#<< tapestry ; overdue encounter>>

[lynette-m-roses]

Title: Bonds of Destiny

Note: In this story, the reader will take on the role of a character who interacts with Geralt of Rivia. The focus will be on the reader raising their son named Ajax.

---

The soft rays of morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow upon the cottage where you and your son, Ajax, resided. As you watched over him, a mixture of pride and love filled your heart. Ajax, with his unruly hair and curious eyes, was a constant reminder of the bond you shared with Geralt of Rivia.

Geralt had left years ago, drawn away by his calling as a Witcher, but y/n had never forgotten the love she once shared. Determined to raise Ajax with the same strength and resilience that Geralt embodied, y/n imparted stories of his heroic deeds and tales of adventure.

As Ajax grew older, his curiosity ignited a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the world. Y/n nurtured his natural talents, teaching him about the dangers that lurked beyond the safe haven of the woods. Ajax possessed a fierce spirit, inherited from both his parents, and y/n knew it was only a matter of time before his path would intersect with Geralt's once again.

One fateful day, as Ajax ventured further into the world, he encountered a troubled village besieged by a monstrous threat. With a heavy heart, y/n bid him farewell, knowing that his destiny intertwined with that of his father.

Days turned into weeks, and your heart ached with the absence of both Ajax and Geralt. you found solace in the memories you had carefully tucked away, memories that filled the cottage with warmth. The love you had shared with Geralt had left an indelible mark, shaping the person you had become, and the parent you strived to be.

One evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. It was Geralt, his eyes filled with regret and longing. He had heard of Ajax's deeds and had come to seek solace in the presence of his son.

The room filled with emotion as Geralt and Ajax embraced, their bond transcending time and distance. Geralt looked at you, his voice filled with both remorse and gratitude, "Thank you for raising our son, for instilling him with the strength I couldn't be there to provide."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you smiled, the weight of the past lifting from your shoulders. "He is a testament to the love we shared, Geralt. He carries your spirit and mine within him."

Together, you watched Ajax and Geralt connect, forging a bond that had been long overdue. Geralt vowed to be a presence in Ajax's life, to guide him amidst the dangers of their world, and to share in the joys and sorrows of the path they would walk together.

As you witnessed their reunion, a sense of peace settled within you. Ajax had grown into a remarkable young man, and he would continue the legacy of his parents, their intertwined destinies forever entwined.

In the cottage nestled within the woods, love had endured the tests of time, weaving a tapestry of unbreakable bonds. The past may have been filled with challenges and separations, but the present held the promise of a future where family would conquer all.

[cooledtured]

Mark Hamill Meets His “Star Wars” Mom at the 2024 Golden Globes

The red carpet shimmered like Tatooine’s twin suns, yet all eyes were drawn to a different kind of galactic spectacle at the 2024 Golden Globes. Mark Hamill, the legendary Luke Skywalker himself, had finally met his on-screen mother, the radiant Natalie Portman.

For decades, the Skywalker family tree has spanned generations and timelines, existing in a cinematic universe where mothers and sons can be separated by lightsabers and light-years. But on that glittering Hollywood night, the Force brought them together in a moment as heartwarming as the Ewoks celebrating victory.

Hamill, ever the playful Jedi, announced the encounter on his Instagram with a mischievous glint: “Lights, camera, family reunion! After years of searching across galaxies far, far away, I finally met my Star Wars mother, the incomparable Natalie Portman, at the Golden Globes last night!”

The photo, a testament to the power of intergalactic bonds, captured the essence of the moment. Hamill, beaming like a farm boy who just found his first lightsaber, stood beside Portman, her elegance mirroring Padmé Amidala’s grace. The Force practically crackled between them, a silent acknowledgement of the legacy they shared.

Their meeting wasn’t just a chance encounter; it was a reunion long overdue. Though their characters never shared a scene, their destinies were intertwined in the tapestry of Star Wars. Padmé, a queen and a warrior, gave birth to Luke, the farmboy who would become a Jedi legend. Their connection, though unseen, was the beating heart of the Skywalker saga.

For fans, the image was a balm to the soul. It bridged the gap between generations, reminding us that even in a galaxy filled with droids and spaceships, the core of Star Wars remains the timeless bond of family. It was a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, where mothers and sons, even those separated by celluloid and time, can finally find their way to each other.

So, the next time you watch Luke Skywalker gaze at the twin suns, remember that his journey wasn’t just about spaceships and battles. It was about finding his place in the galaxy, and perhaps, just perhaps, finding his mother along the way. And who knows, maybe one day, we’ll see Luke and Leia reunited with their mother on the silver screen, their family finally complete. Until then, the Force will continue to bind them, and the memory of their Hollywood reunion will remind us that even in a galaxy far, far away, families have a way of finding their way home.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  DANIEL SIMMONS | Writer POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST cooledtured.com | GROW YOUR COLLECTION

[sweettifalockhart-archived]

Borrowed courage dwindles. The adrenaline and hope that inspired her just moments prior is now gone, crushed by the weight of her words. Desperation steals her breath. This is all out of her hands now. All Tifa can do is watch this misshapen bond unravel; a torn tapestry of memories doomed to frayed thread before her very eyes.

The brawler anchors herself in his gaze. Her fingers weakly cling to his skin --to this figurative raft built of everything she thought she knew. But ink quickly corrupts endless blue. Waves become chaotic, unforgiving --concealing an ominous presence within. There he is, calculated like a cunning fox. Where hope's light once shone, dread's bony fingers reach. This tardy arrival feels... purposeful; a malicious reminder that any hope woven by her naive mind is all accounted for in his plans.

His unwelcome presence caresses her skin with a chill. Doom settles over her like a mourning veil; an omen for what is to come. She protests this poison, though her efforts are not more than a gentle shake of Cloud's arm.

But before she could will herself to action, Cloud takes charge of this dance. His voice is sudden, loud, sharp, like a guillotine sealing her fate.

"--Cloud... please..."

Leather squeals against her skin. His rough touch almost as sharp as the words he spat. Though her mind screams for release, her limbs lack the energy to move, to protest his thorny touch. Tifa dares not look at him.

An unclasping of metal can be heard. Static envelopes her mind. So this is how it ends. This is his parting gift. She almost stumbles back. Oh but finally, her raft finds an unlikely shore; shelter from the marrow-deep pain of this encounter. This is all Sephiroth's doing. A prayer, a lullaby to ease her mind. An easy way out.

But the heavy blade falls with a clamour. Her sentence is re-written. Mercy, but at Cloud's discretion or the monster's? Should she be relieved...?

Cloud speaks then, his words now laced with pain and pleas of his own. Desperation bleeds from his throat, each sentence a burdened admission, once clearly locked away in the recesses of his mind. She could feel the heat of his breath on her cheek now. She could feel his anger. For the first time, she is given an unfiltered glimpse into the chaos of his soul.

Her heartbeat pulses through her entire being. Though anger has indeed subsided, sorrow has found itself some new companions. Regret and... relief join this dance. Regret is an old friend, often married with mesmerising guilt. Had she known that this would tear him open as it did her, Tifa would've kept her thoughts locked away for longer. Yet this... all of this feels needed. With the path they have been treading, such an encounter is bound to happen. Hells, Tifa would argue it is long overdue. Indeed she is relieved then, that this confrontation still has hope to end favourably.

Then again, born of this relief is fear, that a similar punishment will befall them in the future, whenever Sephiroth may will it. Which will hurt less -- for it all to end on a bitter note? Or to develop a bond and closeness, only for it to all be taken away?

But all those feelings a silenced, when his last few words are uttered.

The storm is gone now. The veil is lifted. Doom and fear are remedied, banished from the edges of her mind. She is still then, as if a single movement or breath out of place would somehow make him unspeak those words.

The scales are now balanced. Relief is joined by quiet joy; a comforting refuge shielded from the storm. Tifa would be lying through her teeth if she denied her heart's joyous leap. But any ounce of excitement is quickly straightened by guilt's whip. Now is not the time...

Her gaze falls to the man before her. She wills her feet to move. Her mind begs for action of any kind, yet the fighter remains still; almost intoxicated with disbelief. For a moment there, a streak of doubt almost spoils this new memory. Had she heard him correctly? Love is so broad. It's meaning all-encompassing; a feeling felt by young and old, regardless of their experiences.

Ah but, his words were clear; he is in love with her. Guilt's whip echoes. Now is not the time.

One foot in front of the other and she is close to him again. She joins him on dry dirt, perched on the outer edge of her thigh.

"Cloud..." She utters his name. For although her heart is brimming with feelings and her mind is overflowing with thoughts, she finds refuge in speaking his name; as if it is a poem from her past or a familiar melody, one that would guide her to safety.

"I've misunderstood you... I'm sorry..."

@azure-steel

It wasn't the hand about his arm which had Cloud's eyes widen and his brows rise - he had felt the force of her grip before now when situations go awry, always enough to bring him crashing back down to earth - but for the shock of her tone, the tinge of pink colouring her cheeks vindicative of the rage and resentment he could hear dripping from her tongue.

The guilt would begin to manifest once again, a sickening thick sludge breeding and growing the very pit of his gut, a feeling he was far too blindsided in that moment to address in full. But with that guilt grew an anger of his own; an overshadowing of a roiling temper where only vengeance and hatred would dare to tread. How could she say these things to him and expect him to just take it?

An anger which did not quite feel like his own, of which once again he could feel the walls closing in, Tifa's voice becoming dull, thin... as though she were speaking to him from the other side of a locked door.

And his voice would override every waking sense, those black tendrils invading the furthest corners of his psyche, threatening once more to fill every space, the deepest, the darkest, the most corrupt, and burst forth from the very centre of his chest.

Just how much of him was left to keep fighting this emotional battle within himself...?

"Ř̵̢͇̻͓͔̺͎͇͐̇͐̋̓͌̈́͝͝ủ̶̡͈̪͉̼̜͙͙͛ń̶̡̯̩̬̾̄̍̉̓͠,̷̟̦̲̠̽̌͑͂͐̃̔́͝ ̵̡̠̦͍͎̳̙͗͗͊̇͋̄̌̈́͠C̸̢̹̜̟̠̳̥͂͗̏̈͗̉̔̈̈́͝l̵̞̮͝õ̶̡̡̧̲̺̗͇̤͓̋͗̎͛͊͝u̴̠̠̦̗̻̎̿̓͛́̚͝͠d̷̟̖̙̂́́͆̅̉͌͑̒.̸̭̜̣͙̹̇̓̒̆́͆͐͌͊̓ ̷̹̳̠͌͆͋̌̈́̍͌͆͆͊R̸̡̢̡̠̞͚͙͖͇̉̎̍͜u̶̟͍̜̝̞͇̲͔̳̓̀̆n̶̡̝̙̳̜̋͐̎ ̶̛̟̙̲̄̉̓ȧ̴̢͎̹͙̩͇̩̗̙͓̓́̈́̍w̶̡̳̩͍̬͉̾̾̈́̿̕̕͠a̸̠̞̯̥͈̰̣̎̓̉̓̓̋̎̚͜ͅy̸̧̜̟͕̽͗͐̃̐"

'Shut up...'

"Y̷̡̮̤̣͈͍̥̼͋̈́ó̴̺͍̇͆͋͌̔̍̅́̋ư̶͓̺̘̙̲͎̥̗̼͛͆͛́̍͜ ̸͎̱̮̆h̴̯̙̙̾̽̀͐́̈́̒̕a̶̡̡̛̠̬͔̖̜͗̂̈́̓͗v̴͎̙̝̭̑̌̿e̵̢̛̬̫̞̳̩̤͑͋͒͆͐̿̔͊͠ ̵̮̂̋̇̀̈́t̵̩͔͔͎̜̳̔̀̓͆͘͠o̴̟̖̥̥͚̥͖̳̐͐͒͛̕͜ ̸̡͎͆̌̉̐͜ļ̶͉̬̜̣̳̥̼̺̑e̸̡̢͉͇̤̩͓͉̿̍̋͒̿̈́̄͌̈ą̵̦̰̼̀̈́͗͘͜͝͝v̵̰̣̞̥̟̣̟̞̯͛̌̊̿̒̆̏̚ȩ̶̺̬̝̪̉.̷̻͈̐̓͌̓̈͝"

'I said shut up!'

Ȳ̸̩̗̳̈́̋̑̂͐̓o̸̫̐̏̌̓͋̑̐̿͐ų̷̡̣͙͍̗͚̰̜̽̇̓͊͐̚ͅ ̷̮̀̿ḧ̵̦́̂́̿̂͐͝a̶̧͍͚͉͑̔̎͊͊͊̈́̌̑̕ͅṿ̴̻̮̘̙̱͗̕ͅẹ̸̢̣̦͑̇͌͐̓̋͐ ̷̙͓̖͛̿͌̓̕t̶̡̖͈͕̅̿̓̓͘͠ͅǫ̴̛̠͈̝̞͇̿̓̉͑̆͜ ̴̞̠̹͕͓͉͊͐̈́̾̀͊͋̍͝͝l̸̨̡̞̰͙̹̞̦͚̾͑͜į̵͖͓̩̯̦̘͔͓̅̌̎͒̄͆̈́͆̍̚͜v̸͓̬͓̗̗̇̋͆̇̈́̒͋̕̚͠ẻ̴̡̝̓̄̈̾̔̌.̶̫͉͑

'Stop it! You're hurting me!'

S̸͊̾̑͂̎͜H̶̼͖̭͉̦̪̆͠ͅͅE̸͍̼̣̎̈́͒̀͗ͅ ̸̤͈͍͕̲̖̆͌̈̏͂́͒͂́͝Į̴͇̟͔͔̝̭͎̈́̃̽͂́͒̓̈́S̸͂ͅN̶͙̬͓̔́̋'̶̢̖̘̆̈́̿T̶͕͉͖̮͓͕͈͊͑̃͛̈́̽́̕̕͜ ̶͔͓͎͈̄̈́̇̆̊͐R̶̛̺̝͍̟̬͖͓̄͊͋̌̃̎͜E̸͖̝̖͚͓̒̉͑̐͜͠Ą̸̢̲̤̿̔̅̂̄̐̔͌͝L̵̨͇̣̤̳̗̠͔̈͂͑͌̓̈́̐̄

But with those final words echoing within the chambers of his mind, the intensity of this moment had already caught up with him, crushing him beneath the gravity of it all. And seemingly upon Tifa's request for closure, to 'just let it all out' those figurative flames birthed from the intensity of Sephiroth's psychological attack would erupt.

"Shut up! Shut up!! SHUT UP!!" Throat ripped raw from those words alone and screamed into the face of this girl who seemed so hell-bent on punishing him for doing the right thing for once. With a white-hot fury - misplaced most certainly - Cloud would forcefully grasp her by the wrist, wrenching her arm upwards and away from his body. Not enough to hurt, though enough to feel uncomfortable and it would seem, given Cloud's expression of seething rage, that he cared very little for Tifa's comfort in that moment.

"You wanna end this all now, huh? Fine!" With the release of her wrist he swiftly reached for the handle of his sword and drew it forth in a single sweep of his arm, only to hold the weapon out to his childhood friend, blade pointed downwards before literally tossing the thing towards her, the steel clattering to the floor at Tifa's feet.

"Take that and run me through, yeah?!" he leans forward, glaring at her from beneath the shadow of his heavy brow, a pointed finger jamming repeatedly into the centre of his chest.

"Just run me through and put us both outta our misery! Odin knows I deserve it!" He's still yelling, voice shrill, filled to the brim with anger and pain and knowing full well she wouldn't pick up that sword before he points aggressively into the general direction the others had headed through the cavern. "Bet they didn't tell you I tried to dive into the mako after you, huh? No, of course they didn't. Bastards stopped me before I could even jump! But it's the truth you want, right, Tifa? That's only a part of it!" There was very little time to even draw breath, taking the liberty to take two long paces towards her, getting up in her face as she had done to him only moments ago.

"You think I like this; that I enjoy having no control over anything in my life anymore? Not knowing who the hell I am from one day to the next? You're right, you don't know shit about me if that's what you think!" A shake of his head, voice reduced now to a mere vicious hiss between impossibly clenched teeth. And the heat seethed from the very core of his being, scorching behind the eyes, so much so that he didn't even realise at that point he was actually crying. Hot tears, born from rage, grief and pent-up unadulterated misery clearing their paths over each cheek.

"Because he knows, Tifa!! He knows how to get in my head, to use the fact that I'm so desperately in love with you against us...!" And there it was, the confession he hadn't wanted to make casting the entire clearing they occupied into a total and deafening silence. For in his mind, Cloud Strife truly believed that had this fact remained a closely guarded secret, locked up so very tightly in the cavity of his heart, it didn't have to be true. That no one would know, not even his demons, and everything... would hurt so much less than it did right then.

The anger subsides so suddenly then, expression softens, and feet shuffle sluggishly upon the dusty floor to find his purchase upon a single outcropping of rock. And he would sit there silently, contemplating everything up until this moment right here, the wrongs, the mistakes, the secrets and the lies... it all lead here.

And all they'd caused was more pain. And they'd all grown so monstrously large, they were bigger than both of them combined. Oh, how he wished the ground would just open up and swallow him whole.

Cloud lowers his head into his hands, the heels of each palm pushed harshly in his eyes, to pretend he was someone else just for a second, that he was someplace else and not here spilling his guts before this girl who had every right to fear him, even hate him for everything he'd put her through up until this point... a thought he couldn't even bear to entertain.

"I'm not trying to run away, Tifa..." The crack in his voice as he spoke was impossible to swallow. And a frail attempt was made to at least gather what was left of his good sense, gifting himself a deep cleansing breath, and lifting his head only to look away into the deep recesses of the cavern, tearful gaze hidden behind the golden veil of his hair, hands wringing together between his knees.

"... I'm trying to protect you... That's all."

@sweettifalockhart

[threadedwheels]

Overdue Encounter

A soft song played in the distance, a melody long forgotten and yet so familiar. Ember couldn’t help but go towards the source of the sound, an overture played on a… fiddle?

It reminded him of an old friend.

As the harvest moon hung in the sky, Ember saw Lucian stand in the courtyard. His four fingered hand moved nimbly across the board, creating a gorgeous tune that echoed throughout the fall night. The musician seemed to have yet to notice the seer, so he simply listened to his playing.

It had been a while since he got to hear his playing.

[ Childhood friends sometimes fall out of touch, @thecoachman ]

[theunchainedmelody]

Vanessa x Yami One-Shot

So... I got sick and tired of the lack of attention this rare pair gets so I wrote a one-shot for it. WARNING: This Story is VERY, VERY ADULT AND LEMONY. Also, it’s probably not the most feministic writing. So I apologize if any of it offends people as I was writing it for myself and it’s not my intention to be problematic. If you want to support me, leave a comment here or leave a review at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13905101/1/Witch-s-Lust-The-Seduction-of-Captain-Yami

"Witch's Lust" The Seduction of Captain Yami

The rose-haired witch was staring intently at a bottle of wine standing criminally unopened in front of her. As she wondered whether to uncork it, she swirled around her wine glass, of which, now only a small burgundy pool at the glasses' bottom remained. Her velvet glove slid around the glass's stem as her mind drifted off. Vanessa Enoteca had been drunk for most of the day and was now suffering through the remnants of a hangover. She rested in her lingerie, happily presenting to the men in the room as she lay sprawled out on a sofa in the main room. Here, most of her squad was gathered, engaging in all sorts of merrymaking and violent duels. This company was spread out through a fireplace-lit chamber filled with sofas, dining tables, and tapestries.

The sound of Magna and Luck engaged in a magical battle was ringing in her ears. It was almost as loud as their voices as they quarreled. Vanessa let out a sigh as she half-regretted her choice to drink so early in the day. Just this once, perhaps she should have taken her day off to go and meet some dreamy man. Yet in the end, it was easier to stay here and lazily lounge about the mansion. That was when she heard her beloved captain come marching into the main room. The stomping of his boots alerted her to his presence as he marched in with his usual swagger. Her eyes wandered to Captain Yami as he looked over the Black Bulls. For some reason, she felt a bit pained seeing him. It was not as if she adored him any less, but from what she had gathered, he had met with the Blue Rose's captain Charlotte several times recently for some sort of secret missions. As Charlotte's crush on him was obvious, the entire situation made Vanessa uncomfortable. She was not so naïve as to be clueless about why she felt this way. She had a crush on him herself, perhaps even something akin to love. Unfortunately, Vanessa was too lazy to do anything about it. She sometimes casually flirted with Captain Yami or even the other men in the Black Bulls. With Captain Yami, it had never led anywhere as he never seemed to care about her playful confessions or flirtations.

In any case, her drunken gaze ate the eye candy in front of her. Yami was so incredibly handsome it should have been illegal. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with messy black hair, a bit of stubble, and a cigarette in his mouth. His rugged, virile masculinity was always pouring out, most evident in how his muscular pecs looked painted on upon his sleeveless white shirt. This was to say nothing about his incredible height, his muscular shoulders and biceps, those veiny forearms, and his handsome, rugged face. His sexiness further oozed out in how he carried himself, with a macho, laid-back attitude containing a sharp, fighting spirit. She certainly wasn't the first woman to think so about him and she doubted she was the last.

She heard Yami say in his deep baritone, "Alright. Listen up. We've got a mission. Some new bandit gang has been assaulting one of the big-time merchants and the nobles want us for an armed guard. I'm sending two of you out on this."

Once the members began to scramble for his attention as they always did, Vanessa found herself unable to understand a single sentence between them. Everyone was raising their hands frantically and shouting in unison. It served to heighten the sharp pain from her hangover. She moved over to the table with a bottle in hand, wanting to sit closer to the captain in case he chose her for this mission. However, she had an intuitive feeling he wasn't going to. For some reason, Vanessa felt less playful and jubilee than she would have expected. After all, she was infamous for being a lighthearted party girl, especially after drinking down a few glasses of wine.

Magna said, "Come on, Captain! I'm the man for the job. I haven't busted skulls in ages"

Yami said to Magna, "No way. You hit the last merchant we guarded over the head when he insulted you!"

When Finral offered his services for the chance to speak to the female merchants, the Captain answered with, "No way. If you're just going to flirt with the female merchants, you might as well stay home then."

It was the same response for Asta, Charmy, and Grey. He then looked over to Vanessa, sitting attentively at the table beside him. She pointed to herself with a rather humble look, the captain being the only man she'd ever act so meek around.

She said quietly, "I suppose the same goes for me since I'm always drunk?"

Yami's arms crossed and he said, "You're no use to us when you're all tipsy."

Vanessa's eyes lowered and she said, "Ah. I'm very sorry, boss."

Like all the Black Bulls, she admired him and fought for his affection. Still, she felt a bit sadder at his remark than she usually would. What had gotten into her?

That was when her Captain added, "But when you're sober, I'd say the opposite. You tend to have a level head. You're the most reliable one here."

His praise warmed her heart. She couldn't help but blush and beam happily up at him.

"Ah. Thank you, Captain" she said.

Despite this compliment, Yami didn't pick her on account of her hangover. Instead, he opted to send Noelle and Gordon on the uneventful mission.

______________________________________________________________

One month later….

Vanessa, Asta, Charmy, and Yami were all out on yet another mission. It was a busy week for the Black Bulls. Vanessa found herself hoping she would get a star accolade if she performed well enough. It wasn't like her to much care for such things but lately, Asta had been something of a motivation for her, as he was for all the Black Bulls. As Asta and Charmy were asleep in the spacious squad tent, Vanessa found herself alone with Captain Yami. It was rare to have this man alone to herself like this, and so she was quite enjoying it. The pink-haired witch felt more like herself tonight, perhaps thrilled because she got picked to go with Yami on missions several times lately. She had been able to show off her red thread of fate and the samurai even complimented her!

At the moment, Vanessa was drinking down more alcohol as Yami sat on a separate log to her left while smoking a fresh cigarette. She smacked her lips happily as she finished a sip of booze. She was a bit tipsy, albeit not fully inebriated, as they were still on a mission, and she needed to stay alert.

Yami said quietly, "Oi. Don't get drunk now."

"Aye aye, Captain," she said with a playful salute.

Vanessa showed her obedience by corking up the bottle. That was when she saw Yami gazing up at the starry sky, admiring the dazzling canvas of stars, planets, and galaxies that enveloped the heavens above them. She smiled at seeing the captain unusually lost in thought. Normally, he didn't seem to be thinking of much at all. She didn't consider him stupid, but he was a simple, honest individual. Vanessa didn't dislike that in a man. Yami was her type after all. Perhaps it was because he was her first encounter with a man, but he remained the golden standard. Just like back then, she continued to love his broad manly frame. She remembered the day he broke into her birdcage. It stirred something within her when she had him so close to her, an overdue awakening for her as a heterosexual woman. And now, she had Captain Yami to compare every other man to in her endeavors. She was happy to sleep with attractive gentlemen now and then, whether they be pretty boys or hunks, but the captain would always be the prize.

Vanessa giggled a bit as she remembered that nostalgic first meeting. She thought of it often, ever since her last encounter with the Witch Queen. That destined day, Yami showed her she could walk on her own two feet. What Vanessa now valued above all else was freedom. The freedom to enjoy all the pleasures she desired. The freedom to fight for her friends. The freedom to grow stronger. The freedom to seek a happy ending and rewrite her fate. In the end, she always did what she wanted. Even her loyalty to the Black Bulls was something she had chosen willingly. Her loyalty to this man was entirely her choice.

Now, as Vanessa looked over to Yami, she realized how comfortable she felt around him. Even so, this was not to say he didn't get her heart racing the closer he was to her face. She often found her heart beating madly when he was beside her. However, as he blew out a puff of smoke and paid her no attention, that was when it struck her…. the danger of being so casual with the captain. Likely, Yami saw Vanessa as no more than a little sister. Her heart raced when around him, but his heart did not race when around her. It was then that an even more disconcerting thought entered her mind.

In that moment, what WAS he thinking about?

Perhaps…

Perhaps he was thinking of another woman…

The witch shook away the infantile thought. Whether he was thinking of Charlotte or some other inane topic, one thing was for certain: Vanessa was not on his mind. Never once, had he showed an ounce of attraction or interest in her. The witch's eyes became sad. Her eyes darted over to the far-off tents. They were still zipped closed, meaning it was unlikely anyone would hear what she wished to ask him. And so, Vanessa finally decided to ask him the million-dollar question.

"Hey Captain, I heard you've been doing missions with the Blue Rose's captain. You're not getting a crush on her, are you? Those Blue Roses don't seem friendly to men. Haha."

Yami stared at her unamused and she regretted her lighthearted jabs. Of course, she was prying for information but this all left her feeling like an idiot.

At last, Yami asked, "Hmmm? Who told you that?"

Vanessa jabbed further and said, "I heard from a little birdie that you said she and you can get married when you are both old and alone. I'm so jealous. Charlotte's a lucky lady. Fufufu."

Yami again stared at her blankly, not flustered in the least.

He said, "I was mostly joking. Even if she has a crush, she doesn't say much."

Vanessa felt a bit of relief at his responses, but they were still far too ambiguous. She decided she needed to be absolutely sure of the situation. As such, she decided to risk her own attempts to woo him by saying, "Is that so? I thought she was your type. You like strong women and she's a captain. And she's ranked first in looks according to the Magic Knight's survey. But I suppose I was mistaken. You're such a hard man to read. Heh heh."

Propping up Charlotte hurt terribly, but Vanessa had to bear with it.

Yami rubbed the back of his thick, dark hair a bit awkwardly and said, "I'm not sure what to say. I haven't thought about any of that seriously. I'm not looking to date her or something. My love is battle, booze, and sword. And I'm busy looking after you brats."

He flashed a cheeky smile at her. Vanessa couldn't help but smile in response. He hadn't said he was uninterested in Charlotte, but it seemed that interest wasn't serious. And if it was, he wasn't going to make any moves within the next century or so. She decided to not pry further lest she expose her jealousy. Instead, she put a gloved hand to her cheek and smiled lazily. Honestly, she was impressed she had managed to get him to speak so much about his emotions and thoughts. Yami rarely opened up about anything. It seemed there was some depth to him he was hiding, much as she had suspected for many a years. Just as she was ready to return to sipping her glass of wine, Captain Yami added one last comment that would shatter everything.

"And besides," said Yami, "I don't know what's up with this bullshit survey you're talking about, but I honestly figured you'd be ranked first. Men are always looking at you starry-eyed, right?"

Suddenly, her cheeks were burning red. He had never complimented her looks before, even if his wording was a bit indirect. Again, she decided to test the boundaries of their relationship to see if she could hear the words she wanted so desperately for him to say.

"Oh?" asked Vanessa playfully, "Captain, you're making me blush. But there's no need to try and cheer me up. I placed fourth. I couldn't be happier."

She wasn't.

Vanessa had placed fourth because she was lacking in feminine charms, appeal, and a sense of propriety. This was not to say she was terribly insecure about it. She was far from desperate for male validation, even if she enjoyed the attention. Even Yami's affection was something she could live without. But right now, she started to doubt that last part. It was frustrating to know she didn't have a chance in winning him over. The sinful witch's advances on the captain couldn't compete with what a pure maiden like Charlotte could offer him. Her love was inferior and she was undesirable as a romantic partner. Men were happy to bed her, but she'd never gotten a confession in her life. And so, in this moment, she simply waited for the captain to shoot her down. It wouldn't be the first time he ignored her flirtations. It was her destiny to lose in the battlefield that was love.

"I wasn't trying to cheer you up," Captain Yami answered, "I was just telling the truth."

His tone was rather stern. Vanessa was both flattered and a bit afraid to see Yami's grave tone of voice aimed at her. Had she teased him too much? She didn't want him mad at her. Vanessa couldn't stand the thought of upsetting or disappointing Yami.

He continued in a casual tone of voice, "Don't worry about some shitty poll. Everyone knows that the most beautiful witch in the Magic Knights is the Black Bull's 'Lush of a Witch'. That's obvious, isn't it?"

Vanessa couldn't help but blush furiously. Her hands clenched together as she felt utterly embarrassed. She hoped he didn't realize just how flustered she was. Never in a million years did she expect to get this compliment from him. He saw her platonically, right? But his comment, while not particularly sexual, seemed a bit personal, didn't it? He was saying HE found her the most beautiful, right? She wondered if she should play it off with a tease, but decided yet again, to push her luck. Just maybe, she could change her fate tonight.

"Oh my, Captain," she said with a playful hand to her cheek, "You think I'm the most beautiful?"

She swore she saw Yami get flustered for once in his life. Not red in the cheeks but just a bit hesitant to answer. He then took in another breath of tobacco and sent a cloud pouring out from between his lips. He played it cool, as always.

He said slowly, "I said that, right? But don't push your luck and get a big head. You're part of my squad because of your abilities, not your looks. Save those worries for when you're off-duty, Vanessa."

"Of course, Captain," she was with heated cheeks, "I'm flattered you think so."

Vanessa was positively ecstatic now. Sure, he didn't have feelings for her, but if he found her attractive, that was a good start. In a way, his chivalry made her love him even more. He honestly respected her enough to not take advantage of her. He also respected her abilities as a mage, as a member of the Black Bulls. Perhaps she even met his qualifications for a strong woman. Even if she was not a frontline fighter, she was a competent witch who had won her fair share of battles. The lustful witch, with her insatiable thirst for the opposite sex, decided to risk it all for this man. And so, she sought to seduce her beloved captain. The ultimate prey.

______________________________________________________________

Later that night…

Crickets and frogs in some far-off bog kept the silence between them from being wholly unbearable. After another several minutes, Vanessa stood up and brought her bottle over to beside Captain Yami. For a moment, she was frozen behind him, staring down in petrification. Her mind momentarily froze as she wondered what to do next. Vanessa was sweating. What had gotten into her? She never froze, even in the company of a particularly gorgeous man. But this was Captain Yami we are talking about!

Just as Yami was about to ask what was up with her, the scarlet-haired witch sat herself down beside him on the log.

"Want a drink, Captain?" she asked playfully.

"Eh? Alright," he said casually.

He drank from her wine bottle and she took a swig herself. She truly wasn't like Charlotte, blushing from indirect kisses from Yami. She was just herself… Vanessa. And either he liked these parts of Vanessa or he didn't. In any case, Vanessa wasn't going to wait timidly any longer like her rival. Besides, Captain Yami would never make the first move. She'd never even see him with a woman before. She wondered why that was. Vanessa decided to learn where she stood in all of this, or rather to wrap her red thread of fate around him. Only this thread didn't require Rogue, only her womanly charms.

Vanessa slid her gloved hand behind his muscular arm and looped her arms around it until she had him wrapped in a loving embrace. He gazed over at her with a raised eyebrow. She placed her head on his shoulder. He didn't recoil or pull away. Even so, her actions could be mistaken for one of her casual flirtations, especially after the nice things he had said. She'd never gone further with him than this. It was time to cross the line!

Enoteca released her grip on his bulging arm muscles and placed her hand on his pec. It was so firm, ready to burst out of his shirt. It drove her mad with desire. She let her hand cling to his chest as she began to rest her cheek on his shoulder. There was no denying what she was trying to do, right?

"Hmm? What are you trying to do?" he asked blankly.

She said in a soft voice, "Captain, you must know I've got a huge crush on you. I've had one since you rescued me from that birdcage."

She lovingly stroked his pec and let her hands rub on the tree-trunk limbs he called arms. He stared forward like before, but she could feel it. His heartbeat was increasing.

Yami said calmly, "You know we can't. I'm your captain. I can't abuse that power."

Vanessa said, "What if I want it? If the sex or dating doesn't work out, we can just go back to how it was before."

Yami replied, "We can't go back, Vanessa. You're my beloved subordinate. I care about you. You should find a good, honest man to take care of you."

She exclaimed passionately, "Captain, you're the man I love! Only you."

She swore that for a moment, Yami flashed her the slightest hint of a blush.

"You're drunk," he said.

"Captain, you're so mean," she whined in a girly voice, "Just reject me outright. Say if you don't want me. For a man of few words, you sure dance around things."

Yami rubbed the back of his hair and said, "Want has nothing to do with it. I'm your captain. There are boundaries we can't cross."

Vanessa asked slyly, "So if I wasn't your underling… Are you saying you would?"

He didn't answer.

She leaned up to his ear and began to speak in her most erotic voice, "If I was in a different squad, would you get excited if you saw me in this outfit or in nothing but my lingerie laying on your bed? Waiting for it? Begging for it?"

He seemed frustrated now and rubbed his head as he said, "You look sexy as hell all the time. In your panties or your uniform. Is that what you want to hear?"

"Mmm-hmm," she said as she leaned up and kissed Yami on the lips. She put her hands on each side of his face as she pressed her lips against his. She was kissing her beloved captain. Vanessa felt his cheeks heat up even as he kept eye contact. She decided to do the same and give him "fuck me" eyes as she tasted his lips. At last, he kissed back.

"Mwuah," she said as they smooched.

Her heart was racing and her body was warm with fever.

"If you don't tell me to stop," she said in a breathy voice, "I might just go all the way, Captain. Fufufufu."

She giggled as her hands now roamed down his neck, laying loving kisses upon it. She tugged on his ear with her teeth like a predator tasting its meal. This man could break her in his arms, but right now, he seemed to have turned into jelly before her. Her hands wickedly fondled his muscles and ran across his delectable collarbones. She let her lips leave nude-pink lipstick kisses on his white t-shirt. Vanessa then traced her fingers over his abdominal muscles as she slid down and got onto her knees, a position she only took when devouring a man. She let her hand wrap around his bulge, and to her delight, her beloved captain seemed to be stiffening up. But she needed to truly impress Yami if she was to make him go absolutely wild for her. For that, she would use her man-pleasing skills until he was unable to think of any other woman than her.

"Wait," said Yami, "Those brats will see."

Are you getting flustered, Captain? How cute.

Vanessa said, "Then you better not moan too loud for me, Captain."

She was disobeying him. It was exciting to finally get what she wanted with the captain. However, she decided to pause a moment. Despite her desire to seduce him, she wanted his consent in all of this. And so she remained between his legs, dangerously close to his crotch as she gazed up at him patiently, awaiting those magic words. If he wanted her to stop, he merely needed to say so.

At last, he whispered, "Fine. But keep your voice down."

The witch sported a wicked smile. She slid down his pants and smirked at the sight of his fundoshi. She then slid aside his loincloth as her eyes widened.

This is Captain Yami's… cock

Vanessa licked her lips excitedly at the delectable sight in front of her. She hoped she wouldn't drool as anticipation left her starved for him. Her captain was well-hung indeed. She couldn't wait to kiss it. To taste it. To suck on it. To lick it. To swallow it. For it to stuff her full. Instinctively, she moaned as she slid her tongue on the underside of the shaft. She was already wet just from a taste of the erotic cock before her. It was almost instinctive how she devoured it hungrily. However, his veiny member wasn't yet at its most magnificent. Vanessa began to play with it in her skillful hand, rubbing her thumb over the bulbous head as she pulled back his foreskin. She then swirled her tongue around the glistening tip of Yami's throbbing erection. He was erect for her! She had succeeded in turning him on. She looked up to see Yami was panting a bit now. Inside, his rigid emotions were shattering.

He thought, "Damn. She's good at this. How many men has she done this with?"

The sight of Yami's ever-growing lust for her turned the witch on to no end. As did the taboo of sucking her captain's cock, a man who was practically family to her and the Black Bulls. There was also the thrill of getting caught. Vanessa did enjoy the idea of another man watching, but she knew if her comrades woke up, it was over. Even so, she wanted to make him moan and growl for her. She tasted his delicious manhood before wrapping her lips lovingly around the thick head and tasted his sticky precum. She then lay kisses down the underside until she reached her captain's balls, both of which were brimming with semen meant to impregnate her. She licked each testicle and wrapped her lips around them lovingly, sucking on them gently. Vanessa played with his balls in one hand now as she returned to his monstrous penis. Something so big… She would surely choke on it and it was sure to break her. Even so, she couldn't wait to find out if it would fit inside her womanhood. She decided to show him just how good she was at pleasing a man. She took his dick into her mouth and laid it on her tongue. She then sunk downward and let his shaft slide down her throat. The lustful witch was deepthroating her captain's entire cock, the man she was smitten with! It was like a dream come true for her. Vanessa couldn't help but moan as she took him in inch by inch until she swallowed him down to the base. She left his veiny dick covered in a wet froth of saliva. Her eyes were heavy with a fever for his manhood, and she let her finger rub against her clit. Without a doubt, this was the hottest blowjob she had ever given.

At last, Vanessa released his shaft from her mouth and asked him in her sultriest voice, "How does it feel? I'm quite proud of my blowjob skills."

He said both angrily and weakly, "Damn it. I'm going to lose it if you keep doing that."

"Then lose yourself to it, Captain!"

Vanessa slurped and tasted it hungrily before deepthroating the entire shaft once more. She was bobbing her head now. She could already tell the captain's manhood was throbbing and ready to burst. She giggled, somehow knowing he was not used to climaxing so soon. Unfortunately for him, there was dark witchcraft at work here. This witch's lascivious tongue was trying to drain him. She was kissing the head of it when she suddenly felt Yami's powerful hand wrap around her head. The young woman blushed as the muscular man forced her down onto his massive girth.

"Mmmmph!" she moaned both in surprise and in arousal.

She choked on it a bit as he handled her so roughly.

"S-Sorry," he said, "I lost control."

Vanessa giggled as she resumed her work and let him hold her against his crotch, making her worship it. He tasted utterly amazing. She licked his manhood lovingly now until it was left twitching and sensitive. As Yami began to rub her hair warmly, she let her tongue swirl around the head again. At last, she saw his dick twitch madly and the captain's teeth smashed together before he let out a growl. The untamed muscles of his body tightened, and his legs jerked forward violently.

"Fuck," he groaned, "Uggh….:"

Again, he forced her to swallow his cock as he climaxed. She lovingly took in every drop of this man's thick, fertile seed. The taste was salty and masculine. It bubbled as she drank it down, much of it getting stuck on the walls of her throat. Vanessa took down every drop for him, showing off the indisputable fact that she was a swallower, not a spitter.

"Mmmmn" she let out amidst licking her lips, "How was that?"

Yami said, "I doubt anyone can compete with that, Vanessa."

She loved when he said her name.

Her captain thought silently to himself as he recovered, "That's enough though. We can't go any further."

Vanessa said," Ooh. I got so horny, sucking your cock, Captain. Let's go all the way. Why don't you bend me over and have your way with me?"

Her words put an even more powerful hex on him, luring one of the most powerful captains in the Clover Kingdom into her trap. Yami grit his teeth again, looking like he was struggling to choose between a life and death choice on a hellish battlefield. But Vanessa already knew she had won. He then sighed as he regained control of himself… somewhat at least.

He answered flatly, "Not here. Let's go somewhere more private."

______________________________________________________________

Vanessa clung happily to her captain's arm as they made their way deeper into the forest. Around them, the air was growing cooler and the sound of nocturnal creatures deafened their ears. Once the tent was well out of sight, Yami brought Vanessa to a thicket of trees with a small grassy clearing on the other side. A fine choice. The wizard then pulled up her against him, his arms wrapping around her. It left her blushing and made her heart skip a beat. Her brain struggled to process that she was sharing such a romantic moment with such an aloof man as Captain Yami. His powerful hands slid down to her burgundy miniskirt, and he let his rough, calloused fingers feel her soft thighs.

He said, "You're always flaunting your body in this skimpy outfit, trying to get a rise out of men. Trying to get a rise out of me."

"Fufufu," she said, "That's right. Looks like I finally caught a good one."

She pulled down her corset dress and let her massive melons slip out. Her Captain Yami didn't waste any time in enjoying her chest. He began to press his handsome face into her cleavage, tickling her with inviting hot breaths upon her bare skin. Vanessa giggled, never expecting to see this side of her beloved leader. She let him take a nipple into his mouth and suckle on it fiercely as if searching for milk. His tongue was swirling around it as his sword-wielding hand sunk into her other breast. She panted and moaned, her breasts feeling all manner of pleasure from this man.

Once her nipples were left glistening with saliva, Vanessa guided Yami towards a large tree trunk behind him. She sat him down so his back rested against it as she began to kiss him again. She then grinned and blushed madly as she felt him lift up her skirt and slide down her purple panties. His forceful hands wrapped around her large round ass and sunk deep into it. Vanessa arched her back and moaned shamelessly as she felt him strike it with one of his burly hands. Her butt stung in the most delightful way as her captain marked her as his woman, leaving her rump stinging and a man's handprint temporarily tattooed upon it. He now spun her around so he could let his hands explore her from behind. Vanessa panted and squirmed as he gave into his pent-up desires. His hands fondled her breasts roughly from behind and sunk into them greedily as he nibbled on her ear, his teeth tugging on it gently. What a tease he was… She couldn't resist letting out another moan of approval. Yami let a hot puff of air linger in her ear, as if he were a hungry wolf about to devour her. His hand now slid down to her legs. She felt him slide a powerful index finger down to her womanhood. He played with the nub there, sending maddening pleasure up her body. Vanessa squealed in his embrace. His hairy arms were bulging and his veins were throbbing as he held her against him, exploring her body however he wished.

He said heatedly, "Your body is insane."

She panted, "Ooh. You're the … mmnn… one who looks built for breeding me."

He said sinfully in her ear, "What a coincidence, you look built for being bred."

His words were utterly arousing to her. Did he really just say such a thing? He wasn't usually like this. Was he drunker than he appeared? Vanessa wasn't sure of what the answer might be, but he was saying all the right things. Usually, she relied on a few words of praise from Yami each month, but today he was making her feel like a queen, even as he handled her so roughly. His fingers now slid into her lower lips of which were soaking wet. She panted as she leaked out fluids in response to his skillful finger. A second digit slipped into her womanhood and together both fingers began to thrust into her like a dick. After several minutes of being fingered and having her breasts fondled, the man-loving witch splashed out her juices for him. However, like Yami, she was far from winded. His teasing had only made her more desperate to push these boundaries past the point of no return. As he continued to play with her clit, Vanessa moaned out her true desire.

"Oh fuck, Captain," she said as she panted madly, "I want it. I want your cock. I want you to impregnate me! Mmmmnn."

Yami said, "Alright then. Bend over."

Vanessa grinned happily and obeyed him. Despite how weak her legs were after being pleasured by the samurai's ruthless hands, she perfectly balanced herself on her high heels. Vanessa bent over with her hands pressed against the tree's lengthy trunk as she presented her ass to him. Her garters dug into her flesh as she did. She panted and as she felt Yami's hot shaft land directly on her ass cheeks. He was driving her crazy! She found herself desperate to be fucked by him as if she were in heat during mating season.

"Ooh don't tease me, Captain," she said with a manic look in her eye.

He said, "Vanessa… Sorry. I don't think I'll be able to control myself."

"Don't hold back," she said, "Let out all your pent-up frustration… Unleash all your lust onto me."

He said, "Have it your way. You're the one that caused this so hurry up and take responsibility."

The witch panted as she felt Yami's shaft begin to force its way into her and spread her wide. He was stuffing her full and splitting her apart. He was utterly massive and just the feeling of it remaining inside her was driving her mad. Vanessa then felt his boiling-hot hands grab her ass as he withdrew. Immediately, he speared her deep and fast as he swung forward his muscular hips. His hard muscles crashed into her soft flesh. The clap of his testicles to her butt echoed through the forest. Yami seemed mesmerized by how her butt jiggled with his thrusts and so he struck both pale cheeks with his palm. The succubus witch moaned with every blow as he increased the speed of his thrusts. He suddenly grabbed her by the wrists and pulled them back beside her hips. Her captain was having his way with her! His thrusts became ferocious, like that of a bucking bronco. He slammed into her and impaled her deep, spearing her with every inch of his veiny rod. It sent a shock up her spine. She looked back to see the dashing ronin panting madly, baring his fangs to her like a feral beast. His handsome face was red and glistened with sweat. As he overheated, Yami gave her quite the show as he pulled off his shirt and revealed his glistening, glorious chest. His pecs and chiseled abs were practically oiled with sweat as he continued to thrust into her. His cock was already throbbing as it rammed in deep.

Her captain said, "Damn. I'm going to cum. Where do you want it?"

She panted as she frantically said, "Inside!"

"Suit yourself, witch," he answered.

As he poured into her, she heard him growl like a ferocious beast. He arched his back and tightened his grip on her wrists as he shoved his manhood in deep again and unloaded fertile seed into her womb. Venessa's tongue hung out as she moaned from feeling him froth within her. She knew she would need to buy an emergency pregnancy-control charm the next morning. A thick load like this was dangerous for her. And yet it drove her mad as he kept dragging back his hips and snapping forward into her, so desperate to impregnate her. Not a moment later, she climaxed again. She arched her back as her juices splashed out of her and his seed poured deep in.

In the heat of the moment, Vanessa cried out, "Captain, I've always loved you! Aaaahnn!"

Yami said, "That's playing dirty, you troublesome woman… Fuck!"

He grit his teeth angrily as his body began to tremble. His powerful eyes weakened and his face was red from blushing. For them both, it felt as if his virile semen would never stop filling her. As Yami pulled out, one last shot escaped him and splashed onto her ass and clothes. Vanessa was marked by the erotic scent of her mate. Yami panted now over her as his muscled tightened and relaxed with every breath.

"Oooh…" said Vanessa, feeling his load gush out of her.

She then looked back at her beloved captain. To her amusement, he was still rearing to go. She licked her lips and rubbed her butt against his manhood playfully, threatening to make it slip into either of her holes.

"Shall we continue until you are spent?" she asked playfully.

Yami panted and took out a cigarette, lighting a fresh smoke.

He muttered something that sounded like, "Insatiable woman."

That night they did it in every position imaginable. From behind. Missionary. Cowgirl. Vanessa even begged him until he dicked her asshole. As morning arose, she and her captain were left utterly exhausted. He was completely spent and her clothes were stained with the gift of her darling Captain's essence, the fruits of their lovemaking. Yami now tenderly held her slender wrist in his mighty grip, holding her close to him. His broad-shouldered body welcomed her into rest. Vanessa leaned up and planted another kiss on his lips. He did not resist as their lips crashed against one another. After such a hedonistic encounter, Vanessa was surprised the night ended so softly. Yet she would not complain. A romantic embrace with her captain was equally welcome.

As they heard Asta and Charmy begin to stir back at the camp, Vanessa and Yami immediately sprung to their feet in a panic. Suddenly, all the risks and consequences of their lustful endeavor returned to them.

Yami said, "Let's run for the river. We'll pretend we fell in boar shit or something."

Vanessa said, "Oh? I was going to brag to the other Black Bulls. Mission success! I seduced the captain!"

Yami said humorlessly, "You're mad, woman. Absolutely not. You're definitely joking, but don't forget, you and I will be in hot water with the higher-ups if I'm caught fraternizing with a subordinate."

Vanessa said, "Ah. I'm sorry about that."

He then put a hand on her head and let it ruffle through her pink locks. She couldn't help but blush the same as always. Anytime he doted on her, she was extremely happy.

He said, "So I'm saying it's best you keep this between us for now. Is that clear?"

"Aye aye, Sir," she said with a professional salute.

He then sighed again and for a moment, she saw a genuine smile upon his face.

Jeez. Just when I thought he couldn't get any more handsome.

Yami then gazed at her with a bit of determination in his eyes.

He said, "Oh yeah. I want to clear something up. You talked about me preferring strong women. But actually, I told you I like women I can drink with too. You're the one who asked me at the festival, remember?"

"A-Ah," she said a bit embarassed, "You mean-"

"I'm saying you fit both those things. That makes you my type of woman, doesn't it?" said Yami, "So no more pouting. You got your way after all."

He then continued, "Oh, and no more flirting with other guys, got it?'

She said a bit angrily, "Of course, I know that! Geeze."

Her man now smiled at her and waved back at her as he said, "Well, we best wash up."

Vanessa then heard him say gently and mischievously, "Seems I'm caught in the witch's web with no way out. What a pain."

With that, Yami turned around and coolly made his way towards the river, happily smoking as he did. He had his hands in his pockets now as he sported a sly grin she could not see. Instead, Vanessa was left with a hand to her chest as her face turned a brand-new shade of scarlet. That man… he liked her more than he let on it seemed. She couldn't help but smile lovingly at him, enjoying the sight of his shoulder blade and muscles pressing through his sleeveless shirt.

What an interesting man he was! Despite claiming to be a warrior of few thoughts and fewer words, Captain Yami was cleverer than he let on. A good match for a clever witch like her. He always knew what to say to make her happy. With those words, Vanessa knew that slowly but surely, they could start a relationship together. Despite her insecurities, Yami had picked her in the end. He chose HER. She couldn't help but feel a bit of pride and a sense of relief at her victory. She looked forward to the day he held her bridal style in his arms with her family, those rambunctious Black Bulls, cheering them on as they announced they were officially dating. Until then, she would be his wicked witch and pull the strings needed to get her way and gain their happy ending together.

<3 The End <3 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tapestry 👑 XV

Warnings: eventual dark elements (tags to be added as fic continues)

This is dark!(king)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: King Steven had a wandering eye but you never thought it would fall upon you.

This Chapter: The pieces begin to move.

Note: Alright I eked out another chapter so here we go, on 15! already. What the hell y’all? This is wild. I mean come on. Wowee. Anyways, I’m running out of ways to thank you guys so just read the chapter already, lol.

masterlist

There was a bench on the upper floors where you liked to sit and watch the snow fall. Since your isolation, it had become ritual. You and Marge would perch on the wooden seat and stare out into the royal gardens, the hedges barren and coated in white. The sky was a pale shade of grey and the castle wall loomed like a giant sleeping beneath the snow. You found yourself lulled but the rare sense of peace.

Close to peace. It was hard to forget all that had consumed the court with a guard at your back. It was harder to escape the fixation which had overcome all; the two kings in the single castle. Steven and T’Challa met daily and spent many hours together; whether alongside council or otherwise. And when they were apart, you were often in the presence of your king.

It was only a few days since your encounter with T’Challa. The king was well-received within the kingdom by your father’s accounts and despite the underlying scandal, there was a sense of joy left over from the yuletide; albeit, only among those able to indulge it.

Footsteps approached from around the corner and you glanced over at the shadow which appeared before its owner. Your guard turned to watch Lord Barnes as he strode swiftly through the corridor. The dark-haired noble nodded as he approached the sentinel and stopped short to bow to you in kind. He was fidgety and impatient.

“Lord Barnes,” You rose and curtsied to him as the bench separated you. “What has you in such a hurry?”

“Courtly business,” he said brusquely. “Most pressing.”

“Is that it?” You squinted. “You’ve never seemed so bothered by courtly business.”

“When it is such as this, I must be bothered,” He countered. “Why do you linger in the corridor, lady?”

“I haven’t anywhere else to linger,” You replied. “I am without my own business these days.”

“Only the king’s,” His lips curved slightly as his own quip. 

“Only the king’s,” You affirmed. “As I’m sure you’ve been occupied. I’ve not seen you quite so often since the yuletide.”

“You never saw me very often before,” He returned. “My apologies if I am curt but I should be upon my way.”

“I should let you on your way if you tell me what calls you so urgently.” You watched his blue eyes as they strayed down the hall. 

“I suppose… you will not hear it otherwise,” He sighed. “A warrant has been served upon Ladies Stark and Wilson. They’ve surrendered to custody this morning during their attendance of the queen. They’ve been taken to the Fort.”

“Arrested?” You gasped and looked to Marge. “For what?”

“I cannot speak further on this,” He said. “I must go and you should return to your chambers. News will reach you shortly. Good day.”

He bowed his head and turned on his heel. You blinked and scurried around the bench. “No, no, Lord Barnes,” You called after him as you followed. “I would surmise you do go to the king.”

“You would suppose correct,” He kept his strides long and harried. “And I would be overdue.”

“Then I shall accompany you for I must see him, too,” You insisted as you finally came up next to him. Marge and your guard followed behind.

“You should wait,” He peeked over at you. “He will be engaged already.”

“I tire of waiting on him,” You said. “You may tell him I forced myself upon you, but I will see him.”

“Lord, if it wasn’t for that mailed bastard behind me I’d drag you back to your chambers myself and lock you up,” He grumbled, “And I suppose that’d be the only obstacle to keep you from your intent.”

“It would,” You assured him and raised your chin as you lifted skirts to keep pace with him. “Though perhaps it would be just as amusing to have you fight my guard.”

He grunted but said nothing further. He walked silently at your side, eyes set ahead of him as his impatience radiated around you. When you reached the king’s chambers, the guards greeted you with a pair of nods and one knocked on the large wooden doors. It was opened without delay.

Barnes waited for you to enter first and several men sat already with the king; including your own father. They looked to you and stood as the king did. Confusion marred his face as he glanced between you and Lord Barnes.

“My lady, what are you– I–” He stopped himself and huffed. “My lords, if you would continue onto the council chambers, I do have matters to attend to. Lord Barnes if you would remain.”

The king crossed his arms as he waited for his commands to be obeyed. Your father rose with the five other men and passed you with a pointed look. “Mind yourself, daughter,” He breathed before he slipped through the door. The footsteps shuffled out into the hall until at last the door was closed behind you.

“I asked you to come alone, Buck,” The king said. 

“I did not ask her to come, she insisted upon it,” He shook his head. “If it were up to me, I’d have strapped her down but your damned dog does follow at her heels.”

“That damned dog’s bite is keeping her safe,” The king retorted. “It doesn’t matter. She is here…” He paused and looked to you. “Why?”

“Do you think I do not grow frustrated by the oblivion you keep me in, your highness?” You neared slowly and stopped just behind the chairs which faced his large desk. “Would you blame my curiosity that I should know why you’ve have two of the queen’s ladies accosted?”

“It was their husbands who turned them in,” He said. “They came to me and they did say that their wives spoke the most traitorous words. As king, with a poisoning so recent, I cannot let them away.”

“Traitorous words? Whatever could they have said?” You asked as you brought a hand up to grip the back of the chair.

“They’ve merely been taken to be interviewed, my lady,” The king sniffed. “I did not tell you because I did hope to spare you the worry. For a time, at least. You have been so distressed, I would not further your difficulties.”

“To be interviewed? In the Fort?” You crinkled your brow. “My king, I can admit my naivete, but I will not feign stupidity.”

“Can you not guess at what they may be asked? At what they will surely admit?” Steven planted his hands on his desk as he leaned on it. “I do this to keep us safe. To keep you safe.”

“And I do know that, I do,” You clutched your hands together. “But I would not have another hurt for my well-being. And upon what suspicion? Upon what proof?”

“Upon the boy who did die upon your chamber floor,” Steven insisted. “Upon the fear that does claw at my heart constantly. For the love I have for you.”

“Your love is kind, I should hate to see it turn so cruel upon others,” You said. “Would you not have mercy upon my request?”

“Mercy cannot be had anymore,” He looked to his desk, the mess of papers atop it.

“And if they say the words you expect of them, what then?”

“Then we should interview the queen.” He shrugged and avoided your gaze.

“And should she be found to be conspiring, you would…well, what should be here fate?”

“Exile, death?” He looked up at you. “If she commits treason, she should earn whatever fate she receives. A fate that would leave us to be together.”

“And I should claim her spot knowing that is what befell her?”

“You should claim her spot loyally and with grace,” His voice deepened as he pushed himself straight. “You should heed my orders and listen to me for I am your king.”

“I have obeyed you. I have bided you, I have been patient, I–”

“You are still but an earl’s daughter,” He spat and you flinched.

“Your highness,” Lord Barnes intoned gently. You’d forgotten of his presence as he stepped forward. “You must understand her fear. She does not speak maliciously.”

“She speaks too much. I’ve seen her comfortable, I’ve her well, aliv, even,” The king ranted. “And with our union almost in sight, she would persist.”

“She would protect herself. She is young, how is she to understand all this? How is she to fathom that a queen she knew once to be kind and hospitable has turned cruel and maniacal?”

“She needn’t understand any of that, she only need love me as I do her,” Steven hissed. “For she is the only wife I would have.”

“Your highness,” You said quietly, “I did not mean… Lord Barnes is right.” You slowly rounded the desk. Cautious as you feared he would lash out in his anger. His face red with his temper. “I did not mean to rile you, I only meant to understand this all. Your highness…” 

You touched his chest and felt your heart hammering. You looked at Barnes from the corner of your eye and he nodded subtly.

“If all this would go wrong, it would all be over.” You soothed as you rubbed the silk of his overcoat. “And that does worry me.”

He searched your face and slowly placed his hand atop yours. He unclenched his jaw and exhaled. “I have told you I shall see you safe, see us together. I meant it. You do not need to worry, my love.”

“I know,” You said softly. “‘But may I ask of you one thing?”

“You shall ask of me anything,” He breathed.

“If it should be that Eleanor does conspire, would you have mercy upon her? For me?”

“It would be not upon my mercy that she is judged,” The king said firmly. “There is a party of cardinals traveling now from the See. They will hold the trial, they will lay their judgement, and issue their own sentence. It is… beyond my control.”

“So… you assume there should be evidence enough for a trial?” You questioned.

“There would be,” He confirmed. “But I did not call the cardinals upon the expectation of a murder trial, merely that of an annulment.”

“Murder?” You frowned.

“The death of a servant is nothing, but intent to kill a king, that is treason,” He said softly. “Even a queen cannot commit such a crime.”

You lowered your head. Stunned. Your lip trembled as your heart stuttered. For it came upon you at that very moment that you could not delay the king forever. That all that he had done could not be reversed. And foremost, it occur red to you, that another should die to break this stalemate.

“My lady, we should rejoice,” The king brought two fingers up under your chin to raise your head. “For one day, I shall call you my wife, I am certain of it now.”

👑

That night, you sat before the hearth and thought. You had supped alone as the king tended to his business. The thought made you shiver; of all that he was orchestrating, of the role you’d played in it. For all your willful ignorance, you were just as guilty as him. Was all this worth something as low as your reputation?

There was a rap at the door as you stared at the burning long. The crust of orange embers along it, the pale smoke that billowed up into the chimney. You waved a hand at Marge as another knock sounded and you rubbed your forehead. Your obstinacy had led to this; your insistence on being above the role of mistress. The want to follow your own will when that had never been a lady’s place.

The creak of the door and Marge’s gasp irked you. You looked to the door as your servant bowed and recited a mousy “your highness.” You stood at once and made to bow.

“Don’t you bother with that,” The queen swept in, her burgundy skirts curled around her legs as she came to a stop before you. “I came to talk not to have you simper to my face.”

“I never simpered,” You protested. “I was only ever honest to you.”

“Yes, the morally unstained lady,” She scowled. “You know what he’s done?”

“I do.” You said evenly.

“And you did not try to stop him? Did I betray you so entirely you would see me thus?” 

“Stop him? How should I do that when you never could?” You backed away from her and wrapped your arms around yourself. “I was hurt that you used me but I was never vengeful. If I had a hand in any of this, it was not intentional.”

“Why did you not relent to him?” She asked. 

“Why did you banish me? Why did you rig my saddle?” You turned on her. “Why did you hate me for the very affair you instigated?”

“The saddle… was a mistake. I only meant to scare you away. Truly. I did not intend for you to be maimed. or worse, killed. But I did not think in my anger.” Her green eyes were like glass. “I banished you because I was humiliated. I could bear Rose and those other mistresses in my husband’s bed, but I could not bear you taking the place that even I could never reach.”

“I never meant for it and it is too late for me too. In my fear, I reassured him. In my naivety, I gave his desires credence. I am guilty, yes, of enabling him, but it does not mean I condone him,” You shook your head as your eyes stung. “And so we are both backed into a corner and we must play our parts. We must move each square within the rules and hope that neither is victorious, but that we can achieve a draw.”

“You know that will not happen,” She said grimly. “But will you not go to him? Ask him to spare me. My life, at least?”

“I did.” You said plainly. “I tried and he has reminded me of how powerless I truly am. We all are. For if he should do this to a princess born to be queen, what shall he do to me one day?”

“You…”

“I begged him and he would’ve turned on me too if I had not retreated,” You picked at your sleeve as you spoke. “His mind is set, and so too are our fates.”

“You would let him exile me?” She gasped. “Kill me, even?”

“It isn’t my choice,” You withheld the tears as your voice threatened to crack. “You know that.”

She tore her eyes away and looked down at the carpet. She sniffed and nodded as she raised her head. “I know it.” She said. “I only came here because… they’ve all left me. I have no one else.” She turned and her velvet skirts grazed the floor around her feet. “And because I want you to know, while I did tamper with your horse, I did not send you that poison.” 

She stopped at the door and glanced back at you. Her eyes were glossy but determined. “I never wanted you dead, I only wanted my pride.”

“I’m sorry.” You said quietly.

“No, I am,” She inhaled and let her breath out heavily. “Goodbye. I do think this will be the last time we should speak, my lady.”

“I hope it is not, your highness.” You returned.

“Cling to that hope for as long as you can,” She bit down and swallowed back her grief. Marge stood at the ready with her hand upon the door handle. “For he will take that from you, too.”

👑

Three days after the ladies were arrested, you broke fast with your father. He was elated. The ladies were under guard in the Fort and the gaolers were about their work. The king was optimistic and so was the council. The cardinals were due in a week with good weather. Two, if poor.

You couldn’t find it in yourself to be hungry. Not your usual fear of poison but for the thought of the women in their cells. Of what they’re revelations may bring upon the queen; upon yourself; upon the entire kingdom. You pushed your food around your plate and bounced your foot nervously beneath your skirts. 

Months ago, your father would’ve found any excuse to elude your presence, but now he was all too eager to be near you. You realized, as you watched his fork poke into a bit of yolk, that he only sat upon council by your fortune. That if it were not for the king’s favour for his daughter, he’d still be a lowly in earl in a single chamber.

“Has mother sent word of when she would return to court?” You asked.

“I’ve told you daughter, we must wait for the winter to pass. She is not fit to travel in the cold.” He could not hide his exasperation. “She will come as soon as the roads are clear of ice but she is better for the time with your sister and her grandchild.”

You frowned. You thought to ask if Alice should return as well but that was likely upon Edward’s will. You set your fork aside and wiped your hands with your napkin.

“Perhaps the king would permit me a visit if I were to ask him again.” You ventured. “I feel so very alone, here.”

“You cannot leave.” He scoffed. “You will soon be betrothed to the king. And upon your marriage, well, queen.” He smiled greedily. “A queen cannot hide away with her sister in some country castle.”

“Queen?” You felt ill at the thought. “Oh, father, I should just be away with my virtue and accept any marriage the king would give me.”

“Oh, don’t be foolish!” He snapped. “You’ve not played this game so long to let the crown slip away.”

“It’s not a game to me. It’s my life,” You retorted. “I never wanted to be queen, I never wanted you to be councilor upon my shoulders. And yet that is the only thing I’ve ever done that has garnered your approval; an ounce of care beyond and yet it only goes so deep as to what benefit I can achieve for you, father.”

“You’ve dragged the king this far, you will see it through.” He snarled. “And when you do, our family will be among the highest nobility. We will sit at the king’s table, we will be known across each province.”

“If the day ever comes that I sit the throne, you will not sit at my table.” You sneered. “You can sit in your charlatan’s chair on the council and be happy with that.”

“You are as foolish as you were the day you were born.” He shook his head and slammed his fist on the table. “You don’t even know how close you are.”

“The queen remains. To speak of myself in her place is as good as treason.” You stood and dropped your napkin beside your plate. “Do not count your chickens, father.”

“Oh, but they are hatching,” He said before you could turn away. “The king signed the warrant this morning.” Slowly his face darkened as his mouth curved. You had never seen a beast so hideous. “Eleanor will join her ladies in the Fort.”

[mash-notes]

(*PERSONNEL FILE*) Sgt. Zelmo Zale

Lord love a bit player. All the glory goes to the main characters in MASH’s character-driven dramatic tapestry, but where would they be without the smaller ones to make them look good? Praise is overdue for a guy like Zale, who, for a quick bit of conflict or tension, is always there when you need him.

Like his recurring adversary, Klinger, Zale has a salt-of-the-earth quality about him. He’s a regular guy who drinks, plays poker, and fights. Unlike Klinger, he has questionable morals (as seen in “Of Moose and Men,” when he goes into a rage over his wife’s cheating while he is also cheating) and isn’t that terrific at his job (in “Patent 4077,” he boasts that he can design a new clamp, but his prototype succeeds only in pinching Hawkeye’s hand). Johnny Haymer, born Haymer Flieg, delivers time and time again with his brash, straightforward demeanor and impish face—Zale is a fractious little toad, none too likeable, not completely unlovable.

Why shouldn’t Zelmo be kind of a jerk, forever carrying a chip on his shoulder? He would probably argue that there’s no one else to defend him—in the world of the MASH, he is the proverbial little guy. He doesn’t have the flair of a Klinger or the sweetness of a Radar to attract friends to himself; nor can he throw weight around, lacking the elevated status of, say, Major Frank Burns. Zale is the supply sergeant and also the camp electrician. That is to say, he holds a not-unimportant place in the company for the seven seasons in which he appears. But when he is arrogant—as when he makes sure to carve “Z.Z.” into the clamp handle—or aggressive, or stubborn, these are the only times he’s really noticed.

We can infer that this man doesn’t have much love for the surgeons, seeing them as stuck-up, their personal concerns silly. So who needs him? We do, not just for conflict, but for verisimilitude. Everyone has those people they come up against once a week or so, perhaps mildly annoying, but in no way central to their lives. (Consider that an alternate-universe show from Sgt. Zale’s point of view would encounter Hawkeye and the rest but seldom, focusing more on the problems of the enlisted men.) Zale, then, doesn’t deserve any more time than he gets. That’s the beauty of him.

[aion-rsa]

Q’s Return on Star Trek: Picard Season 2 will Follow “Significant Trauma”

https://ift.tt/3fOcOrQ

Star Trek: Picard is poised to bring back the disingenuously deferential greeting of “Bonjour, mon capitaine!” soon enough, with John de Lancie’s mischievous omnipotent entity, Q, now confirmed for a return on the show’s upcoming second season. It’s an intriguingly exciting development for the Star Trek: The Next Generation spinoff series, which has notably taken the titular former captain down a most curious existential path. Yet, according to star Patrick Stewart, Picard will be in the midst of devastating circumstances by the time Q materializes back into his life.

Paramount+’s teaser trailer for Star Trek: Picard Season 2 is chockfull of evocative Easter eggs, but it closes strong with the tightening shot of a playing card, a Queen of Hearts, that disintegrates until it is left with only a single red “Q,” followed by a familiar voice that ominously states, “The trial never ends.” The line comes from The Next Generation‘s final episode, “All Good Things,” in which Q—as he’d done seven years earlier in the pilot—put humanity (represented by Picard,) on trial for its barbaric ways. Yet, Q’s “trials” tend not to be centered on jurisprudence, and are instead metaphysical tests for Picard to gauge if he (and, by proxy, humanity,) is capable of thinking about the universe in ways that exceeds said barbaric history. Pertinently, in an official Paramount interview (seen far below) with Wesley Crusher actor Wil Wheaton, Stewart (joined virtually by de Lancie,) risks the studio’s wrath by teasing the context of Q’s return on Picard.

“Q’s arrival is, as it often was, utterly unexpected,” explains Stewart. “But [it] also comes at a shattering moment in the episode. And I do mean a shattering moment. Whether it’s directly connected to Q or not, I am still actually not quite sure. But there is significant trauma. And, in fact, at the moment, I am working on how the trauma of this moment hangs around Picard for quite a substantial part of the episode and then [claps his hands] there he is.”

Stewart’s emphasis on the “shattering” nature of what occurs in Picard’s life before Q’s arrival invites speculation about whether he’s being literal, figurative or even both. Picard’s first season certainly wrought impactful changes to the retired captain’s life, involving him in an uprising of synthetic life forms, the exploits of collective-disconnected Borg, the politics of post-planetary-destruction Romulans and even saw the apparent death of Data’s residual essence. Most notably, it actually saw Picard himself die from his neurological condition, only to have his consciousness transferred into a “Golem” android body (designed to emulate all his elderly human frailties). Indeed, WandaVision viewers still playing with the Ship of Theseus thought exercise can also have a philosophical field day with this one. Therefore, with such a consequential array of events having played out in the first season, it leaves fans to wonder what could possibly happen in Picard’s life to warrant potent concepts like “shattering moment” and “significant trauma.”

Read more

TV

Star Trek Picard Season 2 Teaser Trailer: All the Easter Eggs & References

By Ryan Britt

TV

Star Trek: Discovery Season 4 Teaser Trailer: All the Easter Eggs & References

By Ryan Britt

Interestingly, Picard’s status as an android expediently plays into a theme frequently explored on The Next Generation regarding his artificial heart, which was the result of an Academy-era incident during which he was impaled through the heart by a trouble-making Nausicaan ne’er-do-well. The stabbing and subsequent installation of the robotic heart was seen as Picard’s transition from freewheeling playboy cadet to the austere officer we know; a dilution of his humanity exacerbated by his brief assimilation by the Borg as “Locutus.” It’s an aspect that wasn’t lost on Q, who famously put Picard through a flashback ordeal centered on that very moment in the iconic Season 6 episode, “Tapestry.” When Q allowed the stodgy Picard to undo the array of risks he dismissed as youthful mistakes, it took Picard to a version of the present in which he was an aged, unexceptional junior science officer with no command prospects. Once Q allowed him to undo that bleak result, Picard realized that the ordeal was designed to teach a lesson that the man he became is the culmination of his so-called mistakes more than his accomplishments—that our true selves are a gestalt creation (the metaphorical tapestry) of events that we often chose not to face.

“I have changed my visage,” de Lancie mirthfully muses of Q’s current state. “I’ve aged a little bit so as to be more in keeping of where we are right now.” Of course, de Lancie debuted his series-hopping character in Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s 1987 two-part pilot, “Encounter at Farpoint,” and was last seen onscreen in 2001 Star Trek: Voyager episode “Q2.” However, he notably voiced the role of Q in a 2020 episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled “Veritas.”

While we’re obviously not privy to the profound events in Picard’s life that precede the long-awaited return of Q on Picard Season 2, Stewart’s teased story elements seem to evoke a version of the judgmental jester as depicted in “Tapestry,” in which he forgoes his antagonistic role to become a dealer of tough love to Picard’s occasional moments of haughty hubris. Additionally, in returning to the theme of Picard’s incrementally diminished humanity, Q’s apparently-timely return could also facilitate a reckoning of sorts with his current artificial state, especially since the former captain’s growing backlog of regrets—his self-perceived complicity in the supernova destruction of Romulus, the android ban and corruption in some of Starfleet’s big brass—might mean that a “Tapestry” type lesson (one possibly rife with Mandalorian/Luke-like digitally-de-aged flashbacks,) is long overdue. Moreover, Trekkies who didn’t quite like the android Picard angle, might have their best hope for his human restoration via some Deus-ex-Q hand-waving.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 doesn’t have a specific release date set, but it is expected to premiere on Paramount+ sometime in 2022.

The post Q’s Return on Star Trek: Picard Season 2 will Follow “Significant Trauma” appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3fNTACw

[threadedwheels]

( cont from here with @thecoachman )

Luciano has been mostly cautious, but once he sees Ember coming closer, he sits by a nearby chair. Might as well get comfortable. 

“Cheers to that,” he says.  “Glad your house has been treating you well.” He has always been jealous of being able to have the ability of foresight without the need to use a divination tool, but after seeing how it impacts his health, he’ll deal with the occasional migraines. Though he would be lying if he doesn’t still have that goal to achieve that state of divination.

The next question gives him pause. The implications did not fall on deaf ears. In fact, he’s gives a grateful smile with the consideration that Ember had given him. “It has been going well,” he says while holding the fiddle. “I have gotten a second instrument so I could practice a little more freely and voice a little more openly, but I still need to be mindful of the performances I give to people,” he explains as a way to maneuver the speaking. “I occasionally preform for Scarabia, but none has heard me on my fiddle aside from you.” He subtly cups his hand to around the same size of a card deck, then slowly returns to a relaxed position. “If you ever want to perform like before, you only need ask and perhaps we can locate in a less public spot.”

“And how’s...the family?” he asks. It’s still a little bit of a sore spot, but considering they were almost his second family, he might as well ask. “Mine’s been doing well, though Nonna Bella is starting to get on in years.”

“I might just have to. Always enjoyed watching you perform.” He mimics the gesture Luciano made, happy to hear that, despite it all, he still practices cartomancy. While he wasn’t aware of the circumstances leading up to their falling out, Ember is more than aware of how his home required him to keep his abilities under wraps.

He wheels up to be next to where his childhood friend sat, still keeping a bit of distance in case he at all upsets him with being nearby.

“Well…” He huffs out a small laugh, “It’s my family. Maren has taken it upon themselves to teach me technology though. Says it’s because I homeschooled them so it’s only fair. Flora is… Flora. Still a bit distant.” Ember looks over at Luciano to see if he needs to explain more anymore. Him and his oldest sister have been distant- bordering on antagonistic towards eachother- since Ember was prophecized to be the next Oracle instead of her. He pushes down the feelings of hurt that still comes when he thinks of her.

“My dads doing alright, his joint issues seem to have leveled out finally, and the Oracle…” Another sore spot he shrugs himself through, “She’s a bit peeved I came to this school rather than dedicate myself to my studies until she dies.”

To cover the sting of that thought, he focuses on Nonna Bella. Ember’s grandmother passed away when he was only four, but Nonna had helped take care of him when he was visiting Luciano’s home. She taught her more about his abilities than almost anyone else.

“Is Nonna still making that cake of hers?”

[threadedwheels]

“…you get better at that instrument every time I hear it,” Ember finally says, unsure of what else to say, “Especially since it’s been… many years since I’ve seen you last.”

He is unaware how much familiarity he is permitted to speak with, given that he couldn’t even remember the last time he saw his childhood best friend. The man was akin to a brother when they last met.

It wasn’t that they had a horrible fallout either- simply two busy kids who could no longer make the time.

At least that’s what it always felt like to Ember. He knew that it was his Oracle training that always kept him distanced from his peers and always assumed it was the same for his and Luc’s falling out.

“…how have you been?”

Overdue Encounter

A soft song played in the distance, a melody long forgotten and yet so familiar. Ember couldn’t help but go towards the source of the sound, an overture played on a… fiddle?

It reminded him of an old friend.

As the harvest moon hung in the sky, Ember saw Lucian stand in the courtyard. His four fingered hand moved nimbly across the board, creating a gorgeous tune that echoed throughout the fall night. The musician seemed to have yet to notice the seer, so he simply listened to his playing.

It had been a while since he got to hear his playing.

[ Childhood friends sometimes fall out of touch, @thecoachman ]

[threadedwheels]

The sight of that familiar glint in Luciano’s eyes simultaneously makes Ember smile and think of the loneliness he’d felt in the time between visiting Luciano’s home and finally making friends here.

For many years, Luciano was Ember’s only friend. He never knew what it was that made him disappear, always assuming he had his own life and simply became tired of Ember. For once Ember was starting to consider looking closer at the wounds left from their sudden departures from each other’s lives.

Especially at the invitation to visit again. Would someone who simply grew tired decide to invite him and his siblings to visit? Clearly something had occurred, and Ember wanted to figure it out, even after all these years. He’s only snapped out of his investigative thoughts with the concept of the pair launching firecrackers again.

“Maybe in a safer place, though,” Ember says, “I’m impressed I only singed off a bit of my eyebrows last time. I’m sure Maren would love to come along and set things on fire, Flora probably would just tag along to… ‘keep her siblings out of trouble’. I’d love to come visit again, perhaps over our next break if our schedules are willing?”

As Luciano returns to tuning his fiddle, Ember looks up at the sky and enjoys the moment of peace with his old friend.

( cont from here with @thecoachman )

Luciano has been mostly cautious, but once he sees Ember coming closer, he sits by a nearby chair. Might as well get comfortable. 

“Cheers to that,” he says.  “Glad your house has been treating you well.” He has always been jealous of being able to have the ability of foresight without the need to use a divination tool, but after seeing how it impacts his health, he’ll deal with the occasional migraines. Though he would be lying if he doesn’t still have that goal to achieve that state of divination.

The next question gives him pause. The implications did not fall on deaf ears. In fact, he’s gives a grateful smile with the consideration that Ember had given him. “It has been going well,” he says while holding the fiddle. “I have gotten a second instrument so I could practice a little more freely and voice a little more openly, but I still need to be mindful of the performances I give to people,” he explains as a way to maneuver the speaking. “I occasionally preform for Scarabia, but none has heard me on my fiddle aside from you.” He subtly cups his hand to around the same size of a card deck, then slowly returns to a relaxed position. “If you ever want to perform like before, you only need ask and perhaps we can locate in a less public spot.”

“And how’s...the family?” he asks. It’s still a little bit of a sore spot, but considering they were almost his second family, he might as well ask. “Mine’s been doing well, though Nonna Bella is starting to get on in years.”

“I might just have to. Always enjoyed watching you perform.” He mimics the gesture Luciano made, happy to hear that, despite it all, he still practices cartomancy. While he wasn’t aware of the circumstances leading up to their falling out, Ember is more than aware of how his home required him to keep his abilities under wraps.

He wheels up to be next to where his childhood friend sat, still keeping a bit of distance in case he at all upsets him with being nearby.

“Well…” He huffs out a small laugh, “It’s my family. Maren has taken it upon themselves to teach me technology though. Says it’s because I homeschooled them so it’s only fair. Flora is… Flora. Still a bit distant.” Ember looks over at Luciano to see if he needs to explain more anymore. Him and his oldest sister have been distant- bordering on antagonistic towards eachother- since Ember was prophecized to be the next Oracle instead of her. He pushes down the feelings of hurt that still comes when he thinks of her.

“My dads doing alright, his joint issues seem to have leveled out finally, and the Oracle…” Another sore spot he shrugs himself through, “She’s a bit peeved I came to this school rather than dedicate myself to my studies until she dies.”

To cover the sting of that thought, he focuses on Nonna Bella. Ember’s grandmother passed away when he was only four, but Nonna had helped take care of him when he was visiting Luciano’s home. She taught her more about his abilities than almost anyone else.

“Is Nonna still making that cake of hers?”

[threadedwheels]

Ember propelled his chair closer to Luciano, a faint smile playing at his lips at the familiar accent slipping out.

Maybe I didn’t mess everything up?

“Finally got a better grip on the visions. And Diasomnia is… well, it’s nice being away from home, at least,” He said, letting himself speak more casually, “Wasn’t sure the Oracle would let me leave again. How’s the… practicing been?”

He knew that Luciano couldn’t talk about his divination out loud and hoped his friend understood the underlying meaning. While Ember was good with pendulums and visions, Luciano always excelled at cardomancy- a talent he himself never got a good grip on.

It was a spot of jealousy in their youth, but in the absence he’d become proud of him for his talents.

Overdue Encounter

A soft song played in the distance, a melody long forgotten and yet so familiar. Ember couldn’t help but go towards the source of the sound, an overture played on a… fiddle?

It reminded him of an old friend.

As the harvest moon hung in the sky, Ember saw Lucian stand in the courtyard. His four fingered hand moved nimbly across the board, creating a gorgeous tune that echoed throughout the fall night. The musician seemed to have yet to notice the seer, so he simply listened to his playing.

It had been a while since he got to hear his playing.

[ Childhood friends sometimes fall out of touch, @thecoachman ]