#2 piece candle boxes

[creativeboxesblog]

Eco-Friendly Custom Candle Boxes for Sustainable Brands

Introduction

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's a movement that has taken the world by storm. Consumers increasingly prioritise eco-friendly products, and brands are stepping up to meet this demand. One area where this shift is particularly noticeable is in the packaging industry.

Adopting eco-friendly custom candle boxes is a brilliant way for candle makers to align with sustainable practices and appeal to a growing audience that values environmental responsibility.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Custom Candle Boxes?

Environmental Benefits

Opting for Custom candle boxes eco friendly wholesale significantly reduces the environmental impact. These materials are often biodegradable, recyclable, or made from recycled content, which helps in conserving resources and reducing waste.

Brand Image Enhancement

Sustainable packaging can enhance your brand image by showcasing your environmental commitment. It sends a powerful message that your brand values the planet and is willing to invest in eco-friendly solutions.

Consumer Preferences

Today's consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever. By offering eco-friendly packaging, you can meet the preferences of this demographic and attract more customers looking to make sustainable choices.

Types of Eco-Friendly Materials

Recycled Cardboard

Recycled cardboard is a popular choice for eco-friendly packaging. It's sturdy, versatile, and easily customised to fit your brand's needs. Plus, it reduces the demand for virgin paper, conserving trees and water.

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is known for its durability and natural look. It's made from wood pulp and is fully biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for sustainable packaging. Its rustic appearance also adds a charming touch to candle boxes.

Biodegradable Plastics

While traditional plastics harm the environment, biodegradable plastics offer a greener alternative. These materials break down naturally over time, reducing their impact on landfills and oceans.

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass is a fantastic option for candle jars. It offers the same quality and clarity as new glass but a significantly lower environmental footprint. Using recycled glass also reduces energy consumption and emissions during production.

Designing Eco-Friendly Candle Boxes

Minimalistic Designs

Less is more when it comes to eco-friendly design. Minimalistic packaging not only looks elegant but also uses fewer resources. Simple, clean designs can be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.

Biodegradable Inks

Traditional inks can contain harmful chemicals, but biodegradable inks are made from natural materials. These inks are safer for the environment and ensure your packaging is fully sustainable.

Reusable Packaging Options

Designing packaging that can be reused adds extra value for your customers. Think of candle boxes that can double as storage containers or decorative pieces. This approach extends the life of your packaging and keeps it out of the landfill.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Candle Boxes

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Eco-friendly materials typically require less energy to produce and result in lower carbon emissions. By choosing sustainable packaging, you can help fight climate change.

Customer Loyalty

Consumers are more likely to support brands that align with their values. Offering eco-friendly packaging can build customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

Compliance with Regulations

Many regions are implementing stricter environmental regulations. Using eco-friendly packaging helps ensure your brand complies with these rules, avoiding potential fines and enhancing your reputation.

How to Source Eco-Friendly Packaging

Finding Reliable Suppliers

Research and connect with suppliers who specialise in sustainable materials. Look for suppliers with a proven track record and positive reviews to ensure you receive high-quality products.

Certifications to Look For

Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), and Green Seal indicate that the materials used are sustainably sourced and meet environmental standards.

Cost Considerations

While eco-friendly materials can sometimes be more expensive, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. When evaluating the investment, consider the positive impact on your brand image and customer loyalty.

Customisation Options for Eco-Friendly Boxes

Size and Shape

Customise the size and shape of your candle boxes to suit your product range. Whether you need small boxes for votive candles or larger ones for pillar candles, eco-friendly materials can be tailored to fit.

Colour and Finish

Eco-friendly packaging doesn't mean you have to compromise on aesthetics. Choose from various colours and finishes that complement your brand while staying sustainable.

Personalised Branding

Add your logo, brand colours, and other personalised elements to your packaging. This will enhance brand recognition and show your commitment to sustainability.

Marketing Your Eco-Friendly Candle Boxes

Highlighting Sustainability

Highlight the eco-friendly aspects of your packaging in your marketing materials. Educate your customers about the benefits of sustainable packaging and how your brand is making a difference.

Social Media Strategies

Use social media to showcase your eco-friendly packaging, share behind-the-scenes looks at your sustainable practices, and engage with your audience on environmental issues.

Collaborating with Eco-Conscious Influencers

Partner with influencers who promote sustainability. Their endorsement can help spread the word about your eco-friendly packaging and reach a wider audience.

Challenges and Solutions in Eco-Friendly Packaging

Balancing Cost and Quality

Finding the right balance between cost and quality can be challenging. Work closely with your suppliers to source affordable, high-quality materials that meet your sustainability goals.

Overcoming Design Limitations

Eco-friendly materials may have some design limitations. Be creative and work with designers specialising in sustainable packaging to overcome these challenges.

Educating Consumers

Not all consumers understand the importance of eco-friendly packaging. Use your marketing channels to educate them about the benefits and encourage them to make sustainable choices.

Conclusion

Embracing eco-friendly custom candle boxes is a smart move for any brand looking to positively impact the environment. By choosing sustainable materials, designing reusable packaging, and highlighting your commitment to the planet, you can attract environmentally conscious consumers and build a loyal customer base.

The journey towards sustainability might have challenges, but the rewards—both for your brand and the planet—are well worth the effort of the Custom candle boxes wholesale.

[animehideout]

like what would jjk men would do when you’re in your period (like how he would help you and what would he do to cheer you up)

JJK Men When You're On Your Period

a/n: Thank you anon for this request, I hope this comforts you <33 . Remember to stay warm and hydrated, also I realized that dates ( the fruit ) really helps with period pain 💗

Warnings: Fluff 🌸 but Smut only in Sukuna's part.

Characters: Satoru – Yuuji – Megumi – Choso – Toji – Nanami – Sukuna. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Gojo Satoru: Runs you a warm bath.

He would sense that something is wrong the moment he stepped into your shared apartment after his mission.

You're not all goofy and cute while greeting him.

You didn't kiss him or jump on him like you usually do, but rather you're glaring at him.

He would be so confused trying to remember if he did something wrong to upset you but nah he's the best partner.

“Babygirl are you okay? did I do something wrong?”

“My tummy hurts” you would whine your glaring expression quickly turned into a pout.

Without saying anything he would rush to the bathroom, gather your favorite bath bombs and oils knowing that they might ease your discomfort.

Would approach you gently and carries you bridal style

“Come on babes, I think a warm bath will help, hm!”

He would adjust the water temperature for you, not too cold not too hot.

Would undress you, and help you to slowly get into the bathtub.

A playlist of your favorite songs is a must to take your mind off of your pain while you hum along with the tunes.

Gojo would light up some candles for a soothing ambiance.

He'd bring a bowl of fruits, and feed you while you're relaxing in the water.

Gives your shoulders light squeezes while rubbing them with scented body oil.

After that bath, he had already prepared a towel to wrap you with.

Covered in your towel he would carry you to your shared bedroom like a princess, where he dries your body and helps you dress up into more comfy pajamas.

He's always touchy so he can't take his hands off of you but if you don't want to be touched then he would respect your space.

“You're not alone in this, I'm right here baby. If there's anything specific you need, just let me know, kay? Your loving man will take care of you”

Yuuji Itadori: Builds you a pillow fort.

The sight of you curled up on your bed while holding your lower abdomen, broke his heart into pieces.

He can't bear seeing you in pain, he wants to protect you from every thing so that's why he'd do literally everything that may cheer you up.

He would bring you a box that he was hiding, full of your favorite snacks and necessary meds.

“I got you a little something, I've prepared this 2 weeks ago, in case your period starts”

“You prepared this for me?.. you're the best boyfriend ever”.

“Wait here for me I'll be right back! don't leave the bed..if you want you can start munching on your snacks”.

Yuuji would rush to the living room, arranging a cozy pillow fort with soft warm blankets and cushions.

He would hold you and carry you in his arms to the living room, while you hold your snack box.

“Surprise sweet cupcake! what about we spend the rest of the day in our little pillow fort?”

He would gently place you and pull up the blanket to cover both of you.

His presence created a warm and inviting space within the fort.

“Here let me fluff up these pillows for you”.

He would let you pick up your comfort show and watch it while snuggling together.

Would stare at you in a loving way while you eat your chocolate and chips.

Checks up on you every now and then to make sure you're feeling less pain.

Kisses your hands a lot and runs his thumb on your knuckles.

“How are you feeling my little pookie? Need anything else?”.

Megumi Fushiguro: Cuddles you to sleep.

You'd find a difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep, nothing helps with your period pain like being in Megumi's embrace.

He's an understanding man, he would give you some private time to sleep alone in your bedroom while he sleeps on the couch.

But the moment you call for him because you need comfort he would literally run to you.

Approaches you with a comforting smile, sensing that now you need to be buried in his chest.

“Let me cuddle you and drift back to sleep together, you want that, love?”.

He'd bring extra pillows to ensure you're surrounded by softness even though his body is enough for you.

He'd lay next to you, while holding you gently, an arm under your head as a pillow and the other wrapped around you pulling you closer to him.

“Close your eyes love, I'm right here”.

He'd tenderly give you a backrub, easing the tension in your muscles.

He'd let you toss and turn and shift positions to make sure you have the most restful sleep.

His arms will always find a way to cuddle you close.

He'd play with your hair, while whispering sweet comforting words.

Forehead and top of the head kisses are obligatory.

“We'll take it easy tonight, no stress no worries, just relaxation and warmth–oh you're asleep? sweet dreams my love I love you”

Choso Kamo: Makes you food and tea.

Wouldn't allow you leave your bed he'll bring everything you need or crave right into your hands.

The moment you told him that your period started he'd go straight to the kitchen and prepares your comfort food.

He wouldn't let you take any period pills on an empty stomach.

He'd pick some fresh vegetables and some protein to make a nourishing soup, something that wouldn't give you a stomachache.

He would cook with care and love, making sure it tastes good.

“I'm making your favorite soup and brewing some tea for you my princess, it will be ready soon..stay cuddled on the bed”.

Once it's ready he'll bring it to you with careful balance making sure everything is in place.

The scent of the chamoline drink wafts through air creating a cozy atmosphere in your room.

He's so attentive, he'll adjust the pillows behind your back for a comfier sitting position.

He'll place the cup on your nightstand while he holds the bowl of soup in his hand, ready to feed you.

The soup is too hot? he'll blow on it. Needs more salt? he'll ran to the kitch to add some salt. You need a piece of bread? he'll instantly bring it to you.

“Eat slowly and enjoy the flavours my princess”.

After eating he'll make sure you take your pills and then drink your tea to help you warm up and digest.

Tucks you back to sleep, while he watches over you.

“I hope this brings you a bit of comfort my princess, I'm here to make you feel better, I just wish I can take your pain away”

Toji Fushiguro: Give you a massage.

I mean look at his big hands, they do magic.

He can't just watch while you're in pain.

He'd set the mood with dim lighting, and calming background instrumentals, creating a tranquil environnement.

He'd prepare your bed, spreading a big towel over it.

“Come here babe, lay and on the bed and get comfy. I'll give you a nice massage”

He'd take off your shirt so he can use the massage oils on your body.

He'd crawl on top of you while you lay on your stomach.

His large hands would begin with gentle touches, softly rubbing the warm oil on your back.

“Let me know if the pressure is too much or too little”

His hands would reach the areas where you may feel the discomfort, like your lower back.

His palms going up and down your back, caressing the soft skin and pressing on some specific spots to ease the tighteness.

Would squeeze your shoulders and the back of your neck softly.

His hands moving and working perfectly, applying magic to take your pain away.

Would regularly check if you're enjoying the massage he's giving you

“Does that feel good baby?”

Would keep the conversation going to take your mind off of your period, his voice soothing you.

He would turn you around to lay on your back, so he can massage your stomach and lower abdomen.

His hands circling around your waist, going down smoothly, the tension melting away with each stroke.

He would kiss your tummy repeatedly to make you giggle from the ticklish feeling.

“There you go doll, take your time to get up while I'll bring you some comfy clothes”.

Nanami Kento : Buys you everything you need.

He already knows you started your period, since he keeps track of your menstrual cycle.

He would get off work early to be next to you at home.

He would stop by the pharmacy to buy your favorite brand of pads and tampons and some pain killers.

He would also stop by your favorite restaurant and buys you food.

Buys you a bouquet of flowers to cheer you up.

He would arrive home, holding a lot of bags full of everything you need.

“Here you go honey, I've got you a few things that might help. Period pain sucks”

“H-how did you know my period started?”

“These flowers are for you, you deserve something beautiful like you”

He's fully aware of your mood swings, and how emotional you can get so he always makes sure to make you feel loved and cared for you.

Would help you put on some fluffy socks, so your feet won't get cold.

Would sit next to you on the couch and turn on the TV.

You'd place your head on his broad shoulder while you munch on your food.

His fingers massage your scalp and play with your hair strands.

Would encourage you a lot, drowning you in sweet and comforting words.

“I know this is tough but you're so strong love, this pain will fade away... Just say the word, and I'll bring the world to you, you're my ultimate priority”

Ryomen Sukuna: Makes you orgasm.

Instead of pain in your stomach he would make you feel butterflies.

Orgasming helps with period pain, and who's more qualified than Sukuna to help you release?

He would be surprised on how bratty you were acting towards him, literally yelling at him for the slightest things.

He breathed too loud? you'd tell him to shut up.

He chewed food too loud? you'd glare at him.

He's got enough of you screaming at his face, he's surprisingly patient with you.

“Alright, listen here little brat ..this website states that orgasming can ease the pain and regulate the hormones.. get on the bed let's me stop this mood swing of yours”

He'd be okay with making love to you while you're bleeding.

What matters is making you feel okay and brings back the soft and sweeter side of you not the grumpy one that he's already dealing with.

He'd know exactly how to make you feel good and relaxed at the same time.

Drowns you with flirty and praising words.

“You're so good baby, you know that? come on let me help you release and relief your pain”

“I must admit it, you're strong.. Periods must be a pain in the ass but you're dealing with it perfectly”.

He'd make you feel much better, both pleasured and relieved from he pain.

He'd help you clean up and then give you the aftercare you deserve.

“Finally, I've got my sweet baby back, you've been acting like a brat for the whole morning. See how patient I am with you instead of slicing you in half”

He'd flirt with you, and use cheesy pick up lines to make you laugh.

Would snuggles next to you till both of you fall asleep with you on top of him.

Sukuna tends to be more romantic when you're on you're period.

Despite his harsh and intimidating nature, he's a softball when he's around you.

[ssahotchnerr]

I feel like aaron would be the type to build furniture piece you bought without asking him to like you bought a book shelf or something and you bring the box in and leave it and next thing you know he built it lol

thoughtfulness

omg stop it right now that's such an aaron thing i could cry 😭<333333 cw; FLUFF

"aaron, baby?"

''in here."

you followed the sound of aaron's voice down the hall, finding him seated on the carpet. multiple tools were scattered around, a large cardboard box thrown off to the side, and your new bookshelf, fully built, was resting against the previously empty space at the wall. piles of your books and other miscellaneous trinkets were currently surrounding aaron, and he had already begun filling up the shelves sporadically.

you blinked at him in astonishment, not expecting to return home to this in the slightest. "what's this?"

"your bookshelf." aaron put it simply, adding another novel. his gaze shifted up to yours, an eyebrow lifted in endearing concern. "this is where you said you wanted it, right? i've started putting books in already, alphabetically, but obviously you can change it to however you prefer."

utterly speechless at his gesture, you could only approach and pull him up by his shirt collar. once in more accessible reach, you didn't hesitate for a second to place your lips onto his, aaron immediately melting into your touch.

he hummed softly against your lips after a moment, a small smile forming on his face. "welcome home."

you shook your head amusingly, your hand raising to his torso and gently running your hand along his chest. "i could've built this. it wasn't lying around for you to do."

aaron waved your statement off, his hands finding your waist. "i wanted to. and i wanted to surprise you." a thoughtful sigh escaped him, voice lowering solemnly. "i know you've been busy with work lately, a bit stressed, and i know you've been looking forward to getting this set up and just haven't found the time. so the sooner the better, if you ask me."

you sobered for a moment, extremely touched by his constant kindness and tenderness, always making the effort to make you feel seen and important.

in spite of that though, a tiny laugh blew from your nose, teasingly raising an eyebrow, "says the man who has the busiest schedule imaginable."

"maybe." a breathless laugh and an playful eye roll left him, leaning in to give you yet another kiss. "but never too busy for you darling."

"they broke the mold with you, aaron hotchner. thank you." you sighed happily, still in awe, your hand cupping his cheek. but you quickly switched tactics, grabbing onto his hand and dragging him back onto the carpet excitedly. "now c'mon! alphabetical is a good strategy to sort by, but-"

as you ventured off, talking about your bookshelf plans - seasonal candles to be placed on top according to the season, squealing in delight when you found a favorite read, giving him brief summaries on what a book's plot consisted of, or novels the two of you should read together - aaron could only look at you affectionately, admiring you as he listened, a small smile on his face.

you were simply radiating, and he couldn't get enough.

part 2 -> finishing touches —smut minors dni

[heartpiratedrabbles]

Insecurities

Prompt: Buggy with all his insecurities pushes you away on your 1 year anniversary

NSFW

~ Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Buggy X Fem Reader

You hummed happily looking down at your creation, it had been a scrapbook of all the adventures with your lover throughout the year. You can’t quite say the two of you are dating, Buggy had always refused the outright commitment. But it wasn’t a secret that when he started sleeping with you he had stopped looking for one-night stands, nor was it a secret that when another person looked at you they would befall injury soon after. And for now, you were content with just being close to him.

        As you flip through the pages you can’t help but smile at all the memories, the small pictures, notes, and knickknacks that could be glued down seemed like an organized mess. Alvida, despite her cold exterior had helped you put it all together and helped with distracting Buggy when he’d come looking for you. After your final flip through you gingerly close the book, placing it in a box, and wrap it in striped paper, topping it with a bow.

        Throughout the year Buggy had his ups and downs, you learned quickly what topics to avoid, and while he went crazy for you, you could always tell he kept himself at a distance. The sex was wild and he’d like to leave marks on your body to make sure any wandering eyes knew you were taken, but any words of affirmation would make him withdraw for a couple days. You were hoping that now that it had been a full year he would realize you were serious about this, even if he refused to commit fully to the title.

        You walk towards the Captains room that you two had shared at this point for a couple months. You still had a hammock and chest in the females quarters but more often than not the Captain would pull you to his bed, refusing to let you go.

        As you get into the room you close the door and start getting ready for the other gift you had prepared, a rather skimpy jester outfit with lingerie underneath. You knew how much he liked to undress you, teasing you every so slowly piece by piece. The anticipation of what was to come had started to make you wet. You push your thoughts to the side as you continue to prepare the room, candles dimly lit the room and you placed the wrapped gift on the clown vanity before going to the bed. Buggy’s meeting should be ending any minute now and you're sure Alvida had hinted at him to find you.

        As you get comfortable you grab the fluffy handcuffs he had jokingly bought a while back and silk ribbon, tying it around your eyes before restraining yourself. You lay down, arms above your head, impatiently waiting for what was to come.

~~~

        Buggy was angry, the meeting with Crocodile and Mihawk hadn’t gone as planned. They had made jabs at his nose and how he runs his Delivery Service. On top of all that Alvida kept making snide remarks about looking for Y/N. And the thought of you also made him frustrated, you never acted how he thought you would.

        Buggy took his time prodding you and pushing you over time, and every single time you had come back with a smile. At some point, Buggy had been worried about you running away without notice and demanded you stay in his room and you did so without complaint. He couldn’t understand when you’d snap.

        He had rejected you countless times, refusing to truly make you his right-hand man, on the other hand, he did buy you gifts every so often to keep you close. Maybe you just wanted the items, the treasures, the fame. His mind couldn’t wrap around how you would stay with him. As he was grumbling walking into his room he is frozen at the sight in front of him.

        Candles barely lighting up the delicious scene in front of him. You looked absolutely helpless there on the bed. Your knees together, slightly rubbing your thighs against each other, your face flushed and lips slightly parted with small mewls coming out. Your hands, restrained by the joke gift he bought months ago, your arms slightly moving to get more comfortable.

        Buggy quietly close the door behind him, watching as he can see your thought process, moving your hands down to touch yourself but just barely stopping in time and moving them back above your head. Buggy grinned, knowing you hadn’t realized he was there yet, a slowly went to the bed.

        Buggy noticed the outfit your wearing resembling that of a jester, but also noticed how your shorts were un-buttoned, clearly from you let your desire got the best of you.

As you rub your thighs together again, for any friction, you decide to give up on waiting, and fully let your desires get the best of you. But as you move your hands down, you feel a hand forcefully pin your hands above your head while another grips your thigh fiercely.

You let a gasp out at the sudden touch before trying to grind down onto the hand. “Ruining my present princess?” The fierce tone of Buggy’s voice came as he moved his hand to your hips, holding you in place and you feel the bed dip and him straddle you, “Well that won’t do at all~” You groan, feeling him bite at your collar bone, “It’s like you want to be punished.” He emphasize his words with a slight thrust forward, and you can feel how hard he is through the layers of clothes.

“B-Buggy please~” You try to meet his hips with your own and you can just hear him ‘tsk’ above you. Opting to attach the handcuffs to the head board, truly trapping your hands above your head and you to the bed.

Buggy slowly spreads your legs, hiking your own around his thighs so you can’t close them and begins his torment of fondling you. Slowly brushing a hand against the bare skin of your neck while the other teases at the edge of your shorts, all the while you squirm to get anything more. “You know you’re not supposed to play with yourself unless I’m here, doll~” Buggy coons before biting your neck. He rocked his hips forward before moving his hand by your shorts up to the edge of your shirt that was much closer to being a glorified bra than anything else. He trailed his up towards your breast, gripping it harshly. His other hand trailing to your moaning mouth, “Suck.” You feel 2 fingers intrude in your mouth as you wrap you lips around them, swirling your tongue, thoroughly coating the two digits.  

Buggy groans at the feeling, “Good girl” as you continue to suck his other hand leaves your boob and soon enough you can feel a blade gently caress the skin of your stomach, making you shudder. “Now tell me Doll, how long were you here” Buggy muttered, leaving a trail of hickies up your neck. He removed his fingers from your mouth, opting to place his hand right at the top of your shorts, where they had remained unbuttoned from when you were alone.

“Since your meeting started,” You could feel his gaze on you even if you couldn’t see, “Please Buggy, I’ve been waiting for so long” You added, which seemed to please your Captain. He kissed you deeply as his two fingers swirled around your clit making you groan into the kiss. You could feel the blade slowly cut through your top on bra, so much for him undressing you, you thought. You grinded you hips into his fingers, wanting more. He lets you breathe for a second, “Buggy, baby, please I want you” you begged as you became completely topless.

You heard Buggy hum a bit before removing his hand from where you wanted him the most, “But that would be too easy Y/N,” You could hear his smirk in his voice. In one fell motion you felt him cut your shorts and panties off, you felt the blade gingerly swipe across your folds, the cool metal causing a moan to escape your lips before you heard it be thrown across the room. “Look at how wet you are for me” He cooed, both hands on your hips as he lowered his head towards your entrance.

You felt his nose bump against your clit and his hot breath against you but he stayed stilled. You groan and roll you hips up trying to get any form of contact but his hands hold you down. “C-Captain Please. I want- I need you,” You begin begging, feeling tears of frustration fill your eyes, “Please Buggy.” You try to rock your hips up again to no avail.

“Well if you wanted it that badly,” His lips barely brushing against you as he speaks, “All you had to do was ask.” And we that he plunges his tongue inside you. You cry out in pleasure and try to release your hands from the restraints. You couldn’t see anything, but you could feel everything so much more because of it, the swirl of his togue hitting a bundle of nerves before darting back inside, sucking with the perfect amount of pressure.

It wasn’t long before you could feel your climax coming, “Buggy I’m gonna cum,” You mewled out. “Please let me cum” You added, knowing how much he loved it but to your disappointment he withdrew.

“Not yet doll,” He trailed a line of wet kisses up your body until he was at the corner of your mouth, “We’re not at the main event yet~” And before you could even respond you felt his entire length thrust into you in full force. Your cry from both pain and pleasure being muted out as Buggy places his lips on you. He was flush inside you but that didn’t stop him from rocking his hips slowly and deeper causing you to squirm underneath him.

You turn your face away from Buggy, trying to catch your breath, “Buggy I want to see you” You cried out with each rock making another noise escape your lips. His hips stop deep inside you and you feel a hand snake behind your head to untie the ribbon covering your eyes before he caresses your cheek while making eye contact.

You move your eyes up and down, taking in the man before you, his make-up smeared from his earlier activities and lust in his eyes. A smirk falls on his lips, “Can’t get enough doll?” he asks before setting a gruesome, rough pace, His name escape your lips as you shake against the restraints still on your wrists, “That’s it doll, let me hear how much you love this.”

At some point Buggy reached up to undo the handcuffs, and you immediately wrap you arms around Buggy’s neck, one hand snaking into his hair, as he buries his face into your neck. Even if he wanted to pull away you had an iron grip on him. Your legs similarly wrapped around his waist, aiding you in meeting his thrusts half way, “Please Buggy, let me cum” You moan into his ear as you tighten around him.

You can hear him cursing under his breath, “Fuck baby, I’m going to fill you up tonight.” He nipped at your earlobe and his words sent you over the edge, causing you to hold him as tight as possible. He rarely ever came inside you, normally opting to paint your stomach or face in white. “Come on doll, cum with me” He moaned in your ear as his thrusts became slightly more erratic but much deeper.

You scream his name as you feel him pump inside you and after a couple of seconds, he collapses on top of you. He uses his elbows to prop up just enough to make sure you can still breathe and you slowly unhook your legs from around him, both of you still catching your breath. As you relax you can still feel how you were pulsing and how sore it had become.

You feel Buggy slowly pull out of you, a small gush of cum following him and brings about a different type of pleasure, “Fuck doll-“ Buggy says while looking down at the mess he made of you, “That was a positively divine performance” He chuckles before flopping next to you on the bed.

You hum a bit before turning your back to him and lifting your head, He in turns towards you, one arm wrapping around your waist while the other settles underneath your neck and wraps around, grabbing one of your breasts. He pulls you closer into the embrace and you groan at the pressure. “We should clean up” You mutter, feeling your eyes getting heavier.

“Mmm. We can do that in the morning” he gives your waist another small squeeze, “Besides I like the idea of my cum still dripping from you in the morning” He kisses your jawline a little bit, “Maybe even a round two when we wake up.” He lays his head down as you both let sleep take you.

~~~

The next morning you had woken up to Buggy drawing circles in your hips with his thumbs as he gently worked you up again for the round two he had mentioned. At the moment however you were both in the bath, you sitting on your Captains lap, leaning against his chest.

“So what did I do to deserve that gift,” Buggy asked, his head leaning back but still humming softly at what had conspired over the past couple hours. “It’s not everyday I find a sweet treat waiting for me in bed.”

You lean against him a bit more thinking about how to phrase it. After all it wasn’t truly your one year, he had rejected you’re advances for commitment every time. “Well…” You’d have to choose your words carefully as to not start an argument. “It’s been a full year since the first time we slept together.”

You felt him tense up a bit but relax quickly enough. He stayed quiet for a while before sighing, “Well it was nice.” He kept it short. You knew he was doing his best not to be snide and you were wondering if you shouldn’t tell him about his other gift, the one that you actually put time into. Shifting a bit nervously he could tell you wanted to say something, “What is it?” You could feel him leaning into a bad mood.

“…It’s nothing, Don’t worry bout it Captain” You say glancing over your shoulder. The silence that fell was heavy and slightly uncomfortable.

“Doll.” Buggy leaned forward a bit, “You know I don’t like it when you lie,” he places his hands on your hips and squeeze a bit, “So why don’t you do us both a favor and spit it out?”

“Um, well you see Captain…” You look over your shoulder again, seeing the small scowl that was forming on his face. It’d be for the best not to mention the scrap book, take it and hide it before he sees the box, “It’s just the same ole’. We should just start dating; everyone already knows I’m yours.” You quickly look forward not wanting to see how his face will contort with a mix of emotions.

The grip on your hips got tighter, not in the normal way of warning or reassurance. “What do you want from me?” Buggy’s voice was low and his body unmoving. Your hips slowly started to ache as his fingers dug in harder.

“What? Buggy I want you; I’ve always wanted you,” You tried to say. He was clearly in his head again.

“You’ve been playing this game for a year Doll. A. Year.” Buggy gritted his teeth, “I’ve been fine playing along for a while. But I’m sick of pretending, just tell me what you want.” You felt your chest tighten at his words, Pretending? Did he really see this as a game? Your throat closed up a bit, not willing to let a noise out. “Money? Fame? What is it? I’ll just give it too you” His voice sounded angry and low, his grip on you already leaving bruises.

Tears threaten to fall as you find your voice, “We’ve been over this Buggy. I love you.” It was a weak confession but it’s the only thing you could muster without crying outright.

Those seemed to be the wrong words to say as Buggy stood up, bringing you with him. “Stop with these lies.” He hissed out as he tossed you out of the tub, you landed on the wooden floor with a loud thud.

You couldn’t believe what was happening. Sure, you and Buggy had fights about love and commitment in the past, but it had always ended in one storming off. You’ve never seen him like this before and it hurt. You looked up at the blue haired man peering down at you and were shocked to see pure hatred in his eyes. “I’ve been patient enough because the sex was good Doll,” he said your nickname condescendingly, and every word stung, “But enough’s enough.”

“W-what do you mean Buggy” You stuttered out, your heart sinking further and your head reeling, “I’ve never lied to you Bug, I’ve always-“

“I think it’s best if you left.” His words were final, didn’t leave room to breathe and you felt your whole world shatter. “I’ll give you enough to get to a different island” He finally took a step out of the tub, grabbing his robe without looking at you, “I don’t want to see you here after noon. I want you gone.” And he walked out of the bathroom leaving you there with your thoughts.

He was kicking you out of the crew, his crew. You had been here, you’ve been with the Buggy Pirates, for 4 years now. You joined them when you were just 24, after the village you were in tried to sell you off to the celestial dragons, this being 4th time the place you deemed home turning their backs on you. You were so happy when Buggy had smiled at you welcoming you aboard, making you feel like you had belonged and for the first time in your life you had felt relief letting some tears sneak out. You were there as he set up shop in the east blue and when the kid in the Straw-hat reminded him of his dream. You remember the feeling of relief you felt when your Captain had come out of impel down, and more importantly the paramount war alive and well, ready to resume his role as captain. You supported him and helped him get his mercenary delivery service up and running. You remember the first night just a year ago when Alvida shoved you into him when you had drank too much, in hopes that you would stop talking her ear off about how cute he was.

Tears stung your eyes at the thought of everything, He couldn’t have meant it, he out of everyone knows what it’s like to be alone. After a couple minutes of breathing and trying to get your emotions under control you wipe your eyes, and take a deep breath while standing up. You put on the clothes you prepared prior to the bath and slowly slink out of the bathroom, into the captain’s bedroom.

You looked around, half expecting, hoping, Buggy was there to explain he crossed the line, or that he was sorry, or even that he just wanted space and to go back to how things were before you had slept together. But he wasn’t. The room was empty. As your eyes scanned the room it fell on a bag on the bed and you throat tightened again. You slowly walk up to the sizeable bag opening it, inside was a smaller bag full of berries and everything else was your possessions from the room.

You choked back a sob. He really meant it; he wanted you to leave. You’d been abandoned once again. Somehow it hurt so much worse this time round. You’d given yourself fully to him and you knew he had trust issues, but you didn’t think he’d kick you out like this. Take shallow breathes you throw the coin pouch to the floor before zipping the bag back up, you couldn’t take it.

You take one last deep breath trying to collect yourself, even if you couldn’t get the tears to stop falling. You sling the bag over your shoulder and head out. You didn’t want to see anyone so you made sure to listen before going down hallways, narrowly missing some crewmates. You didn’t even bother grabbing your belongings from your actual room, all that was there was your journal and some memories of your past before Buggies Crew.

Soon enough you had made your way to the town on the island, and more importantly the port that Buggy didn’t watch over, you noticed a civilian ship boarding and quickly snuck your way on. You didn’t think you’d have to restart your life again, every time it got stimulatingly harder and easier. This time how over was the worse it every been, You never felt accepted before being on Buggy’s crew, never knew what it felt like to truly just relax, or laugh without checking over your shoulder.

You were able to convince the crew on board that you had lost your ticket and they escorted you to a private room, as soon as the door shut you slumped against the wall, wondering what the next chapter of your life would be. Running your fingers through your hair as you cry silently.

[imaginesmai]

Right around the corner (4) - Azriel

I didn't mean to make it this long, but I hope you liked it! There will be a fifth and final part, I think. You guys wanted to forgive Azriel so I needed to show you what happened. Be careful with the tags!

(1), (2), (3), (4), (5)

Plot: after the damage has been done, Azriel finds his brothers ready to pick up the pieces.

Warnings: prepare a second tissue box. Also, mental health issues - our boy has been through a lot and doesn't talk kindly about himself.

Cassian only remembered a few big arguments between Azriel and him. While Rhysand had headbutted with the general at the beginning, Cassian and Azriel’s relationship had been natural. The first one was loud, abundant and had a deep, burning need of someone understanding his pain. The shadowsinger was the complete opposite, and they had instantly connected.

Their biggest argument so far, that had brought them apart for almost ten years, had been when Rhys disappeared under the mountain. Cassian had gathered an army and was ready to march on Amarantha when Azriel stopped him. At the moment, he had felt betrayed by his brother, frustrated and furious.

But even if it had taken him ten years, they had worked their way around it.

Before Rhysand winnowed them away, Cassian was ready to start the second, biggest argument of their relationship. Even if he tried to hide it, the general still had abandonment and trust issues, and that his brother had hid something so important from him, that hadn’t trusted him with something so precious for an Illyrian male, broke his heart.

He was ready for the argument, but wasn’t ready for Azriel’s cries.

The cabin was filled with shadows, that moved frantically around. The shadowsinger had lost control of his powers a very, very few occasions, never relying on his emotions. But when Rhysand and Cassian appeared in the cabin, the high lord had to create a barrier between them and the shadows to protect themselves.

“Brother” Cassian whispered when the shadows started to let go, enough to see Azriel curled in the couch.

“Azriel, what’s wrong?” Rhysand was by his side the second he was let through, a hand on his shoulder. The shadowsinger barely acknowledge them. “Damn it. You’re freezing”

“I’ll turn on the fire”

“And bring a blanket” Rhysand called out as Cassian started moving.

It was muscle memory, after so long. After so many nights where either of them came battered to the cabin and Rhysand’s mother would take care of them. In silence, Cassian moved around the familiar space, turning on candles and searching for clothes.

Meanwhile, Rhysand used his powers to get into Azriel’s mind. Instead of prying into his memories, to rip away whatever was causing him pain, his friend helped him to rebuild his mental wards.

The high lord managed to make him sit up, enough so he could fall back against Rhysand’s shoulder and the male could hug his friend. The sobs quieted down and the shadows disappeared, apparently happy someone was taking care of their master for now.

Cassian stared at them for a moment, torn between the need to comfort and to hurt. To comfort Azriel as he had comforted him so many times in the past, to be there for him and apologize to any feelings he had felt during the last hours. But also, to search for the source of that pain and tear it down to pieces.

Years of living with him had taught him to be patient, so he ended up sitting on the other side of Azriel, tossing a pair of trousers and a sweater on his lap.

“Come on, try to stand up”

In silence, between Cassian and Rhysand, they managed to put some clothes on the shadowsinger. Azriel was quiet all the time, with his gaze lost in the fire. Every now and then, his knees would buck down and he would hitch a sob. But each time, there were his two friends, ready to catch him and steady him.

It felt as if nothing had changed for a moment, as if it was Cassian beaten to a pulp after a bad fight or Azriel having panic attacks when the lights came off. So many times in the past had they been in that situation.

When they finished, they ended up sitting in the couch. Now, they were bigger, wider, and nothing similar to the scrawny boys that huddled together when no one else wanted them. The couch felt ridiculously small, yet they managed to fit just fine.

It took Azriel a while to talk, and they didn’t pressure him.

“I have a mate” he admitted.

Through the haze of sorrow and sadness, of not knowing if the bond would hold on for much longer now that you had realized what had been going on, Azriel didn’t feel any different. He had imagined himself saying it a lot of times, presenting you to his family – with good and bad outcomes. And it had made him nervous, wary, enough that he had decided against it.

As he confessed it to his brothers, his family, he felt no different.

And hated himself just a little bit more.

“Did they… do this?” Cassian asked carefully, feeling how Azriel’s body tensed under his arm. “They hurt you?”

“No”

Rhysand willed himself to stay calm and respect his privacy, but he wanted nothing more than to answer Cassian’s silent call to barge in his mind and solve whatever was happening.

“Her name is Y/N” he added, his eyes filling with tears once more. “She… The bond snapped six years ago. I’ve fucked up. I’ve fucked up so bad”

“Y/N” Rhysand repeated, trying to remember if he had heard your name before.

“Six years?” Cassian looked between Rhysand and Azriel. “That… can’t be. Six years?”

“I fucked up”

Azriel’s voice broke once more, and between sobs and hitched breaths, he managed to explain what had happened. He let it free from his chest, hoping it would make him feel better, but it didn’t. It only made him realize, once more, how fucked up he was.

Without interrupting, Cassian and Rhysand listened to the story of that pointless mission that took him right to your door, where he was supposed to ask you about a male’s disappearance. About the moment he felt the bond in chest, in his soul, and how he had run away and avoided you.

They listened as he broke when he talked about that day you had invited him over, ready to accept the bond, and how he had faked to be confident. He didn’t mean to disappoint you, so when you had asked with so much hope if that was what he wanted, he had said yes, even if part of him knew he wasn’t ready.

Azriel described how, during the following weeks, he had confused the happiness from finally being together, with no interruptions, with the usual high of mates accepting the bond. How he had realized later that it wasn’t normal the fear and anguish he felt after he left your apartment, and how without meaning to or knowing how, he hadn’t accepted your imprint on him.

“That’s why we haven’t noticed” the high lord said, taking it all in. His brother’s story, his hurt and pain.

“What were you afraid of?” Cassian almost cut him off, bursting out the question both of them wondered about. “We are your family, Az. You should know we will accept you no matter what. And a mate… that’s something wonderful”

“Because I don’t deserve her” Azriel finally looked up to Cassian, and his friend was taken aback at the emotions in his eyes. “She’s soft, and beautiful, and the worst thing she can do is squish a spider without wanting to”

“Azriel, that’s not – “

“It is. You should see her, Rhys” he cut him off, turning to look at him. “Y/N is… different. The Cauldron must have made a mistake, because she’s everything I’m not. And I don’t deserve her”

Azriel tried to let Rhysand know why he didn’t deserve you. Why, every time he thought about bringing you into his life and letting you know the spy master, it broke his heart a little. He wanted to keep you safe, away from anything that could stain you the way he was stained. And he had thought, apparently, that he could get away with it.

Feyre poked at his mental barriers softly, wondering what was happening. After sending a comforting message through the bond, Rhysand returned Azriel’s look with a different type of conviction.

“I don’t know her, and I would love to” Rhysand told him, giving him a soft smile. “But brother, I know that whoever gets to be your mate, to share their life with you, has been blessed by the Cauldron. Your family didn’t see you the way we do, the way she does. And what they did – that isn’t what you have to expect any time someone gets close to you”

“My family isn’t the problem here” he tried to excuse himself, but the high lord could see the truth in his eyes.

“It is. You’re afraid to committing yourself to the bond because you fear she will break it. Because your family broke your trust. And then you thought you had that with Mor, and – “

“Don’t go there” Azriel warned him. “Don’t read me”

“I don’t have to read you. I know you”

“Az, you… deserve a mating bond” Cassian spoke finally. “Everything you have been through isn’t your excuse to reject it, it’s the reason you finally have something good”

Azriel wasn’t ready to talk about it. He had never been ready to talk about how he had felt when his brothers, the people he looked up to, tortured him as a game. He hadn’t shared with them yet how hard had it been to know he was a mere observer of his family life, locked away in a dungeon and treated like a dog.

And the feeling of not belonging, of having a safe place sabotaged, had only grown each time he watched Mor from the distance with someone else.

He wasn’t ready to talk about it, but he understood, that he had to.

“I feel like it’s all a dream. As if I’m watching my own life unfold from the distance, like a good movie. Whenever I’m not with her, I have this… thing” he explained, opening his broken heart to his brothers. “Like I’m a fraud”

“You’re not a fraud” Cassian corrected him quickly, barely standing his brother’s self-depreciating speech.

“I am. I pretend I have it all together but I’m so afraid” he swallowed hard at the end, skipping a breath. Azriel ran a shaky hand through his hair, and his brothers only held him stronger. “Sometimes I think about… our future, about her with me, and I feel like drowning because what if she – what if she stops loving me? I can’t handle – She’s all I have, all I want. I love her so, so much. I can’t – “

That time, both males were ready when Azriel tried to fold into himself again, shadows shifting anxiously and turning off a few candles. They were ready to keep him up straight and, somehow, holding him together as he broke apart once more.

Azriel needed help, and his family was more than ready to finally walk him through it.

-

You didn’t know what breaking a mating bond meant, or if that was even possible. If the feeling of your chest at any hour was the void of Azriel’s bond or if it was just your imagination. Either way, you had never experienced such a pain.

Barely able to leave the bed, you had been forced to close the bakery. Not permanently, you told yourself, just until you had it all together once more. Even if you didn’t know what that meant.

The day after Azriel left was spent grieving, and thankfully, you had his shadows to help you around. You managed to make it to the bed, to slide the curtains shuts and cry in peace without breaking your back along with your heart.

A day turned into two, then into three. Before you knew it, it had been a week and you weren’t any better.

You had tried to find an explanation, to comfort yourself in the happy memories or forget the past events. But your mind brought you back to the horrible realization that he didn’t want you. That Azriel didn’t love you the way you did.

You were understanding, you had always been. A smile on your face, gentle hands and loving words. That was what you were, a kind soul, your friends told you. Never through a tragedy other than losing your wings, always loved and taken care of.

Azriel had taken it all away in just one night.

The first note came from Feyre, although it wasn’t the last one. Even if you ignored them, you received those same notes that had uncovered the truth during the whole week.

Hello, Y/N. It’s Feyre, do you remember me? I have my art studio in front of your bakery. I’ve noticed that the bakery is closed, some of your usual customers even came to ask me about it. Everything alright?

Hi, Feyre here. Should have told you in the previous note that I’ve heard about you and Azriel from Rhysand. I’m here if you want to talk.

It’s Feyre again. I’ve seen the new sign about you taking a few days off. I hope everything is fine.

I hope it doesn’t bother you, but my friend Mor has been begging me for days to let her write you a message.

Hey, it’s Morrighan. We don’t know each other, but I fixed your necklace once. We heard about your thing with Azriel. Just wanted to say that part of it it’s my fault, that I haven’t treated him right in a long time, and many of his insecurities are because of me. So, I guess I’m partly the one to blame and I’m sorry. And you should know how miserable he is without you.

Y/N. I’m Cassian. Hi. How are you?

Dear Y/N, we were wondering if you would like to join us for dinner on Friday night. Greetings, Rhysand.

You ignored each and every note they sent you, even the ones carefully delivered by Azriel’s shadows. You expected them to leave, and part of you wanted them to do so and forget everything that reminded you of him. But they stayed for the whole week, bringing you food and taking care of your wellbeing. And the other part of you, the irrational one, liked the pain of the familiarity they brough.

They even helped you prepare a bath when you decided to be functional again. On Saturday’s morning, you changed the sheets, prepared the laundry and ventilated the room. You tossed out every dirty tissue and food container you had accumulated as if something had possessed you to do so. Then, you took a bath and cleaned carefully every part of your body.

It reminded you of cleaning Azriel’s wings and hair, of taking baths together, and you ended up crying naked in the bathtub until the water was cold. It took you half of the day to be decent enough to even wonder if you were ready to open the bakery once more.

Not that you were able, because there was a knock on your door and you just knew who was outside.

“It’s Azriel”

His voice was muffled because of the distance, but you heard the roughness. You froze on the kitchen, where you had been having your silent debate, and your heart sped up.

None of the notes were his, not even a casual flick through the bond that kept you communicated through long missions. If it wasn’t for the range of emotions you had felt during the last days, some of them similar to yours but not quite, you would have thought he had disappeared.

But there he was, just behind your door. Some shadows slipped through the bottom, tangling between your legs. The cold feeling was different from the one the usuals left, and you realized they were panicked shadows.

Azriel had mentioned you that his emotions controlled his powers if he wasn’t careful, and that the shadows went and came with them.

The new shadows tried to push you to the door, and like a rag doll, you let them complete the small path. They disappeared once more under the door, only to appear again when you didn’t open it.

“Hi” Azriel croaked out, only the wood in between. “I’m sorry. They appeared a week ago and I can’t control them yet. I’m sorry”

“They’re colder”

Your sore throat matched the tone of his voice. It wasn’t more than a whisper, a useless fact that you knew Azriel already noticed. But still, you felt the need to mention it. There was no anger left, no deception. Just the feeling of the new shadows caressing your skin frantically.

You couldn’t bring yourself to open the door and face him again, because you knew you wouldn’t forgive him. There was a pending talk between the two of you, missing explanations. You wanted to understand what had happened during the last six years, and he deserved to know what he had put you through.

Instead of asking you to open the door, you heard him shift on his feet and flap his wings.

“Yeah. And smaller” he agreed. “Um, I tried to get rid of them. Are they… bothering you?”

Am I bothering you?

“No. Not yet”

No, you aren’t. Not yet.

“Right”

It was almost comical to watch the shadows move around you. You hadn’t noticed the single tear that escaped, but they did – and in a moment you were blinded as they all tried to wipe it out at the same time. They made you take a step backward and almost stumble to the ground.

You had never seen too much of Azriel’s shadows, of his power. Apart from the single ones that danced around you and kept you company, you had never met the real shadowsinger. All the stories around him felt strange, property of someone else rather than your mate.

Azriel must have heard you move, or gasp, or maybe the shadows told him. He placed a hand on the door.

“Are you okay? I should go back. I’m sorry. I can’t make them – “

“They feel different too” you comment, enchanted by the shadows moving in your line of sight.

They were dark, and you shouldn’t have been able to see anything. But in the darkness, you could somehow guess their shapes. Some of them were smaller, bigger, thinner and wider. They weren’t like the formal, perfect ones Azriel usually wielded around you. They felt raw.

It took him a while to answer, and you waited patiently for his answer. You didn’t expect anything from that conversation, weren’t even sure what the conversation was about. Just hearing his voice felt at the same time as a punishment and a reward.

Still, he surprised you.

“Madja says they are the original shadows, the ones that should have been around since the begging” Azriel confessed, his nails scratching the door. “The ones… She says I was so scared of my own power that I locked it in a cage as a child and created just a shadow of the real one. Which I could control and… understand.”

“Madja the healer?” you blinked, still surrounded by his shadows. “Why are you – are you hurt? What happened?”

“No, I’m fine. I mean, unharmed. I’m not hurt” he chuckled humorlessly. “She’s been helping me with other things”

“Like what?”

You didn’t know where it came from, but there was an urgent edge on your voice that kept you alert. You knew Madja, had seen her help Azriel after any nasty mission. He had even told you about getting rid of your scars with her help.

Her name brought the already familiar pain – that you knew about her because she was important for Azriel, but she didn’t know about you because you weren’t that important for him. You waited in silence until he decided to talk again. When he did, you could tell he was close to tears.

“I’m not okay. It has taken me too long to figure it out, and it has costed me what I love the most in the world, but I’m not. I… am afraid, all the time” he started. “I am afraid that you will see my true self, what I am in the dark, and hate me the way I hate it. I’m afraid that you will figure out what made my family despite me, toss me aside, and decide to do the same. Or that you realize that I’m not a good mate, and be too kind to tell me and live trapped in a lie”

Feelings wasn’t something you usually shared with Azriel. You were the sensible one, the emotional mate. Who talked about something that made you happy or sad, that expressed your fears knowing he would be there for you no matter what. But not once in your six years you had heard about his.

Each word dug a hole in your chest, from your own feelings or his. The shadows eased enough to let you take a step forward. As if there was an invisible hand printed out, you put your hand where his was on the other side of the door.

“I am terrified to hurt you without meaning to, or to not be what you need. All the time. I’ve… created a routine, apparently, to give myself a sense of false confidence. To build a reality” Azriel stopped to catch his breath. “You’ve shaken that reality where I just… survived, and I thought I could continue pretending everything was fine. It’s not. It’s all so fucking wrong in my head”

Your own eyes were filled with tears by then, ready to fall on your knees. Because, what were you supposed to do now? You wished you could just forget about the past week, about his words – because you had just accepted that he was okay, had missed any signal that he was struggling.

And that made you feel almost as bad as him not accepting the bond.

“So I’m gonna get right, I’ve been getting help” your mate finished, taking a deep breath. “And then we… I love you, Y/N. I don’t have much to offer, but everything I am and have, is yours. When I’m okay, I promise, I will make things right. I promise”

Before you could answer, his shadows disappeared and Azriel winnowed away.

Want to read more? Check out my side blog @imaginesmaimasterlists, where I keep all the masterlists! Feedback is always appreciated

Right around the corner taglist:

@lesliemurillo @impossibelle @polli05927 @florencemtrash @going-through-shit @minakay @setayeshmohseni @torchbearerkyle @esposadomd @amysangel @kennedy-brooke @originalcrusadetrash @luvmoo @historygeekqueen @marriedtolike18fictionalmen @wallacewillow0773638 @tothestarsandwhateverend @kristalhi @knmendiola @nikt-wazny-y @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @wallacewillow0773638 @clara-geekhime @kalulakunundrum @saltedcoffeescotch @originalcrusadetrash @mel-wcst @ailyr92 @bubybubsters @chickensrock3

[masqueradereveler21]

Hogwarts Legacy Character Sheet - Gwendolen Hughes (EDITED/REVISED)

General Information

Full Name: Gwendolen Eira Hughes

Nicknames: Gwen, The Hero of Hogwarts, The New Fifth Year, Troll Slayer

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: April 26th, 1875

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Personality Type (MBTI): INTJ - The Architect

Species: Human

Blood Status: Unregistered/Muggleborn (Presumed)

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Nationality: Welsh

House: Slytherin

Wand: Cedar Wood, Phoenix Feather, 12 1/2”, Rigid

Patronus: Stoat

Boggart: The mutilated corpse of Professor Fig; later on changes to Theophilus Harlow

Amortentia: Bread pudding, wax candles, old books, fresh linen

Physical Appearance

Hair Colour & Style: Black; occasionally wears down but is most often seen sporting it braided or in a ponytail.

Eye Colour: Grey

Skin Tone: Olive with golden undertones

Height: 167cm (5’6”)

Weight: 55kg (121 lbs)

Clothing Style: Neat and presentable; favors skirts, ruffled blouses, vests, and heeled boots. Almost never wears her robes. Black painted fingernails.

Personality

Positive Traits: Adaptable, determined, loyal, resilient, compassionate, curious, diligent

Neutral Traits: Independent, reserved, ambitious, rational, observant, competitive

Negative Traits: Arrogant, cunning, stubborn, sarcastic, defiant

Strengths: Capable of thinking outside the box and extremely quick-witted

Weaknesses: Thinks she knows what’s best and struggles to let people in

Likes: Cats, Summoner’s Court, Quidditch, organization, leadership, exploring the highlands, reading, Wizard’s Chess

Dislikes: Spiders, Gobstone’s, dugbogs, failure, laziness, clutter, singing in front of people, dancing

Background and Family

Gwendolen Eira Hughes was born on April 26th, 1875, in Swansea, South Wales, to a mother and father of unknown wizard of heritage. The details of her past are unsure; a carriage accident in her childhood tragically took the lives of her parents and left her with amnesia, leaving doctors and police with only documents to help piece her identity together. Her mother was an English woman named Alice Hedera while her father, Meilyr Hughes, was Welsh. After the accident, Gwen was placed in a Catholic convent where she was given an education but subjected to verbal, mental, and occasionally physical abuse. As she grew older, the convent began placing her into homes with the hope of adopting her out but she was returned each time due to her “poor behavior” and attitude. One of the families she lived with, the Trahernes, began physically abusing her which caused her magic to emerge. In a fit of anger, she caused ivy to grow throughout the entire house, damaging it and leaving the Trahernes with painful rashes. She was promptly returned to the convent and shortly after was visited by Professor Eleazar Fig.

After the events of Repository battle, Gwen’s mental health took a steep decline. The guilt and trauma she felt regarding the deaths of Professor Fig, Lodgok, and many more became too much to bear. She isolated herself within the Room of Requirement until Professor Matilda Weasley coaxed her out and comforted her during the last semester of the school year. After some consideration, Professor Weasley offered to become Gwen’s legal guardian so that she did not have to return to the convent. Gwen was initially hesitant to accept the offer, on account of her previous experiences living with adoptive families, but she eventually accepted after some convincing from Ominis Gaunt. It took a while for both of them to adjust to their new roles; Weasley did not want to overstep her boundaries but also wanted to make sure Gwen was being taken care of and provided for. Gwen kept Professor Weasley at arms length, waiting for the day it became too much and she would give up on her. But with time Gwen came to view Professor Weasley in a more maternal light (the feeling was mutual on Matilda’s end).

Biological Father: Meilyr Hughes (Deceased)

Biological Mother: Alice Hedera (Deceased)

Guardian/Adoptive Parent: Matilda Weasley

Adoptive Uncles: Graham Weasley, Phillip Weasley,

Adoptive Aunts: Dorothy Weasley (née Button), Lydia Weasley (née Hawthorne)

Adoptive Cousins: Theodore Weasley, Oscar Weasley, Garreth Weasley, Florence Weasley, Millicent Weasley, Francis Weasley, Edmund Weasley

Relationships

Love Interest: Ominis Gaunt/Sebastian Sallow…ehh its complicated…

Best Friends: Natsai Onai, Poppy Sweeting, Garreth Weasley, Imelda Reyes, Amit Thakkar

Acquaintances: Nerida Roberts, Grace Pinch-Smedley, Lucan Brattleby, Isaac Cooper, Adelaide Oakes

Rivals: Leander Prewett, Charlotte Morrison, Samantha Dale

Enemies: Ranrok, Victor Rookwood, Theophilus Harlow, Ashwinders

Pets: Vivarium beasts, eleven cats, a barn owl named Minerva

Inspirations

• Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games

• Annabeth Chase - Percy Jackson series

• Kat Stratford - 10 Things I Hate About You

• Raven - Teen Titans

• Mikasa Ackerman - Attack on Titan

• Beth Harmon - The Queen’s Gambit

• Emma Woodhouse - Emma

• Artwork done by the incredible @millyillus •

[ox1-lovesick]

✶ ─── TOMORROW X TOGETHER AND THINGS WITH THEM

🍇 pairing. txt x gn!reader genre. fluff warnings. mentions of food, pda (?), wc. 50-100 each

🍇 type. headcannon , reaction

🍇 a/n. abandoned the tyun and hyuka fic for now 💀 this is like a filler fic or something i have such bad writers block. i know for a fact that soobin crochets

% YEONJUN

late night walks ; gentle kisses to your knuckles ; catching him staring ; errands to the convenience store at 3 in the morning ; holding hands ; sharing earphones ; leaning your head on his shoulder ; sharing lip glosses ; netflix marathons ; fashion shows at 2 am ; spontaneous dance sessions ; late night drives ; candid pictures ; slow dancing ; cooking ; sharing jewellery ; kisses through the phone ; matching jewelry

% SOOBIN

comparing hand sizes ; feeding each other ; interlocking pinkies ; desert before dinner ; baking ; sharing clothes and jewelry ; 1000 piece puzzles ; movie dates ; crocheting together ; croc shopping dates ; clothing hauls ; editing vlogs together ; food fights ; disney dates ; couple cosplays and halloween costumes ; pillow talk about the future ; tying your shoelaces for you ; giving you his jacket when it's cold ; matching socks and bracelets

% BEOMGYU

kisses in the rain ; hand-written love letters ; bouquets of roses ; sleeping in together ; doodling on each others hands ; scented candles ; bickering for fun ; backhugs ; raindrop races ; long bus rides ; sharing earphones ; picnic dates ; photo albums ; half anniversaries ; forehead kisses ; impromptu karaoke nights ; guitar lessons ; secret handshakes ; build-a-bear dates ; feeding each other ; pillow talk ; hiding tomatoes in his food ; painting each other's nails ; holding open the door for you

% TAEHYUN

long and warm hugs ; locking pinkies ; poking his dimples ; falling asleep on his chest ; cheek kisses ; stargazing ; library dates ; cooking for each other ; communicating through morse code ; study dates ; reading together ; sharing cutlery ; pinky promises ; kisses to your knuckles ; post it notes with messages ; holding hands ; feeding each other ; falling asleep on the phone with him ; playlists dedicated to each other ; gentle kisses ; powerpoint nights ; "5 more minutes" mornings ; flowers "just because"

% HUENINGKAI

naming all his plushies ; palm kisses ; zoo dates ; buzzfeed quizzes to see who'd survive the zombie apocalypse ; breakdancing in the dining room ; pokemon impressions ; piano lessons ; holding hands, everywhere ; kisses to the tips of your fingers ; pillow and tickle fights ; sneaking juice boxes and animal biscuits in your lunch

★ OX1-LOVESICK all rights reserved. do not copy, distribute, translate, alter or repost my work without my explicit permission.

[hellenicrisis]

Does Hellenism have a Holy Book? Or like a Bool with Rules,Customs,Offerings etc?? Kinda like a Bible :>

Hey there, sunshine! ☀️

Hellenic paganism doesn't have one single piece of holy scripture like Abrahamic religions do. Our texts are a little more scattered. We have the Homeric Hymns and the Orphic Hymns, each are a collection of hymns and prayers to the gods. There is also Hesiod's Theogony, an epic 1000+ line poem that details the genealogies of the gods, and also Hesiod's Works and Days, which is more on the subject of morality and farming, but includes good lessons on how to interact with the gods.

You can buy these online in the forms of physical books, but there should also be free pdf versions of them out there, as well as websites that have the entire collection of hymns written out.

As for a text that gives instructions regarding customs and offerings, there isn't one set, singular text that I know of. We learn from historical and archaeological research, from writings like those listed above, and from each other. There are modern books on Hellenic paganism and its practices written by scholars that you could look for. Some are expensive though, and if you do enough digging on the internet yourself, you should be able to come up with some information.

I could teach you a couple basics right now.

1. Be clean when praying

There is a line in Hesiod's Works and Days that reads, "Never pour a libation of sparkling wine to Zeus after dawn with unwashen hands, nor to others of the deathless gods."

This line refers to the custom of washing our hands before giving offerings or libations to the gods. There is a water we make, I think with burnt herbs in it, called khernips that is used to clean our hands. You don't have to use it though (I don't) and simply washing your hands normally works just as well. I believe it also symbolises being generally clean. Being ready for your day and in a good state when presenting yourself to the gods is important, I think.

2. How to pray

Here is a post I found about how to pray in Hellenic paganism. I found it very helpful and I've been pagan for years now, so I think it could help you. (Link)

Also a note, we have a version of "amen" that can be said at the end of prayers, if that sense of closing off makes prayer easier for you. I know it did for me. The word is "khaire", and as I understand it, it means "blessings" or "good wishes". You can say it to someone or to close a prayer.

EDIT: "Khaire" or "khairete" can be used. They both mean "hail" or "farewell" or "blessings". "Khaire" is to address one, and "khairete" is to address a group.

3. Ouranic and chthonic

Quick run down on ouranic and chthonic. Ouranic means celestial, and it is how we refer to gods who live on the surface and in Olympus. These include Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Aphrodite, etc. Chthonic means underground, and it is used to refer to gods who live in the Underworld. These are Hades, Persephone (half the year at least), and Thanatos.

In Ancient times, offerings to ouranic deities were either libations poured to them in a bowl or cup or the smoke of burning food. It is believed that the essence of the food would be carried up to the gods through the smoke. Looking at this in modern day, incense smoke is an excellent offering and we can leave food offerings and libations out on the altar along with a lit candle.

Offerings to chthonic deities usually went in the ground, so that it may be absorbed through the earth and reach the gods in the Underworld that way. Usually libations were poured out on the ground and food offerings buried in a dug hole. If you have a garden or pot plants and your offerings are safe for them then the practice can be replicated that way. I've also seen people use boxes on the altar, putting offerings inside and closing it, symbolising burying it.

Or you can simply treat chthonic deities the same as ouranic deities when giving offerings. Whatever works best for you, but this is what was done traditionally.

4. Read the myths

Read the myths of the gods you wish to worship. You learn a lot and can come to your own conclusions about your worship by learning about their stories and roles in society.

This may all seem like a lot now, and not having one singular piece of decisive scripture can be challenging if you're used to having one, but it does get easier. You'll settle and find your feet. Knowing these things will become second nature, and you will build your own practice based on them. No one's worship looks the same, especially with paganism, and that's as it should be.

Thank you so much for asking, sunshine! So sorry for the long response, but I figured I'd rather leave you with some starting points and things to investigate. Please feel free to send another ask or dm me in future if you have any more questions.

Khaire! ☀️

[asegunda]

The Three Candles

Pairings: Luke Castellan & Thalia Grace & Annabeth Chase x Platonic! GN! Not Clearsighted Mortal! Reader

Summary: They always come back (But not ALL of them).

Warnings: Spoilers to all the 1st Collection: Percy Jackson and the Olympyans. Too much fluff! (Lol) and talks about death!

Notes: This is the Part 2 of my other work, "A Delightful Enconter", and thank you all for your love!

1.

The first time they came back it's still the three of them, some months later...it's late at night and you hear a knock on the door, still in your pajama you go see who it is. You yawn as you open the door.

Your eyes wide as you see who is there.

"Hello again Y/N." Luke says, he looks tired like he is trying not to cry.

"Do you three need a one night lace again, hmm?" You ask smiling as you let them enter.

"Bingo." Thalia says as she starts taking her things out of her bag.

"Y/N!" Annabeth runs to you and hugs you. "I have read 'Ulisses'!"

You smile. "Really? Did you like it?"

"Yes! I'm going to be a hero like him!" She tells you, her eyes shining.

"That's great dear." You smile to her again and go to Luke.

"Do you need help with the sofa?" You ask.

"Yes please. This just don't switch to the bed." He says still trying.

You help him and with that the bed is ready.

"Do you want to talk about it? I see that you are sad." As he looks at you you say. "I'm sorry if I'm being rude, I just want you to be okay."

He smiles. "Thank you, really..." He sighs. "It's just family problems." You nod wanting for him to continue.

"I visited my... mom today and my...dad was there." He tells you looking at the ground.

"I guess it didn't end well?" He nods.

"You know, family isn't just about blood, and what you have with Thalia and Annabeth is just as special as everything in the world." You smile at him and he hugs you.

"Thank you." He whispers in the hug.

"No problem honey." You say.

After the hug you go to Thalia to help her with a injury she had in the leg.

"Thank you." She smiles at you and you smile back.

They go to sleep and the very next morning they're not there..like last time.

You smile to yourself.

2.

The second time they came it's in the day, which you though 'weird'.

It starts with a knock in the door and as you open you see two people with orange shirts that say 'Camp Half-Blood' or some thing like that.

But you don't see the third head, they look at you with a sad look.

"Hey kids." You smile at them and they have the energy to smile back. "Where is Thalia?" You ask, and they froze up in place.

Luke is the first to talk. "She..." He looks at Annabeth trying to think of an excuse. "She is at the new summer camp we are at...she is sick so she didn't feel like coming." He sighs as he finishes.

"Oh, wait a second." You go to the kitchen and bring back a box and give it to Luke.

"For Thalia. I hope she feels better with these, and Annabeth.." You take a book from your shelf. "This one is for you." Annabeth reads the title 'The Renaissance era: Art and Architecture'.

"I saw that you love this greek kind of stuff, so.." You smile to her. "Thank you Y/N."

They leave after a group hug.

At the camp Luke opens the box, it's filled with sweets and cake. He cries as he thinks of Thalia, he and Annabeth eat the sweets together.

3.

The third time they came it was not 'they' just her, Annabeth.

As you open the door you smile as you see her, but you shiver as you don't see any sight of the others.

"Where are Luke and Thalia, dear?" You ask and she starts crying in your arms.

You take her inside and caress her hair.

"Oh, honey...what happened?" You whisper to her.

She sobs but between the sobs she tells you everything. That demigods and gods exist, that Thalia is a three now and that Luke is a traitor piece of crap, her words not yours.

You cry as you hear what happened to the two. You take two candles and light it. "For Thalia." You light one. "For Luke..I know he has a good heart, I'm sure he will come back to reason." You light the second candle.

For some hours you just hug Annabeth, she sleeps in your house and in the morning she is not there.

'Some things never change.' You think sadly. You see a note:

'I really liked the book, maybe I will be a architeth."

You smile and look at the candles.

4.

The forth time they come back is 'they' again, as you open the door you see Thalia and Annabeth, you run to Thalia's arms and hug her and cry.

She hugs you back smiling.

You take Annabeth to the hug too.

They come inside and they explain everything. How Thalia isn't a tree again, the situation with Luke, again.

As you hear all of it you look at the candles and Annabeth smiles at you.

Thalia tells you that she is now a Hunter of Artemis.

You congratulate her and give her the box with the same sweets you 'gave' her years ago.

She smiles and you three eat it at your house, talking and laughing, trying not to think about Luke.

"And Annatbeth has a crush." Thalia tells you.

"I have not a crush for Percy!" She yells blushing at Thalia.

You smile teasingly. "But no one said Percy dear." And she blushes even more.

Thalia laughs at her face and you smile to yourself.

They go away at the day this time, and when tehy are not there anymore you put one more candle.

"For Annabeth." You light the first. "For Thalia." You light the second. "And for Luke. Who I still believe has a beautiful heart." You light the third.

5.

The fifth time they come back it's the same as the last one. But with two new heads.

You hug Annabeth and Thalia, and has you hug the last you whisper to her: "So who are the other two?" She smiles and explains that they are Grover and Percy.

They both shake your hand and the four enter in your house. You take a lemonade out of the fridg eand give each a cup.

"So...what about Luke?" You ask and they all look both happy and sad.

"He was a hero." Percy says.

"...was?" You feel you eyes water with tears.

"..yeah, Y/N. He..died as a hero. You were right he really did the right thing." Annabeth says and Thalia hugs you. And the second she hugs you Annabeth comes for the hug too.

After some minutes you calm down.

All of you start talking about other things, how thay won the war. And...well Grover spoils a thing for you.

"Well, Y/N, me and huh...Percy...are.." She takes Percy hand and you already know what it is.

"They are dating." Grover says happy." Finnaly!!"

"Grover!" The other three yell at him.

"Congratulations dear." You say to Annabeth. "Well...Congratulations to all of you." You smile to them.

You pass the afternoon talking, they lunch at your house and when the night aproaches they get up and start leaving.

You hug Thalia and Annabeth again.

"It was nice meeting you, Grover, Percy." You wink at them and they shake your hands.

They go away and you light the candles again, you think it is a sign of Good Luck.

[wanderingsimsfinds]

WanderingSims Fave CC - Asian Community Pt. 1

1, 3, 7-8, 25 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Sims-KKB Korean Style Goods Set (Posters, Signboard, Signboard (Sims41ife recolors), Shadow Screen, Standing Board)

2, 4 - VivianDang - 4t3 DominationKid Japanese Retro Shop Signs & Street Bulletin Boards

5-6, 35-36 - Ziva-Sims - 2t3 Japasims Set (Cheap Shop Sign, Emergency Lamp, Noren, Pori Waste Bags)

9, 19, 58-59 - SimpleStudio404 - Izakaya Set (Menu Poster, Akanoren, Beer Case 1, Beer Case 2)*

10 - SimpleStudio404 - Clutter Set (Retoro Kanban 1)*

11-13, 16-17, 21 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Slox Expressway Set Pt. 4 (Awning, Magazine Rack, Sign 1, Sign 2, Sign 3, Banner)

14-15, 18 - Martassimsbook - The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Noren Curtains Long, Mini, Short

20 - SimpleStudio404 - Retoro Set (Bench)*

22 - simnaru - Nobori Sign

23 - NoirandDarkSims - Gatchapon Machine

24 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Sims-KKB Utensils 2 Set The Shade

26, 68 - NoirandDarkSims - Japanese Festival Ultimate Edition Nobori & Cash Register

27-29 - SimpleStudio404 - Retoro B Set (Ice Box Table, Refrigerator, Post Deco)*

30, 33-34 - NoirandDarkSims - Tokyo City Decor (Mailbox, Road Decor 09, Road Decor 10)

31, 51-56 - NoirandDarkSims - School Days Set (Shoukaki, Sink School, Blackboard, Desk, Chair, Class Plate, Locker)

32 - NoirandDarkSims - Yuxi Tkangie Noren

37-43 - Mitarsi - Graveyard Set (Sotoba 2, Haka S1, Floral Tribute, Haka S2, Haka 1, Candle, Sotoba 1)

44-45 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 StudioK Convenience Store Set Copy Machine & Sticker

46-50 - simnaru - School Set 1 (School Poster 4, School Plate, Sink School (3 Pieces), Shoebox, Classroom Locker)

57 - HydrangeaChainsaw - Spirited Away Set Paper Lanterns

60-61 - SimpleStudio404 - Ob Set (Dining Chair & Yatai Dining Table)*

62-64 - HydrangeaChainsaw - Senran Kagura Bon Appetit Conversions (Yakuza Restaurant Spice Tray, Plate, Napkin)

65-66 - SimpleStudio404 - Takoyaki ki Set & Charcoal Stove Set*

67, 71 - Ziva-Sims - 2t3 Simsconnection Soy Sauce & Sake

69 - MurfeeL - Taru 1-3

70 - Kewai-Dou - Japanese Sake Set

72 - NoirandDarkSims - Mitarsi Sims Tori Gate

73, 75 - HydrangeaChainsaw - Lighting Outdoor & Street Pennant Static

74 - HydrangeaChainsaw - Nobori Flag

76-77 - MurfeeL - C2077 Round String Lanterns & Oval String Lanterns

78 - jazzysimlife - 4t3 Snowy Escape Deco Buildings

79 - HydrangeaChainsaw - Japanese Houses

*All the SimpleStudio404 downloads are in the same ZIP graciously uploaded by @ameriko-steelie. I listed the set name so that you can find the specific CC without opening every folder.

[naomihatake]

In search of freedom (Ch. 2)

2. The wheel of death

Chapter 1 ; Chapter 2 ; Chapter 3

⠀⠀⠀⠀She's been searching for freedom her entire life and everytime she thought it was laying right in front of her eyes, she was mistaken. She was running around the East Blue, seeking herself and her dreams, meeting people she never forgot. No matter how much she traveled, she could only catch a glimpse of peace before realizing everything would crumble at her feet.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maybe it was destiny that brought her on that ship with three strangers — foolishly, that's what she tried to believe when the moon shined beautifully and hope settled in her chest, squeezed by the same ribcage where feelings were blooming.

Pairing: female!reader x OPLA Zoro Roronoa. This chapter follows the events of the second episode.

Warnings for this chapter: canon typical violence, kidnapping

Word count: 3,1k

Theme song: “Haunted Isles” by Derek Fiechter (click on the link)

A/N: I almost didn't believe I wrote so much considering the process felt so slow and kind of annoying. Not the best chapter I've written so far, not something I'm necessarily proud of, but I wanted to follow OPLA's plot. I know 3k words isn't much, but I already prepared pieces of the next chapters that I'm genuinely excited to share with you. Half of this part is filled with action, meanwhile, the next chapter will be full of psychological analysis and a lot of thoughts + more interactions between the reader and Zoro.

The reader will be referred to as "Witch" from now on, because I have no intentions of using "Y/N".

I'm open for comments and opinions <3

The view made her smile as she looked at the dark blue nuance of the sea, her eyes sparkling just like the moon that was hidden by the gray clouds at that time. Her heart beat so peacefully, in sync with the waves of the water, and with every inhale she could feel that sensation taking over her senses. Everytime she got on a ship, the feeling grew stronger and stronger and she doubted there was a limit.

Freedom had no limit and she wondered if that's what it felt like.

"We're not a crew," Zoro and Nami — the woman with orange hair — said in unison.

Luffy was dead set on calling four people a crew, despite the fact that it was a decision he kind of made on his own.

Zoro's tall figure disappeared inside the cabin, where he intended to nap. She was intrigued; it was the same man who made a fool of those marines back at the tavern. The witch was confused about the soft clinck sounds coming from him, until she realized it was just his three golden earrings hitting one another at each move.

Luffy's last crewmate smiled, endeared by the unfaltering enthusiasm their supposed captain was radiating. He was like a ball of energy since they got on Nami's ship and sailed away with help from Koby.

"So, you're a witch," Luffy excitedly turned towards her.

"You could call me that, I think," she shrugged.

"Do you do magic? Like, potions in a cauldron and spells with candles—"

"I think you know too many stereotypes," she let out a long sigh.

Nami was on her knees in front of the safe box, ear glued to the locker as she rolled it between her fingers.

"So you won't chop us into pieces and boil us?" She arched her eyebrow, unintentionally feeding Luffy's crazy ideas.

"You—!"

"No, I don't."

She rubbed at the bridge of her nose with her thumb and pointer finger.

"What about you two talking after I finish unlocking this? I need silence."

The witch sat down, resting her body against a barrel as she watched Nami's careful actions. Now that she thinks about it, she never saw someone so sure of themselves while opening up this kind of locker, which meant it wasn't the first time she did it either. She presented herself as a thief.

Luffy was agitated, roaming around and stretching, a big smile on his lips. He was holding back from babbling until he forgot he had to keep his mouth shut.

"I almost can't believe I already have a crew and we got our hands on the Grand Line map."

"Luffy," the witch whispered so she wouldn't disturb Nami. "You do know none of us promised to take part in this adventure, right?"

She was trying her best to be gentle about the topic, especially since he seemed so happy he couldn't hold back at all. Luffy had no filter anymore, saying whatever came to mind, but she supposed he's always like that.

"Maybe you'll change your mind," he beamed.

"I appreciate your help a lot, kid, and I'll try my best to help you if I get the chance until we get to the next destination, but I don't know about that," she shook her head.

"You said the same thing at the tavern: that it's dangerous."

"And I still didn't change my mind. It is dangerous."

"Can you be silent?" Nami accentuated her words in annoyance.

"Sorry," the witch muttered.

The orange haired woman glued her ear to the lock again, eyes narrowed and brows pulled together in concentration. One strand of hair fell over her blue eyes but she didn't mind it while she continued opening the locker up.

A small click vibrated shyly through the air and Nami snapped up.

"It's open!" she shouted.

From inside the box, Nami took a long cylinder and opened it. The witch moved behind her and looked at the map of the Grand Line, inspecting it with the eye of someone who wasn't an expert at all. She was focusing on the navigator's explanations so intensely, she didn't notice when the other two approached. Zoro's swords brushed by her leg, moving her entire attention to him.

The sound of fireworks filled the air.

"The marines? When did they find us?" Nami furrowed her eyebrows.

"What's with the red smoke?" the witch found herself asking right after she started seeing in nuances.

"It smells weird," Luffy muttered.

She found out it was true only after she inhaled it and her vision was getting blurry. Everything happened so fast: Nami falling first, then Zoro saying something she couldn't hear. Her body got soft and in less than a few seconds, she fell unconscious after she caught a glimpse of a pirate ship.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈

The witch rubbed her wrists together, but her attempt to escape from the rope digging into her skin was futile. She was sitting in an open chest, her knees pulled close to her chest; both her legs and wrists were tied and she was growing tired of it.

They were kidnapped by some pirate clowns and thrown into what he called the Green Room. Luffy was still in the main tent, and what was happening to him was a secret between the clowns and the dozens of people who had their legs chained like animals.

The Green Room was filled with strange things and old furniture and cushions. Golden bulbs shined and reflected into some square mirrors and another large one with skulls as ornaments. There was a chair in front of a desk, where cups were placed next to some photos. A creepy white mannequin stood right next to the chest she was sitting in, wearing an elegant purple scarf. Something that imitated a chandelier was hanging in the middle of the roof, made out of big flower cups of white thin material. Zoro's swords were left against one of the cushions, where her two identical guns were.

A barely audible groan left the swordsman's lips as he struggled against the rope that glued his wrists to a big wheel.

"They're too strong even for you," Nami commented in a shallow tone.

Both of her hands clutched at the metal bars of the wide bird cage she was stuck in.

"I need to get out of here and kill some clowns," he muttered, focused on escaping. "I've got out of worse."

"With that I have to agree," the witch sighed.

"I saw a town when I got out of the tent… what was left of it after Buggy destroyed it."

"You mean, when you tried to leave us for dead?" Zoro grimaced after pulling at the ropes again.

The witch was like a bystander, her eyes running from one to the other. They were seriously insane, ready to argue in a life-or-death situation.

"You were picking up a fight you couldn't win," Nami snapped her head towards the swordsman.

"I know your type: if there's nothing to gain, you're out."

"Says the one who runs after Berries—"

"Shut it, you two," the witch intervened, letting out a groan. "We can argue and throw venom at each other after we get out of here."

"If we get out of here," Nami retorted.

"We do because I have too much of an ego to play in a circus created by a maniac," the witch mumbled.

After a few moments of silence, no sounds coming from outside the room they were left in, Nami got a lock pin out of her boot.

"Didn't they take all of them?" Zoro asked.

"They only took three," she smirked for a brief moment.

The witch leaned her torso forward and, despite the painful tug of the rope, she tried to raise them to the belt of her pants. She snuck her fingers between the two pieces of clothing and bit at her bottom lip when her skin started stinging painfully.

Finally, she got a small pocket knife out and grinned.

"I thought you were a witch," the swordsman gazed at her.

"You'll see magic once I get out of here," she joked.

A loud scream ripped through the air and it made all of them snap their heads towards the door.

Was that Luffy?

The witch's blood froze in her veins.

"You better hurry," Zoro whispered.

The witch gulped and wielded the knife between her fingers until the sharp edge grazed the rope around her wrists. She moved the knife up and down, putting as much pressure as the position allowed her. Nami, on the other hand, continued rolling the lock pick into the padlock.

Now that the woman stared intently at the mannequin while cutting the rope — even if way too slowly —, the doll had a scary smile painted in black on its porcelain face. Why was it looking back at her?

Minutes of unsuccessful cutting ropes and rolling lock picks, after another groan coming out of Zoro's mouth, he spoke:

"Someone's coming."

"Keep them talking, I need more time," Nami turned her head.

"Same here."

"I don't talk, I hit things," he grunted.

"Then change your hobby," the witch huffed.

The witch's eyes widened and she leaned back against the chest, so her arms and pocket knife would be hidden. Her heart was beating painfully fast in between her ribs and it was almost ridiculous, how she was sweating and the clothes started getting uncomfortable.

A monocycle creaked under the man who just got inside the room. He passed right by her when he came in, which sent her into an inner crisis. Wearing dark colored clothes and an unbuttoned coat without sleeves, the man hopped off and let the object fall to the floor.

She had no clue why the pirate chose to get close to the swordsman, who looked at him dead in the eye.

"Remember me?" the pirate spoke.

"No. Must be some other homicidal, unicycle-riding clown."

The witch was reminded you pay for the audacity of speaking up to your enemy when you're locked up; Zoro got instantly hit by the pirate's fist into the stomach. However, he didn't give that clown any satisfaction, his lips glued.

She eyed Nami, who was turned with her back at the lock of her cage, trying to open it without even looking at it. Damn, it wasn't good.

The witch couldn't hear whatever the fuck that clown was muttering at Zoro's ear, her fingers moving the knife faster, a tight knot settling in her throat as adrenaline pumped through her.

Nami made eye contact with the swordsman and the pirate who called himself Cabaji turned towards her.

"I've never met a clown. I thought they're supposed to be funny. Do some acrobatics on your monocycle, maybe it can help the time pass."

The witch shouldn't have opened her mouth in the first place, but if Nami was caught, it could've ended badly. Maybe it was the fault of the adrenaline, but pissing off that idiot with three strands of mint green hair made her smirk victoriously.

People who get angry when you step on their ego have always been the funniest creatures alive.

Of course, the reaction she received wasn't a good one. The pirate took two knives from his belt and stepped closer. She refused to look away and nothing could erase that grin off her face.

"Still doesn't ring a bell," Zoro caught his attention again.

Bad move. One of Cabaji's knives cut through the air and sunk into the wood the swordsman was glued to. Any other sounds have immediately been silenced.

"You followed us day and night for weeks through the Goa kingdom, never relenting, like some kind of demon."

Oh, so that's who Roronoa Zoro really was; the witch dared to allow her curiosity to act like a sponge about the new information. Interesting. The swordsman was a demon and a bounty hunter. Amazing combo.

He was probably hated by every pirate on the sea.

The woman tried her best to focus on the pocket knife between her fingers, but she couldn't help the fear crawling up into her skin. They had to get out of there alive and, preferably, with their limbs attached to their body.

After a few heavy steps, Cabaji gripped at the edge of the wooden wheel and in less than two seconds, the swordsman was rotating like a toy. The pirate walked roughly two meters away and then continued tossing knives, each time managing to avoid Zoro's flesh.

Nami and the witch looked at each other for a brief moment and then continued with their previous work.

When the rope finally got cut, she looked at the maniac pirate who didn't stop with his play yet. She held back her reactions, instead choosing to look at the swordsman who was rotating in the air and it made her pale. Time passed by too slowly and she slowly let out a long sigh when the wheel stopped from moving.

"You really don't fear death, do you?" Cabaji huffed.

He wasn't satisfied by the lack of reaction he received from Zoro who looked like he's gone through that three times a day for years. How did he manage to keep such a poker face?

"No, I just don't fear you."

Good, make him corner you.

The pirate didn't think twice before he threw a knife that aimed right above the swordsman's wrist. Their enemy wasn't careful enough, since the rope could now be easily cut.

Cabaji walked towards Zoro — another mistake. Nami already opened her cage and she was silently getting out. The witch didn't hesitate when she stopped pretending like she still had her wrists tied together. Clutching at the knife between her fingers, she raised her hand and tossed the sharp object through the air, aiming at the man's back.

"Thinking you're the only one who can play with knives, clown?" she huffed.

Cabaji turned and it was Nami's opportunity to kick his stomach with her foot, which made him fall on his back, the knife digging further into his flesh, cutting through his ribs and lung.

Finally, the witch's anxiety lowered now that one of their men was down. Now, who knows how many more they had to defeat.

"I didn't take you for a criminal."

Nami took one of the knives stuck in the wheel and cut Zoro's rope and then came to her other crewmate, helping with the rope around her ankles.

"I was desperate and he was annoying," the witch shrugged while she rubbed at her aching wrists.

When she found the freedom of moving again, she got out of the chest and took all the knives she found, including the ones from the wheel.

"What's the plan?" Zoro asked as he arranged his swords back at his hip.

"I say we beat the shit out of every clown we see," Nami grinned.

The witch smiled after she put each knife at her belt, rolling another one between her fingers. With her guns sitting at each side of her hip and the bonus of adrenaline, it felt like nothing could stop her.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈

The sharp edge of the weapon broke the glass after she threw it right in the middle of Luffy's aquarium — or whatever that thing was supposed to be.

"Luffy!" she shouted his name.

The glass wall of his cage shattered and the water splashed around, the straw hat coughing, his face pale. He was on the floor, soaked to the bone. His straw hat was so close to him,yet so far away. Luffy vomited the cylinder with the map and despite the nausea he was experiencing, he crawled to his hat.

He put himself in danger this entire time and chose not to let go of the Grand Line map, but that object held much more importance to him. The witch froze for a mere moment, confused, but when she wanted to get closer and get the map away from Buggy, a pirate with a sword came sprinting towards her.

"Witch!" she heard a gruff voice.

She dodged it before her head could get cut off and sank a knife into his stomach, only to raise the agony after she hit the man in the same spot, blood gushing out of his wound and soaking his clothes.

With a swift motion, her fingers grabbed at one of her revolvers. She fired at Buggy who was a breath away from touching the map, but didn't pay enough attention to another attack towards her.

A sword's edge shone in the corner of her eye and no matter how fast she was, she couldn't dodge that. Her eyes widened and she waited for the pain to inflict into her body. The pirate froze in place and his sword slipped between his fingers. When he fell to his knees, from behind him there was Zoro who was using a three-sword style.

Definitely a demon; but in a good way.

The witch nodded at him. She didn't train properly in the past year and she lost some speed on the way. She hasn't been in such a situation for a long time.

With other two pirates attacking them from the sides, she protected his blind spot while he killed another enemy with a mere flick of his swords. Another loud shot rang through the air and another man fell down, the center of his heart pierced.

"Buggy needs to have a weakness," the witch said.

"And what is it?"

The answer was right before their eyes: Luffy managed to get back to his feet while they were busy. He used his ability to elongate his arm and grabbed at the leg who was moving in the air, only to throw it in a chest. Nami closed it and grinned mischievously.

That was it.

The witch rolled another knife between her fingers and analyzed the detached hand that was rotating around her. At the perfect time, she threw it in the middle of its palm with enough force to send it into another chest, Nami locking it.

They focused on getting each part of Buggy's body stuck in any suitable place, be it a chest, a barrel or under a bucket. For as long as they got rid of that maniac, everything was fine.

She let out a sigh when only the clown's head remained intact, now laughing pitifully. Zoro bent down and grabbed the head, locking it into a box and putting a rock on top of it.

"Let's get the hell out of here."

A/N: Thank you so much for the comments and the support <3

Tag list: @emelia07 @dimplewonie @tfamidoingwithmylife @murnsondock @the-skys-musical-echo @conspiracy-crows @hallow33nz @ramae17 @gaslysainz @bunntsu @katt58

[justmymindandstuff]

Bounded by fire and pain - Helaena Targaryen x Aegon II Targaryen // Green Siblings

summary: In the night Aemond finally gets his dragon, he also loses an eye. Aegon can hardly bear the guilt and hatred. He can't stand the sight of himself. Strangely, the person who helps him the most is the last person he expected it from. His sister and future wife, Helaena. And somehow Aegon manages to find his place again.

words: 2.552

Warnings: Blood, injuries, family problems, Fluff(?), Targtower Siblings dynamic, this family needs therapy like soo much therapy

AO3

A/N: I need more Helaegon fics ( If you know some good ones please send them to me). I love their doomed failmarriage. Soo I write out this headcanon I have about the Night after Driftmark. I hope you like it :) It was actually planned as a Helaegon exclusive but somehow I got carried away at the end so we also have a "guest appearance" from Alicent and Aemond and is a bit more about family.

sequel/ part 2

Enlish is not my native language

Gif not mine // requests are open :)

Anyways have fun and be kind.

The room is illuminated only by a few candles, Aegon stumbles over some of his belongings as he enters. His steps are unsteady. The wine in his blood still troubles him. He would prefer to reach for the next cup right away. He wants to drink so much that he completely forgets this entire evening.

Aegon sits down on the uncomfortable bed. The room is unfamiliar. Everything here is unfamiliar. He hates it. He wished he could just walk out, mount Sunfyre, and flee from this island. But of course, all exits are now better guarded, and a Kingsguard stands at the end of the corridor. Aegon has to wait until tomorrow before he can finally leave Driftmark. And hopefully these memories as well.

Aegon closes his eyes for a moment to soothe the headache a little. An image of his brother appears, his pain-wracked face, the clenched hands around the chair, and the tightly pressed lips.

Aemond was brave. Not a single sound escaped his lips as the master removed the rest of his eye and stitched up the wound. At the sight of it, Aegon feld sick. He had to turned away. He couldedn´t bear the sight of his little brother, now forever mutilated.

Aegon opens his eyes again and gets up from the bed. He starts to pace restlessly back and forth in the room. The desperate pleading of his mother ringing in his ears. She demanded justice, but his father simply ignored her and brushed her aside like a doll.

He's been doing that his whole life, Viserys pushes aside his mother, his siblings, and him. Usually he ignores that they even exist.

Aegon's temples throb, he searches for a cup of wine, but finds nothing. He needs to distract himself. He can't think about it. His steps are getting faster, he keeps pacing back and forth. Aegon feels the tiredness pulling at him, yet he cannot close his eyes. He cannot bear the memory of his brother.

And the strong bastards have once again gotten away without punishment.

A hot rage rises within him.

He is angry with his nephews.

Angry about his half-sister.

Angry about his father.

He hates them all.

Aegon grabs the nearest object and throws it against the wall. The small wooden box breaks against the stone wall into its individual pieces. He couldn't care less.

His gaze lingers on the mirror. His long blonde hair is sticking out in all directions and is tangled. Restless and dull eyes stare back at him. Aegon cannot stand his own reflection. He approaches the small mirror and wants to smash it.

But his gaze is distracted by an old pair of scissors.

Without really thinking, Aegon reaches for it and begins to roughly cut individual strands of his blonde hair haphazardly. His hand trembles as the first strands of hair fall to the ground, and with them, the first tears fall from his eyes. Aegon angrily brushes them away with the back of his hand. Then he roughly grabs his hair again to cut off the next strand. His scalp pulls painfully when he tugs at his hair. But this pain is preferable to the pain in his heart.

His hand trembles, and his reflection in the mirror is blurred by the tears in his eyes. In the next moment, a pain shoots through his hand. Damn! The scissors had caught his hand.

Aegon throws them onto the table and looks at his hand. Blood flows over the palm of his hand and his fingers, dripping onto the ground.

The sight of his furious mother as she goes after his half-sister comes back to his mind. She bleds today as well. Aegon had never seen his mother like this before. He knows that Aemond is her favorite son and that she loves him with all her heart. But that she fights for him like that surprised him. And his heart filled a little with warmth. At least his brother has someone fighting for him. Aegon curse quietly.

"What are you doing there?"

Startled, he flinches and turns around. Unnoticed by him, his sister opened the door and entered the room.

"Nothing," he says. "Go away." He sounds meaner than he actually intended, but he wants to scare her off, so being meaner is better.

But Helaena does not disappear. Instead, she approaches him. While she goes to him, she tears the fabric of her skirt. Aegon watches her skeptically. She stops in front of him and reaches for his injured hand. Aegon is pulling it away.

"I said go away." he hisses at her again.

Helaena looks at him critically for a moment. Her gaze is uncomfortable for him. He doesn't want her to see him like that. He doesn't want anyone to see him like that.

"No." she answers and simply reaches for his hand again. Her fingers are warm as she touches his hand.

Aegon could theoretically shove them away. But he doesn't want to hurt her. After all, she is his sister.

Even if she is strange.

Even if she constantly has disgusting creepy-crawlies with her.

Even if she will someday be his wife. Or maybe precisely because of that?

Helaena starts to wipe away the blood and then bandages the cut with the fabric she tore from her skirt.

"That's just a small cut. It will heal without a scar," she then says. Helaena examines him closely. Aegon cannot stand her gaze, so he looks at his hands. Helaena still holds his in hers. She wasn't really thorough when it came to wiping off the blood. She even stained her own hands with blood.

"How do you know that?" Aegon asks, as the silence in the room is so uncomfortable that he can no longer bear it. He has no idea why he is asking that. He doesn't know what else to ask.

Helaena is his sister and his future wife, but she is also a stranger.

Aegon knows that it's his fault. He pushed her away from him, called her crazy, and repeatedly stated loudly that he did not want to marry a crazy woman.

"I am listening," Helaena replies, reaching for the scissors. "Sit down, otherwise I can't reach the top hair."

He is surprised by himself that he listens to her and sits down. Would she stab him with the scissors?

He deserves it.

He hasn't been a good brother for a long time. If he ever was one.

Helaena starts cutting his hair. She is cautious, and it is clearly more pleasant as it was as he tried to cut it.

"I also always hear what you say about me."

Aegon's mouth is dry. He never thought about how his sister felt with all his silly remarks. He didn't even think she would pay attention to him.

"I'm sorry for what I said," he whispers, unsure if she even heard him.

"I know," she replies to him. Aegon doesn't know what to say. He just keeps watching as more and more bundles of blonde hair fall to the ground. He feels that with each strand, a little of the weight on his shoulders lifts. The burden of the Targaryens.

He hates them all. His father, his half-sister, and his uncle. He hates the way they look at his mother, the way they smile at his siblings and him. He hates them all.

But he loves his mother, he would die for her and he will fight for her, just as she fought for Aemond today.

He loves his brother, even though he is always mean to him.

He loves his sister, even if he doesn't understand her in the slightest. Aegon can hardly looking at her for more than five minutes. Every time he did, guilt crushes him.

Once they are married, she can no longer escape him. Aegon will pull her into his darkness, and in the end, nothing will be left of the girl who was once his sister. He would plunge her into her misfortune.

How could she ever be happy with someone like him?

Aegon knows that he is not good enough.

His father shows it to him every day. He is not good enough for him, and that's why he is not the heir.

Helaena sets the scissors aside and runs her fingers through his hair, allowing the last loose strands to fall to the ground. Aegon leans into the almost tender touch and closes his eyes for a moment. Helaena carefully tucks a strand behind his ears. When Aegon opens his eyes again, he has to blink away tears and has to swallow a few times.

"Thank you for your help," he whispers and only then looks in the mirror. The typical long hair of the Targaryens is gone, instead, his blonde hair stops just below his ears. He wishes for a moment to get rid of the blonde, but he's not a strong bastard, so he has to live with it. Aegon suddenly feels lighter, and as he breathes in, he has the feeling that the air is truly reaching his lungs since a long time.

"That looks good on you," says his sister with a slight smile. Aegon turns his head towards her.

"Why are you so nice?" he asks confused. "I don't deserve this. I have neglected you, insulted you, and made fun of you. I don't deserve this kindness. You should have stabbed me with that damn scissors, then we would both be freed from our fate."

Helaena is silent for a moment. "Our fate," she says then and sighs. "There is nothing we can do to escape our fate."

Her voice sounds a bit distorted, and Aegon has to suppress the reflex to make fun of her and say something mean. Instead, he sighs.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry that I'm such a bad brother. I did not deserve any of your kindniss." he admits then.

"You deserve kindniss because you are a human Aegon. And I am your sister. I am you Family. You don´t have to earn that your Family cares for you and loves you. You are not a monster, Aegon. You are simply lost. But you will find your way back," she says with such confidence that Aegon wants to believe her. Even if he doesn't know if he can do it. He nods and tries it with a smile.

"I will do better." it sounds like a vow even though it isn't one.

"You will. Come on now," Helaena says, extending her hand to him.

"Where are we going?" Aegon asks, confused. He doesn't reach for her hand, and after a moment, she lets it drop again.

"To Mother and Aemond. It is better if we are all together today."

Helaena turns around and leaves her brother's room. She doesn't turn around, she knows that he is following her.

Helaena does not go to Aemond's chambers but to those that have been assigned to the queen.

Ser Criston stands dutifully at the door. When he sees the two children, he nods slightly and opens the door. Aegon steps behind Helaena, trying to hide behind her.

The queen's chambers are almost deserted, a small fire still burns in the fireplace, and otherwise, candles are lit. Alicent lies in the bed, holding her younger son tightly in her arms. Aegon can hear Aemond sobbing even though he is hiding his face against her shoulder. He sees how the body of his little brother trembles under his sobs. Aegon feels sick at the sight and would prefer to turn around and run away. But Helaena's hand closes around his and she squeezes it gently. Her grip is gentle even though he notices that she is tensing her muscles, ready to hold him firmly at any moment should he attempt to escape. Helaena is Aegon's little sister, but she is also Aemond's big sister, and Aemond needs his family now.

His mother lets her gaze glide over the short hair, the blood-stained hands of her children, and the bandage on Aegon's hand.

"Are you allright?" she asks her older children while her hand gently cares over Aemond's narrow shoulders.

Aegon just nods.

"Yes. We wanted to be together tonight," says Helaena as she approaches the bed. "May we stay?"

The corners of his mother's mouth twitch slightly, and Aegon is sure she almost smiled. But she doesn't do it. Aegon is afraid that his mother will never smile again. Alicent lifts the blanket that is over her and Aemond. Helaena gently pulls on his hand so Aegon has to move. Helaena slips under the covers next to Alicent. Aegon hesitates for a moment but then climbs into the big bed and lies down next to his brother under the blanket. Suddenly, Aegon feels like he is five years old again, and his mother has taken them all out of their beds to let them sleep with her in the queen's large comfortable bed. A strange feeling of warmth spreads within him.

Aemond slightly turns his head towards him. At the sight of the large red wound across his face, Aegon has to swallow. This scar would never disappear. Just like the scar on Aemond's heart. They all have the same scar on their hearts. In this case, it was Viserys who wielded the blade.

"You look terrible with short hair," Aemond says with a trembling voice but a hint of a smile on his lips. Tears gather in Aegon's eyes.

"You too," he replies in a hoarse voice. Aemond laughs briefly and then his body is shaken by the next sob. Aegon doesn't know if he is in pain or if he is simply hurt because of the injustice that has happened to him. He hesitates for a second, but then he carefully puts his arm around his little brother. Carefully, he gently pulls him closer.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers with a trembling voice, blinking to hold back the tears. Then he hears his mother's sobbing next to him, so he looks at her. Tears are running down Alicent's cheeks again. She holds Helaena in her other arm and now reaches out her hand to Aegon. He hesitates again for a moment before reaching for her hand. She wraps her hand around his, and as he feels the warmth of her hand, he can no longer help himself but let the tears run down his cheek.

"Mummy I´m sorry I failed you. It will not happend again. I promise. I will protect all of us from now on. I swear it Mummy." this time it is a vow.

His mother nods slightly and squeezes his hand. Then she kisses Helaena's blonde head and Aemond's forehead. She always did that before she put them to bed. Aegon had forbidden it years ago. Now, however, he slides closer to her and lets his mother kiss his forehead. Her tears hit his cheeks and mix with his. But as Aegon sinks back into the pillows and holds his little brother in his arms, the anger, the hatred, the fear and the guilt feels just a little bit less terrible.

Aegon had forgotten what it feels like to be with his family. That wouldn't happen to him again.

**

part 2/sequel

[riproswell]

The veil is thinning as RIP Roswell approaches. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions as the event draws near (ask box).

October 31: Rest in Pieces

Tricks and treats, darkness and shadows, monster mash, fright night, terrible thrills, a town with a dark secret

November 1: La flor de Muertos

Remembrance and forgetting, thinning of the veil, graveyards and altars, calaveras and candlelight

November 2: It came from outer space!

Crash landings, cosmic horrors, when worlds collide, forbidden planets, time warps and paradoxes

November 3: The stinger

Did you miss the afterlife express? Was a prompt missing in action? Just want to make sure you're the final survivor? We'll keep the candles lit for one last night.

[elisela]

happy un-iversary nurseydex au, fluff, established relationship. for @missanniewhimsy

Will is not the flowers, chocolate, and wine celebration person. His eighth grade girlfriend had broken up with him tearfully after he laughed when she wished him a happy one month anniversary, his first boyfriend hadn’t even made it to a year. He thinks he got concert tickets that year for Jason’s birthday but his memory is fuzzy; whatever it was, it wasn’t something he had put a lot of thought into. That’s not to say he’s not sentimental in other ways—he still carries the torn piece of paper with Chowder’s barely legible IOU HALF OF ONE MEDIUM PIZZA AND 2 CHEAP BEERS JESUS FUCKING CHRIST YOU PETTY LOSER scrawled on it from their first month of college just because it makes him smile, snaps photos of flowers growing through concrete cracks to text because Jack once told him—while drunk off his ass—that he thought they were all beautiful. 

Unfortunately, Derek is the flowers, chocolate, and wine person. On Will’s last birthday he came home to take-out—only plated nicely, two tall candles burning in the middle of the table, soft music playing in the background. The only wine Will has ever enjoyed was chilling in an ice bucket that he hadn’t even known they owned, the fancy extra-dark chocolates he didn’t like but had once complimented Bitty on sitting in a wrapped box on the island.

So it should say something that Will is standing in the floral section of the grocery store an hour before they close, trying his best to pick out a bouquet that says happy anniversary and these are not last minute flowers. 

They’re all a little wilted, so it’s not exactly working.

Will’s hoping it’s the thought that counts.

But Derek frowns when he walks in their door, his gaze darting from the flowers to the caramels from the confectionary in Old Town that Will’s seen him demolish a dozen of in the space of two minutes. “Uh,” he says, brow furrowing. “What’d you do?”

Of the two of them, Will would have bet money that he’d be the first to forget an important date. “Nothing,” he says, a flare of defensiveness coming before he takes a breath and tries again. “Happy anniversary.”

It’s funny, the way panic flashes across Derek’s face before it settles back into faint confusion. “Our anniversary is next month.”

“No it’s not.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Will. Our anniversary is May 8th.”

“It’s April 6th,” Will says, flowers now pointing towards the ground as he gestures pointlessly with his arm. “How could you think it was May 8th?”

“How could you think it was April 6th?” Derek asks, and he takes the flowers right out of Will’s hand as Will stares at him.

“Because that was the Rocket’s home opener,” Will says, also handing over the caramels. He had to go forty minutes out of his way for those and a small part of him wants a tiny bit of praise for it. 

Derek mouths at him wordlessly for a moment. It would make a hilarious picture, the way he stands there cradling the flowers and candy gently while looking dumbfounded, if Will weren’t so bemused about the whole thing. “We—the—what—that wasn’t our first date! We weren’t dating!”

“We weren’t until we went to the game together,” Will responds.

“We went to the game together because you thought it’d be a good idea to get season tickets!” Derek shoots back. “Our first date was at the Mexican restaurant and you changed the five to an eight on the inflatable Cinco de Mayo sombrero and made me wear it all night.”

Will stares at him. “We’d already been dating for weeks. I asked you out weeks before that.”

Derek’s eyes narrow almost imperceptibly. “I asked you out.”

Because Will can’t strangle his boyfriend—of exactly one year, thank you very much—he kisses him instead, curling his hands into Derek’s hips and pulling him close, curling awkwardly around the flowers he’s still holding. “Happy,” he says pointedly, “anniversary.”

Derek kisses him back, soft and sweet and a little self-satisfied. “Thanks for the flowers,” he says, and Will can feel him smirk. "Happy un-iversary.”

[u5an5]

Of things obtained: Once Upon a Witchlight Ep. 24 | Slippery When Wet

<- Previous | Masterlist | Next ->

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! Fair warning, this post contains SPOILERS. If you don't want to be spoiled, STOP READING !

.

Gricko

Languages: Common, Goblin, Gigant, Druidic, Sylvan?

Class: Druid, Circle of Primal Spirits (Reflavoured Circle of Stars with focus on Monstrosities instead constellations) lvl 4

Abilities: -2 lvl1 spell slots; -1 lvl2 spell slot; -2 Wild Shape

In possession from beginning:

Primal totems (ep.1)

Alarm whistle (ep.1)

Ocarina (ep.2)

Glue dropper bottle (ep.3)

Eyedrops bottle (ep.3)

Peanut butter jar (ep.10)

banañas (ep.12)

Can of WD-40 (ep.19)

Wooden carved pocket watch (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Bag of 603 gold pieces (couldn't find it; ep.1)

Cloak of Displacement (ep.1)

Magic Face Paint (Disguise Self 1h; ep.6)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 2/8 (ep.7)

Witchlight wine (ep.7)

Cuddly toy spider (Spider Climb; ep. 8)

Glove puppet wizard (Illusion 3/3; ep.8)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.8)

Blue ribbon "I dropped a beat on the Carnival street" (ep.8)

5x fridge magnets (ep.12)

Rocky Talkie (ep.14)

Mouse Harness (ep.15)

Bag of leeches full of Witchlight

Trinkets:

Golden Bell (ep.20)

19 - Vitrified eye of a displacer beast (ep.23)

36 - Rock that floats and is small enough to hide in your closed fist (ep.23)

23 - Ball-and-cup toy that plays a short, victorious jingle whenever the ball lands in the cup (ep.23)

55 - Mask that helps you remember your dreams if you wear it while you sleep (ep.23)

65 - Tiny wooden lute with cat hairs for strings (ep.23)

Clothes:

Pacts/contracts:

No ticket - after giving away his ticket to Gideon, due to The Rule of Reciprocity, his most prized possession (Hootsie) was taken away from him by Sowpig (ep.5)

With Mr Light - If Gricko was to stop talking and leave immediately he would make sure to get Snail Number Two to Gricko; Gricko did not and he might've been just humoring him to get rid of him faster (ep.16)

Fear: Groblin (2D beings in general; ep.12)

Hootsie (shrunk down and put in the Inn)

Trinkets:

90 - Set of false wooden teeth (ep.23)

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Gideon

Languages: Common, Primodial, Sylvan?

Class: Fighter, Chain Brawler (Reflavoured Rune Knight) lvl 4

Abilities: -Burning Hands;

In possession from beginning:

Engineered manacles (ep.5)

Cigar (ep.10)

Really tiny notebook (ep.11)

Really tiny spectacle (ep.11)

Flask (ep.22)

Items acquired:

3 letters from Mr. Roslov (ep.1; they did NOT read it)

x5 Magical Invisibility Cupcakes (ep.3)

162 gold pieces (ep.7)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.6)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 3/8 (ep.7)

Cuddly toy spider (Spider Climb ep.7)

Letter from Mrs Witch & Light (ep.8)

x2 Cuddly toy spider (ep.8)

Pixie dust (Spider Climb ep.8)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.6)

Blue ribbon (ep.8)

Forlarrens Remorse [dagger] (ep.15)

1 banaña (ep.16)

"Engineering for Fae Dummies 101" in sylvan [book] (ep.19)

Remains of the blue scarf (ep.22; given to Torbek)

Remains of Agdon Longscarf's ear (ep.22)

Trinkets:

17 - Sheet of music that goblins find upsetting when they hear it played or sung (ep.23)

76 - Collection of baby teeth in a tiny wooden box (ep.23)

40 - Wax candle that roars and crackles like a bonfire while lit (ep.23)

45 - Bar of soap that smells like something memorable from your childhood (ep.23)

3 - Silver hand mirror with a nymph-shaped handle (ep.23)

28 - Tiny clockwork dragonfly that slowly beats its wings (but can't fly) when wound up (Gideon has seen schematics for this exact dragonfly at the end of his book; ep.23)

73 - Nunchaku sized for a pixie or sprite (ep.23)

Clothes:

Baby pink Cake Chad T-shirt at least five sizes too small (ep.3)

Pacts/contracts:

Marriage - He has to get married to Taxie after asking her to marry him in exchange for a ticket for Frost. Additionally, Frost, as show of gratefulness, will do at least one nice thing for him each day and fulfill one bigger favour once every two weeks. (ep.14) Due to him and all betrothed signing Kremy's contract he became a sole husband to all three Bixie, Zaxie and Taxie and due some additional fine print he had to marry Kremy too (ep.15) (In next 7 days, if he's 30 feet or less from people he married he gets one +2AC for each of them)

Clown kill manslaughter count:

Chuckles the Clown - after being punched in body by Gideon, which broke every rib he had, laughed himself to death (supposedly he was already dead by this time due crippling alcoholism; before the campaign)

Klutzy the Clown - got hit by Gideon throwing Impossibal at incredible speeds directly into his face. The actual supposed cause of death was deadly allergy to unspecified ingredient/s in this processed not-meat sludge (ep.6)

Bumbo the Clown - Tripped and fallen directly onto Gideon's sword hand puppet, completely running him through. Was allergic to felt, he hit the ground and he died. (ep.9)

Thaco the Clown - Was deadly allergic to peanuts and ate an unlabeled peanut butter pie that Gideon chose for his wedding. It took over 1 hour for anyone to notice (ep.15)

.

Kremy

Languages: Common, Draconic, Bullywug, Sylvan?

Class: Warlock, Death Loa Patron (Reflavoured Undead patron) lvl 4

Abilities: -2 lvl2 spell slots

Outside of battle Suggestion spell functions for him as a cantrip

In possession from beginning:

Tophat

Skull Cane

2 gold pieces (ep.1)

at least 2 handkerchiefs (ep.3)

Compact mirror (ep.4)

Frying pan (ep.4)

Knife (ep.4)

Bacon grease (ep.8)

Cigarettes (ep.10)

Cigarette holder from Gideon (ep.17)

Pocket watch (ep.20)

Canteen (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Satchel with Carnival map and Three Rules of Feywild (ep.2)

Packet of pixie dust

Stuffed Almiraj plushie from Gideon (Minor Illusion 3/day)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 2/8

45 gold pieces

A replica unicorn horn filled with candy (ep.7)

A replica unicorn horn filled with candy (ep.8)

Bright orange ribbon "consolation prize" from Torbek (ep.8)

Pinecone Pug plushie x2? (ep.12)

Pinecone Pug backpack (ep.12)

Gricko's teeth (ep.12)

Frost's fingernails (ep.12)

x3 Toffie (ep.13)

Fist sized cup made from snail shell (ep.14)

Great Fiddle (ep.15)

Satchel of human bones (ep.18)

Trinkets:

34 - Fake Three-Dragon Ante card depicting a faerie dragon (he put it on his tophat beside his other two cards) (ep.23)

94 - Tasseled wine charm shaped like a sprite (ep.23)

49 - Piece of parchment bearing a child's drawing of an oni (ep.23)

100-sided die the size of a plum, cut from coal (ep.23)

1 - Cookie cutter shaped like a unicorn (ep.23)

Clothes:

Pacts/contracts:

Due possessing unspecified knowledge he didn't pay for when he "abandoned his station" has to deliver 100,000 gold pieces to Mr. Garou by the end of the month as recompensation. If he's no longer able to do so by dying, the rest of the Krew is obligated to pay it (ep.1)

Marriage -Due making his contract with his betrothed he was able to transfer it onto Gideon and also marry him himself. (ep.15) (In next 7 days, if he's 30 feet or less from people he married he gets one +2AC for each of them)

Fear: Remy Garou and his debt to him (ep.12)

.

Frost

Languages: Common, Celestial, Elvish, Sylvan?

Class: Sorcerer, Mystic Mind Origin (Reflafoured Aberrant Mind) lvl 4

Abilities: -8hp/24hp; -2 1lvl spell slots

In possession from beginning:

Backpack (ep.2)

Glue (totally not related to horses; ep.3)

Tambourine (ep.3)

Water skin (ep.3) full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

Small dagger (ep.4)

Peanut butter jar (ep.10)

Peanut M&M's (ep.11)

Ball of yarn (ep.11)

Buttons (ep.13)

Crowbar (ep.18)

Red ball of yarn (given to Twig) (ep.19)

Towel (ep.20)

Water skin full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

x5 vials full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

10ft pole (ep.21)

Ball of thread and a needle (ep.22)

Items acquired:

Letter to Zybilna by Madrik Roslov (ep.1)

Bag of Beans (ep.1)

1 gold piece

Morning Frost license plate (ep.12)

Pack of pixie dust (ep.12)

Sky blue T-shirt three sizes too small with "Bird Chad" on it (ep.12)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Pixie Pact) 0/8 (ep.14)

Teapot & pack of Scatterleaf tea (ep.14)

Killmoulis Spectacles (ep.15)

Wand of the Pact Breaker 3/3 (ep.15)

1 banaña (ep.16)

Trinkets:

64 - Piano key carved from a satyr's horn (ep.19)

6 - Tiny pair of sharp, iron scissors (ep.19)

68 - Wooden pan flute that attracts harmless local fauna when played (ep.23)

25 - Silver fork with the outer tines bent sideways (ep.23)

9 - Chess piece shaped like a dancing satyr wearing a bishop's hat and clutching a gnarled staff (ep.23)

63 - Black executioner's hood sized for a pixie or sprite (ep.23)

74 - Copper coin with a smiling satyr's face on one side and a satyr's skull on the other (ep.23)

Clothes:

Pacts/contracts:

Pixie Ticket Pact: In exchange for Gideon marrying Taxie to get him his ticket, he will do at least one nice thing for Gideon each day and one bigger favour once every two weeks; not as much pact as bros wanting to be fair (ep.14)

Fear: Being alone, being the last one standing and going insane, being left out (ep.12)

.

Torbek (shrunk down and put in the Inn)

(curently indisposed due the fomorian spit he drank last episode making him enter delirium-like state of exaustion as his body tries to flush it out)

Languages: Common, Goblin

Class: Blood Hunter (Presumably tweaked Mutant)

Abilities: -3hp/??hp; 1x Dimmension Door spell

Title/s: Brigand Prince of Prismeer (ep.22)

In possession from beginning:

Old Witchlight Carnival ticket 1/8 (ep.20)

Filthy Sack (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Bloodstained blue scarf (ep.23)

Trinkets:

50 - Tiny hourglass without sand in it (ep.23)

71 - Wooden apple painted blue (ep.23)

82 - Petrified robin's egg (ep.23)

39 - Vial of viscous liquid labeled "Fomorian spit. Do not drink!" (ep.23)

64 - Piano key carved from a satyr's horn (ep.23)

Clothes:

Nice cozy pajama

Little bowties in his fur

Contraption - A big contraption consisting of weird fey machinery and containers with liquid Witchlight embedded into his flesh on his back. It cannot be removed and it activates due unknown trigger, turning him into a feral beast (ep.19)

.

Twig [NPC]

Languages: Common, Sylvan

Class: Warlock (most likely with an Archfey patron)

Abilities: 20hp/24hp; -1 1lvl spell slot

In possession from beginning:

Acorn Satchel (ep.20)

Inn at The End of The Road shrunk down and kept in the Satchel (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Sterling silver comb from Gideon {Inn} (ep.19; given to Twig as payment)

Signaling whistle from Frost {Inn} (ep.19; given as payment)

Ball of red yarn from Frost {Inn?} (ep.20)

Trinket Ledger (ep.23)

Torbek {Inn}

Trinkets:

Wooden mouse figurine that squeaks when squeezed (ep.23)

Set of false wooden teeth x2 (ep.23)

Tiny beehive (literal hive of bees) wig made for sprites or pixies (ep.23)

Tiny wooden stool (sized for a pixie or sprite) that gives splinters to those who hold it if they're not an owner (ep.23)

. .

Krew (The Party)

In possession from beginning:

2 gold pieces (ep.1)

Items acquired:

5 gold pieces (ep.2; for street-performing)

Wand of the Pact Breaker 3/3 (ep.15, currently in Frost's possession)

Pacts/contracts:

With Madrik Roslov: In exchange for checking if Zybilna is alright, and if true, giving her the letter he wrote, Party will get what is left from his possessions once he passes away (ep.1)

With Diana Cloppington: In exchange for riddle concerning Prismeer, with knowledge and information she was able to store about current state of it in it, Party promises to, at least, attempt to help her return to human and be reunited with Sir Cloppington; Not really Fey Pact but on their rules (ep.2)

With Palasha & Candlefoot: In exchange for bringing Candelfoots voice back they pledged allegiance with Krew and promised to come and help them if they ever need them; not as much pact as keeping true to Third Rule (ep.13)

With Clapperclaw: In exchange for retrieving their head they will transport Krew to Tither (ep.23)

With Sir Talivar: upon receiving the message wit the key to his cage he's obligated to organize an audience with Titania, queen of Summer Court for Krew

Altered states:

Boon of Willa the Wisp [effect]: (ep.17)

(All) - the Boons recipient gains a d4 and can at any time within next 24 hours roll this die and add a number rolled to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw made by it.

New rule - They can do 3 Twists of Fate to cancel out 1 Twist of Dread (ep.18)

Twist of Fate curses:

Twist of Dread curses (by DM):

(Gricko) 20 - Half of your body goes numb; you can pick which half [01:26:08 - 01:45:00]

(Frost) 13 - You turn into Klutzy [01:27:03 - 01:44:40]

(Twig) - You become a summer eladrin [01:29:40 - 01:44:40]

(Gideon) 20 9 - Your head is replaced with donkey's head; you can still speak [01:32:40 - 01:45:00]

(Kremy) 2 1 - You're incredibly unlucky all rolls are at disadvantage and so are any allies within 20ft of you for 24h [01:32:15 -

[01:2

Would you kindly...

To-do list:

Get the 100,00 gold pieces by the end of the month (ep.1)

Find out why Madrik Roslovs patron, Zybilna, stopped answering his calls for 15 years so he can die in peace, knowing her fate (ep.1)

Get to the Witchlight Carnival before it ends and find the only available entrance to Prismeer, Zybilnas domain (ep.1; completed)

Try to become Witchlight Monarch (ep.1; completed)

Find out who was the man that cut off Lexi Pott's wings, why he did that and what happened with them (ep.1)

Find a way to reunite Diana Cloppington with her with her horse, Sir Cloppington, and return them to their previous forms (ep.2)

Win Cake Eating contest (ep.3; completed)

Find a way to return Candlefoots voice (ep.4; completed)

Find some clothes for Torbek (ep.6; completed)

Keep Torbek occupied for an hour when Carnival Hands find manacles for him and take him away for his punishment (ep.8; completed)

Catch the Kenku and bring her to Mr Witch & Mr Light for her punishment in exchange for some answers (ep.9; not realised)

Get ahold of Mr Witch's Pocketwatch or Mr Light's Weathervane and keep it hostage to get the true answers to what they seek (ep.9; completed)

Get reunited with Hootsie (ep.16, completed)

Avenge Willa and find a way to free her from being tied to the Well (ep.17)

Find Brody Snake-Snake in Yon and deliver him message from his parents (ep.18)

Retrieve a key to his cage from goblin named Jingle Jangle and free Sir Talavar from it (ep.18; completed)

Take care of Harengons so they don't harrass Jingle Jangle anymore and return her truffle bag (ep.21; completed)

Retrieve Clapperclaws head, a stag skull, from Agdon Longscarf and return it (ep.22)

Get Twig all limited edition Bunko-Pops of the Krew as drag queens if they ever have a chance

.

Time

4th day of Campaign, 2nd day in Prismeer, Feywild, wee hours +less than 3 hours - less than half an hour later

?th of the month (?? days until The Debt deadline)

Random Info

Man whose name Lexi Pott was unable to say was going to "wake her" and she was very scared for Party meeting him. When they mentioned name Zybilna, she said they "already were too deep" (ep.1)

After Lexi Pott died, Party was surrounded by Fairy Ring made up from mushrooms (ep.1)

Tasha and Iggwilv The Witch Queen are the same person (ep.4)

Chuckles said Gideon will join clowns in Hell and become Eighth Clown Lord of Crazy Eights (ep.7)

Torbek's poem is based on Immortality by Clare Harner (ep.8)

Burly the bugbear has a twin, Hurly, that went missing (ep.9)

Mr Witch and Mr Light got into pact for them to be able to run the Witchlight Carnival in exchange for things it wants (people breaking rules) to Hourglass Coven (ep.11)

The original owner of Witchlight Carnival was an archfey (ep.11)

Fey Pacts leave magical aura around those which they bind that are visible to fae (ep.11)

Whatever is stollen from Carnival always finds its way into Prismeer (ep.16)

The only people from Carnival who go outside its bounds are Witchlight Hands. All other creatures stay inside (ep.16)

According to Mr Light, Party is affected by Fae Magic way more than anyone he've ever seen in his life for some reason (ep.16)

Mr Witch's last words were "Mind the rule of three - future, present, past" and Mr Light's were "Find the alicorn and free the dormant Queen at last" (ep.16)

Brody Snake-Snake went to act at The Theater in Yon and haven't been in any contact with his parents since (ep.18)

Wigglewog is stated to be "very well dressed and very well dead" (ep.18)

Hags used Iggwilv's Caudron to freeze time inside Zybilnas Palace, trapping the archfey inside (ep.18)

Time works differently in Feywild (ep.18)

Torbek is at least five years older than the last time Krew saw him and doesn't have recollection of what happened to him during this time (ep.19)

The magenta liquid in Torbeks machinery is made of Witchlight, an extremely potent Feywild drug made from Witch Cup mushroom found only in deep parts of Feydark; due how hard it is to procure only the richest can afford it, like archfey (ep.19)

Jingle Jangle can only refer to herself in third person since she made deal with Bavlorna Blightstraw because she lost sense of self when she was made to be obsessed with keys but, as far as she knows, Jingle Jangle has always been her name (ep.21)

The only entities that can move between Realms of Prismeer are Hags and few guides that somehow found a way to travel between; the only one known in Hither is a pincer-clawed scarecrow, Clapperclaw (ep.21)

Tither is ruled by Granny Nightshade (ep.21)

Granny Nightshade, the hag that made Clapperclaw, gave its head to the Hag rulling in Hither, Bavlorna, and then she gave it to Agdon Longscarf (ep.23)

In Feywild, unless someone has someone next of kin or ever specified otherwise, after their death their belongings cease to belong to anyone, making taking them away and claiming as your own perfectly legal and not a case of breaking any of The Rules (ep.23)

Person of which voice Krew heard in the dream vision and Torbek heard on the table on which he was experimented on told Torbek telepathically that "They are coming", that Torbek won't be able to separate from "him" any time soon and that number 13 will have some kind of significance (ep.23)

Torbek has in the past unexplainably survived many instances of fatal situations that by any accounts should've killed him (like falling off the Harris Wheel uncountable number of times despite no one else falling off it more than once, ) (ep.23)

Total money: 817 gold pieces

.

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[high-priestess-house]

𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖙 𝕯𝖊𝖈𝖐 𝕭𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌

NOTE: you do not have to do this. however, if you're looking for a tarot deck blessing ritual, this may be for you.

Materials Needed:

• Your tarot deck

• A white candle

• Incense (such as sage, lavender, or frankincense)

• A small dish of salt

• A small dish of water

• A crystal (such as clear quartz or amethyst)

• A piece of cloth or a special box for storing your deck

• Optional: Essential oil (like lavender or frankincense)

Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Find a quiet and clean space where you won’t be disturbed.

• Cleanse the area by lighting the incense and walking around the space, allowing the smoke to purify the environment.

2. Create a Sacred Circle:

• Place the candle, salt, water, and crystal at the four corners of your space to represent the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air.

• Light the candle and place it in front of you. This represents the element of fire and the light of your intention.

3. Center Yourself:

• Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Close your eyes and focus on grounding your energy. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth, anchoring you.

4. Cleanse Your Deck:

• Pass your tarot deck through the incense smoke, visualizing the smoke removing any negative or stagnant energy.

• Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the deck, symbolizing purification and grounding.

• Dip your fingers in the water and flick a few drops over the deck, representing emotional clarity and cleansing.

5. Invoke the Elements and Spirit:

• Hold the crystal in your hand and place it on top of the deck. Visualize the crystal’s energy infusing the deck with clarity and spiritual insight.

• Say a prayer or invocation to the elements and any deities or spirit guides you work with. For example:

Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water,

Bless this deck with your strength and clarity.

Spirit guides and guardians, lend your wisdom and protection.

May this deck be a tool of insight, truth, and light.

6. Set Your Intention:

• Hold the deck in your hands and close your eyes. Visualize a bright white light surrounding the deck, filling it with positive energy.

• Speak your intention aloud. For example:

I bless this tarot deck with love, light, and divine guidance.

May it bring clarity, wisdom, and insight to all who seek its counsel.

7. Store Your Deck:

• Wrap your tarot deck in the cloth or place it in the special box. This protects the deck and keeps its energy intact.

• Keep the crystal with the deck to maintain its energy.

8. Close the Ritual:

• Thank the elements, spirits, and guides for their presence and assistance.

• Blow out the candle and allow the incense to burn out naturally.

• Take a moment to ground yourself by touching the earth or a grounding object.

Your tarot deck is now blessed and ready for use. Remember to periodically cleanse and recharge your deck, especially after heavy use or significant readings.