#'we'll be fine without a healer' they were NOT fine without a healer

[ludicrousladybug]

It's Always Sunny In Ferelden

[writinginatree]

Together

Relationship(s): Bodhi Durran/reader

Summary: Bodhi and you started dating in the years after the Apostasy, and when the time comes for him to join the Riders Quadrant, you surprise him with an unexpected decision.

Warnings: Swearing, some mentions of angst due to Apostasy-related reasons and reader's parents being disapproving, but overall very lighthearted and fluffy

Part 2

"So, when are we leaving?" you ask, bouncing up and down where you're sitting on Bodhi's bed as you watch him lay out the things he wants to bring to Basgiath. It's a bit soon to be packing, but you know he's simultaneously nervous and eager to join the Riders Quadrant, so you don't say anything about it.

At your question, Bodhi stops what he's doing and turns, blinking at you in confusion. "We?"

"Yep. I'm coming with you."

"You're... coming with me..." Bodhi slowly repeats. "To Basgiath...?"

You nod. "And into the Riders Quadrant."

For a moment, your boyfriend is speechless. He sits down beside you, staring at you like he's waiting for you to take it back or say you were joking.

You don't.

After a few seconds he gives a confused shake of his head, hard enough that his curls bounce all over the place. "Whoa, hold on. What?"

You bite your lip, suddenly nervous what he'll think about your decision.

Blurting it out like it's the most natural thing in the world might not have been the best way of telling him you intend to accompany him. You don't want to seem clingy — which is ridiculous, because you are. And that's fine, because so is Bodhi. In the year and a half you've been dating, the both of you have become practically inseparable. Not a day goes by where you don't see each other, and you sleep here with him almost more often than you do at home.

His impending departure has been hanging over the both of you like a dark cloud for weeks, neither of you sure how the fuck you're supposed to cope with being away from each other. But then the realization had hit you that it doesn't have to come to that. It's the perfect solution, really, and you're surprised neither of you had thought of it sooner.

"Well," you start, "I can't stand the idea of not getting to see you and not even getting to write to each other for a whole year. So I thought, why not become a rider too? I've been joining you for your training all the time anyway, so it's not like I'm unprepared."

Bodhi shakes his head, not in denial but simple disbelief. Clearly, this hadn't occurred to him as an option. "But I thought your parents wanted you to—"

"Yeah, yeah," you wave him off, "but I don't care what they want. It's my life, not theirs."

"It's your life that you'd be risking in the quadrant!"

You shrug, cocking your head with a playful grin. "Worth it, if it means I get to be by your side."

"You're unbelievable," Bodhi groans, but he can't help return your smile. He's always saying how your smile is infectious; maybe there really is some truth to that.

"You love me, though."

"Yeah... Yeah, I do."

The way he looks at you is half adoration and half exasperation, like he can't quite decide whether he should be worried or swooning over the idea that you love him enough to follow him into the death trap that is the Riders Quadrant.

The worry seems to win out, because he asks, "Are you really sure this is a good idea, though?"

You pout. "I thought you'd be happy to have me with you."

"Of course I'd be happy to have you with me! I just— I don't want you to base your career choices solely on me. Joining the riders isn't a decision you should make lightly, considering it could fucking kill you."

"I know. And I'm not making the decision lightly, I promise. I've been thinking about this for weeks, and I am sure, Bodhi. As far as careers go, being a rider is as good as anything else as far as I'm concerned — better, really, 'cause we'll be together."

"You could just as well join the healers or scribes, though," Bodhi points out. "That way you'd get to be near me without actively risking your life."

"Nope. If I'm going to Basgiath, I'm doing so as a rider. All or nothing, baby."

Bodhi sighs, and you decide to placate him with a kiss. When you pull away, his precious smile is back where it belongs.

"Well, if you're really sure," he says, lacing his fingers with yours. "Not like I can stop you. And it would be nice to have you with me."

You beam back at him. "Then it's decided. We're gonna become riders together."

"Alright. Together." A sudden thought makes him chuckle. "I can't wait to see Xaden and Garrick's faces when they hear you're becoming a rider just because we didn't want to be apart. I bet they're both still single."

"I can't wait to meet them," you say, squeezing his hand.

Since first-year rider cadets aren't allowed correspondence, Bodhi hasn't heard anything from his cousin or older friends since they started the quadrant, but he is stubbornly optimistic. That headstrongness must be a family trait, since Bodhi's main reasoning for his optimism is that his cousin is simply too stubborn to get killed. Still, you know sometimes Bodhi lies awake at night, worrying. It'll be good for him to see his friends again, to have certainty they're okay. He's missed them so much, especially Xaden. Bodhi always talks about him with the utmost admiration — no wonder, what with the way the older boy had literally saved his life, along with those of all the other marked ones.

You're curious what he'll actually be like — and a little nervous whether he'll approve of Bodhi's relationship with you. The distrust between the rebellion kids and other people goes both ways, you've learned.

"Bodhi? What if they don't like me?"

He shakes his head and pulls you into his lap. "It's impossible to not like you, darling."

"Liar," you say, playfully bumping your shoulder against his chest. "Lots of people don't like me."

"Fine, let me rephrase," Bodhi laughs. "Anyone who doesn't like you is an idiot, and Xay and Garrick aren't idiots, so they'll like you just fine. That sound better?"

"Mhm."

But despite Bodhi's certainty that they'll like you, you're not fully reassured. Now that you've started thinking about it, you can't shake the fear that the other marked ones — his family — won't approve of you. Older relatives can be overprotective. Your own parents are a case in point, with their continuous distrust of Bodhi and their insistence that you should stop seeing him.

"Hey." Bodhi brings his hand to your chin, tilting your head to look at him. "I mean it, baby. They're going to adore you, I promise. Okay, I guess Xaden might be a bit wary at first... he's never really been a fan of letting in new people, y'know. And it's probably only gotten worse since I saw him, with how most people view us as traitors. But he'll warm up to you quickly enough once he gets to know you a little, trust me. And I did mention you in some of my letters before he started Basgiath, so he's had some time to get used to the idea of you, at least."

"Do I want to know what your letters said about me?"

"Only the best," he assures you with a wink. "I think mostly I just rambled about how happy you make me. And hey, being so dedicated to come into the quadrant with me will probably earn you plus points, too."

"Or he'll think I'm some kind of obsessive stalker..."

Bodhi bursts out laughing, and after a second, you join in. You really are being silly.

"I don't think it counts as stalking if I want you to do it. Xaden has first-hand experience with how clingy I can be, so I doubt he'll be surprised at us being so... well, clingy, with each other."

"First-hand experience, huh? Did he have to give you a dozen goodnight-kisses every evening, too?" you tease.

Bodhi chuckles along with you, stealing a kiss before answering. "No, but I did climb into his bed for cuddles a lot when we were kids. Xaden would always say but only for a few minutes, but when he tried to kick me out, I'd just pretend to be asleep. Pretty sure he always knew I wasn't, but he let me stay anyway. I think secretly he wanted to cuddle too, but don't tell him I told you that."

"I won't," you promise, grinning ear to ear at the cuteness of it.

"And while we're at it, you probably shouldn't mention how much I told you about the Apostasy, either. Xay would kick my ass for being too trusting." Bodhi makes quotation marks in the air around the last two words.

You nod, well aware he wasn't supposed to talk about the truth behind the rebellion. If the wrong people heard, he would be in serious trouble.

It wasn't like he had meant to tell you; after some assholes had made one too many mean comments about his dead mom, the words had simply started pouring out once you were alone, about how it was all one big lie and all that the marked kids' parents had been doing was try to help people. He hadn't told you any details, either. Not because he didn't trust you — he did, and does so even more now that you're a couple — but because he'd realized halfway through his tearful rant that knowing too much might put you in danger if anyone finds out what you know.

"Don't worry," you say. "You know I can keep a secret."

"Yeah, I know."

For a few minutes, you sit in comfortable silence, your head resting against Bodhi's shoulder, his arms lazily draped around your waist.

"You'll probably get a lot of dirty looks for being with me once we're at Basgiath," Bodhi remarks. Wincing, he adds, "Even more than you do now, I mean."

You don't lift your head, only hold him a little tighter. "You know I don't care about that. If anyone tries to call you a traitor, I'll fight them."

Bodhi laughs softly. "Please don't. You would probably be fighting people all day, every day if you started doing that."

You chuckle too, but the casual reminder of the hatred the marked ones experience and of how used to it Bodhi is makes your heart ache for him. "I wouldn't mind, if it's for you."

"Yes, you would," Bodhi grins. You sit up straight, ready to object — even if you're just joking around, you want him to know you'd happily do anything for him. But as you open your mouth to say so, he goes on, "Because then we wouldn't have any time left to cuddle."

You snap your mouth shut, raising a finger. "That is a very good point, actually. I'll keep it to a minimum then, and only fight the really mean ones. That should deter the rest."

"Sounds like a plan." Then he turns serious. "Speaking of mean, how pissed are your parents about your decision?"

"I haven't exactly told them yet," you admit, grimacing at the mere thought of having that conversation.

Saying that your parents aren't very fond of Bodhi would be an understatement. They'll throw a fit when they find out you plan to follow him into the Riders Quadrant, call it proof he's a bad influence. If only they would open their eyes and see what a sweetheart he is.

"Ah. But you will tell them, right?"

"I dunno. To be honest I'm tempted to just sneak away, leave a letter to explain where I went and why."

"They'll think I kidnapped you," Bodhi jokes.

Your responding smile is more reflex than genuine. That scenario seems entirely too possible for you to truly find it funny. With your parents' attitude regarding your boyfriend, you wouldn't put it past them to get ideas like that.

"Yeah," you sigh. "And if I do tell them, they might just lock me in my room to keep me from going."

"I'd come break you out if they did that," Bodhi promises with a kiss to the top of your head.

"Thank you," you hum, and snuggle back into his embrace. "But let's hope it won't come to that."

Bodhi nods. "You could sleep here the night before we leave. Stash your pack here beforehand."

"Good idea. Will you come over and help me pack later? My parents will be out until dinnertime."

You're not quite sure what to take with you, besides the absolute essentials, and will probably bring either way too much useless stuff or end up forgetting something important, if you pack on your own.

"Of course."

"Thank you." You pause. "You know, you never answered my question."

"What question?"

"When we'll be leaving."

You have no idea how long the journey to Basgiath is, but since Bodhi has to show up there in time for Conscription Day, he's surely been told when he needs to leave.

"Tuesday morning."

"Well, that still leaves me some time to decide if I'll talk to my parents or just sneak away."

Bodhi hums in agreement, radiating silent reassurance.

You know he'll support you either way. Together, you can face anything, be it your parents, bullies, or dragons.

[mer-acle]

Snippet: Slipping Through My Fingers

Playtime (Pt. 4)

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Olympus, Hera's garden. Hera is reading a letter in the shade of a tree. Suddenly, she flinches slightly and looks up in alarm, as if she's heard something. Without hesitation, she dematerializes the letter and heads outside. Ares dashes over the field, his pants quick and frightened. He meets Hera on the path toward Olympus.

Hera: I sensed you and Athena, what's wrong?

Ares barks urgently.

Hera: Words, dear.

Ares growls, but shifts back, his sentence half-cut-off by the transformation

Ares: -playing, and I- she's hurt, and she's bleeding, and I don't know what to do, Mom!

Hera: Slow down. What happened?

He takes her hand and pulls her along toward the field.

Ares: We were playing... and I was hunting her... for fun though, just for fun, and then- when I caught her, I was... I was too strong, and she got hurt. I can't- I can't see it, but she was breathing wrong and she's in pain.

He's cut off by a sob. Hera runs her fingers over his knuckles.

Hera: I see. Was she talking when you left her?

Ares nods tearfully. She ruffles his hair.

Hera: That's good. We'll help her, okay?

Ares nods again, then shifts back into a dog to run ahead. Hera doesn't scold him, following him in quick strides.

Near the forest, Athena has gotten to her feet, standing less straight than she normally would. Every breath stings way more than she would care to admit. She can hear Ares bark before she sees him, then there he is, skidding to a halt near her and transforming back. For a moment, she allows herself to think he's alone.

Ares, out of breath: I got help.

Athena looks like she really wants to say something abrasive, but she stops herself. Hera steps into view, her eyes quickly checking Athena for injuries. When she gets closer, Athena takes a step back, grimacing slightly at the movement.

Hera: You got hurt?

Athena: Suppose so.

Hera: Let me see.

Athena takes another step back.

Athena: It's fine.

Hera: Athena-

Athena: It's fine. He got scared by the blood, it's not serious.

Hera: That's why you won't take a deep breath?

Ares: She said she had a brok- a broken rib maybe.

His voice is still very small and scared.

Hera: That's what it looks like. Her voice softens. Athena, I have no interest in hurting you, I just want to see how badly you're injured.

Athena presses her lips into a thin line.

Athena: I said no.

Hera doesn't let her expression falter, her voice becoming firmer.

Hera: Good. The options you have are letting me look or coming along to the healers. You're not walking this off. If you can't do it to be reasonable, do it so your brother can have some peace of mind.

Athena glares at her, but when she looks at Ares' round pleading eyes, she sighs.

Athena: Healer it is, then.

She turns and walks ahead, one arm wrapped around her torso. Ares quickly catches up to walk beside her as if he's scared she'll suddenly keel over. Hera follows a few paces behind, her expression wistful. She's holding the sorrow back. It is more reasonable this way anyway, Athena will in all likelihood need medical attention whether or not Hera looks at it first. But she knows how much Athena hates being at the healers'. She's never liked people she didn't trust touching her. It still stings that these days, that includes Hera, too.

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Part 1| Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |Part 5

Dammit I thought we would be done in four lol

@sarnai4 well i can hardly stop tagging you now can i ;)

[shanastoryteller]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN GRANDMA!! You already know what I want, nay, what I crave when the days get shorter and the only thing that brings me any solace is my favorite rarepare. Please, Tonks x Percy siat - specifically something abouth Tonks telling Percy about her powers maybe, just an incredibly intimate scene please and thank you 😩🧡

The first time Percy rushes to the St. Mungo's on the heal of a battle and bursts into Tonk's room, he doesn't understand why he'd needed to threaten his way in in the first place. She's stripped to her underwear and looks perfectly fine.

But there are three healers surrounding her and completely ignoring him. "Time?" the oldest asks, her hair pure white and her face a layer of wrinkles.

Tonks closes her eyes. "Eighty seconds."

"External first," she says briskly. "It doesn't do us any good if you bleed out."

She breathes out.

Then blood floods across her body, soaking the bed instantly as wounds big and small erupt over her skin. In some places he sees flashes of what he thinks are bone.

Tonks doesn't scream as magic starts flying, and he doesn't either, keeping himself plastered to the wall.

"Internal," the healer says.

What little of her skin he can see beneath the blood pales and they're casting more healing spells, longer and more complicated the any he's heard before.

"Head," she says. "Go slow."

Tonks swallows and then there's another rush of blood as her eyes roll and she passes out and all three of the healers are flinging spells with a speed and intensity he didn't know was possible.

He's almost grateful that he can't see what injury they're treating.

Then the other two step back and the old healer casts a diagnostic spell that Percy tries to interpret and can't. Her shoulders drop and she says, "Good," casting a scourgify to take care of the blood and pulling the blanket over her with a flick of her wand.

She turns, noticing Percy for the first time. Instead of anger, she just raises an eyebrow. "You're the boyfriend, then?"

He really hates what that implies about how often Tonks needs to be treated by healer quite this talented. "Is she going to be okay?"

His stomach had twisted itself in nots but it finally starts ease when she gives a short nod. "We'll let her get some rest and keep her overnight from observation." She tilts her head to the side. "I'd kick you out, citing the no visitors policy for this ward, but you're already here. Seems like a big of wasted effort."

"A bit," he agrees, pulling a chair next to Tonks's bedside and collapsing into it. "Thank you."

~

Tonks wakes up slowly, feeling the hospital sheets that she hates with the smell she can't stand and she's already trying to figure out how she can get herself released early without bringing Nanu's wrath down on her.

She pushes herself upright - or tries to. She can't mover her arm.

She looks down, alarmed, but her arm is just being used as a pillow.

By Percy, who's asleep and hunched over her bed. Percy, who needed to be coaxed and cajoled into leaving his desk for so much as a tea is here. He doesn't even have any scrolls or work spready out. She wouldn't blame him if he didn't, but he's just here, and from the way his clothing's rumpled he's been here for a while.

Tonks's heart feels so full.

She's going to marry him.

He only just accepted that they were dating, so she'll give him some time before introducing the concept of marriage, but she knows. This man is going to be her husband someday.

[all-purpose-dish-soap]

How about reader, who is a seasoned gamer, invites Gaz to play something like Valorant or Fortnite etc. She says "dw it took me a while to get good too" but he picks it up stupid quick. He spends the rest of the time enjoying winding her up more than the actual game.

absolutely absolutely. gaz can and should get away with everything.

1,833 words / lucky number 13

...

"Gaz... you know most people play video games to escape their responsibilities."

"So you've told me." Gaz's voice crackles over your headset.

You're staring at your screen, watching as he confirms his character selection in the game's lobby. "You're absolutely sure you want to play tank?" you ask him.

He locks in his character, and it appears in the pregame lobby: a bald-headed, square-jawed guy with a muscular build and heavy armor.

"Positive. You're playing healer, aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"Then I'm playing tank. Pocket me."

"You've never even played this game. We'll both get obliterated."

"Come on. How hard can it be? Shoot, use ability, reset. I take the damage; you heal me; I dish it back out; we win; you thank me for carrying you as always. It's just like our usual game."

"Repeat that last one. I think your mic cut out on account of the bullshit."

"You don't think I can keep the heat off you?"

"I don't need you to keep the heat off me. I just want you to have fun and not die in the first five seconds of the round," you tell him. He did buy this game specifically to play it with you. After a totally reasonable amount of prodding on your part. It's been your go-to for weeks.

"Then pocket me and I won't die. I'm not having fun if I'm not in the thick of it. You know me."

"Fine. For one game."

"Bet," Gaz says, sounding smug about it. "I'm not gonna disappoint."

During that first game, he's getting his bearings. But he takes to it rather intuitively, especially with your help over voice chat. His tactical skills are whip-sharp as always. As you pocket him, you focus your character's abilities on keeping Gaz alive. But you switch to upping his damage output when you realize he's holding down a choke point by himself, taking on enemies and laying out a field of fire for your team. It's impressive, considering this is his first time playing the game.

When an enemy sneaks up on you, his pocket healer, he disposes of them with slightly more prejudice.

"You're pretty good at this," you tell him, scanning the results screen. "I mean, maybe mid-tier if you were on your own."

"Mid-tier?" he says, a little affronted. "It's called being adaptable. Not that you'd know. Hundreds of hours in this game and you're mid-tier support at best."

You cross your arms, leaning back in your computer chair. "Because I don't play support. You know what? I'm switching to DPS. See what you carry without me patching your ass up every ten seconds."

Back in the lobby, you select your main. Gaz eyes the character with a bit of respect. "A rogue, huh? You must think you're pretty good. Gonna need a lot more healing."

"Only if I get hit."

"I could sponge that damage right up for you. Keep you nice and safe."

You scoff. "Won't need it."

"Let's see."

In the next round, you weave in and out of combat, gleefully dodging attacks and landing devastating blows before you disappear. Your bread and butter. Meanwhile, Gaz does--at worst--an admirable job tanking. Still, when you look back and see enemies surrounding him, it's clear he could use an assist.

You double back and flank two of the enemies on him, picking them both off one by one. But before you can gloat, his voice in your headset interrupts you.

"Good kills, baby."

That's not the reaction you wanted. It immediately ticks you off. "I know."

He chuckles and takes down another enemy. He's tunneling in on the fight now that you've got him back on his feet, but clearly he still has time to talk to you. "Can't take a compliment."

The face that he's purposely pushing your buttons just irritates you more.

The next few games, he makes himself indispensable as a tank. It should be a good thing, but he keeps getting in your way specifically. You'd swear it's on purpose. He tanks hits for you and then acts like you'd lose the game without him. His cockiness is insufferable. Worse--you can't ignore how deftly he's scaling the difficulty curve here. He's holding the attention of the enemy players, keeping them away from you while you deal the damage. And you'd never admit it, but the way he's holding aggro is saving your ass.

You shouldn't need him to do that, though. You tell yourself the only reason you're not playing better is because he's forcing you to maneuver around him.

Then he offs the enemy rogue right as you're finishing her off. You swear into the mic. "Gaz, come on! You stole my kill."

"I'm giving my little rogue the help she needs. Besides, you know it's not about getting the most kills. It's about the team's collective score," he teases, and you have to remind yourself it's just a game.

It's like he can tell exactly what to do to piss you off in record time after that. Bossing you around, telling you to take this point or make that kill. He even pipes up once to remind you it'd be a good time to use your ult. You open your mouth to tell him it's not ready yet, but to your chagrin, you glance down and realize it is. Somehow he's keeping track? Unreal.

You're a little impressed about that one, but you'd never tell him. In your defense, he's distracting you with all this banter and teasing. He's making it hard to focus.

"No backseat gaming," you tell him.

"Wouldn't have to backseat game if you played better."

"I would be playing better if you weren't crowding me!" You sigh out your nose. "You're only doing this to get a rise out of me. Micromanaging me. I swear you get off on it."

"You're giving me too many opportunities to obsess over you." He sounds smirky.

The way he says it makes something in your lower stomach flip. You lose focus for half a second--long enough for the enemy rogue to slip past Gaz and smack you.

Gaz slams into her with his shield to stun her, then spins around and uses his special to deal more damage. That last hit downs her. You don't even have a chance to react.

His voice in your headset is smug still. "Like I said."

"Fine. Thanks."

"You can thank me by not dying again."

After the game, you sit back in your chair, arms crossed. "You sure talk a lot of shit."

"Am I?" You hear him grinning. "I hoped you'd give me a little more attitude than that."

"Oh, I know. You're not subtle."

"Neither are you. You get riled up so easy."

"You want me to fight you? Because it sounds like you'd rather me just roll over and bite the damn curb."

"No, you want that. You're a masochist."

"Thank you."

"It isn't a compliment."

"I know. Keep bullying me," you snark into your mic.

It's hard to resist teasing you when you say stuff like that. "Okay," he says, his tone turning playful. He leans back, crosses his legs, and situates himself in his chair. The game's results screen idles on his monitor, forgotten. "You've gotta stop making it so easy for me, though."

"I get that a lot."

"I'm sure you do, sweetheart."

"Ooh, are we doing condescension now?"

"I've been condescending to you since minute one. I can turn it up if it's not obvious enough."

"Keep going and I'll get off."

"Off voice chat, you mean?"

You smirk. "No."

He smiles, rolling his shoulders back. "I can absolutely be more condescending to you if that's what your incompetent little heart desires."

You laugh. "You were just waiting to bring that one out, weren't you?"

"I've got several of them tucked away just in case you got mouthy, But let's be honest--you're always mouthy."

"You're one to talk. You talked hella trash that last match."

"Only because I had to pull your ass out of the line of fire all the time. If you were better, I wouldn't have to. You're giving me ammunition, here."

"I just think it's telling that you play tank."

"Are you saying I'm compensating for something?"

"You said it. Not me."

He rolls his eyes, smirking. "You want to talk about projecting? You're the masochist, and you play a rogue? The one class known for being fragile? You're putting a target on your own back. What does that say about you?"

"Better than a tank main," you quip.

"I'm taking all the hits so you can DPS your way to getting play of the game. Makes me sound proper generous."

You examine your nails. "Makes you sound like a control freak."

"Why don't you look me in the eye and say that? Turn on your cam."

Your grin widens. "Gaz, please. If I turned my webcam on every time some guy online asked me to, I'd never have time to play."

He leans forward, lowering his voice. "Who says I'm kidding? Come on, baby. Give me eye contact. Look me in the eye and tell me I'm a control freak."

"Nope." You know he hates that you're not budging.

"Why? Aren't you decent?"

"More like I have Cheeto dust all over my hands."

"Doubt that."

"It's true."

"Come on. Prove it."

"See? Control freak."

"Fine, I'm a control freak--withyou. But you like it, don't you?"

"Oh, I love when you order me around. I love knowing exactly what you want me to do so I can avoid doing it forever."

He sits back in his chair and stares through his screen. It's not like he's never seen your face before. You've posted a selfie or two in shared chats. But he's never seen you cozied up in your pajamas. Or in a cute little robe. Or maybe a big t-shirt, the soft kind. Like he wears.

Yeah, he's realizing he's down bad. Worse than he thought.

"You wanna make the next round more interesting, then?" he asks.

You arch a brow, propping your sock-covered feet up on your desk. "Like how?"

"You lose, you turn on your camera, obviously."

You snicker. "I don't know what you think I get up to on a Friday night, but you're gonna be sorely disappointed." You pop another Cheeto in your mouth, knowing he'll hear it crunch.

Gaz laces his fingers behind his head. "I've already curbed my expectations. Bet you're sitting around in sweats and a hoodie with some anime character on it." Not that the thought of that isn't appealing. He suspects you don't let many people see you that way.

"You're... uh..." You look down at what you're wearing. "Not far off, actually."

"I know, baby. I've seen your Discord handle."

"So what if I win?"

"Then I won't tell anyone how hard you got stomped these last few rounds. And trust me, I'd be telling everyone. It's embarrassing how much of a load you were. Don't take that the wrong way, though--by all means, just sit there looking cute while I carry this next game."

"Oh, you're on."

Gaz grins, leaning forward. "Yeah, we'll see how cocky you are when I put you back in your place."

You pull your chair back up to your desk, hands poised over your mouse and keyboard. "Promises, promises."

Gaz readies up, too. "Don't worry, baby. I'll keep my word. But once I humble you, you're gonna regret ever doubting me."

...

more Gaz / masterlist tag

[somewhereincairparavel]

Hi!! I was wondering if you could write Jason x daughter of Apollo reader who’s always overworking herself at the infirmary

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when the skies are gray"

author's note: I intended it to be full fluffy but I made it hurt comfort instead, I hope you don't mind <3

Jason hadn't seen you in days…. recently the infirmary was packed with patients, Jason literally being one of the dozens. The apollo healers were at their peak of pressure. You were performing stitches while the others were performing surgeries. After all the chaotic rush cooled down a little, you told Will to take some rest, while you checked off the list of patients that were admitted in your notepad.

That was when Jason stepped inside the infirmary, you didn't even notice until jason vigorously back hugged you.

“What?” You snapped, you were exhausted and didn't really want to see anyone at the moment, not even your boyfriend. Jason pulled out a bouquet of sunflowers, smiling brightly while giving them to you. What a sweetheart.

Unfortunately, you had too much coffee and that made you cranky.

“thanks. Put them in the vase.” You said, not taking your eyes off of your notepad while aloofly gesturing to the empty vase on your desk.

You felt Jason frown genuinely. He put the flowers inside the vase as you asked him too, which you did albeit a little coldly. But he knew you were stressed out, so he didn't think much of it. He put a hand on your shoulder gently and moved closer to whisper in your ear.

“sunshine, don't you think you should be taking a break? You look exhausted and you didn't show up to dinner yesterday, have you even eaten? Be honest please” he asked in concern

You always loved Jason's worried mom behavior because you thought it was endearing, but today, the pressure levels of the past few days, witnessing your siblings in distress because they failed to save one patient, watching fellow campers in physical pain, just got too much, that you snapped.

“I am FINE Jason! Just because I didn't show up yesterday does not mean I didn't eat. Have you considered the possibility that I had food sent to me over here in the infirmary? Gosh.. can't you see I'm busy? Why are you so overbearing? Leave me alone, please.” you regretted your words the moment they spilled out. Jason looked like a kicked puppy, as a flash of hurt went through his eyes. But they disappeared almost immediately as his eyes were replaced with steely coldness.

“I was just checking on you, babe. because I was worried.....tell me how many of your friends have actually come in to see how you were, the past week?” He asked, with a dangerously calm and steady voice, staring at you deeply while making a very fair point. That's what happens when you were raised in the most unemotional camp ever. You switch back to your old ways.

You looked at him a little stunned, and were unable to respond to his question. Because you had no answer. Nobody apart from your siblings had come to check on you, up until Jason arrived.

“Exactly. So if you think that me caring about my girlfriend’s health and being worried about her is “overbearing” then fine. If you continue to push me away when I clearly mean well, then so be it. I hope you like the flowers, and please, for the love of god, get some rest. We'll talk when you're feeling less mad” he added.

But this time, you could've sworn that his voice was shaky and that broke you. You had never said mean stuff to him like this before, and this time, it had clearly affected him. He had done nothing but be sweet to you. Even now, he was talking you calmly without telling at your outburst.

You watched miserably as Jason walked out of the infirmary. Tears slipped out of your eyes as you reached your breaking point of the week. You had officially pushed away the one person who loves you more than anything. Simply because you were stubborn to hear him out.

It was currently 1:00 AM, and you finally collected yourself to go apologize to Jason. You needed to fix what you broke before it was too late. You found yourself staring at the flowers he'd oh so happily given you before you ruined his mood.

You tentatively stepped into his cabin, trying to make as less noise as possible. You couldn't wait until morning for this, you missed him to death. Jason was sleeping quietly, he was never the one for snoring, he wasn't a deep sleeper either, so every time you had even accidentally brushed against him, he'd wake up with a jolt.

You gently got into his bed, and wrapped your arms around him from behind while burying your face into his hair. This time though, he didn't wake up with an alert jolt. Instead, he took your hands and tightened your grip around himself.

“You're awake?” You whispered to him curiously.

“Well, what do you think?” Jason whispered back, the smile in his voice evident. He turned around to face you, and you held his cheeks with both your hands, softly stroking them. He was staring at you, this time, any trace of coldness had vanished. You took a few seconds to admire his gorgeous eyes before you spoke.

“Jason… I'm sorry… I didn't mean anything I said. I really didn't.. I was just feeling cranky about how shitty my week had been, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you.. I had no right, especially not when you were so sweet abou-” you were cut off with his lips pressing on yours.

“That's okay, love. I know you didn't mean it, I just wanted to give you space to think everything through. I was never mad. Just upset that you were overworking yourself too much.” he replied after pulling away.

You teared up again.

“I love you so much.” You said, pressing your forehead onto his. He smiled brightly.

“I love you too. Now, do you want to talk about how you've been feeling? You need it, Let it out babe. I'm always here.”

Both of you spent the rest of the night, talking about each other's feelings and cuddling. Jason felt fulfilled as he saw you peacefully napping, getting the rest you deserve.

“Sweet dreams, sunshine.” He whispered, kissing your hair.

[mysticwolfshadows]

Taken - Zutara - Part 90

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Zuko hadn't thought Katara would leave with him so suddenly, but he was glad that she did. She had seemed so tired throughout the day, and while they were in the trolley, she had sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. He let her drift off, doing his best to lift her up and carry her onto the airship without waking her.

Once she was settled in her room, Rinzo and Taka moved into place to guard her door.

"What are you doing?" Zuko asked, frowning.

Rinzo side eyed him. "Protecting the future-" Taka elbowed him, and Rinzo cleared his throat. "The ambassador, my Lord."

Zuko felt his face scrunch, maybe a bit in annoyance, maybe a bit in appreciation. He knew that the two were devoted to her, and desperately wanted Katara as their next Fire Lady, even back when Zuko was banished and they followed Katara around the village. While he hated to take away any of Katara's freedom, he knew that once people in the Fire Nation knew about their growing relationship, there could be attempts on their lives. Better to have people he trusted watching over her.

He went to bed himself, and woke at dawn, heading to the small little galley that was serving breakfast. Katara was already up, gently healing a red welt on one of the crews arm. Her two shadows were hovering at the edge of the room, looking rather chided.

"What happened?" Zuko asked as he moved to sit with her.

The crew member stared up at him with wide eyes, but Katara sighed.

"Steam burn," Katara said. "A steam valve burst and Tenzo tried to fix it with his bare hands because he didn't have his gloves because he was off duty at the time."

He nodded. "I'd like you to have breakfast with me."

"I'm sorry, Fire Lord," the crewmen, Tenzo, said quickly, starting to pull his arms away from Katara's healing glow. "I did not mean to take up... the... the ambassadors time...?

Reaching out, Zuko put a hand on the man's shoulder to stop him, so Katara could finish. "It's fine. Ambassador Katara is a Master Waterbender and outstanding healer. I'd be deeply offended on her behalf if you hadn't asked for help."

Katara nodded, pulling the water away to show mostly smooth skin. "Besides, Zuko can wait a second. I'm already done."

Tenzo looked at Katara like she was mad, but quickly bowed and hurried from the room.

"The crew for the airship isn't as familiar with me," Zuko confessed, when Katara got up and eyed him. They went to the kitchen window, the nervous cooks assistant slowly pushing two trays of the crews regular meal onto the counter for them. As they carried them back to the table, Zuko continued. "I think most of them expect me to start hurling fire at them at any moment, like my father would have."

"Well," Katara said, bumping his arm with hers. "We'll just have to show them that it's fine. That their Fire Lord is just a very handsome young man."

Despite himself, Zuko felt the blush creeping up his face. He ducked his head, hiding it as he shoved rice into his mouth, hoping Katara hadn't seen. He felt like a foolish love struck teen from a book.

"I had a few ideas," Katara continued. "For things other than the hospital. Like student cultural exchanges, and working for cleaner environments."

Zuko nodded, giving her all of his attention. "Tell me about them."

And so she did, explaining each idea she had in great detail. Zuko nodded along, listening carefully. She had wonderful ideas, though some would be difficult to implement. Still, he would give them his best effort, if only because they came from her.

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[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Note: another anon request who wanted angst and dramatic obsessive dark love. hope you'll enjoy it!

Warnings: angst/suggestive, heartbreak, possessive behaviour.

pairing: Sihtric x you (f)

summary: You are a healer who serves Uhtred, travelling with him and his men to keep them healthy at all times, You and Sihtric quickly fell in love, and became inseparable. But when Sihtric suddenly left in the night without saying a word, things changed.

wordcount: 2,5k

Masterlist

'You will choose me, lady.'

'You've got something to say, boy?' Uhtred asked.

'I do,' Sihtric said, holding Uhtred at sword point, 'yield to me.'

You, Finan and Osferth froze as Uhtred dropped his sword. Then suddenly Uhtred and Sihtric broke out in laughter and hugged. You all soon understood everything had been a setup and everything had been carefully planned. Sihtric falling out with Uhtred, Sihtric leaving in the dead of night, taking the prisoners with him. It was all play pretend, only so Sihtric could apparently spy in Cnut's camp for a while.

Everyone hugged Sihtric, but you were quick to hide behind Finan, who you had grown rather fond of while Sihtric was away. Finan had been just as baffled as you by Sihtric's sudden departure, and you found comfort in each other. You stayed up late, talking to each other, crying in each other's arms when needed and slowly but surely making each other smile again. Sihtric had broken your heart, and you felt he had betrayed you. And so you ended up in Finan's tent more than once after Sihtric had left.

'My lady,' Sihtric said, reaching out to you, but you stepped back and Finan pulled you in his arms, a little awkwardly.

Sihtric frowned, his eyes darting between you and the Irish man.

'My love?' Sihtric asked, a little alarmed when you wouldn't look at him, 'come here?' he asked, holding his hands out to you.

'No,' you said, refusing to leave Finan's side or look your former lover in his mismatched eyes.

'Finan?' Sihtric asked the man, 'what is the meaning of this?'

'Look,' Finan sighed, but you interrupted him.

'I hope you die without a weapon in hand!' you spat at Sihtric and stormed off, with Osferth following you immediately.

Sihtric was shocked, bewildered at your words and behaviour towards him. He truly thought you would understand his reason for leaving the way he had done. That it was never personal and that he absolutely never stopped loving you. He thought your bond was stronger and deeper than anything else. But he didn't realise how hurt you had been.

'Look,' Finan said again, 'you broke her heart, mate,' he paused, brushing his hand through his dark hair, 'she… I… we found comfort in each other.'

'Comfort?' Sihtric frowned, feeling the anger build up inside of him, 'you touched my woman?'

'I… we're sort of together, Sihtric, I'm sorry,' Finan said, feeling guilty, 'we thought you'd never come back, you betrayed us for Christ's sake!'

'Except I didn't betray you!' Sihtric raised his voice, 'it was all a trick!'

'Which we didn't know!' Finan groaned, 'she didn't know!'

'Uhtred,' Sihtric snapped, 'how could you let this happen? Let them happen? You knew she was mine!'

'I…' Uhtred began, confused at the sudden reveal of you and Finan.

'No one knew about us,' Finan confessed, 'we kept it hidden. She was fragile enough already, after what you did,' he said, looking at Sihtric, 'and we couldn't risk the side-eyes from you guys,' he looked at Uhtred.

'No,' Sihtric said, hurt and angry, 'no, you can't have her. She's mine!'

'Sihtric,' Finan sighed, 'she's not someone's property.'

'She is mine! She belongs to me!' Sihtric snarled, 'if you wish to make the square, Finan, then let us do it.'

'No,' Uhtred said, having a deja-vu to his staged argument with Sihtric before he left, 'there will be no fighting. We'll resolve this, but first we will go back to camp. We will eat, sleep, and go over this when our heads are clear again, okay? And you, Sihtric, are not done yet. You will go back to Cnut.'

'Fine,' Sihtric snarled, after which Uhtred walked back to camp, leaving both men alone, staring at each other.

'I will kill you in your sleep,' Sihtric hissed to Finan before he walked away, back to Cnut's camp.

And Finan held you in his arms that night, but he didn't sleep.

The next day Sihtric found you again and followed you, down to the river, where you went to fetch fresh water for your camp. You had been unaware of his presence, thinking he was still spending time over at Cnut's camp, until he snuck up behind you, circling his arms around you and pulling you against his body.

'My love,' he breathed in your ear.

You tried to break out of his embrace, but your knees were weak upon hearing his voice, and Sihtric was simply too strong. Something you always loved and, if you were honest, something you still loved. Sure, you had some sort of feelings for Finan, but nothing would ever compare to what you felt for Sihtric. But after the way he had left you, you knew you could never trust him again. The way it had seemed so easy for him to just leave you without a single word.

'What are you doing?!' you hissed as Sihtric turned you to face him, pushing you up against a tree.

'Trying to kiss my woman,' Sihtric smiled, looking you up and down.

'I'm not your woman anymo-,'

'I missed you,' Sihtric continued, trapping you against the tree with his body, 'I love you.'

'Sihtric, no,' you tried to convince yourself you wanted him to stop, but the feeling of his lips on your neck and his hands on your hips made you fall in love all over again.

'Stop me if you don't want me,' he said, slowly hiking up your skirt.

'Sihtric,' you sighed, allowing his body between your thighs as he loosened his belt, the sound of it arousing you instantly.

'Stop me if you don't want me,' he said again, dropping his breeches and pulling you closer.

You wrapped your arms around him and buried your face in his neck.

'Please,' you murmured, desperately wanting to feel your former lover inside you, 'Sihtric, please…'

And it didn't take long before you finally felt him again, after all the time you were apart. And it was a pleasant, familiar feeling, as you made fast, rough love out there in the woods. It was the hardest make-up sex you ever had, and you hated yourself for enjoying him so much. You hated yourself for loving him so much, and you hated yourself for not trusting him anymore. 

'This doesn't mean I'm yours again,' you said afterwards, adjusting your skirt, 'things will never be the same again between us.'

'You are mine,' Sihtric said, fixing his belt, then walked over to you, grabbing your chin, 'and mine only,' he said and kissed your lips, before heading back to Cnut's camp, while you headed back to your own camp.

The next couple of days were awkward. Skade had been retrieved and so Sihtric had left Cnut's camp, and he was completely back in your life again. You tried to avoid the Dane, which Skade noticed and she was clearly amused by the whole love affair.

Sihtric kept eyeing you up, wherever you went, and everyone noticed it. Sihtric didn't care about being subtle. And you confronted him about it the next chance you had, which was several days later, as Sihtric had followed you deep into the forest.

'Are you in love with Finan?' he asked, making his presence known.

'No,' you said, 'not really. I love him, but not like that. I just needed comfort, after you broke my heart, which he gave me.'

Sihtric hummed softly, looking you up and down. He was desperate for you, he was obsessed with you and would stop at nothing to have you again. But he didn't know he would never fully have you again.

'Finan is a good man,' you said softly.

'He is,' Sihtric agreed, 'but I won't let him have my woman.'

'I am not your woman!' you snapped.

'You are,' Sihtric said sternly as he stepped closer, 'you are mine.'

You sighed. Loudly. 'You have to get over yourself. You messed this up. You really hurt me, Sihtric. I won't take you back.'

'You will.'

'I won't.'

'You don't love me?' he asked, and furrowed his eyebrows.

You stared at him.

'I do love you,' you eventually said, 'but I do not trust you.'

'You trust me enough to lure me out here, deep in the woods,' he grinned.

'I didn't lure you. You followed me, like a lost puppy!'

'You trust me enough to let me fuck you,' Sihtric continued, 'and you haven't said a word about it to Finan.'

'Leave him out of this,' you said.

'I won't. I can't. Because he took my woman!' Sihtric snarled and got up in your face, 'mine.'

'You only have yourself to blame,' you said curtly, 'Finan took care of me when you suddenly left to do your little spying. How could you possibly think I wouldn't understand you were doing your job? Why didn't you tell me anything? We could've been fine if you only had been honest!'

'Uhtred told me not to tell anyone. We couldn't risk anyone finding out it was all pretend,' Sihtric said, 'I had no choice, my love.'

'You always have a choice. You clearly made yours,' you said, bitter, 'and I have yet to make mine.'

'You will choose me, lady,' Sihtric said before you walked away.

Back at camp, you told Finan things just got really complicated for you after Sihtric's return. You were all mixed up in your own emotions, and that you felt it wasn't fair to lead Finan on. You loved him, but more as a best friend, and you explained you just couldn't be with him anymore, not romantically at least. Finan was hurt, but he understood. And if he was honest, he was glad you broke things off, because he was struggling too but was afraid to break your heart.

'So… then, ehh, are you with Sihtric again?' Finan asked, cautiously.

'No. I will never be with Sihtric again. I can't trust him,' you said, ' But, Finan, I hope we can remain friends. You and I.'

'I would like that,' Finan smiled weakly, 'I really care for you.'

'As do I,' you said.

You embraced him and then went your separate way. Finan went to Osferth, to cry on his shoulder, and you went to set up your own tent, not wanting to share your furs with anyone anymore. 

And all this time, Sihtric had been watching you, again, and he figured you broke Finan's heart, to which he smiled. He would have you again, he thought.

Sihtric was always quiet, observant, which made him a good spy. But therefore no one knew how dark his love really was for you. How obsessive it was. When he was with you, things were fine, because he felt like he owned you. But the group also felt there had been a huge energy shift after Sihtric came back again, and it started to put a pressure on everyone.

Sihtric and Finan couldn't be near each other without breaking out in a fight. Not just over you, it was way past that already, it was about anything now. The way Finan would look at Sihtric, or how Sihtric would mumble under his breath when Finan walked by. They were simply annoyed by the sight of each other alone already. Osferth tried to stay friendly to both men, which led to him being seen as a traitor by them. Sihtric was angry with Osferth for defending Finan, and Finan was angry with Osferth for trying to understand Sihtric, as the Dane was clearly in the wrong, according to Finan. Skade kept quiet and just enjoyed seeing the group fall apart, and Sihtric eventually blamed her for everything going wrong.

'The curse affects us all!' he told Uhtred.

Uhtred had clearly noticed the pressure and energy shift too, and he often had to break up fights between Finan and Sihtric, and he had to tell them to leave Osferth alone. 

Whereas Sihtric blamed Skade, you knew it was truly all because of you and Sihtric, and the guilt was eating you alive. You did not want this tight group of friends, this band of warriors, to fall apart because of a stupid romance. 

You felt a weird form of hate towards Sihtric, and yet you still allowed him to sneak in your tent every night, and you still loved the way he fucked you each night. But when he wanted to stay the night, to simply just sleep with you, you argued and kicked him out, only to make up again the next night, so it could happen all over again. 

And the others noticed it too.

'Look,' Uhtred said after a few weeks, 'I don't know what is going on with you, Finan and Sihtric, but this has to end. Finan is a mess. He was fine with you not wanting to be with him anymore, but he can't stand the thought of you and Sihtric. Not after you told him you didn't want Sihtric back.'

'I don't want Sihtric back.'

'Are you sure about that?' Uhtred frowned, 'because we all know what happens every night. We all hear it,' he chuckled, 'and we don't blame you, but there needs to be clarity.'

You swallowed hard and didn't answer. You knew what you were doing was messed up, you loathed Sihtric after everything, but you couldn't resist him either. And Uhtred knew it, he could tell there was some twisted love going on.

'Make up your mind,' Uhtred said, 'we're all suffering because of this. My men don't trust each other anymore. I can't lead them into a battle, not like this, we will all die.'

You shed a tear as you knew Uhtred was right, and you watched him walk away. But he didn't know that you had already made up your mind days ago, you were just waiting for the right moment.

A few nights later, Sihtric snuck into your tent again, as per usual, throwing his cloak off his shoulders as he wrapped his arms around you, whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Telling you how much he loves you, desires you and needs you. How much he loves to kiss you, to feel you and to fuck you. And he confessed this wasn't exactly the way he wished to be with you, but if this was all he could get, he'd take it and run.

You let him take off your clothes and you sank in his embrace, drowning in his kiss as you straddled his lap, riding him slowly, just the way you knew he loved it. And you would let him have his way with you, one more time tonight. Because you knew that after today, it was done.

And you enjoyed it, enjoyed him. You held Sihtric close, tightly in your arms as you made love. And how you did love him. Deeply. But there was no coming back from what had happened, nothing could ever fix the bond you had before he left, and you would refuse to be the downfall of Uhtred and his men.

You finally allowed Sihtric to stay the night, and you silently shed a tear as you heard his soft, comforting snores while he held you in his arms as he slept, thinking he finally owned you again. 

But hours later you quietly snuck out of his embrace. You quickly got dressed and you grabbed the little belongings you had packed earlier that day.

Uhtred would notice someone sneak out of your tent again, and he assumed it was Sihtric, so he didn't even pay any attention anymore. 

Before you left, you gave Sihtric a soft kiss on his cheek and you raked your fingers through his soft, short hair, one last time, hoping you would forever remember the feeling of the handsome Dane who broke your heart.

And you knew you would never forget Sihtric, or find a love like his again, but this would simply kill you all if it wasn't put to an end. And in truth, you hoped Sihtric would hurt the same way as you had been hurting when he had left you.

So you got up and left, without looking back. And when the men found out you had snuck away at night, without a word, you would already be long gone. 

And they would never find you or see you again.

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylas-the-grim @bubbles-for-all-of-us @andakth @bel-bottoms @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @diosademuerte @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305

[dandelion-wings]

In the classic 'warmups that ate my whole writing session,' have some not-so-baby Kaeya (he's like fourteen here, but still fairly newly-come to the Dawn Winery) from yet another AU @theabysscomeshome and I were kicking around on Discord yesterday. >> I like the Dawn Winery family vibes, okay.

---

They have a lot of trust to rebuild after the incident. Master Crepus says that they need to start with more focused language lessons, so that they can actually explain to Kaeya what's going on. Adelinde does understand where he's coming from, but she thinks it needs to be a little more basic than that.

Fortunately, Kaeya seems to have latched onto her as the safest person around: domestic, slight of build, without a Vision and apparently not combat-trained. He doesn't have to know what the head housemaid has taught her to do with kitchen knives (or what she has done with them for Master Diluc, the once, and what she would gladly do for him). She takes care to be always gentle with him, to keep her voice soft, to reinforce that perception of safety. To make her someone he doesn't feel he has to flee.

Master Crepus looks sorrowful every time Kaeya ducks behind her when he enters the room. He understands why, though, and he doesn't press. There's time enough for Kaeya to re-learn how kind he, too, can be. For now, Master Crepus reassigns Adelinde from all her other duties. Taking care of Kaeya is one of only two she has to concern herself with. Keeping watch on him is the other.

He *was* the other half of the incident, after all. What he did cannot happen ever again.

Despite that reassignment, Adelinde carries on with some of a housemaid's work, picking and choosing whatever seems to suit Kaeya's needs that day. It means she spends a lot of time in the kitchen. He may not trust them, but putting temptation in front of him long enough does induce him to eat. And everyone from the Cathedral's healers to the fieldworkers agree that he absolutely needs to be fed.

"Two cups of flour," Adelinde tells him, showing him the bag, then each scoop, as she measures it into the bowl. Formal language lessons are all well and good, but she knows that the expensive Akademiya tutor isn't teaching him this vocabulary. That he can see in the process that she's not putting anything harmful into the food is just as important.

(That first potion was, she thinks, a terrible idea. It was absolutely necessary; the Mages' taint *had* to be cleared, or it might have killed him or worse. And there was no way to tell him in words why it was given, or what the effects would be. But they never should have slipped it into his food.)

"Salt," she goes on, showing him the block. "We'll scrape some off. That's enough. Then we'll cut in the butter, and the lard. You want to taste that? It won't taste good, but all right. Now we sprinkle milk over it as we knead it together. I'll do that. Do you want to start chopping the meat?"

No one else would approve of giving him a knife, which is why Adelinde has cleared out a small side-kitchen instead of working in the main one. The thing is, he knows full well he's under watch. She sees how he flinches whenever someone looks so much as alarmed at his behavior. He's afraid of being hurt, again, if anyone even thinks he's trying more magery. How can he think otherwise, with his burns still healing and Sir Jean checking in almost daily on Diluc's behalf? It's not as if his fears are groundless. If he attempts another Abyssal ritual, they'll have to do *something* to stop him.

If they want him to trust them, they need to demonstrate that they're willing to trust him in exchange. So, the knife. Adelinde isn't ready to turn her back on him yet while he's holding it, but she'll do that eventually, too. For now it's no surprise that she isn't when she's working at the same counter and all that they'll need is already arrayed in front of them.

She rolls out the pastry and divides it out into the pie pans while he chops the meat fine and dumps it into the bowl. Then, after making him wash his hands, she presents the spice rack before him. "What do you want to put into this?"

For this, she gives him is the appropriately-sized spoon and free rein. The pies may come out oddly-tasting this way--they have before--but he knows by now what she does use, and she wants to let him experiment. He tastes a bit of each spice, thoughtfully, mixes them in his hand and tries various combinations, and finally pours scoops of each one he's chosen into the bowl. Adelinde watches him out of the corner of her eye as she whips the eggs, but he doesn't do anything she'd have to scold him for--dumping a whole spice jar in, or licking his finger and sticking it into a jar to taste, or touching the meat and then a jar. He's so much more careful with food than Master Diluc ever was.

Pouring the eggs in, she offers him the spoon. "Do you want to stir?"

He does. Adelinde watches as he mixes it all together, then pours it into the pastry herself before showing him how to fold the tops up. Then into the oven--he stays well back from the heat--and she makes them both hot cocoa while they wait for them to bake. He huddles over his mug like he expects it to be taken from him. Or tampered with.

(*How* she wishes they hadn't put that potion into his food.)

She takes the pies out herself and puts them on the cooling rack, pretending not to notice Kaeya scraping the last, dregs of cocoa from the pot while her back is turned. He never tries to ask for more

than he's offered, and that's from more than just the language barrier; he's expressive enough in his gestures when he wants to be. Someday she'll be able to tell him that he can have as much as he likes. For now, she'll let him get away with all his pilferage.

And make more hot chocolate while the pies are cooling, of course.

By the time they've finished the second pot, they're cool enough to eat without burning his mouth. Adelinde gets out a plate, then pauses, a thought occurring to her. Instead of loading it up herself, she hands it to Kaeya, then steps back, gesturing towards the rack. "How many do you want?"

The look he gives her is eloquently disbelieving. She can almost hear the question: surely she's not telling him to take the whole batch. There's no way to explain to him yet that she *would* let him have it all if he wanted, and hope he had the sense to save some for later rather than give himself the stomachache, but that's not the point. Right now she just wants to give him a choice.

She's expecting him to simply take a pie or two, readying herself to smile and nod in approval so he knows he's not taking too much. Instead, he looks at the rack, clearly counting off, then looks at her and says, with tremendous care, "I want... two?" He holds up two fingers as he says it.

It's the first time he's actually tried to answer her in Mond. Adelinde beams at him.

"Yes, you can have two," she says. "Or more. Three, or four, or five," she adds, holding up her fingers in turn, because she doesn't know whether 'more' is a word he's learned yet, nor any of the numbers. "As many as you want."

Kaeya studies her for a moment as if looking for a trap, then says, "I want four."

"You can have four." Adelinde gestures again towards the rack, encouragingly. "Choose whichever ones you like."

He takes the pies, quickly, before she can take the offer back, and then returns to the little table in the corner and hunches over them. Adelinde takes three pies for herself. She only really wants one, but she hopes that this way he won't think he's over-indulging; she can manage two, and wrap the third in her napkin as demonstration, so that if he does end up finding he's taken too much he'll know it's all right to keep for later.

She compliments his spice choices as they eat, though privately she thinks the rosemary was too much. Kaeya unhunches, slowly, once he's wolfed the first two down and finds himself working his way more slowly through the third. He's looking uncertainly at the fourth when Adelinde finishes her own second pie. She deliberately wraps hers in her napkin and tucks it into her pocket, making sure he's watching. He wraps his own, watching her as she does it and relaxing further when she nods.

"I want... one more?" He holds up a finger, again, and the wrapped pie in the other hand, and Adelinde smiles and nods at him before rising to get him another napkin. Kaeya pockets them and looks satisfied. Then he looks up at her and, again in Mond, says something that from the intonation he must have learned in his formal lessons. "Thank you."

Something warm swells in Adelinde's chest. "You're welcome," she tells him, and on impulse holds her arms out wide. He steps forward into the hug, tentative at first, then clinging tight when she pulls him in against her. She pretends not to notice how he's shaking and simply holds him until he chooses to let go.

It feels like a first step forward, after all their steps back. She's so, so proud to be part of it.

[sweeethinny]

safe and sound

Lily was sleeping in a chair that was more uncomfortable than she could have imagined, her back ached, her arms were tired, her head was throbbing with a migraine that wouldn't let up, the back of her neck was burning from the lack of backing and she felt a lot weaker than usual.

She was used to not sleeping, but things usually weren't that bad.

''He'll be fine,'' James said, coming over with another cup of coffee, hot and strong, just the way she liked it, while his contained milk and more sugar than she thought necessary. He sat down in the other uncomfortable chair beside her, looking just as exhausted and tired as she did.

‘’I know he will,’’ She had no doubt about it, but she wondered in the back of her mind if things would ever be okay again now. Their family, other people, everything around them, not just that one-year-old baby who was lying on a very small stretcher being cared for by healers who wouldn't let him be alone for less than an hour without going there to watch over him. ’’I just… A scar? What does that mean?'' Lily was afraid of the uncertain, and that was far more than she could handle without freaking out.

''I don't know either, but we'll find out,'' James draped his arm over her shoulder, the two of them watching their small son, who had barely learned to walk, being watched over by a healer who was applying calming spells on his skin, which was now reddening around the scar that had formed on his baby's perfect, delicate forehead.

What would become of them now? Was Voldemort really gone? What did all that mean? There were so many questions… Lily was afraid and at the same time longing for all these answers.

What if the answer wasn't what she wanted?

‘'I can't promise we're one hundred percent safe right now,’' James muttered to her, and Lily nodded. Not at all, no one could guarantee that until at least two of her questions were answered. ''But... we're in this together.'' She looked at him, watching with the heart full of love from someone who had almost lost her entire family less than hours ago. She wanted to cry, sleep, escape from there… Not even she knew what she wanted to do.

''Until the very end?'' She reminded him, with a sad and hopeful smile on her face, of their wedding vows.

''Until the very end.''

[fallloverfic]

Thoughts on Solo Leveling, Episode 24: Are You the King of Humans

This episode was interesting. Spoilery thoughts for the anime, novel, and manhwa prior to Ragnarok below:

I really liked this team shot that the Solo Leveling official twitter shared:

They really ran with the red/blue symbolism from the manhwa for Beru and Jinwoo extra hard lol. It's not bad, it just really dominated everything in a funny way with media and red/blue stuff. I'm sure the Beru/Jinwoo shippers are happy, though!

The fight was neat enough to watch. I wasn't a fan of a lot of the stylistic stuff (e.g., the close-up eye shots, that moment we see the close-up/sort of slow-mo of Jinwoo's fist punching Beru). In terms of end-season fights, it really just wasn't as good as the one with Igris. I think the animators generally did an amazing job, but visually it wasn't as fun to watch (and maybe I'm just biased because I've never cared for Beru as much as I care for Igris, I don't know). I also think the song used during the fight didn't really work, which wasn't helping things. I know what they were aiming for, it was similar to a lot of big anime fight songs. It just didn't work, and that made everything worse.

There's a pose that got used a lot in the manhwa, the one where Beru/someone else is walking towards the audience with his shoulders up and his arms long at his sides (kind of like noodles), and it's always looked kind of bland or something to me (I mean it seemed like it was reused in the manhwa because they could just reuse things without coming up with a new pose, and it's not a very dynamic pose to begin with so it's maybe not that difficult to draw even when you're including as much detail of the character as possible), and they used it a lot, and it seemed to drain the energy out of already kind of boring shots. I'm sure they did it because again, they're trying to reference the manhwa heavily, and good for the anime team, but it just led to the general... meh nature of things.

Again we are here:

There were some nice Jinwoo shots!

This was the better one!

Otherwise, it was just... Yay, Jinwoo is badass. But it's also not that exciting. He's gonna save the day cause he's really overpowered. There are times where that is actually exciting to me (e.g., the A-rank raid and the attack on Jinah's school). The Jeju fight for whatever reason hasn't ever really been one of them (maybe it's because all the enemies are insects, I don't know).

The story shows in a lot of ways that Jinwoo isn't invincible, that there are limits to his abilities (e.g., he doesn't have a healer in his party, so he can't heal Haein when his potions fail, he didn't put a shadow on Byunggu, so his soldier guards are limited use), it's just kind of wonky.

Generally, this was fine! I assume the last episode will be half reviving Byunggu to heal Haein, the Hunters going home (and Gunhee thinking wistfully of Jinwoo), and Jinwoo doing the Jeju clean-up. Maybe we'll even get a tease of Liu Zhigang, who should be part of the clean-up efforts. We might even get a tease of the other monarchs, as a preview for season 3. Who knows!

Other thoughts:

Season 1: Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10, Episode 11, Episode 12

Season 2: Episode 13, Episode 14, Episode 15, Episode 16, Episode 17, Episode 18, Episode 19, Episode 20, Episode 21, Episode 22, Episode 23, Episode 24 (you are here), Episode 25

Where to read Solo Leveling by Chugong in English:

Novel: Yen Press (ebook, physical book, audiobook), Tapas

Manhwa adaptation by Dubu: Yen Press/Ize Press (ebook, physical book), Tapas, Tappytoon

Ragnarok (sequel novel written by a different author): Tapas

Ragnarok manhwa adaptation (drawn by a different artist): Tapas

The Solo Leveling anime adaptation is available on Crunchyroll. Solo Leveling: Arise, the video game, is free to play and available on PC and as an app via netmarble.

[dragonmasterhiccup]

She shook her head. “No, it’s really not that bad— you guys need to see Gothi first…” She let out a yawn as she stepped away from Hiccup so that he could get his prosthetic back on. Why was she so tired all of the sudden? Only an hour ago, she basically felt fine.

Danny climbed onto Morpho first, being in the front and leaning back against Astrid.

“They’re gonna be so happy when you guys come back.”

———

It was a struggle to stay awake on the flight back, but even without Danny guiding him, Morpho knew how to take them home.

Squinting her eyes as she remained leaned back on Astrid, she groggily said, “Is that it…?” It was, in fact, it. ‘It’ being Berk, which was up ahead clear as day.

Once they’d landed— right in front of Gothi’s hut— Danny clumsily slid off of her dragon, almost tripping in the process.

“Gothi…?” She mumbled, knocking on the door. “Gothi, I found them, but they uh, they need to see you.” In reality, they all needed to see her.

Hearing Danny’s voice, the elder hastily made her way over to the door, swinging it open and looking up at them wide eyed. People were starting to think that they were already dead, so to see them here was a tremendous relief.

Not wasting a second, she ushered them inside, but Danny protested, turning around and attempting to head down the steps. “I’ll be back, I just gotta go tell Zephyr n’ Nuffink that I found you, okay?” But Gothi wasn’t having it.

Gently but firmly, she grabbed her forearm, tugging her inside. Danny didn’t even really fight it, she seemed too drowsy to.

Sitting her down on the edge of the bed, Gothi instantly started checking the Chief and Chieftess over for injuries.

‘You two are currently very dehydrated, as well as in need of nutrition.’ Looking back over at Danny, who was now staring blankly at the wall, Gothi wrote. ‘She’s probably entering shock, just from looking at her. I’ll check her over as well, but again, just from looking at her, I can see that the majority of the blood on her isn’t hers. Do you two have injuries that I need to check? Danny too, is there anything she’s got that I don’t know about? We need to be quick though; the people are getting hasty, they’re starting to fight with each other, so you two need to be out there as soon as possible.’

The couple exchanged a look, seeing how drowsy Danny suddenly seemed.

"...right. Well, we should get going..."

Astrid wrapped her arms around Danny's waist as the teen leaned back on her, shooting Hiccup a look. "Yeah, we'll be glad to be back."

----------

Astrid held onto Danny and Morpho as they flew, Hiccup's arms reaching around the two of them as well.

They were all exhausted, but the chief and Chieftess were too worried about Danny to rest.

"Yeah," Hiccup confirmed. "We're almost home."

Sliding off the Deadly Nadder, Astrid helped Hiccup stay upright while they both reached to steady Danny.

Once inside, Hiccup was firm, "Danny, you need to get looked at, too. Get in here, now."

They did as Gothi asked, allowing the healer to check them over.

"No," Hiccup shook his head. "We're fine. Just a little shaky. Danny, however...she has a nasty cut on her arm, but otherwise, we aren't sure if she sustained any other injuries..."

His eyes widened at the news of the people fighting. "What?! Okay, uh..." Glancing at Danny, he decided, "Astrid and I will make our way to the Great Hall. Let the people see we're back, get some food and water...then we'll have mom meet us outside of here with the kids..." He'd missed them terribly. "Is that alright with you, Gothi?"

[jazlynriddle-legacy]

Welcome to your life - Pt 2:

Acting On Your Best Behaviour Ch 17:

Summary:

They'd seen it in their fellow orphans often enough to recognise the pattern and were now forced to admit, despite their hopes to the contrary, that Isidora had likely suffered similar side effects.

No… they'd always known she had. The Keeper had just wanted the power that Ranrok had, enough to convince themselves that they would be able to handle it better than that naive woman.

With the start of the Keeper’s sixth-year in Hogwarts, comes a whole slew of headache-inducing challenges from the most unexpected of places. Between insignificant pests throwing wrenches into their plans and tedious teenage drama, that the Keeper is entirely unprepared for, they wonder if they'll make it to their NEWTs without losing their sanity.

Or worse, Ominis or Sebastian.

Warnings: Sebastian x MC x Ominis! Drug Addiction! Spoilers! Slow-burn corruption! Dark content! Fucked up 1800s orphanages! MC has no love for Anne or Solomon! Dubious happy ending (it's happy for MC, Seb and Ominis at least).

You can also read on AO3! (chapter specific warnings below)

Notes:

Warnings: Torture, again not exactly torture but kiiiinda torture, there's a lot of pain involved but it's a side-effect, sort of?

We'll get to the proper torture when it's victims our kids are emotionally invested in xD

And that smut with Ominis will be coming up next chapter! ;) I'm gonna need to add a new tag to the fic haha x3

FYI: For those not too familiar with the name, an 'athame' is a ceremonial blade often used in magical rituals, it's usually a black handled and double-edged dagger.

"Thank you for the breakfast, Tibsy, it was delicious." The Keeper nodded as the small elf cleared the dishes from the table.

Tibsy beamed brightly at the compliment, giving the three a little bow before popping away, likely to feed their guest back at Dìon.

"Will both of you be working on the wards today as well?" Ominis asked, taking a relaxed sip of tea, his expression content after their meal. "The two of you seemed rather tired when you got home yesterday evening."

"I think we can continue tomorrow and relax a little together today, maybe get some homework done too." The Keeper smiled wryly, their guest needed time to recover too.

They'd spent a fair amount of time and effort healing the woman after their tests. Neither they nor Sebastian were particularly skilled healers however, so it had taken a while just to perform basic treatment with Tynx's help, and they’d left the rest to her own natural recovery.

"We had some ideas for the underground area's security, but I’ll need to double check our math first, our tests with the Guardian prototypes failed pretty abysmally too." The Keeper grimaced lightly, absently cleaning a spot of sauce on the table with their napkin.

"We weren't very hopeful for those without the Leyline link anyway, it's fine to rework them later." Sebastian gave them a gentle pat on the hand and the Keeper returned his efforts with a fond smile.

"Fair enough." The Keeper nodded. "According to Tynx, the greenhouses are almost complete as well. We can probably start moving the plants in soon."

"I suppose I shall continue my search for Anne tomorrow then, I got a promising lead in Cragcroft yesterday." Ominis hummed thoughtfully.

"That reminds me, yesterday we took a quick dip in the lake since we were in the area, and while there, Sebastian and I found something for you, Ominis." The Keeper smiled softly as they stood to retrieve their satchel.

"So that's why Sebastian was missing a sock." Ominis chuckled.

"I swear some critter must have made off with the blasted thing." Sebastian grumbled. "How'd you tell anyway?"

"Your steps sounded uneven." Ominis drawled dryly.

"Yeah, right." Sebastian snorted sceptically.

The Keeper retook their seat, satchel in hand as they spoke. "Here we go, hopefully you'll like what we found. Though, I will say, Ominis, that you don't have to accept this if you don't want to."

"Oh?" Ominis tilted his head to the side curiously, feeling slightly wary as well, from their words. A moment later, he jumped in surprise when the sound of the jar opening was followed by two soft and shrill voices.

"It's open, it's open! Left, let's go this way-"

"No, right, let's go right-"

"Ow! No, I want to go left!"

"Ouch! Stop it, I want to go right!"

"Left!"

Ominis blinked in confusion for a moment, before abruptly realising that the words had a familiar lisp to them. "...snakes?"

The Keeper chuckled. "Yes, I was considering giving them to you closer to your next birthday, but we've run into a small problem."

"I think you mean two small problems." Sebastian snorted. "The fact that it's not two snakes, it's one."

Ominis frowned in even more confusion, feeling more wary and uncomfortable, had they forgotten that he didn't like being a Parselmouth? Why would his lovers offer him such a thing? For a birthday gift no less.

"Sebastian's right, this little one has two heads." The Keeper shook their head in amusement as the two headed snake wiggled about drunkenly. "I'm not entirely certain why, but they can't seem to move right. I spotted them trying and failing to swim away from a dragonfly nymph in the lake."

"And what's the problem you've run into?" Ominis asked brusquely, impatient to understand why he was being gifted a two-headed snake.

"Feeding." The Keeper replied, plucking another jar from their bag, and withdrawing two worms with a mild grimace, lowering the wiggling creatures into the snakes’ jar.

Immediately, the two heads began to whip back and forth aggressively, hissing at each other angrily.

"Food food! Mine!"

"No, mine! Out of the way, I'm hungry!"

"I saw it first! You move!"

"Ow! Stop pulling! Hey!"

"They're fighting…" Ominis' eyes widened in understanding.

"Yes, even though there's more than enough worms to go around, we can’t feed them if they keep thrashing about." The Keeper rolled their eyes in exasperation. "Likely because only one of the heads can look 'in front' at a time. Perhaps you can do something about that?"

Ominis hesitated for a moment, listening to the little hisses of distress, and feeling his sympathy for them mount with every cry. He too knew what it was like to feel so at odds with oneself, the pain of being torn in two directions. If he could help ease someone's struggle and conflict, shouldn't he?

Finally, he sighed and focused on the small voices, tapping into his birthright with a fluidity that he resented. "Stop fighting little ones, there is enough food for both of you."

The hisses of the snakes immediately stopped, the two heads staring at him in shock for several seconds.

"It speaks, how?"

"How?"

"Yes… I am a speaker of your tongue, you needn't fear, you can share, there is plenty of food here." Ominis couldn't suppress a smile at the curious little voices.

"Lots of food?"

"Really?"

"Yes, so just open your mouths and wait for the food to come to you." Ominis nodded firmly.

"...okay… food? Now?"

"Yes, food food, I'm hungry!"

Ominis chuckled, finding their young, innocent voices and immediate trust rather adorable, quite unlike the sinister snakes his family kept around the manor. Deadly sentries that kept his parents abreast of everything their children did. "You can feed them now."

"Finally." The Keeper sighed and lowered the wiggling worms into the small snakes' open mouths, the twin snake's patterned tail flicked excitedly as they chomped down on the fat and juicy worms.

The twins quickly swallowed the worms and opened their mouths again, hissing insistently. The Keeper shook their head at the demanding creatures, they didn't need to be a Parselmouth to understand that gesture.

As they fed the snakes another two worms, the Keeper added. "I rescued this one because I've never seen a two headed snake before. It's up to you if you want to keep them but I doubt they'll survive on their own."

Ominis nodded in agreement, it sounded like the snakes couldn't even move properly, they would be incredibly vulnerable to predators and unable to hunt when they were fighting over both food and direction. He'd never been proud of his ability to speak parseltongue, but if he could use it to help…

"Ah, full… sleepy."

"I wanna sleep somewhere warm…"

"Yes, warm warm, it's cold."

"Come here then." Ominis sighed, opening his palms. "They'd like somewhere warm to sleep."

The Keeper gave an approving nod, pouring the snakes out of the jar and into his hands. The two heads immediately began to hiss happily and flick their tongues against his skin.

"Warm! Speaker warm!"

"Speaker smells nice… sleepy…"

Ominis blinked in surprise at how small they were, small enough to fit into one hand. The feeling of their cool scales against his skin was surprisingly soft and he cradled them to his chest, running a finger along their body.

"Hehe tickles!"

"Mmm feels nice, again Speaker again!"

Ominis chuckled, stroking a finger under the chin of the snake that liked it and feeling the twins coil up in his palm to sleep after a few moments. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad being a Parselmouth…

The Keeper's eyes softened at the affectionate expression on Ominis' face. "It's not so bad, isn't it?"

Ominis startled slightly when the Keeper spoke his thoughts, a knowing smile on their face as they continued with. "If you were not the one with this ability, they would have died."

Ominis narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You seem very intent on convincing me of that. It is not I, that these little ones owe their lives to, it was you who rescued them."

"Be that as it may, from how you've described your family, I doubt any of them would have helped a crippled snake who can't even move right." The Keeper shook their head. "Neither would these snakes have let us non-Parselmouths properly help them without a fight and that could have ended poorly."

"They aren't kidding, you should have seen how aggressive those snakes were, crazy considering that they're practically babies." Sebastian shook his head before glaring at the Keeper accusingly. "Can't believe you didn't tell me there was a tiny pair of snakes biting the palm of your hand the whole time."

"Barely felt it with you snogging me that hard." The Keeper waved their hand dismissively, causing Sebastian’s cheeks to flush with a mixture of surprise and pride, as they returned their attention to Ominis. "Point is, with you, they will be both heard and loved."

Ominis remained silent for several minutes, before he finally sighed and nodded reluctantly, giving the sleeping twin snakes a gentle smile. "I suppose you're right… they will be loved."

The Keeper smiled, pleased that he had come around to their perspective. Parseltongue was a rare and unique ability, it was pointless for Ominis to begrudge himself something valuable that he couldn’t change anyway. Eventually he'd come to accept and maybe even appreciate his gift, if they had anything to say about it.

"What type of snake are they?" Ominis asked curiously after a few moments of petting the snakes.

"Common Watersnake, non-venomous and harmless to humans. Apparently, they're killed often because they resemble the venomous cottonmouth." Sebastian grimaced. "Can't believe some idiots can mistake these cute little things for deadly snakes and kill them for it, feels rather unfair to them."

Ominis went silent again, before murmuring a quiet. "People often hurt those mistaken as dangerous just because of who they were born to or how they look."

"That's why those people are idiots and neither of us will stand for it." Sebastian repeated emphatically and a small shy smile teased the corners of Ominis lips, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Let's spend some time today setting up a proper living space for the snakes too." The Keeper chuckled. "They're small but we shouldn't keep them in a jar."

Ominis flashed a wry smile. "That's true, fortunately, I am familiar with what a snake nest should have."

"Great, because all I've got are books and they're not particularly helpful when it comes to details." Sebastian grinned.

"Helps that we can simply ask the twins what they like or don't." The Keeper nodded, before glancing at the small coil of snake sleeping in Ominis' hand.

"Since you seem quite unable to move." With a wry smile, the Keeper stood from their chair, kneeled by Ominis' feet, and took his free hand in theirs, grazing the back of it with their lips. "Tell us what we should gather, we are at your service."

Ominis shivered at the sensation, his ears turning red this time while Sebastian snickered behind his hand and Ominis cleared his throat pointedly.

"Well, we'll need some branches and wood shavings for bedding, cypress or aspen would be suitable." Ominis hummed. "We'll also need to pick a good spot that's well-ventilated and will let them sunbathe whenever they like."

"They live by the water, so they probably like it humid." Sebastian added. "We can make the bedding a little wet so they can stay hydrated by burrowing in it."

Ominis nodded, looking more enthusiastic about providing the snakes a comfortable home.

The Keeper smiled affectionately as they sat on the floor, taking out a journal to jot down the supplies they'd need, while the two boys discussed their options. They really did like this side of Ominis, he was such a sweetheart despite everything he'd experienced, as well as his own cunning nature.

"Alright then, while we're gathering these materials, you have a more important job." The Keeper nodded, putting away their journal and smiling as Ominis tilted his head in confusion. "You get to pick names for them."

The Keeper hummed as they scratched several notes in their journal, this second round of tests had gone well. They'd successfully stretched the amount of time it took, for the woman to make it from her cell to ground floor, to a solid hour.

It had been rather entertaining watching her slide down the stairs repeatedly, after said stairs transformed into slippery slopes when the cell wards detected the breach. Though, as fun as that had been, it had been more surprising when she'd used a rather creative combination of Bombarda and a door to successfully propel herself up the slides.

Speaking of doors…

A muffled scream came from the woman bound to the cell's cot as Sebastian carefully slid a small and sharp athame under the skin of her right palm, like one might skin an apple. Her eyes were filled with tears and her body struggled to contort with every shift of his blade.

The ropes binding her jerking limbs to the cot's sturdy metal frame, wrung against her wrists, and burned the skin under them with every spasm. Her cries gurgled and choked around the saliva gathering under the cloth they'd gagged her with, preventing her from biting her own tongue. Rolling his eyes at the sound, Sebastian continued to shear until finally the entire strip of her palm peeled right off.

"And, there we go." Sebastian grinned, looking proud of his work as he raised the bloody layer of skin, or more so the doorknob attached to it, with a pair of prongs, discarding it into the blood-filled bowl under her hand without much care for the splash that followed.

The woman continued to cry and whimper despite the announcement that her suffering had reached its end, perhaps she couldn't understand words at this point.

"Quit complaining, nothing a bit of wiggenweld won't cure." The Keeper huffed as they finished jotting down their notes. "Be glad we're even helping you remove the damn thing."

"Could've left you with a knob permanently attached because you tried a door that you had no reason to open." Sebastian agreed, flipping the bloody blade in the air, seemingly unbothered by the flecks of red that splattered across the floor as he caught it again with ease.

The Keeper rolled their eyes at his showing off but couldn't conceal the fondness in their smile. In truth, they were deeply impressed by Sebastian's steady hand and keen wit.

His idea of furnishing the underground floors with sliding doors adorned with charmed fake doorknobs was quite brilliant. Forcing the escapee to either sever their hand or at least injure themselves, costing them the use of a hand even if they choose to simply detach the doorknob from the door and leave the knob stuck to their hand. Thus, costing the escapee precious time.

And they'd thought they couldn't possibly become more enamoured with this boy.

This idea alone had severely impacted the woman's dungeon clear time, as she had been further stymied when trying to escape the castle grounds, now that the gates were locked behind passwords. Of course, they had always intended to make the gates securely locked but getting a proper gauge of the time difference a password system made, versus one that could be unlocked with Alohomora, was important to their statistical evaluation of its effectiveness.

Assumptions, in their experience, were the most foolish yet easy mistake to make in any given scenario, the last thing they needed would be to overestimate or underestimate the effects of any individual decision at a critical moment.

The woman had then tried to scale the walls with one hand and that had cost her another two hours, several conjured ropes, and a debilitating amount of physical energy. The woman didn't even make it to the red zone before she passed out from exhaustion, and her injuries, this time.

"Well, at least that answers the question of how far the permanent sticking charm goes." The Keeper nonchalantly cast a scourgify at their partner's bloody hands with a dry chuckle. "Skin deep."

Sebastian snorted, drawing his wand with his now clean hands, and casting a scourgify on the athame in turn, before tucking it back into its holster around his waist. "Well, with that settled, I'll go see if Tynx has finished making a new door and reapply the charm if he's done."

"Sure, I'll finish up here." The Keeper nodded, tucking away their journal as Sebastian picked up the bowl and made his way towards the cell door, taking a moment to give them a kiss on the cheek on his way out.

As the cell door closed behind him, the Keeper cast a scourgify on the woman's hand, ignoring her renewed screams as the spell scraped the raw and exposed flesh clean. They waited a few moments, before ungagging her, grabbing her by the hair and lifting her head so they could pour a vial of wiggenweld into her mouth.

As soon as she swallowed the potion, they released her and cast a scourgify on their own hand to clean the oils off. The woman coughed a few times, wincing as the skin on her palm began to burn and itch as it healed.

As the Keeper began releasing the woman's hands and feet from the ropes binding them to the cot's frame, her raspy voice wheezed through her throat. "...why…"

The Keeper straightened as they finished unbinding her. "Why what."

"...why me?" The woman sobbed, curling up into a ball the moment she was released. "I never did anything bad, my dad never did anything bad. We never did anything wrong, why us? Why me? It's not fair."

The woman shrieked, her bloodshot eyes stabbing her captor accusatorily. "What did I do to deserve this?"

The Keeper stared at her blandly, their expression flat and disinterested. "You demanded a hundred galleons for mere information that wasn't worth such a valuation."

The woman stared at them uncomprehendingly and the Keeper turned to leave the cell. "I can't say anything about what you suffered before, but if you think you're the only one dealt a bad hand by fate, you're sorely mistaken."

The Keeper chuckled sardonically as they stopped by the door. "The only thing we get to choose is what type of person we become. Don't expect reality to be fair. Whatever you do will have its own consequences regardless of how extenuating your circumstances may be. You will be judged by the actions you take."

"The moment you took advantage of a stranger who did you no wrong, you lost any moral high ground to bemoan your unjust fate." The Keeper pushed the door open and closed it behind them.

"Then why are you doing this!?" The woman protested, pushing herself up weakly. "Doesn't that apply to you as well?"

"Of course it does. I simply care not for moral grounds, nor do I expect any sort of fairness for myself. That is the person I chose to be, and I am well aware that if I fail, I will taste a hell far worse than the one I grew up in." The Keeper flashed her a sharp grin as they locked the cell door. "All I have to ensure… is that I play every card in my deck and never lose."

As long as you know yourself, no one can tell you who you are. Strength is being able to smile even when it's hard to.

Smile… her father's last words resonated through her mind, she wondered how long it'd been since she'd smiled. She gazed at her own reflection in the cold metal of her cot's frame, the worn and tired face staring back at her bore nothing but worry lines.

She could barely remember his voice, but she could still remember her father's face clearly. Like hers, it had been worn and tired from the hard life of caring for his daughter alone in the middle of the woods while on the run from the Ministry. Even then, she could also remember his smile, the way the skin around his eyes crinkled in little crow feet.

He'd been a hard worker, tilling their garden without a single complaint, tending their crops with a gentle hand. Every day of his suffering that she bore witness to, made anger burn inside her ever hotter and she’d held on to that anger for her entire life. How could anyone believe that such a kind and strong man would murder his own wife with dark magic?

When he passed away, that anger compelled her to remain in their small hut. He'd once told her that he hoped she would return to the town after he passed, to see what had become of it and if his friends were still well, but she couldn't understand why he would say such a thing.

What did she care for the people who betrayed and abandoned them? Why would she return to the town, beg for their help or acceptance? No, she would stay in the place her father had built. It was theirs and it was all that mattered.

When people had occasionally come by her home seeking help, her anger compelled her to spit in their face and turn them away. What did she owe them? No one had helped her when her father was sick, no one had helped him when he begged his friends to care for his daughter when he was being accused.

Not that she really wanted them to, if someone had been willing to take her in, he would have allowed the Aurors to arrest him, and she didn't believe that he would have been found innocent. Nobody cared about them, so why should she care about anyone else?

Her angry, bitter, and hateful face stared back at her in silver. When had she become like this? When had her face become so heinous? A pang of grief gripped her heart and her eyes welled with tears again. What would her father say if he were to see her now?

As long as you know yourself…

Did she? Did she know who she had become? As she ripped her eyes away from her reflection and wrapped her arms around herself, the answer burned in her heart.

She'd become just like the people who'd turned their backs on her father.

Notes:

https://www.susquehannockwildlife.org/2021/11/19/two-headed-water-snake-finds-a-home-at-the-wildlife-center/

Aren't they cuuuuuuute? I took one look at this two-headed Watersnake and immediately fell in love, so I just had to add them to this story! ♡w♡

And, if you guys don't know how dragonfly nymphs eat, you should look it up, it's honestly quite an unsettling sight, one you might expect to see in an Alien movie rather than real life xP (Still kinda cute too tho)

Also, I wonder if anyone realised that the lake on the map is actually the Hogwarts Legacy logo x3

[quicksilverdrabbles]

At Largashbur

Atub: The ritual requires Troll Fat and a Daedra Heart, so I may commune with Malacath.

Morana: *pulls Troll Fat and a Daedra Heart out of her satchel* Here you go.

Atub: Oh- You- you have that ready to go. How nice.

Xelzaz: We are Alchemists. Such ingredients are a necessity.

Atub: I see. Well then, follow me. You've brought the ingredients for the ceremony, and now I ask that you see it through.

Xelzaz: Why though-

Morana: Hm.. *notices Yaksha trailing behind a bit, looking dazed. Stops so he can catch up and pokes his shoulder to get his attention* ... Are you okay?

Yaksha: Hm? Yes, I am fine.

Morana: I can imagine strongholds aren't very comfortable for you. Was there anything like this in High Rock?

Yaksha: There were Orc Strongholds in High Rock. I.. was a healer for one.

Morana: Does it make you miss your home?

Yaksha: ... It is not a home anymore. But I do miss it.

Morana: I feel the same. I'm sorry. We'll try to get this over with quickly, alright?

Yaksha: *smiles, waving off her concerns with a shrug* We can take however long it takes to get this done. Please pay no mind.

Morana: Still..

~One ritual later~

Yamarz: Grr.. This is all your fault, you know.

Morana: Excuse me?

Yamarz: You barged into our stronghold, brought your whole clan of outsiders with you..

Morana: *glances back at her team with a frown* I was under the impression we were helping you. I apologize if we cause any offense-

Yamarz: And to top it all off you brought a worthless wimp of an Orc with you.

Morana: ... I'm sorry, who exactly are you referring to?

Yamarz: Who else? *points at Yaksha with a grunt* He's absolutely pathetic. Wields no weapon, avoids conflict, and picks flowers like a real Orc would pick off enemy heads. Don't think I didn't notice how he stayed away from the giant when you lot fought it off.

Morana: ... Yaksha is a healer. He doesn't like fighting.

Yamarz: Ha! Healer?! Healing is a woman's job! And what sort of Orc doesn't like fighting, the coward!

Morana: *her charcoal snaps between her fingers* ... Is that so.

Yamarz: It's Orcs like him that make Malacath so angry, really. Pathetic creatures that can't even lift a dagger in self defense don't deserve to call themselves Orsimer.

Yaksha: Hm? *turns and looks for Morana, noticing her still talking to Yamarz* ...?

Morana: *glances over at Yaksha*

Yaksha: ...! *waves sweetly, smiling*

Morana: ..... *reaches and yanks Yamarz down by the neck of his armor, leaning in and whispering in his ear quietly* Listen to me and listen well, Yamarz.

Yamarz: ?! What is the meaning of this-?? Let go of me!

Morana: Yaksha is the most talented, kind, empathetic person I have ever met. His healing would save thousands more lives than your lack of brains and surplus of brawn ever would. His clan thrived under his care, while yours suffers at your lack.

Yamarz: ...

Morana: One of you is the worse Orc, and it sure as hell is not him. And if you ever disrespect my friend again, I will brew a poison so strong, your intestines will recoil and expel themselves from your body, allowing you to learn what it feels like to vomit your own guts. I will allow you to choke on them and take pleasure in watching your slow and miserably painful death. Do I make myself clear?

Yamarz: *sweating, visibly afraid of the little Dunmer* ... Whatever.

Morana: Hmph. *releases him, turning and walking back towards the group without a second glance*

Yaksha: Are you alright, Morana? You seemed very angry just now.

Morana: *smiles, shaking her head to reassure him* Yamarz is a very mean person. He's irritating to have to talk to.

Yaksha: Mm..

Morana: Shall we set off for Fallowstone Cave, then?

Xelzaz: No? Why are we even helping him??

Morana: ...

Xelzaz: Morana?

Morana: Let's just follow along for now.

~

At Fallowstone Cave...

Yamarz: *watching the giants swarming the shrine nervously* ... You know..

Morana: *perched in a tree above him* Hm.

Yamarz: ... I have another offer for you. Some good gold in it, if you do. Go up there and retrieve that club for me. The stronghold would never know I never got it.

Morana: ... *shakes her head, a quiet huff of a laugh escaping her* No way.

Yamarz: Huh? Why not?

Morana: Putting my previous threat aside-

Kaidan: Threat???

Inigo: I'll tell you later.

Morana: -I will not go against what your God has ordered. Daedric Prince or not, Malacath or Trinimac, I have no wish to anger any sort of divine or hellbound being. You kill those giants on your own, or die trying.

Yamarz: ... Hmph. Fine. You just wait here, then. This will only take a moment. *draws his weapon and charges towards the giants with a battle cry, instantly getting launched into the air by their clubs*

Team Dragonborn: *watches him get launched, and follows his descent as he plummets back towards the ground and dies*

Morana: ... Welp. At least he wasn't lying when he said it would be quick. Inigo, may I borrow your bow?

Inigo: Of course, my friend. Er, but.. Can you-

Morana: I'll be fine. I know how to shoot at the very least, and it only needs to be strong enough to pierce their skin. *reaches down and takes the bow from Inigo along with a few ebony arrows, taking the tips of them and dousing them in a sizzling liquid*

Xelzaz: What on earth is that?

Morana: Take a guess.

Xelzaz: *hisses, recoiling at the smell* Jarrin root.

Morana: Yep. *draws an arrow, the other pinched between her fingers for the next shot. Fires, lodging the arrow in the biggest giant's neck and watching as it falls to the ground instantly*

Lucien: ... That stuff really is terrifying.

Inigo: Not as terrifying as Morana when she's angry, I think.

[oakthcrn-a]

The Grand Palace - Os Alta - Lark's POV

There was an angelic grace in the way his footfalls fell purposely against the pristine cobblestone of the Grand Palace. His beautiful, slender fingers were loosely laced in mine as he led me through the back gardens. The alluring smell of desserts mixed with fine wine perfumed the air. It was the Tsaritsa's name day and while Grisha were present in the grand ballroom, they had been there for no other purpose than guarding the royal family. The invitations had not been extended to the Little Palace to the chagrin of her fellow Grisha.

That never stopped Caelum, though. Once he had gotten something into his mind, there was no dispelling him of the consequences if we happened to be caught. I didn't want to earn the ire of General Kirigan. My name had earned a high spot on his list of mischievous Grisha, but in my defense, it hadn't been my intention to set the curtains on fire. I was startled during training. It earned me extended visits to Baghra's hut; much to my dismay.

Caelum guided me down the path, the beautiful euphony of notes and melodies from the grand orchestra grew louder, and a brimming excitement was fluttering in my chest. The idea of sneaking into a royal ball without an invitation was dangerous, and yet, it was Caelum who devised the plan, and I suspected it was done to please me. Stubborn fool.

Sweet, honeyed-colored eyes peered over the shoulder of his crimson kefta. A mischievous smile only grew on his handsome features. I fought the urge to reach over and run my fingers through his wavy champagne-colored hair. He knew he was handsome too, and used it for evil.

" Look, the garden is abandoned for the moment, my little firebird. " Saints, it always made me weak in the way he would affectionately call me that, even if my face showed indifference to it. Slowly, I found myself canting my head to the side.

" You do realize if we're caught, we'll be in huge trouble?"

" The risk is inconsequential and part of the fun...besides you have been going on and on about wanting to dance since the last fete. Now is our chance. "

I exhaled a soft breath. My fortitude of resisting him was waning, as it often did when he batted those hazel eyes my way. Anyone else would've gotten a lecture but Caelum had the uncanny ability to get his way.

Suddenly, I was pulled forward, lurching as his free hand snaked around my waist. I couldn't keep the smile from blooming across my face as I fell in step with him, our bodies pressed gently against one another. My feet followed his lead while a hand rested in his. His chest became a home for my head. I rested it there and even over the beautiful music of the orchestra, I could hear his heartbeat. A steady drumming of beats that melted my worries away. I nuzzled my face into the soft fabric of his healer's kefta. The tantalizing scent of juniper and scandalwood tickled my nose and lulled me into a sense of safety, my shoulders slumped and I was enthralled by Caelum.

Slowly we meandered in a circle. I could barely register the autumn chill as it tried to penetrate my kefta. Caelum leaned down to whisper into my ear.

" We could do it, Lark...we could run away from this place." His voice was soft and deep and pleasing to the ear, it sent an electrifying shiver down my spine; it lit every nerve awake and alert.

" Run away? Caelum...why would we do that? "

He twirled me then, and spun me into his arms, my back meeting with his chest. His lips returned to my ear, and planted a sweet kiss there. I prayed to the saints that my knees would not buckle. How easily his touch could elicit such from me. How rare a man that Caelum Mathis was. How rare and how foolish. Still, he smiled against my ear and spoke again.

" We could go to Ketterdam...get married and buy a farm. " His arms entangled around me, holding me close to his frame. I gently pivoted to lean into him and to listen to his heartbeat once more.

" We would have a farm? " I found myself asking. I slowly glanced up to get lost in those russet hues. His lips found purchase against mine, tender and soft, his kiss sent a warmth blossoming through my chest, my face, and neck. I had to close my fists to keep the flames from nicking my fingertips in delight. I felt my heart race as if I could melt into him and be made whole. He lifted his head to plant a soft kiss to my forehead.

" We could have whatever you desired, firebird. We could make a life there. Start a family...anything your heart desires. "

My heart swelled at his words. I had no idea he dwelled on such things, she never dared to give in hope but the way it sounded from Caelum's lips, I found I wanted it more and more.

Another kiss was shared. I could spend eternity in this moment, and have no regrets. I was about to step forward to steal another kiss when suddenly out of side of my eyes I saw a shadow. Turning quickly, a brewing dread grew as we came face to face with the second prince of Ravka. No older than I it seemed. He had opened his mouth to speak but I felt myself being pulled away. Caelum and I sprinted away and disappeared into the night.

" Was that the crowned prince? " I asked through the panting as we jogged back towards the Little Palace.

" So it seems, he must have come to visit for his mother's name day. "

" Let us hope he isn't in a tattling mood. " I grumbled as we turned down the path back to their home. I slipped my arm around Caelum's.

" So this farm...Will it have tiny pigs? "

" Anything you desire, flame heart. "

I couldn't keep the smile from spreading across my face. A farm in Kerch. Who could ask for more?

[talonslockau]

Fire and Ice - Chapter 45

Chapter 44 || Index || Chapter 46

 By the time Fireheart woke up, it was somewhere close to late day, the sun well past its height and heading towards the horizon. The storm had long since left, the clouds parting to reveal the blue skies beyond. Graystripe still slumbered, so he carefully crept out of the den and into camp to avoid waking him.

The Clan was hard at work repairing camp. Most of the cats he could see had cobwebs covering one or several injuries, and his own pelt stung with several claw marks, though he didn't remember where he had gotten them. Those with injured legs were working on the camp wall, while those with other wounds were likely out patrolling or hunting.

He saw Snowkit playing alone in one corner of camp, Speckleflight watching him carefully. After the morning's scare, he couldn't blame her. The elders were sharing tongues, no doubt immortalizing Brokentail's reign in their stories. Everything was peaceful for a change.

"Fireheart!" He turned to see Yellowfang crossing camp towards him. "You're finally awake. I'm running out of marigold and I need some extra paws to help me carry it." There was a glint in her dark eyes, and he knew he couldn't refuse her; not if he wanted to keep her on his side.

"Of course! I'd be glad to." He responded quickly. "Actually, are Dewpaw and Peppermask available? The more paws the better, after all." He pointed out steadily.

"Hmm. I don't know if we'll need that much." The old molly squinted at him for a moment, scrutinizing his intentions. "But maybe you're right. Leafbare is coming, after all. Fine. I'll go fetch my apprentice." The thick-furred healer turned and headed back towards her den, leaving Fireheart to find the warrior molly. After a moment he spotted her, working on the nursery with Cinderpaw.

"Peppermask!" He trotted towards her swiftly. "Yellowfang wants us to help her fetch some herbs. Can you come?"

The spotted tabby looked up as he spoke, blinking a greeting as he stopped in front of her. "Are you sure Cinderpaw wouldn't be better? She's quite energetic."

"Yes, please!" The sole apprentice begged, her eyes wide as she abandoned her bramble weaving. "I've been stuck in camp weaving brambles all day. I'm sick of it!"

"No offense, Cinderpaw, but I think Yellowfang would sooner drown you than listen to you the whole time." He shook his head sadly. "Besides, she asked for Peppermask specifically."

"Aw, mousedung." The apprentice grumbled, returning back to her work with a sigh. "Well, you two warriors have fun without me."

He winced at her words. "I'm sure you'll get your chance soon." He replied, turning away from her. He wasn't entirely sure what would happen then. Snowkit was close to being apprenticed, he supposed, but it would be moons until Goldenflower's kits were ready. "Anyways, let's hurry. You know Yellowfang doesn't like to be kept waiting."

They met with the two healers at the entrance to camp. "You found her? Good. Let's get going." With a lash of her tail, she led the other three out of camp and up the ravine.

They traveled silently, towards the Twolegplace, until they found a clearing of bright yellow flowers. Many of them were soaked by the morning's rainstorm, and several had been squashed by fallen branches. 

Still, there was plenty to gather, and Dewpaw immediately began doing so as Yellowfang turned to Fireheart. "So why did you lie about Ravenspirit?"

"What?" Peppermask bristled beside him. "What're you talking about?"

"Fireheart didn't get attacked by Brokentail on the border. None of us did. And I certainly didn't bury anyone." Yellowfang replied sourly, her nose wrinkled in disapproval. "So? Out with it!"

"He-" The spotted molly turned to him. "That's why you insisted on me, isn't it? Something happened with Ravenspirit." She tilted her head as she studied him. "Does it have to do with-"

"Tigerclaw was planning to kill him." Fireheart interrupted her before she could finish. "He outright said as much to him at the Moonstone. If he had stayed, he would have died."

"So he's alive then." He turned his ears to listen as Dewpaw spoke from where she was carefully stripping flowerheads. "That's good. I… I was worried I helped send him to his death."

"Hold on." Yellowfang interrupted incredulously. "Tigerclaw was planning to kill his own son?"

Fireheart stared at her. "Yea, because of Redtail." He explained hurriedly. "I thought you knew all this."

"Redtail?" Her copper eyes were baffled as she stared back at him. "What are you talking about?"

"The night Dewpaw was made a healer apprentice, you told me to keep quiet about it!" He responded, equally confused. What else could she have been talking about? "We were talking about Redtail, and then you said-"

"I was talking about the prophecy! You were going to blurt it out to the whole Clan!" Her fur bristled angrily. "I don't know what you're talking about with Redtail."

"What prophecy?"

"You mean you don't-" She caught herself after a moment and let out a heavy sigh. "Oh, Starclan."

All four of them looked at each other in confusion. "What prophecy?" Fireheart repeated. What was she talking about? He'd never heard of any sort of prophecy in his life.

"I honestly thought you knew. That's why you attacked Brokentail, is it not?"

"I attacked Brokentail because he was going to kill you!" The ginger tom shook his head in disbelief. "So you had no idea why Redtail was showing up?"

"No!" Yellowfang sat down, staring at him as myriad emotions swirled through her eyes. "Starclan above, that changes things."

"Maybe a little!" Fireheart turned his gaze over to the two sisters. "What prophecy? What even is a prophecy, anyways? Like, I've heard it in the elders’ stories, but an actual-"

"Sometimes Starclan speaks to us outside the Moonstone." Dewpaw cut in before he could stick his paw in his mouth. "They only do so when there's grave danger coming. Those are prophecies. They're very rare, though. Spottedleaf told me when I was a kit that the last one she received was about Bluestar." Her tail drooped at the mention of her mentor. He didn't blame her; though it seemed like ages ago, the healer had only died that morning. She hadn't had time to process her grief.

"Yes, that's correct." Yellowfang's gaze stared out into the forest. "Goosefeather was notorious for spouting them. Whether Starclan actually spoke to him or not, I cannot say." 

"Okay. So there was a prophecy about, what? Brokentail? I guess that makes sense." He had certainly pulled Starclan's attention, after all. Breaking the warrior code left and right, killing cats by the clawful - no wonder they thought the Clans were in grave danger.

"I suppose there's no point in hiding it, since it's been fulfilled." The dark gray healer finally looked back at him. "Fireheart, the prophecy was about you."

"Me?" He bristled in shock. "But why? I'm barely a warrior!" 

"You're more than that, in Starclan's eyes." She replied steadily, her eyes clearer now. "Fire alone can save our Clan. I received it less than a moon after Raggedstar's death. Brokentail had already begun pulling the Clan away from the warrior code when he assigned Badgerkit to be Spiderfoot's apprentice at three moons old. I knew Shadowclan was in danger."

Fireheart blinked, shock washing over him. He had heard that phrase before, when he had spoken to Redtail. But why would Redtail care about Shadowclan's problems? "So they knew that I would attack Brokentail?" He scoffed at that. "So what? It wasn't that big a deal. Someone else would have done it if I hadn't."

"I didn't know what it meant for a while." Yellowfang admitted. "I thought perhaps it was referring to a Shadowclanner, but I didn't know who. It wasn't until I was attacked by a young tom named Firepaw in Thunderclan territory that I began to understand."

"You're still holding that against me? I've apologized a dozen times!" Fireheart spat crossly. "If I could go back and undo it, I would!"

"But if you hadn't, we would have passed through your territory unnoticed. We may never have returned to the Clans." The old healer replied, her voice steady and clear as she spoke. "It was you who rescued Mosspaw and Volepaw and swayed Thunderclan's mind. And it was you that led the charge to chase out Brokentail, in the end." She shook her broad head with a soft smile. "Starclan was right. Fire saved Shadowclan from Brokentail."

"But- That's-" He frowned. He was an ordinary apprentice! At the time it was given, he had barely been accepted into Thunderclan - if he had even been part of the Clan at all! Why would Starclan pay attention to a lousy kittypet? He kneaded his claws in and out, not sure how to explain his disbelief.

"Starclan works in mysterious ways." The dark molly shrugged. "It is not up to us to know how they think. We can only interpret what they tell us."

"Can we go back to Ravenspirit being alive? And how Tigerclaw was about to kill him?" Peppermask interrupted them, her green eyes narrow as she stared at him. 

"I just told the Clan that so Tigerclaw doesn't try to find him." Fireheart explained quickly. "And even if he does find out Ravenspirit lives, he's far enough away that Tigerclaw won't come after him."

"Why does Tigerclaw want his son dead so badly?" Yellowfang interjected, shock creeping back into her eyes. "And what does that have to do with Redtail?"

"Tigerclaw killed Redtail because he wanted to be deputy instead, and Ravenspirit saw it." The new warrior told the clueless healer, trying to catch her up on the sordid events of recent moons quickly. "Ever since then, Redtail's been haunting us to do something about Tigerclaw and get revenge for him."

"Also, we were all apprentices when we found this out, and we didn't think Bluestar would believe us." Peppermask's green eyes were blazing as she glared at him. "And now that we're warriors and maybe earned her trust, you've gone and gotten rid of the only evidence we had!"

"We had to keep him safe!" Fireheart retorted. "Tigerclaw was actively plotting to murder him with Darkstripe. I overheard it right before we left for the Moonstone. We couldn't keep an eye on him all the time!"

"Yeah, but now what are we supposed to do? Tell Bluestar that the Clan's top warrior is a secret traitor, just trust us on that though?" She shook her head angrily, her tail lashing. "Now we're stuck in the same situation we were before!"

"There's got to be some other evidence. And Ravenspirit isn't even that far away." He huffed angrily back at her. "We'll figure it out. You're the smartest out of all of us, I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Yeah, but-" She broke off in a snarl, turning away from him. "Toms!" She spat out as she began pacing in a circle.

Yellowfang was watching and listening to their debate stoically, though he could tell her thoughts were racing. "And what about Redtail?" She asked. "You said he shows up in your dreams?"

"No, he shows up around here. Like he did in the healer's den, with Spottedleaf." He wished he could make the dead deputy show up and just explain things to Bluestar, but of course it could never be that easy. "Apparently he used to talk to Ravenspirit, when we were still apprentices, but now he mostly shows up behind my shoulder all threateningly."

"You don't say." Yellowfang responded dryly. "I never would have guessed."

He blinked in surprise at her tone as she spoke, before noticing her gaze staring past him. This time, when he turned around, he spotted Redtail staring at them from behind a tree, nearly blending into it with his tabby coat. Peppermask bristled beside him, while Dewpaw continued silently stripping flowers as she stared stoically at the ghostly tom.

"Redtail!" He snapped. "Why don't you come out and explain all this to Yellowfang, huh? Or better yet, Bluestar herself?" He took a step towards the calico tom. "Maybe actually help us get your revenge instead of spooking everyone for a change?"

As soon as he moved closer, the tom jumped away with a flash of his namesake tail, vanishing among the leaffall leaves. Fireheart knew better than to try chasing him. He could disappear into nothingness at any moment, so what was the point?

He sighed and turned back to Yellowfang. "I think that's about everything. Sorry that Thunderclan isn't the perfect Clan it appears to be."

"I knew that from the moment you broke my leg." The healer smirked as he groaned at the mention of his worst mistake. "But I certainly believe you. Stranger things have happened in the forest before, though it was usually when Goosefeather was involved." She sighed and shook her head bemusedly.

"So now that everything's out in the open, what do we do?" Fireheart asked the other three. "Ravenspirit might be able to return and speak up against Tigerclaw, but Peppermask is right. We should try and figure out some other form of evidence."

"If you want my advice, you've all done quite enough for the time being." He perked one orange ear towards Yellowfang as she spoke. "You've thwarted his plotting for now. I might be able to persuade Bluestar there's more to Tigerclaw than it seems, but that will take time, perhaps a few trips to the Moonstone." She shook her wide head slowly. "The best warriors know when to wait patiently."

Peppermask hesitated. "But- what if he goes after our dad? What's to stop him from killing another deputy?"

Fireheart grimaced at her questions. He had to admit she was right; now that Ravenspirit was out of the way, the dark tabby would see no more obstacles to his next victim.

"He has three warriors and both healers to protect him. I'm sure Redtail is watching over him as well." The old healer pointed out steadily. "They claim prey runs over the paws of those who wait. Perhaps Tigerclaw will do the same."

The spotted warrior didn't seem quite convinced, but nodded in agreement. "Very well. Waiting it is."

"How's that marigold coming, Dewpaw?" Yellowfang asked as she stood up and stretched. "We should probably be getting back. The vigils will be starting soon."

The healer's apprentice pushed a pile of bright yellow flowers towards them. "This should be enough for the whole season, if we're lucky." She remarked in her typical quiet voice. "Be careful picking them up. The more juice you can preserve, the better."

They each carefully collected a mouthful of the marigold, trying not to squeeze it too tightly as Dewpaw had requested. It was a slow walk back to camp, and by the time they entered camp the sun had almost set. Fireheart hurriedly deposited the flowers on the healer's stone workspace before rushing back out to see Graystripe exiting the warriors' den with a ferocious yawn.

"Fireheart!" The gray tom hurried over to greet his fellow warrior. "Dad woke me up. He said it's almost time for our vigil." 

"And the vigil for Spottedleaf and Ravenspirit." He looked to see Dappleshine emerge from the healer's den, followed by Yellowfang carrying Spottedleaf's body and Dewpaw behind her. Shortly after, Dustleap, Speckleflight and Sandstorm came out from the shadows to sit nearby. Ravenspirit's half-siblings and second adoptive mother, alongside Dappleshine, so it made sense they would all come to mourn the 'fallen' warrior. They sat in the middle of camp, a respectful distance from Spottedleaf, presumably sitting vigil for Ravenspirit even though they had no body.

"There you two are." It was Bluestar, deftly avoiding the mourners to speak to her two newest warriors. "It is time for you both to sit vigil until dawn. All cats in camp will be putting their lives in your paws, including those mourning the fallen." She stared at both of them sternly. "I expect I don't have to remind you two how important this night of listening is."

Fireheart shook his head quickly, and he could sense Graystripe beside him do the same. "Good. Go on, then." She flicked her tail to dismiss them, then turned and padded over to Spottedleaf's body. Of course she would mourn the calico; Spottedleaf had served as healer beside her for a long time. It was understandable she would want to see her off on the Startrail.

Fireheart padded over to sit beside the entrance to camp. Graystripe took a spot near the nursery, flicking an ear at what he assumed was the mewling of several kits inside. They met each other's gazes from across camp and nodded solemnly before looking back out over their home. 

Their vigil had begun.