#<- forgot to tag our lovely beast

[twilighttowntormentnexus]

more drawings done at work, featuring my Other interest that involves the themes of balance and what it means to be a person

[sidekick-hero]

(steddie | general | wc: 2.1k | cw: none | tags: childhood friends, Eddie lives, fluff and tiny bit of angst | AO3)

Written for the @steddielovemonth prompt: Love is being willing to wait for them.

Eddie was six years old when he first met Steve, not that he would remember it until much, much later.

The boy Eddie met that day was sweet and a little shy, perhaps because he was so small for his age. He was a year younger than Eddie, only five, which was forever in Eddie's eyes. He felt responsible for the little boy somehow, so he walked up to him on the deserted playground to make sure he was okay.

"'Ello!" Eddie exclaimed, holding out his hand for Steve to shake, like he'd seen his daddy do all the time when they were in town. His dad called it part of the Munson charm, whatever that was, and Eddie wanted to be as cool as his dad. "I'm Eddie, who are you?"

The boy looked up at Eddie with big eyes and made no move to take Eddie's hand, so Eddie reached out and took the boy's hand in his own and shook it wildly.

"See, that's how you do it. And then you say your name. Let's try it again!" Eddie decided, still pumping the boy's hand. "I'm Eddie."

"Steve," the boy said with a slight lisp, and Eddie thought maybe he hadn't said his name earlier because he was afraid Eddie would make fun of him for it. The other kids made fun of him a lot, for a lot of reasons that Eddie didn't really understand. All he knew was that he didn't like it; it made him sad. Especially since none of the other kids would play with him, so he had to go on his adventures all alone, fighting the big dragon without a trusted knight at his side.

Perhaps Steve could be his knight.

"Will you help me slay the big dragon, Steve?" Eddie asked, suddenly excited at the prospect of finally having someone to play with. "He stole all our gold, so we have to slay him!"

He was still holding Steve's hand, but he dropped it as he began to imitate how they would fight the beast with their swords. "I'm a mage because my mom says every fairy tale needs a good fairy or a mage to help the hero defeat the villain. And you can be that hero, Steve! I'll help you with my magic," Eddie promised, his whole face breaking into a wide grin.

Steve giggled, but Eddie thought it wasn't like the other kids laughing at him. It sounded nice, like Steve was enjoying Eddie's antics. "What do you think, Sir Steve?"

Between bursts of pearly laughter, Steve eagerly agreed, but then paused to ask Eddie in a suddenly serious tone, "But why don't you wanna be the hero?"

"I'm no hero, Stevie! I'm a mage, didn't you hear me? I can do magic to help the hero, because only together can we defeat the beast." Eddie explained in an equally serious tone, because killing dragons was serious business.

"Okay," Steve agreed. "How do we fight a dragon? I never fought a dragon before."

Eddie explained his plans to Steve, and together they ran and climbed around the playground in search of the dragon. It was the most fun Eddie had had in a long time. Steve was the best hero ever; he listened to Eddie's ideas and had some surprisingly fun ones of his own. They forgot everything around them, caught up in a world of make-believe, until a woman's voice startled them out of their play.

"Steve! Steven, where are you? If your parents come home and you're not there, they'll fire me," the woman grumbled before shouting again. "Steve!"

Eddie looked at Steve questioningly as the voice came closer.

"That's Lucy, she's looking after me 'cause my parents don't have time," Steve explained in a low voice. "I have to go." He looked very sad when he said that and Eddie already missed his bright smile.

"That's okay, Stevie, we can kill the dragon tomorrow!"

That made Steve perk up. "Yeah?"

"Yeah! I'll wait for you here tomorrow!"

"Thanks, Eddie!" Steve exclaimed, throwing his arms around Eddie in a tight hug before running off to find the woman.

The next day, Eddie was back at the playground as soon as he could get away from their house, telling his mama that he had finally made a friend and now they had to kill the dragon. "He's my hero, Mom, and I'm his mage, just like in the fairy tales!" He told her, and she hugged him tightly before making him and Steve two sandwiches, because "slaying dragons is hard work and makes you hungry'.

Steve wasn't there when Eddie arrived at the playground, so Eddie sat down on the swings and waited for his new friend.

He waited until the first signs of dawn reached the playground, and he had to eat both sandwiches because he was hungry, and drink all the water his mama had packed.

Eddie only left when it got dark, and he knew his mama would be worried. But he was back the next day, and the next. Every day for weeks, Eddie waited for Steve on the swing, always wondering why his new friend didn't want to play with him anymore.

Eddie never made a connection between his Stevie and King Steve. How could he, when King Steve was all aloof and arrogant, looking down on people like Eddie and walking the halls of Hawkins High with that haughty grin on his face. The boy wasn't his hero, and Eddie wouldn't dream of using his magic to help him.

Funnily enough, the first time Steve's sight sparked any kind of recognition in Eddie was when Eddie pinned him against a boathouse wall with a bottle against his neck. Stripped of his usual confidence by surprise and fear, Steve looked somehow... small. He sounded even smaller as he tried to reassure Eddie that he meant no harm, and the sound of his voice made something tingle at the back of Eddie's mind.

Steve was different than Eddie had expected, to say the least.

At times, he was snarky and bitchy. But not in the mean way he had been in high school. He was all bark and no bite. And he was good to Eddie's sheep, to all the kids, really. Like a big brother, a protector. A knight in shining armor who stood between them and danger.

And not just for the kids, for everyone.

Steve jumped into a dark, deep lake not knowing what awaited him; fought demonic bats with bare hands and teeth, losing more flesh than seemed healthy.

Steve was a hero, and later Eddie berated himself for not realizing it sooner, but hindsight is 20/20, and he only understood that Steve Harrington was indeed his Stevie when it was too late to do anything about it.

Eddie was almost sure when they stole the RV together, because the way Steve grinned at him just before they switched positions and Steve sped out of the trailer park reminded him so much of the sweet boy he once knew.

The boy he never really stopped waiting for.

When Steve asked Dustin and Eddie not to be cute, not to be heroes, he decided to test his theory.

"We're not heroes," he told Steve, and when Dustin said “you can be the hero, Steve” Eddie was watching his face for any sign of recognition. He could have sworn he saw a flicker of it in Steve's eyes. That was the moment he almost, almost asked outright.

Eddie even called out to him, the words on his tongue, "Why didn't you come back? I was waiting for you.' But in the end he decided against it. What use was there? They had bigger problems to deal with right now. He would ask Steve later, when it was all over. He would tell him that he had been waiting for him all this time and that he was glad that Steve had come back to him.

They would talk later.

Only later wouldn't come, Eddie realized as he tasted his own blood in his mouth and stared into Dustin's frightened, tearful eyes.

And then Steve was there, holding his hand, begging him, pleading with him to stay, not to die. Eddie couldn't promise him that, but he had promised him something else, and he wanted Steve to know that he had never broken that promise.

"I waited for you, Stevie. Every..." Eddie coughed wetly, more blood flooding his mouth, and he suppressed the grimace to keep smiling at Steve. "Every day. I knew you'd come back. Worth... the wait," Eddie whispered, his voice fading. Eddie was fading fast.

In the distance he heard Steve's voice begging him to stay, he needed his mage by his side, and the last thing he thought was that he was sorry he had to leave before he could see Steve slay their dragon, but he hoped his magic had helped enough.

The next time Eddie was able to think and feel, it was like waking up from the worst hangover ever. Everything hurt, even his hair.

Slowly opening his eyes to a thankfully dimly lit room, he winced at the sharp pain in his head. It made moving his head even more torturous, but Eddie had to know where he was. Looking around as much as he could, he realized several things.

He was in a hospital bed with monitors beeping softly beside him.

It was night, with only a small bedside lamp providing some light.

Steve Harrington was asleep next to him, his arms crossed on Eddie's bed and his head resting on them.

Eddie must have made some sort of noise at the sight, because at that moment Steve jumped to his feet, ready to fight or flight.

Then he looked at Eddie and a myriad of expressions played across his face. Most of them passed too quickly for Eddie to decipher, but he's sure he saw surprise and joy. Wonder, definitely, but maybe fear, too, though Eddie had no idea why Steve would be afraid of him.

"Steve," Eddie croaked, his throat like sandpaper. The sound of his name was enough to jolt Steve into action and he hurried over to Eddie's bedside table. Seconds later, a straw was held to his mouth and blessedly cool water filled his mouth and ran down his throat.

"Thank you," he told Steve when the cup was empty and he felt more like a human being again. A badly mangled human being, but he took what he could get. "What happened? Is everyone..."

"Vecna is dead. Everyone made it out alive." Eddie let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. "That's all you need to know for now. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow, okay? You should get some more rest. You... we almost lost you."

Steve looked shattered as he said this and Eddie finally noticed the dark bags under his eyes. Steve's hair worried him even more. It looked greasy and unkempt, worse than it had even looked in the Upside Down.

Eddie was afraid to ask, but he had to know. "How long..."

"Twenty days. They couldn't tell us when you'd wake up. If you'd wake up." His voice broke at the words, and Eddie tried to lift his hand to soothe and comfort, but it weighed a million pounds.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long, Stevie," he said instead, hoping to ease Steve's pain with his words instead. But all it did was make Steve collapse, the bed the only thing breaking his fall. He was the one who reached for Eddie's hand then and held on to it like a lifeline.

"I'm sorry, Eddie. I'm the one who kept you waiting for years. I never went back to that playground. My babysitter didn't want to take me anymore because I ran away, and she almost lost her job. And then it had been years before I was old enough to go by myself and I couldn't... the thought of going there and you not being there was too much. And why should you be? Nobody would wait that long."

The "not for me" rang out between them and Eddie gathered all his strength to pull Steve's hand to his mouth. As he planted a kiss on the soft skin of the back of his hand, Eddie said in a low voice, "I did ... I waited all this time for you. This playground became my hound, once a day I would stop by, just in case. I always hoped you would come back."

Now it was Steve's turn to take Eddie's hand in his and place it gently on his cheek, planting a soft kiss on Eddie's palm.

Caressing Steve's lips with his thumb, Eddie smiled at the sweet boy he had waited a lifetime for. His hero.

"We did it, Stevie. We slayed the dragon!"

Steve's pearly laugh echoed through the room, silenced only by Eddie's lips as he leaned down to capture them in a fairy-tale kiss.

[shegatsby]

Love Thy Enemy

Summary; Y/N Atreides had always been a stranger to the entire galaxy, her bed wasn’t her bed, her home wasn’t her home due to the fact that she was sent to accompany and be sisters with Irulan. She had limited access to her actual family and over the years they grew distant. She thought she would be like Reverend Mother, alone, yet powerful, and soon she would realize that there was no need of being alone when a wild creature had his eyes on her for a long time.

A/N; Hi babies! I hope you're doing amazing! I love writing this story i feel alive after months of depression lol. Don't worry, there will be SMUT in the future chapters. Sorry for any typos English isn't my first language.

TAG LIST IS OPEN! (Text me if i forgot to tag you little doves 🕊️ ♥️)

Warnings; None.. Female Bene Gesserit Reader x Feyd-Rautha, enemies to lovers! reader is reffered to as she/her.

Words; 2.291K

Chapter 4

Chapter Three – ''Caught in the Web''

The throne room was spinning under her feet, she felt the sudden rush of hot air on her body. No one dared to speak, one could hear the birds outside singing in harmony. Y/N’s alerted eyes found Pyramus, he seemed in shock and quietly left the throne room. Y/N looked at her parents pleadingly, Leto’s brown eyes were fixed on the Emperor, Jessica had a victorious smile and it dawned on her.

This was planned.

 ‘’Rise young warrior.’’ Shaddam’s voice was heard. ‘’Do parents of Lady Y/N object to this offer?’’

Entire room held its breath. ‘’No, Emperor.’’  Leto answered on the behalf of his house, it broke Y/N’s heart into million pieces. ‘’Not here.’’ she whispered to herself, she couldn’t burst into tears in front of important people and show weakness.

‘’So it is done. Paul Atreides shall take my daughter as wife and you, young warrior Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen shall take Lady Y/N Atreides as your wife.’’ And the crowd went into hypnotic frenzy.

The following hours went blurry, Y/N was taken to chamber to another…

At last, she was in her family’s quarters, she waited for servants to leave them alone. The door closed and a thick silence fell like a dark cloud, hovering over the House Atreides.

‘’How could you?!’’ she yelled, stood up to her feet, her skirts swirling, her face showed nothing but anger, she was a lioness. ‘’How could I refuse the Emperor?!’’ Leto yelled back, he felt powerless like the exact time when Emperor Shaddam demanded his beloved baby daughter to accompany Princes Irulan. Again, someone else was going to take her from him. ‘’Wake up father! This isn’t the Emperor. This is Bene Gesserit’s doing. It has been all along.’’

Leto turned to face Jessica who averted her gaze, she looked guilty of a crime she didn’t commit yet she had her fingers in it. ‘’You?!’’ He didn’t want to believe but she was right. Jessica’s blue eyes couldn’t face her beloved. Paul knew that his parents needed to talk in private so he gently held his older sister’s arm. ‘’let’s go to the gardens.’’ He knew that would calm her.

Y/N stormed odd to the halls of the palace and with Paul they walked to the lush gardens. Gardens of House Corriono were always well maintained and aesthetically pleasing with colors and scent. She had to take deep breaths and pray in silence;

 ‘’I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.’’

Paul was standing there hands in his pockets, counting his blessings.

‘’Y/N’’ he called softly, ‘’What?!’’ she was about to take her anger out on him, ‘’Do not give me that look Paul. You and Irulan and that.. that Bal headed beast are the ones who profit from this arrangement but me!’’ she tried to keep her voice low, servants and spies could be anywhere. ‘’You can manipulate him, Y/N, remember our training.’’ Paul was making sense but Y/N was too furious to hear .

‘’Y/N…’’ a soft voice called out, they turned to face the owner, ‘’Pyramus..’’ she breathed out, a brief silence fell, his dark brown eyes found hers, ‘’I shall take my leave.’’ Paul announced and left them be.

Two lovers embraced, she started to cry in agony, ‘’What are we going to do now?!’’ her voice desperate, rebelling against her fate. ‘’I have an idea.’’ He said holding her face, ‘’Tonight, after Irulan and Paul’s wedding we run away together.’’ She was shocked to hear him being bold. ‘’We can hijack an ornithopter and hide till we find a ship to fly to my home, you can use the Voice on people.’’ It would be the most outrageous scandal that the Imperium had ever seen, but it was now or never.

All day she got ready for Irulan’s wedding, she wore a long black dress an black lace gloves that were see-through, her long hair let loose. A big obsidian stoned necklace on her delicate throat, the stone shined every time lights hit from the glowglobes. After tonight she was suppose to be shipped to the hellhole called Giedi Prime. House Harkonnen.

The feast was bountiful, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, no one cared about Y/N and her situation. Among the crowd she found her family’s place and started to move past dancing couples to go to them but a firm trap caught her delicate wrist, it was Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

‘’Where to, little dove?’’ he was in his regular black clothing, a silver ring on his little finger, a cunning look on his ocean eyes, ‘’To my family.’’ Y/N replied coldly, ‘’I am your family now.’’ He was so direct it caught her off guard. He didn’t wait for an answer and guided her to the dance floor, his tone was stern, was he hurt that Y/N didn’t go to him first? She deduced with her Bene Gesserit powers. ‘’I highly doubt that.’’ She clapped back in annoyance. He was trying really hard not to lose his temper. He couldn’t show his true self among other houses, he couldn’t humiliate his family so he simply had to wait and be patient and when the time comes… he could insert his ways on her. As if he wasn’t doing it now….

‘’You have a silver tongue. I like that but-‘’ he made her twirl, ‘’be careful.’’ Y/N looked up to meet his orbits, under the yellow lights, among dancing couples one could assume that Feyd and Y/N were a loving couple. It was so easy to lose oneself in his aura that she had to look away. Their bodies pressed to each other, she could smell his cologne, manly and just.. there

‘’You know what, I’m going to be nice to you tonight.’’ She said which caused him to rise his nonexistent eyebrow in questioning. ‘’How come?’’

‘’You might not find me again, so, it’s on the house.’’ And the music ended and she immediately let herself part from him and go to her family.

Rest of the night she avoided most of the people and observed. Paul and Irulan were shipped to Caladan and tomorrow morning all of the lord and ladies were to go back to their home planets. Perfect timing.

Y/N wore her black leather pants and top, she couldn’t afford running in her beautiful gowns if any trouble arrived. She prepared a small bag of essentials, and had been waiting for Pyramus to whistle from outside, her windows were all wide open.

When she heard him she activated her shoes which were made to float in the air and she softly landed on the fresh cut grass, they kissed passionately. She could feel her heart in her throat, this was the first time she was actively rebelling against her family and the rules. Pyramus had his outfit from the night’s entertainment. ‘’Why didn’t you change?’’

‘’Didn’t have time. Follow me.’’ If she was more observant she could have seen the cut on his eyebrow and small bruises on his face clearly.

Ornithopters were on the airfield, since it was really late most of the guards were sleeping on their duty.

Pyramus held her hand, his palm sweaty, ‘’Let’s go.’’ He made her move fast ‘’Wait-‘’ she whispered,

‘’Let’s not wake them up-‘’ he seemed like he didn’t care, they got to an ornithopter. He opened its door, it was for two people. Before she climbed inside she turned to face him for a second, he seemed terrified, ‘’Wait-‘’ her hands went to his face, ‘’What happened to your face?’’ Y/N asked in horror and saw his expression change into guilt.

‘’Pyramus?’’ she whispered, ‘’I’m sorry Y/N..’’

And all of the lights on the field were turned on like lightning on a rainy day, alarms were going off, soldiers wide awake… were they awake the whole time? They were surrounded by Harkonnen soldiers, a sound of applause echoed on the open field, soldiers moved to make way for him.

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen approached, he stopped clapping when he saw them, he had his black and dark grey uniform. Y/N could see he was geared up.. just in case.

‘’Did you really think that you could escape me?’’ Feyd asked sarcastically, his voice amused, he looked like a theater actor who finished his bit and proud of himself. ‘’I’m sorry..’’ Pyramus whispered again and let her go, he, without a beat climbed into the ornithopter and flew away.

Y/N could feel the tears of betrayal coming in, Feyd-Rautha with a sudden move grabbed her wrist, she felt like an animal who just stepped into a metal trap, his fingers bruising her wrist, he started to drag her back to the palace. ‘’Let go of me!’’ because of the panic she couldn’t use the Voice on him.

‘’Enough games, little dove. You will be locked to your chambers until we leave for Giedi Prime.’’

She kept trying to fight and get away from him and he stopped in his tracks, an annoyed huff coming out of him he turned to her and with a swift move he lifted her to his shoulder like a cave man.

‘’I order you to let go of me!’’ this time she used the Voice but he wasn’t affected. Why? Y/N noticed the earplugs he was wearing. ‘’I out rank you Lady Y/N.’’ he chuckled and she could feel the panic rise in her. He slapped her butt and she whined in pain, his hand was heavy and big.

Feyd-Rautha marched the empty corridors and found her bedroom, he kicked open the door and threw her onto her bed which was covered with fluffy pillows and he was startled to see so many colors at once. She froze, supporting her body with her hand, he stood there like a statue, immobile. ‘’Thankfully other houses don’t know this foolish attempt of yours.’’ He said coldly ad slowly leaned to be on the same level as her. ‘’Try to humiliate me again and see what happens, little dove.’’ She felt the threat of his words settle into the room, she felt as if his presence made her vision go dark and the only thing she could see was him.. Feyd-Rautha was so many things but a liar.

He left and she heard the lock on the door.

Y/N was in shock, she had to take deep breaths to calm her racing mind. Soon a maid came to lock the windows and leave her there, without a word.. even her own maids turned their backs on her, Harkonnens were feared. She belonged to them now, her body and soul was his.

She moved to the window to see the full moon, on her knees she prayed till morning came with its fog. Jessica entered with the maids and servants, Y/N was on her knees praying like a mad Bene Gesserit witch. ‘’Prepare the bath for my daughter.’’ Jessica ordered and went to sit next to her.

‘’You will understand me one day.’’ She knew what happened last night and was surprised, Jessica had never thought Y/N would rebel like this.. ‘’When I was in your whomb…’’ she began, ‘’why didn’t you change my sex?’’

Jessica had to tell the truth, ‘’I was ordered to have a daughter as first born. They didn’t tell me why. If I had known.. things would be different.’’ Her blue eyes searching hers, hoping to see something but Y/N was trained well, not a single emotion on her face, a blank slate. ‘’If you don’t manipulate him he’ll be the end of you, you’re my daughter, you have to survive.’’ Jessica kissed her daughters soft hair and stood up to give more orders to carry Y/N’s belongings to the Harkonnen ship.

Y/N watched other houses leave from her window, she tried to read while her servants worked in silence. The sun was setting when she wore her ceremonial gown. It was emerald green, the color fo her house and a hawk was on her chest, symbol of House Atreides. Her long hair was braided elegantly. Her father came to take her outside before the Emperor, it was the custom. Leto tried to talk to her but she didn’t budge, they walked in death silence.

There was a breeze outside, she saw everyone standing in their rightful places. Feyd-Rautha was standing in front of the Emperor who was seated on a moveable throne. Feyd’s hands clasped behind his back, he watched Duke Leto bring Y/N to stand next to her, he noticed that she was avoiding eye contact like an expert.

Leto, when he made her stand next to her husband- to-be he took a step to Feyd, held his arm and whispered into his ear, ‘’Hurt my daughter and I will end your entire blood line.’’ He gave a pat on Feyd’s shoulder and left them.

The field was silent, she could hear the birds, it calmed her. Were there any birds in Giedi Prime?

Padishah Emperor Shaddam basically announced that this young couple had his blessing and the wedding would take place in House Harkonnen’s planet. He made them kiss his ring and ended the ceremony. Y/N walked to her family to say goodbye, Feyd watching her intently, Leto kissed her daughter’s forehead, Jessica hugged her tightly and whispered into her ear.

‘’Remember your training.’’

Feyd made her take his arm, his ceremonial clothing was black, he was covered in it, together they walked to the ship. ‘’I must say you look pleasant in green.’’ He spoke quietly, Y/N turned to see the small smile on his plump lips, ‘’Thank you.’’ And they walked to the ship, Y/N looked at her family before the metal door closed.

Tag list; @superchatnoir07

@mamawiggers1980

@landlockedmermaid77

@moonsoulk

@crystalskiesandcherrywine

@palomavz

@beebeechaos

@jeong-uwu

@tian-monique

@avidreader73

@aleemendoza2425-blog

@taleah

Thank you for reading. :)

[blasphemousclaw]

thank you for being so normal about the hornsent 🙏 Thank you cause jesus christ. anyways for the ask ermm The hornsent npc melina or messmer

you’re welcome I just got so attached to the hornsent while playing the dlc! after watching Belurat burn in the story trailer, going into the ruined city in the game and seeing all the graves and mourning spirits really affected me, and I’m honestly shocked that such a huge portion of the fanbase didn’t feel the same way. also they are literally so cool like look at their art and architecture. their armor sets. their divine beast dancing lion. if people can’t enjoy that because they’re “evil” well I have great news. they are not real

anyway here’s capital H Hornsent my best friend Hornsent

• favorite thing about them

how his quest ends with him attacking us no matter what we do. I know I know! it’s so frustrating that we can’t convince him we’re on his side! but the fact that he tries so hard to push us away just makes me love him more! he refuses our second offering of scorpion stew because he isn’t here to make friends, he’s here to win he’s given his life for his revenge... his line “I wish not to friendship kindle” drives me crazy because we have this moment of human connection with him, which he acknowledges, but he can’t let himself lose sight of his purpose! admit it Hornsent. you like me

also his character design and voice acting are fantastic

• least favorite thing about them

I already like how his character is handled but I think it would be even stronger if he or someone else dropped a few more details about life in Belurat before the crusade. he enacts his revenge not just in the name of his murdered family but his entire culture, and it would be nice to learn a few more hornsent cultural details through him!

• favorite line

“What’s this? Do you think me in need of alms? Ah… but this dish. Tis fare o’ the tower. I remember fondly this kin-clad scent. …Brings back memories I’d all but forgot. This, by my troth, is but a dismal copy. Indeed, I think it rather plain to see… things once broken can never be the same.”

I love the scorpion stew interaction so much! “things once broken can never be the same” hits so hard after exploring Belurat and seeing the city’s destruction, and pairing this dialogue with the scorpion stew description is even more tragic: “Traditional meal of the hornsent. Once made with love by a certain elderly woman for the family table.”

• brOTP ОТР whatever this is

Hornsent and Tarnished. what if I could fix him

• nОТР

I don’t think about this at all

• random headcanon

the marks on his face are burn scars from the fires… I think he had hair but it mostly burned off. maybe I’ll draw what I think his face looked like without the limitations of the npc character model sometime

• unpopular opinion

I don’t think he was a greater potentate! I think it’s strongly implied that he lived in Belurat before the crusade, not Bonny Village. I think he sought out the potentates’ caterpillar mask because it’s used to enhance focus and banish feelings of doubt in one’s purpose, which makes perfect sense for his revenge quest

• song i associate with them

once again please leave any suggestions in the replies/tags!!

• favorite picture of them

not to boost my own content but this was hysterical

[andthekitchensinkao3]

Thanks for the tag @elodiah :3 Next week I'll have a Lokius WiP snippet, I promise. Or, ooh, even for this Sunday's SSS. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, I'm still with the Veilguard canon-divergent epic brainrot that is, or will be, Stories Told and Forgotten.

In chapter 7, we follow Emmrich's POV through a hellscape - fighting a blighted dragon and darkspawn towards the end of Act 1, when that sort of thing's usually reserved for professionals, at the end of a DA game. And Emmrich, the gentleman necromancer, will have to face his biggest fear. Dying.

The floating city was on fire. The thought itself, the very concept, failed to make any sense: Minrathous, most powerful city of the north, populated by more mages per capita than any other nation in all of Thedas - on fire.

As they rushed through the streets, fighting off Venatori cultists shouting about the glory of Tevinter, all Emmrich could see was blatant misery. Entire residential areas crumbling under the onslaught of the dragon, and the fire, spreading from wherever the dragon saw fit to spew its fiery misery onto the proud city. Say what you will of Minrathous’ politics, but politics couldn’t lose their homes to a monster on blighted wings.

They worked their way ever downward, to the last known location of the dragon. It was easy enough: just follow its path of destruction. Neve led the charge for Rook, Bellara and Emmrich, while Harding, Davrin and Assan, and Lucanis made their way from the other way around, hoping to hit the beast from two vantage points instead of one.

Past Dumat Plaza, onwards to the Andoralis grounds - there came a clamoring unlike anything Emmrich had ever heard, even in his worst nightmares. A thousand voices, roaring into the Tevene night sky. No. Snarling.

“Darkspawn ahead!” Rook called out, whipping his head around to meet their eyes - “Emmrich, raise the dead, and raise Hell while you’re at it! Bellara, hit them with everything you’ve got, arrows or temporal magic, everything! Neve?”

“I’ll freeze the bastards solid. I’ll send the dragon into its own, personal ice age if I have to.”

Rook nodded. “Our primary focus is taking down that dragon, and every darkspawn down there. Fight smart, not fast. We don’t want to get infected, so keep your distance and attack from afar. You see someone hurting, don’t hesitate to act backup, but be safe.”

Emmrich’s pulse throbbed against his collar, which felt so tight he could barely swallow down the taste of bile. Bellara readied two of her arrows, as grim as their objective. Rook’s eyes went to him, and Emmrich could only hope he looked calmer than he felt.

“I’ll raise a small army, Rook. The darkspawn won’t know what hit them,” he said, already calculating mana pool versus sustaining animation by the dozens-or-hundreds. Fight smart, not fast was possibly the cleverest thing he’d heard since they left for Minrathous. There would be no point to hitting the dragon with everything they had, only to be dragged off by the darkspawn… possibly to be eaten alive.

Rook’s jaw settled into a line so firm it looked painful. “I’ll draw the dragon’s attention. Solas said Ghilan’nain and Elgar’nan want the dagger. If that’s the case, they’d better come and get it.”

Emmrich’s heart all but sank to his stomach like a block of ice. “Rook--”

But Rook merely smiled, and showed the palm of his hand. “I can run faster than a panicked nug. And I’ll hit them hard. If we all do our part, we can do this.”

---

TAGS In no specific order: @redheadsramblings @starfleetteddybear @mercars-musings @starrose17 @holyglassbone @genocidalfetus @wolfpup026 @lokimobius

@ghoulehhh @natendo-art @in-my-loki-feels @kusakichan15

@devilbearingtrouble @impulsemuppet @mirilyawrites @scifikimmi @silentxsymphony

@rin-love-is-green @confetti39x @stillwanderingflame

@insert-witty-user-name-here @blackbirdofasgard @dreamycloud @distracteddream

@mobius-m-mobius @dilfmobius @adorbspotat @lgwilt

And, as alwyas, if I forgot to tag you, please consider yourself tagged!

[nocasdatsgay]

Baby of Mine A Spring Time Affairs Fic

Day 7 of @polyacotarweek Free Day

Pairing: Tamlin/OC/Elain/Lucien | Rating: T| Word count: 3778

Master List | Poly Week Masterpost | Read on AO3

Summary: After Calanmai and forgetting to take the tea, Flora is pregnant. The problem is, she doesn’t know if Tamlin or Lucien is the father.

Warnings: Pregnancy, Anxiety, base level childbirth mentions, a baby

AN: WE DID IT FOLKS! Last day of the week. I can’t want to go through the Masterlist and read what I have missed while writing. Thank you for all the likes and comments. PS: Can you catch the Beast of the Briars call out?

Tagging: @saltedcoffeescotch @ysmtttty

Tamlin said he did not care. 

Lucien and Elain both said they didn’t care. 

But Flora did. 

The stress was evident on her face as she turned in front of the mirror, gaze dropping down to her bare stomach. She was starting to show. New clothes would be in soon, her old ones already feeling snug. She didn’t want to despise the babe in her belly but gods it was hard to not let her worries get to her. 

She was Tamlin’s wife. She had a duty to him to have his heir. What would the court do if her babe came out with red hair or russet eyes? Their relationship wasn’t a secret. Everyone knew. But they’d been so careful and then Calanmai came and the one time she forgot to put contraceptives in her system, she ended up pregnant. 

She hoped it was the first undiluted magic that conceived this child. Tamlin took her into the cave. They made love on that stone and released all that magic back into the world. What happened with Lucien and Elain after wasn’t under the same pull of ancient magic. But doubt plagued her. Her plants showed her there was no difference between the first wave of magic and after. It could easily be the same with her. 

“Flora?” Tamlin’s voice dragged her out of her thoughts. Her gaze met his through the mirror. “Is everything alright?” 

Tamlin stayed nervous about her condition. She knew why. He was worried she would fall into a depression or worse. He was constantly encouraging her to engage with the court, to go outside with Elain. It warred with his want to keep her inside and safe. His mistakes in the past haunted him. Even after all the time that passed. 

“I just-“ she looked back at where her hand rested on her stomach. “You know I worry.” 

“I don’t care what others may think. You know this.” 

“They’ll talk, Tamlin,” tears built in her eyes. Her worries she had been holding in came tumbling out. “What good am I? If my first born is not your heir? This is a child, Tamlin. What if it is Lucien’s? What if it triggers something in Elain? They’re mates.”

“Flora.”

“I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked and tears spilt. “It’s awful to think these things, I know. I'm horrible.”

“You’re not horrible, my wildflower.” Tamlin came up to her, wrapping his arms around her. One hand splayed over her stomach. “How long have you felt like this?” 

“Since I found out.” 

She grabbed one of his arms with her hand to mentally steady herself. She hadn’t spoken out loud how she felt. She feigned excitement; they were so happy when her scent changed. She didn’t want to take that away from them just because she worried. 

“Honey.” She winced at the sadness in his tone. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?” 

“I didn’t want to upset you.”

“You’ll never upset me.” She felt him kiss the back of her head. “I know you worry but our babe is so loved already and that’s all that matters.” 

She nodded and leaned back into the embrace of her husband. Tamlin was the most excited out of all of them. She just hoped she could match his enthusiasm sooner rather than later. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She officially was showing and barely made it out alive from the Court announcement party. So many congratulations, each one meant well but still grated her. She was a perfect Lady of Spring, faking her smile and when someone did notice, it was explained off as hormones. Tam watched her the whole time, ready to scoop her up and out of the room if needed. She finally feigned tiredness and excused herself. 

It was a relief to enter the empty hall. Though she was not alone for long. She made it up the stairs before running into one of the two people who put her in this predicament. Lucien’s gold eye clicked rapidly as he came up to her, studying her face. She had not seen him since his return this morning from visiting Day Court. 

“How did it go?”

Flora rolled her eyes. “I swear if I hear one more congratulations I am going to vomit.”

”So it went well. Good.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “And how are you? How’s my little one?”

”I am tired and annoyed. And you don’t know for certain, if this babe is yours,” she snapped. She regretted it the second the words left her mouth. “The baby is fine, Lucien. I didn’t mean- I’m sorry. That was unkind of me.”

“It was.” He didn’t hide the hurt on his face. 

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t mean that. I’m sorry.”  She looked down in shame. She’d never spoken to Lucien like that before. She was horrid. 

“Flora, look at me, I do forgive you.” He reached his hand under her chin and tilted it up so she would look at him. “I get it and I’m sure the announcement party didn’t help.”

Her eyes watered. “It really didn’t. None of them have any idea. They all just assume this was planned. They all just assume this is Tamlin’s and when I try to correct them, they just -” She took a shaky breath and her hand went to the small bump poking out from her dress. “Tam says stress isn’t good for the baby.”

”It’s not,” Lucien replied. “If they’re mine, they might come out looking grumpy and be mistaken for Eris if you aren’t careful. Try explaining that to the court.”

That made her laugh. “You’re right.” She gave him a soft smile. “He’s a boy, by the way. Don’t tell Elain, she doesn’t know yet.”

Lucien’s grin beamed with likeness of the sun. “We’re having a boy?”

“Yes. We are having a boy.” She paused and bit her lip. She knew the answer but after the party, her worries continued to fall from her lips without warning. “If this is Tam’s baby, are you sure you aren’t going to be mad?”

Lucien sighed. “I’ve already told you, it doesn’t matter if he’s mine or Tam’s, he will be ours.” Lucien tapped his finger on her nose. “Get those thoughts out of your mind. Don’t let the courtiers get to you. And go tell Elain before I find her first. I won’t be able to help myself and she’ll be livid you told me first.” 

Flora nodded and smiled again. Lucien always knew how to make her feel better. She stood on her toes and gave him a quick kiss before setting off to find Elain. He was right on that part; Elain was going to be livid she was the last to know. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tamlin made her nap in a guest room citing he ‘had a surprise’ for her. She was too tired to question it. Five months in and between being either absolutely insatiable and exhausted, she took his word for it and laid down. It wasn’t until after dinner that night, he escorted her to their rooms, grinning the whole time. 

“What did you do?” She asked, not able to suppress her own smile. 

“Come see.” 

They entered through the sitting room and into their bed chamber. Nothing looked different; Tamlin guided her forward into the next room and she gasped. The nursery was finished- and fully finished. Her hand went instantly to her stomach, where she felt the flutters of life moving inside her. 

“It’s beautiful,” she blinked back her tears. “Oh, Tamlin.” 

She called out things as she noticed them. The walls were painted a pretty light green. A bassinet in the middle and an oak crib against the wall near their room for later. Even the rug was beautiful- her favorite flowers stitched in throughout. Other furniture filled the room, all a deep oak like the crib. There was even a rocking chair and bookshelf by the window. 

“Do you notice anything else?” 

She frowned, looking up at her husband’s knowing smirk. She looked around the room again- everything was new. The room even smelled of wood still. She frowned harder; that wasn’t right. She glanced around the room again and finally noticed it. A new door opposite their own. 

“Where does that go?” She asked. 

“To Lu and Lainy’s rooms.” 

She jerked her head towards him again with her mouth open. “They’re moving? Really?” 

They talked about it so often before that Flora thought it was mute at this point. She desperately wanted them to be closer than where their rooms were now on the other side of the manor but didn’t want to push them. They deserved their own space. Even with the baby- especially with the baby. But knowing they agreed to move closer- she started crying. 

“We’ve been waiting for time to put the door in so they’d have access to the nursery too if needed.” Tamlin reached up and wiped her tears. “These are happy ones, correct?” She nodded. “Good. Come, I want you to pick out the curtains for the window.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Three more months to go and Flora was ready to evict this baby now. Sitting was a little uncomfortable, her belly becoming rounder by the day. It didn’t help that her babe started to kick daily, for no other reason than to make his mother uncomfortable. 

Even outside in the garden, where the chairs could lounge out to prop up one’s feet weren’t comfortable. It was Elain’s idea to take their tea outside today. Flora shuffled about in her chair while Elain poured tea into a cup. 

“Drink this,” Elain sat the tea cup and saucer beside her. 

“What is it?” Flora was scared to sniff it. Last time she smelled anything but black tea she nearly hurled. Though that was early on in her pregnancy. She avoided it ever since. 

“Raspberry mint. I made it for Feyre and it seemed to help with the second pregnancy.”

She took a hesitant sip and her eyes widened right before she downed more of it. She sat back her chair and made an inappropriate noise. 

“This is the best tea I’ve ever had.” She took another drink from the saucer. “Thank you Elain.”

“You’re welcome. Hopefully it calms the little rascal.” 

Flora nodded and resisted the urge to down the rest of her cup. She set aside and watched Elain take a sip of her own tea. 

“How are your sisters?” 

Elain contemplated for a moment. Flora didn’t know if that was a bad sign or not. 

“Nesta has taken on a writing project.” Elain cut her eyes to Flora with a knowing look. “A romance novel.” 

Flora sat up straighter. “Really? On a scale of what I read and what you read, how smutty is it?” 

“What you read. You know Nes adores those Drake books. Stands to reason she would write something equally scandalous.” 

“You know you love those books too,” Flora playfully rolled her eyes. “I hope she completes it. Tell her I look forward to having a copy on my bookshelf.”

Elain grinned. “I will make sure to let her know.”

“And Feyre? How is she?” 

Flora held no ill will to the female. What happened between her and Tamlin was in the past. 

“She’s good. The twins are giving her hell.” Flora laughed at that. “She handed off her workshops to local artists. So now she’s only supervising the ones in Illyria and Hewn city, occasionally hosting an event.” 

“I thought you mentioned she planned for that?” 

Elain took a sip of her tea. “She did. She’s just been putting off for decades. She’s worse than Lucien, having her hands in so many pots.” 

Flora couldn’t disagree. She picked her tea backup and drank the rest before it was too cold. It was only minutes later when she realized she could still feel the baby move but his kicking stopped. 

“By the cauldron I thought he’d never stop. You’re a lifesaver, Lainy.” 

She only smiled and took another sip of her tea. They settled into a nice silence but Flora’s mind spiraled. No longer focused on her baby’s excessive kicking, she couldn’t help but wonder further about Elain’s sisters. She hadn’t had time to ask. Or even think about it but now…

“Elain?” She hummed in acknowledgment. Flora smoothed out the fabric on her belly idly. “Have you explained to your sisters he might be Lucien’s?” 

“I have.” She replied. “They are aware we have a different relationship, the four of us. They are understanding. You don’t know them as well as I do, but I promise they will not care. If they did, I would never let them hear the end of it.”

She accepted that response. Elain studied her for a moment, then reached over, placing her hand on Flora’s stomach. 

“No matter what, this is our baby. We’ve been over this. I will love him no matter who fathered him.”

“I know, I know. Thank you.” 

Elain gave her a soft smile and pulled back her hand to stand. She came over and gave Flora a quick kiss. She patted Flora’s shoulder. 

“Come, let’s clean this up and go bother our husbands.” She said with a grin. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The time finally came and Flora labored off and on for days. The whole time Tamlin never left her side. Lucien kept the court running and Elain took over the kitchens by cooking. She’d brought all kinds of food every few hours to see if Flora would eat. Flora took most of the pastries. She joked the baby had a sweet tooth but they all knew it was just Flora’s preference. 

It felt like an eternity passed before it came time to push. Their healer in the room supervised as planned. With Lucien and Elain flanking her sides, and holding her hands, Tamlin caught their child as he was pushed out into this world. Flora should have known the second she felt the head crown and Tamlin’s widened, what was about to happen. Of course she was too focused on screaming her own lungs out from the pain and pressure to realize it for what it was.

Their healer beside him cleaned out the baby's mouth and wails filled the room. Flora was finally handed a baby boy with the brightest red hair she’d ever seen in her life. And she laughed. She laughed and cried as she pulled her baby to her chest. All those months of worry, all the love for this tiny little being she grew in her body, and all the stress from labor hit her at once. 

It was bittersweet but not in the way she expected or planned for. She didn’t realize Elain had moved off the bed until Tamlin was right beside her, hands cupping her face as he kissed her forehead then her lips. He was crying too but there was no sadness in his eyes. No words were exchanged; they weren’t needed. It was their healer who finally intervened, moving Tamlin so her assistant could take the baby to clean up and she could take over for the rest of the process. Flora looked over to see Lucien and Elain still by her side. Both of them had red eyes also. 

“We have a baby,” Flora choked out, tears renewed. Both of them grinned at her. 

“We do,” Lucien laughed through his tears. 

They both gave her a long kiss each before the healer shooed them out to give Flora some space. They all agreed when she first became pregnant that no matter what, she wanted Tamlin by her side during the first few hours of recovery. She still felt guilty sending Lucien out, knowing what she knew now. 

The guilt didn’t last long when she felt like she had to push again. 

Tamlin was utterly smitten. Flora watched him cradle their baby in his arms while the head healer made certain everything else was gone and felt around her stomach. He was so gentle, like he was afraid he would break him. The healer finally took the baby back to show Flora how to feed him. Once he was settled, they cleaned up and Flora moved into their room. 

After some time with just her and the baby, Tamlin came back to join her on the bed. She also finally realized how exhausted she was. Being back in her own bed, with her baby calm had relaxed her heavily. Tamlin put their son in the cradle by the bed and crawled up next to her. They were silent for a long time, so much she almost fell asleep with Tamlin rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. His soft voice pulled her back from sleep. 

“Flora?” 

“Tam.”

“How do you feel?” He was still stroking her knuckles nervously. 

“Exhausted.” She knew that’s not what he meant. “Numb. I worried so much. I was so anxious. Now it’s over and I don’t feel anything.”

“Look at me,” he pulled back and tilted her chin up gently. His sad green eyes pleaded with hers. “The second you start feeling upset or overwhelmed, you tell me. Because you will- you just had a baby, our baby. Your body might be in shock.”

He let go and she nodded. “I know. I promise. I love you.”

“I love you,” he kissed her forehead. “Do you want to bring Lu and Lainy in? Or do you want to rest?” 

“They can come in. They need to meet their son proper.” She grinned when she said that. Their son. The four of them. 

“I’ll get them.” 

Tamlin went through the door to the nursery and shortly came back with Lucien and Elain right behind him. After a few exchanges of kisses with Flora, Lucien took the babe first. Elain came and sat by her while Lucien stood, rocking the baby gently in his arms. 

Then his brows furrowed, confusion etched in his face. “Are we sure he’s mine?” 

“That’s exactly what Beron said when you were born,” Tamlin replied immediately, causing Flora and Elain to snort with laughter. 

“No, I mean it,” Lucien replied through his own chuckles. “His eyes are green.” 

“No, they aren’t,” Flora replied. 

She had stared at her son the whole time she had him and fed him. Not once did she notice his eyes being green when he opened them. Elain got up and Lucien lowered him for her to look. Shock went over her face. 

“Flora, they’re green.” 

They brought their son over to her. She frowned as she took him and he grunted from being passed around. It took a moment for him to open his eyes again. Flora’s mouth fell open. Her son’s eyes were green. Tamlin’s green. 

Tamlin looked down at their son with a soft smile. “The Mother has a sense of humor. When we said our baby she knew we meant it.” He sighed and looked at his wife. “Do you still want to wait? Before we tell your parents he’s here?”

“Gods yes.” Flora’s parents always meant well, but were so overbearing sometimes. “I need a few days before my mother descends upon the manor. I’m also going to need all three of you here to explain this.” She smoothed her son's red hair gently. 

Along with overbearing, they weren’t understanding of her relationships. They only kept their mouths shut thanks to Tamlin being High Lord. Elain’s sisters understood. Lucien’s parents understood a little too well, considering who his father was. Flora was going to have to mentally prepare for the explanations she’d have to provide. Elain pulled her from her thoughts, moving her mate to sit beside Flora. 

“Have you picked the name?” 

Elain looked between her and Tamlin with her big doe eyes, innocently trying to hide her excitement. She’d been begging them to tell her what they picked for weeks. A small list was made by the four of them and from there, her and Tam picked two weeks ago. 

“Yes Lainey,” Flora bumped her forehead gently against Elain’s. “We’re going with Ezryn.” 

“Not the grumpy one,” Lucien exclaimed albeit playfully. 

Before Flora could even scold him, Ezryn grunted and shuffled in his swaddle. It would have been perfect timing if his hair hadn’t changed from bright red to brown. Her eyes widened as she just stared at her baby, silence between the four of them deafening. It was finally Elain, who said something. 

“Oh he’s going to be a rascal.” She covered her mouth and looked at her mate. 

Then Flora laughed again. Laughed and cried like she had when she held him for the first time. The whole time she was worried about his hair and he changed it. Which meant her worries, her acceptance of her fate, was all a waste. Tamlin was laughing too, his head on her shoulder. 

“He’s worse than you,” she wiped her eyes, turning her head to her husband. “By the mother he’s only a few hours old.”

“I still think he’s Lucien’s,” Tamlin chuckled, which sent Lucien howling. 

Ezryn did not like that. To be fair to him, his little fae ears could only handle so much. Tamlin took him, rocking him gently in his arms. Lucien and Elain both made their exit, promising to come back with dinner later so Flora could rest. By the time he was settled again, Flora was also nearly asleep. 

“He’s going to be a menace,” she whispered after Tamlin put their son in his cradle. 

“He’s our menace.” Tamlin got in the bed with her. “His powers are just fluctuating because he’s a newborn. They’ll taper out in a day or so.” 

She nodded and yawned. She then snuggled up to Tamlin to try and rest, though her mind raced. 

“Will you check on Lucien later?” She whispered. “I’m worried. We all thought…”

“I will, I promise.” He took her hand that laid on his chest and gently squeezed it. “I think he’s fine, but I will ask Lainy to keep an eye on him. Today was a lot for all of us.” 

“It was.” She yawned again. “Thank you.” 

Silence fell between them. She let Tamlin brush his fingers through her hair until she finally fell asleep.

[beauty-beast-week]

Beauty and the Beast Week 2024, Day 2: Venus Fly Trap Master List

Fic: No Children (Adam/Belle, E) by @theteaisaddictive

"Didn’t your romances ever talk about what happens after the hero and heroine get married? Did you honestly think that our relationship would be the same as it was when I wasn’t even human?” “Would that be so bad?!" Belle cries out, her eyes wild. Taken aback, he straightens up. “I only mean – we disagreed, of course, and with the way things started of course we fought. But it was never like this, back then.” The fight goes out of him, like a soap bubble finally succumbing to the laws of physics and popping. “What are we doing, Belle?” he asks, with a rough exhale. “We love each other. We shouldn’t be fighting – at least, not like this." “Yes,” she says quietly. “You’re right. We love each other.”

Fic and moodboard: Sweet Deception (Gaston/Snow White, crossover with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, M) by @twisting-echo

It was almost as though she were an innocent little fly in search of sweet nectar, lured by a hungry Venus flytrap lying in wait. Gaston’s words were the tantalizing scent that promised safety and protection, but in reality, they were the deceptive sweetness that would lead to her downfall.

Fic: We are home (Beast/Belle, G) by @belle-eyre27

A vignette focusing on the Beast’s perspective as he lays dying after the battle with Gaston. While I used bits of dialogue from both the ’91 movie screenplay and the Broadway libretto, I definitely structured the scene more closely to how it plays out in the Broadway version.

Fic: If only you'll keep me - chapter 2 (Adam/Belle, M) by @annaofthenorthernlights

Adam is not amused...

Fic: Beast watching Belle masturbate (cw sex) by @rs-hawk

Art: Hunger - Bloody Prince Adam (cw blood) by @zoeloveconvers99

Art: Belle and the portrait by @geekynichelle

Art: Midnight snack (hunger) - Lumiere roasting a marshmallow by @beastylittlething

Art: Angst/hunger - Beast eating a deer (cw blood, dead animal) by @elwynnie101

Art: Beast had trouble opening the pasta sauce by @gattskinart

Art: Babette the werecrow by @thisisnotlunatic

Art: Gaston groping Adam (cw suggestive) by @cheetospuff

Art: Beast in chains by @beastly-boy

Art and meme: Fife is hot for super villains by @ticenchantedtoc

Moodboard: Belle in the asylum (cw mental illness) by @true--north

Memes: BatB text post memes: angst edition by @firawren

We caught a couple works that forgot to tag @beauty-beast-week, but if we missed yours in this day 2 list, shoot us a DM with the link and we'll add it to the list as well as reblog it.

View the entire fic collection on AO3

[euphoniumpets]

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM | CHAPTER FOUR

Prompt: ''As long as I can rememer, I've been protecting Alina, it's always Alina who I will protect,'' You told him, looking at Nikolai. ''But who will protect you?''

Warnings: Violence, blood and gore.

Please don’t plagiarize my work - I spend a lot of my time writing, copying and pasting destroys that. 

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x Starkov! Reader

A/N: the banter between y/n and Nikolai send me everytime, especially when she gets to know when Sturmhond is actually Nikolai Lantsov lmao. Also, decided to post this chapter since i posted chapter three not long ago :) please comment if i forgot anyone to tag!

Taglist:@lyria-skyfall @khaleesihavilliard @shine101 @waddlingwanderer @clqudias @ducks118 @xceafh @peakyispunk @wilmasvensson @parbatai-winchester @priincehoseok @riot-in-my-soul @feyredarling92 @vendy021 @ssprayberrythings @goldenpoison @shine101 @lili-of-the-dream

prologue - one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight - nine - ten - eleven - epilogue

‘’Thanks to navigation from our Sun Summoner’s tracker friend here, we’ve traversed the Bone Road to the island of Jelka,’’ 

Sturmhond spoke as the crew and including you, Alina, and Mal surrounded the table that was filled with maps, books, and other objects. ‘’As for the Sea Whip, we have some storybook drawings, not telling what it looks like, rule of thumb for the unknown, is come prepared!’’ He replied and showed the weapons hidden behind the curtains that were placed against the walls. 

‘’Are all pirates this well-armed?’’ You questioned. ‘’Privateer,’’ He replied and you rolled your eyes. ‘’Can’t tell the difference,’’ You spoke as you and Mal looked at the weapons in front of you. ‘’The difference is that I have a license,’’ He remarked. 

‘’And a healthy love for innovation,’’ He told you and placed his hand on his hip. ‘’Gadgets, marvels, things that go boom,’’ He explained and you rolled your eyes as you and Alina exchanged a look. ‘’Anything piques your interest?’’ He asked and looked at you and Mal. 

‘’Yes,’’ Mal answered. 

‘’Me?’’ You asked surprised. ‘’Well, yes, who else?’’ He questioned. ‘’Well, take it, for our excursion,’’ Sturmhond replied and looked at Mal. Mal looked at you and you gestured for him to grab the weapon first. He grinned at you before he grabbed the weapon. 

‘’Fabulous choice, you have excellent taste in weaponry, Mal,’’ He said. ‘’The cable’s Fabrikator-made,’’ Sturmhond explained. ‘’Tensile strength of 80,000, yield, 50,’’ Sturmhond informed as you kept looking at the weapons in front of you. ‘’Impossible,’’

‘’When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable,’’ Sturmhond replied. ‘’Not to me, it’s incredible,’’ Mal spoke. Your eyes trailed over to a pair of twin blades in front of you. They were small, but it was a perfect size for you since you didn’t like having big weapons that made you clumsy. 

You smirked and grabbed the twin blades as you drew out the swords. ‘’I’ll take these,’’ You replied. ‘’Never thought that you were much of a blade person,’’ Sturmhond replied and you rolled your eyes. ‘’I designed it by myself,’’ Sturmhond replied and looked at you. ‘’In fact, my innovations are all around you,’’ 

‘’You just have to know where to look,’’ Sturmhond whispered and sent you a flirtatious wink before turning to the rest of his crew. You and Alina exchanged a look as you placed your swords behind your back. ‘’So, we will go in quietly, on Miss Starkov’s orders to injure for your death blow,’’ Sturmhond explained and gestured toward Alina. 

‘’I’m not killing it,’’ Alina replied. ‘’You have to kill it, to claim its power, that’s how amplifiers work,’’ Tamar informed her and Alina shook her head. ‘’It wasn’t with the Stag, I think I can do it without killing it,’’

‘’As lovely as that sounds, I’m not sending my crew in to tame a mythical beast with nest and good intentions,’’ Sturmhond spoke and you looked at him. ‘’This is the job you were hired for, privateer,’’ You replied and mocked him by his statement before turning to the others. ‘’We capture it, alive,’’ You ordered them. You heard one of the members of the crew approaching the room and speaking in Shu. 

‘’We’ve reached the island,’’ He told you. ‘’Here we go,’’ Sturmhond spoke as you all walked upstairs to the deck. ‘’Well, that’s not foreboding,’’ Sturmhond commented as you all looked at the island in front of you. 

‘’Could be anywhere in there,’’ Mal commented as thunder boomed over the island. 

-

You drew your sword out as all of you stepped inside the cave. Luckily, the water was not deep enough so you had to swim but below enough so you could walk. ‘’There are holes in the cave floor,’’ 

‘’So be careful where you step, otherwise, no,’’ The man replied. ‘’No, you can’t tell, or no, there’s nothing in there?’’ Mal asked him. ‘’Whichever makes you feel more comfortable,’’ Tolya remarked. 

‘’Comfort is overrated,’’ Tamar commented. The three of you exchanged a look and suddenly, you heard a strange noise. You winced as you armed your sword and listened closer. Nobody dared to move any further and before you knew it, one of the crew got snatched by the Sea Whip. 

‘’Drop the nets! Aim to kill!’’ One of them spoke. ‘’No, don’t!’’ You protested and you looked at your surroundings, hoping to see the Sea Whip. ‘’I couldn’t see us, it’s toying with us,’’ Sturmhond replied. ‘’Conserve your ammo, or we’ll be dry by the time we need it,’’ 

You exclaimed when one of the crews next to you got dragged by the Sea Whip into the water. ‘’It can camouflage,’’ Sturmhond replied. You looked around at the cave walls and you narrowed your eyes slightly, and before you knew it, you saw the Sea Whip. ‘’Alina!’’ You shouted when the Sea Whip began to charge forward her, you grabbed her by the side so that the Sea Whip wouldn’t attack her. 

The Sea Whip went into the water again. ‘’It sounds like it’s everywhere,’’ Sturmhond spoke as you all looked up. Suddenly, the Sea Whip appeared again and you charged your swords, but before you knew it, you let out a scream when the Sea Whip knocked your swords out and tossed you at the cave wall. 

‘’Y/N!’’ Alina, Mal, and Sturmhond shouted and the Sea Whip was about to charge you again, before Alina used her powers against it, killing it. Mal rushed over to you with a concerned expression. 

‘’Are you alright?’’ He asked. ‘’I’m fine,’’ You replied and breathed heavily before your eyes turned toward the Sea Whip in front of you. ‘’It’s dead,’’ Sturmhond replied and you met his gaze. You couldn’t tell but his eyes showed a look of concern, you nodded slightly to know that you were fine. 

The sky had just turned dark and everybody was back at the ship to mourn the people who you lost and to place the amplifiers on Alina. ‘’Alina, we’re ready,’’ Sturmhond said and you looked at Alina with a soft smile. ‘’We got this,’’ You assured her and she smiled. ‘’Ready?’’ You asked her and grabbed her hand in comfort. 

‘’Yeah,’’ Alina responded and walked over to the Heartrender who placed one of the amplifiers on Alina’s wrist. You saw Alina frown before her gaze trailed over to you and Mal. 

‘’Are you all right?’’ The woman asked her and you frowned with concern. ‘’I’m fine, second scale, please,’’ Alina told her and placed on the second scale. Then, a searing burst of light appeared and you knew that Alina was stronger. You smiled as her powers began to grow stronger and stronger and everybody had to shield their eyes. 

‘’Alina!’’ Mal shouted, trying to stop her before she sank the ship. ‘’Allie!’’ You shouted. ‘’Allie!’’ You shouted and tried to step closer. ‘’Alina!’’ You shouted again before you embraced her tightly to stop her from before she could destroy the ship. 

Alina let out a laugh and stopped and accepted the embrace. ‘’No matter how much I love you, you could seriously have drowned us,’’ You commented with a smile and she shook her head. Sturmhond approached the two of you with a grin on his face. 

‘’Well, then, where to now, Sun Summoner?’’ 

-

You walked toward Alina as you saw her with Mal talking. You were on your way toward the Fold and ready to take it down once and for all. ‘’How are you feeling?’’ You asked her and she turned around to face you with a smile. ‘’Ready to take down the Fold?’’ You questioned, watching her glance at the amplifier on her wrist. 

‘’I feel ready to take on the world,’’ She answered, making you smile. ‘’No need to take on the world,’’ Mal replied with a smile and you chuckled. ‘’He’s right, just everyone currently after us is enough,’’ You told her with a shrug. ‘’So, the world,’’ Alina commented and gave you two a look. 

‘’We’ll keep us off the beaten path but we’ll be on our own again,’’ Mal replied with his hands into his pockets. ‘’Who says you’ll be on your own?’’ You heard Sturmhond comment from behind and the three of you turned around. ‘’I want a front-row seat to the light show, thanks,’’ He commented and you scoffed. 

‘’Plus, the king is on the other side of the Fold ergo so is my payment,’’ Sturmhond replied and you rolled your eyes. ‘’We could use your arsenal,’’ You suggested and looked at Mal, who nodded at you in agreement. ‘’Maybe some kind of fortified carriage?’’ Alina questioned. 

‘’Carriage? Land travel is so boring,’’ Sturmhond replied. ‘’And that’ll take days,’’ He continued as he walked away from the three of you. ‘’Come along,’’ He urged you and you sighed. ‘’Prepare to decouple!’’ He shouted as everyone was back at the dock and the three of you exchanged a look. ‘’What is going on?’’ You asked them as Mal and Alina looked confused as you were. ‘’Kovu,’’ He spoke before he pulled the lever down as the squaller prepared for the wind. You widened your eyes when you realized that the ship was going to fly in the sky. ‘’Engage secondary sail,’’ Sturmhond demanded and you tried to steady yourself on the ship. Then, the next thing you knew, a part of the ship was flying in the sky and you laughed with a smile. 

‘’You’ve got to be kidding me,’’ You replied and looked at the view in front of you. You smiled when you felt the wind blow on your face and you turned around to see Alina sitting on the bench with slight fear in her eyes. ‘’Alina, you got to see this!’’ You exclaimed next to Mal as you stood over the edge and looked over the sea. 

‘’No, I really don’t,’’ She answered as you and Mal looked at each other with a grin. ‘’No, trust me, you do,’’ Mal replied and turned around. Alina shook her head in protest while Mal approached her with a chuckle. You giggled when you saw Alina shielding her eyes as Mal dragged her over to the edge. ‘’Told ya,’’ You replied and playfully nudged her elbow. Alina laughed and shook her head and placed her arm around yours. 

‘’How is this even possible?’’ You questioned. ‘’Did you expect any less?’’ Sturmhond spoke and approached the four of you. ‘’It’s like you haven’t met me,’’ He replied. ‘’Years and years of designs and several dozen crashed prototypes,’’ 

‘’Crashed?’’ Alina questioned. ‘’I call her the hummingbird,’’ Sturmhond informed, ignoring Alina's question. ‘’Captain, the Fold’s in sight!’’ Tamar replied as Sturmhond looked at you with a smirk. 

‘’Next stop, destiny,’’ 

-

As the ship approached the Fold closer, all the memories brought you back to the moment Alina discovered her powers and how the story began. You took a deep breath and the next thing you knew, you were in the Fold. You shivered, remembering how it went the first time when Alina tried to save you and Mal before she discovered her powers and now, it was time to finish her job of taking down the Fold.

‘’I hate this place,’’ Mal murmured and you nodded. ‘’Me too,’’ You commented as Sturmhond glanced at the two of you. ‘’Just a bit of pitch black and bloodthirsty monsters,’’ He replied while Mal, you, and Alina gave him a look. ‘’What’s not to love?’’ He questioned as Tamar handed him a rifle. 

‘’Seems like a good day to kill some Volcra,’’ Tamar commented and handed you the gun. ‘’I’d much rather have a hot bath and a book of sonnets,’’ Tolya replied and you shook your head with a smile. ‘’Are you sure you’re ready?’’ Mal asked Alina, uncertain. ‘’I feel stronger than ever,’’ Alina replied and nodded. 

‘’This is my chance to finally eradicate it,’’ 

‘’For good,’’ Alina said and stepped on the edge of the ship. Alina closed her eyes before you saw the power radiate out from her. She reached her arms out as the light surrounded all of you. An explosion of light appeared and you hoped that the Fold would go down as you saw the rift forming in front of you. Alina gasped and you noticed that something was wrong. The powers flickered and you narrowed your eyes at her with concern. ‘’Alina?’’ You questioned as you and Mal exchanged concerned looks. ‘’What’s happening?’’ Sturmhond asked. 

‘’Alina!’’ You and Mal shouted in unison and you saw her collapse on the floor. ‘’Alina!’’ You shouted as you and Mal rushed over to her. ‘’Kovu, get us out!’’ Sturmhond yelled as the Fold grew darker. ‘’Alina, wake up,’’ You stressed out when you heard the Volcras growl. 

‘’You’re alright,’’ You assured her as you heard the others fighting against the Volcras. Alina looked at you with a confused expression as you helped her up from the floor. You heard a Volcra growl and you turned around to see the Volcra approaching you. Alina stood up and used her powers to kill it. 

‘’Kovu, begin to descent,’’ Sturmhond demanded as the ship was out of the Fold. ‘’Brace yourselves for landing,’’ He exclaimed and you widened your eyes. You and Alina gripped tightly at the edge of the ship as Mal tried to protect the both of you before the ship landed on the ground. 

‘’Is everyone okay?’’ You heard him ask as the rest of the crew stood up. 

‘’The Fold’s too strong,’’ Alina replied and looked at you with concern. ‘’I thought with two amplifiers, but…’’ She trailed off her sentence. ‘’It wasn’t enough,’’ She added with disappointment. Suddenly, you heard a whistle blow and you saw the Ravkan Army approach. ‘’Well, looks like we’re about to enjoy a traditional Ravkan welcome,’’ Tolya commented. 

You frowned as Mal helped you step over the ship and onto the ground. ‘’You’ve crossed illegally onto Ravkan soil, identify yourselves,’’ The three of you shared a concerned look. ‘’I’ll handle this,’’ Sturmhond replied and you looked at him in confusion. 

‘’What are you doing?’’ You whispered to him as Alina tried to shield herself. ‘’Identify yourselves or get shot,’’ 

‘’Have I really changed much, Raevsky?’’ Sturmhond asked and approached him. You looked at Sturmhond and frowned. It appears that Sturmhond knew the man in front of you. 

‘’I know it’s been several years, but people swear I remain boyishly handsome,’’ Sturmhond replied before turning to you with a smirk before turning to him. You wrinkled your face in confusion as he kept taking the outer clothes off. ‘’It can’t be,’’ He replied and your face changed. 

‘’You’ve got to be kidding me,’’ You replied when you realized that Sturmhond was Nikolai Lantsov. You watched as he took off his coat and handed it over to Tolya before approaching me. ‘’Yes, it is,’’ Nikolai replied with  grin. You couldn’t believe your eyes when you realized that Sturmhond was prince Nikolai all along. You scoffed and clenched your fist when you realized that he lied about his identity from the moment you stepped on his ship. 

That's why you couldn't shake your feelings that something was off about Sturmhond from the moment you met him. During the night talk at the ship, and how he talked about his family.

And not the mention, the endless flirting with you made your blood boil. ‘’Moi tsarevich,’’ 

‘’My prince,’’ He spoke and bent his knee. You, Mal, and Alina exchanged a disbelieving look. ‘’We’d all but given up hope,’’ He spoke as Nikolai chuckled before he shook his hand to the man and helped him up. ‘’I present, Nikolai Lantsov major of the 22nd Regiment, soldier of the King’s army, Grand Duke of Udova, and second Son to his most royal majesty, king Pytor the third, Ruler of the Double Eagle Throne,’’

‘’You’ve got to be joking,’’ Mal commented. ‘’Saints,’’ Alina replied and you shook your head. ‘’And in your words, as I recall the greenest and most useless grunt you ever had the misfortune of commanding,’’ Nikolai commented. 

‘’At your service, I wanted to return sooner, but not without them,’’ He responded and gestured to you, Mal, and Alina. ‘’May I represent my esteemed traveling companion, former cartographer and sometimes Saint, Alina Starkov,’’ Nikolai introduced. ‘’And her sister in the second command and a great fighter, Y/N Starkov,’’ 

‘’Sol Koroleva, we heard you were dead,’’

You didn’t think much since you felt that you were going towards him with your fist clenched as you glared at him. ‘’You lying bastard!’’ You shouted and punched Nikolai in the face.

-

please comment what you'd think of this chapter! remember reblogging always helps.

[plaguedocboi]

AAAYYYYEEEE AQUARIUM EMPLOYEE SOLIDARITY!!!! do you work directly with the animals? i’m on the environmental quality team at mine, so i spend the majority of my time up in the lab or down in the pump rooms, and i’m always so envious of our galleries team for getting to have problems like ‘one of the penguins keeps fake sneezing because she loves getting attention from the vet team and wants a checkup every day or she’ll scream at us because she’s a special princess’ and ‘our moray eel found a new hiding place and we’ve yet to figure out where it is so if anyone sees him please email the head aquarist’ as opposed to ‘who the fuck used the last of our phosphate reagents and forgot to order new ones GOD DAMN IT’ and ‘alright who wants to stick their arm into the freshwater sump to retrieve the pH probe we need to calibrate?’ like it must be so wonderful to always be in such close proximity to so many little beasts and creatures. do you have a favorite kind of animal to work with/observe? i’ve always been partial to the tunicates and coldwater soft corals/sponges we pick up whenever we do collections on local coastlines. i ❤️ blob animals

Right now my aquarium is kind of a disaster (middle of massive renovations) and we have as few employees as possible so we all kind of do everything, which is sort of nice because I get to do public education and animal care and behind the scenes stuff and help with research!

I ALSO LOVE TUNICATES!!!!! They’re so cool. I especially love surprising people by telling them that tunicates are chordates that are closer related to them than anything else in the touch tank. Blob animals are the best. You should look through my moon snail tag for the biggest blob you’ll ever see

[mrdreyferin-stain]

Credits to my man Finn and his grandboy's pet (im not a pet 3:<) Pretzel for helping me work this out!

[Image ID: A banner that says: ‘To break free from the JRWI RP industrial complex, feel free to block the ‘#just role(play) with it’ tag. End Image ID.]

Figured if my niece could be on here, it'd be fun to talk to her besides a one use a day conchshell! You may have heard of me from the Black Rose Pirates (or that one chapter of Finn's book, whoops), but it's your old man Drey! I normally use he/they/it, but at this point I'm not one to be picky.

I've been told also about some person called @lesbianchipbastard? They wanted me to check them out, are you trying to impersonate chip? wait is that me on that profi-

hey guys. this is my 5th fucking rp blog. @s0lar-ch3ri hello me STOP YOUR CRAZY SLASH POS

before we get into tags, this will absolutely have spoilers for riptide! im not gonna be the best at playing drey, but i can certainly try! i forgot to mention this, ooc i love he/she/it but will tolerate others (please give me neos id love to experiment lol)

#sureshots - asks

#differently aimed target - ooc

#a ferins fire - in character

#together we fly our flag - interactions

#milfs perchance - the weird midground of ooc and in character (did this to shame a friend)

#certainly a hotshot - made this to bully a friend, why not give them a fun tag :D

#beast time to type - pretzels helping out drey (retired and no longer used)

#finn-er winner - finns typing for drey (retired and no longer used)

#cowboy with my heart - ichabod talking tag

if neither tag is used assume its text to speech

[valeriesilverhand]

Ty @zinkleberg for tag <3. 

Tagging @miss--river and @genocidalfetus

NIGHT CITY N54 INTERVIEW

Name?

V, just V. Only somebody who knows me real well gets to call me Valerie.

Nicknames?

Panam calls me, Dust Bunny, Dust Buns… or most affectionately, Beast… Ah Sisterly love…don't ask. 

And of course, Johnny has a long list of em now - Gonkbrain, Chonk (since I eat more than he can) Merc, Floofy, Floof and on those rare occasions when he's in his feelings; Baby Doll, Love, Mrs. Silverhand, and of course; Princess. 

Gender?

Female

Star sign?

October 12th, Libra. A direct quote from my friend Misty,

“You are romantic, imaginative, and focused, and you often brainstorm ideas that will make you successful in life. It is a month of energy, friendship, and affection. As a result of this number, you are logical, realistic, and sensible.”

She forgot, “funny AF,” and “one hell of good shot.” ;-)

Height?

5’10” flat footed, but with heels I'm through the god damn roof. 

Orientation?

Engram rockerboys….

Nationality?

NUSA. American. Born and raised in that California desert.

Favourite fruit?

Fruit? As in the stuff that synth paste is supposed to taste like? I like the watermelon flavor best? Wonder what actual watermelons were like…

Favourite season?

I'd grew up constantly sweaty in tank tops and cut offs… So now I prefer any day I can wear a leather jacket. Bring on the rain. 

Favourite flower?

I'd rather Johnny bring home pizza than flowers… can that be my answer? 

Favourite scent?

Leather, smoke, mezcal or good tequila… oh no… 

Coffee or tea?

Japanese tea. I do like coffee but I have a weak heart… among other things these days. 

Average hours of sleep?

Shit. I have no average. I'm a bit of a binge sleeper… I'll go without much for days and days and then crash for an obscene number of hours. 

Dog or cat person?

Grew up with a stray that wandered into our nomad camp. He was my beloved best friend. Dogs are now a rare commodity in NC, only the richest can afford the fees. Maybe one day though, I'll make it big enough that I can have a dog again. 

Dream trip?

I'd love to swim in clean clear water that isn't contaminated. I've seen photos of a few tropical places that are still preserved… Yeah, I’d like to see that. 

Favourite fictional character?

Just one? I have so many. I'm big retro film buff - love the real old classics my grandparents were into. Some favs of are, Foxy Brown, Ellen Ripley, Tank Girl (Rebecca), Leeloo, Beatrix Kiddo, Imperator Furiosa, and Sarah Conner (my choom, Vian turned me on to her!) 

Number of blankets you sleep with?

⅓ of one because Johnny is fuckin blanket hog. 

Random fact?

Have some informal ballet training passed down from my mother who learned from her grandmother who danced professionally and toured around the country. I like to think the skill keeps me light on my feet and flexible - but Johnny says it makes me look too dainty with a gun. 😡 

(pic credit: Nico | Aquelyras)

[tarithenurse]

I see fire - VII

Fandom: D&D 5E/homebrew campaign. Word count: 2760. Contents: Puppers again, duergar, combat and injuries and killing, probably something I forgot. A/N: Any questions are welcome. Please comment and like and reblog. Let me know if you want a tag. Divider by @firefly-graphics

VII

During breakfast the next morning (the trio has gotten an early start) McBribe informs them that not only Willem but also Daremot Jones will be joining them in clearing the mine and just as he has announced that, Willem appears in full gear, carrying a backpack with a bedroll.

“Let’s get this done!” He seems surprisingly excited for a moment. “Uhm, what’s the plan?”

“We’ll meet with Jones and then head off to Dolos and the pack,” Morella explains brightly – she’s chipper – Zilvra’s beginning to suspect that her mood is influenced by the season she represents.

“Dolos?” the human wants to know.

The eladrin nods, reaching for the butter to slather on the still warm bread. “Yeah, the alpha wolf. He and the pack have promised to help us.”

Some of the excess joy seems to leak out of the deputy but he doesn’t complain, merely swallows hard and then shakes it off. It’s not enough to break the mood at the table, though, and breakfast is a lighthearted affair that actually manages to distract Zilvra from some of the lingering guilt after her kill yesterday.

When they do set out, it’s lovely to see that it’s not raining anymore though the clouds still drift heavily by, soothing the eyes of the drow who wonders if she’ll ever get used to the brightness of the sun.

“Morning!” Daremot Jones calls out as the group reaches the village centre.

He too is geared up although far from as heavily as Willem – after all, Daremot is a hunter, a tracker that moves quietly and depends on one good shot rather than charge into a fight.

And so they set out: Zilvra and Willem in the front, Morella in the middle, and at the back the two ranged people, Anvindr and Daremot.

Although it’s not raining now, the ground is still muddy and water still drips off the shrubs that anyone touches. But they make good time, the trio having come this way before and the hunter knowing the woods like the back of his hand.

However, what the two humans are less keen on is the sight of a large wolf trotting up along the group halfway through the day. They don’t complain, just keep eyeing it nervously and then making a double take when a second arrives.

And then one more.

And more.

And more.

Soon half the pack is travelling with the group, ensuring that they arrive safely at the old orchard where Dolos is waiting. The giant wolf growls and yaps and Morella responds in kind. It’s a good thing the humans had been warned of this ability of hers or they might have panicked completely...even so they’re still sweating buckets out of nervousness especially now that they are standing before the enormous alpha.

“He says there’s something else than the duergar,” the druid relays, “something about our size but burning hot and shiny like a torch.”

The others exchange puzzled glances but can’t think of anything fitting the description and after a while of speculation, they have to admit that they will have to wait and see what it is when they get there.

That night, the group rests among the wolves, the only noteworthy thing happening is the return of the heavy rains.

---

It’s a dreary morning to set out into but on the group goes, wolves and humanoids alongside each other for a while before the beasts splinter off. Visibility is horrible and the progress is slower than anyone wants but there is just one way to go after all so they trudge on.

It’s evening by the time the humanoids get the first outpost in sight, not surprisingly finding it occupied by a duergar.

Presuming a sneak attack will be enough, catching the dwarven kin off guard so that they won’t have a chance to defend themselves, turns to be a fatal mistake as the duergar hears them coming and apparently is of the belief that the best defence is an offence.

Coming at them in a spitting rage, they watch as the figure grows in size, the small dark eyes turning into gleaming embers of bloodshot frenzy. The combat turns messy but also informative.

“So they grow?” Willem scratches his neck, studying the corpse that Zilvra has set to work on.

It’s gross what she’s going and it only maybe might work: she’s mutilating the remains in the hopes that it might look like a beast has gotten to the duergar but when she steps back it doesn’t look convincing. Still, it’s worth a shot and perhaps the enemy isn’t well-versed in the fauna of the Topside and they dump the corpse further into the woods before setting off perpendicular to the direction of the mine, looking for a campsite while still keeping the outpost in sight.

The first shift, hailed by Zilvra, goes by quietly.

It’s during Morella’s shift that she wakes the party and points out a single duergar that’s approaching the stone structure only to find it empty.

Watching it, they see the being investigate the area and eventually find the dead kin. That’s when the band of self-proclaimed heroes strike.

This time they are more efficient but the Underdark cousins of the dwarves are not to be taken lightly.

“Ow,” Zilvra whimpers.

Willem seems to agree. Not only do the duergar grow when enraged – they hit harder too and this one had gotten a few good hits in before going down.

“Let’s put it with the other and then rest up,” Anvindr suggests.

---

Dolos and a few of his pack members have returned to the humanoids in the morning and he speaks with Morella to solidify the plan before they all set out again.

Today at least it’s dry, improving the visibility greatly, meaning that everyone has a good view of the entrance to the mine when they arrive.

While the humanoids settle for a moment, waiting for their time to move in, the wolves sneak up. Bodies low to the ground, the beasts sneak up to the very edge of the make shift wall before leaping over and pouncing upon the few duergar that have remained outside on guard duty.

It’s efficient and gruesome but no one had made any rosy red assumptions on the outcome.

Once the wolves are in position to form a defensive line it’s the humanoids’ turn to venture into the mine proper with Zilvra in the lead.

“This really is old,” Willem comments softly, running a hand along a dry support beam but then he frowns: “Or...this isn’t.”

And he’s right, the duergar have made certain alterations probably in an attempt to further stabilize the structure.

There’s a constant thin layer of smoke drifting outwards up under the roof but no visible source for it yet: no fires or torches which makes sense as the duergar are able to see in the dark just like the drow. The humans however cannot and rather than risk lights, alerting any enemies of their approach, the group decides to guide Willem and Daremot along with a rope. If anything were to happen, Zilvra would be able to magically light up the place for everyone to see.

Moving further in, the group only finds a few corpses that the wolves have left but eventually there’s no sign of recent activity any longer.

Reaching a divergence in the path, the group takes the left side and they don’t have to walk long before hearing a sound. Rolling, like distant thunder though more...snorty. It takes a second before they realize that they are listening to a duergar snoring. Having seen them work at night, it makes sense that they would rest during the day.

A bit longer, then they enter a small room that looks more like storage than sleeping quarters but there he is: the sleeping duergar whom they surround and make off with. He never realizes what is happening.

Only then does the trio allows themselves to study the place further, finding tools as expected which are primarily dusty and of human make. There is one thing, a hammer, that seems different in the sense that it’s more ornate and Anvindr decides to take that along because he senses there’s something about it.

Then they all retrace their steps, returning to the split and taking the other path which slopes gently downwards. Rounding a bend, Zilvra, who still is in front, sees a dim light from a little torch and in its glow the lonely figure of a duergar on patrol.

Preparing an ambush by backing up a bit around the bend, it takes little time before they fall upon him but the bastard is nimble and has his wits about him, screaming out for backup even as the final blow kills him.

Knowing that the duergar has alerted someone, it makes no sense to count on stealth anymore and the fallen torch (which isn’t a torch in the classical sense but a glowing crystal wedged in a wooden handle) is placed in a sconce to illuminate the immediate vicinity while Zilvra sends out globules of light towards the other end of the of the hallway, creating a daisy chain of floating lights.

They can hear the approaching enemy and get in position as best as they can. Just in time too as around the corner six more duergar appear – three carrying shields and axes and behind them the other three with javelins at the ready. All of them appear enraged, large in comparison to their normal size and the group knows this means they’ll pack a punch.

Anvindr and Daremot turn out to be wonderfully good shots now that they can see clearly with the lights and so they fell three of the duergar before they reach the odd allies and the melee battle can commence.

Zilvra is vaguely aware of the poof of a sound by her side before an odd looking wolf launches itself into the fray: this is Morella who has morphed into a beast and is fighting tooth and claw to help the rogue gain the upper hand in combat which thankfully is brief.

There’s little said among the adventurers as they take a moment after the battle to gather themselves. A quiet mumble from Willem as Morella sees to his wounds, healing at least some of the damage with her magic.

Snuffing the magical lights, only the glow of the torch remains and some of the party are mesmerized by the nature of the item: the glowing crystal is foreign to them all apart from the drow.

“They’re pretty common in the Underdark,” Zilvra explains in a whisper. “We don’t have wood to burn for fires and we use the dried lichen, coals and such for either heating or cooking rather than just light.”

“So you have crystals for that,” Anvindr seems to understand the logic.

Zilvra nods. “That or mushroom, mainly.”

Morella’s face lights up at the idea of plants glowing but the group doesn’t have time to talk more about the intricacies of Underdark household traditions and they push on.

The next part of the tunnel is empty, presumably the duergar might have believed that the six that were sent out were enough to deal with any intruders but even so the odd allies move quietly ahead.

Eventually, they reach a T-intersection and again they choose the left branch which in turn after a while leads to a larger cave. Peeking from the entrance, the group can see mining carts on rails, and some random equipment here and there but there’s no sign of anybody except for the faint sound of flickering flames.

Moving inside, they spread out with Zilvra and Willem to the left, Morella in the middle, and Anvindr and Daremot to the right side.

Halfway through the cave, the males on the right notice a crack in the wall where a dim light can be seen as if passing through from a room on the other side but nothing else is visible through it.

“I see something,” Morella whispers, pointing to the far side of the cave.

The humans just have to take it on faith, unable to see anything in the dark, but the other three can see a new passage that leads out of the cave and they all head towards it.

The tunnel leads down and as it’s the only obvious way on, they decide to follow it at least for a while.

The further they go, they more they begin to suspect that it was not part of the original layout of the mine and that theory is confirmed when they see copper veins in the wall.

“The mine was dead,” Willem explains upon hearing of the discovery, “it had no more copper.”

This tunnel must be how the duergar came up into the mine and after a while longer with nothing but the sound of each others’ footsteps, the group decides to turn back. It’s too dangerous to sleep in enemy territory and likely this path continues all the way down into the Underdark.

On the way back, as they reach the cave once more with the tracks and the abandoned mine carts, they notice that the sound of fire has grown louder as if the fire is either closer or spreading but the only source they can find is the flickering light emanating from the crack in the wall – a light that seems brighter than before? Uncomfortable with the change, they try to investigate but wind up no cleverer than before.

“I don’t like it,” Zilvra declares in a whisper.

“Then lets get out,” Willem huffs.

Back at the intersection, they all agree to “just” check out what’s along the other way – if it ends or continues.

It’s not long before the chiselled stone floor is replaced by wooden planks and the path opens into a large room ending with a sort of platform overlooking the rest of the area. The walls are pockmarked with holes where embers nestle, there are furnaces and anvils, and from the platform’s edge and on there are weapon racks fully equipped with crude axes and hammers and everything duergar style.

Rather than continue on through the tunnel at the other side, the group leaves.

The outside is cast in the soft glow of twilight as they emerge to the greeting of the wolves. While Daremot in particular is helpful with finding a spot to settle down for the night, Morella explains to Dolos and his pack what has happened inside the mine: though some duergar have been killed, there’s bound to be more still and tomorrow will bring another day of hunting them down and dealing with them. The wolves, although bummed that their exile hasn’t ended yet, are content with the progress and wander off to find their own rest.

So the humanoids settle down, making a camp but refraining from building a fire just in case – Anvindr does create simple shelters for them all, though, finishing just as night has fallen.

It’s Morella and Daremot who notice it first: great, dark plumes of smoke waft from the mine entrance similar to the way the trio had seen it last time they’d been there. What is different is the stench – not unlike bacon but quickly turning acrid, the smell of burnt flesh spreads further than the smoke. And the light is brighter, wilder somehow and matching the intensity of the screams that start to be heard, causing everyone to be on high alert.

“Look,” Daremot mumbles, “it’s burning.”

And it really is. The old beams that have stood for generations are on fire and duergar begin to flee. One is dragging a friend along but the friend is pulled back in by something that the band of allies can’t make out. Then, as the remaining duergar runs towards the exit, a flaming whip latches around his neck and pulls him back, snapping his neck in the process.

The hidden group can hear the mine begin to collapse.

“Well,” Willem says, “I think that deals with the rest of the problem.”

Silently agreeing, they begin to settle down again but keep an eye on the mine and by midnight, during Zilvra’s watch, the flames begin to dwindle before a deep rumble can be heard and the entrance finally collapses, the supporting beams no longer able to carry the weight of the stone, and the ensuing dust douses the fire almost completely.

Not long after, Morella takes over the remainder of the night’s watch.

[coulsons-fullmetal-cellist]

Dieter and the Pea

(Dieter x horror loving female)

Words: 678

Summary: a trip to the mattress stores brings up some insecurities

Warnings: some swearing, slight suggestions to sauciness because it’s Dieter, lots of fluff

Check out masterlist here

“That’s a lot of mattresses.”

“Well it is a mattress store.”

“Could we pile them up so…?”

“I don’t think the store would like it if we did that.”

“I forgot to bring a pea anyways.”

“We already know you’re a princess Dieter.”

You were put in charge of remodelling Dieter’s house, well now yours and Dieter’s house. He was leaving everything in your hands, spare no expense. You would never buy Patagonian Toothfish and call it Chilean Seabass, somehow causing an outbreak of dinosaurs, so you put in your research for various reasonable pieces of furniture.

You kept the living room in its mid-century theme but had trouble finding a big enough couch until Dieter went and got one custom made with stain resistant fabric which he thoroughly tested out, sometimes involving you.

The big dining table was replaced with one smaller so it could be closer to the kitchen. “We only used the dining table once and it wasn’t for eating,” you told him in your defence. “You weren’t eating, but I was feasting,” was his counter argument.

Now you were focusing on the bedroom; you were going for a French provincial style which to Dieter meant furniture from Beauty and the Beast without it coming to life and talking to you. You found a lovely four poster bed which Dieter went and bought without hearing about any other options. You were feeling bad about spending all of Dieter’s money even if he stated that wasn’t an issue with him.

Now you brought him along to try out mattresses. Dieter’s method of trying them out was doing his best impression of a tree and falling on to them. He gestured you over when he found one that felt suitable, and he made a good choice, but he caught you looking at the price.

“You have that look.”

“What look?”

“The one where you’re stuck in your head.”

You lay back on the mattress next to him, “It’s just…well you don’t ask any rent from me and you’re buying all the furniture, I feel like I’m not contributing anything.”

“You contribute heaps,” he took your hand to reaffirm his statement, “You should’ve seen the place before it got it’s magazine makeover, it was a dump.” You raised your eyebrows for him to continue, “I only lived out of one room, the lumpy mattress lived on the floor, I had a beanbag as a couch, and I didn’t even have a TV.”

“What?”

“Yeah, it was a dump. I grew up in a trailer home, then an artists commune and I never really properly lived with anyone before, I was always couch-surfing or living out of motels once I struck out on my own. I never knew what I’d like in my own home. And I never had anyone live with me, well, we slept in separate rooms, so it didn’t really count…” you squeezed his hand, drawing him out of his dark memories, “Now it actually feels like a home with you here, and you seem to know what I like, which helps because I don’t know.”

“We have similar styles, I feel.”

“Well it’s a nice feeling. I never liked going home because it was always lonely, but now I love coming home. And the place smells like cookies which is amazing,” you both smiled, “Your cookies were the second thing about you that I feel in love with.”

“What was the first thing?”

“You. Sorry, that was cheesy.”

“I love cheese.”

“I know you do,” you giggled as he kissed you, “You’re thinking about cheese now, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am. And about dinner.”

Dieter laid back on the mattress, “So you like this one?”

You wiggled around a bit, “I do, do you like it?”

He joined you in the wiggling, “Yeah, it should keep up with our nighttime activities.”

“You mean sleeping?”

“That too.”

“We can always return it.”

“Not after one night with us we can’t.”

“That’s why we have towels, we need to buy more of them by the way.”

Films referenced: Jurassic Park (1993), Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Lovingly tagging @boliv-jenta @simpingcowboy @ellenmunn @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi @brilliantopposite187 @chaithetics @myloveistoolittle @cevans-is-classic @glshmbl

[tleeaves]

Thank you @luciehercndale and also @faithfromanewperspective (I am pretty sure you also tagged me and I forgot to make my reply then) for tagging me 🥺 It means the world, honestly, since I don't update a lot nor write too many fics, yet I'm still remembered.

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💖

(All of the below are in The Last Hours fandom)

Wasting Beats In This Heart Of Mine 136,108 words. Work in progress. This fic is my most ambitious and it is a various x OC story (James Herondale, Cordelia Carstairs, and Matthew Fairchild). It's my own take on how multiple universes of the same characters work and what would happen if a time loop was created by trying to save someone who is meant to die. Basically, it's the fracturing of reality, the occasional dose of heavy existentialism and derealisation/depersonalisation, fixing of some canon complaints I had, but it all takes place during Chain of Iron. It's a re-write of an earlier and now deleted fanfic of mine called Chain of Lies. Oh, and there's romance. Everything kind of revolves around that, one way or another, even in some rather dangerous ways.

The Rain (It Rains Every Day) 7,912 words. Work in progress. This is a Beauty and the Beast AU but greatly inspired by the myth of Eros/Cupid and Psyche, as well as earlier versions of the Beauty and Beast story (the French version, as well as some others under different titles like East of the Sun, West of the Moon, which is basically Cupid and Psyche in a different font). It's got James Herondale x Cordelia Carstairs, Lucie Herondale x Grace Blackthorn, and Alastair Carstairs x Thomas Lightwood. The setting is 1900, Greece in an alternate universe where a whole bunch of the TLH cast immigrated to the country or live(d) in Bulgaria or Persia.

A Diamond On Your Pillow 1,978 words. Complete work. A crack-ship fic about Christopher Lightwood x Lara Croft because of a silly joke I had with @thevagabondexpress. I still maintain that it is the most genius of my works, even if I did not get around to writing out any of the backstory we talked about. Also, it's the strangest ship in the fandom corner right now and I am proud of that. The moment someone takes my title, I will be publishing a James Herondale x Alastair Carstairs fic and no one can stop me. Not even your mother. Heed my warning because after that it might be Peeta Mellark x Cordelia Carstairs AND I WILL DO IT.

Love, We Did Our Best 3,354 words. Work in progress. A Matthew Fairchild x pregnant OC fic. I came up with the idea after a weird dream I had about IVF, but anyway. It takes place in France (past) and Tortuga (current story), 1906. Matthew has been travelling the world and generally avoiding Shadowhunters until he gets to Tortuga and meets a Nephilim woman with her marks stripped in exile there. She is a widow expecting to give birth to her first child in somewhere over three months. It only has two chapters so far, but it's supposed to be a cute murder mystery (..."cute" as in there's romance, but also the murder mystery itself is not actually cute, it gets quite dark).

Pride and Prejudice 2,460 words. Work in progress. It is literally just a Thomastair Pride and Prejudice AU. It has one chapter. I intend to continue it one day, but I have to refer to the book often so it's on the backburner because I am too lazy to refer to the book to write and this AU requires it. I'll get around to it eventually. Probably.

I am tagging @griddle-cakes, @sourlemons262, @zoyalannister, and @all-this-panic-still-no-disco (mostly because I know you're also fanfic writers, 3/4 of which have written also for TLH. You absolutely don't have to do this though if you don't want to.)

[stayarmytinyzenmoa-l]

NCT Spooky Season [Day 17]

Bone App The Teeth

TW: Man-Eating Monsters, Language, Semi-Mature Themes(?) Genre: Romance, Comedy Pairing: Huang Guanheng x Reader YN Pronouns: Not specified Word Count: 0.6K Prompt: “Take them they’re tastier! … I would know!”

[NCT Masterlist] | [NCT Spooky Season Masterlist] | [Yesterday] | [Tomorrow] [Ao3 Link] | [Wattpad Link]

Notes: I LOVE WHEN THE PROMPTS LINE UP WITH THE MEMBER LMFAOOOO Disclaimer: Please remember that this is an AU and a work of fiction, obviously the idols mentioned/written about in this story would never partake in these actions. The idols mentioned in this work are meant to be seen more as face claims rather than the actual idols themselves.

Feedback is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for reading!

Well!

You know what they always say!

The odds of getting eaten by a man-eating monster are low but, in fact, never zero.

"Oh my god!" Your shout seemed to echo across the forest while you and Hendery bolted through the dense wood. "Why did we come here again?!"

"To make out in a secluded area, duh!" Hendery matches pace with you, looking over his shoulder every now and then to see how far the monster was.

"This is what we get for being horny, huh?"

"C'est la vie!"

"I don't think you're using that right," you both turn a corner and continue running. Of course, the one time you needed it to work, Hendery's car decided to stall and die, leading you and him to make this run on foot while the monster, very menacingly, walked toward you both. "Did we lose it?" The not-so-distant howl answered your question. "Oh, we are fucked!"

"We'll be fine!" You and Hendery skid to a stop in front of a dead end. "Nevermind, you're right, we're fucked."

"Christ, Hendery, of all the ways to die, right?" You groaned into your hands. The monster's heavy footsteps become apparent and you both turn over to look at it.

"Who knows, maybe it can be reasoned with?"

"Sure, you try talking to the monster who looks ready for dinner."

"Yeah... uh..." Hendery looks around, as if trying to find some sort of inspiration. "Hey, Mr. Monster," the beast snorts and Hendery swallows down a nervous sound, "look, look, I'm not tasty. I mean, I'm all sweaty from running, my skin's tough from all these gains, and also I'm too gorgeous to be eaten, am I right?" He nudges you.

"What about me?"

"Take them, they're tastier!" Hendery makes a move to run and your jaw drops. "Trust me, I would know!" He bolts and you take off after him.

"Hendery you little-" you run faster and he does too, now escaping your wrath as much as the monster's hunger. "When I get my hands on you Hendery-"

"Save it for when we're out of the forest, baby!"

"That monster is going to be the least of your worries, I swear to god!" You were gaining on him and he ran faster, muttering silent prayers as he did so because only the lord would know that you were right.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck," Hendery keeps cursing to himself as he hops over rocks and twigs, and soon a beacon of hope appeared before him. "Over there! We're almost out of the woods!" And, for a moment, you forgot your own anger and you followed him out and back into society. "We made it!"

"We're alive!" You both hold each other tight and with relaxing muscles, then you push him off. "You're such a dick for that!"

"What? Was I wrong?" He shrugs.

"You are so embarrassing, you told a whole stranger about our sex lives!"

"Hey, whoa, you're the one making assumptions! You know I bite when I get overly-excited!"

"That's true, you do," you nodded, "but still! If I wasn't so pissed I would've- oh my god, if I wasn't so pissed we'd be dead right now."

"Bingo."

"Oh you sly little man!"

"Gotta think outside the box, (Y/N), that's how you survive horror movies."

"I'll give that one to you!" You and Hendery stand still with small smiles. Until you hear the snort of the beast behind you. "It's behind me, isn't it?"

"Yup."

"Fuck."

"Fuck."

General Tag List: @stopeatread @bat-shark-repellant @raeincitizen @umbralhelwolf @yangsrose @kazooms @sadcoffeecritic 

NCT Tag List: @cherrylovr @minjiville 

If you want to be added to either tag list or removed just send me a reply to this post, and ask, or a DM and I’ll add you as soon as possible!

[thefamilybruno]

Always You - Chapter 8

Summary:

In a wealthy suburb outside of Philadelphia, Adam Thorn, a wealthy trust fund twenty-something, is transformed into a literal beast for being spoiled, selfish, and, well, kind of an a$$hole. After years of isolation, Adam seeks companionship through Fairy Tale Romance, an online dating website, and meets an extremely handsome, extremely arrogant brewpub owner and self-proclaimed horror movie buff named Gaston.

Too afraid to accept his romantic feelings for Gaston, Adam convinces himself that he needs to find someone else, someone a little less arrogant and a little more empathetic, to break the spell. After all, what could be more important than becoming human again? And so, Adam messages a beautiful and kind bookworm named Belle. Unbeknownst to him, Gaston has also messaged Belle. What a mess.

Gaston is in love with Adam. Adam is in love with Gaston. Both of them are trying to move on from each other by courting Belle.

Idiots.

Pairings: Gaston/Adam, minor Gaston/Belle, minor Beast/Belle

Tags: Alternative Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternative Universe - Online Dating, Crack Taken Seriously, Halloween Crack, Funny, Angst with a Happy Ending

Click below for excerpt :)

Beast looked down at the letters again and picked one up with his paw. “Do you still have the letters I sent you?”

“Of course.”

“I forgot I saved these.”

“That makes me feel very special.”

Beast’s eyes scanned the page.

Dear Beasty Boy, 

Have you ever been on one of the Philly ghost tours? Long shot, but if you want to join me, I have an extra ticket. Who can say no to sexcapades and torture? 

“Did you ever go on that ghost tour?” Beast asked.

“Which one?”

“I have no idea, but you mentioned sexcapades and torture.”

“Oh, yeah, I liked that one.”

“Who’d you bring?”

“Some guy I met at a bar.”

“Do you even remember his name?”

“Not really. Maybe something that sounded like bread?”

“His name sounded like bread?”

“I may have already been drunk when I invited him.”

“What, did you invite him five minutes before the tour started?”

“Not five. Fifteen.”

“Brad?”

“What?”

“Brad kind of sounds like bread.”

“I think it was Ted.”

“That makes more sense.”

“Oh, you know what? Maybe he was fucking with me. I think he said his name was Ted Bundy.”

Beast burst out laughing. Picturing Gaston drunkenly dragging some random man with him on a late-night ghost tour - a man who called himself Ted Bundy - was too perfect. It was so unexpectedly funny that Beast couldn’t manage to pull himself together and soon enough, he had to place the phone on the floor so that he could wipe away the tears that had gathered in the corners of his eyes.

“Sorry,” Beast said. “I’m not sure why I liked that story so much.”

“Probably because it’s cute.”

It was cute. Gaston’s stories were always cute. Hell, Gaston was always cute. Clutching a paw to his chest, Beast closed his eyes, his heart heavy once again, the closeness he felt toward Gaston so terrifying that it was as though the sheer weight of it was anchoring him to his current miserable life as a beast. 

“Gaston,” Beast choked out. “I need to go.”

“Yeah, me too. Haircut appointment. They better not fuck it up for our date.”

“Bye.”

Without even waiting for Gaston’s reply, Beast hung up the phone. For the next few seconds, he sat on the floor, his head cradled in his paws, feeling as though he was suffocating. When he finally regained his composure, he scooped up the letters and tossed them into the trash can.