𝖱𝗎𝗇, 𝖻𝗈𝗒, 𝗋𝗎𝗇!

Until this moment, Wylan hadn't quite understood how much they meant to him. His father would have sneered at these thugs and thieves; a disgraced soldier, a gambler who couldn't keep out of the red. But they were his first friends, his only friends, and Wylan knew that even if he'd had his pick of a thousand companions, these would have been the people he chose. spoilers for books / show present

[themerchliing]

“You’re our chemist, Wylan,” said Nina hopefully. “What do you think?” Wylan shrugged. “Maybe. Not all poisons have an antidote.” Jesper snorted. “That’s why we call him Wylan Van Sunshine.”

#themerchliing — independent and selective WYLAN from SIX OF CROWS DUOLOGY / GRISHAVERSE — with book and show elements; established Nov. 2022 — adored by STARRY ( 25+, she/her ) — may contain triggering content — aged up Wylan — mutuals only & show-friendly — beta editor.

Rules. About Wylan (be aware of spoilers) / Important Note. Verses. / Promo. Memes. (New followers, please feel free to send!)

[rczancv-deactivated20260222]

"Then you’ve got Russia’s Ilya Rozanov. Strong on the puck and a strong skater. And from everything we’ve heard, he really gets under players’ skins. Good in his own room, not exactly liked in his opponent’s room. My kind of player. Boston’s kind of player, too.”

rczancv — independent and selective ILYA ROZANOV from HEATED RIVALRY / THE LONG GAME — with book and show elements; established DEC. 2025 — adored by STARRY ( 25+, she/her ) — may contain triggering content — mutuals only & fandom friendly — beta editor. RULES. ABOUT. MEMES.

[wehavefoundthestars]

"Good, that's good," Elio said, relieved now that his friend knew he could reach out to him if he needed help and would keep it a secret. There wasn't much else that he could do. Not without Wylan telling him what was going on.

"They definitely were fun." He agrees with a smile, "Don't you worry about me though," He says dismissively, "I still sneak away to find a book and a quiet spot to read. I don't need anything else to amuse me." It was true that it was more fun to hang out with someone of his own age and get to talk but he would survive.

Wylan's question caught him off guard and he blinked a few times before he said anything. "I… I still don't know if we're staying for good but I might do it if only to pass the time." Especially now he didn't have any other friends.

"I… No, I don't know yet… But… What about you?" Elio questions looking at him frowning, "Are you going to stay here? For the rest of your life, I mean? That hardly seems right for someone as smart as you."

[themerchliing]

"Ah, no. I... I don't want to stay here for the rest of my life." The thought of being stuck here until he grew old—if he even survived that long—and died in this place made him want to give up right then and there. "My plan is to make enough money to take a boat out of here. I want to go to Novyi Zem." Not that he knew what he’d do once he made it, but he’d figure it out. He doubted there would be much of a market for explosives over there, but he would find work somewhere. Helping out on the farmlands, perhaps.

"I don’t really have any other choice," he continued, looking up from his tea and offering Elio a small smile. "I just have to adapt." Which wasn’t easy, especially after being raised in a mansion with servants to take care of him. It was a shock to the system to land in the Barrel and fend for himself, but he was still alive, so he must be doing something right.

"Anyway, I shouldn’t keep you. Once we’re finished our tea, I’ll walk you back to the Zelver District." Even then, it was risky to be so close to his old home, but hopefully, he'd be far enough out of the way that none of his father's associates would be around to spot him.

...

Maybe he'd wear a hat and scarf, just in case.

[wehavefoundthestars]

"I should be the one thanking you, not the other way around," Elio pointed out with a small smile, "You saved my life." It still felt odd that he had to keep up this lie his father was spreading around but seeing Wylan visibly relax after his promise made him realize that whatever was going on, was serious. He supposed that an explanation could wait, for now, since they were both alive and well. That's what mattered most right? Even if he still had a million questions he wanted to ask.

"That's good," He said while nodding. Elio wondered what kind of job one could even have in the barrel but perhaps it was better not to know. Especially if it involved whatever kind of substance it was that he had used earlier to help him. It could hardly be legal. Not that anything was legal in this part of town. "Still if there's anything you need or you're in trouble let me know okay? You can send me a message and sign it with a different name or something."

"It's good to see you too," He replied instantly, "I was worried when you stopped showing up at our meetings in the library. I even willingly went to a few of those dreadful parties in the hope that you would show up." He admits smiling sheepishly, "That is until your father told us you were going to that school."

[themerchliing]

A smile and a nod. "Yes, of course, I'll let you know." He couldn't possibly tell Elio that sending him a letter just wasn't possible. Unless Wylan got someone else to write it but that brought too many risks that were best left avoided. Anyway, Wylan wouldn't feel right giving anyone else Elio's address so that idea was promptly discarded.

"I feel bad that you now have to go to those awful parties yourself. It was always fun when we could sneak away." Even if it had resulted in disapproving glares from his father and a stern lecture later on, it had still been worth it. Those moments had made Wylan feel normal. Like he was actually worthy of friendship.

"Are you planning on studying at the university here, or do you have other plans?" If Elio had the chance to pursue education that would lead to something he was interested in, then he should definitely do it. He could perhaps live out that academic life for the both of them.

"Have you settled on a career you want to do? Well, I suppose it's still a bit early to make a big decision like that."

[sometimes-petty]

"yeah later I'll re-download Tumblr to post this" -me on July 7th

[wehavefoundthestars]

He could see how nervous Wylan was, but after almost being robbed, looking for him, he thought he deserved an answer. His friend stayed quiet for a long time and he was beginning to think that perhaps he wasn't going to get an explanation but then he started talking.

"Get rid of you?" Elio repeats looking at him frowning, "Why would he do such a thing?" His parents were so loving that it was unfathomable that anyone would do such a thing to their own child. Especially because Wylan was kind and smart and never got into any trouble. Not until now, but it seemed like he didn't have any choice in the matter if this was how he had to survive. His hands cupped the warm cup of tea while he nodded at his request. "I won't tell him if you don't want me to." He promised, "I'll even go along with his lie if you think that's the best course of action, but I do hope you can tell me the whole story at some point." Because none of this made any sense to him. Something must have happened between Wylan's father and him or he wouldn't have ended up here.

Taking a sip of his tea before he dared to ask, "I know you seem very capable of living here since you saved my life just now and you're looking well but do you need anything?" He enquires, "Because I can help if you need it."

[themerchliing]

Why would any parent do such a thing? That was the question, wasn't it? Parents were supposed to be loving and supportive; everything his father was not. Wylan knew the reason, of course, but now wasn't the time to get into the why of it all. Scratching the back of his neck, he looked for a way to change the subject but was grateful when Elio accepted his request to keep his location to himself.

"Thank you, Elio..."

Feeling a bit more at ease now that he had that confirmation, Wylan allowed himself to relax a bit in his chair. The light chatter of the other patrons felt oddly comforting, showing that he wasn't alone out here even if these people were strangers to him.

"I'm doing okay. Actually, I'm doing pretty well all things considered. I have a place to stay and I have work that's getting more regular, so... yes, I'm capable of living here." Which was something he never thought would be possible. Him? Wylan van Eck? Living in the Barrel? Someone as soft as him? But experience and time had taught him that maybe he had more to offer than even he realized. If he just kept himself to himself and took on more orders for his workshop maybe he could save up enough to move somewhere else — Novyi Zem was his first choice.

"It's good to see you again," He continued, tracing the handle of his cup with his fingernail. "I wish we didn't have to meet under these circumstances, but it's nice to see a friendly face."

[phantomantz]

them 🦋🦋

[themerchliing]

lannamused asked: “ Currently considering becoming a bother and a nuisance, maybe even a menace or a rascal. ” from Jesper (since it was sent to another of my many blogs)

"Aren't you already all four?" Wylan stated bluntly without looking up from his latest project. He reached for a vial, moving it out of the way just as Jesper was about to examine it. Warning the gunslinger about his equipment had become a sort of running joke between them now, even if there was nothing funny about hazards in the workshop!

"How about you put a pin in those plans for now and resume them later when we aren't confined to a small space with highly dangerous chemicals? I'd hate for you to lose your eyebrows. Again." At least he hadn't lost any of his lovely fingers. Wylan was quite fond of those.

[wehavefoundthestars]

Nothing to worry about.

He says it casually as if he's been doing this for years… Has he? Elio had always known that Wylan was smart but he didn't expect him to create something like this, something to purposefully harm someone. How had his friend ended up in the bad part of Ketterdam? A million questions are swimming around his head, while the adrenaline of escaping a life-or-death situation starts to run out, making him feel tired. He didn't have the faintest idea of how late it was but he had to have been walking around for hours.

He snaps out of it when he hears Wylan his question. "I could ask the same thing of you!" Elio counters, "I know it's not safe here but I've been looking for you everywhere!" At least seeing Wylan in one piece was a relief. His father's story had been a lie. But why? If his son had run away wouldn't he have gone looking for him? None of this made any sense to him. Before could pose any question the other led him inside of a café and he was left alone at a table to wait for his return, with tea and biscuits. Something so ordinary. Had this become Wylan his new life?

Once the other returned to their table with his promised goods Elio looked up at him. "What happened to you? I mean… Your father is saying you're off to some fancy art school but I knew you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye not if you could… And now I find you here."

[themerchliing]

"It's... a long story." And one he didn't really want to tell, if he was being honest. Even if Elio deserved some kind of explanation for his sudden disappearance. Hands fidgeting and body squirming, Wylan tried to calm his nerves. He didn't know why he felt that way, like he'd been caught. It wasn't as if Elio was out to get him, but what if he accidentally revealed his whereabouts to his father? That settled it; Wylan had to speak up about how he'd ended up here. Or at least reveal enough so that Elio knew to keep his location a secret.

"That's a lie... What my father said, I mean. He told me he was going to send me off to a music school in Belendt, but he just wanted to get rid of me." He didn't know if he could bring himself to tell the entire truth. It was still so raw and painful. Wylan had always known his father hated him, but to hate him to the point where he wanted him dead? It cut him deep in ways he hadn't thought possible.

"He made it very clear that I'm not welcome back at his house, so here I am." Leaning forward, already forgetting about the tea, Wylan fixed Elio with worried eyes that probably made him look as desperate as he felt. "Elio, you can't tell him where I am. I can't really go into all of it right now, but please promise to keep our meeting a secret." He knew Elio would have more questions and Wylan couldn't blame him, but this was as much as he wanted to speak right now.

"If you could pretend to play along with the school story and any other lies he tells, that would help me out a lot."

[wehavefoundthestars]

Elio swirled his head around when he heard a familiar voice.

Wylan!

What was he doing in these parts of town and wait was he trying to defend him? It wasn't as if Wylan was a fighter - at least not the Wylan he had gotten to know. It all goes so fast that he can barely process all of it. His attacker shifted his attention away from him to his friend and then there was this kind of orange powder or smoke that Wylan tossed at the man which caused him to drop his weapon. What on earth was going on here? How had the other ended up in this part of town? Had Van Eeck been lying or had Wylan run away from his father? However, now was not the time for questions. "By the saints…" He muttered to himself before diving aside as instructed while he watched him throw more of whatever kind of brew he had come up with into his attacker's face who was now screaming in pain. What the hell had he just done to that man? Elio wasn't a fan of violence himself but then again this guy might have stabbed him if Wylan hadn't shown up and done what he had done.

Wide-eyed Elio snapped out of his trance and ran after Wylan out of the alleyway. He doesn't know where they are going but he's following behind his friend until they reach a spot that was apparently deemed safe enough to stop running - or maybe they are hiding?

"What… How…?" He doesn't know where to start since so many questions are swirling around in his hands, "You saved my life there thank you…" Is what he finally settles for, "What was that stuff you threw at him?"

[themerchliing]

"Just a little mixture I made... Nothing to worry about." The man would survive but he'd have a really miserable existence for the next forty-eight hours as he tried to soothe the burning. Guiding Elio towards a street that had a quiet café for them to lay low in, Wylan felt a bit embarrassed — he never thought he'd meet anyone he knew out here in the Barrel. Then again, he didn't know that many people, so he never would have imagined this happening.

"Elio, what are you doing out here? You should go back home as soon as you can. It's not safe." He knew what Elio would say, though. He'd turn those words back onto him and ask questions that Wylan wasn't in the mindset to answer. Upon reaching the cafe, Wylan entered first.

"Actually, um, before we get into it," Wylan gestured to a table in the corner of the café. I'll get us some tea.." He had enough money on him to get them tea and some biscuits. Business had been going well at his workshop, which Wylan was pleased by. Anyway, was he using this opportunity to duck out of conversation so that he could think of what to say? Yes. He really didn't know how this sudden reunion with Elio would go. All Wylan knew was that he couldn't go back to a place that was no longer a home to him.

[dcvina-claires]

wylan van eck at the merchant council meetings

[wehavefoundthestars]

Plotted starter for @themerchliing

It didn't make sense to him that Wylan stopped attending their library meetings. They were starting to become friends he was sure of it. So why did he vanish?

Not too long after their last meeting, he heard that Van Eck had sent his son to a music school in Belendt. Given his talent with music, it would make sense but... Why hadn't Wylan said goodbye to him? He was kind and Elio was sure he wouldn't leave without saying anything even if it was just a note or a phone call.. Something...

And that was how he found himself wandering around the city, going further than he had ever gone before in the hope of getting an answer. This part of Ketterdam definitely was what his parents had warned him about. People begging for money, one bar after another, another brothel. Soon he found himself lost in the unfamiliar streets and then of course to top it all off he found himself cornered in an alleyway by someone trying to rob him.

"You can have everything I have on me!" Elio exclaimed with an unsteady voice while his trembling hand reached out to get his wallet. "Really there's no need for violence... "

[themerchliing]

If there was one piece of advice Wylan tried to follow when out on the streets of the Barrel, it was to keep his head down unless something directly affected him. Kaz said it would do him no good to get involved in everyone's business and that if he was looking to end up dead in the gutter, he'd best have a good reason to turn his attention to other people's issues. But if something were to happen in Dregs territory, then that couldn't go ignored.

He gripped the vial in his coat pocket as he drew closer to the commotion. It seemed to be coming from the next alley over. The crime here felt predictable now that Wylan had been here for a while. Alleyways were the most common location for sudden attacks, especially if it involved tourists. As he rounded the corner and inched closer, hoping to spring a surprise attack, Wylan recognized the voice of the victim.

Elio?

His surprise nearly caught him off guard but he managed to keep it together to close the remaining distance between himself and the pair. He saw a knife in the man's hand and, glad it wasn't a gun, he quickly withdrew his vial.

"Get away from him."

Now, Wylan knew he didn't hold a particularly intimidating aura but that didn't mean he was someone to be underestimated. Since his arrival here, he'd learned that he was actually more capable than he'd ever given himself credit for. When the attacker turned, confused as to who was butting in on his mugging, Wylan aimed the dark orange power at the man's hands. With a yelp, he immediately dropped his weapon as if he'd been burned by the strange substance.

"What the fuck?! What did you just throw at me?!"

He turned towards Wylan, enraged by the action, and charged forward—

"Get to the side!" He called to Elio, afraid that he'd be caught in the downwind of his mysterious substance. As Elio got out of the way, Wylan threw the rest of his vial in the man's face. See, if the man had just walked away and left them, he wouldn't have resorted to this but now Wylan had no choice. The man screamed in pain as the powder coated his face and neck, his skin instantly turning an angry red. It had gotten into his eyes, too, stinging in a way that was too agonizing to describe.

"This way, hurry!" Wylan led the way back down the alley, hoping Elio wouldn't hesitate to follow.

[lunarthecorvus]

Poor Wylan, it was such a big life change and big responsibility at so young- bet he was never expecting that-

[mistveera]

i think wylan matthias friendship should be appreciated more.. they had a great time drawing together

[wehavefoundthestars]

"Then you must be a great storyteller!" Elio says, eyes lighting up in excitement. "If you ever want to share any stories even if they are made-up, feel free to! They are just as good as books in my opinion!" If he also turned out to be an animated storyteller that would be a bonus. "Not that you have to," He added hastily once he realized he might be a tad too excited and scared him off, "I get it if you want to keep things private that's your good right."

A smile spreads across his face at his suggestion and he feels himself nodding, "I would like that! We do live near there on one of the slightly smaller side streets. " Not that the house was any less big because of that. It was a bit excessive really if they were only going to stay here until the ship was fixed but then again he had overheard it was the only one that was available on short notice and not in a horrible state.

"I haven't been to the university yet but I could meet you there I bet they have a great library!" Maybe he could also enrol for a course for the time he was here. It would be a good way to pass the time in between practising his music. Elio did wonder why he would need to sneak away from his tutor but since this was the first person of his age he had met and might become a possible friend in the future he decided against it. "Is there a particular spot where we can meet up? Since you already know the place and I do not."

[themerchliing]

Wylan was relieved. More than he thought he would be. It felt nice to take a risk, even if it seemed small, and have someone respond positively. It would be nice to spend time with someone his own age in a context that didn't involve keeping up appearances or staying on his father's good side. Maybe Wylan would even discover more about himself and the things he found fun if he could get to be himself for a while.

"Oh! Um, the university library would be fine. There's a study room in the back that I usually go." If he couldn't slip away, he could at least try and persuade his tutor to let him spend time with a possible new friend. Mr. De Lange wasn't an unfair man and he treated well unlike some of the tutors he'd had in the past.

"They let people use the library even if they aren't enrolled in the university. I mean, I'm not a student there either, but it's never been a problem." Before Elio could become too curious as to why he wasn't a student, Wylan hastily continued. "I go there on Mondays and Thursdays, so whatever works best for you..."

Was it weird for him to be so excited about this? Finally, he had something fun to look forward to that broke up the monotony of his life.

[acba-deactivated20260123]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Everyone believes in you, and you don't even believe in yourself. Isn't that kinda sad?

#acba — an independent interpretation of AOBA SERAGAKI from DRAMATICAL MURDER — established June 2024 — adored by STARRY — ( 25+, she/her ) — mutuals only — beta editor

DOC. VERSES. MEMES.

[wehavefoundthestars]

"Now I feel sorry for you. I hope my parents won't drag me to too many of these events while we're here." At least the library of this place was beautiful and he never felt alone in the company of books. Not that he was alone now but even so who said Wylan would be at every party he got dragged along?

"Oh," Elio says, it was clear he hit a sore spot there. "My apologies, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sure you have an interesting life nevertheless." He supposed most of Ketterdam wasn't very safe if he had to believe all the stories. On top of that for all he knew Wylan preferred to stay home.

He nods, "I did hear that too but well… I don't know what the plans are now." Elio says with a little shrug, "I mean we found a nice place to stay for now but I have no idea if we're going to stay here permanently or if the plan to go there will be picked up again."

"It is indeed risky but staying where we were was not exactly safe either… I mean the war wasn't close yet but it was advancing and well… Everyone was quite tense about what could happen at any moment." Their whole town's atmosphere has started to shift to people being worried and warning their children to not stay out for too long just in case. Supplies had become scarce the more time passed too since they mostly relied on ships or whenever the traders decided to risk a trip across the fold.

"That's quite alright I do that too from time to time," Elio admits smiling at him, although it wasn't always daydreaming he did, often his mind started overthinking. Not a good trait of his. "I hope it was the good kind of fairytale at the very least?"

[themerchliing]

Wylan wanted to say that Elio hadn't offended him but ended up just listening to him instead. He wasn't used to carrying out conversations with people who weren't looking to get something out of it. Usually, there was a catch or it was just a way for them to try and find out more about his father so that they might appeal to him in some future business deal.

"Always a good kind," Wylan smiled, tucking his legs beneath the chair. "I have a wild imagination." Which was probably the result of being on his own so often. Plus, without being able to rely on books to transport him to fantasy worlds, he had no choice but to think them up on his own. If he didn't have that ability, Wylan was certain he would have gone mad by now.

He hoped that they would see each other again after today. Wylan wasn't so naïve to think that one conversation between them would result in friendship but he liked to think that maybe it could grow into that. Elio was kind, even when he didn't have much reason to be. And he didn't talk over him, either, which was something Wylan had become used to since attending these events.

Maybe he could find a way to meet up with him if he didn't live too far from the mansion? Before he could doubt himself and clam up, he decided just to ask. "Um, if you live near the Geldstraat, I could maybe try and meet up again. I mean, after today." If that's okay. If it wasn't, then that was fine, too. Well, it would be a blow to Wylan's confidence but at least he was trying to navigate the tricky waters of socialization and attempting to make a friend.

"Sometimes my tutor takes me to the university, so I could probably slip away then." Maybe? He knew he was assuming a lot, especially when he always had watchful eyes on him but he was determined to try.