“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”― W.B. Yeats
So, I had to do an elf aesthetic set as well not only because of my own mess of a child but just the elves overall are a concept that I delved so much into and have such an amazing time building up the lore with Sammy and Lins with such intensely unique and astounding characters.
Ian getting to grow into his own identity as an elf alongside Riley being equally confused and trying to find some direction from Nick’s....unconventional wisdom is just such a great dynamic and the connection that three vastly different people can find without expecting to is just the best unintended found family story.
“The truth is finally breaking through, two worlds collide when I’m with you, our voices rise and soar so high we come to life when we’re in perfect harmony.
We say we’re friends, we play pretend, you’re more to me ...”
@uffdah-riley @blight-magic
They just. Make. Sense.
I’ve got a lot of love for what’s going on here, the interplay of what is on the one hand such a simple, pure fact of young life/love - making connections that you never really expected and that maybe don’t make sense on paper but feel so right to you that they make you stop and reconsider everything. But on the other, there is so much angst there with Amity and her internal struggles about the expectations of how she is supposed to act, the things she is supposed to achieve and what it means to her to be a Blight and to return home.
I don’t know what the future holds for them, but I will be watching eagerly because as Mim Ambrosius once said “I gotta know.”
Caught In Orbit || Mactermined [Trope Extravaganza]
@apennywasted
Determind’s Personal Log
Stardate 199616.1
Today is our 107th day in deep space. Just a day over our half way mark to Mars. Like I said in my last log, no one wanted to celebrate the occasion with me, so I did it on my own anyway. It went well! It certainly cheered me up, knowing that we are only a few months away from reaching those who have already forged ahead of us. Having those markers have made it easier to keep track of the days since we don’t really have a solar and lunar cycle to help me out with that anymore.
The crew are doing well, despite their lack of enthusiasm for the smaller pleasures in life. But I guess that’s what you get when you send a writer up with a bunch of astronauts/engineers/scientists. They are all very focused on their work, which is good. They have a mission, I understand that. But sometim
__
Toby looked up from the screen he had been typing on, a loud bang having resonated through his room. After a few seconds passed and no noise followed, he went back to finish his sentence only for another noise to emerge, this time closer. He saved his progress and placed the device aside, standing up from his bed to go see what was going on.
He poked his head outside his door but the hallway was completely empty, the buzz of the dimmed lights for the night time routine the only other noise. Toby jumped, hand clutching his door when the noise came again. Then he realized that he was just being stupid and paranoid. Obviously that noise was the sound of the door leading from the living quarters to the other part of the ship opening. Someone on the night shift was probably just coming back to get something! Toby stepped out into the hall, wanting to see who it was and if he could help them. It wasn’t like he was getting much sleep anyway.
Except what came around the corner was not one of the crew. What came around the corner was not even human.
Toby froze on the spot as it seemed to notice him. How, he didn’t know, since he could see any thing that looked like eyes on it. They both stood there, unmoving, for what felt like forever. He glanced sideways at one of the comm stations that sat on the hallway wall. Ever so slowly he inched toward it. The thing in front of him did not move. He reached up. It didn’t move. He pressed the button.
“Uh, Determined here,” he said, speaking quietly, voice warbling with fear. “Sorry to bother you all but I seem to be in a bit of a situation.”
“What kind of situation?” Barnett answered.
“Well there seems to be an alien on board, ma’am.”
Silence.
“Hello?”
“Determined, we don’t have time for any kind of pranks. This channel is for serious matters only. Now go back to bed.”
“But-”
“Now!”
The raise in volume seemed to provoke the thing, it giving out a blood curdling noise that vibrated the walls and floor beneath his sock clad feet. Toby yelled, turning around and making a run for it, heavy footfalls close behind him.
"We are
the scientists,
trying to
make sense of
the stars
inside
us.”
—Christopher Poindexter
Nicknames: Riles, Lee, Leah, Monkey, Kid, Kiddo, “Our Happy Kid”
Pronouns: They/Them
Birthday: January 22nd, 2003
Magick Status: Elf (Celestial)
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Appears White, secretly Celestial Elvish.
Accent: Minnesotan
Height: 5′9″
Build: Lean/Athletic
Complexion: Pale
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color/Length/Style: Dark Blonde to Light Brown/Mid-Length/Straight Bob
Tattoos: None
Piercings: Ears
Daily Jewelry: Matching bracelet with Meg back home, hockey skate lace bracelet, and a charmed bracelet from Amity containing a rainbow she procured and the memory of them making a snowman (Amity’s first time).
What would you find if you Googled them? Their name comes up for winning State in hockey back home as well as a small article about their parents’ work for DevTech. They also have Twitter & Instagram!
What natives would know about them: Graduated from Swynlake Secondary, going to Pride U for exercise physiology and nutritional sciences, their mom supports Annie Tremaine’s HOA, they talk about hockey and hotdish too much, and... are they always wandering around in their pajamas at night?? Weird??
Other: They’re only vaguely aware of their elvish heritage and they are very proudly queer
tags: #Riley’s Raised By Elves AU, #Royalty AU, #Riley/Beck, #Swynlake Gets Newbies Lost Trope, #tbh this whole thing came to me in a moment of insanity, #I plead the fifth, #Reunited, #Enemies to Lovers, #kind of, #I promise I wrote couple stuff amidst all this random useless lore, #please trust me on that I eventually get there!, #no beta
synopsis: Admissions of guilt are a no-go when it comes to the High Fey, be that should be Rule #1 for the Elves OR What if Riley Anderson was never taken? What if Mirai Nebulae was the one in their place?
word count: 3.1k (3125)
Mirai argued that they shouldn’t have to go to some stupid event held in another land.
It wasn’t as if they were some divinatory expert. Their abilities were better suited for checking in on the members of the High Court. The endless night of their home leant itself well to those that could continue their work and studies even while their bodies rested. Of course, it would do no good to attempt at burning the candle at both ends all of the time, one must rest the mind as well now and again, but Mirai had always skirted the line between dutiful helper and fun-seeking child.
“Surely it would make more sense to send me, Mother,” Conal huffed, crossing his arms as he looked up from his plate. As the older of the two it was typically Conal that had been chosen to represent not only the Nebulae family but the whole court in question should the need arise. Mirai had been jealous of this in the past but now it seemed to perhaps be available to be used in their favor.
Zaniah gave her children a disappointed look that dashed Mirai’s hopes. That was never a good sign. Their father Cielo sat in silence until he was sure that his children were settled before grabbing his wife’s hand gently. “We know that this is a big change but the stars whispered Mirai must be the one to go.”
Somehow that was enough to convince the children, though neither was happy with it. It wasn’t without complaint when they got Mirai in a new gown and set off out of Arcadia proper and into a different area of the realm: the Unseelie High Court.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
Mirai stepped out of the carriage, nerves fluttering in their stomach. They’d seen the Unseelie before, had been to the border a time or two, but this was a whole new world within their realm. Mirai had heard rumor of the glittering castle and the intriguing occupants therein but it was with mischievous glint in their eye that they (and their entourage) were lead to the main hall.
Dancing past Mirai’s eyes were Fae of all sorts. Some with claws, furry ears, and tails. Others with glowing eyes whose gaze pierced through their mind as though they were being read instantly. They weren’t sure how commonly the elven folk were welcomed into this space but it seemed as though they were wanted for the time being.
They opted to grab a drink, signaling for those accompanying them from their own High Court to make themselves scarce. How were they to mingle properly if the other Celestial Elves were hovering so closely? Thankfully the group respected the young elf’s wishes, disappearing into the crowd to monitor from afar.
“Who invited the space elf?” A voice from behind them sounded, too close for Mirai’s comfort. They spun on their heel, being met with a Fey with dark circles prominently shown beneath his eyes as the first feature that captured their attention. Mirai took a half-step back, this action allowing them to spot the striped tail and furry grey ears protruding from the stranger’s head.
How interesting..
“My name is Mirai,” they insisted, ignoring the implications of his question. “I was invited by the Queen herself as a representative of the High Court of the Seelie.” Bringing themselves to their full height, they raised a brow haughtily. This appeared to be an unintentionally amusing action it appeared as the stranger laughed in their face.
“Yes, I heard my grandmother was reaching out to the Seelie for this party. I don’t know why she thinks that would liven the place up, your kind don’t exactly exude fun.” His glee only grew as Mirai’s face flushed. They blanched at what to say over their self-importance.
Sometimes they really wished that they were gifted with divinatory abilities.
“I had no idea, I’m sorry.”
I’m sorry.
It was as the words left their lips that they knew they’d made a mistake. Years of training on how to speak with a member of the Unseelie, let alone a member of the royalty, melted away in two simple words and the flash in his eyes showed Mirai was locked in. They winced, unsure what they could expect of the other now.
“Well, Mirai, those certainly are some choice words you have given me so willingly.” His voice dripped, as though drooling over this delicious opportunity. “I am Prince Briar of the Riverlands, and I do so ask for a dance.” They noted the way he wasn’t cashing in his boon with his words and wished that the High Fey were not quite so clever.
“Well how can I say no?” They asked as politely as they could, taking the proffered hand and being led to the dance floor. They danced elegantly, very little conversation exchanged as Mirai felt their fear spiking at the possibility of another social blunder. They simply wanted him to name his price, to cash in on whatever it was he wanted from them.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
The night passed in a tense yet polite silence, the longer that they went without Prince Briar asking something in return for their apology the less Mirai was able to focus and the more they attempted to go above and beyond in hopes of placating their host. Dancing, mingling, even singing at one point in the evening, if Prince Briar asked it of them they agreed.
None of it appeared to be enough, though his mirth compounded alongside their fear.
As the evening appeared to be coming to its close, Mirai had had enough of being a pretty face upon the prince’s arm. “Your Highness,” they finally worked up the courage to say, “I do hope that any offense taken by my actions have been forgiven and forgotten. I have been a dutiful guest here in your land and believe I have fulfilled any boon that may need calling upon.”
Their hopes were dashed of being relieved as the prince leaned in closer, only a hair’s breadth away from their own face. “Oh, Mirai,” he cooed, a hand placed feather-light upon the elf’s cheek. “If you believe that our little game will be over so soon you mistake me for a lesser Fae. I will collect upon my boon, someday, and I look forward to seeing your shining face when I do.”
A shiver shot down Mirai’s spine as he swiped his thumb over their cheek, though whether it originated in fear or anticipation was anyone’s guess. With that the Riverland prince disappeared into the night, leaving the elf rather stunned when collected to head home.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
Time passed in the way it did, the years seeming to pass without Mirai’s notice. They tried to write off their time at the Unseelie High Court as a fanciful night that would never need repeating. Thankfully it seemed the Queen of the Fey was more than satisfied in the company that had been provided to her for that event and Mirai had little need to head back out of Arcadia.
Until, that is, it seemed that The Collector’s son was getting into some trouble once again. Word traveled from the Jubilee Court to the Celestial Court that there was trouble brewing, rumors of a mixture of Seelie and Unseelie converging within a small Mundus town. Ordinarily it could be ignored, could be overlooked as with all Mundus news, but should tensions rise within this location more trouble between the Seelie and Unseelie could break out.
Conal offered his services, his distrust of the Mundus strong and his loyalty to the members of the Jubilee Court ironclad after his union with his wife Celairien had been celebrated the year before. When the council deliberated Mirai’s brother was a resounding voice on ending the strife as swiftly and forcefully as possible.
"Do not sound so like the Ember Court,” Mensa Citlali chided him when his words became too inflammatory for the somber discussion. “Diplomacy will guide us alongside the stars.” Their eyes landed upon Mirai as though the problem was solved so easily.
“Oh, no! It can’t be me!”
“Have we forgotten the blunder my sibling made the last time we went them to deal with the Unseelie?” Conal snorted, dismissing them with a handwave. “Send me and the matter will be settled in days!”
“Conal, your enthusiasm is a deterrent rather than a helpful tool,” Mensa insisted. “Mirai’s reluctance can lead them to think things through.” Cielo and the rest of the council nodded in agreement.
Once again Mirai had no say in being sent away from Arcadia to the dismay of both Nebulae siblings.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
Once they arrived in Swynlake, given the Mundus name of Riley in order to fit in, they meandered around the town in hopes of running into The Collector’s son to find his opinion on the mess.
It appeared even a small town leant itself to getting lost. The streets themselves seemed designed to spin the young elf in circles, leading to them ending up in front of the Town Hall four times despite their best efforts to head in different directions each time.
Frustrations mounting, Riley as they were so called spun on their heel once again to head South just to run face-first into a stranger. “My apologies! I didn’t hear you behi—”
Their jaw dropped as an odd sense of recognition flared in their chest. He didn’t look quite the same, of course, his Glamour was working harder than even their own to hide the Otherworldly qualities they both possessed, but the flicker of self-amusement over their blunder was just the same.
“You never learn, do you, Starshine?” Briar teased lightly, reaching a hand out to steady their shaky frame. “That’s twice now that you have admitted fault.” His head shook with mock disappointment. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you’re buttering me up.”
“Y-Your Highness, I—”
“Ah ah ah, not here. My name is Beck in this town.”
“B-Beck, right. Mine is Riley.” It was important that they remembered themselves, that they played it safe once again. The last night they had spent with the prince played like a movie behind their eyes, all of the wooing and placating had been exhausting with only one mistake. How much would it take for two?
“Well, Riley, you look lost. Why don’t I take you under my wing and give you the grand tour? My cousins and I have made ourselves comfortable here and I like to think of myself as quite the expert now.” There was something in his eyes that made Riley want to run far away, to refuse him his fun. The fight left their body once his arm was around their waist, however, replaced instead by a flutter in their chest that urged them forward.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
The town was beautiful, the snow starting to fall upon their shoulders as Beck gave them the inside knowledge on the different establishments here and there. He spoke with such reverence intermingled with his fun, as though the town was a captivating playground filled with only the most exclusive toys.
“Why did you come here?” Riley murmured as they walked, marring the perfect blanket of snow underfoot. “Arcadia is such a wonderful realm, why would you intend to leave?”
“Amusement, of course,” Beck responded without thought, as though it were the most natural reason in the world. “My cousins had already left ahead of me and I wanted to continue my usual games with a new audience. Why did you leave if you love home so much?”
The temptation to lie was strong, especially since Riley knew that Beck certainly wasn’t as the High Fey were incapable of such a thing. But suddenly the unfairness of the situation struck them and they sighed. “I suppose I was sent to find you if I were to be honest.” It burned their cheeks to admit this, their Glamour taking on a deep crimson hue.
“Me? Well, aren’t I lucky?” Beck seemed pleased with Riley’s answer, as though this alone was keeping him warm in the biting winter air. “You have been hoping I’d hold you to your boon it seems, I can’t blame you. I like to think I’m the most creative of my cousins when it comes to that sort of thing.” He looked almost as though there were an addendum to that statement he wanted to make but swallowed it instead.
“Well you and your cousins. The High Court sensed trouble bubbling up from this town, I was sent to figure out how to fizzle it out. We don’t like trouble, especially when Mundus are involved. Sure, the Unseelie are far more willing to mingle with the Mundus but the Seelie cannot risk the problems they may create with any assistance we offer. It has happened before that they used it against us and we wish for history not to repeat itself.”
Beck surprised Riley by reaching forward and pressing a cold thumb against the worry lines in their forehead that had appeared while Riley had spoken. “You lot worry too much,” he tsked. “Seems as though you being sent here was for your own good. I can show you how to have fun. Not like your kind are known for that.”
The echo of their first conversation shouldn’t have brought a smile to their face, shouldn’t have been paired with so much affection, but Riley melted just a little under his gaze. “Well, if I get in trouble I suppose I’ll need to blame the Prince of Mischief, won’t I?”
A moment of comfortable silence passed between them, neither moving from this perfect scene, before Beck finally cleared his through. “I’ve decided how to cash in one of my boons,” he announced, his voice a mockery of a regal tone. “Mirai, you must accompany me to the gala at Town Hall next weekend, hanging upon my arm for the evening.”
The surge of the deal being settled ran over Riley’s skin and they supposed they should have felt dirty or used but a warmth like a soft blanket was the only thing that covered them.
“I’d be delighted.”
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
Finding a dress had been one of the more difficult tasks that Riley had faced in many years. They found a gown reminiscent of something they might wear back in Arcadia and decided that Beck had already seen them in their true form. This Glamoured appearance was a dim replacement in comparison.
Besides, what would it matter what Beck thought of their appearance? They were here to fulfill their mistake, not follow a courting obligation.
Meeting at the agreed spot outside the Town Hall where they had met, Riley’s eyes sparkled when they saw Beck in his Mundus clothes. It was unlike his Arcadian wardrobe, but somehow this complimented his Glamoured form in a similar way his Fey dress clothes had perfectly complimented his true form.
“You look stunning, Starshine,” Beck purred, holding out his arm to them.
“Likewise.” As told, Riley grabbed onto Beck’s arm where they must stay for the duration of the evening. Somehow, Riley wasn’t sure that they would mind this position. In fact, the more they wandered through the event from the food to the dance floor in an odd imitation of their first night the more they found a fondness growing in their chest.
It seemed Beck knew quite a few people from this town and Riley lost track of all the introductions that were laid before them. All they could focus on was Beck’s easy smile shifting from charming to mischievous between conversation partners and the way his eyes flashed whenever they were lured to the dance floor when he recognized a song coming from the speakers.
⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂
“Do you think you’ll grow bored of Swynlake?” Riley asked partway through a slow dance, curious what his answer would be. “I mean, if your reason for coming to Swynlake is amusement what will you do when the novelty of the town runs dry?” Riley couldn’t help but hope that he wouldn’t grow bored of this town just yet, as though their whole reason for being there wasn’t to encourage the Unseelie to remove themselves from this place.
“Mmm, perhaps someday, but I can find plenty to occupy myself for some time to come.” He winked conspiratorially. “Especially when I am graced with such ravishing company.”
“I mean my question honestly, Beck,” Riley huffed, though laughter tinged their tone. They didn’t wish to push forward further, though the slight worry reached their eyes. If he did do what Riley had been sent to accomplish what would happen to him? To them? Riley would simply go home and reassume their identity as Mirai, simply go back to doing their duty with their astral projection abilities?
It just didn’t seem right. Maybe the reason Riley had always felt a little off-kilter was they didn’t belong in Arcadia after all?
What if they weren’t meant to do things the elven way at all?
“Riley, may I ask something of you? This is not a boon to be collected nor is it a favor needing repayment? Just a simple request, freely available to refuse?”
“That’s a lot of buildup for a simple request,” Riley teased, though they could see the flight flame of insecurity sparking in his eyes. “But, yes, Beck. Ask your request.”
Beck hesitated, his confident and cocky demeanor from their last few encounters seeming to have left him entirely. Riley saw Beck, the real Beck, for the first time before he whispered as though the words might shatter “Will you kiss me?”
It struck Riley in a way they hadn’t expected, that being the last request they could have anticipated from him. It took them too long to respond, apparently, because Beck began to look panicked at their silence and stuttered something about it being a silly request, that they didn’t care, that it was okay if Riley didn’t—
Riley wrapped their arms around Beck’s neck, pulling him closer so that they could fulfill the request. It wasn’t the boon they still owed, the boon that Beck made a mental vow not to cash in, the boon that they both promptly forgot the longer their lips were pressed against one another.
No, Riley didn’t have to kiss Beck, didn’t have to do anything that he requested from him going forward, but there was something in the way he always acknowledged that, in the way that Riley was left with their own choices in everything they did, that made Riley want to answer him with that enthusiasm.
For once, Riley had complete control in what they were going to do in their life.
Find a stage
in outer space.
Wear a gown
of fiery lace.
Yellow, white,
or hotter blue,
all good choices —
you do you.
Join more stars
as twilight ends,
a constellation
of brilliant friends.
Make a pattern,
a loop, a line.
Now shine, shine, shine!
Riley’s elven looks and inspiration. Between the galaxies swirling in their eyes and the sparkling stars scattered across their skin like freckles the interstellar depths are ingrained in their very skin. That paired with the telltale pointed ears of an elf really seals their position as a Celestial Elf in the High Court of the Seelie.
