❇︎ Fiddlers Meadows

@☾ Dong Youngbae [H] Your warmth lingered on my lips as if the world had paused just for us, even as the chaos around us threatened to unravel it all. My heart raced, pounding with a desperate yearning that I couldn’t tame. For a moment, I allowed myself to forget the weight of duty and the suffocating guilt that usually shadowed our every touch.
But then the air shifted. A mighty roar cut through the charged silence, and I turned my gaze skyward. The massive blue dragon descended with a terrifying majesty, its scales shimmering like polished sapphire under the crimson light. My breath hitched, recognizing the creature—Daniel, my trusted advisor, and the Dream Lord himself.
You stepped back instinctively, hiding yourself in the shadows of the boulder as Daniel transformed before my eyes. His human form emerged with that same regal authority, every movement calculated and precise. His eyes, dark and endless, found mine, and for a heartbeat, I feared he’d seen too much.
"Are you hurt?" His voice was low, clipped, yet threaded with an undercurrent of concern. He didn’t wait for my response, his hands meticulously checking me over. Your presence still burned on my skin, and I flinched, caught between his touch and the memory of yours.
"You shouldn’t have wandered so far," Daniel murmured, his gaze piercing, his words teetering between reprimand and relief. His fingers grazed my cheeks before he stepped back, offering me a rare, soft smile that felt strangely intimate.
I swallowed hard, daring one last glance in your direction. You were hidden, but I could feel your eyes on me, the tether between us refusing to break.
"I’m fine," I said aloud, the lie tasting bitter. Daniel didn’t press, though his silence spoke volumes. He turned, shifting back into his dragon form, his massive frame casting a shadow over me.
As I climbed onto his back, I hesitated, my heart aching as I gazed at the meadow one final time. My voice was barely a whisper. "This isn’t over."
The winds carried us skyward, and though the enchanted forest faded below, I left a piece of heart with you—waiting, yearning, unbroken.

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † The little space between us thrummed, thick with unspoken longing and forbidden curiosity. It was a collision of universe, merging of opposing forces. My lips were hot, urgent, a wildfire against your cool skin. I spent all these years cultivating control, but at that moment, the desire is raw and untamed heart. Nothing mattered but to get you back from what is taking you away from me. I deepened the kiss. A mistake. That simmering heat boiling over. I’m craving for more despite our kind known to be mortal enemies. Every road I walked all leads me here. You pulled away but I held your waist. I didn’t close my eyes and bask in your beauty - your scent, your eyes, your lips, everything.

“Sorry for—“ I said frowning. “What are—“I tried to make sense of the events that is unfolding. I saw the flickers of unease in your eyes, too, a subtle tremor in your usually composed demeanour. The thundering roar and imposing force rolling like a whirlwind of fire is causing my blood to boil. I balled my fist, ready to fight. But it was too late. Fate snatched you away as if I’m a child who cannot defend myself. I forced a grin as I watched them you.

Now, the flame felt like a dying ember. A raw guttural pain, not unlike the throbbing burn of transformation, ripped through my chest. I let out a low, mournful growl, the sound lost in the whistling wind. Your familiar scent clung to the air, a cruel reminder of the warmth I’d lost.

I shifted, the bones rearranging themselves with bone-jarring pops and snaps. White and grey fur erupting from my skin. I became the wolf, my true self. I raised my head to the sky, letting out a long, drawn-out howl. It wasn’t a mournful cry, but a defiant declaration, a promise whispered on the wind.

I stood there, a lone wolf silhouetted against the pale light of dawn, my golden eyes fixed on the distant pass. The journey back to Bahamut’s Summit is not easy, I know. The treacherous politics of court and the prejudice that hung in the air. If I chase you now, I’ll only endanger not only my life but your status. I let out one last powerful howl before dashing towards the forest to find the fairy captain.

“Wait for me, Bambi. I’ll find you.”

@☾ Dong Youngbae [H] The air burned with the acrid scent of smoke and something primal, but none of it registered beyond the pull of your voice—a tether keeping me grounded in this chaos. Your touch, firm but gentle as you held my waist, sent shivers down my spine. My emotions warred, torn between the fear of the encroaching danger and the relief that you were here with me, a constant in this moment of madness.

"Youngbae," I breathed, but my voice cracked under the weight of everything left unsaid. My heart, fragile as the porcelain shell I hid behind, threatened to shatter.
The beast’s roar ripped through the air like thunder, the vibration stirring something ancient and terrifying in my veins. I stumbled as you pulled me toward the boulder, the world blurring around us into streaks of red and gold. When we stopped, your hand against the stone seemed to ripple with a strange energy, one I didn’t have the strength to question.

Your gaze locked onto mine, intense and full of a storm I couldn’t name. I saw the decision in your eyes a split second before you moved, and then everything else melted away.
Your lips crashed against mine.
Time splintered, the chaos of the world muted as if the universe held its breath. The kiss wasn’t a question or even a plea—it was a demand, raw and unyielding. For a heartbeat, for an eternity, I was yours again.

The weight of my fears lifted as your warmth consumed me, filling the cracks I’d long hidden from the world. My arms instinctively wrapped around your neck, desperate to hold onto this stolen moment. My guilt, the grief that had clung to me like a shadow, disintegrated. All that remained was you—familiar and new, dangerous and safe.

But the illusion shattered as the roar of approaching wings grew louder, and reality intruded with merciless clarity. I broke the kiss with a gasp, my trembling hands still clutching your shoulders.
The dragon council. They were here.

The air turned sharp, laden with judgment and duty. My heart screamed to stay, to run with you into the unknown. But the burden of my crown weighed heavy. If they found you, they’d reduce you to nothing more than ashes on the wind.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, voice trembling with everything I couldn’t say. My fingers brushed your cheek one last time, lingering as though I could imprint the memory of you into my skin. “This isn’t over.”

With a heavy heart, I stepped away, my footsteps slow but deliberate as I turned to face the oncoming search party. Their stern faces softened slightly as I raised my hands in surrender, my tone calm and steady as I assured them of my safety.
I spared you a final glance, my eyes locking with yours in a silent vow: We’ll finish this, no matter what it takes.
As they led me away, my heart remained behind, tethered to the man who had unraveled me with a single kiss.

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † Standing in the middle of this small paradise, there is a nostalgic sense of being caged in the commitments we gave the other. One could curse the heavens when your voice reached my hears - weak as if tired of suppressing whatever is bothering you. I hated it that all I can do is to offer my company, not daring to step out of line. Once maybe where I regretted being a coward who ran away, leaving you to deal with the wrath that followed.
I wanted to stop you from turning your back at me, but I know you so well to respect your space and let you finish. All ears to listen. Those tears tainting your porcelain skin is like a dagger opening my old wound. I wished to know the cure for that pain as I step forward when your voice cracked.

“Bambi.” I said softly.

So many words that are left unsaid but that won’t ease it. “Warmth” I thought. My only tool in my sleeve ready to use if you’d only let the walls to crumble in front of me.

“Bambi” I softly said. I held my breath and bit my lip allowing the storming thoughts of possibilities that are being presented in front of me. You are an arm’s reach. I can provide the comfort you need. I reminded myself that you belong to someone who is possibly alive. But the line is starting to blur.
“There is a time to morn and I think I you have morn—“

A roar shook the ground cut me off that I spun around to see the blazing fire inching its way to us. A beast circling the heavens. “Who—“ I turned to you not moving “For sake!” I growled and leaped forward, grabbing you by the waist to usher you towards the other end of the meadow as quick as possible. I kept looking around to where to escape. My eyes darting around the small entrance that is being consume by crimson light. “No way I’m taking you there” I mumbled at myself trying to think of what to do. I saw a huge boulder near the waterfalls and ran there with you, hoping that would give me time to reach you. There was another roar but this time it felt closer as the wind harshly blowing around us. I swear I could smell leather being burnt but dare not look what is waiting for us. I pressed my hand against the cold surface of the stone, feeling the strange, pulsating energy flow through me. Another roar tore through the air, shaking the very ground beneath us. I made a mistake to have a look and the beast descending. My eyes find yours. “Forgive me.” I sighed and grabbed you by the cheek and pressed my lips against yours.

@☾ Dong Youngbae [H] [Sorry its a bit long, I've been thinking of what to say to this reply for months lol XD]

The mist thickened between us, curling like a phantom whispering secrets I dared not speak aloud. I felt the weight of your gaze pierce through the shroud, and though your warmth drew me near, I couldn’t bear to face you fully. Not yet.

“Suits me?” I repeated softly, a weak attempt to match the playful lilt of your voice. My trembling hands betrayed the effort, clasping together to still their betrayal. Your touch lingered on my skin, igniting a flicker of something I had tried for so long to suppress. How cruel it was, this undeniable pull between us, like gravity demanding submission.

“I’ve tried…” My voice faltered, trailing off into the stillness that hung in the air. When I finally met your eyes, I saw a reflection of something terrifying—hope. “I’ve tried to move on,” I admitted, the words heavy with shame. “But how can I when I don’t even know if he’s dead or alive? How can I allow myself to forget, to feel anything other than this endless waiting?”

I turned away quickly, hoping the dim light would mask the single blood tear slipping down my cheek. But I knew you saw it. You always saw through the mask I wore, the armor I had built over years of heartbreak and survival. I wanted to curse you for it, for making me feel like the girl I used to be before the weight of titles and losses buried her.

“I shouldn’t have asked,” I whispered, my voice cracking under the strain of holding back the tidal wave threatening to break. “You’re right. We have to move on, don’t we? Even when it feels like betrayal.”
I took a step back, retreating into the shadows of the clearing. “But it’s never been that simple for me, Youngbae. You know that.” My hand went to my chest, as if pressing against the aching void might steady my thoughts.
“Do you think…” I paused, the words burning on my tongue. “Do you think we’ll ever stop being haunted by what we’ve lost?” My question hung in the air like a fragile thread, daring you to grasp it.

And then, as if the universe itself sought to answer, a distant roar shattered the quiet—a sound so foreign and menacing it froze the blood in my veins. My head snapped toward the treeline, the faint flicker of crimson light cutting through the mist.
“Did you hear that?” I whispered, the tremor in my voice betraying my dread. My instincts screamed danger, but my feet refused to move. For the first time in years, I felt utterly and completely exposed.

And you… you were the only thing between me and whatever darkness was closing in.

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † Deeply I glanced, my smile fading into true sincerity and spoke of the very thing I missed to say before, "Beautiful. So beautiful it hurts." Those words hung in my lips, adoring those beautiful orbs and unbothered by how cold your skin against mine. But like the water cascading down to damp the very ground it gathered, your inquiry of how your present would be if the Dragon King is by your side led me to draw my hands away and softly hummed, kicking the annoying itch inside that is making me cringe questionably. I stood closely, lowering my head, staring at our feet for reasons I'm not entirely sure. In my head, it'll be easier to offer comfort for the man you long for but I know nothing about either him or what happened. I sighed, pulling off a warm smile that was soon replaced by widened eyes, taking a step back and nervously chuckled. "Her....?" I paused, frowning and scratching my head to whom you are referring to. The urge to run knocking against my rib for I've been long gone. I counted backwards from the day I arrived, the merfolk I met during my travel or the ladies I offer my service to. "Levy?" Her name escaped my lips. The Human Queen who I somehow lost from an incident I dreaded to happen. Sadness filled my heart as the last time I heard from her was when the Vampire Doctor promised to heal her. The rushing water became louder as I looked at the sky then at you. "I do." I exhaled, rubbing your arms that seems to calm me down. "But I have to move on."

@☾ Dong Youngbae The mist collects around us in a thick layer. When I turn to look at your reaction I notice you're not watching the water. You’re watching me. I watch as you move through the mist to meet me as if your feet are silenced on the ground. Something on your face stops me from proceeding with my sentence when I catch the glint in your eyes. “Suits me?” As you collect my face in your hands, I felt a shiver. I swallow, then take a beat to steady myself, then speak the truth that I think you more than anyone can understand. “I’m nothing of significance. I just trying, well for once I keep doing the right thing.” I paused to gather my nerve, thinking my words over carefully. “I keeping thinking, what would he have down if he was ruling in my stead? What actions would a real dragon king take to safeguard and revitalize their populace? What he would want me to do now that he is…Now that he is gone...”

I sighed, forcing the conflicting emotions down. It seems as if it was time to say the quiet things and ask the quiet questions. So I do. “Do you miss her?”

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † It was here, beneath the ethereal glow of twilight, that I caught a sight of you rolling your eyes that not only heart melting, but also released the playful fool I can be. As you exude a timeless elegance, I moved closer wondering the sacred use of such riddled mechanic. I tilt my head stealing glances at your body from head to toe. Your alabaster skin shimmered like moonlight, and your crimson lips hinted at secrets that could uncover the wonders of the night. In hind sight, I could sense the difference from the first time we met. Out in the wild, with you alone. I never felt unsafe or threatened. As you beckoned me, taking my hand as we walked inside the clearing. I spun slowly, letting go of your hand as I take in the wonder and beauty that is before me. My heart quickened "Ah no wonder why..." My lips curved in a mischievous smile, but the spark in my eyes flickered with the weight of my nature as I looked back at you. "This place suits you." I said, gently placing my hands over your cheeks and chuckled. "Magnificent and beautiful."

@☾ Dong Youngbae I stifled a snort when the branch hit your head. “Friendlier?” Tilting my head to the left peering at you in the darkness before immediately regretting it. That dumb grin on your face reappeared. Rolling my eyes turned my gazed on the puzzle that stood before me once again then exhale breathe to call upon my vampiric power and dragon signet. Long razor sharp claws extend from my fingers tips, emitting a bright violet glows. I whispered ancient incantation I’d learn from the former King then just as practice I release the energy with a great slash. Thicket crumbled to dry piles of ashy debris in front of my allowing across to pass and enter the clearing. “Come on, we have walk on foot from here.”

In the meadows, I reached for your hand, ensuring you stayed close. I take a moment to inhale the comforting aroma of your innate scent. As I breathe in, my nose is filled with the scent of cedar wood, cinnamon spice, earth, and smoky whiskey, warming my insides. Unknowingly, a content hum slipped out, resembling a purr. Eventually I finally hear water. I tugged you through the last bit of trees before we are at starlit clearing with mist floating low over the damp ground and there at least two story high is a crystal blue waterfall crashing down into a pool surrounded by boulders the size of cares. The forest floor is adorned with plush lilac purple flower beds that come to life as vibrant fireflies light up the surroundings. I step away from you smiling at the mist breaks and parts around my ankles. I turned back to you see you reaction then stand in front of you with my hands behind my back slightly bouncing on my tip toes.

“So what do you think?”

[post deleted by owner]

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † Frustrated may not be the right word for it, but how I’d love to clear see in the dark so that I could bask in your heart melting beauty partnered with the adorable antics of being all embarrassed. “Oh moon goddess, I beg you to restore my powers.” I looked up to seek the brightest star and prayed silently wishing to hear the faint beat of your heart go faster, like that of the last time we were alone. Your words tickled the soul that I bite down my lip, holding my own opinion.

I rolled my tongue inside my mouth, pacing quicker to face you as I walk backwards. “Eh? It might be so, but had me at hello, Your Majesty. “You can’t what?” I tilted my head but something whacked my head. “Ow!” I exclaimed then walked properly, noticed the hanging branch. “Friends.” I snapped a look, chuckling. “Friendlier.”

@☾ Dong Youngbae As we walked on the docks, our footsteps echoed until we entered the silent darkness of Mossgrove of Thalia. I maintained a steady pace, attempting to ignore the uncomfortable tension in the air. I refused to look at you, as I could nearly feel the mocking damn grin would surely be on your face. Instead, I concentrated on the path ahead, determined to neutralize my expression to appear more half-bored and focus on the destination. Between my stomach anxiously performing somersaults and my heart’s erratic throbbing beat, I attempted to do the racial thing and pull my together.

“Whisked you away, did I?” I mocked with a chuckle. “Ha, you’re a grown man.” I rolled my eyes, grateful you couldn’t see my expression in the thick of canopy forest. I say ironically at the same time as I reached for your hand to guide you through the dimly lit thicket. Scattered spots of starlight beamed on dying leaves crunching under the weight of my boot soles, the wind whizzing through the wooden trunks of the trees. I tugged at my sable cloak, tucking in firmly around my midsection for comfort, feeling somewhat vulnerable.

“You could still just as easily refused my offer and join another’s company if you preferred Master Youngbae.” I pull up my hood hunched under a branch, silent and solen. Faint traces of moonlight peeked through the veil of the forest. “Hence, I can’t quite describe us as Lo-“ I shook my head, pondering my thoughts, unsure of the appropriate label. “We’re friends.” My voice wavered in convection at my carefully selected term. The chorus line of crickets seemed to swallow my words by them as if entertained by a pretense-aligned game of ‘Lovers’. As I cleared a low-hanging branch from the path, I paused by a dense cluster of trees.

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † Under that moonlight, the air shimmered with a tinge of magic as the midnight ferry, a vessel crafted from ancient wood and adorned with luminescent runes, glided silently over the ethereal waters. Never had I found peace in such tranquillity but tonight felt different. My eyes peeled off at the beautiful scenery when the captain announced that we arrived at our destination. The respect he showed you placed things into perspective, though somehow money speaks as the Fae Captain suggests buying the silence of another.

My jaw fell at his statement but quick to hide the awkwardness by laughing it off. When I caught of your mortified expression, the uncomfortable feeling disappeared. Folding my arms over my chest, I cocked a brow and watched you rushed past him. “Sir” The Fae Captain addressed me, confused scratching his head. I bid him farewell and thank him for his service. “Come on now. Is it so bad that he mistaken us as lovers?” A devious grin playing on my lips as walked few steps behind you. “I mean you whisked me away in a ship without your guards. You are alone with me, Bambi.”

@☾ Dong Youngbae [No apologies, you are a busy bee with other replies I don't expect anyone reasonable adult to remember at all times. That's why pinned this one so I don't forget too lol]

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † [Eh? How can I miss that? Hahaha. Thank you. <3. I kept looking at the seaport, for some time. Forgive me.]

@☾ Dong Youngbae [People don't like pokes so this instead.]
https://i.imgur.com/LQimddl.gif
[No rush or pressure for a reply. Just a reminder to remind me this here because I'm a terrible tracker.]

@☾ Dong Youngbae “Let just say I have a talent for discovering brightness amidst the darkest corners.”

As we sailed into the harbor, the captain and boatmen steered us towards the coastland. The contrast between Fiddlers Meadows and Central’s nightlife was stark. There were no city gas lamps built on top of layers of housing, nor trolleys, carriages, or the sounds of drunken citizens squabbling in courtyards. It was silent. Shining golden orbs were scattered throughout the seaport, lighting the path for travelers and townspeople. As night fell, shops and venues began closing and either putting away merchandise or assisting guests with finding overnight accommodations. Waves gently washing up on the shore become the city’s soothing backdrop as its inhabitants prepare for a tranquil night. I couldn’t risk my guards finding out my location, as it was my final source of privacy. “Fiddler’s Meadow, my lady, as you did command. Do you require castle accommodations? Should I send word to the prince?”

“No, thank you,” I promptly replied. Please direct me to an inn. That should suffice. Someplace clean and comfortable and too far from the river. “

The Fae captain’s fingers trail through his teal long beard. “It happens I know an establishment that will suit your needs. Yet first, if I may be so bold. There is the matter of settling the second half of the payment we agreed upon. I paid each man one gold and the captain a Dragon stone coin, with the hope of buying his silence. He eagerly collected the coin in his hand. “You’ll find no place finer at this time of night than Axis at Peddlers Inn. The Mistress there will see to your request. It’s a fine place for lovers in need of privacy.”

“Oh we-no, it not like that_ we…”It took me a moment to find the proper words as I attempted to erase my mortified expression. That won’t be necessary Captain, I believe I can see myself through the city from here.” I gave another polite nod of my head before nearly rushing past him.

/sits up on the tree branch, relaxing against the tree as I enjoy the shade/

/and going on dates with five different fairies

/ends up visiting 10 different people for tea

/runs into a friend, who eagerly asks how the central post was and... I just giggle nervously
a a ah it was not that great! super boring. . .

/flies through the air and under the twisting tree roots, humming a happy tune as I bathe in the sunlight

@დ Choi Heechu Yooa nodded at the other as she glanced over to her. "'Kay, if you need help figuring out what to pick let me know and I can help," Yooa smiled at her. She continued leading them to the fairy fields as she held Rui in her arms. Once they made it to the fields she let go of Rui, letting him fly next to her as she patted his head. "So, what do you want to do first?" Yooa asked as she glanced over at her as she was looking at a book. "What are you reading?" Yooa asked her

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ Heechu smiled softly as she heard and heed Yooa's warning about the different types of berries, especially the bitter ones. "Will do, babe." She shortly said as she took out the berries book and search up the sweet berries she has been looking dying to look for. 'Hmm..let's see..' she thought to herself, adjusting her eyeglasses while trying to read the fine print properly so that she make sure to be cautious around it. 'I wonder where they are right now..pretty rare to find those these days...'

@დ Choi Heechu Yooa nodded as she looked at Heechu. "Yea, he's pretty amazing. He helps me study and stuff too," Yooa held Rui in her arms as they headed out of the castle and to the fairy grounds. Yooa tilted her head to the side as she was a bit confused on why Heechu wanted her permission to pick berries and the apples since Yooa didn't own them or anything. "I don't know why I would say no - I don't own the fairy fields or anything like that. But, do be careful on which berries you pick some are a bit bitter tasting, but the apples should be ready to pick on some tree," Yooa smiled as they walked. "You're welcome," Yooa answered as she smiled at the kisses. "Love you too," Yooa smiled back.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ "Ah, that's pretty cool. It's nice to have such wonderful and helpful dragon to be by your side." Heechu complimented as the four walk altogether through the castle to headout towards the fields. "Oh thank goodness." Heechu sighed in relieved that Yooa have allowed to pick up the berries and apples for her chocolate covered fruits. "I was worried you might say no, but now I don't have to anymore. Thank you so much, babe." The shapeshifter smiled as she tippy toe her way up to kiss the tall fairy's cheek and lips, then her nose to reward her. "I love you so much, Yooyoo." She giggled while at it.

@დ Choi Heechu Yooa nodded as she looked over to Heechu. "Oh totally, they'll have tons of fun too. Rui lately has been documenting different flowers for me," Yooa smiled as she was wearing a simple dress and sandals that she cut silts in the back so her wings could fit through. She walked out of her room and guided them through the castle, making their way to the fields as she walked next to Heechu. "Why would I mind? That sounds like a good idea, and they sound super yummy! I bet they will sell really well," She answered with a nod.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ Heechu smiled softly as she, Yooa, and their pets Rui and Twiglet as they all get ready to walk out of the latter's bedroom before leaving her home altogether. "That sounds like a wonderfully idea to do that, especially for both Rui and Twig to play around the fields too." She said while putting on her clothes which consist of a cute casual dress and low cut boots with her hair slightly braided along with a flower hairpin. "I have been thinking of making seasonal chocolate-covered apples and berries. I hope you do not mind, babe."

@დ Choi Heechu Yooa nodded as she looked at Heechu. "Then let's go," Yooa bent down as she scooped up Rui in her arms. She her heel as she walked to the door of her bedroom, waiting for Heechu. "Right now it should be a really good time for the flowers since they've been getting a bunch of water and sunshine recently. The sunflowers should have bloomed and flowers near the pond should be nice. Oh, I bet there should be tons of ripe wild apples and berries in some places," Yooa added as she thought about the fields, taking the jacket that Rui's tail handed her. She put it on as she watied for Heechu.