[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

golden love vibes ♡

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It all seemed so simple. So lovely, and so simple. It was like the most grand vista, full of rolling hills and sunsets and waterfalls, but capable of being viewed in a single moment; the time between blinks. Euphemia marveled at how something so vivid and multifaceted could be contained in a singular body – the body that curved and held her, that was the vessel that held the soul of her Adonis. The body that was the crucible for their blossoming love.

Euphemia didn’t know if this came from whatever sliver of the Gods existed within her own beating heart, or perhaps sudden clairvoyance into the eternal heavens, or the clarity that her heart suddenly felt, but she turned her face towards the sky and smiled, knowing Mother was as happy for her as she was Dalmatia.

Mother didn’t need to come visit, for Euphemia to be certain.

The woman basked in his glow. She could feel his attention, how closely he was looking at every curve and detail of her face, her eyes following his as they moved around her topography. She allowed him to do so, simpering proudly as she closed her eyes, long black lashes coming to rest on her cheek.

It made her feel beautiful, to be gazed at like this. Like he thought she was just as beautiful as, as she thought he was.

The way he received her name did not disappoint her. The words that poured out of his mouth were so formal and colorful that it was as if a legendary poet had crafted them – she held onto each one, letting it settle into her ears. It was his jovial reception that finally made her realize he had accepted her new name for him. He celebrated it – celebrated her.

Her face was now buried in his neck, enduring the rocking of his own movements by clinging tightly to the solid curvature that lay beneath the winter pelt. The perfume of the fire was heavily interwoven in his fur, and the drunken shewolf breathed him in deeply. Flowers and wet earth, like a garden.

It was incredible that her lover smelled just like a garden.

She lifted her chin, but did not peel herself away. The woman pressed the pulse-points of her neck to his, and beamed upwards. You like it? It’s perfect, isn’t it? she gushed, and when he laughed, she laughed too. The deep booming of his sounds met the aqueous chime of her own, and the two sounds wove together like music. Their joy sang.

and this time, when her ability to hold herself aloft failed, did she attempt to bring him down with her; to hook him by the backs of his arms and bring him down upon her, hoping silently that the big man might crush her, because what a happy death that would be: to be truly, wholly, smothered in love.

The silver maiden continued to laugh, her eyes reduced to nothing but mere slits as she placed a paw against him. Then her laughter died away in a mere instant, her face still bright and craning towards him like a flower towards the sun, but her tongue now crafted a lower octave. it caressed the breathlessness that followed such a bout of laughter.

She leaned that tongue upwards to swipe at Adonis’s cheek.

You… have consumed me…

---

Oh, how insanely lucky was he? To find love so quickly on his journey? Perhaps, unlucky to some. Love was to be avoided, if possible, that first year but, one is not to deny it if it happens! And oh, it has happened! The guidelines be damned! He felt the stars had cast him here, ultimately to find her, and to fill the sky with their stories to come.

He was becoming consumed and completely engrossed. His new name echoed in his head, her voice the one singing the graces of it. He hoped for some sort of meaning to it, significance from her culture perhaps, but regardless, it had meaning in this moment as something never to be forgotten, even if one day Adonis is to be a name to pass to another when it is eventually time for him to return to the homeland. Adonis is who he will be, and he will be Adonis for her forevermore.

He, too, experienced the glorious smells of the garden of love. The sweet scent of the fire, the natural scent that was Euphemia, and that of his own scent of earth all meshing together to form something so pleasant, not even the garden of Eden itself could compare.

Her movements were like little piece of joy against him, and she asked her question about the name. ”This one will cherish it beyond the turning of many skies,” he says quietly, his mind swirling as he considers asking the meaning of the name, but being completely taken over by the joyous laughter of the moment. Consumed by the golden glow. Transcended to another place of love that cannot be comprehended or described with things such a words. It is only something one can experience to really know.

He was completely lost in their melody, almost unaware of his body as he was filled with this endless bliss, his own form falling with her own to the ground. Even in his haze, he did not squash her with his large body. As much as he would love to meld into one, he felt his weight upon her and moved to the side on the ground. He felt connected to everything in this moment, his laugh only ceasing when her own song faded. His grin never once died down, and of he could feel pain right now, perhaps his face would be aching as she kissed it gently.

”This one would never consume you. You are a shining light. This one only wishes to bask in your glow,” he managed to utter, molten eyes staring at her with large black saucers for pupils. He does just this now, taking the moment to bask in her light, to notice every little change in her fur, and every little fleck of color in her eye. It felt like infinity, that he could look at the smallest possible detail on her all while absorbing the big picture.

He knew not how long he laid by her side enjoying her presence. Minutes? Hours? Days? Regardless, this was a moment to be documented! They could not stay here forever by the flame! His eyes grew even wider, if it was possible, and he took a deep breath, realizing he wasn’t quite breathing normally as one should.

”This one believes…our story must be woven into the stars…that the sky itself may know it! We must…travel back to the mountain…so that this may be done,” he said with a slowness to his voice, not knowing that the flame’s effects were so strong upon them…but even so, a love so true must be brought to the celestial temple that is the sky. The flame’s effects only highlighted that he must do what love demands, and in his world, weaving the constellation of their love was no greater a gesture!

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

Skill: [none]

---

If she had known what Adonis was thinking, about guidelines and expectations, and how he had thrown them all aside for the love of her – well, she might have melted into a veritable puddle, never again to have a physical form as long as she may live. It was one thing to find love and submit oneself to it. It was another thing to have to deny family and culture to do so.

Neither did Euphemia think of how this turn of heart would affect her own family, her own history. It was no secret that the Shakti-Vaes women were unlucky in love (except Dalmatia, of course), and the fumes of the fire clouded her mind enough that she did not, for a moment, think about how this would affect her sisters, her standing in Dawnbreak, or any other that may or may not come around again.

If she were in any other mindset, Euphemia might have wondered if the others would laugh – if they would pity Adonis, for having chosen the silver maiden, of all available options in the world! Why would he choose her if he could have someone far more composed and serious?

Almost everyone in the world was taken more seriously than she.

Thankfully for Euphemia’s sake, and the sake of whatever future lineage might result from such a union, she was not of this mindset. Her anxieties failed to divert her path, as they often did when she set her sight on a certain goal. Nothing ever went according to plan – she might lose an election, and she might never see Ric again – but here with Adonis, it seemed there was no goal.

The goal was every step they had taken, and would take; just to be with him, to experience the journey of life (the beautiful, soaring highs and the abysmal lows) by his side. To understand the purpose of life by borrowing his perspective, and wearing it as profoundly as she wore her own.

It all unfurled so perfectly, exactly as it should. There was seemingly nothing Euphemia could do to stop it, stymie it, or ruin it.

She was still laughing, but it was quieter now. A titter under her breath, a fluttering of a nervous diaphragm. He hadn’t crushed her into oblivion, a true sadness indeed, so she settled on burrowing into him once more, luxuriating in his giant frame and plush coat. If he would not slay her, then she would slay herself through suffocation!

Her nose was so deep into his coat that he was all she could smell. The warmth that came from him, the warmth that came from the pink fire, and the fire that came from within her own body converged here and heated the scene thoroughly.

Still, he refused to consume her! Euphemia gave an ironic scoff, extricating her face to furrow her brow, clearly, he was not understanding her. I give myself up for consumption freely! I do so wish to be one with you. The maiden was almost begging – but for what, she could not clearly identify for herself. It was as libidinous an idea as it was not, for consumption was meant for predators and prey just as much as it was meant for lovers.

Her eyes swam, imploring Adonis to understand her even if it made no sense when put into words.

She knew he would.

When the storyweaver suggested they return to the Vale, Euphemia had no better idea. She deeply desired to stay here by the fire, but the payoff of making Adonis happy was greater than anything she could ever glean from a flame alone. She did have one improvement to such a plan, and in order to communicate it, she nearly popped out from his embrace into a standing position, ready to go.

I cannot wait for the Vale! I need the Gods to know now. It is you, Adonis. You are everything that has ever been a dream of mine, she smiled brightly, and her tail waved fiercely, but that was not enough to convey it. The woman looked around for something like a mountain closer than her (now his) Vale, but could find none. She dashed away a pace, then called back over her shoulder.

Oh, please come! Follow me, and never stop –

The sylph was back by his side in an instant, bumping her forehead against his cheek. We could run forever, until we reach the ocean, and then we could double back and do it again. They would be gone for a fortnight or more, but when they eventually made it back to Dawnbreak, everything would be revealed. Her family might be worried, but when they saw what bloomed between her and the newcomer, they would understand.

I must tell the stars, she whispered, once again pleading. Euphemia had never spoken to the stars before, but Adonis had said they should, and now it was her single, solitary focus. Mother and Father were in the stars.

and they deserved to know.

---

To Adonis, there is nothing that could ruin this moment. The two were melded in a spiritual bond, the fire was simply the bringing together two who were simply meant to be…at least from his current perspective. How could he ever think or fell another way? It was simply unimaginable right now.

Perhaps Adonis was a bit naive. No, indeed he was, and the thought of consumption of another outside of prey was not an option. In his mind in this moment, they were already one, right here, right now, and the virginal man did not feel a need or desire to go further, because what else could be better than this? Not until she speaks again does it hit him, and if his cheeks could show a flush of bright red, they certainly would look sunburnt.

If it were not for the effects of the flame, distorting time and mind, then he would have addressed her words in that moment. He was gathering his courage to do so when she addressed his desire to weave their story within the stars themselves, and this lead to be a distraction with his mouth, at times, unable to form words in a quick manner.

Euphemia got her quickness back in what seemed to be second, popping back with great glee and excitement. He almost falls backwards, his body a strange feeling thing right now, but he could not hold back his own excitement as she proclaims she cannot wait. She moves quickly, and the burly man attempted to move his paws and they…they felt so much heavier than normal. Like honey was stuck to them and he going to be bound to the ground in sweetness.

Yet he persevered, he must go with Euphemia! With an unsteady gait, he goes forth with her, only for her to come back and bump their forehead together. He felt overwhelmed, but the BEST type of overwhelmed.

”Yes, let us lift our voices as one, to the stars, the ocean, the trees…and to all who would listen!” he proclaims, eyes beaming up at the sky that was…not yet studded with stars. The golden glow of Euphemia seemed to engulf the whole area, the grass, the trees…the sky itself! He opened his mouth in awe.

”Your beauty, your glow…you have illuminated the sky itself!” he exclaimed, tail zipping behind him. He moved forward then, black paws on cold earth, but not noticing the cold in the slightest. In fact, he could not feel his paws at all…but he cared not! The ecstasy of the moment clouded all judgement.

”Euphemia, dear one, guide this one where your path calls…be it mountain peak or shadowed crevasse…this one will follow!” he begs, molten eyes keen on her right now, completely enamoured and ready for whatever is next.

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

Skill: [none]

---

Euphemia, though she was not a maiden literally, was still quite virginal in almost all aspects. She had yet to know the touch of genuine want, borne of deep love and appreciation. A union that was a celebration, rather than a devastation.

No, Euphemia knew nothing about that.

She did not know about what could blossom between two lovers, staying up so late at night together that they were nearly made of moonlight. When they uncovered vulnerabilities so deep that the only thing they could do was heal – together, and grow upwards intertwined, becoming one being.

She didn’t even know such a thing was possible, because love and appreciation were double-edged swords. Euphemia had learned that, to receive it, she must pay a commiserate price. Nothing came for free, unfortunately. Not even true love.

However… Adonis did not make her feel bad or less-than, in ways she might feel the need to repent for. She felt quite innocent around him, convivial even. She was not preoccupied with her worth to him. Euphemia just was.

In fact, the storyteller was unlike any other she had ever met. He was funny and spoke of such serious things in lighthearted ways. Mother had never spoken of the stars in the way Adonis had, never in positive and glorious reverence! As if everything they had, everything they now held beneath their clasped hands, was owed to them.

And for that, life was beautiful.

Nothing was dark and dreary, because Adonis’s light was there to guide the way. The woman so wanted to be that for him too, and not for a moment did she fear she would leave him unfulfilled. To learn of his family, his culture – his background seemed so high-brow, his intelligence so profound, that Euphemia knew she had found her match.

For a moment, Euphemia allowed herself to muse on the sadness – the mere possibility – that Adonis hadn’t felt the same as she. That he did not yet recognize the love that bloomed between them. Oh, the mere possibility of it was enough to rend her heart into two!

To imagine, if it hadn’t been Adonis with whom she would end her days…

Euphemia then desired to bury herself in the thick fur along his collarbones and chest (this desire was becoming increasingly common) but she resisted, and stood tall, meeting his poetry with a little of her own.

I will show you incredible peaks, and the most amazing crevasses, she said by way of agreeing with him, her smile so wide that her pink tongue threatened to poke out from behind her teeth. If the man wanted adventure, then she would give him adventure. She had spent the last few years of her life mapping this small corner of the world – and now it was his too, and the sylph was eager to share it with him.

Euphemia, too, was blind to the cold. The silverwoman siddled up close, snaking up along his side, finding it was not close enough to satisfy. The crown of her head ran along the pulse-point under his jaw. Forget anything else, she quipped, suddenly knowing that even the grandest vista would pale to how she felt in this moment.

I only want to be with you forever.

She sighed and looked upward, narrowing her gaze for a moment at the brightness of the sky. It was true, there was no darkness, no twinkling lights yet to see – and Euphemia only saw it as an opportunity to pass more time by the starchaser’s side.

There was an elevation that suggested a high plateau. Not a mountain, not a hill; the river and its flame had been at the foot of it. He desired to follow her, did he? Euphemia was keen to press him on that one.

The glimmer in her eyes matched the skip in her step as she darted away. Higher, Adonis! She tossed the words over her shoulder as the sprite trotted away.

We’re not high enough!

By the time they were done, the stars would be ready to listen.

---

These were innocent moments. Moments that the flame only exemplified, and encouraged. Adonis knew not the troubles of Euphemia’s life prior. He only knew the now. Now was all there was. Now was all that would ever be, and the now was nothing but blissful magic.

He felt appreciated and listened to, like he was finally important to someone other than his mother. Someone to listen to him! Someone to understand! He felt joy and progress with his mission to learn and share. It was slow when he came here, but now it was simply just the best thing!

Could it fall apart? Maybe. It often did for many in his position. Some never come back home. Some come back damaged. Some come back with nothing but warm memories. Perhaps he was getting the full spectrum of the experience here is Mythris, the highs and lows. The highs though! That is where is at now, so thankful for getting his throat ripped out…because it meant this right here got to happen! How strange life is!

The light in his eyes grows brighter as she speaks, and how she will show him so many things! The peaks! The crevasses! He nods along with unfettered excitement. She had so much knowledge of things he did not know, knowledge of the land itself. The earth. He was the sky, and she was the land, and it was perfect when they met.

The feeling of her against him again brings him the greatest of pure pleasure. He leans in gently, taking it in like inhaling the sweet smell of a fragrant flower. Nothing can compare to his, he thinks…no, he knows, and her words only solidify such thoughts.

”Yes…forever! Together we shall wander the world, our furs brushing side by side beneath the endless sky. We shall walk the highest peaks and feel the ocean’s touch upon our paws, a thing this one has yet to be graced with,” he exclaimed as they looked to the sky, the glow of the sun paled in comparison to the golden glow of Euphemia by the flame.

Without hesitation, he follows, however it may have seemed a touch of hesitation…though not by the choice. The power of the flame made his form feel so odd and strange with movement. His reaction time was slowed, and though he thought he moved with haste, there were seconds where his body simply did not respond to his commands.

”The stars call to us! They gather to break the sky! The starrise longs to be met by our eyes!” he calls out as they continue onwards, further and further upwards, their bodies ignorant of any pain, ignorant of any exhaustion. Time passes, but at what pace? Their experience did not match the normal passage of the mysterious thing. They knew only the bliss of their moments, to be nothing but happy with their ascent to the heavens.

Their climb continued. The world below them got smaller…but their love only grew! Molten eyes barely wanted to tear away from her, but when they did, they noticed the sun had fallen to the horizon, across the landscape of winter bringing the colors of sunset out like no spring could ever imagine. His mouth opens with anticipation.

”Look, soon it shall be! The dusk shall break and the stars shall know our story!” he sought her side and to press into her, panting as he did so, eyes dashing to her in hopes that she continued to be just as excited as he.

[she doesn't know that the world is turning just for her]

Skill: [none]

---

Euphemia could see it all. Her entire future, rolling out before her like a red carpet: she not only had a guest to bring to her sister’s wedding, but there would be another wedding, this one for herself. Then, children, lots and lots of children! Euphemia hadn’t even known she wanted children, but there they were, all twenty of them.

They all had his face, his colors, his silliness. They were each an offering she laid at Adonis’s temple, an act of devotion in their own right.

Beyond that, there were grandchildren. Lots of shared meals, her sisters with graying muzzles. They all smiled.

They smiled at her.

Just behind this vision, overlaid with scenes that came to her as clear to her as daylight, was Adonis as he loped next to her. How her heart burst to perceive him, quite possibly the happiest man on the planet at that moment! The reason for his happiness? It was her. It was that Euphemia loved him.

It astounded her that there had been life before this evening. How plain, how colorless it had all been! Plants had been every source of heart-racing she had experienced, except for those times with Alaric, though it was nearly impossible for the silvered woman to procure thoughts of the other man.

There was nothing she could think about besides Adonis. When not thinking about him, she was thinking about those years before her, the other life that had been taken from him by the creature of blood and rot.

It might have been colorless in comparison, but she still wished to know it.

He was right, the darkest form of darkness would be upon them, and she would get to know his beloved stars more intimately. Soon, my dear Adonis she cooed at him, pointing her nose out towards him and wishing she could reach out to kiss his mouth, but even now, when she took her eyes off their dark and rocky path, she stumbled, then caught herself, and giggled at her clumsiness.

She didn’t know why, but her paws felt so heavy and her limbs so loose. She attributed it to the love energy, which filled every corner of her body and made her feel as if she was vibrating.

Her laughter somehow turned into language. You must tell me everything. More than I already know, she begged him as they ran, deciding that she must know every detail of Duskbreaker, as well as Adonis. They were both versions of the man who claimed her heart, and she treasured his liberated past as much as his dedicated present.

Another stumble meant that, with much effort, she wrested her vision back to the mountainside they scaled. I know that you died once, which I am so sorry for – and that you were born again, which I cannot be sorry for, because it was when our paths crossed. She furrowed her brow, pretending to be confused.

or, should I say, when our stars met?

But it was all a bit of fun, because the truth was that his beliefs were now her beliefs. Euphemia had never actually had beliefs of her own and was more than happy to adopt his. His stars, her stars – it was to their stars they ran now, ready to proclaim their treasure before them.

A third and final stumble caused Euphemia to stop for a moment, her chest heaving, yet her face was smiling and bright, and she spoke in between her panting breaths as if they were just an impediment to her expression. But… the shewolf wondered aloud. Who’s your mom? Your dad?

As Adonis could tell, neither her own mother nor father was in Dawnbreak (nor were they alive), and if she could adopt some new parents along with her new religion – well then, she would be an incredibly lucky woman indeed.

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