#<- so he shows up in searches with the other caretakers/queens

[skyscratch-wc]

SHARKSTRIKE - RiverClan Collector

He/Him

Name Significance: he was named for the fin-like tuft of fur on his spine and his strong battle prowess (despite his chosen path as a collector, Shark is a very good fighter)

Ranks: Collector -> Head Collector -> Caretaker -> Head Caretaker -> Elder

Mentor: Chartooth

Apprentice: tbd

Parents: Mudfur, Brightsky

Siblings: Leopardfur, Carpkit, Streamkit

Mate: Orangeripple

Kits: Beechfur, Swallowtail

Notable Kin: Dapplepelt (granddaughter), Pouncetail (grandson), Sedgewhisker (WindClan, granddaughter), Thistleheart (WindClan, granddaughter), Birdtail (WindClan, granddaughter), Sneezecloud (g grandson), Barknose (g grandson), Splashtail (g g grandson)

[justcallmefox89]

Gale and the Gith: Chapter Ten - Inferior

The group find the githyanki and draw closer to salvation.

“A creche must be near.  Come, our kin await.”  Lae’zel and X’aa’nath begin move towards their fellow gith, as well as the red dragon towering over the smoldering ruins of the bridge and the blackened bodies of the Flaming Fist mercenaries.

“That dragon just incinerated those soldiers- surely this isn’t safe?” Gale ventures, exchanging a cautious look with Astarion. 

“My kin will not harm you,” X’aa’nath assures him, taking the wizard’s hand and tugging him along.  “Now come, the means to purification is close at hand.”

Astarion and Gale follow the two gith warily, hanging back as they approach the dragon rider.

“Kith’rak, we must speak -”

“Rider, my time is short,” Lae’zel interrupts X’aa’nath. “Lead me to - ”

“Shh-shh-shh.  Such a familiar tone,” the elder gith murmurs.  “Were I not merciful, I would slice the skin from your meat.  Yet you are not bleeding.  For I am nothing if not merciful.  Your names, children.”

“Lae’zel.”

“Lae’zel.  Proud, regal even.  And you?”

Gale watches in trepidation as the warrior turns his attention to X’aa’nath.

“X’aa’nath,” the young sorcerer answers obediently, inclining his head towards the elder in a show of respect.

“X’aa’nath,” the warrior echoes quietly.  “Khou’zal’s experiment.”

Gale bristles at the gith’s tone and opens his mouth to interject, but Astarion elbows him sharply in the ribs.

“Do not interfere,” the vampire hisses.

Gale grits his teeth but stays silent, internally fuming as X’aa’nath nods meekly in confirmation. 

“You will call me Jhe’stil Kithrak.”

Lae’zel and X’aa’nath exchanged slightly awed looks.  “Voss, Knight Supreme.”

“The queen’s silver, the queen’s sword,” X’aa’nath whispers.

“I am who you say,” Voss confirms.  “A ghaik vessel has fallen from the sky, kin.  Thieves aboard have taken a weapon most precious.  It is polyhedric in shape and inscribed with the runes of our people.”

X’aa’nath twitches, a movement so small that had Gale not been staring at him so intently he never would have noticed.

“Take word to your creche,” Voss instructs Lae’zel.  “You are to join our search.”

X���aa’nath’s eyes flick towards Lae’zel and they have a brief, silent interaction.

“Speak up, child.  Affirm your mandate,” Voss demands impatiently. 

“You honor me with this duty, Kithrak,” Lae’zel answers after a final moment of hesitation.  “I shall inform my caretaker with haste.”

Voss nods, pleased with her answer.  “You serve your queen well, child.  Take your slaves and the experiment, and hunt those who escape the ghaik ship.  They must carry the weapon.  I fly now to Vlaakith, our Undying Queen.  She will see your faith rewarded in this plane and ours.” 

X’aa’nath’s body tenses at Voss’s praise of Lae’zel, and he keeps his eyes locked firmly on the ground, avoiding Gale’s worried gaze.  Astarion, Gale, Lae’zel and X’aa’nath stay quietly huddled together as Voss mounts his dragon and takes to the sky, and the other githyanki set off on their own search for the weapon. 

Once they are all out of sight, Lae’zel lightly touches X’aa’nath’s shoulder.  “You did well to intervene, vexed as I am to admit it.  The Jhe’stil Kithrak would have flayed our skin and left our carcasses to burn in the sun – all for the sake of the artefact we carry.  The creche is near, this much we know.  We follow the path forward and into the valley.  No one, not even the ignoble Jhe’stil Kithrak, will keep me from my purification.”

He nods wordlessly, shouldering his pack once again and obediently following her towards the mountain pass.  Gale reaches out as he walks past, tenderly catching his hand in both of his own. 

“A moment, X’aa’nath?” he whispers.

The gith shakes him off, continuing on his forward trajectory.  “Not now, wizard.”

“Please, X’aa’nath - ”

“He said no, Gale,” Astarion snaps, grabbing Gale’s forearm and pulling him away.

“But - ”

“Leave it, Gale.  For once, just… leave it,” Astarion snarls, tightening his grip on Gale’s arm.  “You can’t fix this for him, can’t just magic away his problems.  He needs to deal with this himself.  It’s the only way he’ll ever be free.”

Gale’s chest tightens as he recognizes the truth in Astarion’s words.  “You may be right,” he says slowly.  “But no matter what comes next… he will not be alone.”

[miarenmert]

Crystal Dream Throne of Olkyon – part 9

In search of the keys, Olkyon went to the gate of the past, which required the key to the theater of masks. She played a game where only one side always wins, and she lost the point. She had to look for herself again in many reflections. And the theater of masks turned out to be the royal palace.

One sickly boy wanted an elephant and thought that he couldn’t live without it. One day his wish came true. The elephant destroyed his house, and the family went on a journey on the elephant. The boy's sister was still miserable, and Olkyon gave her magic glasses to see the world in a better light. But she herself saw a glimpse of what she was missing. Lady Land. Two lovers temporarily became their guides, but due to the children's deteriorating health, the family had to turn back and go to the hospital instead.

Since then, Olkyon has tried to find Lady Land again, but to no avail. She joined an expedition searching for the treasures of an ancient civilization. To prevent others from claiming the treasure, they pretended to be the descendants of ancient people. However, an explorer came, interested in the people themselves. In the end, he wanted to stay with them, but they could not explain to him that their findings were more dangerous than expected.

Olkyon found isolated housing on the island. There was a real woman of the ancient civilization there, and she kept a museum of ancient cinema and photography. Olkyon wanted to show it to her friends, but under their touches all the expositions disappeared. The owner of the museum made the uninvited guests disappear in a flash, but she liked Olkyon and didn’t want to let her go.

Olkyon became the maid of the best sorceress at the magic academy. She was tasked with bringing the blood of one of the students. A student from the library invited her to play decoding runes, but was disappointed in her knowledge, and Olkyon didn’t dare to attack her. She filled a pipette with the blood of a random student in the corridor, but then saw an experiment on turning people into fuel, and decided to stop her mistress. She pierced herself with a pipette and became a monster capable of defeating the sorceress who commands the spirits of the dead.

Olkyon became the favorite of the headmistress, who had a penchant for authoritarianism. But she protected her from prosecution for her past abuses of power. One winter, the headmistress caught students after a medical examination and forced them to attack the bases of the unwanted ones, but someone sent planes to her base. Olkyon realized that she would be one against all and ran down the slope, pursued by the ice giant. She summoned a purple fire in his path. The fire that will never go out. But it also cut her way back.

And Olkyon ran across the field from the lion pursuing her. She came across a transparent dream wall and walked through it. Behind it were lost children who couldn’t get back, but behind the wall they could play and have fun forever. Then it turned out that the children were not alone. A mysterious caretaker looked after them.

Olkyon has already spent too much time on the island. She was hiding from the pirate captain in a shipwreck, trying to figure out how to fix it. The children brought her feathers so that Olkyon could distract the captain with beautiful new outfits so that she wouldn’t touch her. The sea threw up the heads of the captain’s victims, and one day another captain showed up. Then Olkyon decided to take over her ship with the children and finally sail away from the island.

Olkyon found herself on another island where marine culture was worshipped. She was invited to a festival where she went through many ceremonies before it turned out that they were preparing her for a gladiatorial battle with a serpent man who had already defeated the sea monster. The Queen mournfully threw herself on the edge of the balcony, because she foresaw the sunset of Lady Land. The end of matriarchy.

Olkyon saw the faces of Lady Land, poisoned by the need to fight against the whole world, and realized that the splendor she sought was too distant in the past. Following the remaining tracks, she began her ascension. And she was ready to join lost souls if that was the only way to be with them.

[demon-queen-flare]

Some info on "The Freak Show Trio"

Demon Queen Flare (Half EXE):

Flare is a Multi-Dimensional Demon Queen with not only the ability to single handedly rip an entire universe in half to make 2 new timelines, but can jump between Universes, as well as taking the responsibility of being Sketch's and Lost's caretaker. She stands at 9'2, is 27 years old, and is full on Lesbian. he prefers to keep her body's curves and bust as to make herself more approachable to others.

She has an older brother named "Sora" who is said to be the reincarnate of the Greek god of Lightning Zeus who, despite what he is, is actually super chill and layback, he's 35 years old, and stands at 6'7

and "Vivi", the younger sister out of her 2 older siblings who's heart bares the remaining fragment of Mother Nature in her heart and conveniently much shorter than Flare and Sora as she stands at 5'2 and is 23 years, but she also happens to be a combat master so don't let her size fool you.

Sonic.sketch (Aka: Kris Coleheart) (Full EXE):

Sketch (as he prefers to be called) is a 19 year old boy with the dream of being a famous Animator but unfortunately met with a strange change in his fate. when he was alive, he was much more full energy and wanting to help cheer up those who need it, however, such kindness can sometimes unintentionally lead to great enemies, or in this case, a Trio gang.

Regardless of his personality, his fate was the same, the Trio: "Lucas, Jacob, and Abigail" ambushed him, beating him mercilessly. Abigail, the leader, commanded the 2 boys to "finish the job" and like that, his jaw was torn from his face, as well as the flesh and muscle from his face and chest.

After the job was done, they stuffed his corpse with stones and threw it in a lake they knew no one would search, shortly after though, he finds himself in a sort of castle and gets greated by Flare herself. In a moment of desperation and sorrow mixed with panic after witnessing his death, she "created" a new world and a vessel for him, it took him 7 years to control and get a handle or his new powers and abilities before he could take his revenge (he did I promise).

He now travels along side Flare, discovering new worlds and making new friends and allies along the way

L0st_1n_T1m3 (??? EXE):

This boy was the original Sora, his story takes place rest of the way of Kingdom Hearts 2 and all of Kingdom Hearts 3. When Him, Donald, and Goofy were busy taking care of things in Timeless River, Sora suddenly found himself in a dark void with an entity that looked exactly like him. Before he knew it, the thing took his Keyblade and ran off out of the space, leaving him to break out himself, but when he did, Donald, Goofy, and what ever that thing was had already jumped through the door, leaving him for dead as when turned back, he now found himself cornered by a hord heartless which had immediately, with no hesitation, started mauling him, ceasing his left arm from him.

In a moment of his own desperation, he reached out and consumed the darkness from the heartless, the now only thing keeping him alive. Fast forward to the events of Kingdom Hearts 3 and Lost has already broken out of his prison, now strong enough to face the faker that took his place, earning the trust of Organization 13 and eventually took out the entity with their help.

He also managed to encounter Sketch and Flare in the meantime, although he prefers to travel by himself, the do run into each other here and there.

...... This took me 5 hours to write, I truly have nothing better to do lmao

[alfredosauce50]

Hi! I was wondering if you could do some Romano + Prussia x royal reader (separate) headcannons? I'm a sucker for a good forbidden romance and would be happy to see what you want to do with it. Thank you!

Yes, of course! Sorry for the kinda late response--I got carried away writing other things. What a coincidence that I've been doing a lot of exploring in fantasy! The reader is referred to as she/her.

Forbidden Romance Headcanons - Prussia and S. Italy

Prussia - The earnest pickpocket and sheltered princess

Unfortunately, Gilbert is on the wrong side of history. As an albino, he's been an outcast ever since he was born. In an age of superstition and class divide, his parents had no problem abandoning an extra mouth to feed. Especially when they were a demon with magical powers. Left to fend for himself as a baby, he only ever survived thanks to the generosity of an old neighbor. When they passed away due to old age, he had to get on by himself on the streets. Stealing, lying, whatever it takes to get some quick cash. And he's been doing it ever since he was five.

He loved fairytales ever since he was a kid. His guardian always told him these stories before bedtime, after all. They said it was good luck to give the princess a flower, and he remembered this a few years later during the royal parade in town. Pushing through the crowd of onlookers, he held out a small dandelion hoping you would take it. Before the guards could swat him away, you took the flower with a smile. All you remembered from that time was a small and dirty face gleaming up at you. And, of course, a pair of striking red eyes you would never forget.

In his adolescence, he became a thief with quick hands. It wasn't until he took on the most dangerous job of all did he make himself a public enemy. Stealing the royal family's jewels. And he would've gotten away with it if he wasn't forced to take a detour through the princess's bedroom. Unbeknownst to him, you were wide awake. Immediately, you recognized him as the little boy from that day. Without thinking, you hid him in your wardrobe until the guards left. That was the start of a strange friendship forged between two people from two worlds--a dirt-poor criminal and the well-loved princess of a thriving kingdom.

He visits you from time to time by climbing up the side of the castle. When he first did it, you practically throttled him by his collar, screaming, “Do you have a death wish? They'll throw you to the lions if you get caught!”. He simply responds with, “The awesome me never gets caught! That's why I'm here, ja?” Soon, this becomes routine until you learn to trust him.

Gilbert loves gloating about his adventures as a street rat, whether it's about singlehandedly beating up gangs of bullies or outrunning the palace guards. As a sheltered person of royalty, his stories reflect experiences alien to you. But it opens your eyes to things you've never seen, and it's very fascinating.

If he's not telling grossly exaggerated anecdotes of his greatness, he'll bring in board games and cards he “borrowed” from his friends. You've never played with them before as your parents deemed them unrefined. It fills him with pride to see you enjoying yourself so much, especially when he's teaching you how to play.

You don't go out very often, so he always brings back little trinkets and souvenirs. When you found out he stole them all, you would hit him on the head and tell him off. “Where did you get these from? Stealing and giving these to the princess--do you know how stupid that sounds?” Then, you would pinch his cheek until he tears up and admits his wrongs. “I-I thought you would like them, okay? I wanted to give them to you as a present...” The next day, you would accompany him to the shops he robbed and pay the owners back.

He gets upset and embarrassed when he realizes those gifts aren't gifts at all. Not when you paid for them yourself! One of the ways he shows affection is through giving gifts, but that unfortunately clashes with not having money. So he's eager to make something out of himself, even if he has to work as a bottom feeder and face unfair treatment for what he looks like. When you find out, his boss gets one hell of a time dealing with you. After that, he uses whatever small amount he earned to buy something for you.

As he grows out of his old habits, he becomes more honest. In fact, he's so determined to prove himself that he shows up one day with a homemade board game scribbled out on a spare piece of parchment. He's nervous and twiddling his fingers, and that's when you know you have to help him get back onto his feet. He's so touched by your kindness that he shows you a secret he's been hiding forever--he can do magic. It's one of his skills that let him become so good at stealing in the past.

After some practice to touch up his abilities, you try convincing your parents to let him work in the palace as an all-rounder. With the magic dancing in his fingertips, there's nothing he can't do. He has a green thumb, good reflexes, and the horses in the stables listen to him better than the caretaker! He can't forget that you encouraged him to let go of his doubts and previous identity as a petty thief. There's nobody in the world he looks up to more.

On the night of your eighteenth birthday, he's invited to a ball to celebrate. Once again, he finds himself anxious to see you in your dress, especially when he's quite glammed up himself with his suit and hair slicked back. While you teach him how to dance, he tells you he looks ridiculous. But you think otherwise and make it explicit. That's when Gilbert realizes he's completely smitten with you. He embarks on another journey to improve himself until he thinks he deserves you.

South Italy - The plebeian pâtissier and renegade royal

War has ravaged the kingdom and eaten into the state's reserves, leaving inflation rates at an all-time high. The suffering middle and working-class take it up to their rulers in a coup d'état, killing the king and queen. And now, they're searching for the princess amidst the chaos of an ungoverned dominion. Romano couldn't be more indifferent to such a cause, only ever caring about putting food on the table. He works day and night helping out his family's bakery, making what he can to get by. However, he's forced to take a side when he finds a girl on his doorstep on the verge of starvation.

Unable to turn away someone in need, he nurses you back to health. However, he does so with spite, wondering to himself why he has to give what little he has left to a princess. When you feel better after a few days, he's eager to send you off but changes his mind as you leave. Romano can't bear to let you face certain death, or worse, knowing how bitter the townspeople are about the unpopular war. So he welcomes you back with a sharp sigh with his head turned away. “Alright, alright, you can stay. Now stop making that pathetic face, you spoilt principessa--it's depressing.”

He relays a few house rules as conditions for keeping you around. You have to help him with chores. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, everything. Considering you always had someone doing those tasks for you, you're hopeless at it. He'll swat your hand and show you how to do things right with an annoyed scowl. “No, no, no, no, no! You're doing it all wrong. This is how you do it. What do they even teach you in that palace, huh? Books? Maths? Books about maths? Well, they won't keep you alive, you know!”

Because he's so observant and strict, he's a good teacher, and soon, you get the hang of everything. Before, he had to open his mouth to correct you every few seconds, but now, he can just watch you do his work with his arms crossed. It's a little demeaning to have someone watch your every move, but inside, he's relieved you're finally fitting in and not a complete waste of his time and resources. In reality, he never wanted to send you off and hoped he could just handle an extra mouth to feed. Not that he'll ever tell you.

When you're out and about, he makes you wear a cloak to hide your identity. When he's forced to interact with people, he'll hold you close and play everything off without arousing suspicion. Even if your hood falls off, he won't react--he's screaming inside in panic, but he's a great actor when he needs to be. You're totally not the princess, just a crazy similar doppelganger. The cloak is there so that people don't make a fuss. When they leave, he'll turn to you and scream how much of an idiot you are. But really, he was just worried to death--and you have a feeling he was. So you hug it out and leave him cussing with a red face.

As you two grow closer, his cousin Antonio notices how much he cares about you despite his efforts to hide it. It's a problem. He approaches him and warns that if people found out he was hiding the princess, he would get killed with her. Romano heats up and screams, telling him that he already knew what he got into the second he let you into his home. When he's asked why he's still keeping you around, he responds with, “It's not fair that her parents fucked up, and she has to face the consequences. Just like how I never wanted to run this stupid bakery--I wanted to be a painter, not burn my hands in the kitchen all day!”

Unbeknownst to him, you overhear the conversation. The next morning, he discovers that you're gone and loses his head. While he's screaming and crying, he's swarmed with the possibilities of what happened to you. He's a bit of an overthinker, but his paranoia is deserved--were you taken away in the middle of the night? Are you even still alive? He spirals down a path of self-loathing until he confronts how much he misses you, then his regret of never being frank with his feelings. Romano didn't understand what he had until he lost it. To say this was a wake-up call--to be more honest with himself--would be an understatement.

A week later, you return unscathed. Turns out, you left to stay with the owner of a paint shop owner your family always supported and bought from. You present him with a gift of some high-end oil paints, brushes, and canvases. When he sets them all down, he'll pull you into a tight hug, and once again, tell you how stupid you are. While he has you in his coils, you smile to yourself as you pat his hair, happy that you also got something in return. Some transparency. “I just thought I'd give you something... For all the trouble.” You'd say, and he'd shush you with a few hard kisses. “You were never a trouble. I wanted you to stay, so I'm more to blame than you.”

As the political situation of the country calms down, so do the anxieties of angry neighbors pounding on his door. You return to his home much to his content. Now that you're just as good as him at icing cakes, you spend more time running the bakery. This gives him some time to paint, and he can't be happier. Once you both get settled, he discovers another hobby on top of making art. Making coffee! The bakery evolves into a café lavishly decorated with his paintings, and it becomes the most popular establishment in town. You both realize how overrated it is to want to be anything more--you never bring up your title ever again.

[chaneajoyyy]

Who’s writing new BP fics? It’s feeling kinda dry out here

Oh you gotta keep looking cause they out here!!!

NEW/NEW-ISH BP FICS

- winter wonderland series (25 days of christmas challenge), Chunk series (updated)- @ghostfacekill-monger

- you better watch out series (25 days of christmas challenge), baby daddy series- @teakturn

- couple’s getaway series, message therapist erik, erik and you have relationship issues that need to be resolved, incubus erik x reader series, gamer erik humiliates his girl, christmas wishes & mistletoe kisses series, all vampire eriks stories, drug dealer erik gets ino an entaglement with a married woman series, erik teaching his daughter how to love her dark skin, assassin erik and his girl london make up for lost time-   @nahimjustfeelingit-writes

- all i want series- @thadelightfulone

- the jabari that stole christmas, misfit wakandans, er*k in a box, t’challa’s 12 days of christmas, the jabari-cracker, christmas even will find erik, the coffee prince series (updated), song of stevens (not new but do read), will the bell ring? (updated)-  @eerythingisshaka

- chrismasing with you-  @ceeverse

- mama is wild, how he acts when he’s sick: m’baku “mama’s other baby’ jabari, peaches, how he acts whe he’s sick: erik “i can do it myself” stevens, how he acts when he’s sick: t’challa i’m fine” udaku, final decision, body pillow, the most dangerous game-  @akimi-youngblood

- his majesty, my king series; he chosen bride, a jabari wedding (not so new but do read), he wasn’t mad enough for me, clean-up woman, i wish you would, mistletoe series, dadmonger series- @snowbaku

- what if...?, without question, polaroids, the temple series, queen shuri, wh you are series-  @tchallasbabymama

- biggest puddle ever, crab legs, play fighting, the fight, let me tell you a story, stop, got it bad, what would you do series, sugar babe series, poetic justice, messing w/ erik while he’s playing the game, erik had a reputation of being a fuckboy. tha meant you had to be careful around him. guard your heart. it was a solid plan until he came in and ruined all your plans- @dreamingofmilk

- our christmas, how to feel, warm colors series (not so new but do read), thanksgiving w/ mr. stevens, valentine’s gumbo (sequel to thankgiving with mr. stevens)-  @mermaidchansons

- she likes me, huh? nuh uh, cute enough to eat, screams in the night series (updated), open up, autumn leave & cookie thieves, one way or another, mr. telephone series, you ain’t hear that?- @supersizemeplz (check masterlist)

- anniversary blues, the chosen one series (updated), the sweetest thing series, in the light series-  @devnicolee

- the arrival series, boxer!baku series (updated), fireflies and foot races, sessions-  @muse-of-mbaku

- 85 “you can’t cum unless i say so” & 89 “you’re drooling. you really don’t deserve it though, do you?”, seventy-three, “29, 75 & 82″, “5, 13, & 69″- @marvelmaree

- subconscious- @freddiefcknmercury

- shameful series- @iwrite4poc

- only forever series, what lies beneath series,bunme takes new york (part of space between series)- @dramaqueeenamby

- letters for my love series, just for this moment series, she’s mine series, abiona au series- @sarcastic-sunshines

- redemption series (updated), starlight series, dress up- @airis-paris14

- new start series (with “reader meets erik who is a single father”), round 2 series, reader sleeping over a erik’s, “erik and reader are opposites- like she’s so nice, calm and soft, and erik is mean... as always and his family is so confused on how they’re dating”, imagine where erik and the reader has heir firs date and when he get home he’s super excited and tell his friends how happy and in love he is?, erik with goofy reader on a mission, reader catching erik using her expensice skincare products afer she told him it’s off limit, hug time, erik ghosting after a fight with his gf & she hears he’s out acting single so she decide she’s single too. but he shows up & all like “who said we broke up?”,  reader is not answering her phone and erik is worried/irrirated because the day before he was mean to her and she left his house crying?, an imagine where erik finding out the reader is powerful (like a mutant), erik & mbaku fighting over the reader, found you series, erik helping his need tomboy bff get a makeover & he starts to get jealous of how much attention she starts to get from other guys,  vulnerable soft erik where he and the reader get into an argument and later that night he’s trying to sleep but can’t because she’s refusing to come to bed with him and he has to be vulnerable with her and tells her “you know i can’t sleep without you”?, “short imagine or headcanon ha erik finds out his girlfriend has more body’s then him or his a mafia leader, something between those lines. but instead of being upset for her not telling him he’s actually cool with it”, erik comforting the reader after finding out she lost a loved one and he had a good day, reader learns she’s pregnant and comes up with a creative way to tell erik , erik and the reader are set up on a blind date by mutual friends, “reader is studying for her upcoming test and she is frustrated with the amount of studying she has to do.  erik notices she has been studying for a long time, and tries to do everything to relax her mind”, erik takes reader to wakanda for the first time, erik sees his girl still sleep with a stuffed animal and by kinda makes fun of her but when she puts it up he sees she struggles withouth it?, “imagine with erik inspired by the somg caretaker by dram and sza, like maybe the reader is feeling a bit ill/nauseous and erik to take care of her”, diaper change, sofboi erik where he asks the reader to marry him, hc of erik being jealous of his girl is too close to t’challa? always texting/wanting to hang out when they visit, back to you series, readering driving erik nuts with cravings & mood swings. ex: interrupting his sleep for food runs only to say she doesn’t want that anymore when he returns & demand something else, “ whatever you’re trying to butter me up for, the answer is no”?, how did he meet his love?, life together, your first time, hurting, fears, sick day, jealous series, when you’re sick, night fights, two lines, opening up, newborn, comfort, some love, insecure, first steps, it’s time series, cool down time, first day back- @killmongerdrabbles

- back & forth-  @supremethunda

- baby mama series, again, move, guess, night, nsfw alphabet, bow- @woahitslucyylu

- reactions o their girl’s wap (with erik), erik and reader being petty in the house after an argument-  @tastingmellow

- next lifetime series, days off with erik, girls trip series (updated),the way you make me feel- @theficplug

-  only then am i human series,a little vacation- @opalsandlace

-faded series, waves series, concrete cowboys series, black boys bloom thors first series (volume 3)- @uzumaki-rebellion

- black tie event-  @laketaj24

- genuine, numb- @taterfics

- city boy and his country girl series, wake up, meet the furys- @blackmissfrizzle

- come thru, this lil’ game we play-  @writetimes

- in between the lines series- @melodyofmbaku

- him, her and us series; conversations and coffee trips series, dancing around each oher series, mrs., you again series, where are we now?, cold coffee, here we are again series, summer love (could be any of the marvel men including t’challa); love, apps, and attitudes series; give me a reason (search for t’challa x reader)-  @iliketowrite1996

- homewrecker series (updated), family reunion- @shaekingshitup

- unexpected things happen in the clucky’s drive-thru, where you going: a quarantine quickie, halloween, delicate series, the best man-  @majesticbrownjawn

- i like tha series (updated), shea butter (baby) series  @nachtaiwrites

- the spririt of christmas, dentist series (updated), waiting to get home, best friends series, line love series, hell loves satin: tales of a mascochist, tattoo party- @hearteyes-for-killmonger

- uncharted series (updated), metamorphasis series, the remodel series, the boy is mine series (collab with @dashhoney25), sweet heat, quarantine bae, throttle, sugar, toxic, fair is fair, work boo (updated)-  @soufcakmistress

- caught up series- @twistedcharismaaa

- homebody series- @truglori

- roadtrip series- @cecereads209

- lights out, a better man- @reelwriter19

- you mean it? series, haunted series- @heykillmongerluhme

- end in flames series, my health- @bvlckgirlmvgix (not so new but do check out!)

***PLEASE HIT ME UP TO ADD YOUR STORIES!!!***

[saphirered]

Hey! I hope you’re doing well. You’re writing is always great and I get excited when I see you’ve posted something new. Would you consider writing a little something with platonic Caduceus and reader where they have similar personalities and interests, but different backgrounds? Maybe the reader doesn’t have any family to speak of? I’m open to any character class or race :) thank you!

I’m doing well. I’m glad you like my writing and thank you. It’s really nice to hear people get excited when I post new things. I never expected people to like it at all 🙈.  I hope you like the way this one turned out 😘

You were typical city folk. Born and raised in the heights of civilisation; the pride and joy of the Law Bearer Erathis herself. Raised at the temple of the Raven Queen as a foundling the clergy were the only parental figures you knew and they were hardly parents. Your relationship with them is less of a parent-child dynamic. They were your caretakers and supported which is more than a lot of people can say but you missed out on parental pride, love and the ability to confide in someone in such a way. You missed out on the relation with siblings. No running around the hallways of the temple, no secrets between just you and them, no protective older sibling or a younger one that gets away with everything. You had no weird aunt or uncle to tell you ridiculous stories or take you on adventures every so often like the books you’d read as a child. 

Your childhood never bothered you because it was good and happy, just in a different way. You found a mother figure in the Matron. You’d get dreams sometimes, waking up with a single black feather on your pillow. She gave you an appreciation of all things living. Death is a sacred thing but it’s the life that counts. You made it your goal to nourish that what needs a little extra attention and preserve what can be saved before its time, conforming to the natural order. The Matron of Ravens taught you death is just as sacred as life and so you valued it and vowed to upkeep her commandments and preserve that natural order of life and death. 

As a child you spent much time within the public parks and gardens. You had an affinity unrivalled. Making flowers blossom in spring and keeping the branches and roots healthy during the colder months, curing diseases, healing ailments as well as returning to the earth what once came from it upon the passing. When you were old enough these habits carried over to ‘living things’; a term you had to disagree with because all that grows lives. You became part of the clergy and continued your life within the temple of the Raven Queen. 

You were never confined to the temple life. Your work took you far and wide, your expertise wanted by the many. You had tended to the ailments of kings as you had commoner, treating no different. You had tended to the pristine gardens of royalty as you had the fields of a farmer. In the eyes of the natural order all lives are equal in the end and so you treated them in life. 

When a group of strangers came knocking at your door looking for an expert you were surprised by the colourful bunch on your doorstep but heard them out regardless. You were faced with the story of a cursed forest, a sanctuary of the natural order to be disturbed, a family missing and a new one found. A story of beacons of endless stars, possibilities and souls of the preserved to be reborn, conflict, war and death. Stories of salvation, resurrection, a fight to preserve the natural order and save the lives of the many. Stories far and wide yet to be told.

You were needed. Your expertise was needed and when a raven landed on your windowsill staring at you, studying you and awaiting your response you knew it was time to leave behind the life you knew and venture into a strange new world of adventure and the unknown. How could you turn them down? Your help was needed and while the venture might be a bit longer and much riskier than your usual ones, the task remained the same. You’d travel with the Mighty Nein for a while and aid them for however long they needed you. 

You grew to love the Mighty Nein like the family you never had but you have to say from the very beginning you felt a natural gravitation towards the colourful firbolg, a radiance akin to that of the life you vowed to preserve. Caduceus did not hide he felt a same sort of gravitation towards you. The two of you were often paired together on watches or went out together to stock up on supplies for the road, spell components and the likes. The two of you while at first glance are day and night, as your respective deities are when compared, but those who look closer know you are in a way, one and the same. 

You’re sitting on the jungle floor eyes closed listening to the nocturnal critters make their way through, searching for food, hunting and finding their hideouts, burrows and nests before the sun rises and morning comes. A smile on your face, as you take everything in over the soft snoring and slight twisting and turning of some of the Nein. You hear someone sitting down next to you. 

“Good morning.” You say peaking through one eye seeing the pink haired firbolg cup of tea in hand. The two of you had always been and probably always will be the early risers of the group. Old habits? Perhaps so.

“Ah, it is, isn’t it?” He offers you a cup of tea. You take it with a quick thanks blowing away the steam and cool it down a little before you take a sip. A good cup of tea never fails to wake you up properly. 

“How are you feeling? Getting closer to where the Wild Mother has been sending you?” The two of you look out seeing the first light barely bleed through the trees. Caduceus waits a little before speaking, contemplating his answer. His brow furrows. 

“I’m unsure.” Caduceus mentally retreats just a little bit, watching his expression you can see the thoughts rush through his head. You know he worries for his family and how you might find them. A lot is unsure at these times. You can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst but you have faith. 

“You’re worried, for your family. For what might have become of them?” He gives you a bit of a smile and nods. It’s clear Caduceus hasn’t directly been faced with the notion of mortality in this sense close to home whereas in any other situation he’d be fine. 

“I’ve been waiting to see them for a long time. While I trust the Wild Mother’s path, I can’t help but find myself doubting if they are well.” You try to find a way to best approach his concerns and ease his mind. The words of comfort either of you would offer to those coming into your respective places of worship do not apply to this situation nor would they be particularly helpful. You’re not dealing with the dead, just the possibility of death of loved ones. 

“You trust her path and you believe she’s at your side?” You ask deep in thought as a light breeze rushes through out of nowhere. The Wild Mother must be listening. Caduceus relaxes a bit more knowing she’s there. Despite what some may think, the breeze may just tell you what you need to know.

“Yes. I believe so.” He smiles watching the leaves blow, the breeze being carried away into the distance of the early morning jungle, a couple of birds scattering as it comes along. 

You take a moment, close your eyes and reach out your senses sending a little prayer to the Raven Queen. You’re met with a sense of warmth, a soft cawing of a raven flying away and a small light in the darkness. 

“Then they’ll be alright in the end. I don’t sense my Matron’s presence in relation to you. You’ll be reunited with your family once more.” You interpret the signs she shows you. While they might not be a certainty you have faith she would not let you down.

“That’s nice.” You return to staring into the jungle in comfortable silence for a while. 

“What do you miss the most? About home and your family I mean.” You ask a bit out of the blue but you couldn’t help yourself wondering with everything drawing closer and the uncertainty of how you’ll find the Stone family, and what you’ll encounter there. 

“Old habits. The people. The simplicity of life. I’d say the piece and quiet but that wouldn’t be entirely true. Just different kind of noise. You know what I mean.” Caduceus reminisces, dopey smile returning at the memory of his family. You’ve heard some of the tales of his shenanigans when it comes to his siblings. He’s confided in you and you vowed to keep those a secret. Who knew Caduceus could be quite the prankster?

“I don’t actually. I never had a family like yours. The Mighty Nein is the closest I’ve ever gotten to the meaning of a family.” You look over to the sleeping shapes. You wouldn’t trade them for the world but can’t deny it’s still not the same. The others can attest to that. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I apologise if I offended you.” You smile at him. You’d stated before you loved your found ‘family’, the clergy but they were never your real family. It just hadn’t come up your dynamic with them was not the same as a more typical even dysfunctional family. 

“It’s quite alright. I never knew my birth family. I knew the clergy at my temple and that’s alright. I always wondered what it would be like to have parents to confide in, siblings to spend time with, perhaps even share interests with and people who love me unconditionally, people like me but also not. Do you get what I mean?” Caduceus nods in agreement and thinks for a second.

“I understand. Though you might come to take back the part about wanting to spend more time with siblings. They’ll grow on you like ivy in places you don’t want it.” He laughs a little and you join him. 

“They can’t be that bad.” You joke the both of you laughing as quietly as you can trying not to wake the others up. 

“I’d love to meet your family. From what you’ve told they’re wonderful.” 

“They are, in their own ways but don’t tell Calliope I said that.” Caduceus bumps your shoulder and you bump back finishing the last of your tea. You’ve heard enough tales of Calliope to know you better not tell her or she might never let Caduceus forget he admitted it so openly to someone else outside of the family. 

“I’m sure they’d like you too. If you wanted to you could come back to the Blooming Grove with us one day. Clarabelle always wanted another sibling. She thinks Calliope is a bit too stoic. The two of you would make great friends.” Caduceus finishes his tea and you’re a little taken aback. You look for any kind of jest. He must be joking right?

“You’re serious?” Caduceus laughs a little at your reaction. 

“Unless you don’t want to. I think you’ll fit in right along. Our ancestor used to be a champion of the Raven Queen. She might appreciate the return of a new Clay. Not by blood but by heart.” You recall the story he once told about the champions Stone, Dust and Clay of the Matron. You feel a pull in your heart out of nowhere and swear you hear a raven’s caw in the back of your mind. She’d be satisfied. 

“I’d like that very much if they’ll have me.” With Caduceus reassurance his family would very much like you and get along with you you’d see where this would go. Perhaps you would become an unofficial Clay. Your friends are just your chosen family after all so why should it be different? 

You’ll see where your path leads and you’ll stick with Caduceus until either of you grow tired of each other. Not that either of you see that happen. You’ve grown thick as thieves to the point where you could call yourselves siblings. If the two of you claiming yourselves siblings extends into his family then you’d love nothing more. 

A place. A purpose. A home. You’ll have to put the world back into tune first but once the Matron and the Mother call you both home you’ll stick to the path until homeward bound you both be. Both of you lost in thought come to the same conclusion. Caduceus pours the both of you some new tea, cooling it down a bit you both take a sip.

“That’s nice.” You say in unison watching the nocturnal critters go to sleep and the early risers come out and go about their daily business. 

[a-dorin]

the king & his throne | darth maul

word count: 2,037

warnings: nsfw, pet names (angel, my sweet, good girl), smut, sex in public, choking, praise kink, power kink, dominance kink 

a/n: this was a highly requested fic! it’s an au where maul does have his lower half, but still continues to rule over mandalore. i hope y’all enjoy, because i love this. 

prompt: darth maul, ruler of mandalore, requests your presence in the throne room. of course you oblige, tending to your lover’s needs. however, things get a little hot & heavy on the throne. 

not my gif 

the sun was setting over mandalore, the sky a brilliant array of lilac, tangerines, and cyan as clouds shrouded the sun. a warm breeze rolled through the kingdom, promising of summer. stars twinkled in the sky, promising of bright constellations to dance across the sky of sundari as the night approached. 

your hands gripped the balcony, eyes scanning the kingdom below, your silk robes billowing in the breeze. you were content, your shoulders relaxed, strands of hair swaying with the wind. tiny, shuffle-like footsteps pricked your ears, your body shifting, “yes?”

“lord maul requests your presence in the throne room ms. (l/n),” a  purple mirialan queaked, her cheeks tinged pink. 

“oh, i see,” your voice was soft, gentle, “thank you for alerting me, kaya, i appreciate you.”

kaya’s eyes widened, “oh, um, thank you ms. (l/n), i am here to serve you and lord maul.”

“and you do it so effortlessly,” you curtsied, bowing, “do you mind escorting me to the throne room? lord maul would prefer i have an escort.”

“of course!” kaya chirped, returning the gesture, “come, i will escort you.”

you took kaya’s elbow, linking it with hers. since maul’s conquest of mandalore, he requested that a maid was by your side at all times. kaya so happened to be that maid. she was your caretaker when maul could not be present: cooking, cleaning, running deliveries, as well as helping with any other request. she was young, only about eighteen, but so were you. so, the two of you happened to get along seamlessly. 

the royal sundari palace was massive, sprawling with endless corridors, hallways, and rooms. you were still getting acquainted to the vast palace, but in time you knew you would master the layout. you would find your way around. kaya held onto your elbow, chatting about the upcoming wedding ceremony. 

soon, you would be taking maul’s hand union in an eternal promise. you were his fiancee, his soon to be wife. in about two weeks time, the wedding ceremony would occur. kaya was your dressmaker, along with the one in charge of the flowers, alterations, as well as your makeup and hair. you could sense her excitement, her tone bubbly as she spoke with you, eyes glittering with happiness. 

darth maul was your lover, as you had been with him for over three years. you loved him more than anything in the universe, supporting his every move, his every advancement in power. you felt that the zabrak was one of the, if not, the most powerful sith lords in the galaxy, ruling over all with such ease. his perseverance and determination impressed you, and you wanted nothing more to be by his side through it all. 

the zabrak loved you endlessly, determined to make you his queen. your relationship with him was no secret either. any opportunity to show you off, and maul pounced on

her voice hushed as you approached the throne room, darkness falling over mandalore. kaya thrusted open the doors, her head hung low, escorting you into the throne room. lanterns gave the room a soft glow, illuminating the throne with an orange hue. 

he was poised and elegant, his dark robes adorning his body, his amber eyes gleaming. they softened as his gaze fell on you, his lips tugging into a small smile. a purr rumbled in his throat, “good evening, my darling.”

“good evening maul,” you grinned, “kaya informed me that you requested my presence. is that true?” 

“indeed,” maul rumbled, “kaya, you may exit the room.”

“as you wish, lord maul,” kaya bowed, flashing you a shy smile. her steps were light, barely making a sound as she strolled out of the space. the doors thudded behind her, maul’s eyes focused on you. 

“why did you call me in here?” you inquired, arching a brow. 

“come here, my love,” maul’s voice was soft, his hand outstretched. 

stepping forward, you took maul’s hand, the zabrak pulling you onto his lap. a blush crept into your cheeks, maul’s purr echoing through the throne room, “you look radiant tonight.”

you settled on his lap, thighs draped over his, “you look as handsome as ever.”

“oh do i?” maul chuckled softly, his hands grasping your face. his thumbs caressed your skin, “my god, have i been thinking about you.”

“you have?” you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, your cheeks tinged a rosy hue. 

maul’s eyes searched yours, the amber flowing so effortlessly into crimson, “of course my darling. i have been pondering about you almost every hour today.”

“you’re very sweet,” you felt a giggle rise in your throat, “you’re going to make a lovely husband.”

“and you’re going to be my wife,” he grinned, his nose touching yours, “my beautiful, wonderful, loving wife.”

maul’s lips brushed yours, kissing you tenderly. he brought you closer, pulling your face closer to his, the kisses growing more and more eager. you parted your lips, maul’s tongue slipping into your mouth, exploring your taste. his hands traveled from your cheeks to your hair, tangling into your locks. he tugged slightly, sucking harshly on your bottom lip. you moaned softly, maul humming in satisfaction as you grinded against his thigh. 

“do you want more?” maul murmured in your ear, his breath hot. 

“i do,” you whimpered, “i need more.”

“what’s going to happen if someone walks in? what if kaya walks through those doors? these windows are not tinted either, my love. anyone near the palace would watch me take you. they would watch me fuck your pretty little brains out, your cum making a mess. is that what you want my sweet? for me to fuck you mercilessly on this throne?” maul’s tone was edged with lust, his cock hardening against your thigh. 

“i want you,” you whispered, “i want you here, right now.”

maul could sense your desire, how your heart thudded in your chest. inhaling, he could smell your arousal, how you were aching. aching for him. gods, you were absolutely beautiful. your soft lips were tinged pink, your lower lip swollen ever so slightly. your nipples were hardened, apparent under your silk robes. with the crimson color of the silk, maul almost couldn’t hold back. he wanted to rip the material off your frame, ravishing your body. but he had to wait, he wanted to make this last. your entire face was a rosier shade than normal, your skin hot at the touch. the body heat growing between you was intense, almost too much to bear. 

“i’ll fuck you on this throne my love,” maul nipped your ear, “i’ll make you scream.”

“please,” you pleaded, practically begging, “please fuck me.”

“you’re going to see stars,” maul purred, “i can promise you that.”

his lips drifted from your ear to your jawline, the kisses light, almost feathery. once he inched lower and lower down your neck, he began to suck on your skin, leaving deep, burgundy and purple, love bites. he wanted to ensure that everyone in this kingdom knew that you were his. that every individual knew of his power. you were growing needier, squirming as his mouth met with your collarbone. 

“you’re going to have to sit still,” he rumbled, his hands on your thighs, “i’ll only reward you if you’re a good girl, my sweet.”

“o-okay,” your response was strained as maul’s tongue dragged up your neck, the zabrak purring. a wave of pleasure ripple through you, a shiver running down your spine. 

“that’s a good girl,” he murmured, “you’re my good girl, (y/n), listening so well.”

his hands roamed up your body, squeezing your hips, nails digging into your skin through the silk. desperately, your mouth collided with his, a soft whine tumbling from your lips. maul savored the kiss, his cock hard and rigid under his robes. gods, you knew how to ignite a spark within the zabrak. his fingers undid the knot of the silk, the fabric slipping down your shoulders. 

your breasts bounced, one hand on your back, the other on your shoulder blade as maul brought you closer to him, the space between you nonexistent. your core was dripping, soaking maul’s thigh. his mouth connected with a breast, tugging on your nipple between his teeth. your moans echoed off the walls of the throne room, filling the space. maul was beyond pleased, as he wanted everyone to hear. he wanted everyone in the palace to hear how he pleased you. how you were his. how he held power over mandalore, doing as he pleased, fucking you on their throne. 

“tell me you want it,” maul commanded, “tell me how badly you need me to fuck you.”

“i need you to fuck me maul,” you gritted your teeth as his mouth found your other nipple, “i need you.”

“you can have me angel,” he cooed, his breath hot, tongue on your breast, “i’ll give you what you want.”

you lifted your leg, allowing maul to slip out of his robes. his cock sprang free, precum dripping down it’s ribbed length. your breath hitched in your throat, your pussy soaking, your walls aching to feel his cock thrust into you. 

“go ahead angel,” maul whispered, “ride me.”

you lined your dripping hole at his tip, taking in every inch of his cock. throwing your head back, maul’s hand covered your mouth, muffling your screams as your walls clenched around every ridge of his member, your juices flowing onto his balls. 

“you have to move angel,” maul panted, his words strained, “p-please.”

his thumb pressed against your clit as you began to ride the zabrak, your breaths short and ragged. maul wrapped a hand around your throat, his eyes darkened as you felt every inch of him expand your pussy. waves of pleasure crashed over you, overwhelming your being. 

“look at you,” another purr rose in his throat, “riding my cock so good. you’re so beautiful (y/n), and you’re mine. gods, your body is so stunning, i love every single inch of it.”

“maul,” you whimpered, “i’m going to cum soon.”

“you better,” maul nipped at your neck, another love bite forming, “you better cum all over my cock, angel.”

your pace intensified, slamming onto maul’s cock. his hands roamed your body, settling on your breasts, rolling your nipples between his fingers. a harsh slap met with your ass cheek, maul’s hand gripping your throat once more. eyes fluttering closed, a spasm racked your body as you hit your climax, stars bursting in your vision. maul murmured in your ear, strings of dathomirian rolling off his tongue. 

you felt like collapsing, the pleasure overwhelming as your juices dribbled down maul’s thighs, onto the throne. maul watched, his lips pursed, pupils dilated. his cock throbbed within you, your thighs trembled, maul’s member swelling. 

“oh fuck,” maul breathed, his hands cupping your cheeks, pulling you in for another kiss.

the kiss was blissful, maul’s cum filling you up. he groaned, the sound almost melodic as it filled your ears. he held onto your face, tongue exploring your mouth, tasting you one last time. reaching up, your hands gripped his horns, sending a wave of pleasure washing over the zabrak. 

he pulled away, chest heaving, “i didn’t hurt you, did i?”

you shook your head, “no, not at all.”

“well good,” his eyes softened, glowing in the dim light, “i should help you clean up, give kaya the night off.”

“i wouldn’t mind that,” your voice was warm. 

“i love you,” he brushed a strand of hair away from your eyes, placing a tender kiss on your forehead, “more than you know, my angel.”

“i love you too,” you pecked his cheek. 

remaining on his lap, you hastily fastened your robe, smoothing out your hair. maul pulled himself together, allowing you to get off the throne first. your first steps were wobbily, your knees almost bucking. maul scooped you into his arms, a sleepy grin plastered across his features as he strolled towards the entrance of the room.

“did i wear out the king of mandalore?” you giggled, exhaustion overwhelming you.

“perhaps,” he chuckled. 

“perhaps we should do that again,” you shrugged. 

“do not worry my sweet, i plan on it.”

tagged: @smokahuntis​ @smaulahlee​ @queen-disera-the-fifth​ @maulieber​ @maulfrk​ @spaghetti-666​ @vitaminseaandcoffee​ @witchy-goth-unicorn​ @obiorbenkenobi​ @starflyer-104​ @doobiwankenooku​ @asajjj-ventress​ @clumsycopy​ @darth-mauls-hoe​

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

May I request a hc or fic of Xenia finding out that mc’s foster parents psychologically/emotionally abused her while she was moved from house to house?

WARNINGS FOR; Emotional Abuse Child Labor/Extortion Physical Violence. Racially targeted violence (Can Elves suffer that?) Written by: @evoedbd ******

Xenia often worked hard, keeping all four hands occupied as she carved a path through her daily burdens. Keeping her hands busy let her get more done, let her ignore the simmering energy and tension beneath her ashen skin. Today, however, she did not occupy her hands with various documents. She held one solitary piece of paper between her uppermost hands, whilst her lower set gripped the arms of her chair with such ferocity one might mistake her for a sovereign preparing to declare war. And war she would indeed declare, if only it was within her power. That solitary sheet of paper trembled in her weakening grasp, crinkled whenever she forced her fingers to tighten.

Perhaps it was not the weight of the paper, after all, the page was the same as all the ones Xenia often handled. It was as immaculate as expected of a spy mistress, save for the sodden patches where her spy had evidently failed to keep the snow from touching it, and a rather telling incomplete circular stain which Xenia had no doubt would align perfectly to a flagon of Ale. No, as far as paper went, this paper was completely average. Average weight. Average colour. Horrible condition… even worse words.

Finally, Xenia had a living example for the weight of words. Words bore weight in the court, more so than amongst the common people, yet many would merely believe that a metaphor for the dangers of speaking out of turn. Many forgot the written word was far more damning, but even so, Xenia knew most could not understand how metaphor could become reality. She doubted many would read words as she did, words which made the parchment they were written upon feel like the kingdom a Monarch might hold upon their shoulders. The weight she schemed to put upon the shoulders of the true heir to the throne.

Aspia Cross. An honest woman, named for the trees around her and the crossroads she was abandoned at. A beauty, with eyes the colour of the evergreen trees beneath the snows, filled with the fire of the Sun Goddess. A woman who was raised in winter, with a heart as warm as summer, named for spring yet filled with the cunning of autumn. Truly, a woman embodying every house, every season. A wildling with rich skin and flaming hair and dustings of freckles across a youthful face. A wildling she may have been, but Aspia had won hearts across the court. Her genuine smile had enraptured the Bard, Lyris. The soft gleam of her eyes and her gentle words had Princess Piama of Spring sinking deeper into a trusting friendship. Aspia’s raw, uncultured wit had charmed Prince Sevastian of Winter, whereas her loyalty and hidden skills with a blade had earned the genuine respect of Princess Ruelle of Autumn. Pirate and Spy mistresses alike stood ready to swear their allegiance to the Queen she would become, however that was a future vision. At the moment, Aspia was an elevated woman from the wilds. A mystery. A woman with scars few in the courts had seen, Xenia among them. She had seen those scars when she laced a wildling into fine dresses, a tapestry of lash marks down a freckled back, each a strike delivered without any sense of finesse. A senseless beating.

This was the report which Xenia held in her hand. The tale of Aspia’s life amongst the wildling villages, things she had not rightfully exposed to anybody amongst the courts. Aspia had spoken about some of her trials, of certain bullies Xenia could not name for the sake of safety. Yet when it came to certain parts of her life, Aspia showed her cunning. Her ability to avoid giving direct answers rivalled Xenia’s ability to manipulate them free, to the point Xenia’s desperation had reached a level of betrayal that ate at her. A network of spies, the sacrifice of coin. In her search for answers for the crown, she needed answers for Aspia’s wounds. She needed to know if those who had hurt the heir were worthy adversaries.

They weren’t, Xenia found, but their cruelty surely was.

The words she saw were blurred, yet each stroke of ink was painfully clear. She could see where the spy’s hand had frozen, perhaps shocked by what he heard. Or where the quill had lingered a little too long, tip trembling, perhaps due to her spy swallowing back outrage. Each harsh stroke of ink depicted further and further depravity, the lack of information painting just as much of a picture as that which was documented. A list of foster homes, matching a list of injuries and jobs the child had held. Physical and demeaning labor which would not have been foisted on even the poorest child. Beasts had been given more respect, Xenia noted, than what was described for Aspia. It churned in Xenia’s gut, bubbling like the mucus and tar Aspia had been forced to deal with. The residue left in the cauldrons Aspia had been forced to clean. Already, Xenia knew that when she looked at the taxes of each business that she would not find listings of a wage for Aspia. No, Aspia had exchanged a childhood for her life, her labor for the meals in her belly. The pattern continued, jobs and trades, wage less days for a struggling child. A pattern of abuse and extortion, right up until the end of the page. A place where the quill had pierced the paper. Where ink splattered. Where the ale stain lingered.

Each letter was a grain of sand in Xenia’s stomach, chaffing and irritating her gut on its way to join the quicksand and boulders causing such a sinking feeling of dread. The events documented were clinical, graphic accounts of Aspia snapping at her caretakers who had chosen their other ward over her, only for the punishment to be such senseless violence a gasp broke free from the Spy Mistress. A senseless beating, one Aspia had fought back against enough to scar her attackers. Xenia had seen some of those scars, each time she brushed the flames disguised as hair aside, or buttoned up garments where Aspia could not reach. Now, Aspia’s insistence on known aid made perfect sense, it was not merely a simple wildling woman’s discomfort at the fawning, it was also a survivor’s armor against unknown attacks.

The final words across the page made Xenia gasp, let the paper fall from her hands as they rose to cover her mouth less further sounds escape.

Once beaten, Aspia had merely used words between her wounded sounds. Delivered insults enough that her attacker had grabbed tools of his trade, then he had nailed Aspia’s ear to the floorboards. She had been left there to bleed out, to rot, until a neighbouring family found her. The family which had ultimately given her shelter. Amongst the list of injuries, one stood out to Xenia, stark and crude, much like a stroke of blood across the snows. Someone had attempted to sever the ear pinned to the floor.

Xenia gagged, unable to hold back the sob at the realisation. Someone had tried to cut Aspia’s ear off. Possibly Aspia herself in her dazed desperation to escape. The reports stated Aspia did not remember the events, only waking after a beating, dazed and confused. Xenia had doubts. Whether Aspia remembered or not, her body did. In the way she moved, in that endearing erratic curl of hair which never seemed to stay in place. Something so innocent, which now held a darker meaning. It was hair regrown, concealing the tail end of a scar. It was hair as defiant as Aspia herself. Even displaced, it refused to die, refused to do anything save grow. Even as it grew against the crowd, it somehow fit. It was somehow a radiant completion to a glorious whole.

The Spymistress was unsure how the parchment had returned to her hand, only that she found herself sliding it neatly amongst her most personal stack of papers. The reports she would either destroy or encrypt further. Files she would never allow to see the light of day. Her betrayal of Aspia’s trust would be buried, kept in the dark, a place where she would whisper her confession and beg forgiveness. A place she would allow Aspia to decide the fate of said report. If the heir wished to read it, it would be Xenia’s cursed gift to her Queen. Should Aspia wish it destroyed, then Xenia’s fireplace would burn brighter than the Sun Goddess herself. Would burn with the righteous fire Xenia wished to cast upon those named for such a heinous crime. For now, Xenia had a court to dance amongst, and a prayer for forgiveness to compose.

[watery-lane]

Raven (Prologue)

Pairing: Ivar Lothbrok x Reader

Summary: Ivar hears of a woman who is said to be able to tame ravens. Lost in his curiosity and thirst for power, the new king decides to choose her as his bride, with the hopes of getting closer to Odin.

Little does he know, it is not very wise to try and domesticate the dark feather creatures.

Warnings: Heavy angst

Words: 3K

A/N: This was supposed to be my entry for @dreamwritesimagines writing challenge “Not Today, Writer’s Block” with the prompts: “If I can’t be happy, I will be a Queen.” “Gods must have sent you as a gift to me.” and “You are nothing to me from now on.” back in October or so. It has been a while and it is even rude to post this as an entry for the challenge after all this time, but I had the complete series already drafted and I really loved writing it, so I am posting this as a completely non-related fict. I hope you enjoy one of the last ficts I wrote before taking my long hiatus.

There is a high cliff near the pier of Kattegat, a podium on Midgard, not tall enough to reach for the other branches of Yggdrasil but ideal for a pair of human eyes to watch over the coastal town. The thick dark green mantle of perennial trees guarding the crystal covered grass valley grants the visitor a discreet and intimate environment, while a lone stone resting mere feet away from the edge provides a place to sit and contemplate the seas. Your hair, painfully braided into a complex updo resembles the roots holding your universe in place. You bite your lower lip, eyes stinging ever so slightly, not because of the new hairstyle you had to wear from now on but because the idea of shutting your eyes close escaped from your mind. The vertigo you felt, the lightheaded sensation you used to take for granted was being torn away from you with each decision you took... or did not take.

Two dark figures fall from the grey sky next to you, deep croaks like vague greetings as the tempestuous birds land on a long branch right above your head. You smile solely with your lips, moving your hand full of fading claw scars out of the furs and into the little leather sachet hanging from your waist. At such sight, the two ravens fly closer.

“Eat slowly,” you playfully commanded, your feathered friends quickly picking the fresh berries you left by your side “nobody is here to steal your food.”

Your eyes return to the sea, a persistent reflex you developed since you could barely walk.

When you were little, you waited on this exact same cliff so you could be the first one seeing the boats sailing back home. Your father, a loyal and humble explorer, used to take you and your now deceased sister up there, apples and toys made with the most exotic woods hidden under his robe. He told you two to keep your eyes at the horizon, where the line between the sky and the sea seemed to melt and merge into one. You two were in charge of informing mother and the little ones of his return from every raid. He told you that if you were faster than him and reached home before he did, he would narrate his adventures like a tale before you went to sleep.

A few weeks after your sister passed away due to an outbreak of a ravaging plague, two ravens seemed to take her place at the cliff. You never knew whether they were there before you or not, but the newfound company seemed rather comforting while you mourned for the loss of your best friend and caretaker. They couldn’t talk, they didn’t show pity towards your broken self and their simple presence brought a certain warmth and protection that reminded you of her. Your new feathery friends would patiently sit on the nearest tree as you jumped around and collected berries for everybody while you waited for the boats to appear.

They didn’t use to get very close at first, their dark eyes observing attentively every gesture you made, a menacing shrill harming your ears when you made movements way too harsh for their liking. But one day you saw one of the ravens with their claw stuck in the cracks of an icy rock and you tried to melt down the ice with your own hands and furs. To this day you still had some of the scars from the attacks, their peaks and free claws digging into your  flesh while you bit down and rescued the creature that kept you company when you needed it the most.

The new company and the fact that you used to spend more time in nature before you sister passed away —event that pushed you to take over the household responsibilities she left behind— made you find your peace in that hidden cliff, waiting for father surrounded by nature.

Soon you started to develop a routine away from your peaceful nook, where you would wake up before the rooster crowed. You would visit the farmers and fishermen instead of the town market and clean the house before the little ones woke up. In this way, you found the produces to be fresher and the words of the workers much kinder. Whenever you managed to cram your household duties before noon, you gave the rest of your midday to your mother, who worked as the healer of Kattegat. It wasn’t until you finished sorting out the herbs and cleaning up the pots when you would quietly remove yourself from the wooden hut and hide in the woods again.

You could spend hours out there, picking up flowers, berries and branches. Your skilled fingers would work on the collected wood with the help of a small knife as you snack mindlessly either waiting for the sun to go down or your father to come back. You waited for hours, days and weeks.

You waited until you saw the ships sailing back home.

But your father never did.

Your mother, with a broken heart and four offspring to take care of, had to move on quickly, passing down more and more responsibilities to your ten year old self. She remarried a few months after the disappearance of your father, feeding the viper tongued people in town, who spread the rumour of how your mother cursed her husband so she could get married to her lover.

That is why, as she braided your hair under the dim light of the fireplace early this morning, she lowered her lips to your ears with discretion after you expressed your concern about your imminent marriage and whispered:

“If you cannot be happy, at least be a queen.”

A wise advice coming from a woman who knew what was to live under the influence of the people. As a queen, her daughter would always be above sharp tongues and poisonous rumours and with a husband like Ivar, those pigs would never dare to raise their voices against her. You will be protected.

“If I cannot be happy, I will be a queen.” You whisper to yourself as the two birds placidly eat their berries, hugging yourself while you feel your stomach churn as if a worm was trying to make your tummy its new home. “If I cannot be happy, I will be a queen, if I cannot be happy, I will be a qu— “

“What are you whispering about?” You jump on your seat at the sound of a second voice right behind you. The ravens croaked, annoyed at the sudden intrusion. They let an angry squawk before flying back into the woods. “Talking to the ravens?” Ivar jokes as he approaches you with slow steps, tired from the ride uphill to your hidden spot.

You stare as he gets closer, wondering if it is the added height what makes him make your guts squirm with concern and reservation. You liked Ivar, all these months of courtship helped you grow fond of him little by little. Yet, as the wedding time approached slow but steadily, you couldn’t help but feel your legs shake with nervousness.

The callous hands of the King search for yours under your furs after he sits down next to you, chapped lips kissing your knuckles tenderly as he observes you contemplating the ocean.

“Spill your thoughts.” Ivar asks calmly, eyes never leaving your profile. His voice, with a slightly higher pitch than all his brothers makes him sound a little bit more childish, a little bit more demanding. However, he was the king after all. He could ask for whatever he wanted to and he would get it. 

That is how he got you.

“Why me?” You responded with a shy voice, such question eating you alive ever since the day he showed up at your house and asked for your hand to your mother. That was mere weeks after talking to you for the very first time.

Ivar chuckles at the question.

He remembers the day he heard of you. He just returned from York, still a prince, the memory of that mysterious thrall sitting on his lap completely naked still lingering in his mind like the most precious thought. It was the first time he felt… worthy. Appreciated. Loved. Not useless, feared or despised. And, as much as he hated to admit it, something inside him was searching to feel the same thing all over again.

Ragnhild, one of his first thralls, was preparing him a bath when Ivar found himself spilling his thoughts to the young woman: how he was told that he was destined to great things and that he believed it too, how much he wanted to be closer to the gods and how bad he longed for a woman to help him with his legacy.

The strawberry haired thrall was not much older than the prince. She was probably ten years older at most, not very smart but wise and reliable enough for Ivar to trust her with his thoughts. Her hooded green eyes and freckled face had always had a calming effect on Ivar, who would let his guard down as soon as she got close enough to take care of him. Maybe it was because she worked along his deceased mother. Maybe it was because she raised him since he was a teenage kid.

To his surprise, Ragnhild agreed with him, unaware of her tight lipped smile while she told him about the daughter of a widowed witch, a wicked sorceress who killed her own husband. Said young woman was single and, as the thrall heard, never bedded.

At first, Ivar separated himself from the soothing touch of his thrall, his scalp growing cold at the places her fingers were massaging. He asked, with a menacing tone if she was trying to get him cursed too. Calmly the thrall shook her head, using her soft touch to mould him back into his previous vulnerable state.

She revealed that it was said that you could tame ravens, as people had seen you carry around two of them on your shoulders and forearms as if they were nests of food. She hinted that they could even be Huginn and Muninn, the eyes and ears of Odin in Midgard.

And so, Ivar went looking for you, asking oblivious guards and sharp tongued rumourmongers if they have ever seen you.

He found you, peeling an apple in a hidden spot on the highest cliff, crossing a forest not even his horse was willing to walk through. He stood behind some dense bushes, watching you. It wasn’t until you cut the fruit into pieces and let out a whistle when he could see two dark figures descending from a tree. You were talking to them as if you were waiting for a response, a serene smile plastered on your face making Ivar feel a rush of heat warming up his cheeks. What a sweet and curious creature you were. Such sight proved Ragnhild was not lying. The more he stared, the bigger was his desire of owning your gift.

He kept observing and noticed how one of the ravens carried a small stone on its beak before leaving it next to you. You picked it up happily, your fingers stroking the small head of the raven before handing them a slice of apple each.

At such sight, Ivar got angry. How dared you, a simple Midgardian, treat Huginn or Muninn like mere pets, stroking their heads as if they were hounds.

So intense was his annoyance he clenched his fist and hit the wet ground, making the bushes that concealed him shake with the impact.

“Who is there?” You asked abruptly, head turning towards his spot.

Reluctantly, after a moment of silence and stillness, Ivar showed himself, crawling to your seat slowly as you stood up, a little bit frightened at the sight of a crawler snaking slowly towards you. It took you a little while before noticing he was actually prince Ivar, your body a little bit more relaxed.

“I got lost in the forest and heard someone talking. I followed the voice and found you here, playing with... Ravens?” Ivar lied, voice booming with confidence covering any sign that could give him away. You didn’t talk, making him raise his eyebrow as he tilted his head. “You are not scared of a prince, are you?”

Truth is, you had all the reasons to be scared of this particular prince. Yet you shook your head, keeping your head high and nails digging into your palm while you tried to keep your composure. Ivar kept staring at your tense frame with a crooked smile until he snapped his head to the right to look at the two curious birds moving their tiny heads, staring back at the young prince. Slowly he crawled next to them, raising his hand to see their reaction. You held your breath, fully aware that any wrong move could mean the end of your beloved ravens.

The two little feathered animals could sense your nervousness, yet they remained calm and composed, eyes blinking slowly watching the little prince look at them with contained fascination.

“It is unusual for them to stay this calm before a stranger.” You blurted out, trying to break the tension. “They must like you, my prince.”

He smiled. The thought of those sacred figures favouring him making him feel good.

“You have a sweet mouth...” Ivar looked at you, expectant.

“(Y/n)” You answered, hands tidying your skirt. “(Y/n) (Y/l/n).”

“(Y/n)” Ivar repeated, enjoying the sound of your name rolling in his tongue. “Gods must have sent you as a gift to me.” Ivar whispered as he looked at you blush, side smirk and piercing eyes exposing his hidden intentions.

  Ivar recovers his trail of thoughts and tilts his head, a wide smile parting his lips as he lets his words out. You looked expectant, as if you were waiting for him to return from his trip to memory lane.

“Because you were born to be queen.”

You blink slowly, drinking down his words carefully like a strong ale, burning you and bringing heat to your cheeks the same way the beverage does.

The thing is, deep down you know you are not fit to be queen. You never were.

But the way he stared at you when he pronounced those words, as if he truly believed, firmly, adamantly, that you belonged next to him made you feel... Wanted. Worthy.

Maybe a little bit loved.

All of the sudden you feel a wave of gratification washing over you, silently thanking your mother for veiling for your protection. Her good wishes may have convinced Freyja to spare you a little bit more love than you probably deserved.

You nod with a smile plastered on your face, looking at your future husband with newfound tenderness.

“Those are beautiful words, my King.” Ivar grins with satisfaction, his calloused fingers bringing your cold hand to his mouth, gifting you another kiss before departing to the great hall. In the background, two different incessant croaks started to sound, menacingly.

Ignoring the persistent screams Ivar takes a few steps back, nodding to you as a farewell before leaving you on the same spot he found you, contemplating the silver water sway calmly like a child in the arms of the moon.

The physical pain of the braids tugging your skin no longer felt as bad.

You know that in a matter of hours, the weight of a crown would take over it.

As the moon fell upon the streets of Kattegat and painted the town in silver, the usually calm atmosphere that came with the darkness never got the chance of manifesting itself. Slowly but steadily, the soft argent shade was killed by rows and rows of bright fire, the voices of the people drowning the cracking of the fires.

Tonight, the king is crowning his queen.

“Do not forget the sacrifice, my King,” Ragnhild mumbles to Ivar, hot breath caressing his neck and ear like the touch of a lover, words dragging slowly like a menacing snake. Her hands tuck on the fur she was putting on Ivar, positioning them comfortably over his shoulders as he observes another thrall working on the last details for his wedding silently at the other side of the room. “you must do everything it is in your hands to protect your new family.” Still sitting in his fur coated chair, Ivar frowns.

“What is it that I have to protect them from, hm?” He questioned, counting the men and sources he had in his hands as he prepared himself to reprimand the mouthy thrall. “You have seen the army I own. Nothing will touch anything that is mine. Not her, nor Kattegat.” In the middle of her task, Ragnhild pauses for an instant.

“You can protect your loved ones from outsiders, but you cannot protect your wife from your own people.”

“I can punish them.” Ivar doesn’t miss a beat.

“Not when the harm cannot be seen. Or proved.” At this, Ivar turns around, chest puffed out at the idea of such menace.

“Explain yourself, thrall.” Ragnhild observes him pleasantly before walking around and bringing her hands to his hair, ready to braid it back again.

 “You must remember the nature of this marriage, my King.” Her fingers start to take strands of hair slowly. “You have heard yourself first-hand what they thought about your mother-in-law and her offspring.” Discreetly, she leans closer to him. “Snakes cannot do anything else but hiss.” Under her soft touch and swift words, Ivar frowns.

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[labyrinth-runner]

Hauntober Day 27: Ghost

Summary: When Padmé ends up meeting a ghost in her new palace, she’ll do whatever she can to help him find peace.

Characters: Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi 

Warnings: Not really a warning. Just an explanation. Young!Obidala AU where Padmé’s age is more like what it was in the concept of TPM, which was a “young adult” according to some various sources.

Word Count:~1800

“Sleep well, my lady,” her handmaiden told her before leaving her in peace. The bed in the lake house was quite large and comfortable, but she had no intention of sleeping. Once the door was closed and she had counted to thirty, she slipped out of bed before slipping on her robe and a pair of slippers. It was an old palace. It was bound to have secret passages. With a grin on her face, she started to tug on every wall sconce she could. Those always opened the secret hatches in the holos. After a successful tug, the wall opened up into a dark hall. Carefully, she took a candle from her dresser, lit it, and continued down the hall. 

Soon, she found herself in a maze of tunnels that spread out in all directions. Saying an old children’s rhyme, she chose a hall to continue down, following its twists and turns into a larger chamber lined with bookshelves. In the middle sat a desk. 

“A secret library!” she said in awe. She browsed the titles on the shelves, finding they were all unfamiliar. Then, she went to head back the way she thought she had come.

She walked further and further to no avail. 

“Great, Padmé,” she sighed to herself. “You’re a queen lost in her own palace.”

“Hello there,” a voice said. 

She jumped, turning to find a blue see-through man. Her eyes widened as she slowly backed away.

“Are you lost?” the man asked, stepping towards her.

“You’re a- you’re a-” she stammered.

He looked down and sighed, almost embarrassed. “Force Ghost.” He held up his hands placatingly, “But I’m not here to hurt you. I wanted to help you find your way back.”

Padmé took a deep breath. Friendly force ghost. Got it. “Alright, I suppose I’ll follow you.”

He offered her his hand. She went to take it, her own passing through it as a shiver went down her spine.

The ghost looked like he was blushing. “Sorry, darling. I forgot. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen anyone down here.”

He started to lead her back.

“What’s your name?” she asked after a few moments of silence.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi,” he grinned.

“If you don’t mind my asking... how did you.... you know,” she murmured.

“Die?” he asked softly. When she nodded, he went on, “That’s the problem, truly. I don’t remember. For some reason, I don’t even think I really am dead.”

“Why’s that?” she asked out of curiosity.

“I hear a beating. Like a heart. It’s faint, and it’s slow, but it is steady and it is there,” he explained.

“If you’re not dead, then how can you be here?” she asked.

He thought about if for a moment. “Astral projection, I presume.”

“Only Jedi can-” she trailed off as if noticing his clothes for the first time. “Oh.”

“Enough about me,” he grinned, “Tell me about you.”

“There’s not much to tell, I’m afraid,” she blushed. “My name is Padmé, but everyone around here knows me as Queen Amidala. I was recently elected Queen of Naboo.”

“That’s impressive,” he said. “Certainly more to tell than you think.” He gave her a slight bow, “I am humbled to be in the presence of a monarch.”

“You flatter me,” she chuckled as they got back to her door. It was closed.

“Well, that won’t do. Wait here,” Obi-Wan instructed before passing through the wall. He moved the sconce on the other side, opening the door. “Home, sweet home.”

“Thank you,” she grinned.

“You’re welcome, your highness. I hope I get to show you more of what the palace has to offer,” he murmured, giving her a lopsided grin. He held his hand out to her, and she tried her best to place her hand in it. He leaned forward to kiss her knuckles. She bit her lip. Did she have a crush on a ghost?

“Good night, Obi-Wan,” she murmured as he started to back away towards the wall.

“Good night, Padmé,” he winked before leaving.

Padmé flopped back on her bed and blew her hair out of her face. She was smitten. She also had a new secret mission: To learn as much about the Jedi as possible. If it was true that he was still alive, she’d do everything in her power to help him. With that thought in mind, she went to bed, determined to get answers from the palace’s caretaker in the morning.

She woke before her handmaidens and slipped into the gardens to find the caretaker looking after some roses.

“Your highness,” he said, “You’re up early. Is there something I could do for you?”

“Actually, yes,” she replied. Then, she lowered her voice, “But this stays between us.”

“Of course, you highness.”

“I saw a man last night while I was exploring the tunnels.”

“There shouldn’t have been anyone down there. The tunnels have been deserted for years. Only I and the Captain of the Guard know about their existence in case of emergency,” the caretaker said.

“I know. He wasn’t... he wasn’t alive. At least, not in the sense that we are. My hand went through him. When I was lost, he led me back to my room,” she murmured.

“You saw him,” he said in awe.

“Saw who?” she asked, playing dumb in hopes of getting more answers.

“The Ghost of the Jedi,” he replied. “You’ve never heard the Legend?”

“Legend? What Legend?” Now she truly didn’t know what was going on.

“The Legend of the True Knight,” he replied, “According to the Legend, a Jedi Knight battled a fearsome foe long ago. The foe won, but instead of killing him, his magic was too weak for that, it put the Jedi into a sleep. Neither dead, nor truly alive, the Jedi Knight was in limbo. The Knight’s Master, unable to truly get rid of the body, placed it in a glass coffin and hid it away until the day that he could be set free. Whoever sets him free is to be his ruler for the rest of his life, and he their knight.”

Padmé listened intently, “Has the knight appeared before anyone else?”

“No,” he replied.

“Then how do you know the story is true?” she asked softly.

“Aside from the look in your eyes... I’ve seen the coffin. I was a young man at the time, exploring the tunnels so that I would know which ones were important. I happened upon the crystal coffin in one of the halls. Inside was a Jedi Knight,” the caretaker told her.

“And you didn’t help him?”

“I couldn’t. I’m not meant to be the one that breaks the curse. I couldn’t even open the casket.”

“Do you remember where the room is?” she asked desperately.

“I’m sorry, your highness. It’s been so long,” the caretaker replied. “If you’ll excuse me, I have more to do in the garden.

Padmé nodded, dismissing him. She walked back to her room, lost in thought. If she was the only one he had ever appeared before... did that mean that she was to break the curse?

That night, she resolved to tell him of her plan, meeting him in the library again..

“So, you think that if you can find my coffin, then you can break this curse?” he asked thoughtfully.

“I do. Could you take me to your coffin?” she asked.

He blushed and looked down. “Well, darling, I’m afraid I don’t know where it is.”

“Well, I have two years to find it, but I’d like to find it sooner rather than later,” she said. “Come on.”

Every night for weeks, they searched the passages, trying to find his coffin. All the while, they were learning more about each other. They swapped childhood stories, hopes and dreams, and a great friendship started to blossom.

Eventually, they found the coffin. The two of them shared a look of excitement as she raced to the side of the crystal casket. Reverently, she ran her hand along it before pushing it open.

“Well, now what?” he asked.

“I... I don’t know,” she admitted. 

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright. Even if you don’t break the curse, I have had a wonderful time just being with you.”

“But, Obi-Wan, I can break the curse. I don’t know how, but I can feel that this is what I’m meant to do,” she said adamantly. She studied his body closely, noting that he wasn’t breathing. “Perhaps if I breath air into you?” 

He shrugged, “It’s worth a shot.”

“What if it doesn’t work?” she asked nervously.

“Oh, but darling, what if it does?” He rested her forehead against hers. “To be your Knight, will be the greatest honor.”

She swallowed, leaning over the casket. Her thumb settled into the cleft of his chin, gently tugging his lips open. Padmé took a deep breath before pressing her lips to his to create a seal. She breathed into him, watching his lungs expand. Then, she pulled back. 

“How will I know if it-?” she trailed off when she noticed the force ghost was no longer with her. 

“Obi-Wan?” No answer. “Obi-Wan!” She sat next to the casket, a silent tear slipping down her cheek. 

“No need to yell,” a voice came from behind her. “I may have been out for force knows how long, but I can assure you that my hearing is perfectly fine.”

Padmé stiffened, turning her head to see the young man in the casket sitting up and giving her the biggest grin.

“It worked,” she murmured in awe.

“I knew you could do it,” he grinned, getting out and offering her his hand to help her up.

Slowly, she placed her hand in his, grinning when skin met skin and a warmth enveloped her hand. In seconds, she was in his arms, hugging him close.

He hugged her back tightly, kissing her forehead. When he pulled back, he smoothed her hair out of her face before cupping her cheek. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do this.”

“Probably for as long as I wanted to do this,” she said softly before tipping up on her toes to kiss him. Her arms encircled his neck as he held her flush against him, returning her kiss with feeling. When they pulled back for air, they were both blushing.

“So you are to be my knight, then?” she asked softly.

“It would be the greatest honor to serve my Queen,” he grinned.

[airis-paris14]

Human Nature Pt.1

Summary:T’Challa Udaku has a secret. He’s tired of loving her in secret.

Warnings: None

A/N: This is a short story I wrote about a month ago and posted to Wattpad. It’s all completed and I’ll be posting weekly. Just let me know if you want to be on the taglist for all my stories. Hope you enjoy! ✨

1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Looking out, across the nighttime

The city winks a sleepless eye

Hear her voice, shake my window

Sweet seducing sighs

Get me out, into the nighttime

Four walls won't hold me tonight

-Michael Jackson “Human Nature”

T’Challa Udaku was lying. He had been for some time now. He felt like a Gemini twin. One side here with a life in Wakanda and another with a life in the States. Now he was a king, and he had no time for lying. He had a country that looked up to him and there’d be no time after this moment for anything to blow up in his face. He twisted the chain around his neck and sighed. He glanced at the clock. It was midnight, on what should have been the happiest day of his young life. Except it wasn’t. His phone pinged and he grabbed it off of the nightstand.

Queen: I know it’s late, I hope your business trip is going well. Call me when you wake up. I love you. Sweet dreams my love.

“Business trip,” the king sighed. “Another lie for the ages,” he thought. Deciding he wouldn’t get any sleep in his room he threw on some clothes and decided to go for a drive. He ignored the offers of accompaniment from multiple guards and Dora Milaje before pulling out onto the streets. A small smile graced the king’s face as he drove through his hometown. Several of the clubs and restaurants were in full swing. People laughed and danced inside and outside of the establishments. He drove around the city center for a while, before deciding he needed to be alone. He drove to the edge of the city and headed off-road. Twenty minutes into his bumpy trek, the king pulled up outside of the Temple of Bast. The building scanned his vibranium birthmark before allowing him access to her silent depths. The king’s footsteps echoed on the stone floor as he made his way to the garden of the heart-shaped herb. He took a seat on the edge of the stone walkway and let his feet sink into the water at the side.

“My king, you are here late,” The high priestess’s voice startled the new king. “Anai, I did not know anyone would be here tonight. I apologize if I am disrupting you.”

Anai smiled. “It is no problem, the flower is it’s most active and vulnerable at night. It is the best time to tend to the plants. It is also nice to be here when no one has much need of me. Zuri taught me that. There was something about this building that gave him peace, he hoped it would one day do the same for me.”

“Has it?” T’Challa asked. “It has kumkani wam,” the older woman smiled before making her way to stand closer to the king. “I assume that tonight it has found you looking for solace as well.”

“I used to come here and ask the advice of Zuri as a young boy, I thought being here might give me some clarity of mind,” the king confessed.

“Well, I am no Zuri, but I might offer my own advice if you wish.” Anai offered. “I do not want to draw you away from your work Anai.”

“Advising my king is part of my work. Besides, I am sure the herb will be glad to be rid of my incessant pruning for the night.” Anai smiled and gestured toward her office. The king stood and followed the priestess into a small office. She took a seat in a small alcove carved into the wall. T’Challa opted for a chair that twirled slightly as it hung from the ceiling. “What is troubling you kumkani wam?”

“I have a dilemma that will hurt multiple people that I love. I know it is not right, but I have been lying to all of the people involved and I am afraid that me being king will make the situation for one of them worse. I am at a crossroads with how to go about rectifying the situation. I want to be honest, but do not know where to begin.”

“I am afraid that undoing the damage done by a lie is not easy my king. Ultimately someone will be hurt, lest you start another lie to soften the blow of the other. Though, I do not encourage that.” Anai clarified.

“I know, but at this point, my deception is so complex and layered that I am not sure where to begin unraveling the web.”

“Every knot or web has one string that when pulled, will undo the whole set up yes?” The king nodded his understanding. “I would not pull that string first. I would decide who in the scenario should be the first to know. Whoever will be hurt the most by this news, is who you should address first. After that person is made aware, then you will have someone else to help you decide who you should tell next.”

“I think that is something I have known, but not wanted to admit.” The king sighed. “Then your heart is leading you in the right direction. Your earnestness in correcting this error means that you care. Believe it or not, you are still a good person. Just keep patience in your pocket, especially when people are hurt. Be aware they may say something they do not mean.” Anai advised.

The king stood. “Thank you, Anai.”

“Anytime Kumkani wam. I hope you enjoyed your festivities. One more week and all of the fun stuff is over,” Anai smiled, “At least for a little while.”

The king smiled his thanks before finding his way out of the temple. He checked his kimoyo beads for the time. 2:15 A.M.

He knew that he should head back before Okoye had the Dora Milaje deployed to search for him, but he had one more place to go. He turned away from his car and started the hike up the hill behind the temple. The heavens shined above as he wove his way through the grass and around the rocks along the hillside. When he reached the top the quiet roar of warrior falls calmed his thoughts. He took a seat on the edge and thought back to her. His love. His heart longed to bring her here, and hopefully one day soon he could, but for now, he needed to talk to someone else. “Baba, Zuri-” the king called into the heavens, “I know you are both up there and I could use some advice. I know that you all are watching me. This means that you probably already know of my deception, but I am tired of living that life. I want to make it right, do the honorable thing. Like an honest man, and king.”

T’Challa looked down at the grass beneath him, “Please, give me strength. A sign to if you will. A sign to show me that I am going about this the right way. I am going to leave in the morning to start making it right. I have to get this right. She means too much to me.” T’Challa sighed. His beads hummed on his wrist and he instantly knew sneaking back in was no longer an option.

He turned his wrist over and Okoye’s face appeared in the hologram. “T’Challa! Where are you? It is 3:30 in the morning for Bast’s sake. A panther is missing from the menagerie and we need your assistance in locating it. I look into your room and what do I find? An empty bed. None of your guardsmen knew where you had gone!”

“I appreciate your worry Okoye, but I am a grown man. I can take care of myself,” the King teased. A rustle floated through the air and T’Challa turned towards the sound, his suit silently covering his body. A panther emerged from the darkness and sat in front of the king before beginning to purr. A vibranium chip glowed in the vein of its left ear. “I have located the panther Okoye. I will meet you and the specialists at the temple of Bast.”

“Very well-” T’Challa hung up before Okoye could continue. “Looks like you and I will be in trouble tonight,” the king rubbed the large cat between its ears. “Thank you, Baba. You too Zuri,” The king called into the darkness once more. A shooting star flew past as the king smiled. He began the walk back to the temple, the panther in tow. As they got closer to the temple the king gathered his courage. When they made it back to where his car was located the panther’s caretakers escorted the large animal away before T’Challa was met with Okoye.

“What kept you up tonight?” The general started, leaning on the car next to her king. “I have to leave in the morning,” T’Challa revealed, turning to glance at his general and best friend.

“Where could you possibly have to go?”

“That is for only me to know at this moment general. I will be going alone. It is a personal matter, not diplomatic or dangerous.”

“Any time you fly an airplane it is a dangerous journey,” the woman teased. “Oh shut up,” the king laughed.

“Will you be back in time for the start of the coronation festival?” Okoye asked once the laughter died down. The king nodded, “I will have to be. When I return I will explain everything that kept me up tonight.”

“Good. I hope you find the peace you are looking for kumkani wam.”

“It is not my peace I am worried about,” The king sighed. Okoye frowned but crossed her arms in salute. The king watched as she got back in her own vehicle and pulled off, leaving the king to make his own way home.

Taglist: @almostpurelysmut @blackbypurpose @nyneebee @hutchj @tchoking @sisterwifeudaku @wikiwakanda @royallyprincesslilly @90sinspiredgirl @strictly Ashley @afraiddreamingandloving @thedelightfulone @autumn242 @purple-apricots @kumkaniudaku @queertrex @kaciidubs @halfrican-heat @skysynclair19 @dramaqueenamby @gorjiss @leahnicole1219 @kreolemami @mzbritt @yoyolovesbucky @derangedcupcake @builtalongthewayside @ilcb7 @chaneajoyyy @lalapalooza718 @ororowrites @leahnicole1219 @dopegalkk @sarcastic-sunshines @sarahboseman @shesakillerkween @waitingonafriend @faatassbitch

[sxveme-2]

hidden // din djarin

description: the life of nobility wasn't one for everyone. some would rather duck under the shadows around them, especially after a great betrayal to the name of a planet. but despite being hidden, not everyone can avoid the blinding lights of danger. whether it be those after those who had escaped, or the poor bounty hunter who ended up picking her up. both with a large bounty on their heads.    follow Cloak as she lives the days as an escaped noble, hiding from the eyes of serenno after the fall of count dooku, shacking up with one of the most sought after child and the mandalorian unfortunate enough to have a big heart.

Chapter two: the one with her new job

warnings: swearing

words: 3016

       "shining light, come see me." her mother cooed, beckoning the young girl towards her bed in the large and grand room around her. her voice was weak and cracked halfway through, the effects of her illness continuing to push through the inevitable strength the queen had.

       the young ten year old pushed off of the chair where she sat, reading a classic serennian tale to her mother. shutting the leather bound book, she hopped off of her tufted chair and walked towards the woman. her deep blue gown shifted around her gently, tickling at her bare ankles as she took a seat on the satin comforter that covered her mothers weak and failing body. those cold hands found themselves on the supple and tanned hands of the queens sole child. they were skeletal like, and she felt sick just thinking about it.

      "can I ask a favour of you?" the dying woman whispered out, eyes fluttering shut before being forced open once more. those same eyes that reflected in the youngers head.

      "of course mama." she whispered, eyes watering at the state of the woman she idolized.

      "I need you to take care of the children in the galaxy, when I am gone." the cooed, voice falling weaker with each syllable, "you are always so great with them."

       "mama don't say that, you'll be okay. father has the best doc- "

       "don't play the fool, my shining light," the queen laughed weakly, "I grow weaker with each breath. you mustn't let your ideals blind the reality of the situation. it will only hurt more if you do so. I need you to promise this for me though...please."

        "I promise mama." she whispered back, watching the light in her mothers eyes fail to exist as her own name fell from the queens lips for the last time.

-----

       "I don't do being a nanny." she stated, going to turn away.

       a part of her longed to take the job. to fulfill a promise she made more than a decade ago to a dying woman. a dying icon. but she couldn't bare to do it. she knew that if she took the job that the death would be true, that she fulfilled the dying wish of her. reliving the light draining from her eyes. hearing her name spoken from loved lips the last time. it killed a part of her every time she took the job to watch the children of the town. but those were children of her area, and were at most two days. this...this was a full time job. along with healing and caring for the hunk of metal that had dropped into the hanger that same day.

       a tug on her cloak turned her back around.

      "Cloak you're stuck in a rut here. I can't stand seeing you wake up and wander the sand dunes everyday searching for something you won't find here. out there, out in the galaxy, you can. and you will." peli stated, "I won't let you turn this down. I just won't."

       "who said I even agreed?" that same robotic like voice called from beside her.

       "I did," peli scoffed, "because you trust my judgement. Cloak here is an amazing healer and amazing with kids. you can't keep bringing him with you on missions.  you're taking her." the mechanic concluded, dusting her hands off.

       "...how much would I have to pay her?" the man asked.

       she stared at him with eyebrows furrowed and nose creased. she didn't want the job...no, that's not true. she wanted the job. she didn't want the commitment. it was too long for her. because she'd be fulfilling that damn promise. the promise of a dead queen. eighteen years later or not, she had yet to come to terms with the loss. because it was after that loss that her entire life fell down a hill. it ate her alive everyday, knowing there must have been something she could do to stop it. but there wasn't. as far as she knew, the death was caused by an illness naturally, no foul play involved. but her heart didn't believe it, it didn't make sense. not with how fast her father married another and began another family.

        "substantial, maybe even a bit handsomely. when I tell you she's the best, I mean it. no one would be able to come within an inch of the little guy without meeting the maker." peli chuckled, turning her attention back to her, "you're going, Cloak. would you rather die on this desert like the rest of us?"

       "yes."

       "oh don't be like that. you're taking it. now come, let's pack you up."

-----

       she could have just refused. hopped on her speeder with reddan and sped off across the planet and found some town to plant her roots. or be killed by tusken raiders. either worked for her. but instead, she found herself lugging a bag onto a newly some-what repaired razor crest alongside a mandalorian and a little green child. with a new title to her name. caregiver. she was now in charge of keeping the child alive alongside mando. someone who she already disliked a bit anyways. he was too...she wasn't sure. she just knew it wasn't him she was doing this for. she took the job, or was forced into taking it, mostly because she could just tell the kid would be better off. but also, she could hear her mother reaming her from the other side. despite her convincing herself she would never fulfill the promise, she had already. sort of. with the children of tatooine. but she knew the risks of expanding off of tatooine, and letting herself be known elsewhere in the world.

       "this place is a mess." she muttered, dropping her bag and looking around the ship, "I may very well be a blessing for you."

       "not if you keep talking, you won't be." he scoffed, walking past her and up a ladder towards what she could assume was the cockpit.

      she watched as he walked up. hearing the door to the cockpit shut, she ducked into the refresher. pulling off the large hood of her cloak and ditching the goggles, she let out a satisfying breath as her mask fell from her face. chocolate brown hair fell into her eyes as she stared at the small mirror in front of her. she saw the dead queens reflection in her own, her mother. the two looked so much alike. hazel eyes with a dominant hue of green. a perfectly swooped nose. cupids bow lips that were full and plump. her own were chapped and rough now, from five years of hiding underneath a mask on a dry planet. her high cheekbones sat perfectly under her eyes. whenever she saw them she remembered how clearly she could see her mothers on the final days of her life.

       she hated her face for those very reasons.

       her mother was the best person she had ever known. she was kind and caring, stern but nurturing. she cared for her more than her father ever had. the queen would read her to sleep every night, even when she became ill. she would wander into her mothers chambers and sleep with her many nights, especially near the end. her mother was unable to walk most of the time, so she simply was read to sleep in her bed. it wasn't like her father would wind up in it anyways. on her mothers final day, she read to her the entire day. feeling as though she needed it more.

       a day didn't go by where she didn't miss her. the warm smile. the soft touches. the hugs. the tea parties. the soft singing voice. her kind words. everything. everything about the queen made her heart break. because she knew she'd never be that person to someone. a family wasn't anywhere in her sights. she could barely look at herself in the mirror, let alone fall in love with someone enough to raise a family. she didn't need to be that person. she'd rather be the lone caretaker and runaway. not having any real identity or attachment to someone.

       "if you're done in there. I'll show you where you'll sleep." mando called through the steel door between them.

        sliding her mask on over her mouth and nose and over her forehead, and returning her goggles to her forehead, she slid the navy blue cloak along her arms and pinned it in the front, pulling the hood over her head before sliding open the door to reveal the warrior. nodding quickly, the two made their way around a few boxes to a tiny cot she would be sleeping on.

       "mind if I hang a curtain up around it." she stated, not waiting for an answer as she hooked a spare piece of fabric onto a few chains and attached it to a pipe above the bed, "don't need you creeping around."

        "don't flatter yourself." he grumbled, crossing his arms, "we're heading to nevarro. there's only so much peli could do. though if you had actually helped maybe there could've been more done."

        "alright buckethead let's not get ahead of ourselves." she muttered, bending down and picking up the child, "does this thing have a name?"

        "grogu. and he's not a thing."

        "...well then what is he?"

        "I don't know." he concluded, before walking back up the ladder. leaving her alone with the small creature she was now tasked to look after.

        dropping her head down, her eyes caught those large brown ones of the child. a smile broke out on her face as he showed his small teeth in a wide grin. she had to admit, he was really cute, and very loveable already. the way he would tilt his head or make small noises at her. how his sack like clothing covered his miniature body. her heart melted a bit each time he would coo at her and smile. until he would go and grab at her mask, like in that instance.

        "okay kid, you're cute but we've got to work on boundries."

-----

      "ever been here?" mando asked as the razor crest touched down on the planet.

      readjusting the dark blue material of her cloak, she glanced over at him from underneath her goggles, "no. and please don't try to be friendly. I know you don't want me as much as I don't want to be here."

      "just making conversation," he muttered, opening up the hatch, "if you don't want to be here why'd you take the job?"

       picking up grogu and tucking him into her arm, she let out a forced chuckle, "I guess I just had a promise to fulfill."

       without another word, the two walked from the ship out into the heat of nevarro. it was true, had never been to the planet. she had been to many places all across the galaxy, being who she was and all.  she visited lesser planets to listen to her father and his wife make false promises, all while their children and her would stand by idly. she would often find herself wandering off from the family and giving loose credits to the young children and told them stories. those were her favourite memories, where she was alone and had the resources to give to those who never had enough, while she had plenty.

        the two stepped down onto the dark ground, and the young child in her arms cooed. she smiled gently under her mask as they walked forward, readjusting the beige sack on her shoulder with the child's things. she wasn't sure what he exactly needed other than food, and that she could have just left on the ship or purchased something for him. but alas, mando had handed it to her so she didn't argue...he was sort of her boss now. despite the fact she will most likely not be listening to most of the things he told her to do. worst comes to worst, he drops her back off at tatooine.

         "look who it is." a woman's voice called as they continued walking forward, "nice to see you again, mando. who's this?"

         "hello cara," he returned, before glancing down at the girl carrying the kid, "this is um...I actually don't, know her name."

         "Cloak." she stepped in, reaching her free hand forward, "just call me Cloak. nice to meet you." she introduced, shaking the woman's hand.

         she lowered her eyes slightly at the woman before her. her voice seemed familiar, something that she could have sworn she had heard before. wracking her mind, she wasn't sure where but everything about her seemed so familiar. nothing seemed to pop up, but the words she spoke and the way she held herself as well as her stature was something that she knew. back on her home planet she had had stormtroopers at her home, due to threats and different things. and the tattoo on cara's arm gave her clue to her past. there had to be some co-relation...but she supposed right now wasn't the time for her to dive deep into her own past.

         "nice to meet you, Cloak." she smiled, nodding down at the child she was carrying, "so are you this little guys new mom or something?"

         "caretaker." mando stated, brushing past the two and walking further into the town that laid ahead of the group.

        letting out a sigh, she nodded and looked up at the taller woman, "yes. I'm here to take care of the child and make sure he doesn't get himself killed, I supposed." she hummed, readjusting the child.

         "it's nice to see he's gotten help, come on. let's let the mechanics finish up the job." cara hummed, gesturing for her to follow along as they walked behind the man,"...so you two like a thing or am I reading the tension wrong?"

        a small cringe flexed on her face at the idea of anyone reading them anything like a couple or something like that. the two had only really known each other for a day or so. and the only reason either agreed was because both trusted peli's judgement and her own deep and philosophical growth within. there was nothing romantic and she was almost repulsed at the idea of ever being romantic with him. she wasn't a fan of his pompous attitude and she was sure he wasn't a fan of not knowing what she looked like as a security measure. she was sure if there were anyway, he would scan every record in the galaxy to learn who she was. however...she would do anything in the galaxy to ensure he never did.

        "no," she stated simply, "no nothing of the sorts. I don't enjoy sitting in the same room with him for more than a few minutes at a time." she shrugged, glancing to the side at the woman.

        "I see," cara nodded, "kid seems to like you. that's what's most important to him." the brunette chuckled, "though we won't stray too far for the first while. that kid is the most important thing to him."

       she nodded and looked down at the little wrinkled green kid in her arms. she smiled softly under her mask, running her gloved thumb gently over his forehead and chuckling at the little noises he made. the way he would grab at her finger and smile whenever the two locked eyes. but he had yet to get over his habit of trying to grab at her mask and she figured he never would. she would have preferred that he grabbed at her hood instead, seeing as that was simply an extra precaution to hide her identity. he was one hundred percent taking over her heart, and she knew she had already become attached to the child. but the man that came with him? she wasn't entirely sure yet.

       she recalled how she was with her own half brother. the two seemed similar. there was a large age gap between her and the young boy that her father created with the witch of a woman she called her step-mother. both were very grabby and smiley, and were able to brighten the room or galaxy with simply a smile. nodine was his name. she loved him very much, and a part of her wondered how someone like her younger brother had come from people such as her father and step mother, let alone related to the monster that was her half sister. the venom that now seeped through the veins of her old family was only slightly cured by that bright smile and kind words of nodine. he was the one thing that made her second guess her fleeing from her home planet. she pondered taking him with her, but she knew it would be no life for a kid like him. he deserved a life of stability and comfort. maybe that was another reason she found herself inclined to take the job with mando and grogu.

      "well I promise I'll take good care of him.  I do quite enjoy children." she stated simply, readjusting her position holding the child once more.

      "he definitely seems like he likes you." cara stated, "now c'mon. why don't we get you and the little guy something to eat hm?"

       nodding along, the two continued walking along closely to mando, only to find themselves paused right out front of a stall where mando was meeting with another man. he was taller and had a seemingly warm smile. she was slightly hesitant, for the air around the two men seemed a bit tense as they spoke in a hushed tone. glancing over at cara once more, she noticed the girl had wandered forward to the group. yet hadn't invited her. as much as she wanted to walk forward and join the trio as well, she figured it wasn't exactly her place. sighing softly, she bounced the young child her arms, glancing down at a bit of fruit at another one of the stalls. only to be interrupted by the large man of metal.

       "we have a job here."

[kilejna]

Basic TL of events part 1:

Nightmare

I've changed some dates since the beginning of things, Angel is only 300 instead of 500 now etc and honestly they'll probably change again, so I'm going to use bullets to put things in order but the actual time between events is mystery ig

This TL describes major events that take place after the events of this ancient history masterpost, through the Nightmare saga (season 1 lol)

I'll have to break it up into 2-3 of these bc it got l o n g

Angel and Demi run away together. They spend several years absolutely destitute, struggling to feed themselves or find shelter before they gain a reputation for hunting monsters and taking adventuring jobs no one else will accept.

The Queen's Royal Guard find out that Angel left the Abbey where she was sent. She and Demi become Faerie's Most Wanted just as they're adjusting to their new, nomadic, odd jobs lifestyle.

Surrounded by an entire battalion of Fae soldiers, Angel puts all of her magic into a forbidden spell she had learned from her closest brother, Sky. She opens Nightmare, escaping into the void along with Demi before they can close in.

Thus begins their life in Nightmare.

Angel quickly discovers that she is able to manipulate the world around her. The curse that blinded her in the real world didn't extend into Nightmare, and she's even able to create her own new wings.

She and Demi spend years training, exploring, playing, and most importantly, falling in love.

Eventually, they find a way to come and go from Nightmare as they please, allowing them to hop between Faerie, Nightmare, and Earth. Shenanigans ensue for over 100 years. They never stay anywhere long, and they live exclusively for fun, for themselves and each other. The politics of their respective homeworlds mean nothing to them except when they dodge or clash with the Queen's soldiers. They map all of Nightmare. They attend Woodstock and the US Festival and they rob fashion show dressing rooms when they want a new style.

Until one day, there's a ripple through Nightmare as a new prisoner is added, their memories scrambling the delicate balance of the psychic prison. This is where our story officially begins.

They find Angel's closest brother Sky, now under the name Elliot And the three don't exactly get off to a great start.

Meanwhile on earth, Elliot's adopted, teenage son Cage searches for his caretaker. Only to accidentally enlist the help of some nefarious parties who have been searching for Nightmare for centuries.

Though Demi and Angel can come and go from Nightmare as they please, Elliot was shoved in by someone else. He can only be removed by their hand, or by the creator of Nightmare: the corrupted shell of his older brother Raum, known now as the Raven King.

Angel goes to Earth to find Cage and make sure he's okay, to let him know his father is alive, etc. Only to clash with the Queen's right hand soldier and Faerie's number one swordsman, the Marquise Swan. She pushes the Marquise into Nightmare, but is badly injured in the fight. Luckily, she's found by two of Elliot's friends, agents from a federal social work organization called Godmother that works with Fae on earth.

In Faerie, Demi and Elliot attempt to find the Raven. They come to a beautiful garden that's guarded by a massive, grotesque beast, and Demi explains this is the fate of those shoved into Nightmare unwillingly.

Once recovered, Angel returns to Nightmare to tell her boys she couldn't find Elliot's kid.

The three have a few brief adventures in Nightmare as they make their way to the Raven King's hideout. Eventually, they clash wish the Marquise Swan again, but with Demi by her side, Angel is able to defeat her this time. Since it is impossible to die inside Nightmare, Angel chains her up, leaving her to become a corrupted chimera.

They continue on, and finally find not only the Raven King, but Elliot's son Cage as well. They all fight, but it's Elliot who actually kills the Raven.

Without its creator Nightmare immediately begins to crumble and collapse on itself. But the hold over Elliot and Cage is broken, and the four escape to safety on Earth.

With nowhere else to go now, Angel and Demi move in with Elliot and Cage in their penthouse apartment in Portland, Oregon.

[chimswae]

BTS Caretake CH6

Summary: She may think she has Bangtan Sonyeondan wrapped around her fingers. She may think it is easy to love the members equally without hurting any soul. She may think the boys wont fall head over heels for her. She assumes it is okay to show a little love and affection towards the boys, what if she gets it all wrong? What if it only brings more complication to her already complicated life? Can she survive their charms? Will she be able to resist them? What if they just wont let her go?

- Pairing: BTS x Oc ( Yoongi x OC, Jungkook x OC)

- Genre: Fluff, Slight Angst, Romance, Idol!au

- Word Count: 2,070

- Author Note: I forgot again to update last week, so i am giving the update today instead! 

Previous | Next

Chapter 6

“Wait where are you guys going?” Yoongi’s gruffy voice stopped everyone on their track. Jin who seemed engross preparing the last plate of toast for the youngest one in the group diverted his attention to the grumpy guy. For some reason Yoongi looked extremely pissy today in his usual comfy clothes, black hoodies and his favourite ripped jeans.

Jungkook approached the seat beside Jimin, looking squeaky clean with his dam hair “Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?” his signature bunny smile spread across his face. Upon feeling Jungkook’s presence beside him, Jimin turned to face the younger boy to greet him a good morning but only to be welcomed by his wet bangs sticking on his forehead.

An unpleasant frown could be seen on Jimin’s face as he reached out to touch Jungkook’s damp hair “Can you dry your hair properly? You might catch a cold kkuk” the latter sighs softly. Being an obedient younger brother, Jungkook only nodded in response as he let Jimin stood behind him, drying his hair manually using towel that hang loosely around his neck.

Watching the two youngest guys pampering each other with affection so early in the morning, Jin shook his head while munching down his own food. “We have practice in a bit Yoongi, weren’t you informed by Hoseok yesterday?” his nose scrunched up, pushing his round glasses back at the bridge of his nose.

“Right. But isn’t it too early? Shouldn’t we wait for the caretaker Ahjumma to show up?” Yoongi retorted in hope others would agree with his odd ideas.

“Mmm hyung? I thought we aren’t allowed to be here when the ahjumma perform her job?” Jimin voice croaked cutely as his hands were busy stroking Jungkook’s soft hair making sure it was dried properly. “Jungkook stay still ishh” said Jimin, puckering his lower lips in between.

Jungkook tilted his head following Jimin’s movement whilst finishing his breakfast without complain. To him, whatever food prepared by Jin, was the best food that he ever tasted ever. He’s used to his cooking to the extent when they were too busy with their promotions, he craved for Jin’s food all week long.

Yoongi snapped “I know, but aren’t you curious to see who she is?” he tapped fingers on the kitchen counter anxiously.

“Whoa, chill man. Why are you so worked up today?” Hoseok inquired with his innocent round eyes. Apart from Jin, Yoongi talked to no one about the incident yesterday. Oh well, he was taking Jin’s word into consideration that he did not want to worry their manager over this petty thing. If it was a petty thing per mentioned by Kim Seokjin, he would not be as restless. He was sexually harassed by someone, eventually and he could not let this thing slide. God knows, what else the girl could do to them if she decided to return.

If the girl from yesterday was not a legit daughter of the caretaker ahjumma, shouldn’t  they be worried? What if something happened to their caretaker? That would be so mess up.

Jin eyed Min Suga in the eyes with a smug “Guess, he seems interested with the caretaker romantically. He claims the caretaker is a lady around our age” all eyes in the room were on him. Some were mentally judging Yoongi’s ridiculous ideas and some were reconsidering the things that he mentioned earlier.

“Is that even possible?” the leader finally said something showing his interest.

“I know what I saw. I met her yesterday and trust me she is not that ahjumma”

Everyone choked on their food and drinks as they gave Yoongi a wary look, perhaps disbelieving every word that he said. Before anyone could interrupt, Yoongi held one of his hand signalling he was not finish talking and continued “She claimed to be the caretaker’s ahjumma daughter saying that she worked in her place temporarily due to her health condition. However, I was not convinced by her so called “I am Mrs Hwang’s daughter” story. Plus, if she is really ill, the company would notify us. Don’t you think it is odd?” he exhaled softly, feeling satisfied with his explanation. Again, he left the unexpected kiss part because he did not want to answer more questions from the floor.

“Holy… Are you serious right now?” Jungkook’s brow flinch in confusion followed by Jimin exaggerated reaction, as he sank beside Jungkook.

Taehyung muttered “But hyung, are you sure what you saw? Before we left yesterday, you ate your medicine, right? Don’t you think it is the after effect from the drugs that you consumed?” Yoongi snorted in annoyance.

“It is just pills not a fucking drug that could get me high, Kim Taehyung! I know what I saw, the girl invaded our dorm. Should not you be worried? She could be a sasaeng!” he exclaimed with a displeased face. Jin on the other side was dissatisfied with the choice of word made by Yoongi. No cursing word is allowed with his presence in the room.

Namjoon lips was pressed into thin line, indicating he’s working on something discreetly inside his mind “That is weird. Did you manage to get something from her like her identification card or something?”

“Uhm, about that. She did show me her mother ids, proving that he is one of Bighit’s staff but not hers. Something came up that it really took me off guard. I lost her in the blink of an eyes” he grunted.

Hoseok chuckled teasingly “And what is that something?”

“Oh my god could it be!” Jimin lips formed into a cute ‘o’ shape as he exchanged glance with Hoseok and Jungkook. Whatever these guys had in their mind, it was not an innocent thing for sure.

“Yah yah, it is not what you think. Don’t you dare!” Yoongi warned sternly silencing the small giggles from the three idiots in front of him. He could not believe this, that none of them would trust his words. When will they ever grow wisely and consider everything he said was the truth.

“Alright, prove it to us” Namjoon suggested, crossing his arm defensively.

Yoongi’s eyes glimmered in sheer happiness, finally someone took him seriously. If the leader said so, everyone would eventually listen to the leader’s words. “So how long we should wait?” Taehyung asked out curiosity. Frankly speaking, everyone was dying to meet the caretaker ahjumma.

“She should be here in few minutes since we were supposed to leave around 7 today, she usually come on time right after we leave” Yoongi glanced at the clock on the wall. Would Seul show up today to end this doubt between them? He had to prove to everyone that what he’s saying was the truth.

Jin agreed with the idea and smiled “Okay we will wait for 30 minutes, if she did not show up then you are so done Min Suga” the latter rolled eyes in his seat. Jin’s threat was empty and like he would get scared over that tiny warn.

-------------------------

Tossing her body on bed, she grew frustrated over the memories that she had with Yoongi yesterday. What was on her mind? Why would she be this dumb? To kiss one of Bangtan members just to save her ass. This was so fucked up to be honest. How could she turn up for the job knowing Min Yoongi would be there waiting for her at the doorstep? After all, she did sexually harass him. Stealing a kiss without permission is considered crime.  

Seul stayed up all night searching for Bangtan Sonyeondan profile just because she was dead curious of the guy that she accidentally kissed yesterday. Then, she found out he was Yoongi the rapper and oh it came to her realization Yoongi was Agust D, her favorite Tony Montana song was rapped by him. How could it be possible?

The kiss was incidental, yet it taunted her even in her deep slumber.

The door to her room was clicked open, and her mother’s head popped out behind it with a bewildered look “Why are you still here? Should not you be at the dorm already?” she sighed.

“Mom, I don’t think I can do it” she sat up, crossed leg on her queen size bed.

“What is wrong? Did something happen?” her weight sank in front of her as she looked at her daughter worriedly. Not that she wanted to force her to fill in the job, yet the two stubborn kids insisted her to rest and get a proper treatment until they found her a donor.

Now, it was worrying her. She assumed things were doing just fine, since Seul had not shown any disagreement or complains these past few weeks.

“Someone caught me in red handed yesterday. I was cleaning the dorm because according to the schedule no one should be home until night. But mom, someone was there. The guy with gruffy voice and small eyes, he caught me red handed!” she facepalmed feeling remorseful.

“Min Yoongi caught you?” Mrs Hwang gasped upon hearing the news.

“Yes, whatever his name. He was there at the dorm, but no one informed you about it! For a record, he saw me. We talked, and I told him about replacing you. That was the only thing came out from my mouth! I screwed this up”

Mrs Hwang rubbed her temple accompanied with a soft sigh “That is bad, the boys have no idea how I look, and they may think you are lying. Did you show my id?” Seul was quick to nod in response to her mother question.

“And?”

“MIN YOONGI ACCUSED ME FOR BEING A SASAENG! SASAENG MY FOOT! I know nothing about them except few of their songs! He is rude I can say” she flinched in disgust.

Mrs Hwang squished Seul’s hand with a motherly smile, it was an assurance that she would solve this thing with the company soon and made sure things would not get out of hand. It was enough for the boys to know Seul’s existence but not the management.

“I will manage that, don’t worry. Take a break for a while, I will find way, so it won’t be messed up. Now, go wash up. You still have your bubble tea job to attend” Seul paused briefly feeling a little calm after the conversation that she had with her mother.

With hope, she did not need to show up to that dorm ever again.

---------------------

“It is 7.30 and there is no sign of the young caretaker” Namjoon frowned purposely highlighting the young part just to annoy the older guy.

“I SWEAR SHE WAS HERE YESTERDAY? CANT WE WAIT FOR ANOTHER 30 minutes!” Yoongi rubbed his hair in frustration. This called for trouble, why the girl did not show up after the stunt that she pulled yesterday.  

Namjoon eyebrow quirked up automatically, exasperating a deep sigh “I believe that is not possible. We have something important going on at the company today. I suppose you have a meeting with Pdogg hyung to attend, are you forgetting that already?”

“Hyung, I think you have seen it wrong. It maybe the ahjumma but she is not that young. It is possible if she takes a good care of her skin though. Some may look like in their 20s” Hoseok chortled positively.

I know what I saw, I know what I feel. That soft lips of hers, how could I forget it. The kiss was real. Suga mentally facepalmed disliking how the situation turned unfavourable for him. No one is going to believe him anymore.

“Come on Yoongi hyung we have lots of thing to do today, don’t waste your time. We will meet the caretaker ahjumma soon” giving Yoongi the last pat on his back, Namjoon went to get his stuff inside his room joining others to get ready for their practice.

Staring blankly at the cold and empty entrance, Yoongi clutched his fist, steadying his rapid breathing. Out of all days, why would Seul chose not to show up? Was she scared after the yesterday encounter? Was Yoongi’s warning affect her that much?

He wished to see her one more time to clear things between them.

They still had to talk about the kiss though. He couldn’t pretend as if nothing ever happened between them. Heck no, he was not an easy man.

This work belongs to  Chimswae © 2020. All Rights Reserved.

[anabe23bookwormstuff]

Naboo

*I’m really sorry if I get anything wrong but I hope you like it.

Spoilers from the rise of skywalker... kind of.

"I don't feel so comfortable about this" Rey said relaxing in her seat next to Ben on the ship.

"It's our destiny, your destiny, I promise I'll try to help you as much as I can with everything" Ben said reasuring, he was concentrated on piloting.

Rey wondered if there was no one else who wanted to rule, except for Ben of course, it wasn't that she didn't want the best for the galaxy but suddenly the responsability she felt as a jedi, the last one of two, intensified by having to answer to planets, to seek for their wellbeing, to reconstruct them.

"Don't be afraid. Breath" Ben took her hand to call her attention and offered a warm smile to her.

"I'm sorry" she sighed. As this new thing between them intensified, so their emotions, and Rey knew that if she felt conflicted that would only mirror inside Ben, she didn't want him to feel like that.

Slowly she felt calm, still some of her fears were there, buried deep, but there was more calm and light than before.

"Thank you" she whispered to him.

The trip to Naboo wasn't that long and when they landed a group of people gathered to greet them.

"Rey, Ben, thankyou for coming." The queens representative said.

"Thank you for having us" Ben said.

"Please, follow me, the queen is waiting for you"

The crowd said bye to them and handed them a few presents, little representative things from Naboo, invitations and money, like they needed it, still the detail was kind.

"Queen Zorya" Rey and Ben vowed.

The main room of the palace was huge, with tall ceilings and columns, there were many mirrors on the walls which reflected the sun in the sky and the green around them.

"Masters, it's a pleasure to have you in Naboo, I'll make sure you have the best attention and anything you need in hand" The queen stepped down her throne and walked to them.

Her red and yellow gown trailed behind her and she seemed to float.

"In your message you asked for an urgent meeting with us your majesty, so here we are" Ben said. Then queen looked at him as concealed as she could but Rey could notice it, and the faint blush on her cheecks.

"We're hoping to be useful" Rey added.

"Of course, and we will meet with my  concelours and generals, but first won't you like to eat?"

"Of course your majesty"

They followed her and a couple of guards to another room of the palace, this one was more blue and a large table occupied most of it, with beautiful lights all around.

"I can see you like the decorations" the queen said to Rey.

"The palace is beautiful, well, Naboo in general... seems like a beautiful place" The queen laughed a little and smiled at her.

"Thank you, I can show you around later if you'd like"

They took seats and answered the many questions that Zorya had, because she had also requested that they called her that, and asked some others too. Rey knew Ben was filled with curiosity and was trying to handle himself as best he could, but their connection betrayed him.

To Zoyra he may look calm, open and relaxed, which he was for the most part, but Rey felt his anticipation and longing to know more about his family, so she decided to do soemthing and face the consequences later.

"Zorya, is there any place which we could learn more about... Naboo?"

"Sure, what would you like to know?" she asked after chewing.

Ben turned to look at her and raise his brows, a confused look that Rey mirrored, making the queen laugh.

"We... I-" Rey corrected herself when Ben coughed a little, " I'll just like to know more about it's history, their rulers, their traditions... and such" she tried not to shrugg.

Zorya smiled in complicity.

"If you want to know things in general then you can visit the palace's library, and if you" this time she looked at Ben, "would like to know more about Queen Amidala, then you can also find a book with some of her notes on the library" Ben blushed a little and vowed his head in embarrasement.

"Thank you"

"No problem"

When they were done eating and the queen showed them around the palace they finally had the meeting.

They wanted to know what to do with a big group of stormtroopers which had a camp neer Theed, and an old quarter of the first order which was now abandoned.

"The troopers must leave or integrate to your society, if you allow it, then leave their old charge' ben explained.

"Of course we couldn't make this kind of desicions without you" The queen said looking at both of them, under the table Ben took Rey's hand and once again transmitted her peace.

"We're going there tomorrow to solve this issue your majesty. We can also discuss what your terms are in case any of them would like to integrate to Naboo" Rey said and Ben couldn't help but feel proud. He knew Rey would be an amazing ruler.

"Very well, you may rest. My maids will show you your rooms and any time you want something you just ask. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow." She vowed to them and left.

"Please, follow us" Ben and Rey followed the maids though a long hallway with many windows which allowed the now weaker light from the sun to come in and notice the lakes far away. Rey took a deep breath, Naboo was really a beautiful place.

Their rooms were not that far from eachother, and after they changed their clothes for more comfortable ones they decided to go to the library.

"I've found it" Ben said through their bond, Rey turned to look at him, she was folding her clothes at the edge of her bed.

"How did you get there so fast?"

"I just can't wait" he shrugged and bit his lip. Rey snickered.

"It is..." Rey closed her eyes and tried to imagine the path Ben followed, like his energy had traced a map for her and all she had to do was follow.

"Upstairs... the second room to the... left?" she opened just one eye to peak at Ben's reaction.

"You almost had it, one room to the right" he sat down somewhere.

"Ugh. Okay, I'm coming" With that he dissapeared and she was in her room again.

This trick, of trying to map eachothers moves was something they started trying after they felt better, they though that if they could master it then maybe it will be useful, if they ever got apart, or in a fight... in case there was one, plus it was fun.

"Have you found anything yet?" Rey asked coming behind him and placing her hands on his shoulders, she rubbed his arms a little in a familiar way.

"I think this is the book with the notes that Zorya mentioned... but I can't find the notes"

"Let me help" Rey opened the place beside him and leaned more to his side so she could take the book.

As she did she noticed that Ben was only looking at her.

"What?" she asked a little shy.

"Nothing. I just like how you concentrate" he ran a hand through his hair and then used his powers to pull another book from the shelves.

They were comfortable with eachother as they searched for the notes and learned a little more about the history of Naboo.

"You think they did?" Rey asked excitedly.

"They must. There are only two initials written down here, but I know they got married in secret so... it must be them" Ben said.

With the help of the notes and some book that kept record of people's marriages they thought they'd found when and where did Anakin Skywalker, Ben's grandfather, and queen Amidala got married.

"He must've loved her a lot" Rey said with a sad smile.

Ben didn't say anything but kept looking thorugh the books, but Rey could feel him.

"It is suposedly forbidden for the Jedi's to get married, and he did it anyway... it's kind of romantic" she added.

"In the end I guess things didn't go as my granfather expected" he sighed.

The moon was up in the sky now and they wanted to visit the lake country tomorrow, after they solved the issues with the troopers, so they went to bed.

"Goodnight" Ben said as they stood in front of Rey's bedroom.

"Night"

He was walking away when Rey called out for him again.

"Yeah?" she wasn't sure what to do know, she just knew she wanted... something from him.

He snickered a little and went to kiss her cheeck, then said goodbye again.

With that they both retreaed to their rooms and had a goodnight sleep.

"I'm just glad that we could solve that easy" Rey said as Ben drove through the lake on the way to the lake country.

"And we are going to be able to solve everything else" he reasured her.

It was still early when they got to the lake retreat, which used to be a place to rest for queen Amidala, and very important people too.

Luckily the house/palace was empty now, except for the caretakers who let them in.

They explored it for a bit and Ben had the feeling that definitely his family must have been there at some point.

They got separated and later Rey found him on a big balcony, it had big columns and a floor that reflected the sky, beautiful flowers on tall pots and an incredible view.

He stood with his legs parted a little and his hands clasped behind his back. Rey felt a weird pull of energy, someone else, other time... but she kept walking.

"I wouldn't mind living here" she said.

"The view is pretty great too" he said, he took his hand and guided her to the edge of the balcony so they rested against it.

"Apparently many people come here to get married" he commented.

She gave him a questioning side glance.

"hmmm"'

"I think they got married here" he said, turning his body a little more facing hers and noticing that they were know helding both hands between them.

Like the first time they touched hands when Rey was staying with Luke and Ben opened up to her, their touch send chills through their spines, their breath quickened and they found eachothers eyes.

Rey wanted to say something... but she couldn't. She could tell the smae had happened to Ben, so they just intertwined their fingers and held their hands tighter.

"There is a very special bond holding you two together" someone said interrupting them.

They let of one hand and faced the person.

"A dyad... so weird. You're lucky" it was an old man who came close to them.

"How do you know that?" Rey asked.

"Reading and meditating" the man said tapping his forehead with a finger.

"And what do you know about it?" Ben asked.

"May I touch your hands?" he answered instead.

None of them actually said yes but the man did it anyways.

He closed his eyes and hummed in agreement.

"Your life... is his life, your force... is her force" the man gesture towards Rey's heart to Ben's and back.

"There can't be one of you without the other, a same force, with two sides and one life in two bodies. It's amazing" he smiled kindly and let their hands go.

"Does that mean..."

"Well it's just that you're linked, as long as you live, she lives and the other way arround"

The man left them to rpocess this information, they already knew that... in some level they were connected, in their minds and souls but... they didn't imagine that their lives were that linked.

"I guess... since I gave you my force and you gave me yours... it makes sense" Rey said.

"You don't look that excited to have me hanging around for such a long time" he teased.

"And you're alerady predicting it's a long time" she nodded.

"I hope you get to live forever... and do all that you want" he rubber her palm with his thumb.

She smiled and pulled him to her, they stumbled a little against the railing but Ben stabilized himself with one hand and wrapped the other around Rey's waist as they kissed.

They hated that they had to go back and finish discussing thing with Zorya, but they've found peace in that place and a warm smile couldn't leave their faces.

Back at the palace Ben decided that he would convince Rey to stay with him at the lake retreat for a few days before they went back to the resistance/ restoring group.

They didn't knew but Naboo still had a couple of things to teach the young pair, mistakes that ghosts from their pasts didn't want them to make and lessons learned a long time ago.