#DOUBLE UPDATE

[bonus-links]

RUINS, pt. 6

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[pursuitseternal]

“Something:” an update to “Our Blood is Thicker,” 🐦‍⬛💞🦇a little something for the Anniversary of BG3

Ascended Astarion x Cordehlia (Tav) | T | 1.6K

Summary: One year since she found her betrothed in her path, Cordehlia reminisces with heartache and happiness in equal measure.

CW: mentions of their past griefs and traumas, nostalgia

Previous Ch | Ao3 link | Masterlist

One year… a full year since that nautilus crashed, a year since she found her once betrothed elven lordling in her path. Had it been only a year since her heart rent itself apart at finding him again and let their love stitch it back together?

It had also been a year, then, since her life hung precariously in the balance, a life and a love deemed worthy of seven-thousand and seven souls to be his eternal bride. The passage of time had taken their hopeful, youthful Star Elf selves and broken them, refined them, and made them into the adamantine weapons of power they now were—The Ascendant and his Consort. It was days like this, when the summer heat was unbearable along the Sword Coast that she longed most for the emerald foliage and canopies of the Yuirwood.

She longed for the carefree playing in streams and knolls, in mud and sunshine. She missed his violet eyes and her star-kissed silver ones, those long nights of pleasure on the mossy banks of the forest, the feeling of their warm bodies moving more fluidly than the streams just beside them.

She missed their parents, the wizened, knowing smiles her father would give, even the subtle looks of approval his mother, the High Lady, would sneak her way when they were alone.

In all her decades of darkness, pursuing countless foes and splashing herself in their blood, she never once felt homesick. Love sick, yes. Grief stricken, yes. But it wasn’t until his love for her thawed the chill of her hatred and pain that she remembered home.

And now, she lived in a luxury not of her own heritage. Her skin was cold and her teeth were sharp. Her heart no longer raced with the pleasure he coaxed from her still, and it didn’t rap against her ribs in battle or flutter nervously when Astarion smirked at her. It was probably for the best that their past was nearly as eradicated as their own hopes for a life among their people.

She knew their village had left, that everyone journeyed to other reaches of Faerûn or other realms after the death of their High Lord and Lady… their murder in the City and the ultimate decimation of their line had been exacted.

They had been robbed of their rulers, their line… and their prince. Astarion.

It was all pain that should have been so easy to forget in their palace gardens. Leaning against the great oak tree at its heart, she sat with her skirts fanned, a book on her lap. This late summer sun warmed her too much; even back home, she preferred the cool caress of shade.

Not like him, her love, her lord. He stood near her, gazing down into the pond that collected the bubbling streams of water from the fountain of pure gold. Opulently, impeccably dressed, his silk jacket and pants caught the breeze making that cream, pearlescent material shimmer in the sun. But the gold and silk, the water or the sun itself, none of it was as radiant as him. His fearsome, handsome reflection no doubt shined up at him at his feet, that rakish tilt of his brows, those full, smirking lips rippling and paling in comparison to their original.

He was magnificent, glorious…. Ruthless to his enemies and adoring to his Bride.

The Vampire Ascendant.

It was a far more intimidating title than a mere elven High Lord. Astarion traded in being a prince for the mantle of a Vampire Lord, his ancestral manor now overshadowed by the walls of the Crimson Palace. His wealth was uncountable and ever-growing, untold powers at his command, gifts from the hells and magic beyond what any of the undead should wield.

It was what he deserved after centuries of suffering. But…

What she wouldn’t give for a blanket spread on their mossy bank in the forest, a single bottle of Ithbank to pass between them, the filtered sun above the foliage kissing their naked skin. She closed her eyes, letting the bark of the oak score into her skin through her waif-like dress. The scents of the forest, of nature, came back with instant recall, that soft gurgle of the fountain barely different in pitch from the stream in the glade where Astarion had taken her—

“Cordehlia,” he breathed her name, lips brushing her right ear. A warm hand on her cheek turned her face into his as her crimson eyes fluttered open once more. “My love,” he purred so tenderly, the warm pad of his thumb caressing the gentle arch of her cheek.”Tell me, what do you desire?” his voice was low, a gentle rumble in his chest as he poured all his love down their bond. “What can I do for my dearest?”

“It is nothing,” Cordehlia smiled softly; pulling him to sit beside her, so close their bodies flowed nearly seamlessly from one to the other. “Just thoughts of…”

“Home,” he interrupted. A subtle smirk tweaked his mouth just enough to show a fang. “It’s been a year, you know, since we defeated the Brain…”

His lips whispered against hers. And she whispered back. “A year since I found you on the beach and nearly trussed you up to gut you, you mean…”

“Oh,” he laughed with a husky giggle, “feel free to truss me up any time just to relive it, my love.”

Cordehlia sank her fangs in his bottom lip, making him laugh properly. “Be thankful I let you live long enough to fall back in love with me.”

Astarion broke from their kiss. Where she expected to see that impish glint, that rakish smirk, Cordehlia only saw purity, sincerity. Love. “I am thankful. Everyday,” his words so quiet, even her keen hearing struggled. “Come,” he stood swiftly, pulling her gracefully to her feet. “There’s… something I’d like to show you…”

Making their way inside, they hurried down corridor after cooridor. That nostalgia only deepened. Memories flashed of how these halls festered in darkness and rotted with wickedness under Cazador. She could still smell the dank of the dungeon, still recall the pain of that bastard’s bite as he tried to kill her…

A year ago. A year that passed faster than a blink of an eye. If time was nothing to her existence as an elf, it was less than nothing now that she was undead.

Now that she wandered the bright scarlet and golden halls of their palace. Now that she held the hand of her Sire, their hearts beating as one as his Bride.

She smiled at the word. Bride.

Feeling her thoughts, Astarion paused at the threshold to their rooms. “Oh yes, my Bride, don’t think I didn’t get you a little something to commemorate our union.”

“Always one to spoil me,” she shook her head, leaning in to taste his kiss once more. A sly smile twisted his lips as they pressed together.

The door creaked on its hinges, opening to reveal their bedroom, bathed in blue green light from their windows. Their sanctuary.

Her gaze instantly settled on the box on their bed, a small wooden chest. A nod of his head, a sparkle of childish delight in his crimson eyes, Astarion pulled her closer to it.

Eager fingers lifted the lid, and Cordehlia’s undead heart burst as if it had stopped beating altogether.

A shining silver war helmet, plates once cracked were soldered back together. Intricate designs of feathers spanned the sides, and a great eagle’s head rested on the crown of the helm. She would recognize it anywhere. She had polished it countless times as an elfling, wearing it in their home to pretend to play soldiers and war… a merry laugh coming from the chair by the fire as he watched on…

“Father,” she choked, her musical voice cracking with grief. “Oh, Father,” she breathed again, reverently stroking the eagle feathers and face that was their namesake, Aquillae. Eagle. That same name shined, etched into the back of the armor: Cassius Aquillae, The Great Eagle. Her eyes leaked the tears she could no longer keep at bay, and two warm arms embraced her from behind.

“Halsin found it,” he explained. “With the Shadowcurse lifted, all manner of relics were found. But he searched with great care for anything of your father’s.” A small laugh sounded in her ear. “My idea, of course. Don’t give the Druid any more affection or credit than he deserves, my love.”

A wet laugh was his reward for his possessive, bratty humor. As always. Astarion reached for the helmet, lifting it out to reveal two more pieces that instantly struck her in the gut.

Sharp pains of grief again. A bright silver locket, inlaid with golden leaves, and a small teal ring, that crest of its signet shining brighter than the gold it was made of. She didn’t need to look closer to know it was a heart and two daggers slicing cross-crossed through it, a pattern of little stars speckling its background.

The Ancunín crest.

His voice was heavy, his own throat bobbing against the back of her head as he reached around to caress the pieces. “Mother’s locket and Father’s ring… I found these in one of… his… vaults in the Counting House. The trophies claimed from Mother and Father’s murder.” Tenderly, he set the helmet back in the box, closing the lid silently. Then, he pulled her stiff, suffering body into his warm embrace. “Those aren’t my gift, don’t you fret.”

“I should hope not,” she forced a aggrieved laugh. “Still it is… good to have pieces of them, their bodies never put to rest,” she whispered into the cream silk of his jacket.

“We are about to correct that,” he smiled into the top of her head, breathing in her scent, wildflowers and moss. “We are going home.”

[hibiscus-waterfalls]

NEW CHAPTERS OUT NOW OF BLUE DISTRACTIONS

[kingsdespair-if]

UPDATE(s)!!!

I am here to share some exciting news with you.

The updates for both of my games have finally been released.

Here's what you can expect:

King's Despair -

Chapter 2 part 1.

This update includes a few gameplay changes and bug fixes

Meet three new ROs (with only one left to be introduced)

Start to truly develop your MC's personality and interact more with the RO of your choice

Uncover more information about your MC's past and the mysterious character who visits you in your dreams

Experience a warm family and friends atmosphere as you learn more about the stories of some of the ROs

More RO POVs 👀

DEMO for now:

270508 Characters

46943 Words

Shadow of Styria -

Chapter 2 is now fully released

Begin developing your intentions towards the ROs

Are you inclined to continue being the villain and reside in the shadows, or do you yearn for your human life?

Some dialogues now include original lines from "Carmilla" (in different contexts from the original)

Dedicate some time to spending with the RO of your choosing

Expand your knowledge about your powers

Play a dangerous game with a vampire huntress

DEMO for now:

74853 Characters

12997 Words

You can find the DEMOS here -> King's Despair - Shadow of Styria

[rryeongchaes]

Space Kids - Ch3: intrigue and interference

a bounty hunters ryeji au [M]

Chapter preview:

Ryujin exhales once she’s alone, in relief or frustration, or whatever nuanced in between, she doesn’t know anymore. 

She dims the lights to the lowest possible setting and settles into a familiar stance in front of the wooden dummy. She pulls the glove down to ensure it covers her bionic and lands a heavy blow to the padded section, causing a satisfying thump to echo around the room. She shuffles her weight between her feet and lets the muscle memory take over. 

She unleashes blow after blow against the wooden dummy, sticking to the standard reps, working from the centre of the dummy, out to the left, right, and back again. 

It feels good, she’s following the steps, envisioning her opponent. Every hit and block cuts her mind off from spiralling into an abyss. It’s a shame though, because with every thought that gets cut off, she realises that she’s so close to committing a cardinal sin of martial arts - she’s so close to shutting her mind off. 

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[powertaco]

Sands of Vacuo, and Plundering the Tomb

Double update @sparrowhawk-station providing the adorable art.

Ruby, Maria, and their wayward skitarii do their best to keep alive, and ahead of their pursuers as Weiss organizes a rescue party.

Team CRWN takes stock of themselves as a gruesome scene is revealed at the hospital. What is left for those that remain?

[spectorodyssey]

What's this? Double update?! ;3

[randomkidstarfic]

We're still on hiatus, but have a double update for holiday season.

[phebess]

The Space in Between Us (is melting away) Ch 6/?

If he ruins his friendship with Lando, arguably his only actual friend in Formula 1, simply because he couldn't be cool and normal about the fact that Lando might like guys? He would never forgive himself. He just doesn't know what to say, though, what to do. He wants to make sure Lando knows he's supportive, that nothing has to change - but he also doesn't want to be weird or pushy or nosy when Lando might not know what he wants yet. And Carlos is nosy. 

[whatwooshkai]

Second Chance Blues, Chapter Four: Playing Nice

Second Chance Blues - Chapter 4 - thatwooshkai - Transformers Generation One [Archive of Our Own]

Bumblebee tries to help Optimus get a proper fresh start.

[violent138]

Chapters: 14/24 Fandom: The Batman (Movie 2022), Superman - All Media Types Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con Relationships: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle & Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent & Lois Lane Characters: Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Alfred Pennyworth, Selina Kyle, Dick Grayson, Original Characters, Barbara Gordon, Martha Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor (mentioned), Don Mitchell Jr., Oswald Cobblepot Additional Tags: Dark Clark Kent, Dark Superman, Rape/Non-con Elements, Murder, Mind Games, Alternate Earth, Power Dynamics, Torture, Dubious Morality, Dubious Consent, Violence, Multiple Pov, Trauma, Mental Illness

Series: Part 2 of Earth- 1477 Summary:

To Clark, Earth had always been a cage, a miserable, lonely existence he wanted to burn to the ground. When he'd gone to Gotham, it was with one goal: to kill Batman. Quickly and painfully.

But now? “You were magnificent on the bridge. A hunter, a killer. I saw it in your eyes.” After so long alone, Clark finally found someone. Bruce Wayne. And his new mission was to make Vengeance his true equal, getting the man to shed his weaknesses. Nothing was ever easy with Bruce, but Clark had no intention of letting anything stand in his way.

[etoilenabeerie]

Last updated 10.12.2023 Why yes, this is a double update ;)

[some-sick-deja-vu]

Chapters: 4/? Fandom: Hannibal (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter Characters: Will Graham, Hannibal Lecter, Beverly Katz, Jimmy Price, Brian Zeller, Jack Crawford, Alana Bloom, Margot Verger, Will Graham's Parents, Lady Murasaki (Hannibal Rising), Robertus Lecter, Original Characters, Abigail Hobbs, Will Graham's Dogs, Bedelia Du Maurier, Dr. Frederick Chilton Additional Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Love at First Sight, Strangers to Lovers, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining, Omega Will Graham, Alpha Hannibal Lecter, Confident Will Graham, Dark Will Graham, Courtship, Flirting, Jealous Will Graham, Jealous Hannibal Lecter, Angry Sex, Obsession, Possessive Behavior, Breeding Kink, Domestic Fluff, Romance, Hannibal Lecter Loves Will Graham, Will Graham Loves Hannibal Lecter, Hannibal Lecter is the Chesapeake Ripper, Will finds out and likes it, season 1 AU, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Sassy Will Graham, Rough Sex, Spanking, Daddy Kink, Sugar Daddy Hannibal Lecter, Spoiled Will Graham, Biting, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Semi-Public Sex, Shameless Smut, Lingerie, Stalker Will Graham, Crazy In Love, Southern Will Graham, Vulnerable Hannibal Lecter, Seductive Will Graham, Intersex Will Graham Summary:

Will Graham, FBI profiler extraordinaire, just happens to be an Omega. Doesn’t mean he plans to live a life of submission under some controlling Alpha’s thumb. He likes to play the field when it comes to sex, and with his looks and charm, finding a lover has never been a challenge. But the most recent of many semi-breakups with a kind-of but kind-of-not boyfriend has him feeling tired of the monotonous lack of passion. Is there something…more he craves?

Renowned therapist Dr. Hannibal Lecter is known to his social clique and many beyond it as “an Alpha among Alphas.” He has so much to keep his life intriguing - his art and cooking, his secret murders and … more cooking… So obviously there is no time for a smothering and draining “romance.” He enjoys seducing whom he pleases with no regard for anything but a one-night round of pleasure, never to be repeated.

But there’s just one problem: a burned soufflé is about to bring these two players together, and soon they’re both falling hard and fast: with absolutely not one clue what to do about it…

[blot-squisher]

✨ Surprise surprise! Tonight is a double update! Chapters 11 and 12 of STG: Lvl 2 are now up!✨

[olpie]

TWO CHAPTER UPDATE

Chapter 36: Guts

Beth and Aaron gut up and walk into Alexandria and navigate their way through the herd to find their family.

Read it here.

Chapter 37: Faith

Beth fights the Wolves to try and reunite with Daryl.

Read it here.

[rryeongchaes]

Space Kids - Ch2: puzzle pieces

a bounty hunters ryeji au [M]

Chapter preview:

“Take a look.” Minjeong swipes the hologram to the centre of the room. 

The sudden bright light startles Byul and causes him to hop down from the circular table, running away to hide in his little cubby on the cat tower. 

Jimin frowns, “Byul was finally warming up to me.” Ryujin tries to stifle a giggle. He ran and hid the moment Jimin and Minjeong boarded their ship. While Minjeong was busy setting up her devices and starting the briefing, Jimin decided to try and continue her conquest of getting Byul to like her. 

Last time she figured out that Byul would only seem interested in her when she didn’t have her visor on, so she came prepared this time and he was a lot more receptive to her, getting closer to her and not shrinking away from her pets.

“Never realised your eye was this shade of brown.” Ryujin muses. Without that blue tint from the visor to obscure her left eye, it’s more evident that one side is lighter, like a hazel, maybe almost amber around the pupil.

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