We're dying for the boys to meet the 100 acre woods gang!
you, are god. my god.
happy birthday prince of xianle, xie lian. 🌸👑
Always wrecks me up that Meleanor is as forgotten as Knight of Dawn is, that even her son doesn't remember her.
Just like Silver, Lilia didn't inform him of his identity as a Silver Owl so that Silver can live without guilt of the atrocities his original kingdom did.
But, I think, in Malleus' case, Lilia and Maleficia (I think) didn't inform him too much about Meleanor's demise, not so much because they don't want to guilt Malleus about her sacrifice to him, that's a part of it, but I also think it was more so that his hatred for humans wouldn't go deeper. Especially since he was raised in the castle with only the Senates and pure faes who has limited interaction with humans, so naturally he grew disliking humans too (until he met Silver).
As we know, Malleus is very attached to his past, that's why in Book 7, he's having a hard time to let go. Even his interests mirrors his tight attachment to the past, i.e his fascination on history, ruins, antiques, abandoned places, etc.
I think in an alternate reality where he had knew about every detail that happened on Meleanor and Levan and the faes on Wild rose Castle basically, his view on humankind would be even more negative. He might even reject his invitation on NRC just like Gen. Lilia did. And, unlike Lilia, since Malleus always attaches to the past and not on the possible future, he might even never give chance that he can get along with humans.
I know its popular analysis that Meleanor and Malleus are different, but to me, they're fundamentally the same person, just raised in a different environment. Meleanor was never given a chance to see a good side of the humans, Malleus was like that for a bit, even in NRC, he still held his deep rooted belief that he really doesn't believe that humans would understand faes as Lilia hopes (Dorm Uniform Vignette). Malleus and Meleanor are the "same person" but Malleus just "had the chance to not know" the entire history of it, so that he can form his own opinion about it as he grows up.
Even if he grew up knowing it, it would be immature to stay on his hatred for humans for so long (I think Malleus would do this considering his trait of being attached to the past) and I think Lilia and Maleficia didnt want Malleus to grow up like that,, they must usher him to a better future yk.
Its just that its tragic that for Malleus to grow up and take a chance towards a better future, he has to forget major things about his mother and all the sacrifices that his family made, just so he wouldn't be "stuck with it. "
Maybe in a reality where Malleus does know every detail of his history, but just that, it would take a long time for him to let go of his guilt and hatred, that by the time he's ready to forgive humankind, Lilia might not be there to guide him anymore.
I think I read an analysis back then (or was it a legit line in game?? lol) that Malleus shouldve been in Briar Valley for just a bit longer instead of suddenly transferring to NRC where there'll be too many culture shock for him, he's just not entirely capable yet of balancing his feelings and power, but I think Maleficia/Lilia couldn't afford to have that much time to emotionally grow Malleus in Briar Valley, for the reason that by the time Malleus would be in control of his power and feelings, Lilia wouldn't be there anymore to guard him in NRC and guide him about human culture. (He says his magic weakens over the years)
I feel like Maleficia only agreed to take Malleus to NRC bcs Lilia will be there, he's the perfect guide for Malleus to have with in NRC, he's strong so he can physically protect him while also being a wise person that can teach Malleus about understanding humans while still upholding his fae values. Other guards wouldn't be suitable. Silver and Sebek are not fully trained, Baul is an advisor now not a soldier and he wouldn't be a great guide to have in human society lol So, she has to take that chance while Lilia is still here, even if Malleus is just "too young."
side note: what if thats also the reason why Maleficia let go of Meleanor to Wild Rose Castle alkfdklsd She trusted Lilia and Levan would protect her and they did yet even so.... 😭😭😭 I feel like its so tragic that everytime Maleficia let go of Meleanor/Malleus, they're always leading into a danger where she cannot reach and help them (on Meleanor's case, the communication on Black Scale and Wild Rose was disrupted bcs every envoy that Lilia and other soldiers sent to inform Maleficia that Wild Rose was besieged was all killed by the Silver Owls, so Maleficia knew too late. On Malleus' case, it would be too risky for her to just suddenly show up on Sage Island, it would leave Briar Valley in a very vulnerable state with no Draconia residing in their land, STYX is calling her to meet Malleus but I think many faes would disagree on their plan bcs that's exactly the type of situation that cornered Meleanor years ago, Levan/Malleus is lost and in danger so Meleanor/Maleficia has to save them, if you think about it in Briar Valley's view, it feels like a trap lol. It's not an easy decision to just let go of their only Draconia ruler to a human territory and on top of that, they're on the verge of losing one(Malleus). I wish they create a scene of the Briar Govt in the book, I'm sure the Senates are in ruins and regretting that Malleus went to that school or something, like its always STYX when its equally intriguing to know Maleficia and the Senates reaction to Malleus' overblot.
I find it really depressing that Malleus, like Silver, was born out of so much love from their family, yet they never knew the full scope of it (until now). 😭😭😭
True love conquers all
hair holds memories
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Since you all loved the list of random things for Dark Academia, here’s a list of items, things, sights etc.. you might find in a Dark Coastal setting.
The Cliffside 🌊
Jagged slate-gray rocks jutting out from the churning sea
Swaths of wild, windblown grasses and mosses clinging to the cliffs
Crumbling stone ruins half-hidden in the fog
The eerie cries of seabirds circling overhead
Gnarled, salt-weathered driftwood scattered across the shoreline
The Cove 🐚
A small pebbly beach tucked into a sheltered inlet
Seaweed-covered tide pools teeming with mysterious marine life
Centuries-old fishing nets and lobster traps hung to dry
Weathered wooden rowboats moored at a rickety dock
The salty, briny scent of the sea lingering in the air
The Lighthouse 🗼
A tall, round stone tower with a flickering lantern on top
Faded nautical charts and weather-beaten log books inside
An antique brass telescope trained on the horizon
The heavy thump of the lighthouse bell in the distance
Coils of fraying rope and a tarnished brass spyglass on the windowsill
The Shipwreck 🛥️
The rusted, half-submerged hull of an ancient sailing vessel
Tangled knots of kelp and barnacles clinging to the metal
Fragments of shattered wood and twisted metal debris
The eerie, echoing creaks and groans of the wreckage in the waves
Fragments of weathered, sun-bleached bones glinting in the murky depths
The Coastal Cottage 🏠
A small, weathered wooden house with peeling paint
Tattered sheer curtains fluttering in the salty sea breeze
Shelves lined with antique glass bottles and driftwood sculptures
A wood-burning stove with a teapot whistling softly
The distant sound of foghorns cutting through the mist
The Shipwreck Cove 🚢
Jutting black cliffs, their bases strewn with the bones of broken ships
Seaweed-covered ribs of an old shipwreck, barnacles clinging to the wood
Rusted metal and shattered glass glittering in the crashing waves
Cawing of crows circling overhead, their shadows flickering on the rocks
The hollow, echoing sound of the wind whistling through the caves
The Seaside Cemetery 🪦
Rows of crumbling tombstones covered in moss and lichen
Twisted, windblown trees casting long, ominous shadows
The faint scent of night-blooming jasmine on the breeze
A rusted wrought-iron gate creaking open to the path
Fog rolling in, obscuring the distant sound of the surf
最好的师尊
hello malleus nation
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