto the duke. Not that he would have minded, of course. His friend needed as much comfort as possible, and he was a good duke, so, supporting those under his care was of high importance.
"My lord, will their lordship be here soon?" Eden asked, voice muffled from where he was pressed against Dukemir's chest.
Dukemir pressed their "Of course, my darling soul. They have yet to break their promises, and my dear heart is a very loyal friend."
"Okay. Thank you, my lord," Eden nuzzled the duke, sighing as he felt the covers come over them.
"Anything for you, my friend. Now, please, rest. I have you. I will always have you," Dukemir crooned, stroking his friend's softened hair, letting the tentative peace envelop them, safe for now.
Character Credits:
Dukemir & Ryan owned by @havocdreams
Eden owned by @an0nymous-c
Wheylan owned by me
Page made a comment about Vivian being the relationship counselor for DarkCage. It was very entertaining to think about.
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough energy to dedicate too much time to this animatic, but it's still here, so that's really nice.
Characters involved:
Dukemir by @havocdreams
Eden by @an0nymous-c
Vivian by @bettweenthepages
Wheylan by me
Also, I don't know where would be a better spot to discuss more about any of this, so, uh, any suggestions? I have a Discord account, if that works over the Tumblr messaging system 😅
DarkCage Relationship Dissection Because I Can't Be Normal About Them 😮💨
Salutations, everyone. DarkCage haunts me (insert the "Akira!" meme here). I haven't been this fixated on something in literal years, or ever, I think. Except maybe Pokémon.
Anyways, this is meant to be a breakdown as to why my favorite red flag polycule might work because if I don't get this out of my system I'm going to have too much energy for someone running on 4 hours of sleep.
Some warnings: Obsessive behavior, Unhealthy Relationships, Internalized Homophobia, Isolation, Religious Trauma (and probably more, so if anyone can help spot those, I'll add them here)
OC credit early on this time:
Dukemir is by @havocdreams (gay stack haunts me, but in a "warm feelings inside" way.)
Eden is by @an0nymous-c (I fear your draft count and I'm literally not kidding.)
Wheylan is by me
Honorable mention: Vivian is by @bettweenthepages (Vivian and Wheylan's friendship is one of the most beautiful things I have gotten the privilege to write, thank you, Page)
If we look at the three of them in general, we know that they have attachment issues. I say "seem" because the risk of mischaracterization is uh, strong here, I think. I base sources on "how quick can I find something that justifies this."
The Issues
Dukemir -> Attachment issues seem related to his need to protect everyone in the kingdom/theater. If he can't keep an eye on everyone in the kingdom, or, gods forbid, someone wants to leave the theater, then how can he call himself a good duke? How can he make sure the kingdom stays afloat, MC involved or not? It doesn't matter if he breaks from it, as long as it means he's helping and keeping everyone safe, now does it?
[Source 1] [Source 2]
Eden -> Attachment issues seem related to his undeserved isolation, a punishment for crimes he was forced to commit under the heels of others. His unwanted hunger begging him to seek comfort, touch, something that could start filling the void left behind by those he once knew, all distant memories. He can't touch, can't see, yet, after being in isolation for so long, who's to say he isn't also overwhelmed, clinging onto whatever scraps of warmth and kindness his savior has given him to "ground" - though, arguably, it's probably more like fixating - himself?
[Source 3] [Source 4]
Wheylan -> Attachment issues are related to their lack of self-worth. Why would others want to be around someone so small (literally) and insignificant in such a gilded kingdom? Their yearning was a sin, to want was to be wrong, to be was to know there was a mold they didn't fit that so many others did. They want to love, to live, but how could they ever be worthy of something so precious?
[Source 5] [Source 6]
Outside the Polycule
BlindDevotion (Dukemir/Eden) -> Shoutout to whoever made that name because I also don't know who did that. Old man yaoi where the red flags aren't quite resolved. Like Anon-C said, "[Dukemir's a man] with a million eyes and somehow still don’t see the red flags" [Source 7]. Dukemir's love for everyone and Eden's need for love seem almost endless, boundless, entangling in a way that lets them both satiate their red flags, but it seems more like a cycle of not expanding past their unhealthy perspectives.
"EyeShadow" (Dukemir/Wheylan) -> This ship is in quotations because if someone makes a better name, I'm grabbing it immediately. This is yaoi that also seems more like a red flag cycle, but not as toxic as BlindDevotion. It honestly seems more healthy too, considering Dukemir is generally supportive of people and considering he would be willing to literally work to get money for Wheylan's hobby that's outside the theater [Source 8]. I think it helps that Wheylan already thinks highly of Dukemir, BUT also has criticized the other - at least in their journal - for overworking, having also done something similar [Source 9]. So, this is overall more balanced? Like, this one would have some heavy emotional lifting, but there wouldn't be as much control needed?
ChainedShadow (Eden/Wheylan) -> I think this is literally the most toxic one out of all of these couples. Wheylan's attraction to death and enabling habits are NOT helpful for Eden. Red flag cycle, and it's zooming away, and there is goes, and it went into the stratosphere. This is just...really bad because no one is getting fixed, not even a little, and it sure doesn't help that Wheylan would still want to go out for their hobbies and friends. They love Vivian too much to compromise their friendship for Eden, and well, there would definitely be the use their shadows to keep Eden...safe? Is it really safety though, no, only a hollow excuse of it.
Overall: Love is not love if it is solely through the lens of control, and well, hm...these fellas don't seem too good at seeing that.
Inside the Polycule
What's fascinating is that by putting the three together probably works the best.
Someone can always keep an eye on Eden, both to keep him safe and to ensure he doesn't try anything risky. Safety over enabling for Wheylan and, I guess...safety is like, one of Dukemir's biggest things anyways, so that works. Ryan's involvement might make this a little bit...difficult, but nothing that an extra pair of eyes and hands can help smooth over (probably).
Dukemir can help console Eden when Wheylan wants to spend time with Vivian, holding and giving reassurances while their third is gone because they have a life outside of the polycule's little bubble.
Wheylan can help console Eden when Dukemir is off doing kingdom stuff because well, the ren faires are only a few weeks in the year and they're totally open to sacrificing most of those weeks (because, FUCK those tickets are EXPENSIVE) to be with Eden and Dukemir.
Wheylan and Eden can somehow, maybe, eh, convince Dukemir to take a break and spend time with them. Time with loved ones is precious, right, Dukemir?
This would be a very messy thing to operate, knowing their general selves (love my triforce of emotional disaster, mental disaster, and physical disaster /lh). However, if given the time, I think they could work things out to a point where maybe they re-integrate Eden into general society. If that's too much, then maybe they help Eden in being able to not fear being isolated and stop using the 'lord' title with such reverence, but, well, that's like, not a pressing matter (just odd, looking at you, Wheylan).
I still don't know how they would really meet and develop this relationship (because I, unfortunately, enjoy making somewhat coherent timelines and developments even for my fake ships), but this has been my TedTalk, and I hope you guys made it to the end, heugh.
Edit: I...there is also the intimacy factor and I FORGOT THE INTIMACY FACTOR but do I want to talk about the potential NSFW stuff? I don't know and I still need to ask the others for permission, so, cough...
EDIT 2: I FORGOT TALKING MORE ABOUT THEIR POWERS NOOOOOOOOOO (I'm going to make a part 2 to this at this point)
A bunch of my doodles for the day because DarkCage won't leave my mind and ahem, some people aren't helping (/lh).
Warnings: Minor(?) body horror [it's a mouth], Suggestive & Explicit Content
As a reminder, this is going to be EXPLICIT CONTENT. Do NOT interact with this if you are below 18 years old and do NOT feed this into any sort of AI.
In order:
The first: A comic strip(?) about two friends getting into shenanigans that involve trying to consume a wine bottle. This is how we learn about why Wheylan doesn't want their mouth to be too damaged. Their shadow self can only keep so many parts stuck together.
The second: A lighthearted comic between DarkCage [Dukemir/Eden/Wheylan]. The trio were almost caught sneaking around the kingdom. A tense moment after, and it appears someone has a bit of a potty mouth. Can't blame them, though.
The third: A puppet stage with paper cutouts of some of the denizens in the kingdom. It appears that not even this little stage can escape a haunting narrative (disclaimer: this is based on assumptions about havocdream's characters).
Suggestive & NSFW content ahead!
The fourth: A small study/fix it of Wheylan's eyes.
The fifth: Looks like there was someone who riled the resident wheelwright up, hm.
A slightly fluffy but also "there is definitely something wrong" fanart of DarkCage a.k.a: Dukemir, Eden, and Wheylan as a poly ship.
Dukemir's a little more tired than usual and in classic Dukemir fashion, downplayed it and is probably having a horrible nightmare or osmething. Eden is suffering, even with the warmth from the others because it doesn't feel like enough to stave off all the years of isolation in the dungeon, Wheylan ended up on the floor and one of their shadows replaced him because they want to be big spoon, also they're bleeding because they forgot to bandage their feet.
Why're they all so tired? Maybe shenanigans of trying to hide Eden and helping keep the peace around the kingdom (I side eye Anon-C for this thought hmmmm /lh).
Overall, they're not doing great, but they have each other, and in a place like the kingdom, there's not much else that they could hope for.
Ryan gets his own little bed with a pillow and blanket because I adore that raccoon. You go little guy, go scavenge the trashcans and find yourself something nice to nibble on.
Maybe I write an angst fic about one partner not getting to bed on time due to bad shenanigans or something, I don't know-
As per usual:
Dukemir and Ryan the BEST RACCOON EVER is from @havocdreams
Eden/Interloper is from @an0nymous-c
Wheylan (and the shadow person, Precious) are mine
Okay, now I’m done with this fake ship. Back to doomed yuri I go 👋
Poly headcanons are in my head and none of them make sense but they sure are fun to think about.
For Eden/Duke, I propose ChainedEyes because literally, Eden is chained but also Dukemir has chained himself to duty and their red flags can chain themselves to each other and hmmm yeah that’s all I have
ChainedShadow was too beautiful to change. I love it
As for it being all three, I propose…nothing, actually. I have no ideas. Eyeshadow for Dukemir and Wheylan sounds absolutely hilarious though, sigh, I need to focus on my lecture
Dukemir by @havocdreams (thank you for those $100 for Wheylan to go to a renaissance faire but also where did he even get that money 🤨)
Eden/Interloper by @an0nymous-c (I hope your drafts are saved and get posted without issue)
DarkCage Relationship Dissection Part 2 Because I Forgot Some Factors
Salutations again, dear readers. While BlindDevotion is still my favorite pairing, DarkCage is precious to me.
Today, I will be delving into my speculations about how intimacy works within the relationship, as well as their powers and where those can help make or break the relationship.
There will be mentions of NSFW topics in this section. It can be ignored if it is unwanted by the readers, but I will not tolerate minors interacting with this.
Similar warnings as last time: Obsessive Behavior, Unhealthy Relationships, Self-Sacrificial Tendencies, Isolation, Self-Harm, Hallucinations (etc, do tell me if/what I missed in the comments)
OC credit early on this time:
Eden by @an0nymous-c
Dukemir (and Servi) by @havocdreams
Wheylan (and Fury) by me
Edit: This was a draft from a month ago from the time I post this.
Edit 2: Added a part about Eden's hallucinations
I didn't make a picture this time, but, as per usual, there is a risk of mischaracterization and even after talking to Anon-C and Dream extensively (but not coherently), I may get something wrong.
Also if I didn't add a source and you want to know if there's one, you can leave a comment asking me to find it for you. We both probably need it.
Powers Breakdown (From What I Understand)
Dukemir
Dukemir seems to have two powers, I think. I lied there's three.
Dukemir's Malleability: His ability to shape his blood and body into basically whatever shape he can think of is very useful. Whether it be weapons, extra height, or any other tool [Source 1] [Source 2] [Source 3]. Extremely useful for whatever threats occur in the kingdom. The wellbeing of the kingdom comes first and foremost, something that his mind refuses to be malleable on.
Dukemir's Eyes: As far as I understand, Dukemir's body is - for a lack of better words - a mix of gas and eyes. The eyes on his cape help him look around himself and he also attaches eyes from his own body onto others as a means of surveilling the entire kingdom. All* puppets have an eye attached to them, whether they realize it or not [Source 4]. Dukemir may have his heart out on his sleeve, but he keeps his invasive "protection" method tucked away quite well.
Dukemir's Teleportation: In all technicalities (I think), this is part of Dukemir's malleability. However, it is distinct enough to where I can say it is another ability entirely. He can teleport from one spot to another, at an even higher cost of his body's integrity compared to the other two abilities, I think [Source 5].
*All puppets, though I'm sure some have been able to evade it somehow. For example, my own OC, Fury/Furie, has banned the duke's invasive presence in her grove. No eyes there, Dukemir. She means it.
Eden
Hive Mind: Eden's power has been dubbed 'Hive Mind' by Anon-C [Source 6]. He touches a puppet or a vessel, he controls them. He can feel through them, too [NSFW! Source 7].
From the looks of it, Eden can basically take over as many vessels as he can [Source 8]. I would say Eden's vessels are similar to Dukemir's eyes, both being able to be tapped into to observe things around the kingdom. If the main indicator that a vessel is possessed by Eden is through the tears that stream down, I'm sure that's more or less an easy fix. No one would question the damage on the vessel anyways, not after the fall of Crownus.
Wheylan
Homunculi: I have come to dub Wheylan's powers as "homunculi." Soleil and Precious are literally parts of Wheylan's mind and soul that have manifested into shadow vessels [Source 9]. They are him, and he is them. If they get damaged, he gets damaged, though it won't be visible on his puppet shell.
Teleportation: Still part of the homunculi, Wheylan can put one shadow in one location and step through the other to get there. Like two portals that need to be linked to work. Both powers strain Wheylan, and if they use either too much/often, they eventually melt out of their shell and reveal their true form [Source 10].
The Three's Powers Together
There is no privacy, even if Wheylan and Eden are basically always in Dukemir's estate/manor/whatever it is. Dukemir is constantly watching everyone.
If Wheylan were to ever find out about that, I fear their mental well-being would plummet immensely. I'm not sure about Eden. However, considering the fact he would grab more vessels if it meant keeping his beloved(s) around, I could see him somewhat feeling reassured by that, so long he gets to do something similar.
I think it's reassuring, though, that their powers work together in a way that could bring protection and comfort over control. They can all look after one another in ways that work in one another's boundaries, but that also depends on how well they can reach that level of understanding.
I think it's also sweet to think about Wheylan learning to better control their teleportation abilities to help Eden explore the kingdom, or at least take Eden around the duke's estate.
I think it's both sweet and concerning to think about Eden gaining the vessels. He could use those to consume or to hold. To control or to embrace. He gains a part of himself in a different way, and the other two, I'm sure, would be happy to adjust to the vessels, even if the history behind them was terrifying. It wasn't Eden's fault back then, but now there needs to be responsibility if something happens.
Intimacy Breakdown (I'm Losing My Coherency)
Dukemir
Dukemir is affectionate with everyone. The lines of platonic and romantic don't exist for him, not really. He loves in a way that doesn't care for that line. Of course, he'll remind himself to respect other's boundaries, but otherwise, he is very free with how and where he expresses his affection [Source 11].
Eden
Eden has attachment issues. His devotion and affection only go to those who he deems worthy of it. However, he is rather cold to those outside of his lover(s). In Dukemir's and Eden's shared romantic relationship chart, you can also clearly see how well the two work in regards to affection [Source 12].
Wheylan
Wheylan is on the opposite side when it comes to affection. Affection for them is private, away from prying eyes. Open affection doesn't feel right, and it scares them. It makes them feel exposed, judged. They may do it for their romantic partner, but they will eventually pull away. I think they do better with platonic intimacy than romantic, but that's because of their background of what they have seen in romantic relationships.
Considering Dukemir is constantly out and about, I think Wheylan and Eden would have a more developed relationship, especially early on. With the wheelwright being around more than the duke, perhaps Wheylan would fill in the silence once filled in by Prieston.
The Trio's Intimacy
Just to put this out there: These three are not going to have a biological kid. Eden doesn't want kids. Wheylan is extremely situational, and this situation has them firmly at a 'no'. Dukemir, I think, just wants kids in general, doesn't matter how.
Ryan is their kid. That's probably as best as they're getting. Adopting and rescuing any stray animals that come in that they can afford to take care of (sorry, Servi).
Yes, this counts as intimacy.
Let's talk about some of their disabilities while we're at it.
Dukemir has hallucinations [Source 13]. He feels he sees the ghosts of those he failed, and Countine still very much exists [Source 14].
I doubt neither Wheylan's homunculi or Eden's vessels help in that situation, though I'm sure the physical presence of both Wheylan and Eden help to a degree, especially when Dukemir can focus on them outside of his kingdom duties. Though, let's all be honest, does he ever give up on his duties, even with his lovers?
He's also constantly in pain, though, with how long it's been and how constant it is, I can assume he's gotten used to it to a degree. Not fully, never fully. Dukemir is not immune, not at all, but he has learned to live with it.
Eden is blind with a fragile mental state. He has lost so much of himself, is so starved of everything, that even a drop of affection or hope overwhelms him. He needs care. He needs time. He needs to be shown boundaries and given boundaries. He needs guidance that isn't just to help him grow situated with the environment he lives in, but also guidance in building up a new version of himself. There is no way he can go back to being who he once was, only who he can be.
Helping him with his hallucinations requires the physical presence of others and them being able to figure out that Eden is hallucinating. I'm not sure how this looks, but I believe that it would be more obvious than Dukemir's hallucinations [Source 21 (Since it was added later)].
Wheylan has a self-inflicted disability and has a sort of trigger when it comes to eyes. They carved out the bottom of their puppet feet to give themself's skates [Source 15]. They panic and cry in fear when too many eyes are on them, or eye contact is prolonged.
Eden and Dukemir probably have it worse when it comes to the chronic pain due to their damaged shells. Wheylan has been fluid when it comes to their shell, so they don't experience as much pain there [Source 16].
I would like to believe the trio help each other as best they can with one another's pain. I know at least Wheylan and Eden would be more obvious about it, and with Wheylan's backstory, Dukemir would eventually be assisted with his own pains, however challenging that would be [Source 17].
However, I'm sure most people are here for the more explicit stuff.
Even if they did have sex, I have always imagined it to be talked about thoroughly before they tried anything. It would be embarrassing, especially for Eden, who was once The Acolyte and then later was trapped in the secret dungeon [Source 18].
Still, it would be cautious, careful. Everyone checking in with every movement made. Every bite made with the promise of tending to the wound later. Every movement given praise. Hair stroked tenderly, sharp edges and cracks kept as undisturbed as possible, no matter how ravenous any of them become in bed.
The aftercare would be the best part, I think. A different euphoria reached, a different part of their needs and wants satiated. More praises, massages, tucking each other into bed and wrapping themselves together into a cuddle pile of sorts. It will probably also satiated some part of Eden's obsessive behavior, knowing that he is the one sought out for something so intimate.
The Tragedy of It All (It's Mostly Dukemir)
This is the part I saved for last because I was waiting to see if Dream would post anything and if you are a mutual to Dream, you know exactly why Dukemir contributes the most tragedy to this and now I can actually talk about this spot without it being spoilers, for the most part.
As far as we understand, Dukemir has very limited time because he thinks he needs to be the sole protector of the kingdom. Sure, everyone else can do that, but that's like, his purpose.
So he's out there galavanting to fulfill a purpose he doesn't have to anymore. No one is that dependent on him for safety, not anymore. No, Eden doesn't count. Eden is still his own person, Dukemir.
And yet, here Dukemir is, destroying himself by the literal second. He will keep going until he is basically dust, if not literally [Source 19].
I am so happy that Wheylan and Eden are better than that. Good for them.
Wheylan and Eden will have to figure out how to survive without Dukemir. I don't even know how they would. He was part of them and without them, what are they? I could see the remaining two evolving in their relationship. Not quite lovers, not quite friends. They're something. Not whatever they were before, neither could go back to that, I think [Source 20]. But, they're something. They're them, and they understand each other in a visceral way that could bring comfort that others can not.
I believe the three of them can move beyond the original observation of "Love is not love if it is solely through the lens of control." They balance one another in a way that ensures there is more stability between the three than if they were to be apart. There is an intangible connection between the three that makes them work, for better or for worse.
For Fun: Some Songs I Think Fit Them
"Red Flags" by Tom Cardy -> Both because the relationship is like a mine field but also because it shows how the two sides are able to match one another.
"We Become We" Cover by Reinaeiry -> Them learning to co-exist,
"Like We'll Never Have Sex" by Leith Ross -> The relationship is more than sex and even when I eventually release those fics, they will be side pieces to a wider story.
"Dancing With Your Ghost" by Sasha Sloan -> For when Dukemir passes away.
