#;might and magick . skills

[astroeleanor]

🔮✨🪄🕯Zodiac Placements of Witches & Occultists (Spellwork Abilities in Astrology)🕯🪄✨🔮

1H Pluto, Mercury, Neptune, Lilith, or Moon

• PLUTO: Pluto rules transformation, power, and the underworld. With 1H Pluto, you possess a natural understanding of the cycles of death & rebirth, making you naturally skilled at transformative magick & rituals that involve significant inner work.

• MERCURY: Mercury's influence is linked to the ability to communicate with spirits, receive messages from the spiritual realm, decipher omens, understand the language of the stars (astrology) & manipulate energy.

• NEPTUNE: Neptune in the 1H, can symbolize highly intuitive individuals who have a strong connection to the spiritual realm. With this placement, you are likely to be drawn to practices that involve altered states of consciousness, such as meditation, divination, mediumship, astral projection, and developing your psychic abilities.

• BLACK MOON LILITH: Black Moon Lilith in the 1H represents someone who embraces their darker, more primal instincts. If you have this placement, you may be drawn to witchcraft that involves reclaiming your personal power & working with shadow aspects of yourself.

• MOON: The Moon’s in the 1H enhances your emotional sensitivity & intuition. Having this placement means that you might be deeply connected to your inner self & the cycles of nature. You are likely to be skilled in practices that involve emotional healing, nurturing & working with lunar cycles.

SCORPIO, Cancer, Pisces in the Big 3

• SCORPIO: Scorpio is one of the most witchy Zodiac Archetypes. If you have this sign in your Big 3, you may be naturally drawn to the occult & have a deep-seated need to explore the mysteries of life & death. Plus, Scorpio’s archetype of the alchemist & sorcerer embodies the ability to transform and transmute energies, which is an important skill in witchcraft.

• CANCER: Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is deeply connected to the cycles of nature & the rhythms of life. Cancer is the Moon Child & Hearth Keeper. With this sign in your Big 3, you may have a strong connection to the Moon, which enhances your ability to work with lunar cycles and perform rituals that align with the ebb & flow of nature. The Cancerian archetype is also centered around nurturing, protection & home-based magic–add onto that Cancer's natural intuitive abilities. All of these characteristics make you skilled at rituals that involve healing & protection.

• PISCES: Pisces is another sign closely associated with witchcraft. The Piscean archetype symbolizes those who are natural empaths. have a strong connection to the spiritual realms & psychic sensitivity. These gifts come in handy with practices such as divination, dream work, and spellcasting. The Piscean archetype is also that of the mystic, marked by a fluid approach to magic, often drawing upon a deep sense of compassion to heal and guide others.

8H or 12H Placements

• 8H: The eighth house governs themes of death, rebirth, and the occult. If you have personal planets in this house, it can indicate a natural interest in and aptitude for witchcraft or other esoteric practices. Having 8H placements can symbolize a deep understanding of the cycles of life, being skilled at transformative magic, shadow work and working with the energies of the unseen realms––embodying the archetype of the occultist or alchemist.

12H: If you have twelfth house placements you may be naturally attuned to the hidden aspects of life, spirituality or the esoteric. This area of the birth chart represents the unconscious mind & hidden knowledge, so if you have any personal planets here you might be skilled in practices that involve accessing spiritual insights, such as meditation, dream work, astral projection & mediumship.

Pluto/Neptune aspects to Sun, Moon or Chart Ruler

PLUTO ASPECTS: Pluto aspects to the Sun, Moon, or Chart Ruler can indicate being drawn to practices that involve significant inner work and transformation, such as shadow work, energy manipulation, and other forms of intense, transformative magic.

NEPTUNE ASPECTS: As a planet, Neptune can enhance your psychic abilities, intuition & connection to the spiritual realm. With Neptune aspects in your chart, you may be highly sensitive to the energies around you or develop a natural talent for practices that involve altered states of consciousness.

SAGITTARIUS, Virgo, Gemini or Capricorn Placements

• SAGITTARIUS: Sagittarius can be defined as the Seeker and the Shaman. Ruled by Jupiter, the Sagittarius Archetype symbolizes the quest for higher knowledge or occult insights. The concept of traveling & mentors is also associated with both Jupiter & Sagittarius–in this case it can involve traveling to other realms (astral projection) and working with spirit guides.

• VIRGO: Virgo, ruled by Mercury, embodies the archetype of the herbalist and healer. Virgos’ detailed nature (Mercury) & connection to the earth element, can symbolize the ability to efficiently work with herbs, plants & natural remedies. Virgos thrive in earth-based practices, healing rituals or creating potions and elixirs.

• GEMINI: The symbol of Gemini, the Twins, represents duality & balance–which can symbolize Gemini's ability to balance the material & the spiritual, the light & the dark. This understanding of duality is beneficial in magic, where equilibrium is necessary to achieve desired outcomes. Plus, Mercury's rulership over Gemini contributes to their aptitude for spellwork/witchcraft.

• CAPRICORN: The Archetype of Capricorn can symbolize having a deep respect for tradition. This characteristic can translate as excelling in practices that involve ancient wisdom & rituals passed down through generations. The rulership of Saturn over Capricorn also suggests a profound understanding of the natural & supernatural laws (Saturn=structure) governing the universe, plus the patience & discipline necessary to master complex magical rituals and practices.

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Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge. Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely. • 🕸��� JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You’ll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :) • 🗡️ BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness.

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[cosmousee]

What Is Lunar Eclipse Bringing In For You!!🌜🌟

Hello everybody!!!

I'm back with another pick a pile🥰

I know I'm literally posting it on the DAY of the eclipse, but I got to writing it yesterday only, and with the last pile my laptop literally fell apart.

I completed writing it in class, because...who listens to lectures anyway🤪

ANYWHO! Enough chit chat!

Choose whatever pile resonates with you, whatever does not, remember to just pass it on🥰

Pile 1>>2>>3

Enjoy! (Posting it from phone, apologies if the formatting is bad😭)

Pile 1

Hey there loves! I hope lunar eclipse has treated you well!

For you I saw more of a building your own self sort of a thing. I saw an animation of you know sort of a stick figure thingy, and it was entirely made up of small paper bits, and you were rebuilding yourself again and again by replacing those bits with other bits. I think you guys are constantly figuring out which self is your most authentic self and the one where you are happiest being yourself. Ofcourse, this doesn’t come easy, which is why you are in a constant process.

For your oracle cards, we have

St. John’s Wort and Marigold: Against your will, there will not be; no entrance, no welcoming. Be Gone.

Witch’s Rosary: Craft your skills with intentions repeated, a practice of magick powered by purpose.

I’ll add your tarot cards here only, because I think they make more sense if I read them all together.

Your tarot cards are,

4 of Cups, 3 of Wands, The Fool and The Empress

For all of you, I believe you guys are free to choose, free to welcome whatever you want this lunar eclipse. It is your own decision, whatever path you want to choose, whether it may be your love life, your career, you focusing on your own self, focusing on forming a community for yourself.

I mean the list feels endless. Lunar eclipse is a fated time for things, and for you I feel like whatever you want this time, you’ll get it. Like it is up to you to focus on whatever and receive what you are focusing on. I have also heard that you shouldn’t manifest during lunar eclipse, or eclipses in general, but honestly, if you are feeling called to do so, you should listen to that calling.

The oracle cards are also saying that it you who is going to decide, nothing will happen if you don’t want that to happen. Everything is your will. And when you want something, be really really intentional and determined about it. Affirm about the things, sit and visualize those things, journal about them. Like keep that thing in your prayers and your thoughts sort of a thing.

Sit and reflect on what you think is the thing you need and want right now. Be determined but also be open about it like The Fool, open to the possibilities of it happening, especially if it feels like its something impossible. Be really fkn assured that whatever youre choosing to want is for your greatest good and you cannot, and will not fuck it up. Its such a fun energy to be in, because I am honestly extremely scared of eclipses, and I just spend the whole season crying my eyes out. I hope y’all are feeling well, because it seems to me that lunar eclipse isn’t forcing you to focus on one thing and deal with it. It letting you take the wheel and nudging you to take the steps this time, and the eclipse will help you achieve that thing and get that thing.

You might be confused as well, you know, that usually eclipses have a greater impact, but nothing is happening right now kinda thing. If you have something in mind that you wanna focus on, you can also ask for a hint, or even take this reading as a confirmation!

Okay! This is all I have for you today! Thanks for reading <3

Pile 2

Hey there loves! I hope lunar eclipse has treated you well!

For you, I saw a very barn type place, or like a farm-y place. It was very bright, sunny (not the kind where you’re all sweaty ugh), and there was a rainbow! I saw you being very very jolly, like literally sprinting and jumping with excitement and all the people you love, your friends and family were cheering you on from a distance.

Now, for your oracle cards, we have,

Harvest Witch: What sacrifices have you made for the greater vision of what is to be?

Adding your tarot cards here itself, because they give a better picture together,

The High Priestess, 10 of Pentacles, The World, 10 of Cups, 3 of Pentacles and The King of Pentacles

Now, the oracle card is talking about the chances you have taken to get out of your comfort zone, to get out of the habits of the current you, or the old you, in order to reach new heights. How much have you consciously put in the effort to grow and reach the highest of the heights you are supposed to achieve in this lifetime.

That’s the thing I saw when you were in that barn, that is such a happy version of you, and with the excitement that I saw, it really felt like either you were dreaming about it for a long time, or you just thought that this life was never possible for you.

Even with the tarot cards, they are telling you to follow your intuition, listen to it very closely. I think with the eclipse its calls would be getting louder by the minute, especially if you are missing the signs or outright ignoring the signs.

You are on a path to great success, you are yet to see the World and everything else that it offers, everything that you didn’t think it will offer.

I’m sure many of you might be content with where you are right now as well. But with this opportunity, you will feel content like never before. You know if you’ve got rose gold glasses on right now, pursuing this new path will give you ultra 4k HD rose gold glasses. There is a fulfilment you haven’t felt before, and it’s gonna come like fresh air to you, like you’ve breathed for the first time, like your lungs have felt the cleanest of the air in a long while.

Spirit might be showing you a collaboration or a partnership which is your ticket for this new world. You might be sitting frustrated about everything, and this opportunity will just drop in. Listen to your intuition, if its telling you to go for it, you better go for it. Don’t double guess it, listen to yourself and let your intuition get a breather because I think it’s been trying to get your attention for a while now!

Also, I think you might have to travel for this, like actually go some place far, which is why I saw your friends and family at a distance. But don’t worry, they are very happy for you and they are cheering you on, and obviously, you can always come back home for them!!

So get out there and you better enjoy the heck out of life!

Okay! This is all I have for you today! Thanks for reading <3

Pile 3

Hey there loves! I hope lunar eclipse has treated you well!

I saw you making snow angels!! Very happy, healing your inner child sort of a thing (I’ve never made a snow angel and I really really wanna). It also makes me think of leaving an impression, or a lasting imprint. Like you say something to someone and it really sticks with them, or you’ve done something that people always remember, even years down the line, they are like “Oh you remember [Name] did this amazing thing that time?” and you are fondly remembered.

It can be a really small act of kindness also that people remember, or you’ve helped someone and that memory is you know forever in their hearts kind of a thing.

Okay, so for your oracle cards we have,

Falling Leaves: Let go of the things that weigh heavily on you; you deserve to take up space.

Crow: Pay close attention to the winds; there’s a message making its way.

The first card again tells you to take up space, which is what you do essentially when you are making snow angels! (11:11 pm make a wish~) You take up space, you do your thing, and that is where you create your mark, your identity. It shows that you were there, you existed, you took up your space, you’ve marked it as your own.

I also think, because of the snow, that the winter season might be important for you.

Also, with the crow card, you might get an idea, an epiphany sort of a thing from someone else. You know when you are walking and you hear someone else say something and it just clicks for you, that yes! That message was definitely for me. You know literally wind coming up to you with a message, because..sound…carries through air.

Oh and crows are also related to ancestors, so it might be that they are contacting you, or telling you something important. Maybe they have some ideas for you to create an impact on this world.

Now for your tarot cards,

Death, 9 of Cups, Ace of Swords, 3 of Pentacles, King of Pentacles and 8 of Pentacles

With all of this pentacle energy, I feel like whatever the eclipse is bringing you right now, its gonna be long term, or its gonna unfold over a long period of time.

There's something you have to let go of, or remove from your life in order to have greater emotional fulfillment. In reference to the snow angel as well, you're healing your inner child by taking up space in the snow, so it's sort of like you have to let go of that part of yourself which inhibits you from pursuing those things, you know that part of you which thinks “no ew its cringey” because you feel like you'll he judged, but in reality if you go and do that thing, it's gonna literally feel like you're enjoying it from deep within your soul.

The Ace of Swords also tells you that you are going to get a new idea, some sort of epiphany, which can help you in your career and generate alot of wealth for you as well.

You may come up with this idea on your own, and then partner up with someone (King of Pentacles) who already has some expertise in the area, or they have the resources to take your idea to the next level. At this time you might be getting constant downloads of ideas, or you'll be getting opportunities or signs about collaborations or partnerships.

Grab these opportunities with full force, you're gonna have a lot of fun!!!

Okay! This is all I have for you today! Thanks for reading <3

[thesundowncrew]

The three appeared in the doorway to the dining room, interlocked in their own, adorable way, and it was an amusing sight indeed. When Maude pointed out their flower crowns, Samhain laughed along with her. "Aye, it seems we 'ave matching uniforms," he joked, not at all embarrassed.

As everyone settled into their seats at the table, Samhain took the closest available one. A pity that Arthur was not here yet; Samhain would have liked to ask his progress on the cat figurine. If the craftsman allowed it, Samhain would have asked to observe his process - fascinated by how a simple block of wood could be shaped and take form.

"Sam’s helping, too." "Helping?"

His ears perked up at the mention of his name. "Ah," the ghoul's eyes met with Maude's while reaching for a bread roll. "I, uh, I cast a spell.. Just something simple." He placed the roll on his plate before resting both his hands on his lap, his fists curling. Suddenly the ghoul was feeling a little self-conscious as he explained himself. Perhaps he should have asked Maude's permission before doing such a thing. Now he was feeling a little shy.

"Ah thought it'd be nice if everyone could eat together without 'aving to worry.. Apologies if that was too presumptuous of me."

Bran could guess how the spell worked. The tension in his frame eased slightly, but he still clutched the bowl of fruit close to his chest, and Nettie needed to tug his sleeve again before he followed them.

They reached the dining room as Maude was nearly finished preparing the table. Shepherd’s pie served as the main dish this evening, topped with golden mashed potatoes. Roasted thyme carrots and a fresh garden salad accompanied it, along with the usual water pitcher, napkins, plates, and silverware.

When Maude spotted Bran, her brows raised in surprise. “Joining us for dinner?” she asked him.

Avoiding her gaze, Bran nodded. Gruff pressed against his side as though offering support.

Maude hummed in approval. “Good. Good to see you out and about.” Her gaze flicked between him and Samhain, and a smile crept across her face. Humor lilted in her voice. “Now you’ve both got crowns.” She looked like she wanted to take a picture of them and stick it in a scrapbook to tease them about later.

Bran’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. He cleared his throat. “Where’s Arthur?”

“Gone to town,” Maude replied, placing a bowl of bread rolls speckled with rosemary by the napkins. “He’ll be back soon. Sit and eat.” She gave Nettie a stern look. “And no stealing his food, understood?”

Nettie had already bounded to the table, eager to fill her plate. At Maude’s order, she nodded, enthusiasm unwavering. “I won’t! Sam’s helping, too.”

Maude looked at Samhain, curious. “Helping?”

[dr-dendritic-trees]

"I'm actively suppressing the urge to just launch into my potted lecture on how much of people's reluctance to deal with natural fibre clothing is based around laundry, because its only semi-related."

please please lecture!

@drafty-castle you also indicated an interest in the Laundry Lecture so you can come join us, but your unfortunate run-in with Hobbit Pants more or less summarizes my concerns.

So basically the tl;dr is, laundry is hard and ethically made natural fibre clothes are expensive and that is a bad combination and its not fair or reasonable to expect people to do a bunch of independent research just to wash their clothes.

If I go out and buy a bunch of cheap shitty polyester clothing, it will feel bad, and be made unethically, and be environmentally destructive, and get stinky and need to be washed all the fucking time, BUT and this is crucial, I can be pretty confident that I can just toss it in the washing machine and dryer. Its very easy, it doesn't require much outside knowledge other than a basic grasp of the settings on my laundry machine, its not physically taxing and it doesn't vary very much from brand to brand or item to item. On top of that, if my shitty shein shirt does shrink or otherwise get destroyed in the wash that's frustrating, but unless I'm very poor, the shirt is replaceable.

If I'm dealing with higher end, more ethical natural fibres none of that is true. Even if we set aside the issue of cost for a minute, and just assume the clothing fairy magicked them into your wardrobe, each of those lovely, ethical, natural fibre pieces has its own washing instructions which again, are not common knowledge and which often aren't communicated by the people selling the clothes.

One of the benefits to natural fibres is actually they don't need to be washed as often, they can often be aired out between wears and only laundered relatively infrequently, but that's only helpful if you already know that. And unless you attach the information to the garment they don't!! People don't know that!!

So with your brand new exciting natural fibre wardrobe, you have to know how to wash, probably, 3 separate fibre types at minimum, probably closer to 5-10, and you have to know, or check the fibre composition of every garment and you have to do different laundry, for all of those different fibre types.

So the laundry becomes much more complex and cognitively demanding, and much more time consuming, and much more labour intensive physically, and you generally need more space to do it in. A small washer and dryer can be tucked into a closet, garments that need to be aired or dried on a rack take up a lot more room. So when we talk about how great it would be if everyone had access to these sorts of clothes there's a whole segment of the population that just will not be able to do that. It just won't be possible for them to keep their clothes clean without either paying for labour, or getting support, even if they do have the facilities, which is not guaranteed. And where is the huge pool of skilled laundry labour coming from? Historically, that was done by people how had literally no better options, usually impoverished women, but no one's talking about that funnily enough.

And on top of that, these clothes are expensive. That's not avoidable. So now, when you do mess up the (complex, labour intensive, time consuming) you've destroyed a garment that's going to be financially painful to replace for all but the absolute richest people.

And that's the best case scenario! That's not even getting into stupid problems like how some cotton and linen can be machine washed and some can't not based on any property of the the fabric but based on the fabric was preshrunk, so the garment which might or might not shrink in the wash based on decisions made up the supply chain. Or how, frankly, not every company actually uses good quality natural fibres, so sometimes your very expensive linen trousers just wear through in 18 months no matter how carefully you wash them (ask me how I know this).

This is also how I feel about mending. Another theoretical benefit to natural fibre clothes is that they're much more able to be repaired and altered but that's only helpful if you either have the time and skill to repair your clothes, or access and money to pay someone else to maintain your clothes. Again, where is this extra labour coming from?

I'm not meaning to be the clothing grinch! I really do think this could be resolved constructively. But people who just want to buy clothes that aren't an evironmental and ethical nightmare are not going to be able to spontaneously fix it. Someone needs to actually put some proactive work into fixing the logistics.

[gonedreaminggg]

Laurance Zvahl's Hair

this wasn't supposed to happen. i promise. it just appeared in my drafts.

but, as promised, here is almost 2000 words about Laurance Zvahl's hair. (with some garrance sprinkled in there for the crazies 😏)

--

Laurance and his hair go way back. When he was a kid, it was always messy. He'd get dirt and grime in it and Hayden would always just shake his head and tell him to bathe when he got home from playing all day. His light brown locks would get so long in between haircuts, and the longer it was the more likely it was to get matted. So Hayden would cut it very very short, stopping right behind his ears.

But, he'd be able to escape Hayden's scissors every once in a while. If something was amiss in the village, it would take up all of Hayden's time. So, he managed to grow it out long again.

Until one day, when Laurance was 8. Him and Cadenza were playing in the backyard, and she pushed him a bit harder than she thought. He ended up crashing into the chicken wire fence. His hair got all tangled up in it, and he was stuck. Cadenza was all panicked, apologizing profusely as she yelled for their father. Hayden grabbed his scissors and cut Laurance free from the fence. It was super super short, shorter than it had ever been. And super choppy, too.

After that, Laurance was terrified of haircuts. He never let anyone cut his hair ever again. And at this time in his life, he was getting more curious about his parents. And his heritage. There were people still in Meteli that knew his parents. They were Tu'layan immigrants, much like most of the population in Meteli. He wanted to know more about Tu'la and its culture. One of the things he learned was the superstitions they had about hair. There's an intense spiritual connection to it. It's a part of their spirit. It holds their strength and confidence. It connects them to the land around them.

After that, Laurance definitely did not want to cut his hair. In respect for his parents and his heritage. He also truly believed that it held his strength. If he wanted to be a guard, or a lord, he needed his strength. He grew it out for years. When he meets Aphmau, the last time he had cut his hair was the whole chicken wire fiasco. It was so insanely long, and damaged from the dye Cadenza had put in it. He usually held it in a messy braid, just to keep it cleaner. And yes, he finally learned how to take care of his hair in the years he'd been growing it.

When he was at the guard academy, he had no clue what to do with his hair. He had the longest hair out of the boys. The girls training there called him “wasted potential.” Which had nothing to do with his fighting skills, by the way. He was already climbing the ranks in his first two years there. Eventually, one of the girls took pity on him, and gave him a bottle of conditioner. She taught him how to do the towel wrap thingy, which he thought was literal magicks.

After that, girls literally started flocking around him and Garroth. And he earned his flirtatious attitude from that. He never had a girlfriend at the guard academy, but he did get around.

Garroth was very intrigued by his hair. He’d never seen a boy with hair so long. He asked Laurance why he kept it long. To him, it seemed more like a pain than anything. When he talked to Garroth, it was the first and really only time he explained everything about his hair. What it meant to him, why he had started growing it out in the first place, and his complete disdain for chicken wire fences. Garroth understood, but still questioned how difficult it might be when fighting. Laurance never gave him an answer.

Cadenza had also taught him how to braid his hair. Around the time they were 18, Laurance’s hair was so unruly, but he was absolutely not gonna let her cut it. So, she braided it for him whenever he had a shift at the guardpost. Eventually, she taught him how to do it. She was getting tired of taking care of his mess of a mane.

A few years later, Cadenza had the bright idea to dye Laurance’s hair. She was so adamant about it. But Laurance always remarked on how it looked like her head was on fire. But she ended up convincing him. Laurance regretted it immediately. He had been ready for some sort of change. But once he saw it, he just started laughing. He really DID look like Cadenza. Which is weird, seeing as they’re adopted siblings and from completely different racial backgrounds. But they have the same soft features, and the same sharp jawline.

And then, he met Aphmau. She was the first woman he really had to try with. In Meteli, if he gave someone the right look, they’d be fawning over him. But he was so interested in Aphmau. She was allusive, and powerful. And she did not give a shit about him. Yes, she was a very caring person, but all of his sly remarks were ignored. However, she was very interested in his hair. A lot of people were, but she didn’t know the meaning behind it. Once he told her, she was fascinated. The idea of hair holding spirit and strength enticed her, and it really resonated with her, too. She let Laurance braid her hair whenever he wanted after that.

When Laurance gets out of the nether, he feels entirely lost and disconnected from himself. Cadenza offers to clean him up, and get him in some new clothes. Even though he's blind, Cadenza can see the emptiness in his eyes. She offers to dye his hair back to its original color. And there's something unlocked within him. His hair. It feels wrong, and heavy. Not so much because of how dirty it is, his own blood and sweat in it. It's weighed down by everything that's happened. He's something new now. Something that feels less. "Cut it off," He says. Cadenza freezes. She knows why he keeps his hair long, and has witnessed his hatred of haircuts first hand. But she does it anyway. Whatever Laurance needs from her, she'll do it.

When Garroth saw him later that night at the baby shower, he was more than concerned. He really hadn’t seen much of Laurance since they’d found him, terrified of seeing him in that state. But then he did. He was blind. His hair was cut short, and it was brown again. Garroth knew more than anyone what Laur’s hair meant. He was scared of what this implied. And he knew Laurance was a Shadow Knight now. He couldn’t have survived the nether for that long without being transformed. Laurance was his friend, maybe more, but he was someone else now.

A distance formed between them. Laurance was struggling, even when his sight somewhat came back. And Garroth kept thinking about the amendment he made in the Guard’s Oath. He didn’t want Laurance dead, but he wanted Aphmau safe. And then, she wasn’t. She had left, and they hadn’t heard from her in weeks. So, with some malice between them, the two guards had to go find their Lord.

When Laurance, Garroth, and Aphmau went on that long journey, all of their hair grew out pretty fast. He saw Garroth and Aphmau cutting each other's hair one time. He didn't really mention it, not wanting anyone to get any ideas about HIS hair. But, eventually, Garroth pointed out the literal rat's nest growing on his head. Laurance let him cut his hair. It was the first haircut he ever had that he didn't hate. From then on, only Garroth could touch his hair.

Laurance realized how easy it was to take care of short hair. He hadn’t had hair this short since he was a child. But he felt lighter. He felt like he had completely changed as a person, now that he was a Shadow Knight. He held his strength elsewhere, now. He was growing a disdain for his heritage, and his past. Being something new opened a different chapter of his life. He was beginning to hate his human side, and his culture. So he let Garroth cut his hair every once in a while.

And then they went to the Irene dimension. And Garroth got left behind. Laurance was in a world without his other half, which Garroth had grown to be. He stopped thinking about his hair really, and when he did it was memories of Garroth sitting behind him, knife in hand as he trimmed his hair. So, over the months, maybe years that Garroth was gone, he began to grow his hair again. Was it in respect for Garroth this time? The memories they shared, the time they had lost?

By the time they saved Garroth, and Aaron had died, Laurance’s hair was past his shoulders. Garroth was trying to settle into this new era. He knew that so much time had passed, the decay of Phoenix Drop showing that. But when he saw Laurance, that just solidified the deep sorrow for all he’d lost. There were new scars on Laurance’s face, a tenseness in his posture. His hair was long again. Nowhere near the length it had reached before, but substantial enough to hurt Garroth in a way he’d never felt before.

Laurance kept growing out his hair after that. It just… felt right. The calling was consuming him. He needed his strength again, something to hold his true spirit. He needed a visible reminder that he was Laurance, not whatever the calling wanted him to be. And it worked, for a while. He let his anger simmer deep within him. He tried to hold on to whatever was keeping him sane. Garroth needed him, Aphmau needed him. He just needed to hold on.

And then he heard about Aphmau’s pregnancy. He had gotten over her for the most part, but there was something in him that just wouldn’t let her go. It was the calling. It wouldn’t let him let her go. And hearing that she was pregnant, with Aaron’s child, lit a flame inside of him. The simmering anger in his heart had exploded into an eternal flame.

He wasn’t in control anymore. His limbs moved against his command. He found a nether portal. He took his sword, the one Aphmau had gifted to him, and cut off his hair. And he jumped in.

[gotranting]

The Winter Feast - Part One

I had this idea in my mind, and while it did turn out differently than I planned, hopefully someone will enjoy it.

It is a short Cregan x female reader fic where they knew each other for a long time. She lives on the outskirts of Wolfswood, away from the town and the castle itself. Guarding the Northern nature, she is the one people come to whenever they need certain herbs, or a spell done for them. Or when they need to enter the Wolfswood. During the preparations for the long winter, Cregan along with two Northern Lords ventures out to hunt in order to help in securing the winter stocks. Yet in doing so, he forgets to alert the young witch.

*Disclaimer – The Children of The Forest have a human form in the story. Also, I don't know every detail of GoT lore, so the characters are a bit OOC. I tried to find out more about Cregan's personality but there isn't much written about him? I made him after the …sadly only 5 minute show version. I tried to avoid using Y/N because it really throws me off, so there will be a lot of nicknames in the story.

*Next part will have The Feast itself)

*The only description of the character is red hair and brown eyes, although it's not mentioned as much.

Winter is coming.

The Southern lords may mock these words all they wished, but for Northerners, it was a matter of life and death.

Not all survived the harshness of the season, and if it was to judge by the snowstorms, this winter will take many lives. Young, old, lowborn or highborn – it mattered not. She will come for all if they did not prepare.

It was a common sight during these times, to see the hunters coming back from the Wolfswood, their carts filled with deer, boar, rabbits…all sorts of creatures. The meat would be stored to secure the provisions, for the times when all of Nature lay asleep. The skins and the fur were to be gathered, in order to craft clothing that could shield the people from the biting cold.

Anyone could be a hunter if they had the skill and a weapon to arm themselves. In order to secure Winterfell for the winter, many men and women went out in the untamed lands. Younger ones especially, for what better chance than a hunt to prove their bravery?

It is true that some overestimated the danger of the wild, taking far more than was needed or being needlessly careless. Such folk were always reminded of the consequences. Some did not return. Some returned with a part of them missing. And on some came misfortune long after reaching the presumed safety of their homes.

It seemed that it was not direwolves and bears alone that could tear away a man's arm or take their life. No, something else lurked around those woods, paying close attention during the time of the Hunt. Controlling so it does not get out of hand, and that those who walked amongst the tree giants respected all that was around them.

Perhaps it was the creatures from the stories old nans would tell to scare off little children. Perhaps not.

Old Gods were whispering through the branches as well no doubt, watching all those who entered their domain. However, sometimes there were guardians in a more…human form.

Once they were known as Children of the Forest. A race many believed to have been slaughtered and driven out of Westeros.

Some remained. They could not part from their homes, and it would seem they hid themselves well enough.

How it was done, no one knows. Their own ancient magick I suppose. Perhaps they took the form of humans. Perhaps, with time their features had changed, yet the magick remained. What is known is that they were still around Men, and would continue to be in order to guard the rivers, and the forests – and all that lived in them.

One it would seem stayed in the North. A young woman, one might say still a Summer Child, as she had only lived through twenty winters or so.

Her anscestors were well known to the townsfolk and the higher lords alike. They were respected for their wisdom, offering their help when a young babe fell ill, or when cattle needed help with birthing their young. If one needed herbs which were not easy to find, they would come to her family. If they needed a lover to take interest in them, they knocked on her door.

Or, if they wished for another to never return from their travels, it would seem the girl was the first they went to.

Despite being friendly enough with the villagers, she still lived on the outskirts of the Wolfswood, preferring the company of the animals and greenery instead of a more…talkative bunch.

She was respected yes. Feared as well I would say. They knew she protected their lands and for that they were grateful. Even the former Warden of the North came to consult her, in order to know which hunting grounds were unavailable to them.

The young woman would guide them to the bountiful parts of the woods, where they could fill their carts with game without destroying the balance of their ancient homeland.

In turn, they promised not to take more than was necessary. And so an agreement was made.

Honored by the old Rickon Stark, and his son after he became the new Lord of Winterfell.

The young Wolf of the North. Cregan to her.

She never developed a habit of addressing him by his titles, and the young wolf never complained.

His father introduced them at a younger age, and even though she was far more familiar with his sister, the three of them got along rather well.

As the years passed, Cregan turned to his own duties in order to keep his people safe. The girl could not travel to the castle, as her place was here in the wild. Yet, their friendship never weakened.

He would still come to her every Autumn in order to alert her of the hunting party's whereabouts. And as the Hunting season had arrived, she expected him to find her once more.

It seemed though, that the young Warden was too eager to grasp a bow and his sword once more, for no knock was to be heard on her door.

.

„I propose a bet my friends! In order to make our little adventure more interesting, let us see who will catch the most deer once we reach the clearing.“ A voice rang out through the silence of the Wolfswood. „The one with least kills will need to engage in wooing our beloved Aida.“

„If I remember well, the last time you lost Cerwyn, and attempted to pull the same jest, old Aida threw a hefty amount of potatoes at you. Aren't you still forbidden from entering the kitchens?“ The young Osric Mormont jabbed at his friend as he reminded him of that day.

Old Aida it seems had survived eighty winters for a reason. The old cook might had been but a servant in Winterfell, yet she treated the highborn no different than the kitchen boys and girls that worked with her.

A clever soul would not enter her domain when there was a hasty need to bring the meals on the tables in the castle. If they even tried to rush her, they were met with curses that would make a Wildling cover in shame.

She must have been good with a bow or some other weapon in her youth, for Arnolf Cerwyn was hit with almost every potato she threw at him, after he tried to sweet talk her, making a mistake of blocking her way to the oven.

His closest friends were in the main hall, when they saw the young Lord run out with his head covered, as the surprisingly agile woman hobbled after him with her broom in one hand and the sack in another. He could not hear the end of it for days after the event.

Along with that, he had to bring all the vegetables back to Aida, thus facing her wrath once more.

„Just you laugh Osric. You are only jealous, for you do not know how it feels when a woman chases after you with such passion! She shall see we are meant for one another, mark my words“, Cerwyn grinned as he took another swig of his mead.

Cregan could only huff and roll his eyes as he listened to his companions. Even though the young Warden was no stranger to teasing Arnolf, they would frighten all of the animals around if they continued on with their banter. He told them as much, as he surveyed their surroundings, trying to notice the tracks left in the snow.

„I do believe the deer will flee when they see that in our presence stands the frightening Wolf of the North, wouldn't they Arnolf? He would scare them all with his icy gaze, none can stand against him!“ shouted Osric.

He was only met with a stony glare from the young Warden.

Yet after a short moment of silence, it did not deter him from releasing a howl to which Arnolf merrily joined in. Cregan felt a headache coming as he watched his closest friends double in laughter at their poor jest.

„Come now Lord Stark, do release that frown you always hold. We are away from the castle and our duties. Let us rejoice on this fine day, enjoy a good drink while singing the songs of old.“

„Cerwyn, if you start singing now, I swear to the old Gods, it will be you who will go on that cart. Do you wish to tell Aida that we are the reason Winterfell will starve this winter? I assure you that death by starvation would be a better ending than Aida finding you.“

Despite the sharpness in his tone, Cregan could not help but smirk as he saw his friend's face pale at the image conjured up in his mind no doubt.

„Cregan my friend, after all this time I am wounded that you are not aware of my many talents. One can sing while their arrows still pierce straight through the heart of their target. But fine then! Let us all die of boredom as we seek the bloody animals,“ sighed Arnolf as he unsheathed his bow, finally joining in the search for the herd. Osric could only clap him on the shoulder for comfort as he passed in the other direction.

The young lords spent their time in silence and occasional banter as youth often did, as Arnolf could not keep quiet for too long.

Yet, no matter his merry nature, Lord Cerwyn was aware of the weight of their task.

While they were not the only ones to venture out into these woods in order to prepare for Winter, they could not return without a filled wagon. Their people depended on them, and there were many mouths to feed. The night would soon fall upon them, and they could not stay away from the castle for too long. They had to do the most they could with the time they had.

As they went through the denser part of the forest, it was becoming harder to tread through the snow which only seemed to become deeper as they went forward. The large firs looming above them obscured what little remained of the daylight.

Soon, other creatures besides simple deer and rabbits would roam about, and even though the three men had faced blood thirstier foes, it would be a difficult fight if they could not see nor move properly in a fight. The light mood from before was replaced with unease, for it felt as if more than a few wandering ravens observed their movements.

Cregan's frown only deepened as he listened for any unwanted noise.

A branch snapped above them, all three sharply looking up for any sign of a threat. Yet only a deep croak was heard as two ravens flew out of their nest.

„I do not think we are alone,“ whispered Arnolf, his bow drawn to the thickness of the fir canopy.

„Perhaps Aida has finally tracked you down Arnolf“, remarked Cregan, tightening his grip on Ice.

Indeed, even with the birds flying away, the hairs on their necks still stood up, as the feeling of being watched did not disappear.

As they moved forward, a shadow crept above them.

Or was it around them?

Why did it seem as if the trees were closing in on them slowly? Where was the path they came from, it was becoming hard to tell. Were they spinning in circles?

Their heads were starting to feel heavy as they tried to orient themselves. While they could only feel the eyes upon them before, now it was as if they could see thousands of glistening orbs everywhere they turned.

Seeing a real enemy was one thing. Feeling as if it is all in your head without being able to fight back was another. The three certainly felt like one would after far too much mead. Only, their flasks were still full.

„We need to turn back. Now.“ One of the lords shouted - it was difficult to tell which one for all the sounds were muffled. It was rather obvious they were unwelcome here.

„Which way?“ That could have been Osric. Must've been. Shielding his eyes from the rising storm he sought out his friends, unable to see either of them.

A strong pull at his cloak dragged him back.

Aiming for the neck he turned towards the target, only to clash with the greatsword, as grey eyes pierced through him.

Ice and years of practice shielded Cregan from a certain death had that dagger gone through his neck. He gave no time for Osric to come to himself as he nodded in the other direction, dragging Osric along with him.

The two ran as they thought the trees would swallow them up if they lingered a moment more.

Gasping, they both crashed into the clearing, the storm behind them settling down.

„What in the fucking hells was that?“ Arnolf stood by them as he tried to catch his breath as well. They could hear each other properly at last.

A creek of water was humming nearby, even a few chirping birds could be heard as they searched for any remaining seeds.

Strange how only a moment ago there was no sound at all.

„I do not know, and I do not think I wish to know. We are alive, that is all that matters. And look! Over there, do you see them?“ Osric pointed at the herd on the other side of the creek.

Turning around, all three caught sight of the deer trying to reach the last few remains of green hanging on the branches.

Looks like they found what they were looking for after all.

Crouching down, their bowstrings drawn back, they focused on the task that brought them here in the first place. There would be time to talk about what they experienced, but for now they had to be quick.

For the storm could always return as fast as it arrived.

.

„Admit it brother! You lost on purpose! You do know, you don't need a wager as an excuse to court Aida. We shan't judge your tastes.“ Cregan laughed boisterously, as they loaded the last carcass onto the cart.

It seems that the North would survive after all, if all other hunts were as successful.

The road back was far easier than the one they took when entering the woods, thankfully without any new strange encounters. Their hunt had gone far better than they thought it would, creating a joyful atmosphere as they prepared to return home.

Cregan's frown melted as he saw his friends laughing together. Nevertheless, he could not forget what happened to them. It was unlike anything he experienced before. He came to his senses as fast as he could. Still, whatever that was caught him unaware.

He could not kill the wind, nor could he stab eyes if there was no body attached to them. He was caught unprepared.

That frightened him, even as his laughter joined that of his friends.

She would know, he thought. Surely she would. To know Nature was her duty. Surely, she would've been alerted of all who come and go out of the Wolfswood. Surely his friend would…

Cregan inhaled sharply as he heard a light tapping sound behind him, as if something was knocking against the tree bark.

The Starks took their oaths seriously. So did she.

Gods, he made a mistake.

As he turned around, the tapping became louder. The shadow from before had a clearer form now, as she lowered her hood, sheathing her dagger back into its scabbard. Grey eyes met stern brown ones. He took one breath more.

„My lady“, he bowed his head, hoping to somehow melt the iciness of her expression as she regarded the three of them. A raven settled down on her shoulder, as she took a step towards the men, casting one glance to the cart.

„Not much of a lady Lord Stark. I do believe I told you to stop calling me that,“ she murmured gazing back at him. „We had an agreement, you do recall that yes?"

Osric and Arnolf could only exchange an amused look as they watched the Warden of the North trying to appease the young witch. It was a rare thing for her to call him by his titles, if only to tease him. Yet now, there was no trace of a smile.

„Aye, I remember. I swear to you it was an honest mistake, one that I regret committing. We wanted to head back to Winterfell as soon as possible. There is a Feast coming, and I need to oversee the planning of it.“

The witch's expression remained unchanged. Cregan tried once more.

„You have my word Y/N, we haven't taken more than is needed. We were in the clearing you took me to. What you see in the cart is all we hunted.“

„Aye, we were lucky to get to that bloody clearing in the first place. Say Y/N“, added Osric, „is it possible for a blizzard to occur in only one part of the forest?“

As Osric continued to explain what happened to them, Cregan's eyes darkened as he regarded the witch in front of him. She did not seem surprised at all at the strange event taking place.

„All of that to teach us a lesson?“ She turned her eyes back to Cregan, both now glaring at one another.

„I do not ask you to alert me Cregan because I do not trust you to keep our Oath.“

She cut him off as he went to speak once more: „And before you accuse me of anything, know that if I had not reached you on time, we would not be having this discussion. What happened to you is a measure of precaution. I told you once, those who trespass in the Wolfswood do not get out of them alive. Those are not words for bed stories to scare little children.“

She examined him once more, trying to see if her wards had caused any injury. „The spells do not make a difference between a friend or foe.“

She could try to hide behind a stern voice all she wanted, but Cregan could see how her eyes kept moving over his form, trying to see if there is any trace of blood.

He did not know when he moved, for in a few strides he stood in front of her, his eyes softening as he laid one hand on her shoulder.

„We are all right Y/N. We are here, and alive, it is all right,“ He murmured, as his fingers unconsciously traced soothing patterns on her shoulder.

Brown eyes met grey ones for a brief moment before she returned to the task of looking him over. Despite her glares, he knew she was afraid of not making it in time.

He always saw through her when it came to this. Cregan knew how protective she would get over the people she cared about. He supposed they were alike in that matter. And if he was correct in his assumption, she will do her best to hide her worry.

„You bloody idiot, how can you be so reckless!“, she shoved him and he could not help but laugh, which only added to her anger. „You absolute fool!“

He had to take a step back to stop himself from falling down. She was smaller than him, yet he found himself on the ground far more times than he wanted to admit when he was on the receiving end of her anger.

„Is that the way to speak to your Lord?“ he quirked an eyebrow, trying to catch her hands, as she kept pushing at his shoulders.

„Oh will you shut it, you almost died because of a stupid mistake.“

„From your wards.“

„Shut it, I am aware!“

He chuckled once more, finally grasping her hands in his, bringing them between their chests, his eyes holding a gleam as he tried to calm her once more.

„I promise my lady, the next time I do something as reckless as that you are welcome to unleash your fury all you want. For now, I-„

„There will not be a next time, and I do not need your permission for that.“

„As you wish my lady.“

„Shut it.“

His gaze rested on her, a fond smile still playing at his lips. They bickered often, when one or the other did something overly dangerous. Considering their duties, threatening situations were unavoidable. Even though both were skillful fighters, one could often hear them arguing over the lack of carefulness.

A cough interrupted them, making Cregan quickly release her hands, as Arnolf walked up to the pair.

„In order to settle this matter once and for all I propose a truce! Dear Y/N, would you join us in the Winter Feast? We shall settle this in the Northern way! With a good song, and an even better tankard of mead, all of today's troubles shall be forgotten.“

„You cannot refuse, for after all, we have almost lost our Warden today“, chimed in Osric as he came up on the other side of them.

„Besides", a sly smirk appeared on his face, "We are wounded, for you have not paid such care to our own possible injuries“, he clapped the young Wolf on the shoulder. Cregan only frowned as he regained his composure, rolling his eyes at his friend's antics.

„I planned on coming anyway, you needn't guilt me into going my Lords.“ The raven above her croaked once more. „For now, I have other matters to attend to, so I shall bid you farewell.“

As she turned towards the Wolfswood, Cregan found himself shouting after her: „You are armed yes?“

Rising her dagger out of her scabbard she waved as the shadows of the giant fir trees enveloped her once more.

„Falling for women who attempt to kill you Cregan? Can't say I am surprised. It is all right, we shan't judge your tastes old friend. Besides, she is a fiesty beauty.“

Arnolf's face was met with fresh snow, as Cregan pushed past him towards their horses.

„Shut it.“

[book--brackets]

Simon Snow by Rainbow Rowell (2015-2021)

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

Gentleman Bastard by Scott Lynch (2006-present)

An orphan's life is harsh — and often short — in the island city of Camorr, built on the ruins of a mysterious alien race. But born with a quick wit and a gift for thieving, Locke Lamora has dodged both death and slavery, only to fall into the hands of an eyeless priest known as Chains — a man who is neither blind nor a priest.

A con artist of extraordinary talent, Chains passes his skills on to his carefully selected "family" of orphans — a group known as the Gentlemen Bastards. Under his tutelage, Locke grows to lead the Bastards, delightedly pulling off one outrageous confidence game after another. Soon he is infamous as the Thorn of Camorr, and no wealthy noble is safe from his sting.

Passing themselves off as petty thieves, the brilliant Locke and his tightly knit band of light-fingered brothers have fooled even the criminal underworld's most feared ruler, Capa Barsavi. But there is someone in the shadows more powerful — and more ambitious — than Locke has yet imagined.

Known as the Gray King, he is slowly killing Capa Barsavi's most trusted men — and using Locke as a pawn in his plot to take control of Camorr's underworld. With a bloody coup under way threatening to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the Gray King at his own brutal game — or die trying...

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020)

Piranesi's house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house. 

There is one other person in the house--a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.

The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin (2015-2017)

This is the way the world ends. . .for the last time.

It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester. 

This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (2011)

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness takes the final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd and weaves an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.

The Sandman by Neil Gaiman (1990-2003)

In PRELUDES & NOCTURNES, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his 70 year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman.

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (2018-2020)

When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising.

But surprises aren’t always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.

For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .

Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

Villains by V. E. Schwab (2013-present)

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

Uprooted by Naomi Novik (2015)

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

Legacy of Orisha by Tomi Adeyemi (2018-2024)

They killed my mother. They took our magic. They tried to bury us. Now we rise. Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie's Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers -and her growing feelings for an enemy.

[dev-mars]

More Rewrite headcanons!

• She’s 23 in the beginning

• Irene is more commonly called The Matron out of respect for her

• Aphmau is unknowingly very charismatic

• She has a gentle sweetness and extremely strong empathy

• She was found in the forest by Visher and he brought her to Phoenix Drop

• Visher became a father figure to her like he does in rebirth they just have more actual time to together

• Visher encourages her kindness and empathy because much of the world lacks this but didn’t have time to teach her that her kindness needs to have its limits

• Visher names her Aphmau after a story he heard in his youth

• Aphmau experiences déjà vu all the time

• Aphmau had hopes finding out her past based on her markings that she believed were tattoos

• She has nightmares but can never remember them when she wakes up

• This means she goes on walks around the village a lot at night

• When Garroth can’t sleep either he joins her and pretends he simply needs to patrol the village

• Aphmau’s first thought when she saw Garroth’s face was that he had kind eyes

• Visher planned to take Aphmau back to Bright Port once he felt she was well enough to travel

• He had also begun to think of her as family and he was excited to introduce her to his wife and son

• Aphmau was near the dock when it happened and the explosion was meant to kill both of them

• Gene felt that Aphmau had been causing too much progression and hope in the village but her survival seemed to be supernatural in nature and he sensed that he had magicks that might be useful to him

• Animals are naturally drawn to her and Kiki noticed this immediately she thought at first this meant she might’ve had magicks similar to her until she realized it also applied to people. Her presence/energy is very bright leading people or animals to want to be near her.

• Once they moved past their initial bad impressions of each other Emmalyn started to teach Aphmau to read when she realized Aphmau couldn’t. Emmalyn taught her the basics but not enough for her to be able to read super well. Aphmau had more serious problems to deal with in the village so didn’t have time to keep learning.

• Once Aphmau officially becomes the lord she has to read official documents. She had trouble reading the formal language of the papers and tried hiding it because she didn’t want to ask for help. Garroth figured out she was struggling and began reading them to her and slowly teaching her.

• Way later in the story Aphmau will realize that she can read an ancient form of their common language from when Irene was alive

• Visher taught her about sailing and wanted her to sail to Brightport with his supervision when they left Phoenix Drop . He planned this so Aphmau would gain another skill and eventually if she took up as merchant like him she would be able to travel.

• Aphmau ended up making the journey to Brightport alone. She volunteered to deliver his remains while still grieving his death. Once she made it Brightport she was struggling to tie up her boat and was nearly in tears over it due to being overwhelmed and grieving Visher’s death.

• Laurance noticed this and without saying anything helped her tie up her ship. Then he asks if she’s alright. He cracks a joke that’s kind of flirty that makes her laugh distracting her briefly from Visher’s death. He doesn’t immediately full on flirt with Aphmau because she was clearly distressed. He compliment her before he’s interrupted by the ladies at Brightport throwing small rock because they think shamelessly flirting with another girl.

• They finally introduce themselves and Laurance might comment on the story she’s named after before pointing her in the right direction and saying goodbye. He says something like, “goodbye my dear Aphmau.” instead of calling her “love.” (idk man i just want their first meeting to be less cringe as much as I love flirty Laurance in the series his dialogue can be awkward and cringe at times. I just want him to be more charming in a natural way in their first meeting.)

• Once Laurance meets her again in Meteli “my dear” and other forms of it becomes what he calls her. At that time Aphmau realizes he’s been flirting with her and gets embarrassed but secretly doesn’t mind the pet name. Laurance does it out of affection and to annoy her until Garroth and Laurance have their bro talk™️ where Garroth admits his feelings for Aphmau. Aphmau feels disappointed that it stops but doesn’t question it too much.

• Laurance calls her dear or love one last time before making her leave him in the nether probably saying something like “Don’t worry about me, dear. I’ll be right behind you.”

Anyway more story ideas! Hopefully one day I’ll do something with them. Also I know that the reason Aphmau first goes to Brightport is for Brendon but I felt like that event is too similar to Garroth getting injured later and Visher has just died so to me personally it fits better for Aphmau to be delivering Visher’s remains. Plus I think the werewolf plot line can still happen without the moon herb thing.

[coven-of-genesis]

Menstration Magick

The interpretation of getting your period during specific lunar phases is often associated with symbolic and metaphoric meanings rather than a scientifically established connection.

Here are some general interpretations associated with menstruation and specific lunar phases:

Full Moon: The full moon represents the peak of the lunar cycle and is often associated with illumination, abundance, and heightened energy. Getting your period during a full moon can be seen as a time of release, letting go, and emotional cleansing.

New Moon: The new moon phase represents a fresh start, new beginnings, and potential for growth. Menstruating during a new moon may symbolize a time of renewal, introspection, and setting intentions for the upcoming cycle.

Waxing Crescent: The waxing crescent phase signifies growth, hope, and the manifestation of desires. If you get your period during this phase, it might be interpreted as a time of nurturing your inner desires and dreams.

First Quarter: The first quarter, also known as the half-moon or waxing half-moon, represents challenges, decision-making, and taking action. Menstruating during this phase could be seen as a time of confronting obstacles, making important choices, and embracing your personal power.

Waxing Gibbous: The waxing gibbous phase symbolizes progress, refinement, and further development. If you get your period during this phase, it might be viewed as a time of self-improvement, growth, and honing your skills or talents.

Waning Gibbous: The waning gibbous phase is associated with gratitude, reflection, and letting go. Menstruating during this phase could be seen as a time of releasing what no longer serves you, practicing self-care, and expressing gratitude for the experiences of the previous cycle.

Waning Crescent: The waning crescent phase represents surrender, rest, and preparation for a new beginning. If you get your period during this phase, it might be interpreted as a time of introspection, self-care, and embracing stillness before the next cycle begins.

It's important to note that these interpretations are subjective and influenced by personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual practices.

The meaning you assign to your period in relation to specific lunar phases is a personal choice, and it's up to you to explore and find what resonates with you on an individual level.

[dungeon-roving]

Laios Post!

So, Laios, Tallman fighter. All throughout the series, we've seen that Laios is not a brute-strength, 18-20 STR beatstick of a fighter. Throughout the show/manga, his power is shown to come primary with his obsession/knowledge. Turns out... there's an archetype for exactly that: Lore Warden Fighter.

The downside of it is... you lose Medium Armor proficiency. Laios is constantly, aside from flashbacks, seen wearing medium armor. We also have another problem, Laios isn't overall intelligent, which the Knowledge skills - i.e the monster identifying ones - depend on. Third, we know Laios has a bit of magic at his disposal as the series progresses.

Would you believe me if I said there was a class Laios could dip in, that does exactly that. It's admittedly not accurate in terms of flavor, but mechanically it perfectly suits Laios: the Inquisitor. I'm not exactly concerned of the flavor-wise implications of Laios being -- well -- part of an INQUISITION, since this is largely focused on mechanics where at all possible.

(There is one dead god that Laios would 100% serve, the dead good god of monsters -- Curchanus -- but that guy is dead as a doornail.)

The Inquisitor's armor proficiency gives us our medium armor proficiency. That means Laios can wear the gear he's seen throughout the series (Barring flashbacks and the end) wearing. Inquisitor also gives us Monster Lore, which adds WIS and INT to knowledges -- but solely for monster identification! So, we won't have Laios out-magicking Marcille constantly.

He would still have the ability to pick up magic fairly easily, as Spellcraft is a Class Skill for Lore Wardens -- and he'd have Skill Focus in every monster identification skill (except Engineering, as there are no robots in Dunmeshi) -- so his Knowledge (arcana) and Spellcraft could be higher than your average fighter.

And might as well bash 2e while I'm at it (I love it, but for creating nuanced renditions of characters it is absolutely horrible thanks to the consolidated skills) -- Sense Motive and Perception are separate in first edition. Meaning we don't accidentally create a version of Laios that's about as socially aware as Kabru. He'll still have medium-to-high WIS to make Monster Lore effective though, but no points in SM should fix the problem. Intimidate is general though, so the below panel... admittedly will work on humans.

And if you have to ask me what the exact ratio of Fighter to Inquisitor is, I couldn't tell you except that he has AT MOST 3 levels of Inquisitor. It only takes one to get Medium Armor and Monster lore so he could go with as little as 1 level in Inquisitor.

[tragedycoded]

OC fighting tier list

Of course I'm going to do this one. Thank you so much for tagging me @the-golden-comet <3 I had to decide if I wanted to make all the picrews match or not. Chaos won.

Rules: Using this link, make a tier list of how capable your OCs are at winning a fight.

S Tier:

Royston | efficient when he isn't playing with his food in front of an audience.

Sullivan | highly trained, highly skilled, the only reason I considered bumping him down to A tier is bc he didn't kill any of the Huston brothers during the shootout at The Pig & Whistle but that was a tactical decision not a lack of skill.

A Tier:

Hofer | his performance during the Bad Ending aside, he has one-punched people in bar fights before. He's from Philadelphia LOL.

B Tier

Gott | demonstrates her fighting capacity in Book 2. Might get bumped up to A Tier in Book 3 once she's had some practice.

Neil | he's skilled in at least one martial art prior to his indoctrination into the Technocratic Union and is a deadly mf afterwards. ATP he's young and inexperienced and most of the fights we're going to see him in he's having to protect Khalid.

C Tier:

Clara | not likely to fight unless she's roused to anger, and she has to resort to instinctual/dirty fighting to survive. I've never put her in a Situation where she'd have to fight someone and I don't intend to; that's why her sister's joining us at the midpoint >:]

D Tier:

Khalid | has won fights before, has to rely on Science (read: magick) and has, at 18, zero experience with hand-to-hand or melee combat. His physical condition in Part 2 of ALM also impedes his ability to fight significantly.

Tag! and I'm making this open if you aren't on my tag list but want in <3

@lychhiker-writes @cowboybrunch @saturnine-saturneight @ashfordlabs @autism-purgatory

@noblebs @aintgonnatakethis @the-golden-comet @asablehart @mauvecatfic

@leahnardo-da-veggie @sableglass @gioiaalbanoart @words-after-midnight

@lavender-bloom @jev-urisk @wyked-ao3

[pandorasinfinity]

Welcome to my Infinity

Hello, I'm Pandora and welcome to my blog <3

I am 23 and use they/them pronouns

This will be my space to talk about my spiritual journey since I feel like I need an outlet to discuss my beliefs and experiences

I shift realities but also continuously improve this reality through manifestation, void state usage, and LOA

I regularly channel information and people across realities, including different versions of myself for guidance

I also work with tarot, sigil magick, servitors, and primarily hellenic deities

I did professional channeled readings for over a year, but have turned away from that now to refine other skills and explore new things, but feel free to ask questions if you are interested

This reality is my home base (for now), but not quite my original reality

I don't care if you don't believe anything here. Just don't be rude. Everyone starts out confused and skeptical, but welcome to the start of something amazing if you choose to read with an open mind

Directory:

#mydrs - this will get you all the stuff that I have shared about my DR's and relationships, I don't share a lot but what I do is here

#shiftingadvice - this is anything that might help with shifting, including some motivation

#questions - answering any asks I get! Often overlaps with shifting advice

#LOA - Law of Assumption posts about manifesting in mostly this reality

#mypractice - non shifting related magick in my life

BOUNDARIES FOR ASKING QUESTIONS

Whatever you believe is true becomes your truth.

[dragonfirerogue-writes]

is it ok if i request a gn reader x wednesday? maybe slow dancing or just swaying with her :]]? or maybe whatever scenario you prefer with a gn reader similar to howl pendragon ur pick :> i love ur work btwwww

Thaaanks 💜

Wednesday x gn!reader

If she didn't enjoy it so much, lugging around her cello would be the last thing she would do. Especially without Thing's assistance. But Wednesday found the instrument to be therapeutic. Much more so than her actual so-called therapist.

Managing to make it out of the window, Wednesday finally sets up and prepares to play. Taking a deep breath, her posture straightens even more than usual and she brings her bow up to the strings. She's just about to start when a shadow distracts her. She looks up and sees you, floating up to her balcony with an infuriating grin on your face.

"Ah, my shadow. Preparing to fill the air with a haunting melody?" You ask as you land next to her.

Why you chose to pester her was beyond Wednesday's comprehension. She knew of your reputation as a womanizer. Many people, i.e Enid, warned her about your habit of breaking hearts. But she didn't care. She didn't have a heart to break and your skills were useful to her. Might as well use you if you intended to do the same to her.

"Perhaps if you didn't interrupt me, I would be, L/N." The goth watches as you prop yourself on the balcony railing.

"Don't let me stop you, dark love. Whether I'm here or not, I'll enjoy it regardless."

"Yes, because I play specifically for you." Her voice was dripping in sarcasm. You only let out a soft chuckle in reply. This back and forth was fun for you and you genuinely enjoyed it. There weren't many who resisted your charms and yet here she was. You have long since stopped trying to overtly flirt with the goth girl. You knew it wasn't going to work at all anyway. But you still held an interest in her, even if it just ends up platonic.

After some quiet, Wednesday took it as a signal that she could start playing. Soon enough, the crooning notes of the cello filled the night air. You close your eyes and let the music fill your senses. With the instrument this close, you could feel its vibrations fly into the air. It was captivating.

When your eyes open again, they watch the petite girl play. She ebbs and flows with each note as it sways and bends. This was a song that she didn't need her sheet music for. In a rare instance of vulnerability, dark eyes are closed so music can be felt. The look enchants you more than any spell you could ever cast. In a bout of inspiration, you begin to dance.

At first, your light steps could be heard in time with the music as they alight on the stone balcony. Light scuffs and scrapes of your footwear accent each measure Wednesday plays. Your arms wave about, summoning sparks and light to enhance your moves, even if it was for your own delight. Wednesday didn't have to open her eyes to see. The light was seen behind eyelids and sounds of steps matched the beats.

Until it couldn't be heard anymore.

Curious, Wednesday opens her eyes to see you in the air once more, letting the music literally lift you. The moonlight makes your skin and hair glow, making her wonder if you magicked that effect as well. Even distracted, her music was flawless. Even entranced, you took your opportunity.

The goth girl jumps back in surprise as her cello spins and begins to play itself, continuing the melody she was just playing. Knowing who was behind the trick, she looks up at you only to see your hand outstretched towards her.

"May I have this dance?"

Without waiting for an answer, you take her hand and lift her into the air and into your arms. You immediately begin to spin in time to an easy waltz, letting Wednesday become accustomed to being afloat.

"Trust me," you tell her. "I would never let you fall."

As soon as Wednesday gets used to floating, you allow the dance to become more intricate. You lead the dance all around the area using your magic to create trails of light as your feet move.

This was a new experience for Wednesday. While the whole romanticism of the situation made her sick, the feeling of floating was an experience unlike any other. Especially while dancing. Perhaps keeping this wizard around may lead to even more such experiences.

The song begins to end as you lead the two of you back to the balcony. You end the dance by pulling away from your frame and bowing to your partner.

"Apologies for pulling you around like that. I got swept up in the magic of it all."

Wednesday stares at your bent form before saying, "it wasn't.... Entirely unpleasant." You beam at that. "Certainly a new experience, dancing on air. The only other time that happened, I was possessed." A surprised chuckle left your mouth.

"Well, I'm glad I could give you a new experience. Hope we have the chance again, to dance together." You step closer to the girl and for once, she doesn't step back. "I should leave before I'm caught past curfew. Until tomorrow, my dark shadow." You bow again but this time, you reach for one of Wednesday's pigtails and lay a kiss on the end. With a smile, you leap into the railing and make your way to your room, skipping through the air as if on a solid path.

Wednesday watches, fascinated by how magic works for you. Though she'll deny til her dying breath that her heart didn't skip just a little bit at your goodbye. With a sigh, she turns away and packs up her cello. Maybe she could've had you help before you left.

[checkoutmybookshelf]

I am...a Professor

I've been on a bit of a faerie kick lately, and Emily Wilde is one of my favorite human protagonists for fae books. She is objectively bad at people, but that's not unusual for academics in general. As a recovering academic, the fact that this book is about how bananas field work can go just tickled me. If you squint, there are echoes of Evy Carnahan from The Mummy in this book, and between that and the wintery vibes, this book was just a delight to read. Let's talk Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Emily Wilde is a career academic whose career has been stalled by the fact that she is...straight-up bad at peopleing. Her saving grace is the solidity of her scholarship, which is why she rocks up to a rented cottage in Hrafnsvik with no grad students and no sense of how to take care of herself while in in the field. Our girl cannot split wood and doesn't so much as know how to bank a fire to stop herself from freezing to death overnight. She also accidentally manages to offend every single one of her hosts and the village headwoman, so she is in very real danger of freezing or starving to death by like chapter three.

And then Wendell Bambleby shows up on her doorstep with a pair of grad students and charm to spare.

Y'all...without giving too much away in spoiler territory, can I just say that I adore how Emily and Wendell are essentially two complimentary halves? Emily is all hardcore scholarship, the scientific method, and goal-focused to the exclusion of other people. Wendell is all flash, showmanship, people skills, and innate knowledge. They would be THE academic power couple at Cambridge...except that right from the get-go, Emily is not shy about telling us the Wendell is kind of a dumpster fire of an academic. He objectively exploits his grad students (although they do get co-authorship on papers and he doesn't sleep with them, so he's already better than most of the horror stories I was aware of in academia), he blatantly falsifies his research to basically no consequences, and he's objectively less interested in the academics than in the clout and money that comes with being a world-renowned academic.

The problem is that faeries--their chosen academic subject--aren't known for hanging around Cambridge and popping into office hours for in-depth interviews. So Emily and Wendell are both well and truly out of their comfort zones doing research in a tiny, wintery village. And for all Emily is terrible at people, she is stunningly good at faeries. Brownies, small folk, and even a changeling don't give her pause, and at no point is Emily out of her depth in terms of knowledge--even if actual magic tends to trump KNOWING that you've been magicked.

While Emily, Wendell, and the other characters are what you read this book for, the faerie lore, setting, and sheer winter vibes are phenomenal. I also loved the journal format of this book more than I thought I would. First-person journal style novels (I could maaaaaaaaaaaaaybe justify calling this an epistolary novel, but that might be stretching the genre a little, since the perspective is pretty firmly limited to Emily, with only I think two interludes from Wendell) tend to either feel like there's a lot of distance between reader and character, since the story is literally mediated through multiple meta layers of textuality, or that there isn't enough distance between character and readers. Emily being bad at people means that the book leans toward more distance, but as you get to know her, that distance closes a little, and the understated, scientific tone honestly makes some of the more objectively emotional events hit weirdly harder than they might have otherwise. I think the writing style works brilliantly with Emily as a character, and honestly the whole thing reminds me a little of Olivia Atwater's Regency Fairy Tales in tone and mood.

I am loathe to offer any plot spoilers here, because frankly this book was excellent and I strongly recommend it. It's a very, very slow burn romance with fantastic lore and Emily is a compelling character on her own merits long before she realizes what book she's in. I am absolutely psyched for Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands, and you will likely (eventually) get a review of that one from me as well. In the mean time, remember to be polite to you fae, bring gifts, and keep an eye on your mind just in case something decides to enchant you.

[ectojyunk]

Prompt #3: Tempest

A soft rustling noise made the Exarch wake from his nap, a gentle voice which he could understand despite the foreign yet familiar language cooed at him to stay and rest longer, "Apologies, did I wake you?" it asked.

"No no, 'tis fine."

The Exarch was nestled on a shade's lap, their big stature allowing him to be fully tucked into the soft robes. This particular shade went by the name "Hythlodaeus", a memory of a person who had -by some error in Emet-Selch's recreation process- gained self-awareness to realize the ephermeral nature of their existence.

It was this one who had finished dressing up the Exarch's bullet wound and had remained by his side from time to time. At first, the Exarch thought Emet-Selch had simply ordered the shade to keep watch. Although that thought came to lose it's weight as time went on since the shade not only allowed the Exarch to leave the confines of his room in the Capitol, but the building besides. On top of that, Hythlodaeus didn't hesitate to teach the Exarch the basics of their written language so that he might scour the libraries to find some way out of his predicament.

A yawn escaped the Exarch's mouth, he sat up and leaned backwards as the shade steadied him. It tentatively pet his head with one finger. The gesture was awkward but welcome- a comforting touch definitely did not go amiss after the nightmare the Exarch went through.

How many days had it been since the encounter on Mt. Gulg? The Exarch did not know, the clocks in Amaurot seemed to be stuck on a specific hour, the second hand ticking back and forth between the same interval… and the skies? It was the same dim blue as always.

"Ah. I sense a new addition has been added to the edge of the city," a pause, "Emet-Selch is near," Hythlodaeus said. The Exarch took a deep breath and slid off the shade's lap and onto the bench.

"I'm going to go check," the Miqo'te said with a determined tone. "Which direction?"

The shade pointed at the street leading southwards from them. The Exarch nodded and set off.

It wasn't long before the Exarch entered the new addition to the city. He had roamed plenty to recognize there were new streets, buildings and inhabitants in this section of the district now. Alas, Emet-Selch was nowhere to be seen. A particular structure caught his eye. Likening it to the elevators inside the Capitol, he made his way over to it.

The doors opened and he stepped inside. There were only two buttons- thanks to his recently learnt skills, he made out the engraved Ancient letterings next to each button; one labelled "Ground Floor" and the other… "The Tempest".

The Tempest? So he was still in the First, under the sea of Khlousia. The Exarch tilted his head, yes he could sense the Tower even if it was quite far, but it was a relief to know where exactly he was.

He pressed the top button, the one labelled the Tempest- Emet-Selch would not give him this easy of a way out, but it couldnt hurt to try.

As expected, the elevator denied his access and its doors remained open. Figures. With an disappointed sigh, he began to stroll his way back to the shade. When he arrived, Hythlodaeus was not reading at the bench they were sitting at anymore.

"Did you see him?" the shade asked from behind. Ah, he needed to stop appearring and disappearing like that. Perhaps he couldn't help it, or perhaps this one was remembered to be mischevious in nature, a trait Emet-Selch would not forget- yes, he definitely wouldn't forget someone like Hythlodaeus. Why was the Exarch… so sure of that?

"I think I missed him. No matter- I know where we are now. And I intend to look up some magicks pertaining underwater teleportation. I'll be heading back to the Capitol."

"Mind if I follow along?" The shade tilted his head, the Exarch could almost make out a smile in their blank face.

"Not at all. I might need more of your generous help yet," the Exarch smiled and then realized, "Ah- but Emet-Selch might be near. Perhaps it wouldn't be wise for you to follow me right now. I'll meet you at the library."

The shade nodded, "I will oblige, but trust me, he wouldn't really be able to say a word against me," it put a hand near where their mouth would be and chuckled.

"That may be… but I'd rather you do not get… unmade," the Exarch shot a pleading smile at Hythlodaeus.

Hythlodaeus shook his head. "Do what you must and do not fear what befalls me. I am long dead, and I have chosen what autonomy I do have to help you and yours. You knew what that would entail when you accepted my guidance."

The Exarch was taken aback, he sighed- because what Hythlodaeus said was right. There was no going back, they would risk all to protect their loved ones. So would his enemy, so would his beloved enemy…

[recitedemise]

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗫𝗜𝗩 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲. Hailing from Sharlayan, the sorcerer Gale stands mired in talk. As a Black Mage and archon of considerable repute, however, his fame as a caster is an indisputable fact. He's a clever little thing, sharp enough to bother nearly half of all his peers. He's a textbook prodigy, impossible in his ego and unfailing in his pride, and for what most suspects is for all these reasons, Mystra, his goddess, had made herself known. She would love her chosen. She would hold them carefully in her puppeteering palms. Through Gale, she had sank her claws, enticed by his brilliance and his skill at magick, and like a dutiful lamb, he happily followed. In time, he grew to desire more from her, seeking a sort of godhood himself to stand by her side. However, as he looked for a way, fumbling in a study of powerful magic, Mystra, offended, casted him aside — and alone, Gale, corrupted, bears the wounds. Now, he's been thoroughly admonished, all his peers learning quickly of his taboo work. He remains knife-like in his mind, but utterly corrupted to the roots of his marrow, and cursed, his body now harbors an unstoppable hunger: a need to consume all the aether it can.

Should ever you need him — and please do not — you might find him isolating in his warded tower.