#*moon's thena

[velvet4510]

I refuse to include Shuri and the man who murdered her mother because I have common sense.

[thenaphantoms]

Years ago, there was an art challenge going around where you'd combine I think ten of your favourite characters together to make a brand new OC. I ended up with a really fun design, but most of my favourite characters have changed since then, so I gave it another go! Can you spot all the references?

[lumillsie]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ marvel masterlist. ੈ✩‧₊˚

╰┈➤ avengers : tony stark, james rhodes (rhodey), bruce banner (norton), bruce banner (ruffalo), natasha romanoff, thor odinson, steve rogers, clint barton, sam wilson, wanda maximoff, pietro maximoff, vision, scott lang, hope van dyne, stephen strange, peter parker (maguire), peter parker (garfield), peter parker (holland), shuri, carol danvers, shang chi, monica rambeau, joaquin torres, kate bishop, kamala khan (platonic),

╰┈➤ pre-mcu spiderman : norman osborn, otto octavius, harry osborn (franco), harry osborn (dehaan), dr curt connors, gwen stacey (stone)

╰┈➤ the defenders (+supporting) : matt murdock, jessica jones, luke cage, danny rand, frank castle, karen page, elektra natchios

╰┈➤ thunderbolts : james buchanan barnes (bucky), john walker, ava starr, bob reynolds, yelena belova

╰┈➤ antagonists : emil blonsky (abomination), loki laufeyson, baron zemo, kaecilius, hela odinsdottir, erik killmonger, proxima midnight, yon-rogg, quentin beck (mysterio), gorr, valentina allegra de fontaine, agatha harkness, maya lopez, rio vidal

╰┈➤ s.h.i.e.l.d : nick fury, maria hill

╰┈➤ loki : loki laufeyson (loki series variant), sylvie laufeysdottir, mobius,

╰┈➤ eternals : ikaris, sersi, thena, druig, ajak, kingo, phastos, gilgamesh, makkari, dane whitman

╰┈➤ moon knight : marc spector (/steven grant), layla el-faouly, arthur harrow

╰┈➤ guardians of the galaxy : gamora, nebula

╰┈➤ asgardians : lady sif, valkyrie, heimdall

╰┈➤ supporting characters : pepper potts, elizabeth ross, jane foster, darcy lewis, peggy carter, howard stark, sharon carter, jimmy woo, christine palmer, may parker, michelle jones, okoye, m'baku, melina vostokoff, xialing, katy, henry lopez, jennifer kale, lilli calderu

NOTE : I still haven't seen all the movies and shows in the marvel universe and I'm currently on my rewatch. this list is subject to changes as I progress. the categories aren't strict, they're mainly so that I have an easier time navigating whom I added and whom I haven't. as always, characters in red are the ones I'm most looking forward to writing about.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ tony stark. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ james rhodes (rhodey). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ bruce banner (norton). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ bruce banner (ruffalo). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ natasha romanoff. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ thor odinson. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ steve rogers. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ clint barton. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ sam wilson. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ wanda maximoff. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ pietro maximoff. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ vision. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ scott lang. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ hope van dyne. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ stephen strange. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ peter parker (maguire). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ peter parker (garfield). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ peter parker (holland). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ shuri. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ carol danvers. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ shang chi. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ monica rambeau. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ joaquin torres. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ kate bishop. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ kamala khan (platonic). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ norman osborn. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ otto octavius. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ harry osborn (franco). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ harry osborn (deehan). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ dr curt connors. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ gwen stacey (stone). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ matt murdock. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ jessica jones. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ luke cage. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ danny rand. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ frank castle. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ karen page. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ elektra natchios. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ james buchanan barnes. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ john walker. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ava starr. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ bob reynolds. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ yelena belova. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ emil blonsky (abomination). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ loki laufeyson. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ hela odinsdottir. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ erik killmonger. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ proxima midnight. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ yon-rogg. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ quentin beck (mysterio). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ gorr. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ valentina allegra de fontaine. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ agatha harkness. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ maya lopez. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ rio vidal. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ nick fury. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ maria hill. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ loki laufeyson (loki series variant). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ sylvie laufeysdottir. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ mobius. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ikaris. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ sersi. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ thena. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ druig. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ajak. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ kingo. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ phastos. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ gilgamesh. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ dane whitman. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ marc spector (/stephen grant). ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ layla el-faouly. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ arthur harrow. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ gamora. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ nebula. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ lady sif. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ valkyrie. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ heimdall. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ pepper potts. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ elizabeth ross. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ jane foster. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ darcy lewis. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ peggy carter. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ howard stark. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ sharon carter. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ jimmy woo. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ christine palmer. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ may parker. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ michelle jones. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ okoye. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ m'baku. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ melina vostokoff. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ xialing. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ katy. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ henry lopez. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ jennifer kale. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ lilli calderu. ੈ✩‧₊˚

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[p4lm5prings]

MCU character playlist masterpost

*Crossed-out playlists are playlists that will be linked eventually!

Thunderbolts* The New Avengers

Yelena Belova / Black Widow Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier Bob Reynolds / Sentry Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian Ava Starr / Ghost John Walker / U.S. Agent The New Avengers Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

Fantastic Four

Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic Sue Storm / Invisible Woman Johnny Storm / Human Torch Ben Grimm / The Thing The Fantastic Four

Avengers (og6)

Steve Rogers / Captain America Tony Stark / Iron Man Thor Odinson Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow Bruce Banner / The Hulk Clint Barton / Hawkeye The Avengers

Avengers (and just who I assume will be avengers in doomsday lol)

Sam Wilson / Captain America Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel Wanda Maximoff / The Scarlet Witch Shang-Chi Scott Lang / Ant-Man Peter Parker / Spider-Man Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk Stephen Strange / Doctor Strange Joaquin Torres / Falcon James "Rhodey" Rhodes / War Machine Hope van Dyne / The Wasp The Vision Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver

Young Avengers

Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel Kate Bishop / Hawkeye Cassie Lang / Stature Billy Maximoff / Wiccan Tommy Maximoff / Speed America Chavez Riri Williams / Ironheart

Daredevil / Defenders saga

Matt Murdock / Daredevil Foggy Nelson Karen Page Frank Castle / The Punisher Ben "Dex" Pointdexter / Bullseye Kirsten McDuffie Nelson, Murdock and Page Maya Lopez / Echo Jessica Jones Elektra Natchios Luke Cage Billy Russo / Jigsaw Trish Walker / Hellcat Ray Nadeem Claire Temple

Spider-Verse

Peter Parker / The Amazing Spider-Man (Andrew) Peter Parker / Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man (Tobey) Michelle "MJ" Jones Ned Leeds Mary Jane Watson Gwen Stacy Felicia Hardy / Black Cat

Agatha All Along

Agatha Harkness Rio Vidal / Death

Guardians of the Galaxy

Peter Quill / Star-Lord Gamora Rocket Raccoon Nebula Mantis Drax the Destroyer Adam Warlock

X-Men / Mutants

Wade Wilson / Deadpool Logan / Wolverine Scott Summers / Cyclops

Asgard and TVA

Loki Laufeyson King Valkyrie Jane Foster / Mighty Thor Lady Sif Darcy Lewis Hela Odinsdottir Sylive Laufydottir Mobius M. Mobius

Wakanda

Shuri / Black Panther T'Challa / Black Panther Nakia Okoye Namor the Submariner M'Baku Erik Killmonger

Moon Knight

Marc Spector / Moon Knight Steven Grant / Mr Knight Jake Lockley / Moon Knight Layla El-Faouly / Scarlet Scarab

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. / Agent Carter

Maria Hill Sharon Carter / Agent 13 / Power Broker Peggy Carter Phil Coulson Daisy Johnson / Quake Melinda May Jemma Simmons Leo Fitz Bobbi Morse / Mockingbird Lance Hunter Alphonso "Mack" Machenzie Elena "Yo-Yo" Rodriguez Deke Shaw Grant Ward Daniel Sousa Edwin Jarvis Dottie Underwood / Black Widow

S.W.O.R.D. and S.A.B.E.R. (and other agents)

Monica Rambeau / Photon Nick Fury Everett Ross Jimmy Woo

Eternals

Sersi Thena Makkari Phastos Druig Kingo Ajak Gilgamesh Ikaris Sprite Eros / Starfox

Werewolf by Night

Jack Russell / Werewolf by Night Elsa Bloodstone

[atevanfool]

Expanding Chapter 13 - Epilogue (Final)

| Rating: T | Words: 2,578 | CW: None | On Ao3 |

| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 |

x-x-x

Branson

8 Years On

The room is alight with energy as the graduates file, single file, into their seats. The staff follow behind them, murmuring quietly amongst themselves. The graduates all focus on each step, making sure that they don’t accidentally fall on their faces in front of the thousands of people watching them from the stands. The band plays the umpteenth round of Pomp and Circumstance as he takes his seat. It’s strange, being near the front of the gathering instead of the back. As a Buckley-Kinard, he’ll never be at the very end of the alphabet ever again.

While he patiently waits for everyone to make it to their places, his eyes go towards the crowd, searching out familiar faces. He spots them to his left. His dads are there, holding hands as Tommy stares lovingly at his husband of over a decade, listening intently as he babbles on about who knows what. Branson’s fine with that. He knows that once the ceremony actually starts that his dads will only have eyes for him. Next to them on one side is Athena, aging as beautifully as fine wine, and on their other side, sits the two people who bring him more joy than he’s ever experienced before.

A little girl with hair so black it’s almost violet sits on a familiar woman’s lap. Seeing his eyes on them, the woman picks up the little girl's hands, puts them in the air, and waves excitedly. The little girl's brown eyes lock on his and her face lights up. She begins to kick her feet and wave her hands around wildly of her own free will. His own grin breaks out unbidden and he lifts his own hand to wave wildly back at them. Nikki, her beautiful red hair a waterfall of silk down to mid-back now, smiles contentedly at him, wrapping her arms around their daughter.

After high school, they had unfortunately lost touch with each other as they went in different directions. Nikki did end up going into the trades, becoming a mason apprentice. Branson went on to community college, and from there, to veterinary school. Strangely enough, he ran into Nikki one night out his first semester in the university, and they fell right back into old habits. For both of them it was like no time at all had passed.

They talked and hung out for a few months, neither of them wanting anything more. Branson eventually came out to her about being asexual and aromantic, and spent some time explaining to her what that was. She easily accepted it which had been a weight off his heart that he never knew he’d been carrying. Nikki had then admitted to him that both her sex drive and her libido were exceedingly low. Not that she doesn’t enjoy sex, but it’s low on her priority list.

Some things led to some other things, and they eventually fell, mutually, into bed with each other. They started a strange sort of non relationship but were still exclusive to only each other. After the second or third time, Branson reminded Nikki that he would never fall in love with her, wanting to make sure she didn’t get herself trapped and then heartbroken. She had kissed him and whispered that she could carry enough love for the both of them. She knew Branson loved her as much as one person could platonically and as long as that never changed, she was happy.

A little over a year later they welcomed Teague into their lives. Branson had never felt as much joy as he did the first moment he heard his little girl cry, her skin still red, wailing in the doctor’s arms. From that moment on he knew he was going to be complete. His dads were over the moon about becoming grandparents. They spoil her rotten to this day. And great grandma Thena? Branson can’t tell her nothing about no one when it comes to little Teague.

Then of course there’s the rest of the firefam. There are so many days where Branson is brought to tears over the love that his little family of three receives. Auntie’s Maddie, Hen, and Karen, mother hen him like no one else in his life ever have. Uncle Chimney helps him keep his head on straight. And from the moment they’d met, they brought Nikki into their inner circle, adopting her as they’ve adopted him. Lack of blood connection means nothing to his family.

The graduates are finally seated and the ceremony begins. It’s hard to tear his eyes away from his baby girl, but he looks forward and celebrates everyone else that’s worked so hard to get here. When it’s his turn to walk the stage and receive his diploma, his eyes wander back up to the stands where his family has their eyes laser focused on him. Dad’s eyes are wet and pops is hugging him close, his own baby blues appearing a little damp. Abuela Thena has a tissue held to her eyes as she openly cries happy tears. Jee and Daniel hold up a small poster that says, Congratulations Branson! The scrawl is messy, and the balloons lopsided, but his heart swells knowing that they made it just for him. Chimney and Maddie bookend their kids and they’re grinning down at him; his auntie’s eyes are unmistakably wet. She’s still not grown out of being a crier. That’s okay because he knows it means she loves him.

When the ceremony ends, he wades through the throngs of people to find his unit. As soon as Teague spots him, she sprints towards him, weaving expertly though the legs of the adults around her. “Daddy!” She screams, leaping in his open arms. Catching her, he spins her a few circles, burying his nose in her hair as she squeals happily. Setting her down, he crouches to her level and boops her nose. “Good job, daddy!” She yells, leaning in and pecking a kiss on his cheek.

Her mom stops behind her and ruffles her hair. “We’re so proud of daddy. He’s going to help so many animals.” She grins down at him. Her skin and Teagues match almost perfectly, her Irish or Scottish roots ensuring their daughter would never know what a tan is. At least he’ll never lose them in a crowd. Standing, he wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her in for a deep kiss, basking in her presence.

There’s a wolf whistle and when they break apart, his pops has his hands cupping around his mouth as he makes more noise. “Dang kid, settle down. There are kids here.” He jokes, shooting Branson a crooked smile.

Snorting, Branson replies, “Like you and dad are any different.” Nikki’s face is as red as her hair and Teague is pulling on her skirt asking why which only makes her more red. Branson wants to laugh at her but he knows better. He hugs each family member as they approach, thanking each of them for being there for him. Both his parents hug him longer than anyone else and plant a kiss on each temple, dad on one side and pops on the other. They whisper to him how proud they are, and how much they love him.

Nine years ago Branson never thought that he could have it all one day, and yet here he stands with not just a family that loves him, but a degree that will help him change the world.

12 Years On

“Dr. Buckley-Kinard, Muffins is ready to go home.” His tech calls from another room.

“I’ll be right there! Thanks Aster.” He flips to another page on his clipboard, reading information on a new patient coming in.

From the entrance his secretary calls, “Dr. Buckley-Kinard, you have visitors.”

Grinning, Branson flips the file back to the front page and tucks it under his arm. Striding down the hall, he enters into the brightly lit waiting room of his private vet practice to find his wife and daughter standing there, glowing like the angels they are. Teague holds her stuffed rabbit she was given as a baby. Unfortunately she never got the chance to meet Sweetpea, who lived a long full life and passed away at nine years old, but she’s got a plethora of animals at home - a dog, two cats, three guinea pigs, and two rabbits. It’s a lot, but with how happy it makes her, Branson wouldn’t exchange it for anything in the whole wide world.

“Well, who are these gorgeous strangers on my doorstep?” He asks, stopping with a wide stance and hands on his hips, one eyebrow cocking.

“We came to visit, daddy.” Teague chirps, rushing into his legs and wrapping herself around him, unbalancing him. Grinning, he sweeps her up into his arms and rubs his beard against her soft cheek, making her laugh and push him away. “Daddy, that feels weird!”

“What, you don’t like my beard?” He asks, falsely aghast. “Mama loves my beard.” Putting one arm under Teague’s butt to hold her up on his hip, he reaches out and pulls Nikki in for a quick kiss. “Right, mama?”

She reaches up and runs a hand along his fuzzy jaw and says, “Hmmm, I dunno. I might have to agree with Teague on this one.” She winks and he chuckles, pulling her in for one last kiss. As she pulls her hand away, the glint of her wedding band catches his eye, making his chest warm; they’d married about two years ago when Teague was four, deciding that they didn’t want to find anyone else and that they liked what they had going.

Their lives are atypical. They’re going for the gold if they have sex more than a few times a year. They sleep apart most of the time, though Branson loves to just cuddle, and loves the feeling of sleeping on her breasts. She enjoys having her head pet and so they do spend a lot of time snuggling, but nothing more. While they enjoy kissing, they’re not handsy with each other and very rarely share a lot of public affection. Most would ask if their marriage was doing okay, if they were on the outs with each other but nope. Branson’s never been more happy in his life. Not since Buck and Tommy officially adopted him. And Nikki seems just as happy, loving her job in masonry and caring for their daughter and simply existing in a space together.

“Aw, that’s not fair. You guys are ganging up on me!” Branson whines before turning to pepper his daughter's face with kisses before setting her down and pulling her into his side. “What are you guys up to?” He runs a hand through her soft, wavy locks.

“Just out running some errands. You’re not too busy are you? Teague just really wanted to swing by since we were close.”

“I’m never too busy for my favorite girls.” He reaches out and grabs Nikki’s hand, giving it a squeeze. As he says that though, his tech calls for him again, and he smiles sheepishly. “Make sure to go visit pop-pop and gramps, okay? They miss you.”

Teague turns to her mom and juts out her bottom lip, reminding him so much of dad when he’s being a brat towards pops. It makes Branson snort but he covers it with a cough. “Can we go visit them, mama?”

Nikki refrains from rolling her eyes but sighs and lets out a small laugh, saying, “Sure baby girl. We can go visit them. Let’s get going before daddy gets yelled at by Aster. Again.”

“Only the fifth time so far today!” His tech yells from the back room making both ladies giggle as they hold their hands over their mouths.

Shaking his head, he leans in, kisses his daughter's hair, and sighs, “Man, it must be “pick on Branson” day. That’s okay though, but only because you’re cute.” She smiles at him with a gap tooth smile and yanks on his sleeve until he leans over once more. Planting a kiss on his cheek, she turns and skips to the front door. She impatiently beckons her mother, a new plan on her mind.

Nikki shakes her head. “Just like her dad. Not that I mind.” She sends a fond smile at her daughter before asking, “Will you be home for dinner?”

“Yeah. I should be. Love you.” He runs a hand down her arm and squeezes softly.

“Love you, too. See you at home.” Turning, she leaves the building with nothing more than a wave. Branson watches until they’re in their SUV before turning on his own heel and heading back into the exam rooms.

His life may not be perfect, but it’s better than he could’ve ever imagined as a lost, lonely, seventeen year old. He’s no longer drifting. He’s found an oasis in the desert; he has parents that adore him, who will be there for him no matter what; he has a daughter that he adores, who’s growing up in the home he wishes he could’ve had, and a wife that God couldn’t have made more perfect for him.

Not only that but he’s a successful business owner. It struggled for the first year or so but word spread quickly about the kind Dr. Buckley-Kinard that doesn’t turn clients away, even if they didn’t have the money right then. He works with his struggling clients to come up with a payment plan, even if it’s only a single penny a week. There’s a donation jar for people to leave money towards the care of others animals, and it was full at the end of every day because his clients know how much people’s animals mean to them.

Now, after putting in the hard work, his clinic is successful enough that he’s able to donate a large amount of money to the shelter he volunteered at as a struggling teen. The only place that would give him a chance after a dumb mistake. They’ve honored him by putting up a plaque with his name and the years he volunteered from. Branson doesn’t allow them to tell anyone about his donations, though. The founder of the shelter knows, and their accountant, but that’s it. He’s just happy to see them thriving, always in the green, even able to pay for a full staff which means being able to take in more animals. They were even able to remodel last year, giving the building a cleaner, sleeker appearance. Business booms even more now. His dads began donating as well, especially now that pops is mostly retired. They finally got the dog dad always wanted. He hates that the dog seems to love pops more than him but he doesn’t know what Branson does. Their dog acts unruly in front of dad because he feels safe with him, and she gives back the same energy he gives him.

Branson also has a younger sister now, Laila. She came to dad and pops when she was five and that was about four years ago. She’s amazing, and Branson loves that his family just keeps expanding.

Yeah. Branson had a rough start. A rough beginning and middle. But through all of that, Branson knows, in his heart of hearts, that he’s going to have the best kind of ending, with all his loved ones by his side.

x-x-x

Wow you guys. We've really reached the end of Branson's journey.

He learned so much, and Buck and Tommy got to watch him grow. All of his hard work paid off and I hope you've enjoyed experiencing it with him as much as I enjoyed writing this.

Though this story is over, don't count Branson out just yet, as he may appear in future stories.

Thank you to each and every one of my beautiful readers. I appreciate you more than you can know. Thank you to those of you that left me such beautiful, and heartfelt comments, whether it was a single one or on every chapter. As a writer, that means the world to me. And anyone that subscribed? My heart is singing with happiness. Finally, to any of you that left kudos. You are the ones that encouraged me to complete this story, so my thanks goes out to you as well.

Love and appreciation to all of you. See you in the next one. ❤😘👨‍👨‍👦🐇

[sunshinethena]

a second moon was one of the signs of the hurricane in Life is Strange… we should be worried idk

[Image ID: The Destiel confession meme edited so that Dean answers 'We now have a second moon!' to Cas' 'I love you'. /End ID]

The asteroid 2024 PT5 will orbit earth for approximately 2 months until November 25. According to NASA this temporary capture will start right at this moment (September 29, 19:54 UTC) if tumblr queued this right. source link

[potatoesmoomaddie]

Hello! I can’t stop thinking about lil lady veah

So here’s a list of what I think veah calls everyone some canon some not

Fenris-papa/wolfie

Rae-daddy

Icarus-birdie! (Always said with excitement) starts calling them uncle birdie after her dad says birdies family

Athena-Aunty thena!

Bruin-uncle B

Easton-Easton/east

Momboo-Aunty boo!/cherry blossom

Addie-aunty shy!

Ocie-aunty ocean!

Violet-Uncle vi

Ari-aunty Ari/Aunty allay

Jerry-uncle J

Len-Uncle Lenny

Aax-Uncle A

Caspian-uncle cas

Haley (is she still around?)-Aunty H

Ulysses-MR Ulysses

Alerion-Uncle al!

Aurelius (if they ever meet)-uncle relius

Casus-aunty lucky!

Enderian-grandma derian

Epros-great granvoid

Fable-some guy she read about that one time before she got in trouble

Kinaxus-great granheat naxus

Malitae-Mr malitae

Netherum-nethy

Rakai-uncle ra

Soul-aunty soul

Vikesh-Mr moon

Vorago-uncle rago

Elizabeth-Beth!

Isla-grandma Isla

Oscar-osc/BESTIEEE

Upper management-upper manag!

Calypso-caly!

Argo-arg

Terry (like ocies child terry) -TJ

Cari-CARIIII

That’s it! Hope you enjoyed! Some are a lil silly eventually I’ll make a what everyone calls veah!

[pasukiyo]

YOU'LL ALWAYS BE MINE

a royalty au. remus lupin x female!princess reader.

| PROLOGUE

series masterlist. join the taglist here. link to ao3.

word count: 3,091 words summary: the princess is to be betrothed soon. although her betrothal will serve as the bridge between her kingdom and king fleamont's, she cannot bring herself to feel honor. she's still so young! how can she marry a man she doesn't love, much less a man she's never even met? meanwhile, the full moon is in two weeks and remus is in the most pain he's ever had to endure. how much longer does he have to suffer, how much longer until the pain finally subsides so he can be numb?

so even in a different life, you still would've been mine, we would've been timeless...

‘Dear Lily,

 Oh Lily, where do I even begin? Things have been less than ideal here, I’m afraid. Peter has been practically breathing down my neck as of late… (I’ve just been told off for even writing that) …and I overheard mother and father talking yesterday. I am afraid the day has come, my sweet friend. They are going to force me into marriage. 

 I know I should be happy. This is my sole purpose as princess anyway and it should be considered an honor that such a suitable prince should want to have my hand in marriage. Alas, my friend, I do not feel honorable. I cannot help but to feel anything but. It feels like I am wasting my life away… why can I not find a man for myself? I was under the impression that marriage was only for the one you truly love, so what if I do not love him? 

 I apologise, for I must be going now. It is becoming rather difficult to keep Peter from reading over my shoulder and quite frankly, I do not wish to succumb to another one of mother and father’s lectures. Peter is such a sneak.

 With all my love,

 The Princess’

 The Princess sighs as she signs off her letter, narrowing her eyes up at Peter where he stands, an incredulous look upon his face as she rolls the parchment, tying it with a red silk ribbon. “You don’t have to give me that look, Peter,” she says, fixing up the bow she tied until she is certain it is perfect. “Besides, this letter is between me and Princess Lily, you needn’t be such a snoop.”

 Peter’s lip curls in a snarl, watching the princess as she rises from the desk, dusting off the skirt of her gown. “You realize, highness, that it is my job to keep you in line?” He sneers, following close behind on her heels as she walks up the steps of the Owlery, searching for her beloved owl, Athena. “Your mother will be very displeased if she were to know the contents of that letter.”

 Her eyes roll in their sockets as she finds her owl, reaching out for Athena’s mottled brown and white head which she caresses with her knuckle, earning a satisfied hoot.

 “Which is why I trust that mother won’t hear of this,” she says, her lips curving in a cheeky grin as she ties the parchment to Athena’s claw. “Deliver this to Lily, would you, Thena?” She coos at the owl, the creature giving her knuckle a tender nip before she outstretches her wings, pushing her body off of her perch, soaring out the window and into the night. The Princess sighs as she watches the owl take flight, an envious flame kindling in her chest. 

 “You’re lucky I am feeling extra generous today,” Peter replies and she rolls her eyes, turning back around to face him. “‘Extra generous?’” She retorts, taking the skirt of her gown in her hands, pushing past him to make her way down the steps of the Owlery. “Since when were you capable of being generous?” 

 She grins over her shoulder at Peter, whom she catches in the act of rolling his eyes as he begrudgingly falls in step behind her. “You jest, your highness. Perhaps I’d even be inclined to laugh if it weren’t damn near midnight. You should be in bed, may I remind you.” 

 The Princess sighs again as she pushes the door of the Owlery open and when night blows into her skin, it erupts in gooseflesh. Still, she’s enough humor within her for a remark.  “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Peter, I am going,” she titters as they weave their way through the garden and safely back inside the castle, stepping into one of its many corridors. 

 “My knickers are not in a tw–”

 “Goodnight Peter! I simply cannot wait until the morning where you will chastise me again for merely breathing!” She smiles and waves at her father’s royal advisor behind her as she works her way up the staircase. 

 She can hear Peter scoffing and mumbling behind her but she pays him no mind, her lips still curled in a soft smile as she makes her way down the corridor leading to her quarters. She slows her steps and yawns, rolling her head around her neck as she approaches the guard standing watch outside her bedroom, sparing him too a grin. With an indifferent expression, he pushes open the door, stepping aside to allow her to enter her bedroom. 

 Her bedroom is warm with a soft marmalade glow coming from the candle she’d left earlier and she hums at the sight of her handmaiden, Marlene, in the corner of the room, silent as she reads whatever on the parchment in her lap. At the sound, Marlene gasps and blinks up to where the princess stands, pushing the piece parchment off to the side as she scrambles to her feet. 

 “Your highness!” Marlene squeaks, pinching the sides of her skirt in a curtsy. “Let me prepare your nightgown for you…” 

 The Princess watches as Marlene rushes to the closet, sifting through the many nightgowns before finally settling on one the color of seafoam. The Princess’ lips twitch in amusements Marlene practically sprints back towards her, outstretching the nightgown in her arms as if this was her coronation. 

 “Marlene, what have I told you?” The Princess chuckles, graciously taking the nightgown from her handmaiden’s trembling hands. “You can relax when you are with me. You make me seem like one of those stuck-up, snobby princesses that care very little for others’ wellbeing. It is rather insulting, actually.”

 Marlene’s cheeks burn a rosy color and she bows her head, ber trembling hands against her sides. “M-my apologies, your highness,” she hardly manages to stutter out, earning yet another roll of the eyes from the Princess. 

 “Marlene,” the Princess calls her name again, reaching out for the handmaiden’s chin, cupping it in her palm and tilting it up until their eyes meet. “Relax.”

 Marlene’s chest heaves as she takes a deep breath, her muscles visibly relaxing when she realizes the Princess’ soft, gentle tone. She exhales and the Princess’ lips grow in yet another warm smile before she turns, circling around the dressing screen to make quick work of her dress. 

 “Do you need help with your corset?” Marlene’s voice calls from over the screen just as she manages to undo the laces and it feels freeing, finally being able to breathe without limit. “I’ve got it,” she sighs in reply, tossing the corset over the top of the screen before shimmying here way out of her chemise. 

 “Your highness,” Marlene’s voice calls again and the Princess hums in reply, finally stripping out of her attire, rolling up her nightgown until she could finally pull her head through the opening. “The King and Queen requested you join them for brunch tomorrow. They speak of a Lord Sirius who will be joining you.”

 Her lips twitch at the mention of Lord Sirius and she steps out from behind the dressing screen, smoothing down her nightgown with the palms of her hands. “Thank you, Marlene,” she dips her chin. “Might I request that I wear that midnight blue dress, you know, the one I wore when Lord Gilderoy came to visit?” 

 Marlene’s eyes widen and her eyebrows furrow in question, the corners of her lips twitching with a smile, although she does her best to suppress it. “Trying to impress Lord Sirius?’ The handmaiden couldn’t help but to ask and the Princess chuckles, shaking her head as she walks over to the bed, setting down onto the mattress. 

 “Of course not!” she replies. “Lord Sirius is a dear friend. I just happen to like that dress. It is very comfortable– my compliments to the seamstress,” she adds with a wink.

 Marlene flushes and bows her head, “thank you, your highness,” she replies sheepishly, her murmur just barely audible. 

 The Princess grins and swings her legs over the side of the mattress, burying herself beneath the covers, blinking up towards the dusty pink ceiling of her bedroom once she’s finally settled. 

 “Is there anything else I can do for you before you sleep?” Marlene inquires and the Princess shakes her head. “No thank you, Marlene,” she yawns, folding her arms behind her head. “Have a good night.”

 “Very well. Sweet dreams, your highness,” Marlene dips her chin in a bow and the Princess watches the ceiling as Marlene blows out the candles at her bedside, washing the orange away from the ceiling, moonlight spilling inside instead

 She listens as Marlene’s footsteps gradually fade from the bedroom and out of her quarters altogether, the room feeling bigger, lonelier. Everything is quiet and still but alas, the silence has her mind reeling again like a dark, swirling tempest of the most terrible thoughts. What was she to do about her betrothal?

 Call her a sap, call her a hopeless romantic— but she wants love. She doesn’t want a prince, even if he comes from magic— she does not wish to become his shadow— she wants what the women have in all the storybooks: she wants to fall in love of her own accord, to understand and be understood by someone like no other. She is still  young and still has her whole life ahead of her— why must wedlock be her destiny? What if there’s something else, something far greater than what she will have out there for her? What if she never gets the chance to know her true destiny when she’s forced to live a completely new one?

 These are dark times, this she knows. She’s watched her father pace back and forth when consulting with his court, watched the bags beneath his eyes grow heavier with each day that passes, watching him grow weary as the promise of war closes in on the horizon. She knows she will do what she must to instill peace in her kingdom— but why must marriage be the only means to an end? 

 The thought puts a sour look on her face and she flips onto her side, wedging an arm beneath her pillow to support her head. She gazes out the window into the night’s black sky, watching the stars as they blink back. This could not happen, it just couldn’t— surely there has to be another way.

 Remus howls in pain as he stumbles through the back door of Lord Sirius Black’s manor, his muscles aching and the contents of his stomach bubbling in the pit, threatening to spill over his chapped lips. He can hear footsteps somewhere on the other side of the mansion and he prays to whomever it is in the sky watching them that it is his dear friend. 

 “Remus?” 

 Remus growls as he crashes into the bookcase against the way, sweat beading down the sides of his face as he tries to regain his balance. His chest heaves from the sheer force of his strangled breath and threads of saliva string from his lips. He groans as he blinks up towards the figure approaching him, hardly able to make out the face in the darkness but he knows it to be his friend. He bends at the waist, half in relief and half in pain.

 “Sirius,” Remus manages out, yelping as another searing jab of pain burns in his abdomen, his forehead practically slamming on the base of the bookcase he uses as his anchor. 

 “Merlin, let’s get you upstairs,” Sirius mutters, grabbing a hold of one of Remus’ arms and tossing it around his shoulders as he uses his other arm to hoist his friend from the floor. Remus hisses through his teeth as pain slices through his body and squeezes his eyelids shut, his head tossing back as he tries to move in tandem with Sirius’ footsteps.

 Sirius grunts as they approach the staircase, practically dragging his friend up the steps, much to Remus’ displeasure. His belly lurches at a particularly rough landing on one of the steps and he purses his lips together, hoping the acid bubbling in his throat could be willed to stay down. Sirius grabs a hold of Remus again and hoists him forward, finally arriving on the second floor of the manor. 

 Though quite winded, Sirius manages to drag Remus the rest of the way into one of the empty spare bedrooms, practically tossing his friend on the mattress as he rushes for the waste bin he keeps in the corner of the room for solely this reason. He passes the bin over to Remus who wastes absolutely no time in spilling the contents of his stomach, a sour, rotten odor Sirius has grown far too accustomed to to care about imbuing the bedroom. 

 Sirius finds a washcloth and pours some cold water into a vase, sighing as he plops down in the chair beside the bed, dipping the cloth before handing it over to Remus once he’s done vomiting. Remus falls back against the pillows, chapped lips agape as he tries to catch his breath, pressing the cold rag onto his entire face. He squeezes his eyelids together hard enough to see stars, feeling his unsteady heart drum against his chest. 

 “Sorry,” he manages finally once he’s calm enough, his voice low and husky. Sirius rolls his eyes and scoffs from his bedside, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. 

 “I think we’re well beyond apologies, my friend,” he snickers. “Besides, you know I do not mind.”

 Remus huffs and coughs into the rag, a furrow in his brow as he folds it, draping it across his forehead, pressing it down hard enough to let some of the water trickle down the sides of his face. He hums when the cold water reaches his chapped lips, tongue swiping between them just as Sirius presses the rim of a bottle to his lips. Remus’ lids shoot open and he glances over at Sirius before back down at the glass of water, practically ripping it from his friend’s grip once he realizes what it is. Sirius watches as Remus practically chugs the entire thing down, the corners of his lips twitching amusedly when his friend hiccups and gasps, wiping away the little bit that had dribbled onto his chin before passing the glass back over. 

 “Sorry for waking you,” Remus says in more of a gasp, letting his head fall to the side against the pillows to get a better look at Sirius in his night clothes. Sirius rolls his eyes at the apology but does not dismiss it, simply shaking his head, setting the glass of water down against the nightstand before leaning back in his seat. 

 “You didn't,” he replies. “I've been awake figuring out what to wear to visit the castle tomorrow.”

 Remus rolls his eyes at this— somehow, it always slipped his mind that his best friend is rich, and a lord for that matter. “Right,” Remus mutters. “While I am doing my very best to not die, you’re rubbing elbows with royalty. Almost forgot.”

 Sirius, too, rolls his eyes and snickers at this, “it’d do you well to remember that I’m the one making sure you’re not dying at this very moment. You wouldn’t want to jeopardize the position you’re in right now, would you?”

 Remus scoffs, rolling his head around his neck, gazing up at the ceiling. “Right,” he murmurs begrudgingly. “I suppose you want my thanks?”

 A humorous smirk lifts the side of Sirius’ face. “It’d certainly amuse me.”

 Remus rolls his eyes again. “Then I won’t,” he replies, wincing as he tries to make himself a little more comfortable despite the jabbing pain in his abdomen. It’s at least a little more tolerable than before. “Anyways, I’ll be out of your hair come morning. You needn’t worry about me.”

 “Now, wait a minute here, you’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” Sirius chuckles, leaning forward in his chair, resting his elbows against his knees. Remus peels a single eyelid open, glancing over at his friend. “The full moon’s not for another few weeks now, is it? And you’ve already got it this bad.”

 “Two weeks, to be exact,” Remus groans. “My symptoms seem to have gotten worse as of late, I guess. Not even one of your million-Galleon beds can take away the pain.” 

 Sirius purses his lips, “not a million Galleons, for the record. Second, I thought you didn’t get this bad until the day before a transformation. Are you alright?”

 Remus opens both his eyelids again, cocking an eyebrow towards his friend. “Oh yes, I am doing just fine and dandy here, thanks so much for asking.”

 Sirius’ chest puffs as he huffs, “I can throw you back out onto the street if you fancy.” 

 Remus titters, easing himself further down into the mattress. “I’m better now,” he assures. “Just… tired.” 

 Sirius eyes his friend, Remus’ skin still slick with a layer of sweat but at the very least, he didn’t seem likely to hurl his dinner out at any given moment anymore. Sirius soothes his palms over his thighs before pushing himself off of his seat, fingernails scratching at his scalp. 

 “Get some sleep,” Sirius says as he makes his way to the door. “Leave whenever you need to tomorrow. I’ll probably already be gone.”

 Remus’ lips tug into a smirk, “off to kiss the ground the royal family walks on?”

 Sirius’ gaze darkens and his eyes roll in their sockets, “piss off.”

 Remus chuckles and with that, Sirius closes the door behind him, leaving Remus all alone in one of the manor’s many bedrooms, blinking up into the dark ceiling above. His muscles are sore and aching, feeling the reminder of the upcoming full moon lingering in the corner of his mind like an annoying little insect. How much more of this pain does he have to bear? How much must he suffer before he finally goes numb? Before he feels nothing at all?

 Remus sighs, letting his eyelids flutter back closed, hoping sleep will come to him soon. He is grateful for Sirius, for having at least a comfortable bed to sleep in tonight, unlike his own bed at home that was no better than sleeping on pins and needles. Remus let himself sink further into the mattress, soon feeling the arms of slumber embrace him, drawing him into its chest…

Next Chapter

a/n; so uh... surprise? so sorry for my long hiatus! between college and work, i have just hardly had any time for anything, especially writing but i'm back! and with a series of all things lol but i'm so excited to finally be posting this and i hope you all enjoy this as much as i do! please fill out my taglist form in my pinned post or at the beginning of this post if you'd like to join my taglist for this series!

[nerds-yearbook]

Marvel launched their first miniseries with Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions. The first issue had a cover date of June 1982. The issue featured a huge cast of Marvel heroes (Aurora, Guardian, Northstar, Sasquatch, Shaman, Snowbird, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wasp, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wonder Man, Angel, Beast, Hellcat, Iceman, Gargoyle, Son of Satan, Valkyrie, Ajak, Hero/Gilgamesh, Ikaris, Makkari, Reject, Sersi, Sprite, Thena, Human Torch, Invisible Girl, Mr. Fanfastic, the Thing, Black Bolt, Crystal, Gorgon, Karnak, Lockjaw, Medusa, Triton, Quicksilver, Acroyear, Acturus Rann, Bug, Devil, Marrionette, Microtron, Crimson Dynamo, Darkstar, Ursa Major, Vanguard, Cyclops, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Professor X, Sprite, Storm, Wolverine, Firebird, Texas Twister, Shooting Star, Red Wolf, Lobo, Night Rider, Iron Fist, Power Man/Luke Cage, 3-D Man, Aguila, American Eagle, Ant Man/Scott Lang, Aquarian/Wundarr, Arabian Knight, Black Knight/Dane Whitman, Valinor, Black Panther, Black Widow, Blue Shield, Brother Voodoo, Captain Britian, Captain Ultra, Clea, the Comet, Daredevil, Dazzler, Devil-Slayer, Drax, Doc Samson, Doctor Druid, Doctor Strange, Falcon, Firebird, Guardsman, Havok, Hawkeye, Her, Hercules, Hulk, Jack of Hearts, Jocasta, Karkas, Ka-Zar, Living Mummy, Machine Man, Mentor, Mockingbird, Moondragon, Moon Knight, Multiple Man, Namorita, Nighthawk, Nova, Paladin, Polaris, Powerhouse, Quasar, Razorback, Rom the Space Knight, Sabra, Shanna the She Devil, She-Hulk, Shroud, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Star-Dancer, Starfox, Stingray, Sub-Mariner, Sunfire, Tagak, Tamara Rann, Thundra, Tigra, Torpedo, Union Jack, Venus, Werewolf by Night, Whizzer, Yellowjacket/Hank Pym, Zabu, and Korvac) as well as introducing Titanis, Xaphan, Blitzkrieg (Franz Mittelstaedt), Captain Universe, Collective Man (Han, Chang, Lin, Sun, and Ho Tao-Yu), Defensor (Gabriel Sepulveda), Peregrine (Alain Racine), Shamrock (Molly Fitzgerald), and Talisman. They were created by Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant, Bill Mantlo, and John Romita Jr. The Grandmaster and Death played a global game using heroes with the possibility of bringing the Collector back to life at stake. ("Gathering of Heroes," Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions 1, Marvel Comic Event)

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Nineteen

Maera had come to appreciate the new routine she had established in her life at the Red Keep. The early morning sparring sessions with Aemond, the quick return to her chambers for a change of clothing with the help of Thena, and then the rest of her day dedicated to assisting Queen Helaena in her various duties. Her days were a whirlwind of tasks, but Maera embraced them wholeheartedly. She stood by the queen's side through courtly affairs and diplomatic meetings, always ready with a reassuring smile or a whispered word of encouragement. Some days she would attend to the twins, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, whether the role be tutor or entertainer, her time with the children brought her immense enjoyment.

Aemond's absence during his duties in the Riverlands, quelling rumored rebellions and ensuring loyalty to the crown, became a recurring pattern. When he returned, Maera noted a slightly better mood about him, likely a reflection of his success in managing the realm's affairs. It was a welcome sight, even if their interactions remained punctuated by their shared history and the complex emotions they both harbored. Maera couldn't help but admire his dedication to his responsibilities, even if it meant sacrificing his own peace.

During his time away, Maera found herself missing his presence. Their time together, though centered around sparring, had rekindled some of their past camaraderie, and Maera appreciated the moments of connection she still shared with him, even if fleeting. She often pondered the fact that Aemond seemed to handle many of the duties that were typically expected of a king. Yet, Aegon, the reigning monarch, spent most of his days in revelry, indulging in drink and pleasures of the flesh. It was probably for the good of the realm that Aemond took on these responsibilities, Maera mused.

A recent role, assigned to Maera by Queen Alicent, involved overseeing the preparations for the upcoming Harvest Moon Ball, taking place in ten days. The women had been meticulously coordinating every detail together to ensure the event's success. Managing these affairs helped keep Maera focused and occupied, a necessary distraction from the continued deterioration of Queen Helaena's mental state. With the combined efforts of Queen Alicent, Maester Orwyle, and Maera herself, they managed to keep Helaena's fragile mental health under control. It was a delicate balance, one they maintained with great care, for the sake of the queen and the realm.

One day, as Maera supervised the delivery of Dahlias and Violas, flowers destined to adorn the grand hall for the upcoming event, a letter arrived at her chambers. The wax seal bore the emblem of House Wylde, and Maera's heart raced with anticipation. She eagerly tore open the letter, her eyes scanning the contents with a mixture of excitement and longing for her family's news.

Dearest Maera,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits amidst the splendor of the capital. It brings me great joy to inform you that our family is well, our fortunes ever favoring our endeavors. The days at Rain House pass with a tranquil swiftness, but a hole has been left in your absence, and we miss you deeply.

There have been some changes since your departure. Guston’s wife is with child for a third time, and he is hoping for another son. Dermot has written from Essos and tells me his travels are going well and does not intend to return to Rainwood any time soon. Our younger sisters, Brienna and Delfine have taken up an interest with the sword, just like you. At least we can get them into the courtyard, unlike Cedric, who remains cooped up in the library. I think he will ask father soon if he has his permission to join the citadel, like our three elder brothers.

I also must let you know that your presence in King's Landing has not gone unnoticed. Your closeness with Queen Helaena has allowed father to establish connections with many other Lords in Westeros. It is with a mixture of pride and bittersweet resignation that I convey to you that our Lord Father has found advantageous marriage pacts for two of our dear sisters.

Wynni has found herself betrothed to Lord Tarly. His house holds influence and respect, and it is with hopes for a prosperous future that this arrangement has been made. Sabine, our fiery spirit, is to be wed to Lord Tarbeck – a union that Father and Guston believe will forge alliances both unyielding and formidable.

I understand the weight of this news, Maera, and the shock it may elicit. But it is due to your hard work that such advantageous matches have been made, and I have been reassured by Guston that Wynni and Sabine’s intended husbands are kind souls of a similar age.

Though distance separates us, please know that your influence and guidance have not been in vain. Our hearts remain connected, and I eagerly await your response of stories from the capital.

Faran

Maera's breath caught in her throat as she read the final words of the letter. Her thoughts raced, a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions surging within her. Shock, disbelief, and a profound sense of loss mingled together, threatening to overwhelm her. She clutched the parchment tightly, as if seeking solace in the ink-stained words.

The news that her younger sisters, Wynni and Sabine, had been betrothed without her knowledge left her seething with rage. Lord Wylde had not only made her available for marriage but had also done the same for her beloved sisters. It was as if he considered them all mere bargaining chips in his quest for power, and Maera couldn't bear the thought of her sisters being treated that way. Feeling deceived and hurt, she couldn't hold back her anger any longer. She stormed into her father's chambers, her eyes blazing with fury. Lord Jasper looked up from his work, surprised by his daughter's sudden entrance.

"Father," Maera began, her voice carrying a tone of unwavering resolve, "I cannot remain silent on this matter. The betrothals you have arranged for Wynni and Sabine... they are far too young to be bound to such alliances."

Lord Jasper's gaze remained stern, his eyes cold and unyielding as they met his daughter's unwavering stare. "Maera," he responded curtly, his tone laced with an underlying frustration, "you underestimate the responsibilities and duties that come with our station. It is our duty as lords and ladies to secure alliances that will benefit our house."

Maera's hands clenched at her sides, her frustration mounting. "But they are children still, Father! They have never stepped foot outside of Rainwood. Sabine has just had her sixteenth name day, and Wynni cannot possibly understand the complexities of this world as a fifteen year old girl!”

Lord Jasper's gaze bore into Maera's, his voice sharp and unforgiving. "They have both flowered, Maera. It is time for them to take on the roles they were born into. It is a tradition that has been upheld for generations, and it is not for you to question."

A flash of anger ignited within Maera's eyes, her resolve strengthening. "I question the haste with which you seek to marry them off to lords in distant lands. Is their happiness not of any concern?"

Lord Jasper's face reddened with a mixture of anger and frustration. "Happiness, Maera, is often a luxury we cannot afford. Our duty to our house and our people must always come first. And speaking of duty, let us not forget your own. Had it not been for vile rumors tarnishing your virtue, you too would have been wed by now."

Maera's cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and humiliation. The words struck a painful chord, a reminder of the rumors that had swirled around her name in King's Landing. She took a step back, her voice quivering with emotion. "Those rumors were baseless lies, Father, and you know it. I have dedicated myself to our house and our family's honor. But I cannot stand by and watch my sisters' lives dictated by politics and alliances."

Lord Jasper's eyes narrowed, his voice cutting like a blade. "I won’t sit here and tolerate your disrespect, Maera. You have no say in this matter. My decision is final."

The room fell silent, the weight of their confrontation hanging heavy in the air. Maera's breaths came quick and shallow, her heart pounding against her chest. With one last searing look, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the hall, her footsteps echoing through the corridors as she retreated from her father's presence.

Tears welled in her eyes, a mix of frustration, sadness, and a deep-seated determination to protect her sisters. But her father was right, it was their duty and as their elder sister, she had no say in the marriage pacts that were made. Like many women before them, their futures be dictated solely by the whims of tradition and politics.

Under the shade of the ancient Weirwood tree, with its crimson leaves and haunting carved face, Maera found a semblance of solace. The holy book, "The Seven-Pointed Star," translated into High Valyrian, lay open before her, its pages filled with intricate characters. Her eyes scanned the chapter of The Maiden, her lips silently forming the unfamiliar words. As she tried to immerse herself in the religious text, attempting to improve her grasp of the language, Maera hoped it would provide a welcome distraction from the turmoil within her. Her mother's necklace hung around her neck, a comforting presence against her skin, and she silently prayed to the gods that Lady Gael was watching over her and her siblings.

The footsteps approaching were unmistakable, and Maera recognized them as Aemond's. His presence, even without looking up, was as familiar to her as her own heartbeat, and she had grown more vigilant since their sparring sessions had resumed. Maera called out to him in High Valyrian, a hint of playful admonition in her voice. “Nyke daor hae nāqopsir naejot tyvagon nyeshka gō, dārilaros.” I'm not as easy to sneak up upon as before, my Prince

Aemond, dressed in black riding leathers, acknowledged her with a wry smile. His presence carried with it the subtle scent of dragon, a reminder of his recent return from the Riverlands. He leaned against the Weirwood tree, his arms crossed and his white hair cascading down his back in long, straight locks. His presence offered a welcome distraction from the overwhelming thoughts that had plagued her since reading Faran's letter.

“Skoro syt se raqagon jaes tembyr?” Why the sudden devotion to religious texts? Aemond inquired, genuine curiosity in his voice.

With a sigh, Maera held up the letter from her brother for him to read. It was a small act of trust, one that revealed her vulnerability in the midst of her turmoil. Aemond accepted it and read the contents, his expression unreadable.

"Well," he began, his tone measured, "your hard work in the capital has not gone unnoticed. These matches are a testament to that, particularly ones beyond the Stormlands. That's commendable.”

His words were meant to comfort, but they couldn't dispel the cloud of sadness that hung over Maera. Aemond returned the parchment to her hand before she could reply, her voice, tinged with sadness. "Nyke emagon qringōntan hāedars." I feel like I've failed my sisters.

His reply was measured and surprisingly understanding. "Skorkydoso sīr?" How so?

Maera closed her book, leaning against the Weirwood tree, her gaze averted from his so that Aemond couldn't see the tears that had crept into her eyes.

“Nyke se mandia,” I'm the eldest, she began, the words heavy with emotion. "Nyke yenka emagon issare idīntan ēlī . sytiotāpagon zirȳ va skorkydoso naejot sagon sȳz ābrazȳrys se muña. Y…” I should have been married first. So I could guide them, advise them on being good wives, good mothers, on how to navigate the wedding night. But instead I… Her words trailed off, alluding to matters unsaid.

Aemond didn't respond with his usual sarcasm or indifference. Instead, he listened attentively, the weight of her words hanging in the air between them. After a thoughtful pause, he hummed softly before breaking the silence.

"Many women face this fate, my Lady. Duty often outweighs personal desires. You must do what is expected of you and fulfill your role."

His words struck a chord, and Maera couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment. "And what about you, Aemond? You speak of duty, but I do not see your intended Baratheon bride here. You're free to pursue your own desires."

Aemond's expression remained unreadable as he regarded her. "My duties lie elsewhere, as do my ambitions. I may not be confined to a marriage, but that doesn't mean I'm free from the demands of my name, or my blood."

Maera absorbed his words, feeling a mix of emotions. His perspective offered a glimpse into his own struggles, ones that were different but just as significant. She sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "I understand. It's just... difficult."

Aemond's voice held a rare gentleness. "I know it is. But you have the strength to navigate this path, and your sisters will need your support, Maera. Write to them, tell them you are genuinely pleased for them. Ease their fears, for they are likely more frightened for themselves than you are for them."

Maera nodded slowly, appreciating his unexpected empathy. Perhaps in this moment, despite their complicated past, she found a kindred spirit who understood the weight of expectations and duty. The prince extended his gloved hand downward towards her, silently offering her assistance with standing. As their fingers met, a subtle but electrifying sensation coursed through her. It was as if a spark had ignited between them, a sensation she hadn't anticipated. The heat in her cheeks grew as she rose to her feet, grateful for his support.

His hand lingered a moment longer than necessary before he released her, his fingers slipping away. He broke the spell with words, his voice holding a touch of sincerity that she wasn't accustomed to hearing from him. "You're a good sister, Maera. Not just to your own siblings, but to Helaena as well."

Maera met his gaze, her emotions a swirl of conflicting feelings. She nodded in acknowledgment, her voice slightly unsteady as she replied, "Thank you, my Prince. That means a lot."

He nodded, his expression inscrutable as he turned to walk away. Maera watched him go, the echoes of their conversation and the lingering touch of his hand creating a turmoil within her. She was left alone with her thoughts and the weight of her responsibilities, both to her family and to her duty at court.

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Athena (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- Lady Order by Artemis

Cranium by Hermes

Bossy Pants by Hebe

Gray Eyes by Apollo

The Wise One, Defender of Cities by the people of Olympius

Thena by Dike

Age- 18 (immortal)

Location- Athens, Olympius

Personality- Athena is perfectionist through and through. She’s intelligent & methodical with a bit of a stubborn streak. She has a bit of trouble with being emotionally vulnerable. She has a strong sense of justice as well as an unbreakable moral code. She’s an asexual lesbian and is currently single.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess. As the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, reasoning, understanding, insight, rationality, reason, logic, education, learning, experience, counsel, discernment, sense, science, philosophy, mathematics, intuition, aptitude, competence, ability, capability, skill, arts, crafts, craftsmanship, architecture, sculpture, ceramics, literature, poetry, writing, weaving, spinning, textiles, creativity, inspiration, civilization, society, community, government, statesmanship, leadership, progress, advancement, strategy, tactics, planning, warfare, war, battle, combat, conflict, generalship, army, & military her other powers/abilities include limited chlorokinesis; as it pertains to the olive, being able to communicate with/shapeshift into her sacred animals, enhanced craftsmanship, military mastery, audiokinesis, limited mystiokinesis; is able to curse other beings, objects, & weapons, telumkinesis (weapon manipulation), limited electrokinesis; is able to generate lightning, truth sense, psychokinesis, as well as telepathy.

She also has an eidetic memory.

Athena’s natural scent is that of olive oil.

She's exceptionally versed in all military strategies & tactics.

Her divine symbols include the spear, aegis, helmet, armor, distaff, spindle, & chariot.

She can also do GSL (Greek Sign Language).

Athena is fluent in all the languages spoken in Olympius. She can also do Old Greek calligraphy.

The olive tree is her sacred plant.

A notable physical feature of Athena is dark silver-gray eyes.

She’s the only child of Zeus (god of the sky, thunder, & lightning) and Metis (Titaness of wisdom & counsel); who has since faded.

Athena comes from a complicated and prestigious godly dynasty. Her paternal grandparents are the former rulers of the realm (previously known as Titanius)- Kronos (Titan god of the harvest, time, & fate) and Rhea (Titaness of fertility, motherhood, & comfort). The wisdom goddess’ great-grandparents were the rulers before them- Ouranos (primordial god of the sky) and Gaia (goddess of the earth).

Her uncles are Poseidon (god of the sea & earthquakes) and Hades (god of the dead).

She also has a stepmother- Hera (goddess of women & marriage).

Athena is by no means an only child. Her true born half siblings are Ares (god of war), Eris (goddess of strife & discord), Hephaestus (god of the forge), Eileithyia (Ella) (goddess of childbirth), and Hebe (goddess of youth).

Her legally recognized bastard half siblings include Apollo (god of the sun, music, poetry, healing, medicine, archery, plague, light, & knowledge), Hermes (god of roads, travelers, thieves, merchants, messengers, speed, trade, sports, borders, thoughts, communications, money, & luck), Artemis (goddess of the hunt & moon), as well as Dionysus (god of wine). 

There are many more relatives in the extended family- like Eurybia (goddess of the sea’s mastery), The Ourea (esteemed mountain gods), and Thaumas (god of sea wonders).

Athena splits her time between the state of Athens & Olympius’ capital, New Olympus. In Athens, she lives in a Greek Revival mansion whereas in New Olympus, she resides in a brownstone- located in the Little Athens neighborhood. Both places are immaculately spotless and designed. She also has a suite apartment in the royal palace on Mt. Olympus.

The interior design of the mansion is to her liking- very classy & minimalist. The color scheme is ivory, dark blue, gray, and cream. The flooring is a glossy marble. The walls are decorated with many classical paintings while there’s also marbled sculptures in addition to ceramic & pottery pieces throughout the mansion. All of the doors are made from Astrean Silver. Hung from the windows are linen and silk curtains and there’s also leather & velvet furniture along with marble and glass furniture pieces. 

Her mansion probably has the largest personal library! All the books are organized alphabetically. 

On her property in Athens, there’s also an olive grove spanning about ten acres. There’s also a small farm as well that has mustang horses.

Athena personally has a few pets of her own in the mansion- barn owls as well as a few snakes. The owls’ names are Solstice, Minerva, Archimedes, Quill, and Luna. The snakes’ names are Fang, Elsbet, Viscera, & Dolores.

She primarily gets around in her dark blue Rolls Royce. Athena also has a royal issued chariot- made from Celestial Bronze and pulled by four immortal stallions. She uses the chariot during official important appearances. 

Athena primarily enjoys listening to classical, traditional Greek, modern laïkó, alternative, and rap music. Her most recent favorite new artist to listen to has been the conscious rap artist that goes by the stage name Veritas. He’s a harpy. She connects with his thought provoking lyrics and the themes he explores in his music like social justice, poverty, corruption, materialism, & racism. Athena is also impressed with how lyrical his rapping is as well as being able to make her move to the music without the need for explicit content or coarse language. She was one of the first beings that instantly downloaded his most recent album Paradigm.

White roses are her favorite flowers.

Her favorite colors are olive green, white, silver, gray, royal blue, and black.

Athena is quite possibly the only deity in the pantheon that didn’t start life out as a godling. She was “born” fully grown after Zeus’ head was split open by an Imperial Gold axe. Before that, he’d been suffering from debilitating headaches for months. It got to a point where it was affecting how he was ruling, so he temporarily named Hera as acting regent. Once his head was split open, Athena bursted out, covered in ichor. She was fully dressed in battle armor and was holding a spear. 

The new goddess was fully cognizant and aware of her surroundings. She was in the royal chambers. Athena saw her father Zeus laying in his bed while the fissure she escaped from his head was being sewn up by medical attendants. Zeus gasped with excitement and confusion as he noticed her. Athena knelt before the king and said in Old Greek, “Father, I’m ready to be in your service.”

Athena was also instantly aware of the queen’s icy and rude demeanor towards her. Zeus had an improper carnal interaction with Metis, resulting in Athena’s conception. She didn’t care much to take the queen’s behavior towards her to heart. 

The next day in the throne room, she was crowned as a princess. Her platinum laurel wreath crown was adorned with miniature sparkling blue sapphires. 

A notable moment in her godly career was when Athena fought in the Gigantomachy. Her strategic thinking and battle prowess was in full effect when she killed the giants Enceladus & Alcyoneus.

A go-to drink for her is mineral water. She also likes red wine, ginger ale, mint tea, sparkling water, gimlet cocktails, white wine, her homemade lavender lemonade, pomegranate juice, skim milk, and aperol spritzes. Usuals from The Roasted Bean include a small hot chocolate, espresso, a medium iced green tea, as well as an olympian sized iced caffè latte.

Athena starts out her day typically early. After showering, she goes for a five mile run before returning home for a two hour workout in her personal gym. Her arms & legs are toned and have visibly defined muscle definition while her midsection has perfectly defined abdominal muscles- the most perfect six pack. For this reason, one of her informal nicknames is “Abs of envy.”

A typical breakfast for her is a plate of scrambled egg whites (added with onions, peppers, black olives, & feta cheese) with some toasted slices of wheat bread topped with olive oil butter. She’ll also have a small cup of plain unsweetened yogurt. Athena also likes avocado toast, rizogalo (made with skim milk), whole wheat waffles lightly drizzled with dark chocolate sauce, and even a bowl of Earthly Harvest whole grain flakes. Athena of course eats the cereal with blueberries & skim milk.

She loves everything about Athens. Athena is proud of being biased- saying that Athens is the best place in Olympius. The culture, the beings, the food- everything. In her sacred state, as well as there being temples, there’s also other things built in her honor. A statue made of platinum shows Athena in her battle armor proudly raising her aegis, which has the symbol of an owl on the front of it. It’s located in Plaka, Athens’ largest city.

The other architectural feat erected in her honor is The Parthenon- an enduring symbol of a republic, class, and culture. It draws in millions of tourists every year.

Athena’s personal fashion style is minimalist & sophisticated, bordering on androgyny. There’s a large focus on quality fabrics and tailored silhouettes. Go-to fabrics are linen, cashmere, wool, & cotton. The color scheme of her clothes is primarily gray, navy blue, silver, cream, black, olive green, brown, as well as beige. Staples in her closet include structured jackets, loafers, crisp button down shirts, sneakers, gladiator sandals, well cut linen trousers & pants, and boots.

For high end or official royal events, she doesn’t mind wearing a dress- simple & elegant with a high neckline or a subtle a-line shape.

She loves snacking on saltine crackers topped with tapenade, black olives, white grapes, and green olives. 

Her jewelry is understated as well- white gold, silver, & platinum. Owl and snake motifs as well as geometric designs are involved. 

Athena can play the lyre, cello, piano, violin, flute, aulos, clarinet, & oboe!

As far as makeup goes, her look is polished and natural. She may define her brows with an eyebrow pencil. She wears nothing on her lips except for ultra nourishing lip balm.

Athena keeps her nails neatly trimmed and generally wears a clear base. She doesn’t mind colored nail polish- with her favorite shade from Olmorfia being "dulce de latte", a nudish brownish color from. Athena also likes the shades "meet me at the olive tree''- a dark green color & "metallic jacket''- a chrome silver color.

She’s one of the smartest deities in the pantheon. Her IQ score is one of astronomical proportions!

Athena, of course, loves using the olive oil hair products for Glory's Crown. She normally wears her long curly hair in box braids, but Athena likes other braiding styles as well. She also doesn't mind having her hair blown out, where Athena will style it in a low tight ponytail, bun, or a single long braid running down her back.

She mixes olive oil & cocoa butter, then uses the mixture as a lotion to moisturize her skin.

Her most important and respected symbol of power is her shield or aegis. It's crafted from Astrean Silver and platinum. The symbol of her most sacred animal, the owl, is on the front. The shield is indestructible & invulnerable!

A national holiday observed in Athena’s honor is the Panathenaia. There’s also the Chalceia, which is also observed in Hephaestus’ honor too. 

Specifically in Athens, there’s the annual Olive Festival. Olive green ribbons are tied onto trees & lampposts. There’s a parade procession through the streets in Plaka- including floats of the olive tree, the olive itself, and the laurel wreath. Dark green confetti is shot through the air! There’s street food available- like a bag of spiced green & black olives, olive juice slushies and lemonade, olive flavored potato chips, in addition popcorn popped with olive oil, and even bruschetta topped with tapenade. Festival goers typically wear olive & dark green clothing. 

She "unofficially" does the taxes for most of the deities in the pantheon.

Athena has a fairly good relationship with Zeus. She instinctively knows that she’s one of his favorites and sometimes uses it to her advantage. She’s been visiting him more since the queen & the two young princesses moved out of the palace. They’ll typically play a game of chess and go cloud surfing. They don’t talk about anything too emotionally deep- like her mother. Athena (while developing in her father’s brain) heard Metis’ voice as clear as day. Athena previously assumed that the voice was that of her conscience. She doesn’t quite believe the rumors that Zeus ate Metis whole in an attempt to gain more power, but does believe that there’s more to the story. 

Even after her ill advised role in the Olympians’ Rebellion, Zeus managed to forgive her. Out of all the deities involved, Athena walked away relatively scot free with the least horrible punishment. 

Athena doesn’t have a relationship with most, if not all the rest of her family members. 

She baby-sat her half-sisters Hebe & Ella a few times. Athena described the experience as something she wouldn’t wish upon any imprisoned soul in Tartarus.

She likes the sweet onion & teriyaki chicken sandwich (on whole wheat bread) from The Bread Box. Athena typically gets it along with a green spring salad, which is lightly drizzled with italian dressing. 

Athena’s dislike for her uncle Poseidon is no secret to any being. Their initial dislike for each other started early on in her godhood when they both came upon newly discovered  land (that was formerly called Cecropia), which was ruled under a lord named Cecrops. There was a competition for the land’s patronage. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, creating a spring, but the water was saltwater- a resource not useful to the inhabitants. Athena gently tapped the ground with her hand and an olive tree sprung forth from the ground. The tree was a symbol of peace & prosperity in addition to being a valuable resource for food, oil, and wood. Cecrops and his people saw the value of Athena’s olive tree and chose her as their patron goddess. The city was then renamed Athens in her honor. 

She hates that she frequents his sushi restaurant The Ocean Roll for an order of avocado cucumber rolls along with a miso soup.

Athena’s dislike for her uncle has now morphed into total hatred, all stemming from “The Incident.” It involves herself, Poseidon, and a former mortal girl named Medusa. This has been the first infamous controversy that has ever happened to Athena. 

She’s sympathetic towards Hephaestus; despite meeting him briefly only once. Athena admires his ingenuity and intelligence. 

Athena and Dionysus share an unspoken connection, seeing how they were "born" from their father after the demise of their mothers. 

She does think Apollo is musically talented, but finds his music to be “pop fluff.”

A favorite frozen treat of hers is olive oil ice cream. Disgusting to most, absolutely delicious to her!

She doesn’t mind Artemis, except for her table manners. Athena and Artemis sometimes go hunting together.

She’s a feminist. In Olympian council meetings, Athena’s the first & last being to bring forth new legislation geared towards the advancement of women and girls in education as well as the workforce. Even though she’s generally politically conservative, Athena was the main proponent regarding the law of the legalization of the termination of pregnancy- much to the shock of other conservative deities. 

She recently attended a swear in ceremony for the New Olympus Police Department. Their new police chief is the first of its kind- a centauress named Rhiannon Windrunner. The ceremony was ruined when a horde of paparazzi began snapping photos at the gate, asking Athena questions about her “love triangle” regarding Poseidon and Medusa. 

Her all time favorite dessert is a salted caramel chocolate cupcake from Hollyhock’s Bakery.

Athena is a busy owl! She’s an official aide to Olympius’ military. In the Little Athens neighborhood, there’s the third largest military base in the country inspired by her called Promachos. 

She’s also an aide for the country’s education department. 

Athena is an official justice on the Grand Olympian Court. Her father is a justice as well. The other justices are her best friend Dike (goddess of justice), her mother Themis (Titaness of justice), Aletheia (goddess of truth), Praxidike (goddess of judicial punishment), Nomos (god of laws), and Soter (god of safety). The Furies (Megaera, Alecto, & Tisiphone) serve as alternate justices. 

Nationwide, she owns a chain of school supply stores called Wisdom Warehouse, libraries called The Olive Branch, and bookstores called The Silver Owl. 

Athena is also the founder of a pair of elite private schools- Athenium Academy (for youngsters) and universities called Athenium University. The schools are well known for their advanced rigorous academic curriculum. Uniform is required for the students of Athenium Academy (which serves grades kindergarten all the way through high school). The school’s color (and therefore the uniforms’) is royal blue, black, and gray. The motto for both the academy & university is “Scientia potentia est,” which translates to “Knowledge is power.” It’s said that the yearly tuition for Athenium Academy is quite pricey- nearly 70,000 drachmas. 

A guilty pleasure for her is a slice of black olive pizza. She likes to drizzle a bit of olive oil on it before eating. Afterwards, she likes dipping the crust in tzatziki sauce before eating it.

Athena is in the publishing industry, releasing a monthly academic magazine called O Dianooumenos.

She’s also a frequent writer for The Oracle newspaper & Modern Olympus magazine.

Athena is in the fashion industry with her brand Threads of Wisdom. The fashion of the clothes is much like her- minimalist, sophisticated, and preppy with a nod to dark academia. There’s shoes and handbags as well as menswear, a recent addition. 

She also has a skincare brand called Olive Visibly.

Athena also has a line of vitamin water drinks called Strengthify. 

She’s about to premier the first episode of her podcast called Mind Matters. Her first guest will be Veritas. 

Athena is also in the culinary business with her nationwide chain of restaurants called The Parthenos Grill. The restaurant is known for its savory & delicious Athenian cuisine. Menu options include (but not limited to) grilled calamari (there's fried as well), stuffed eggplants, grilled octopus, raw clams, lambchops with mint sauce, various souvlaki (including a bacon wrapped one), pitas, fresh salads, gyros, rice pilaf, soups, dips & spreads, as well as well known entrees- like spanakopita, pastitsio, yemitsa, keftedes, and a broiled salmon fillet. There are dessert options as well like rizogalo, baklava, pistachio gelato, & fried ice cream. The most popular menu items from the restaurant are the Athena burger as well as the olive macaroni salad & gyro pizza. The Athena burger is a sirloin patty topped with olive relish, arugula, grilled onions, ketchup, and a creamy feta aioli in between two brioche buns.

The largest Parthenos Grill restaurant is in the state of Athens, in the city of Plaka.

In the pantheon she’s also friends with Nike (goddess of victory), Bia (goddess of force & power), Alke (goddess of courage), Hygieia (goddess of hygiene & cleanliness), Clio (muse of history), Calliope (muse of epic poetry) Ekecheiria (goddess of truce & armistice), Pasithea (goddess of hallucinations & relaxation), Ganymede (god of homosexual love & desire), Eleutheria (goddess of liberty), Nemesis (goddess of retribution), Arete (goddess of virtue, valor, & excellence), and Homonoia (goddess of concord).

Athena has a good working relationship with Diochetévo (goddess of sewers, garbage, & waste).

Aside from Themis, she views Mnemosyne (Titaness of memory & language) and Chrysanta (goddess of metal) as maternal figures.

Athena also admires the resourcefulness of the fraternal twins Penia (goddess of poverty) & Ptocheia (goddess of beggary).

She's a co-chair of the Athens Film Festival (along with Dionysus & The Muses).

Athena is also a co-chair of the realm’s Olympic Tournament- with the other ones being Hermes and Nike. The Olympic Tournament is the largest & greatest athletic competition, taking place every summer (in a different state in Olympius) and winter (in the Underworld).

She once competed against Ares in a gyro eating contest at a Summer Solstice fair. She won, of course!

Athena enjoys reading historical and political science texts in addition to fantasy, poetry, and historical fiction books. A recent favorite read has been the steampunk historical fantasy series The Machinery of Alchemists, written by Favian (god of philosophy).

She appreciates her deep friendship with Dike. In Athens, they don’t live far from each other and they’re always together a lot anyway with them being justices on the Grand Olympian Court. The two of them have exchanged friendship bracelets. They’ve recently gotten into attending hair shows- both amateur & professional. The hair shows consist of hair stylists- experienced and novice showing off their talents on the heads of their “hair models” using braiding hair extensions in addition to other hair accessories. In a certain amount of allotted time, the hair stylists are tasked with creating a woven tapestry of breathtakingly beautiful designs with braiding hair extensions. At the first show she went to with Dike in Ithaca, Athena was left speechless with the hairstyles she saw.

Athena has only been to one Olympian Gala event, where the theme was in dedication to Athens called Zíto i Athína! She arrived on the gold carpet wearing a custom made Chloé Gabras creation. Chloé Gabras is a well known mortal fashion designer known for her avant garde haute couture style. Athena wore ballgown armour dress constructed from 3D printed resin and galvanised metal. She completed the look with simple black platform ankle boots (that couldn't be seen). Athena wore no jewelry and the makeup was simple- metallic silver eyeshadow and clear lip gloss on her lips. Her nails were painted chrome black while her hair was styled as lemonade braids. It was difficult to move in the dress, but it caught the attention of everyone! Athena made the top of the best dressed list at the Gala. The dress is now an archived piece at the Athens National Museum of Culture. 

Nike gave Athena an owl shaped jeweled Diamond Ave. clutch for her recent birthday.

Before “The Incident,” Athena’s temper got the best of her when she was involved in a “battle” of sorts with a mortal girl named Arachne.

A recent cause of concern for her in her beloved sacred state has been the steadily growing number of missing Athenian youths. Athena consulted The Moirai about this, but was left exasperated when they only responded in cryptic riddles. 

She’s made several posts about this on her Fatestagram page, written about it in Modern Olympus magazine, as well as talking about it publicly during an appearance on the late night talk show The Godly Hour. The last 10 minutes of the show had Athena recite all the names of the missing beings.

Even though she’s an eternal virgin, Athena is aware of her attraction towards women. She considers herself to be a sapiosexual- an attraction to intelligence. She also had a brief unrequited crush on Urania (muse of astronomy). Athena feels like she experienced grief and loss, as well as “what could have been” following the untimely tragic death of her former friend Pallas, an oceanid. With no outright declaration, it was the closest she’d ever come to having a romantic relationship. Before Dike, it was the closest friendship Athena had as well. 

Her all time favorite meal is moussaka along with lamb stifado and pasta aglio e olio (topped with green olives).

Athena is a part of The Moirai’s monthly knitting/sewing circle. 

In her free time she enjoys archery, fencing, football (soccer), horseback riding, basketball, going to museums, tennis, field hockey, checkers, going to the opera, ballet, petteia, volleyball, transcribing music, mountain climbing, writing in her journal, oil painting, going to the theater, golf, bowling, yoga, martial arts, acupuncture, rollerskating, snowboarding & skiing (in the Underworld), boxing, pottery, and sculpting. Nothing however beats the company of a good book!

“One who yells the loudest is often the one with the least to say.”

[soulslayer2020]

Athena Zephyrus - Determined Leader

"As leader, it's my job to protect my Fireteam."

Name: Athena Zephyrus Aliases: Thena, Guardian, Warlock, Leader, Sparks, Kiddo Birthplace: Old Greece, Earth Species: Human Gender: Female Prounouns: She/Her Hair Colour: Auburn & Teal Eye Colour: Green Ghost Name: Fengári (Fen for short) Affiliation: Guardians Class: Warlock Sublass: Stormcaller Theme: Spark of Hope - Athena's Theme (Dear You - Kind)

Only a year old as a Guardian, Athena took to being a Guardian like a fish to water to the point where some considered her a prodigy among Guardians, though she never let it get to her head. While she tries to come off as serious, professional and wise, Athena is actually very cheerful, playful, optimistic, and a bit of a klutz outside of battle (and sometimes in battle too...). She occasionally has low self-confidence but her ghost - Fen - tries her hardest to keep her spirits up when that happens. Training under Ikora Rey, Athena always tries her hardest to make her Vanguard proud. Though while she has a strong friendship with Ikora, her closest friend in the Tower is Cayde-6. Cayde brings out her cheerful and fun-loving side and enjoys spending time with him. She's even bailed him out of meetings once or twice. While she's a too shy to admit it, Athena has a crush on Cayde...a crush that is obvious to everyone but neither one of them ever act on it, much to everyone's frustration. Athena is forming her own fireteam - Fireteam Eclipse - to prove her ability to become a leader as well as her strength as a Guardian...but had the misfortune of having the reckless loose cannon that is Marcy Cano. Yay...

Fengári: Fengári's - Fen for short - name means 'Moon' in Greek. Fen is quiet and shy but is incredibly smart and protective of her Guardian. Around Athena, she's a lot more open and cheerful, boosting Athena's self-confidence when she needs it and helps ground her when she gets anxious or overthinks things. While Fen considers Athena to be her 'best human friend', her 'best ghost friend' is Sundance, often being dragged into Sundance's mischief and being encouraged to come out of her shell (no pun intended). The duo try to come up with plots to get their Guardians to confess to each other but have had no luck yet. In the meantime, they have a bet as to whose Guardian will confess first.

[tmisherewrites]

Thena Kroma is that girl

The smartest person in the room by a mile. Thena will get shit done, will solve any problem, and will tackle any challenge you throw at her, except maybe being polite to Castor Steele.

Like Syrus, Thena is well-read, her district also having access to many of the old world's books and libraries, only in a digital format to suit District 3's technological prowess.

Fun fact, the book I had in mind which Syrus and Thena bonded over was Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown which is possibly one of the most accessible and inspiring texts about how we can all change the world for the better. Highly, highly recommend borrowing from your local library or buying second-hand or buying from your local bookshop.

I had the lovely May Calamawy in mind when writing Thena. I first saw her in Moon Knight and she was just the perfect representation of all the Arab women I grew up with, strong-willed, take no shit, and they will call you out, but then they'll probably give you delicious falafel or knafeh or baklava so it's worth it. That is the vibe I wanted Thena to have and May Calamawy embodies that entirely. I still haven't seen Ramy though but it is on my list, I swear.

I introduce Thena in Chapter 1 of my fic They Will Come For You In the Night and dive in deeper with her in Chapter 3. I'd love it if you'd check it out. If you have, is May Calamawy close to what you pictured in mind for Thena?

[shanmik]

Master list of what I have read

try to follow the authors cuz they are all amazing !!!! Seriously tho 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Twice

Trick or treat All of the members x reader

- Tzuyu:

Mine

- Jeongyeon:

Only you

- Sana:

When will we become an us,

Marvel

- Natasha:

Death walker,

One-shot,

Tease and Fuck,

Rumors stories,

When the world got dark you were the light,

Golden Child,

I love you to the moon and back,

Sleepless Pre,

Nat master list,

It was all a bad dream,

Loving Natasha,

Just the two of us,

Nightmares,

To call her mine,

Who lives who dies short part, Hope master list,

Spreading love,

The adults are talking,

Not a bad person

I'm only dreaming

Believe in her

She got you part 2

Friends?

I needed you

Lap

Exploration in IKEA

A dangerous game

You're Ours ft Maria Hill

Exhaustion

Owned parts

Something about you + master list

Take a slice master list

What's one kiss between friends?

Stop working

Cold hands warm heart

natsxaddiction master list

Fix you

Monster

Nats-dreamland master list

Bad idea ft Wanda

Lucky save

Betrayal Remembrance

The third time's the charm

Triple threat

Begging

No going back ft darkWandaNat

It's a goldmine

With you I'm whole

Maybe One day

Turn around Look at me

Beautiful

Find your way back to me

Starshipsofstarlord master list

Wish you were here

Tired Missions

Sleeping habits

Needy

hello Darkness ft Darknat

Annoyingly Attractive

Poseidon's Daughter

I owe you

Blackout

A child of you ft angsty stuff

Happy ending ft angst

Cap quartet

Learn to take a break

Dangerous woman

Anything for you

Blind date series

Trust in me

From Russia with Love

Sea turtles have stage fright

- Wanda:

Promises,

Winter Nights,

Jealous much?

Exploration in IKEA

Liberal Arts series

- Yelena:

Untouchable master list

- Hela:

Serpents touch

Eternals

- Thena:

Fluff,

Be my stone

Gotcha

Never again

She knows

Lean on me

Hold me

A sonnet of love

DC

Injustice series

Criminal Minds

- JJ:

Epiphany

[magical-girl-trucy]

I love your werewolf au! I am curious, how do were-animals…happen in this universe? Is it different for both of them (them being the 2 known were creatures in your AU)? Or is it some genetic thing?

Thank you!!! So all wereanimals happen genetically, but not everyone who has the "were-gene" so to say is a wereanimal. For example, Metis passed it on to Athena, but Metis herself was not a werewolf—she had no idea such a thing exists.

I'm thinking there's 2 different "types" of werewolves. Any animal can be either type.

1.) The one I've already shown aka Athena and Apollo. Their shift will happen at a certain time each lunar cycle and will be consistent each month (for Thena, it just so happens to coincide with the full moon). They will be locked in that animal form for the next couple of days. They can take on minor changes to their human form to call the shift forward to happen a little sooner than normal, but that's the furthest extent of the control they have.

2.) The rarer of the two. Has complete control over their transformation and can go into their form 100% form at will. This can *only* be done at night. They cannot willingly enter a 50% transformation. Also, going too long without any shift will cause a forced transformation. This forced transformation acts the same way as type 1 but with added physical pain (type 1 causes no physical pain unless they try to hold the shift back)

No matter which type the person is, the first transformation is completely uncontrollable and unpredictable. Type 1 happens roughly around the age of 18, while Type 2 can happen any time after puberty.

"Why put so much thought into different types of wereanimals when only one type is important due to our titular Athena being the focus?"

It's called. It's called being suddenly struck with an idea. An idea I shouldn't indulge but I absolutely will because my friend indulges my sillyness.

[providing-leverage]

WIP Name Game: Post the names of your WIPS, no matter how non descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a snippet or tell them something about it!

I was tagged by @orbitalpirate

I don't have a folder, but rather a master doc with links to my WIPs sorted by fandom. This is far from the whole thing but:

Supernatural:

Sam: I think mom might be gay

Moon’s Haunted

Adam Milligan: Campus Cryptid

Under Heaven, Over Hell (The Curious Case of Adam Milligan)

Midam, all fallen angels fic

Midam mermay thing

West Wing:

In this House

Percy Jackson:

Strangest Reinforcments in Roman Military History

Ace!Percy fic

Thena professors au

Ted Lasso:

timeswap

Isaac is a bit homophobic?

Good For Him

Demigods au

Superheros au

PJO crossovers

Julie and the Phantoms

Paris Tour

Leverage fusion

Foundations of Friendship

Luke/Alex pre-series friends to lovers to friends again

Tagging @writer-and-thrasher @magdaclaire @queervampirenerd and anyone else who wants to, even if you have before