#Eir deserved better

[entering--hyperspace]

[bibibbon]

people have been debating whether mirio really was a better successor for ofa has given me an idea for my rewrite. In my universe, izuku is much nore attentive and analytical of his surroundings, and due to facing discrimination for his quirklessness, he has a less rose tinted view of hero society and wont just follow orders like lemillion. An example is when he and lemillion first meet eri and lemillion give eir back to overhaul, a long tongue snatches eri from his grasp and darts away. Lemillion tries to chase after the villain but izuku recognizes it as my oc herpeton and due to them already having worked together in the past izuku trusts his instinct enough to stop lemillion and get both them out of the alley and away from an angry overhaul. Also after izuku discovers who herepton is with nezu and after nezus deal, izuku acts as a benefactor to herpeton and gives him intel on what pros patrol the cities that herpeton is visting for the first time and what their tactics are. This willingness do what is right instead of just following what the commision want is why all might chose him as his successor. Speaking of which, nana shimura and the rest of the ofa holders were also vigilantes, which explains why they most people have never heard of them. What do you think?

Hi @suchusoid 👋

This has been a long and ongoing discourse that's been reignited a few weeks back after the series ended.

Personally, in Canon itself we aren't truly given a concrete reason as to why izuku is better than mirio and why he deserves OFA more than mirio. This gets even more annoying as the series ends with izuku not even claiming the quirk or making it his but simply still viewing it as a gift from his favourite hero.

I remember @mikeellee asking a similar ask as to why izuku was picked and not mirio and Canon doesn't give us a concrete answer heck it's even worse when you realise how non existent izukus relationship with all might is.

However, I think that you're changes here to izuku are honestly what was needed!! Having izuku carry and cement the idea of no man is created equal and making sure to make that an integral part of his character would allow for izuku to really see the grey morality and messed up system especially since Canon does try and point this out but constantly fails due to the lack of introspection and development izuku has.

Izuku understanding the cruelty of the system yet still trying to save everyone is what makes him different to mirio who has a goal if 1 million people but izuku has an ongoing gaol that in reality would never be achieved and will always be added onto and altered to help produce a fairer society one where people can at least have the same opportunities.

Making Izuku much more attentive also makes sense and is crucial since Canon misses that part of his character completely. In Canon we do get some interesting analytical moments from izuku but they are inconsistent and its a shame because with a bit more digging and thinking izuku's character could of became so much more.

Mind you this is the same character that saw Hawk's once and said that it's weird that he is only 6 years older and so much more mature then them.

This is also the kid who ended up copying his classmates move multiple times with his quirk like shooting blackwhip from his mouth to mimic froppy or the use of his legs when it comes to ofa mimicking iida.

Due to his analytical abilities I feel like midoriya would be able to peice together that herperton is one of his classmates friends.

They would form a partnership of sorts. Izuku wants to help herperton out in hopes of helping achieve a better future and society so he would give him information in return and maybe he would even give him some quirk advice.

A part of me thinks that herperton would get a sense of deja vu especially when he finds out that izuku was quirkless. This would all remind him of his own quirkless mentor and from that they would slowly grow closer to the point where they both trust each other to make the right move if needed. This means that izuku allows for eri to be taken and then herperton and izuku manage to get her into safety.

In the end izuku wants a better society and he has already done many things to show us that he would do what is morally right over following the rules. This is the same izuku who ran and intervened the moment he realised iida was in hosu and trying to kill Stain. This is the same character who tried to take down gentle criminal so the school Festival wouldn't be disturbed. Even if it means getting himself into trouble or being hated izuku midoriya does what is right and that should be his character

[obsessedelusional]

Oblivious

paring ✦ Bella Ramsey x fem!reader

summary ✦ Bella and you have been friends for a few years now. Didn’t take long for them to a form a crush on you. While visiting after not seeing you for a while, they decide it’s time to come clean about their feeling. Too afraid, they keep dropping hints. What happens when Bella finally finds the courage to tell you?

word count ✦ 2,000ish

authors note ✦ THANKS for all the love <33

masterlist

FEEDBACK AND REBLOGS APPRECIATED!!!

⊹ ꙳ ✦ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹

“So who’s your celebrity crush then?” Bella asks her best friend of years, intentionally after talking openly about their celebrity crush. You share a striking resemblance too, hoping maybe this information would spark something in you. Your too oblivious to connect the dots.

“Hmm…. Right now?” You pause in a attempt to shuffle through all the random celebrities you’ve found attractive.

“Probably Kristen Stewart.” Bella is surprised by you answer.

“Kristen Stewart?” They ask, slack jawed.

“Yeah I rewatched all the twilight movies last week. I used to be team Edward but now I think I’m team Bella. It’s actually absurd that we let those men get away with everything they did.” You explain, going off on a tangent about Twilight. Bella half listens, trying to understand if you said Kristen because you might be gay or because you liked twilight.

“She has a whole ass fiancé, I’m shit out of luck.” You sigh dramatically before going back to your phone. Bella forces a laugh, more confused than when they started this conversation.

“But doesn’t matter, I got my own Bella.” You tease with a wink unknowingly adding to Bella’s distress.

“Edward was a creep, a whole ass stalker. Imagine if she woke up when Edward broke in to bedroom to watch her sleep. If my boyfriend did that shit, he’d get kicked to the curb so quick.” Bella groans out loud on accident causing you to look up from your phone.

“Okay I know you don’t like him but-“ You speak quickly interrupted.

“Yeah cause he’s a dick. Way worse than Edward Cullen ever was.”

“First of all, you’ve never seen twilight. Second of all, I don’t think you’ve ever liked anyone I’ve ever dated.” You respond, your tone sassy. Bella doesn’t respond only because she cannot pretend why she’s never liked your new boyfriends. Your “love” for them never lasted long, moving onto the next one with ease. They wished desperately you’d forget about the male population as a whole.

“It’s because I like you.” Bella says, not entirely registering the words as they come out.

“I like care about you, you deserve someone better.” Nice save, Bella thinks. Internally screaming to themself you deserve them.

“Aww I like care about you,” you respond sarcasm heavy on your voice, eyes on your phone. Bella rolls her eyes in response. That’s one thing Bella loved so badly about you, you were just as sarcastic and could always banter with you. More often than not they couldn’t keep up with your attitude.

Bella was in town for a few weeks, break between their filming. She had missed you so much the l last few months, promising her self she was gonna do something about it this time. When it’s time for the two of you to part, Bella steals on you hoodies.

“Where the fuck are you going with that?” You ask mostly joking, when you notice.

“I want it,” Bella argues. Not wanting to admit that she’s been stealing from you on the low. Just taking little things, now and then. Nothing you’d ever miss but it means everything to Bella. To have a piece of you while she’s off on her job related adventures. Sometimes even using your shirt as a pillow case when they really miss you.

—

Bella had a plan to tell you how they felt the next day. Before you spring going to a party’s with you. Bella was older than you, you just graduated high school. Still caught up in the high school bullshit. Thankfully they were visiting during your summer vacation before you headed off to university.

“These are for you.” Bella barley whispers, handing you the bouquet of flowers. Your favorite ones. After you sprung the party on them, they decided they’d just do it before. Maybe it would be enough to convince you to stay in with them instead.

“Thanks bestie,” you respond. Bestie? Bella groans internally, discouraged by your friendly pet name. Chickening out on their original plans, mentally throwing out the monologue they had planned for you.

“I saw them and thought of you.” Bella admits.

Once in Bella’s car, they purposefully play Jenny by Studio Killers. Signing along passionately, hoping maybe you’d hear the lyrics and they’d resonate with you. The songs about a girl having a crush on her best friend. You just nod along, never commenting on the subject of it. Bella doesn’t show it but they irritation is growing. Wanting nothing more than to spill their feelings for you, always coming up short when it’s time to do so.

—

“Do we really have to go?” Bella whines only to stop when you grab their hand and pull them closer to the door. Once at the door, you face Bella your back to the door.

“It’s just a little kickback, maybe 20 people tops. You’ll be okay! I’ll be by your side the whole time. I promise.” You reassure Bella and they let out a defeated sigh. A small laugh leaves your mouth bringing a smile to Bellas. The door swings open, some dude from your school attempting to leave. He pushes past the two of you, not saying a single word.

“Rude.” You mutter under you breath, leading Bella inside. Finding some of your friends, introducing them to Bella. Bella’s wondering what the fuck she’s doing here? Oh yeah because you asked and that’s all it took. They couldn’t say no especially when you start pouting, eyes staring directly into Bella’s.

“Sorry I really thought it’d be smaller.” You apologize to Bella some time later, the two of you sat in a group of friends and strangers. Bella doesn’t drink so you don’t either, watching everyone get drunk without the two of you.

“We should do something. Play a game.” Someone suggests, everyone agrees.

“We should play spin the bottle.” Some suggests, most people agree. You look over to Bella who’s shaking their head no.

“I think I’ll sit this one out.” Bella says, standing up going to sit out of the group. Still close enough to be part of the conversation but not in the immediate circle.

“You playing?” Some drunk dude asks you. You look over to Bella who just gives you a smile.

“I guess so.” You say, thinking it’ll be a funny story to tell someday.

“Fuck yeah,” he responds. You sit and wait as one of your friends finds a bottle lays in the center of the group all while explains the rules. A player spins the bottle, and must kiss the person to whom the bottle points when it stops spinning. You watch as people take turns, watching as people kiss. Most kisses only last a few seconds. It’s almost your turn, the girl before you spins the bottle. Landing on the boy next to you, she giggles before reaching over you to kiss him. Their kiss is more aggressive than the others, lasting much longer. People cheering them on as they continue.

“I don’t think I’m gonna live up to that performance.” You joke, as they pull away from each other. Nervously you spin the bottle, following it with your eyes as it spins in a circle. It lands on a girl, you barley know. Before you can say anything people are chanting for y’all to just do it.

“I mean if she’s down I’m down.” The girl shrugs her shoulders, looking at you for a response.

“Sure?” you say and for whatever reason it comes out as a question. She starts crawling towards you, when she’s only a few inches away from your face a voice interrupts the moment.

“What about your boyfriend?” It’s Bella speaking. She didn’t care about your boyfriend, using that as an excuse to make you not want to participate in this game anymore.

“What about him? Like you said he’s a dick.” You respond, looking back at the girl sat in front of you waiting for a kiss. Cheering resumes as you two get closer.

“Absolutely not.” Bella speaks over the loud noises, pulling you from the floor with a strength you didn’t know existed. Dragging you through the crowd, straight out the front door. Sounds of booing is all you can hear as you leave.

“What the fuck was that?” You ask, once Bella lets go of you hand. Bella paces back and forth, it’s obvious they want to say something but can’t get it out.

“You’re my best friend. I couldn’t let you do that.” Bella speaks, pacing coming to a stop to face you.

“Actually I don’t want to be your friend anymore.” Bella says, breaking your heart.

“All because I was going to kiss that girl?” You ask, arms crossed over your chest.

“Oh my fucking god. Do you listen like ever? How much more obvious do I have to be?” They ask, louder than before.

“What-“ Your cut off by Bella’s hands cupping your face in swift motion affectionately placing their lips on yours, you move your lips with theirs. Letting your arms fall to your sides. You’re the one to pull away, overwhelmed by all the feelings that came out in that moment.

“I understand if you’re mad at me. But I would of rather died than watch you have your first kiss with a woman not be me.” Bella says before you can fully process what just happened.

“I ruined our friendship.” They say, attempting to read your reaction but your speechless unable to comprehend.

“No you didn’t,” you respond.

“I want to ruin our friendship. I like you.” Bella speaks.

“I like you too.”

“No I like like like you.” Bella says, emphasizing on the last two likes.

“Do you listen like ever?” You ask, mocking their tone when they said that you moments ago.

“I like you.” You say again, emphasis on like. Bella’s eyes narrow on you, looking you in your eyes.

“So if I kissed you again? You wouldn’t stop?” They smirk.

“I don’t know, try me.” You tease, chewing on your lip. They do exactly that, pulling you into their embrace before kissing you for the second time.

—

After a heavy make out session, in the front lawn of that party you guys head back to Bella’s car. This time they open your door, something Bella has never done before. Stealing a kiss in the process then making their way to the drivers side. Once in there’s a silence between you two, sinking in what just happened. They make the drive home, no words are exchanged. Half way there, their hand rests on your thigh giving it a squeeze before going back to driving. You don’t even realize until it’s too late to turn back but Bella’s pulling into their apartment. This was not the original plan but plans change. Parking in their normal parking space.

“How long have you had feelings?” You ask as soon as the car shuts off.

“Oof,” they think out loud.

“Since forever basically.” They admit.

“Same.” You admit causing Bella’s jaw to drop.

“There’s absolutely no way that is possible.” Bella says, not believing you in the slightest.

“We met right before your career really started to take off. I didn’t think it was right to throw that on you while you were out there living your best life.” You explain.

“My best life would of been you by my side, I can’t believe we wasted so many years.” Bella sighs, frustrated.

“We’ll I guess we’re just gonna have to make up for lost time,” You smile, intertwining your fingers with theirs. Playing with the rings they always wore, something you loved about them.

“We better get started, only have two weeks and six days to make up for three years.” Bella grins before instructing you to get out of the car. You do so and Bella meets you outside of the passenger door. Pushing you softly into the side of the car, kissing you in the process. Hands waisting no time explore your body, taking you by surprise. You had never imagined Bella being so forward.

“Where’s this boldness coming from?” You ask when you pull away to breath.

“I wasn’t kidding when I said, we need to make up for all those lost years.” They grin, leading you towards their front door. Your excitement grows as they lead you toward their bedroom, ready to let Bella do whatever they want.

[theoutcastwrites]

I finally did it. Here are some Genshin-style voicelines I wrote for my Genshin OC, Eir, for whom I will soon make a separate post detailing her backstory and the like.

Eir

A hardworking nurse of Bimarstan. Though her past is shrouded in mystery to most, it takes no more than a careful look to see that her shadow takes the form of a long fallen kingdom.

Hello

My name is Eir. I've been told a lot about you... By whom? Oh, it doesn't matter. If you ever need me, feel free to find me at Bimarstan. I'll be happy to lend a helping hand.

Chat: Work.

I hope I won't have any more patients today... For their sakes.

Chat: Scars

My scars? No, they don't bother me anymore, you need not worry. I can't imagine myself without them now; how I got them is a story for another time. Let's not waste time, alright?

Chat: Wood carving

Say, would you like me to carve something for you? I'll make it small, so that you may easily keep it in your pocket... What? You have a realm that can be accessed through a teapot? That's... Would you happen to have spare cedar wood there? I'll get straight to work.

When It Rains

Oh, not now... Come on, let's find shelter.

When Thunder Strikes

I have heard that Inazumans find comfort in the thunder, as it is a sign that their Archon is watching over them... Hmph. Elsewhere, this was a signal for catastrophe.

When It Snows

Make "snow angels"? Ah, that... No, sorry. I suppose I'm far too old for something like that.

When The Sun Is Out

The world has never looked more beautiful. Come on, let's head outside.

In The Desert

Do you think we could go back? I don't really- ah, nevermind.

Good Morning

I hope you slept well. There's some coffee on the table; drink some, you'll feel energized. As for me, I've got to get ready for work. I'll see you in the evening, alright?

Good Afternoon

Let's have lunch together. I know just the place.

Good Evening

You're here! How sweet of you to wait for me. Come on, I'll make us dinner - it's an old recipe.

Goodnight

Thank you for being with me today. It's less lonely with you by my side. Now, feel free to sleep here. I promise my bed is comfortable. Hm? No, I don't mind, I don't sleep anyway... H-Hey, just not that side, alright?

About Eir: Curse

I can feel my mind eroding. It's terrifying, is it not? One day, I will be turned into an empty shell of myself, every inch of my identity replaced by my curse. Sometimes, I wonder what they felt in their last moments. Did they know that they were being turned into monsters, doomed to wander Teyvat for all eternity?

About Eir: Letting Go

Some people can't be kept in your life forever, no matter how much you may wish otherwise. Be it fate or that person's will, there is always something that gets in the way. I've learned not to have too much hope, and yet...

About Us: Odd Ones Out

Most people in Sumeru accept me as one of their own, yet I can feel them staring at me, as if I'm this strange, wounded kitten... I suppose you and I have that in common, hm? We stand out, without even having to try.

About Us: Loss

You needn't hide your pain from me. I know, better than most, how it feels to lose everything you love. I know. You deserve to feel angry. However, I believe that you will be reunited with your sibling sooner than later. As for myself, I don't expect too much. Worry for yourself first and foremost, alright?

About the Vision

Of course you'd notice. No, I'm not proud of it. Do I have reason to be? Celestia took everything from me, only to give me this piece of junk afterwards. If the day ever comes that I start using this Vision, just know that my curse has consumed my consciousness.

Something to Share

Take it slow. Appreciate the journey while it lasts; you never know when it may end.

Interesting Things

Say, have you noticed a little fairy running around Sumeru City these days? Short, pale, wearing a green dress? No? How strange. I could have sworn she was watching us earlier today.

About Dainsleif: Longing

Have you seen him recently? No? I figured. He comes and goes as he pleases. The next time you see him, tell him to take care. It's only a matter of time before he hurts himself, you know how he is... And, please, tell him that the swan misses her knight. I need him to know.

About Dainsleif: Memories

If I am fated to live a century more, then I will forget the days I spent with him, reminiscing what little we remembered of our past lives. Does that thought haunt him as it haunts me?

About Kaveh: First Meeting

Actually, I first met Kaveh when he was a student in the Akademiya. Funny, right? I have always looked the same, but back then, Kaveh had quite the baby face, only made worse by his luscious blonde hair, which he often wore in a braid. He was adorable. Don't tell him I said this though - he'll never talk to me again.

About Kaveh: Gifts

Kaveh once expressed that he wanted some wooden sculptures in his home, so I took it upon myself to make one for him: a tall lion with its mouth open in a roar. You don't want to know how long that one took to complete, believe me. Anyway, Kaveh would not stop showering me with praise and affection after receiving his gift. He teared up, too; I swear, he was wiping at his eyes for a moment there. Heh, maybe I should make something better next time. How would he react then?

About Albedo

Rhinedottir gave him a mission that is nigh impossible to complete and left his life without a trace. This is surprising to nobody. Is there a single person in this world she hasn't abandoned?

About Nilou

A few years ago, Nilou was taken to Bimarstan because she had sprained her ankle while preparing for a show. She was in tears, the poor thing. I could guess the sort of thoughts that were running through her head so, out of pity, I made an exception and used alchemy to heal her injury. I shouldn't have, though. What if something went wrong? Luckily, Nilou recovered within a day. She was so overjoyed that she jumped up from her bed to hug me, haha... I've been going to all of her shows ever since. There is a special air about her that awakens a person's most deeply buried feelings.

About Faruzan

It is nice to know that she has remained the same after a hundred years. Anyone else would have crumbled under the pressure of adapting to a new life, but not Faruzan. She was always such a bright child... Hm? Oh, no, I'm never calling her Madam Faruzan. In her dreams.

About Rhinedottir

I don't know how to feel about her. On one hand, I can understand that Rhinedottir is the sort of person who will do the unthinkable when she's been cornered, yet... What could push a person to betray their homeland? I'm not sure. But I'm still bitter. She was the closest thing I had to a mother, and she knew that, too. Did it cross her mind when she chose power over loyalty?

More About Eir I

What else do you want to know? I have forgotten most of my past and the present is quite mundane. If you think I'm hiding something, then you're mistaken. I just have nothing more to share.

More About Eir II

Well, if you really want to know more... When I was still a novice under Rhinedottir's care, I tried to create a small pet using what little knowledge of alchemy I had. As one would expect, my attempt was a miserable one. I'd managed to create a cat, but it didn't have a mouth, and its fur was all multicolored and spiky. I really tried hard to save it, you know, maybe find a way to make its existence more comfortable, but the pet simply didn't function as it should have. The poor thing died within two days, and I never got too cocky in my abilities again. It was a humbling experience.

More About Eir III

Seeing this city for the first time after the cataclysm felt insulting. How was it possible that the people here could be at so much peace, while I experienced unimaginable suffering just across the Wall of Samiel? I resented the locals and, for a time, refused any help they offered. I felt like Celestia simply wasn't done taunting me. I was right for assuming so - a Khaenri'ahn can never find peace in this world.

More About Eir IV

Attachment comes with the risk of being abandoned. This is something that Celestia will never let me forget. Even if I were to start praying to the Dendro God, I would still wind up all alone.

More About Eir V

You can never go back to the past. I know this better than most, and the Abyss Order should know it too... Yet they pursue their dream of reviving our fallen kingdom, blind to their own folly... Maybe you could be the one to stop them.

Eir's Hobbies

Eating lokum after a long day of work while watching the sun set from my kitchen window is the perfect way to end the day.

Eir's Troubles

I do hope he's doing okay...

Favorite Food

Shawarma. You can never really go wrong with that.

Least Favorite Food

I'm not picky, so I'll eat anything I'm offered.

Receiving a Gift I

This is sublime... Can you teach me to make this?

Receiving a Gift II

Not what I was expecting, but it's good!

Receiving a Gift III

Oh! Ah, do you mind if I finish this at home? I'm not really hungry right now.

Birthday

Make a wish. Come on, don't be shy - you don't need to tell me what you wished for. Just think about what you want the most, and then blow out the candles. Your wish will come true as long as you truly want it, I promise.

[these-detestable-hands]

Slightly long post about parents in octopath 1 and 2. Or, the lack of parents for certain characters. I'm sick and tired and didn't double check any wiki pages for this so idk if any of it is incorrect

For most of the travelers, we know the deal with their parents. The only ones who we don't really hear about are Cyrus, Olberic, Therion, Castti and Osvald.

With Olberic and Therion, you can make an educated guess as to what happened to their parents (Olberic's died during the fall of Hornburg and Therion's are likely also dead)

And then I'm left wondering about the other three.

With Cyrus, we know almost nothing about his life pre story. He worked with Odette 10 years ago but that raises more questions because he was 20???? But just with the main story, you're left wondering if he has family and how they reacted to the pedo rumors. Did they think they were true? Did they see him off when he left Atlasdam?

I think Cyrus should be studied more cause. Man. His story is also very impersonal. Everyone deals with old friends/enemies or has something else deeply personal at stake and then there's Cyrus who did all that basically because he was bored. His story honestly would've worked a little better if he was maybe 10-15 years older but that's another discussion entirely.

Anyway, enough pretending like this post was supposed to be centered around Cyrus, I only mentioned him cause I needed to double check in my head if any ot1 travelers didn't really mention their parents in their stories. Realistically, he just doesn't talk to them very much and the pedo rumors put a strain on their relationship so he decided to just not think about it.

CASTTI AND OSVALD TIME.

Did Castti's parents know any of what was going on? Did they know she traveled Solistia and helped people?? Did they live in Healeaks? Were they apothecaries as well??? But more importantly, did Castti ever even remember them? One interpretation of her story is that because she only went to places she visited with Eir's apothecaries, she only remembers stuff related to them and her brain just never really went "oh crap I had a life outside of my work and buddies".

I think the most realistic answer is probably that she doesn't talk to them :c

Osvald.

Ok listen I don't really have a lot of complex thoughts on this one, mostly just copy pasted from Cyrus but with bigger stuff like "did they believe he killed Rita and Elena?"

LISTEN I need Elena to have grandparents. It's unlikely Rita's parents are alive because sheesh we all saw what happened to Alpates but Osvald is literally just some guy.

How did they react when he went to prison? Would they want to talk to him again after his story? If they disliked him, would they at least still love their granddaughter?? Please just give Elena grandparents who will spoil and take care of her, she deserves to have living family other than Osvald.

[putoutallthestars]

"You don’t get to be racist and Irish You don’t get to be proud of your heritage, plights and fights for freedom while kneeling on the neck of another! You’re not entitled to sing songs of heroes and martyrs mothers and fathers who cried as they starved in a famine Or of brave hearted soft spoken poets and artists lined up in a yard blindfolded and bound Waiting for Godot and point blank to sound We emigrated We immigrated We took refuge So cannot refuse When it’s our time To return the favour Land stolen Spirits broken Bodies crushed and swollen unholy tokens of Christ, Nailed to a tree (That) You hang around your neck Like a noose of the free Our colour pasty Our accents thick Hands like shovels from mortar and bricklaying foundation of cities you now stand upon Our suffering seeps from every stone your opportunities arise from Outstanding on the shoulders of our forefathers and foremother’s who bore your mother’s mother Our music is for the righteous Our joys have been earned Well deserved and serve to remind us to remember More Blacks More Dogs More Irish. Still labelled leprechauns, Micks, Paddy’s, louts we’re shouting to tell you our land, our laws are progressively out there We’re in a chrysalis state of emerging into a new and more beautiful Eire/era 40 Shades Better Unanimous in our rainbow vote we’ve found our stereotypical pot of gold and my God it’s good. So join us.. 'cause You Don’t Get To Be Racist And Irish."

[umbralsound-xiv]

A First Time For Everything.

I was expecting her any moment, now that she'd returned from La Noscea. And here's me worrying she'd be gone for so long... ...Still. I shouldn't worry. What happened to me in Costa Del Sol wasn't exactly a common occurrence.

A path once described in an incredibly vague way had now become a well known one, each little landmark found with ease and the occasional distant birdcall serving as enough confirmation that she was on the right path. Even had she been uncertain, it was something that would swiftly disappear, as the Willows came into view. Sayuri curls her lips into a small smile as she heads for the door, handle swiftly pressed down and door pushed open enough to let her slip through the crack before nudging it shut behind her.

Bexy is already partway through preparing cups of tea with a grin as she turns her head over her shoulder. "And here she is! Welcome home, sister." She beams, head tilted with a rosy smile. "Make yourself comfortable."

"Here I am. Returned. On time." She beams an oh-so innocent grin, knowing full well that she has a tendency to prolong her little vacations with her doting husband. She moves over to the sofa not too far away, sinking into the seat with a happy little sigh.

"Hah! There's a first time for everything." Bexy laughs, picking up the recently boiled kettle between gloved hands. "Worry not, you've not missed anything of import, here. We're all well and fine enough. Tea?"

"I'm glad." She smiles, sinking her head into a nod. "Yes, please."

"Good, because i'd already poured you a cup." Bexy muses, taking a mug in each hand, offering Sayuri her own as Bexy joined her on the sofa. "So, how was your little getaway? Nice and relaxing, i hope? A little warmer than Coerthas?"

"You know me well." Sayuri chuckles, raising a hand to accept the offered cup. "Thank you." A sip is taken, and Sayuri pauses, free hand raising up to the middle of her chest to rub at it slightly as the warmth of the tea makes itself known going down, a feeling she likely still struggles to get used to. "It was. We had a picnic, slept under the stars.. Plenty of cuddling." A silly little smile is offered along with her words.

"Both of you being just as sweet as ever. It's nice. I mean it." Bexy takes a small sip of her own, settling back with a sigh. "One sun i'll enjoy Costa Del Sol again. Perhaps sometime during Moonfire when there are more people. Eir dances there on occasion, does he not?"

"If you'd feel more comfortable having company, I'll gladly come with you." She offers a smile, then sinks her head into a nod. "He does. Not that he has been out dancing for a little while now, considering he took care of me while I was sick.. And then went on a little trip with me."

"Ever the doting husband. Though… I wager he will go out dancing, soon enough, no? Or at least return to his duties with Mist. Gods knows she's complained enough at his absence, for how much time he saves. And then we can go training to Coerthas?" Bexy grins. "…Or on a walk in Costa Del Sol. Maybe we can catch a performance?"

It's surprising, honestly. Even if he can't travel through the aether, his knowledge of the markets and what is a fair price for something is invaluable. ...Though i've been poorer than a pauper, and richer than some nobility in my cycles, he seems to have a greater grasp on finances than most... I wonder why?

"Definitely, but as you said.. Ever the doting husband." Her smile brightens a touch. "..I think he would've gotten offended at the mere suggestion to go out while I was ill." She tilts her head a touch, snickering. "Both of those sound like a great idea to me."

Bexy stifles a small laugh, sipping the rolanberry tea with a small hum. "…It's nice to see you so happy, Sayuri. You deserve it more than anyone, after all you've endured. I can see how much he cares, for better or worse. I would have dragged you away from him on the sun i took you to Coerthas, had it come to it."

Her ears wilt a touch, gaze sinking into the contents of her cup as she rests it in her lap, thumbs lightly moving along the edge of it. "And still.. I need to constantly fight to keep it." A small sigh heaves out of her, before her gaze rises to Bexy anew. ".. But I know that I'm not alone, that I have support." The ears raise a touch, head tilting. "And a sister who is a force to be reckoned with." She sinks further into the backrest's cushion, humming faintly. "..I can't blame him from worrying, from wanting to help.. But Gods, I was terrified of hurting him that sun.. Which only made the ice worse.."

"Good. I'd have reminded you of the fact had you not made mention. You aren't alone, Sayuri. You won't ever be again. And if they're stupid enough come for you again, i'll give them more than a swift reminder why they shouldn't, if you don't dispatch them with your aether. You can and will. And should, come to think of it." Giving an encouraging smile, she nods. "His… Heart is in the right place, even if his brain always isn't. He means well. We worry because we care, and we can't fault that. Hopefully he doesn't hate me too much for running away to Coerthas with you. See how he likes it." She smirks, though it's clearly playful.

I'm not that bitter that he took her away for so long... ...I just missed her. Of course, i'd never separate them for long. But it is nice to spend time together, just me and her, as siblings.

"It's a fact I sometimes need to remind myself of. Most of my life, I.. It's just been me. Sure, in Doma I had my family, and I am eternally grateful for everything they did for me.. But they had to gain my trust, after everything with my tribe, and the slavers.. Even when they had it, I.. didn't always bring my troubles to them, being so used to deal with it on my own." Her finger slowly trails in a circle along the side of the cup, gaze sinking back to it. "I think he's more glad that I got the help I needed, however saddened he was when it had to be without him there. I think you are forgiven." She raises a brow at the last comment, a soft chuckle following. "He didn't." She smiles faintly, head tilting. "But mostly for how it all happened, I think."

"You know you never need endure anything on your own. If not for Eir, then for me. Vex… The company, and countless others. We will be there." Bexy pauses to listen as Sayuri continues, then, before adding, "…Glad you got the help you needed, sure enough. But he's one to hold grudges. You are sure he's still all well and fine with me? It took some time to talk him out of the last grudge he'd opted to hold against me."

Sayuri's head straightens back up, a brief pause lingering. ".. He hasn't said anything that indicates that he's upset with you, so I believe you're fine. I can ask, on the off-chance he is upset.. And work to change that, more than swiftly."

"If you're confident. I'm sure everything's fine." She nods, taking a longer drink of her tea. "So, what's next for you, then? Any outings planned? No lengthy holidays i need to be aware of?" She teases, but it's as good natured as always.

Sayuri shakes her head faintly, smiling. "None planned currently, and you'd be the first to know if- when, we do plan something." Her head tilts, eyes narrowing into a small squint. "..What about yourself? Planning on any trips?"

"Save for some unnamed time Laurent and i plan to go to Thavnair… None. Though, i can't go much of anywhere too long, considering…" Her eyes glance towards the doorway. "He's been as quiet as ever. Quieter, i think. Though i suppose being without the sun for so long… Does things to you. We both should know, though… You more than me." Another small, measured sip of her tea, then. "…Have you… Come to a decision?"

I won't leave. Not when things are so... Tumultuous. I couldn't bear to be needed so much and be away; not when i can help. When it settles, maybe. ...Still, it begs the question if she's come to a decision. Would it be a funny thing to say i'd somewhat miss having a captive...?

She nods faintly, eyes shifting in the direction of the doorway. ".. At least he has had light." She mutters, a touch bitterly. ".. Grym kept me in complete darkness, the only light I got was when the door was opened, and I was likely about to get hurt." A claw idly taps against the side of the mug, a slow sigh leaving her. ".. But no. It.. is not pleasant." She keeps her silence a little longer, gaze settling on Bexy anew. ".. I have."

"And? Your verdict?" Bexy awaits her answer a little apprehensively. "I… Know this decision likely has not come lightly, though i imagine Vex will be glad to be relieved of her post. As will i be. We even made the decision not to survey him each and every bell, but it was his clamoring for company that made us return. He…" Bexy cuts herself off, there. And waits.

Sayuri draws a sharp breath, ears tilting back a touch. The same breath is slowly exhaled through her nose. ".. I will release him." She mutters. ".. He will have conditions put on this freedom, and if he fails to keep them up.. I will not hesitate to hunt him down and change that decision."

...Even me being... Notoriously bereft of mercy, i'd have let him go, too. We have little to lose if he opts to betray us; he'll just be another body for the pile. It's up to him if he chooses to do something with the chance he's been given. The chance he's been lucky to be given at all. Sayuri is perhaps the same as me, when it comes to showing mercy. Perhaps worse. ...Maybe that's why i feel such a kinship with her, on top of everything else.

Sayuri's decision seems to loosen Bexy's shoulders from the tension they were held in, painted lips giving a small smile. "…Very well. For… What it's worth, it's what i'd have chosen. But i wouldn't have begrudged you had you opted for his death." Draining her tea, the empty cup is set aside on the table. "Whenever you're ready, we can deliver the news. Unless you'd prefer not to see him again."

".. Eir cares not for his fate, and I.." She pauses, lips thinning just a touch. ".. I want to rip his head off. But.. The thought of that we could.. save some people, stuck in such an awful situation, granted he does the job.." A small sigh leaves her, head shaking. ".. I weighed these options, numerous times.. And I couldn't help but to feel like I was.. abandoning the people on the inside, if I simply killed him."

"…People who are in the shoes you once wore, or lack thereof. I… Can understand your decision. It's a minimal risk if he decides to betray us; we'll simply kill him if we ever cross paths again." A pause, as gloved fingertips lightly drum on the arm of the sofa. "…Did you want to deliver the news?"

She offers a small nod. ".. Partially doing it for Vex, too. There was someone she was willing to stop me from killing, so surely there are people in there she cares for, however little she may admit it." She pauses, furrowing her brows. ".. Or know it." She considers Bexy's question for a moment, before sinking her head into a nod - raising her cup up to drain it fully before setting it aside.

It's possible Vex has always had friends in there. Of course, far too dangerous to call them that, then. They could easily use them to hurt her, considering the punishment she can take.

"She has spoken of people as though they may have been friends, though never used the word…" Bexy rises to her feet, nodding. "I hope, for all their sakes, he does the right thing. And is smart enough not to get himself killed doing it."

".. A dangerous word for her to use, considering all the things she got herself into." Sayuri's lips tug into a thin line as she pushes herself up to stand. ".. An example being cheering for me, loudly, using the name Sayuri, when I was thrown in their arena with Vairg.." The Viera's name leaves her in a similar fashion to that of a curse word, ears automatically pinning back upon mentioning him. ".. He had best be."

"Hah! I can imagine anyone daring do to such a thing would likely be branded a madwoman. But well, now we know Vex…" The sentence trails in an attempt at humour, Bexy offering something of a smirk before departing down the stairs. "…We have little to lose if he doesn't. But it's on him, now." Pulling something from her pocket, the key to the cell is offered to Sayuri. "All yours."

".. Now we know she's a madwoman?" Sayuri smiles, offering a faint chuckle, dampened to refrain from it being all too loud. Her steps don't stray far from Bexy's own, hand reaching to grasp onto the key - a small nod offered Bexy's way.

"You said it, not me." Bexy grins, though sighs her expression into something a little more neutral as she crosses the room towards her bedchamber, and towards the bookcase. "Greetings, Vex."

"And I stand by it. She is." She mumbles, loud enough for Bexy to hear, but no one else. Her own expression draws into neutrality, eyes lidding into a more narrow stare. Her eyes fall to Vex as the woman comes into view, head sinking into a mute greeting.

Vex's gaze darts up to meet Bexy and Sayuri, lips curling into a wide grin - that's just her natural smile. "Hey!"

Bexy offers her usual warm smile to Vex at the greeting, slipping into the room where her captive was held. She doesn't offer him a greeting, though her expression is a lot less sour towards him than it had been previous.

Q'kura, who was on the verge of sleep up until a few moments ago, rouses with a start. Head rested against the wall, he shrinks a little into his shoulders upon noting two sets of footsteps.

Sayuri slips around the corner, key concealed half-way up her sleeve. Her icy stare falls atop of Q'kura once he is in view, the corners of her lips tugged a little downwards to signify some mild annoyance, added only by the narrowed eyes and backwards tilting ears. She holds her silence, for now.

Vex's gaze flickers between Bexy and Sayuri, and wanders further to Q'kura. One ear droops while the other remains perked, not needing to guess her way forwards as to why Sayuri was here.

Bexy simply slips back. She knew Sayuri's intention, and thus returns to reclining on the wall in silence. Watching, and waiting.

"S-sayuri! You… You are looking… Well?" He meets the glare and he can't hold her gaze, his own darting to the floor. "I--- I'm sorry about the side effects, but i did all i could with the means i had! I -did- warn that such things might happen-- Not that it makes them any more pleasant -- But it worked, yes? It worked? You have your aether?" He fights to steal a glance from the corner of his eyes. He dare not ask for his fate, swallowing dryly.

"You did." Her answer is short, kept in a night toneless voice. "Yes, it worked. My aether is returned, with seemingly no further complications. I am well, if not better than I was." Her head turns to glance in Bexy's direction, holding no intention to speak of the now stronger ice any further than that, but they knew. Her gaze trails back to Q'kura. "And I have finally decided what to do with you." Her voice doesn't hint her intentions whatsoever.

Vex slowly rocks back and forth, crimson gaze shifting between Bexy and Sayuri once more, trying to guess the outcome herself, even if the icy Seekers kept their silence.

"Wh-what… Will you do, with me…?" Q'kura asks. He'd intended to leave it there. Simply hear out his sentence, but desperation bids that he begged. "I… I have done all you asked, and i am sorry, so sorry for what you endured, please… Please, don't… Don't kill me. I am sorry for what i did to your husband -- Eir, yes?" He glances up to her, as though he intended to clarify. "---I… I just want to see the sky again. Please…" He swallows again, looking to Bexy, to Vex, and back to Sayuri. "Please don't… Leave me here…"

There was some... Conflict, to hearing him beg. He deserved it. Gods, he deserved it, but knowing he perhaps wasn't the worst of the bunch made it a little more bittersweet. He did help her. But it's her decision, no matter what she chooses. Even if she changes her mind, now.

The begging sees Sayuri retain her silence for a little longer, just to watch him. A touch cruel, but one could argue he deserved it. A little bit. "You have done all that was asked, and cured me. I don't necessarily believe that you are sorry for what my husband and I endured, but neither does he care for your fate, despite what role you held." A slow breath is exhaled through her nose, the intensity of her glare lessening just a touch, but it is a noticeable one. ".. I am going to set you free. On the condition that you do help those who deserve it on the inside. Anyone who hold the same rank Vex did, you will aid in getting out of there." Her head raises a touch, eyes shifting back to its previous cold glare as the next choice of words leave her. "And if you decide not to do so, I will find you and rectify this decision."

Vex stares, at Sayuri, at Q'kura, and at Bexy. She is.. certainly surprised, when those words leave Sayuri, yet as she continues to speak, Vex pauses, and slowly nods along. Yep, sounds fair to her.

Q'kura's eyes turn glassy at her words. Hope, for the first time in moons. He's even brave enough to slowly find his feet and stand, though in so doing it's a little unsteady. "Y-you'll let me go…?" He sounds as though he'll cry, searching Sayuri's gaze for any indication that she's lying, for any sliver of false hope. "---I'll help. I'll help them, i swear-- I'll get as many of them out as i can." Those words began at Sayuri, and ended directed at Vex.

Bexy remains unmoving, staring at the scene with the same neutral expression, at least until her painted lips shift into something of a half smile as she glances to Vex.

Sayuri finally shifts her hand that hid the key, letting it slip into her grip more properly before she pushes it into the lock and twists it to open the cell door. "For your own sake, Q'kura.. You had best."

Vex continued to dart her gaze between all those present, ears tilting and lips curling into a softer, more genuine smile than her usual shit-eating grin, seemingly somewhat relieved at the verdict. She pushes herself up to her feet as well.

Q'kura seems almost fearful to leave the cell. As though he couldn't quite believe it. He moves almost anxiously to the threshold, ears lowered, almost as though it was a joke. "I… I promise." He manages, fearfully.

Bexy doesn't move, but watches. The way she folds her arms shifts ever so subtly, tail slowly wavering at her heels.

".. The promise of someone I do not trust in the first place means very little, Q'kura. I will await your actions." Sayuri raised a brow, and moved aside in an attempt to indicate she'd do naught to stop him from exiting the cell.

Q'kura takes a few steps, and then a few more. Quickly by Sayuri, then slowly the closer he drew to Vex. "…I'm free…?" He says again, looking back at the cell behind him. Tear filled eyes scan the room, not quite sure what to do with himself. "I c-can just go…?"

Bexy doesn't say anything.

Sayuri merely watches, gaze still narrow.

...I never planned for him to just walk out of the house. I'm not stupid. He's probably gathered that i live in the Shroud, but i doubt much else. And i'd like to keep it that way.

Vex pauses, her usual wide grin settling on her lips. "I mean, if you're doubting it… I'm sure Sayuri would've killed you without false hope." Her gaze trails back to the cell, then to Q'kura once more. "Unless y'wanna stay in there, yeah."

He looks around in silence then, back at the cell, and then ultimately at Sayuri. With a small dip of his head, and even smaller, "Thank you…" Leaves him, before he turns to look into the room beyond, a floral bedchamber, a desk and-- Darkness.

Bexy drives her elbow sharply into the back of Q'kura's head, knocking him out cold.

The deadpan expression Sayuri has held eases, a mild huff of amusement emitting at the sight.

Vex grimaces to herself. ".. Ow."

Bexy turns with an almost incredulous expression. "…What? I wasn't about to let him walk about the house unattended, much less see where i live." At Sayuri's expression, her lips curl in amusement. "What?" She repeats, half-laughing.

Sayuri cracks a small smirk, allowing a small chuckle to leave her. "Taking my joy where I can."

Vex snorts slightly, a small pause lingering before she finally asks. ".. Are we releasing him, or..?"

Bexy leans down, to hoist the downed Seeker over her shoulder. "We are. I'll take him to Thanalan, leave him somewhere shady to come around. He can make his own way back to the compound."

Sayuri offers a small nod to reinforce Bexy's answer.

"Alright. Great." Another pause. ".. Can I give him some food, for when he wakes?" A question that gains a slighty raised brow from Sayuri, causing Vex's lips to thin. ".. Y'want him to actually reach 'em, yeah? Fuck knows when he'll wake, might be bloody starving when he does."

...Despite all the cruelty enacted on her by them, she's still kind. Vex is a good person.. And likely, better than most will give her credit for.

A small nod is Bexy's response to Vex. "Take whatever you want for his pockets, just nothing that will lead back to us." She carries him through the house, eyeing the stairs with some trepidation. "…He's been a good captive, if nothing else."

Vex nods. "I'll put something together. And hey.. They find you, they find me. And the Karahli. I like Zhav, don't want that to happen." She slips past them and heads for the stairs.

Sayuri's features soften, a faint sigh leaving her. ".. A madwoman she might be, but certainly kinder than I would've been.."

"Kinder than she has cause to be, considering. But i won't argue it. We do want him to survive that long, at least." Bexy ascends the stairs with a slow, careful pace; not wanting to drop Q'kura, nor fall down herself. Finally reaching the summit, she sighs. "…Not too much, Vex. If the compound find it, it might look suspicious."

"Oh, I know. Been subject to their bloody patdowns more times than I can count. Tiniest bloody bump there shouldn't be and they'll turn y'pockets insideout." Vex huffs, having collected a small amount of foodstuff, putting it into a wrap. ".. 'S just a few things to give him enough energy to move on. Will look like he scavenged it in a hurry if they do see it." She steps up to Bexy and Q'kura, holding the little wrap of food that she seeks to wriggle into one of his pockets.

Sayuri merely observes, shaking her head gently. Definitely finding Vex kinder than she needs to be, to someone like him.

"…It should be enough." Bexy holds him still enough for Vex to give him his gift, offering a satisfied nod. "…I'll take him now, before he wakes up. I'll see the both of you soon, yes?"

Vex steps back, offering a two-finger salute.

Sayuri's head sinks into a small nod, ears tilting back a touch. ".. I doubt I need to tell you to be careful, but.. Please be."

"I will be. Worry not for me." She gives her customary smile, not so much as even departing the building until the aether around her swirls into a blizzard. Exactly where she was going wasn't mentioned, but it was clear she had at least somewhere in mind.

[cloudbattrolls]

Back Step

This drabble is preceded by Side Step and followed by Front Step.

Guardian Artifice | Present Night | Eirish Countryside

They stepped off the train in Eire, where Arty had never been, though had long wanted to see. It was a pity it didn’t have much time to linger in Leeson’s homeland. 

Róisín sighed in satisfaction as they stepped out, tail swishing back and forth eagerly as the fae breathed deep, taking in the evening air.

“S’good to be home.” He said with feeling. “I like t’travel. But home’s special.”

“Mm.” Said Arty, noncommittal. “I wouldn’t really know.”

The kelpie turned to look at her quickly, mouth open in shock.

“Ya don’t got a home?”

“Not really.” It said with a shrug. “It’s too dangerous for me to stay anywhere too long. I don’t want to bring trouble for any trolls around. Or the wildlife.”

Róisín shook her head. “That ain’t right. Ya deserve a place to stay.”

It looked at them blankly as the pair of them walked off the train platform, the train now chugging away to its next destination with a whistle.

“It isn’t about that, Róisí. I have to keep people safe.”

“Do ya never do anything fer yourself?”

Arty was silent as they went down a few steps, then snorted softly.

“I buy things for myself. I go where I want with my bodies that aren’t working. Honestly, I indulge myself too much already.” It said with a shake of its head. 

“I should be more focused. I’m meant to protect and assist trolls, and the more I do that and shut out distractions, the better off I am.”

The pair walked into the town - not a big one, but enough to have a modest train station and a decent array of stores. Trolls, mostly lowbloods and a few midbloods, dotted the streets, so once again Arty and Róisín stood out.

Yet here no one seemed to care much. The pair received a few glances, but most people were busy on their own errands or talking with others.

“Damn, that sounds joyless.” Said Róisín, shaking their shaggy head. “No wonder ya have such trouble relaxin’. Do ya even know how?”

It glared at them. “Yes.”

“Cool yer jets, I was just askin’.” Said the fae, raising her hands in surrender.

It sighed. “It doesn’t matter. Where are we going next?”

“To pick up th’wine, o’course. Then to my castle.”

“Hm.” Said Arty, amused. “And where are we going to find what I assume has to be quite the stunning quantity of wine?”

The kelpie gave it a yellowed grin.

“M’so glad ya asked.”

—

“You are doing this on purpose.” Said the muffled voice of the artifice from behind the boxes of wine Róisín had loaded it up with from the store they’d visited, one where the proprietor apparently owed the fae folk a favor. 

A very big favor, judging by the dozens of dusty boxes they were both dragging out of his cellar.

“Aw, nah, it’s gotta be carried is all.” Replied the fae breezily. “And yer so strong!”

The various boxes of wine concealing the entire upper body of the artifice wobbled slightly.

“I’m so overloaded with booze I might fall! Strength doesn’t equate to there being enough of me to counterbalance it!”

Róisín chuckled.

“Ah, yap yap yap, get it into the truck, will ya?”

“I hate you.” Grumbled the construct as, very carefully, it managed to carry and lay down its burden without any of it tipping and breaking. Strong it indeed was, but its slender limbs and frame were ill equipped for balancing so many bulky objects at once.

The kelpie grinned as they effortlessly tucked several boxes under their own broad, strong arms and hauled them into the back of the vehicle.

“Careful, I migh’ take that th’wrong - “

“No.”

He pouted in dismay, tail drooping.

—

Róisín drove the truck, to Arty’s surprise.

“I thought fae didn’t like vehicles.” It said in surprise.

“Most of us don’t.” She agreed. “But I’m different. I think they’re fun, actu’lly. Plus I got higher iron and silver tolerance than most.”

“So that’s why they sent you.” Arty murmured. “I wondered why those wounds I left didn’t seem to bother you much.”

The kelpie grinned. “Damn straight. None o’those pinpricks really did shit. But if ya wanted to get real rough I wouldn’t compla -“

“Finish that sentence and I will start cutting off your fingers.” The construct interjected coldly.

“Well ya don’t gotta be like that about it.” Róisín said sulkily.

Arty rolled its eyes, arms folded in front of it.

“Apparently I do, since you keep failing to grasp that I’m not interested and your fantasies are absolutely nothing I want to hear.”

The kelpie continued to pout as she navigated her way down an ever more twisty and winding road through the woods. 

“Sheesh, I can’t even joke around with ya?”

“Get some better jokes.”

It leaned back in its seat and closed its eyes, playing with the bell on its purple bracelet.

“What’s that thing ya keep fiddlin’ with, anyway?” Róisín asked as she finally slowed the truck down to a halt.

“A gift.” It said curtly as it opened the door, stepping onto the grass. “From my friend who doesn’t like music.”

“Looks almost like a collar.” Chuckled the kelpie as she followed, both of them now under the shadow of the trees. The canopy was thick enough that there was barely any moonlight streaming down through it.

“It was.” Said Arty, voice even more tight. “It was a joke. They slipped it over my head while we were goofing around. I kept it and turned it into this.”

“Damn, ya can goof around? Who’d have thunk.” Said the fae, going for the back of the truck.

The artifice hissed at them.

“I can goof around with people I like! People I can, to an extent, trust! Not you. Never you.”

Róisín stopped and looked at it with raised brows, hair out of his face as it had been while he’d been driving.

“Well shit, don’t have t’get all huffy at me. What’s so great about this troll, anyway? Ya said ‘to an extent’. Is it cause ya know trolls won’t ever really trust ya?”

It laughed sharply.

“Of course I know trolls won’t really trust me! I’m not an idiot. I know it’s stupid to care about them personally. But I can’t help it.” It muttered. 

“I’ve tried and tried to make it go away…it never does. I’m stuck with this affection, useless as it is.” It sighed, running a hand through its fluffy hair. “I’d retreat entirely, but…I don’t want to.” It murmured. “It’d be so, so boring…just like before.”

A pause stretched between the two creatures.

Róisín took a step closer. Arty was too despondent to care. 

They took another.

“Well.” Said the kelpie, slow and soft. “Seems to me it might be easier on ya if ya stopped tryin’ to hold onto stuff draggin’ ya down.”

Arty looked at them blearily. “What? I don’t - "

Róisín snatched its wrist and and with one swift motion, broke its bracelet.

The two halves of the purple ex-collar fell to the dark grass.

A moment passed.

Arty roared like a pride of lions and transformed into a great metallic beast, but one with no fixed form - the artifice was too enraged to settle, and kept growing and retracting spines and limbs, fins and wings, a shifting chaotic mass of flesh and tech that pinned the bewildered kelpie down with a great clawed paw.

“Do you know - " It said in a clicking, chittering voice, the words coming from it more impressions of sounds than properly spoken. “ - why you aren’t dead?”

Róisín swallowed as her body was pressed down into the dirt and didn’t dare answer in case she said the wrong thing.

“For the moment, I need you. Once I don’t, your life is forfeit. You are not a troll. I could split you from throat to groin and feel nothing except the satisfaction of scavenging your corpse. 

I could wear your skin as mine and it would feel no different than all the other skins I’ve taken.” It whispered, almost lovingly.

Róisín shuddered.

“If you damage my gifts or disparage those I care for again, I will kill you.”

The kelpie swallowed and nodded in understanding.

“Good.” It said shortly, then began turning back into its troll form.

The fae didn’t dare move as it folded in on itself once more, layers and layers retracting like fractals of gleaming metal and engineered sinew, sparks of light dancing between them as the construct resembled a troll in a suit again and bent over to carefully pick up the halves of the broken bracelet.

It sighed, stroked them with its fingers, and put them away in its sylladex.

It looked down at Róisín, its lip curling with disgust.

“Get up. I assume we’re near your castle, and I need to carry these in the right direction.”

The kelpie scrambled to their feet, quick to obey and start babbling instructions.

—

The pair had spent the time carrying the wine in silent cooperation and brief exchanges about where to take the wine.

Róisín’s castle in the woods wasn’t too bad, Arty admitted to itself. Nothing like the Kelter one - it sighed, glad it was at least there as Eileit while this body had to be here - but in better condition than it had expected from the fae.

It hauled the last of the wine into the basement and looked at it, calculating. It would take a while to dose all the bottles, but it would be well worth it, if it could only find - 

“Hey, Arty, uh…”

It turned to look at Róisín, expression neutral.

“Sorry.” Róisín said, scratching her head as she looked to the side. 

It raised its eyebrows.

“Let’s just get this done. Then we won’t have to see each other again.” It said, tone even.

The kelpie’s tail dragged on the floor as they silently led the artifice into the main hall of the castle.

To the construct’s surprise, there was a small crowd waiting for them - fae of all shapes and sizes, a few more troll-like while others resembled animals and plants, even mushrooms.

“Welcome home, lady!” They all said together, in a cheerful and welcoming tone. “Lady Róisín, how are you? Is the castle to your liking?”

The kelpie chuckled. “O’course it is, y’all do as good a job as ever. Nothin’ t’complain about. Now, everyone tell me what y’ve been up to -“

Surprised, the construct watched as the kelpie walked among all her - servants, it realized, or attendants - and asked them how they were, what they’d been doing, listened to their concerns or clapped them on the back for taking care of things so well.

It felt strange watching her be so familiar and comfortable with them. Watching them be genuinely happy to see him.

It felt…some sort of ache. An ache it didn’t understand. As if it wanted to walk beside her and do the same…

No. That was silly. It didn’t even know these fae. 

What was this feeling? Something else useless it should get rid of, no doubt.

“Who’s your guest, lady?” Called one fae curiously, after greetings had been exchanged.

Arty’s ears flattened. Suddenly, it didn’t want to be looked at.

Róisín nodded encouragingly.

“I…” it said. “I’m Arty…”

“Oh, that’s a cute name!”

“Why are you here with the lady?”

“Oh, you’re not a troll, are you? Do you mind telling us what you are?”

It couldn’t. It couldn’t find its words. 

They were all being nice…

Their faces were all…pleasant, curious…

They clearly had no idea how many of them it had killed.

They had no idea it had nearly killed their lady.

Their lady they clearly cared about very much.

Arty bolted.

—

It curled up in the castle’s treasure room, growing feathered metal wings to wrap around itself as it nestled in a high corner. 

It didn’t know how long it had been. Probably at least an hour.

“Ah, there ya are.” 

A familiar voice carried up to its ears and it curled its wings even tighter around itself. It did not look at Róisín.

“Didn’t know that was gonna be too much for ya. I explained it away for ya, though. Said ya were tired and a little overwhelmed.”

It chitter-groaned, still unable to speak.

“They didn’t mind none. We’re not like trolls; won’t judge ya for bein’ a bit different.”

It clicked a bit, then fell silent.

“Ya can come down if ya want. I told no one t’bother ya unless ya spoke first. But if ya wanna stay up there until tomorrow, I un’nerstand. M’goin’ to bed soon, but feel free to walk aroun’ th’castle.”

The creature still couldn’t respond. It didn’t really know how. Róisín’s kindness left it floundering for words, even if it could have spoken them.

It heard her leave.

It stayed still a bit longer, then unraveled its wings and flew down to land gently on the stone floor.

The artifice looked across all the gleaming piles of gold and armor, weapons and jewelry.

It couldn’t afford to indulge its weakness any longer.

It had a job to do.

[tilosecretbirb]

dream sequence// Unspoken and unseen future

Eir's hands smooth down her dark curls, marveling at the dark eyes staring back up at her. The thick fluff along her daughter's cheeks and the big ears peeking out from her hair fills her with unexpressable joy.

“Little Sparrow, are you awake already?” She cooes softly taking the tiniest infant into her arms.  Wrapping her in thick fabric against the chilly air, unlike in reality fear doesn't grip her when holding a child. Just love. Love and security flood her even as she wanders down the dimly lit halls.

Stone cold against her feet. Shifting her daughter against her shoulder she peers in every room she passes until she finds him.

“Raven mine?” She calls, “someone wants to see Ada.” He turns at the desk, papers sliding away immediately and Eir's heart races recognizing him immediately. Little Prince. But a bit older in the face. Immediately he joins them, his hands stroking the baby's back love soft and tender brimming in his eyes. “Mimûna,” he cooes taking her into his arms. “Did you miss Ada? Ada missed you.” He whispers pressing a kiss against her dark curls, his eyes drifting up to Eir. Smile widening as their eyes meet. “I missed Ama too.”

“Charitable. I missed Ada too.” Leaning she presses a kiss to his hair, lingering against him.

Suddenly the scene morphs before her eyes. Their daughter is older now. Thick dark hair and deep brown eyes just like her father, she clambors into a chair beside his desk with a smile. "Ada? Can we read again?" She asks her hand grabbing his sleeve, hopefully imploring with bats of her brown eyes "please? I want to hear about the prince and the drake in the mountains."

Her eyes brim with tears watch his melting with joy and love over their daughter. Eir's hand reaches out tapping his shoulder, another babe asleep in her arms. "It's time for the little Sparrow and the little Prince to practice runes." She reminds softly smiling wider when his eyes slide between the two. Pushing the papers from him and gathering his daughter up into his arms. " Ama said you have to read today."

She pouts dramatically laying against him with a groan. "No! Reading is boring! Ada reading is better!"

Hiding his laughter behind a tight smile he stands, kissing eir's cheek on the way by. "What if you read one line and I read the others?" He offers walking towards what Eir somehow knows is her room.

"Ughhh!!!"

The two fade from view, Little Princes voice echoes off the stone, "Ada will make the voices if you do."

Trailing after them she watches them disappear into a lantern filled bedroom. Runes carved into the stone door, drawing wax decorates the bottom from mischievous hands taking interior design into her own hands. The scene fades slowly like candle smoke whispers in a beam of sun light.

Yet the feeling of peace and comfort remains as she sits up in her bed. Eyes squinting sleepily at the wall. Why would she dream of having children with her mystery dream guest? It doesnt make sense.

How many did she even have?! Grumbling about the illogical nature of it all she groans. 3 she had had three. Two girls and a boy. Why did she know that?! "Dumb. Dumb. Dumb . Dumb."

Scrubbing her face she paces the raw wood floor to the ladder, clambering down to the main floor. Stumbling still addled with sleep, through lighting the small wood burning stove and preparing chicory coffee.

Opening the front door the lake out front mists in the cold morning air. It helps her wake up and face reality. She was alone just as she deserves to be. Just like she needed to be. It was safer this way. Safer for her heart if she just lingered until she faded away.

@blackhairedarcher

[catboyklug]

aghghghgg

Summary: sunrise vents. like, in among us. Characters: Sunrise (he/xe/they); Eternal Anomaly/'Ternal (it/its); various extras Word count: 1483 (1k!) Warnings: alcohol usage; drug mention; implied abuse or neglect (extremely vague); ableism (against self).

Well. He couldn't say he didn't expect this.

But that didn't stop it from sucking ass.

It was December the 20th, exactly eleven days before the godforsaken holiday known as "Christmas", and the exact day of Sunrise's birthday.

And Quiet's, of course.

By freak coincidence, the siblings had been born on the same day, five years apart.

And today, Sunrise couldn't forget that fact.

The noise from the other rooms was deafening, Quiet apparently having brought every single friend of eirs in the entire city to the tiny apartment the siblings had to live in.

Ey had been out all day, drinking or doing drugs or whatever it was that Sunrise's older sister had been doing, while he stayed here, cooped up and bored out of his mind thanks to a lucky cold he got.

If it were any better than it was, Sunrise probably would've forced himself outside. But he could barely see, his nose was utterly backed up, and he didn't really want to risk it on the icy roads with the brainfog he got to begin with.

However, with the party coming inside of his fucking house, xe was beginning to reconsider his earlier decision to stay at home for his safety.

Sunrise crawled out of bed once the party had reached its heights, determined to get out of her before everyone crashed. Dead on xyr feet, xe wrapped xyr blanket up and shoved it in a bag xe had sewed a few years back during some workshop event.

Headphones like a helmet on xyr head, it was time to exit this damned house and go elsewhere.

Pushing the door open, xe was met with a ridiculous amount of lights from god knows how many mini disco balls. Though the birthday girl was nowhere to be seen, the place was packed with some of the most annoying people Sunrise felt he would ever have the displeasure of coming across.

A couple sitting next to the fridge, blocking him as he tried to open it; someone making what was most likely the worst-looking meal Sunrise had ever seen right next to the microwave as xe put a cup of milk in; someone who ended up laughing after noticing Sunrise was microwaving a cup of milk, of all things.

...Which was deserved, but not any less annoying.

After pouring the milk into a thankfully-clean thermos, Sunrise secured it in his bag, put his boots on, and walked outside to the car, more than happy to get away from the mess that was once probably his apartment.

Outside was cold, but his car's old, homely leather interior was far more comforting than anywhere else he could think of.

He sat at the wheel, bag on the seat next to him, trying to think of where exactly he could run off to.

Though he was tempted to run off to his employer-turned-friends-with-benefits-turned-greatest-ally's house, Sunny was almost definitely asleep at this point.

There was only one person who would let him crash so late at night. Considering she didn't really sleep, it was his best bet.

So, off to 'Ternal's he went.

It was a long a drive as ever, but thankfully more than worth the time spent.

Though the exterior of the factory seemed cold and unwelcoming, Sunrise looked upon it as if he was a hiker lost in the snow and it was the first warm cabin he had seen in years. (lmao)

Xe grabbed xyr bag and xyr keys, zipped xyr bomber jacket up fully, and walked out into the snow, almost cheerful despite the cold wind blowing right through his already very ill bones.

The factory was massive, and that fact was somehow even more apparent inside, despite how messy and cluttered the area was. Tubes and wires and nozzles and beams that initially looked useless but disguised arteries and veins and *bio-wires* were littered around the ceilings, large "arms" near them to allow the resident mechanic access to these delicate systems whenever they needed repair.

As xe walked through the now very familiar halls, the various systems around him reacted in interest to his presence, clearly not expecting him this late after-hours.

"Sunrise?" called out the mechanical multitudes of the factory's collective voice, "Isn't it midnight in your human time? And you have some mortal illness."

"'S not mortal, if you wanna be technical with it. And hello t' you too, princess," xe replied, grinning.

"That doesn't answer my question," the machinery makes a sound similar to huffing, "Why did you come here so late?"

. . .

Logically, Sunrise knows that the world's most autistic computer would probably understand the concept of "extreme sensory overwhelm" and "deep, petty jealousy" (xe already knows it does), but, somehow, xe feels reluctant to tell it exactly what happened.

"What, you don't want me here, 's that it?" xe teases, getting xyr blanket out of xyr bag as xe makes it to the main control room, "Can always leave and head for Sunny's place..."

"NO-"

The factory exploded into a cacophony of flustered machinery, grating against itself in a state just below panic before it finally, and to its great embarrassment, realized the lighthearted intent of the statement and calmed down.

Sunrise giggles, now thankfully more than used to the once horrible noise, as the factory attempts to explain itself, trying in vain to play it cool.

"I want you here," it insists, truthfully, "But humans need sleep or something. Especially you, if you want to stop being sick all the time."

"Right..."

What else was there to say without completely revealing what had happened? Ruminating on this black-and-white, entirely internal scenario Sunrise had created for xyrself, xe gets the thermos with the milk out and pours enough bourbon in that it's an even split.

Despite the factory currently not having anything one could consider to be eyes, xe can feel it staring at him.

"Is that... 'alcohol'?" it asks, in a 'voice' indicating suspicion as much as intrigue.

"Yeah. Wanna try?" xe jokes, immediately putting the bottle away before the machine can respond, "'S not th' healthiest thing in the world, but... better than whatever Quiet was passing around at that stupid party."

At the mention of literally anything that could have been the source of Sunrise's troubles, the factory's figurative ears perked up.

"'Stupid party'?" it interrogated, "How... stupid are we talking?"

"....Really stupid," xe finally admitted.

And thus, the floodgates began to break.

"'S Quiet's birthday, I guess," xe said as if xe wasn't dreading this day for almost an entire month since it came, "So they've got every person in the city in *my* apartment making th' place smell like weed t' 'celebrate'."

"And you've-"

"Tried murdering them?" Sunrise interrupts, "Trust me, would love to. But I'd rather not get in trouble with th' law. Already skirting it just by being here, really..."

Recognizing that continuing to suggest what it views as the most logical thing would probably serve only to upset Sunrise, 'Ternal lets it go, and Sunrise takes a swig from his half-assed cocktail.

It's warm. Nice. Sunrise can feel his head loll to the side as xe drinks further, and xe nearly forgets how angry xe feels.

Until the memory of the gross, sweaty apartment comes back like a hunting boomerang, and xe feels his face get hot with rage.

"Fuckin' assholes," xe grumbles, "...Mean..."

Before 'Ternal can quiz him on exactly what that means, he sobs.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid, st-stupid," xe repeats, "Stupid, petty, idiot..."

Not having any idea of how to respond to his outburst, the factory tries, "...I was worse."

"N-no," he sniffles in response, "You're jus' hungry. 'M... stupid. Asshole. Awful. Stupid..."

Tugging at xyr hair, xe takes another swig from the thermos.

"Sunrise," the machine says, almost quietly, "You need to stop drinking that."

Simply shaking xyr head in response, xe closes xyr eyes, hitting xyr leg in overwhelm.

"Stupid, freak... should've jus-" xe hiccups, "Shoulda jus' accepted 'm a lowlife. Don't deserve friends. Stupid, fucking, r-"

Suddenly, before Sunrise can even begin forming the following word, several metallic "arms" surround him. Hug him.

Xe opens xyr eyes. Blinks. Despite being made of cold metal, the arms are the warmest thing he's felt in weeks. Warmer and kinder than the cocktail in his thermos, not to mention.

Even knowing 'Ternal, - actually, truly knowing it - xe was surprised with how utterly kind it was.

Burying xyr face in some of the metal, xe muttered a tiny "th'nk you", getting relieved, almost happy whirring in response.

The cold, the alcohol and finally his breakdown having exhausted him completely, Sunrise drifts off a bit, only vaguely aware of another few "arms" coming to gently lay a blanket on him to keep him warm as he slept.

And, though it was a bit embarrassing, the factory was very deeply glad it didn't have to talk him through anything.

[middleearthpixie]

Wanted Man ~ Chapter Sixteen

Summary: A price on his head, Loki of Asgard finds himself stranded on Earth and in need of one woman's help in order to free himself from the bounty and try to reclaim what he sees as his rightful throne in Asgard.

McKenna Carlin just wanted to put a horrible day behind her. She had no idea that things would get worse before they get better…

Pairings:  Loki Laufeyson x ofc McKenna Carlin

Characters: McKenna, Loki, Thor, the Other, Volstagg, Fandral, Hogan, Eir, Heimdall

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 3.8k

Tag List: @fizzyxcustard @court-jobi @guardianofrivendell @piggledy-higgledy @evenstaredits

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here! 

Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun were the first to arrive in Thor's chambers, and although they eyed Captain America oddly, they still sat across the table from him. Sif then entered and was the first to speak, “What is going on, Thor?”

“We need to go to Jötunheim,” Thor said, looking from Loki to each one of his friends. He held up a hand as all they all began to protest at the same time. “Now, this is for a good reason.”

“You said that the last time,” Volstagg replied, shaking his head. “And look how it turned out.”

“I don’t understand,” Sif said, looking from Captain America to Thor and back. “Why now? We have no quarrel with the Jötunn. Laufey is gone. It’s the one good thing Loki did for Asgard.”

Captain America smiled, stretching his legs beneath the table. It was the only thing that relieved the discomfort of the pinching at the intersection of his thigh and groin. But as Sif turned back to him, he hid his smile. “Ask him,” he said, gesturing to Thor. “This is his party.”

Sif shook her head. “You are odd.”

“He is Midgardian,” Thor said, as if it explained everything. Then, his expression turned serious. “Because this is a serious matter. The Chitauri are there and they have kidnapped a Midgardian as retribution for Loki's failure to deliver them the Tesseract.”

Hopefully, no one saw Captain America stiffen at that as he braced himself for the onslaught of mockery and insult he rightfully deserved. 

Sif was the first one. “It’s only unfortunate Loki weaseled out of paying the price. A heroic death was too good for him.” 

Fandral was next. “I agree. Why would they choose a Midgardian anyway? It makes no sense.”

Volstagg had to throw in his two cents. “Loki had the easy way out, the coward.”

“Enough.” Thor held up his hand. “What I have to tell you is to never leave this room. And when I say you need trust me, I mean it. And you do need trust me.”

Sif leaned forward. “What is it, Thor?”

With that, Captain America breathed a sigh of relief as he shed the blue spandex nightmare for the comfort of black leather leggings and his black and green leather and gold tunic. Sif and the Warriors Three gasped as one unit, eyes bulging from their sockets as they all stared at him in disbelief.

And immediately, four sword blades pressed into Loki's neck.

“Stand down,” Thor thundered, “and heed what I say.”

Loki managed a smile as the stinging in his neck stopped. “I’ve missed you all as well. It’s nice to know you remember me well.”

Sif glared at him. “Why are you here? You died on Svartalfheim.”

“Yes, and it was an heroic death, wasn’t it? Or it would have been, had I actually died.” He folded his arms over his chest. “Now, if there’s nothing else, perhaps Thor might continue? This is important, you know.”

“Why is he here?” Sif demanded, whipping about to glare at Thor.

“Because the Midgardian is his.”

“What?” Fandral gasped, slipping his blade back into its scabbard. 

“Her name is McKenna,” Thor went on, rising from his chair, “and we are going to get her.”

“In exchange for him, right?” Sif asked, pointing at Loki.

He gave her a hurt look. “Why Sif, you wound me. Are you jealous?”

“Jealous?” She sniffed. “Hardly. I would never—”

“Is that so? I seem to recall a time when you would,” he replied with a sly smile. “Or did you forget already?”

A blush rose along her cheekbones. “I was young and foolish—probably just as this Midgardian is.”

“You would be wrong there.”

“Enough!” Thor slammed his hand down on the table, which made them all jump at the same time—Loki included. “Save your mockery for another time. This is the plan. We are going to Jötunheim under the illusion of trading Loki for the Midgardian—”

“McKenna,” Loki broke in.

“McKenna,” Thor continued without missing a beat. “And we’re bringing them both back.”

“Why?” Volstagg demanded. “If we bring back the Midgardian—”

“McKenna,” Loki sighed.

“McKenna,” Volstagg glanced at him, “why do we need to bring him back as well?”

“Because he is one of ours,” Thor replied evenly. “And the Midgardian—”

“McKenna!” Loki got to his feet. “Her name, for the last bloody time, is McKenna! And I understand why you all wish me dead, and would probably not cry at my funeral, but please… that is immaterial now. What matters is that we get to her before time runs out. And if it means giving me to the Chitauri, which I’m sure you, Sif, would do gleefully, then do it. But for the love of Odin, just! Do! Something!”

They all looked up at him as if he’d gone mad. And perhaps he had. But while they all repeated the same tired tirades, McKenna suffered even more. Let them think him mad, he had far more pressing matters on his mind.

Then, Sif’s expression softened a little. “You’re serious about this?”

“Do I look as if I’m joking?” Loki couldn’t stand still any longer, and began to pace the width of Thor's chambers. “I don’t fault any one of you for not rushing to my aid. I’m so certain I would, were I in your shoes. But, I will fall on another sword if it will mean you will come with Thor and me. I don’t think we can do it by ourselves. You have no use for me, but I need your skills and yes, it is to save one woman and you can mock me mercilessly for it for the rest of my days. I don’t care. I don’t give a damn about anything but getting to her.”

“Loki,” Fandral’s voice was low and serious, matching his expression, “we will help. But make no mistake, it changes nothing.”

“I beg to differ,” Sif broke in, turning to Fandral. “I think it changes a least a few things. Did you think the day would come when he cared more for someone else than himself? Because I didn’t.”

“We need to go now,” Thor said. “Because if Father finds out, I’ve no doubt he will forbid it and you are all sworn to secrecy about Loki's being here. I definitely have no doubt that he will order him enchained and taken to the dungeon straightaway.

“When we return, I will go to Father and try to get him to see reason where you are concerned,” Thor said this as he turned to Loki. “I make no promises and know this, if you do betray any one of us, I will kill you.”

“Thor, I only care about her.” Loki's impatience got the better of him as he twitched his fingers and winced as spandex cut into his leg again. Wonderful.

Thor came over to him and his hand came to rest on Loki's shoulder. “Perhaps I am being the greatest of fools, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Now, let’s go.”

Loki held his breath as they neared Heimdall, who could see everything throughout the nine realms. He was well-skilled at hiding himself from the Gatekeeper, but he would take no chances.

“Where do you go?” Heimdall asked, his golden helmet and armor glinting in the light.

“Jötunheim. And Heimdall, you will tell no one where we’ve gone.”

“Yes. Of course.”

The Gatekeeper slid his sword into place and Loki held his breath as it felt as if he’d been hooked about the waist and yanked forward. Brilliant splashes of color, all the colors in the rainbow, swirled past him as the Bifrost shot him from Asgard to Jötunheim.

His hands tightened into fists as soon as the chill bit into him, but he allowed Thor to lead them deeper into the realm. Snow fell, swirled wildly about them, and for a moment, he thought back to the night he’d made it snow in McKenna's apartment. She told him about her mother, and he made her smile by giving her a snowball and commanding her to throw it at him. Then he carried her to bed, and she asked him to stay with her.

Now, he regretted saying no. If he had, they would have had more than one amazing night together. 

His heart sped up as they neared the Chitauri settlement. So far, they’d encountered no Jötunn and for this, Loki was grateful. 

“Now,” Thor whispered.

Loki changed back to his true form and Thor grabbed him by the upper arm as the others ducked behind whatever they could to hide themselves. “Other! I come bearing a gift for you.”

“Show me,” came a raspy response. 

Thor shoved Loki ahead of him, into the dank cavern where Loki sprawled against the floor and scowled. Thor didn’t need to shove him quite so hard.

But as he lifted his head, his eyes sought out McKenna, although she was nowhere to be found. Slowly, he got to his feet. The Other approached, showing the bloody red gums in his mouth as he smiled. “Did you think you could hide from me forever, Asgardian? Or that I’d forget our bargain?”

“I rather hoped you’d be a rotting corpse by now,” Loki replied. “Where is the girl? I want to see her.”

“She is right there,” the Other swept his hand to his right and the rock wall dissolved. 

McKenna lay on the narrow cot, her eyes closed, and Loki's first impulse was to blast the Other into oblivion. But Thor said, “What will you give me in return for Loki?”

“What do you want, Asgardian?”

“The girl.”

“She is yours.” The Other snapped his fingers and added, “You will trade places with her.”

Loki didn’t answer, but stepped over the low pile of rocks rimming the cell and as calmly as he could, walked over to her. She barely stirred as he touched her face. He crouched and whispered, “Midgardian…”

Her eyelids fluttered, then rose slightly. “Loki?”

He nodded. “You need listen to me very carefully, do you understand?”

She rubbed her eyes, the chain connecting her wrists rattling as her hands dropped back to the cot. He swallowed hard against the rising tide of red fury tightening his chest. “Do as I say and do not question me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, but—”

“No matter what you see, remember, your eyes can and will deceive you.”

“But—”

“Do you trust me?”

Without hesitation, she murmured, “Yes.”

“Good. Then go to Thor. I will explain everything when it’s all over.” He smiled, offered up a quick wink, and stood to face the Other. “Remove her chains.”

The Other snapped his fingers and the cuffs opened to clatter on the dirt floor. McKenna sat up slowly, as if in a daze, and looked up at Loki. As she pushed up from the cot and moved toward him, he subtly shook his head, murmuring, “Go to Thor,” under his breath.

“But—”

“Do it. Trust me.”

She nodded and stumbled across the cell. It took every bit of restraint he possessed to not catch her in his arms and spirit her out of there, out of Jötenheim, back to the safety of Asgard or Midgard.

When she stumbled again, Thor caught her and whisked her behind him as Loki shouted, “Now!”

The Other spun about as Sif and the Warriors attacked. “No!” he rattled, coming at Loki with his two-thumbed hands outstretched as if to wrap about Loki's throat. But, as those hands did just that, the Other realized his mistake.

Loki dissolved into a mist of green and gold, and with a flick of his fingers, the real Loki, the one who stood alongside his brother, sealed off the cell. The Other smashed his hands into the glass, all for naught.

“Take her and get her somewhere safe!” Loki caught McKenna from Thor as the Chitauri army descended upon them. Red jets of light burst around him as he knocked her down and covered her body with his. 

She screamed, a loud piercing shriek that threatened to burst his eardrums even as he wrapped his arms tighter about her. “I’ve got you, love. I’ve got you.”

That seemed to break her from her panic and her eyes cleared as she blinked up at him. “Loki?”

“I’m here.”

“Thank God.”

A jet of red burst against his side, slamming into him like a mace, but he held onto her, absorbing the blow as he said, “When I move, when I say the word, you run. Sif is to your left. About two o’clock. She will get you safely back to Asgard.”

“But you—”

“I’ll be fine. Trust me.” He managed a smile over the pain rippling through him. “Ready?”

“No.”

“Midgardian.” He shook his head. “If we both die here, you are going to be sorry. I have much to show you in my world.”

She pressed her lips together as another jet rocketed past her head. “Okay. I’m ready.”

“You just run.” He bent and quickly kissed her. “One… two… Go!”

He rolled away and she scrambled to her feet. The last view he had of her, was Sif shielding her as they darted down a path to their left.

Loki wiggled his fingers and his dagger lay warm and heavy in his hand and as a Chitauri descended, he came up, his arm arcing wide to plunge the dagger between the creature’s skeletal ribs.

“The Other,” he called over to Thor. “We need to kill him!”

Thor swung Mjölnir to send it crashing through the glass. The Other swept out toward them, firing white jets of light from his hands. Fandral swung his sword wide to deflect them, while Loki attacked. He wanted to make the Other hurt every bit as much as McKenna had hurt. 

He drove his dagger deep into the creature’s belly. The Other roared, throwing Loki away as if he weighed nothing, and the Chitauri dove down upon him. Blinded by rage, fueled by vengeance, Loki slaughtered anything that touched him, even as they fought back. He barely felt the blasts, the blows, the knife blades, until someone finally dragged him free.

“It’s over!” Volstagg’s voice echoed in his ear. “We need to go, now.”

“I’m not finished,” Loki gritted, struggling against Volstagg’s hold. “Let go!”

“Your Midgardian collapsed. Sif cannot carry her and fight off what’s left. You need to go. Now!”

With that, Volstagg hurled him back, away from the pile of dead Chitauri, and Loki's head cleared enough for him to follow Hogun around a pile of rocks and into a half-collapsed temple.

There he found Sif standing over McKenna, who was sprawled face down on the ground. He practically shoved her out of the way as he knelt beside McKenna and gathered her in his arms. “Call for Heimdall,” he barked.

Thor came running their way, shouting, “Heimdall! Open the Bifrost!”

Loki tightened his hold on McKenna, wrapping his arms about her even as Thor said, “You might want to change.”

It was the most difficult transformation he’d ever undergone, as that invisible hook caught him about the waist and yanked, but he managed and by the time they were sprawling into Heimdall’s chamber, he was Captain America once more.

Thor was the first to stand. “Heimdall, we need the healers. Now.”

“At once.”

“The rest of you, to the Healing Room.”

Loki tightened his hold on McKenna. “I am not leaving her.”

“She will be fine. You can see her in a while,” Eir, the healing woman said, trying to pry Loki's hands from McKenna.

“Steve, let her go,” Thor said, his voice oddly gently.

“I will not. I will take her to your chambers, Thor, and the woman can work her magic there, but she is not leaving my sight.”

Thor sighed harshly but nodded. “As you wish.”

“This is highly unusual,” Eir muttered, but when Thor glared at her, she shrugged. “As you wish, my lord.”

McKenna stirred, lifting her head from Loki's chest to regard him with confused eyes. “Who… who are you?”

“Hush, Midgardian,” he whispered back. “All is well, or will be in a few minutes.”

She relaxed then, nestling her head against him once more. “Thank God.”

Eir looked over at them. “She is a Midgardian woman? How is she here?”

“Ask no more questions,” Thor growled, leading them away from his chambers and down another corridor. Loki almost smiled when Thor threw open the doors to what had once been Loki's chambers. “Place her on the bed.”

The room was warm with light and Loki could see nothing had changed since the days he resided there. The immense bed had its same green and gold coverings, the same green draperies, held back with golden woven ropes. It was as if he’d never left.

He bent over to carefully set McKenna on the bed. She sighed as she sank into the softness, and he reluctantly stepped back to allow Eir to attend to McKenna. 

“The Captain is going to remain here with her. And Heimdall is to remove this room from his sight. The Midgardian shall have privacy.”

“Of course.” Eir was nonplussed as she wove a golden web about McKenna and went to work.

Loki almost gave himself away when he flicked his fingers toward a chair near the windows, but stopped before the chair moved. Instead, he walked over to it, and dragged it back to McKenna's bedside.

“How does she fare?” he asked.

Eir didn’t look up. “She will live. I’ve left her some clean clothing and I will have a tray sent up here in a few hours. She should be awake by then.”

Loki closed his eyes as he worked up the nerve to ask, “Did they harm her?”

To his relief, Eir shook her head. “No. They did nothing to her.”

With that, she waved her hands and the golden threads vanished. “I will come back tomorrow if she requires me to, but I don’t think she will.”

“Thank you.”

Eir bobbed her head and swept out of the room, and Thor followed, pausing in the doorway to say, “I will allow you a bit of quiet time. And tonight, I will speak to Odin.”

Loki nodded wearily, bracing his elbow on the chair’s arm and rubbing his forehead with that hand. He was exhausted, wanted only to crawl into the bed beside McKenna, pull her into his arms, and sink into sleep.

“Thank you, Thor,” he said, looking up from his rubbing.

“You’re welcome.”

The door closed silently and Loki, taking no chances, locked it with the flick of one hand. Then, he stood, morphing back into himself, and circled the bed to crawl across it to her side. He carefully slid an arm beneath her, and the other one he draped over her waist, his hand flat against her stomach to pull her against him.

Without thinking, he eased his hand beneath the hem of her shirt, to let his fingers brush against her bare skin. He managed a smile when she let out a soft sigh and moved closer to him. How could she not see just how beautiful she was? How could Joe have been such a fool to not see for himself how special his woman was? Only a fool would toss her aside so easily.

“Loki…” 

Her whisper floated up to his ears and he pulled her more tightly to him. “I’m here, love. Just as I said I would be.”

“I’m so tired.”

“Sleep, then. No one will disturb us.”

Her eyelids fluttered and then opened and he found himself gazing into her beautiful green eyes. “Where are we?” she murmured in a voice thick with sleep.

“Believe it or not,” he stroked her hair away from her face, “we’re in my chambers. In Asgard.”

“But you—”

“It’s all right. Thor is one of the only ones who knows I’m here. Everyone else believes me to be Steve Rogers.”

She frowned. “Captain America?”

He smiled and wiggled his fingers. “I look just like him, don’t you think?”

Her brow furrowed. “You sound weird?”

“Have you ever heard him speak?” Loki asked in his normal voice, although he stayed in the costume. “You want to see what I look like?”

“Yes.”

He carefully climbed over her and stood. Her gaze roamed over him slowly, going slower still as they lowered, making him all too painfully aware of the damn tight, stretchy fabric. “Oh, my,” she whispered. “If I hadn’t already seen it, I’d be terrified of it.”

“And that’s enough of that.” He flicked his fingers and said, “This is far more comfortable.”

She offered up a tired smile. “I prefer you this way. I’ve always liked villains more than heroes, anyway. Heroes are boring.”

“Then I must be the most fascinating man you know.” He grinned as he climbed back over her to gather her in his arms again.

She snuggled against him, tucking her head against his chest. “You’re definitely up there.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry, McKenna.”

“Sorry? For what?”

“Everything. Every little bit of chaos I’ve brought to your life, I suppose, but mostly for letting the Chitauri get their hands on you.”

“I’m fine. Or I will be in a few days.” She pulled away to rise onto one elbow, coming eye to eye with him. “Really.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her how he felt about her, but for the first time in a long time, his silver tongue failed him. Then, her hand came to rest curving against his cheek as she murmured, “I don’t mind the chaos. It’s been a good kind of chaos, for the most part.”

He leaned in to brush her lips with his. The kiss deepened as she slid her arm about his neck to pull him into her. As she came to rest on her back, he slid an arm beneath her and shifted to cover her. 

Then she yawned.

“I’m so sorry,” she half-whispered, half-chuckled, covering her mouth with one hand. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

He laughed, gazing down at her and shook his head. “There’s no need to apologize, love. You’ve had a rather long few days.”

“That and I’m a mess. And I think I smell.”

“You’re fine. Although, if you wish to bathe, my bathing chambers are right through there,” he gestured to a pair of doors across from them. “You’re welcome to make use of them.”

Her eyes lit up and she scooted away from him to slip from the bed and hurry to the doors. “I’ve always wanted to see what a god’s bathroom looks like.”

[mystery-salad]

Marta for the oc name meme? Or Tirs (or both both is food too?) :3c

BOTH BOTH IS GOOD you win so many bonus points in my heart for asking about Tirs, she does not get nearly as much love as she deserves and with u I can count on one hand the people I know who love my little electro-jock 💜💛💜

MARTA

01. Full name: Marta Stormrest

02. Best friend: she got along really well with Eir, and likes Rox a lot!

03. Sexuality: bi lesbian (she is trans. I am trans. This term existed long before others appropriated it.)

04. Favorite color: deep, warm brown

05. Relationship status: single *winks at all of u*

06. Ideal mate: someone who knows how to relax and have fun, goes with the flow but does things with deliberation and respect

07. Turn-ons: playing with her ears (if you can reach) or waist (easier goal) or her chest

08. Favorite food: dolyak stew

09. Crushes: Eir, Caithe, Trahearne

10. Favorite music: soft rock

11. Biggest fear: truly losing her homelands, the norn have so much to catch back up on already they can't keep having their history taken from them

12. Biggest fantasy: moving up north where her people were from and properly reconnecting with the lost spirits

13. Bad habits: acting before she thinks, she's working on it and tries to defer to others who plan better

14. Biggest regret: falling for jormag's tricks for a while, helping them

15. Best kept secrets: none she's pretty open!

16. Last thought: lovely book so far

17. Worst romantic experience: Jormag technically

18. Biggest insecurity: her height actually! It can make it hard to go some places outside of norn territory

19. Weapon of choice: hammer!!!

20. Role Model: Jhavi

TIRS

01. Full name: Tirs

02. Best friend: none I have names for directly at the moment! But she does have friends

03. Sexuality: lesbian

04. Favorite color: purple

05. Relationship status: single and also ready to mingle ;3c

06. Ideal mate: she prefers casual flings! Not looking for anything too serious~

07. Turn-ons: touches along her spine or pulling on her hair uvu

08. Favorite food: she lokes snack foods a lot, appetizers, chips, bread~

09. Crushes: Caithe

10. Favorite music: metal

11. Biggest fear: that her old girlfriend will come back into her life somehow

12. Biggest fantasy: she's living it pretty well! Traveling at will, enjoying the sights, the lovely girls~

13. Bad habits: pushing people away when they want to get to know her at all

14. Biggest regret: not realizing how awful Envert was until there was irreparable damage between them

15. Best kept secrets: her ex gf! She will not talk about her past no her baggage doesn't come from anywhere don't ask~

16. Last thought: oh she's cute! Wonder how much this'll impress her!

17. Worst romantic experience: Envert

18. Biggest insecurity: that she's too easily swayed with rose tinted glasses

19. Weapon of choice: hammer and sword and rifle! She's diverse in her weaponry skills~

20. Role Model: n/a

[beantothemax]

Ok I'm torn between Alfyn joining the gang after Castti's first chapter, and she recreates Eir's apothecaries with just the two of them, OR, a fix it where he joins BEFORE Trousseau does that shit in Healeaks and he manages to talk him out of it

I would (personally) greatly appreciate a fix-it my boy trousseau deserve so much better

[code-rage]

[Guild Wars 2] In the aftermath of All or Nothing, despair takes hold.

“You had better not do anything stupid, Ruaidhri,” Storm growls dangerously, “because I’ll personally come and drag you back out of the Mists myself.”

Where her words normally would have provoked anger, or fear, or pain, there is a vast, deep void of nothing. What good could he do with a second chance that he’d robbed so many others of? What of the insult to the blood on his hands, to the souls of the ones more deserving than he? To Sieran? Eir? Trahearne?

The sudden, horrible manifestation of his despair comes out of his mouth before he can stop himself, sounding louder in the dead silence that encases them. His lips quiver and he snarls.

“Maybe I don’t want to come back.” 

(characters are mine and @daikonjou’s salad children)

[hulloitsdani]

It’s time for the big one. Book 3!!! My beloved!!!

Okay I’m coming out swinging with this one, but I think I liked book 2 better— HEY put those pitchforks down let me explain myself.

I think, as a first time read, book 3 is really god damn good. There’s genuinely so much to love about it and it marked the moment I personally fell in love with Heroes. The way it expands on the world and takes advantage of FEH’s setting is fantastic, the aesthetic is hands down the best one, and many other things that I’ll dig further into in just a moment. HOWEVER, Book 3 has a pacing problem. And it unfortunately becomes really obvious on a second watch, because you’re already aware of the major twist.

The first five chapters? Gold. Pure gold. Inject the awkward family dinner dynamic directly into my veins. But once we’re in the realm of the dead? Ehhhh the pacing gets a bit more meandering. It’s not as tight in comparison to Book 2. I think the only time book 2’s narrative drags a little is with Loki’s among us shenanigans, but even then it’s not that bad. Outside of that? We are on a rollercoaster and it is not slowing down. Book 3, in my opinion, needs to take notes from that.

Let’s us Helbindi as an example. The reason why his character is effective, despite his limited screen time, is because the story is making full use of Leagjarn and Leavatein’s character building scenes. It’s not only building their dynamic, it’s also building his character. It’s creating the context necessary for us to understand exactly what it means when we learn that he has a younger sister that he is trying to care for in Múspell under Surtr. Book 3 lacks those multipurpose scenes. Most are exactly what they say on the tin. This greatly dampers its ability to juggle our cast of colorful characters in its short timeframe. And perhaps there is no bigger example of that than the character of Eir.

Eir almost feels like she could be cut for the narrative altogether, which is a shame, because man I like her. She deserves a more fleshed out narrative about overcoming her abuse and traumas. In the same way that I’m invested in Fjorm’s vengeance against Surtr, I want to be invested in Eir growing out of Hel’s control. But unfortunately the two characters we mainly see her interacting with is Líf (which are good scenes) and Kiran, you know, our silent protagonist. And Eir herself is pretty quiet. Not exactly a good mix for effectively communicating a lot about her character quickly.

Ironically, there’s a scene in chapter 1 part 5 where Anna is suspicious of Eir and is grilling into her, and it’s honestly a way more interesting dynamic. It’s immediately dropped as other plot developments occur, which is a damn shame because I think that could have been a fun answer to this conundrum. Anna could start suspicious, then immediately feel really bad about being suspicious upon learning what Eir has gone through, but then has those suspicions confirmed when it’s revealed that Eir was ordered to betray them. It would both make sense for Anna to pick up on this threat given the Order’s history and it might also make Eir putting all her cards on the table a lot more impactful.

But that’s enough criticism, because my guys, it’s book 3. Like holy shit I love book 3. If you enjoy FEH, you don’t need me to sell you on book 3. Book 3 gave us Líf. Líf is a sad wet cat of a man and I adore every second he’s on screen. The way he recontextualizes Alfonse and his dynamic with the people in his life adds years to my life. Your honor I require that the skeleton jello man be in a god damn situation with no breaks. To the blender with him.

Speaking of, I was surprised to find how incredibly depressed Líf is. I thought there would be a lot more rage present, but no he’s just sad. This makes every scene between him and Sharena delightfully painful. Chapter 12 part 1 (ie after Líf collapsed a building on top of everyone and has a chit chat with Sharena) might be one of my favorite scenes thus far. As they’re sitting in the rubble of the ruined castle they all called home, they have a painfully genuine little heart to heart. Líf needs to get a little meltdown out of his system before getting back up again and does so by talking to the only person he’s ever known how to. Twisting the knife on it is how it’s all phrased in a way that showcases that it’s just Alfonse. Painfully Alfonse. The same Alfonse who tried to logic his way out of being hurt by self isolating and distancing himself from others. The same Alfonse who tried to double down on that failing ideology, before finally letting his walls come down. It’s delightful. I love how consistent Líf feels with Alfonse’s previous actions.

Also, some of his lines are just really funny? “The realm of the dead is no place for the likes of you, living boy.” now lives rent free in my brain forever. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. On a surface level, that’s an odd line and bizarre insult. But the more you learn about Líf, the better it gets. When was the last time he talked to living person outside of the realm of the dead? Do think he rehearsed that in his head for the day he knew he’d inevitably face down his younger self? Is he internally cringing or fully committed? No matter the answer it’s hilarious. God damnit I love Líf.

In other news, I may have glazed over it before, but oh my god those opening chapters are delightful. Awkward family dinner my beloved. I genuinely cannot get enough of it! I am putting Gustav under a god damn microscope. All of his scenes are so god damn fascinating. I loveeee this guy and his consequences on the narrative. Usually, when there’s a somewhat morally complicated character who is also a parent, the parental qualities of that character are seen as the morally good parts. But with Gustav, that’s where the moral complexities of his character reside. He’s not a bad person, he’s a good leader, he’s a great husband, but he’s a complicated father to both Sharena and Alfonse. Hell, he’s complicated for those exact reasons! It’s so god damn fun to see. The love is there, but so is the flaws of every person involved.

The writing on this guy is peak too. Everyone is nervous and stuttering when talking to him, which is behavior that we haven’t seen out of most of these characters up to this point. Surtr resurrecting himself didn’t even begin to strike the same level of momentary blind terror that proceeds Gustav rolling up to witness the overly dangerous dumb shit our protagonists are getting up to. And it makes sense! That’s their dad! And king of the whole nation! Our protagonists care about his opinion more than most. It’s so awkward and I love it! The best part, in my opinion, is that the only character not at least a little nervous to talk to him is Henriette. I don’t know what exactly it is about this that gets me, but oh boy does it get me. They’re married, your honor. I would even be so bold as to claim that’s his other half. They mean a lot to me. Henriette did not deserve to be caught in the cross fire of the FE dad curse, but damn does it make good drama.

And last but not least, Sharena. Oh boy do I love every scene with Sharena this season. To the point where I’m disappointed that we don’t get more. Her dynamic with Alfonse is called to attention for obvious reasons, but I enjoy the subtle way it’s pushed to the forefront before the stage light came on. The royal siblings got each other’s back— to the point where if one goes down, it’s like the other lost a limb. I really like that and it’s a shame the pacing doesn’t allow for more of it.

I also want to draw that scene where she stops Líf’s assassination attempt so so bad. She deserves to kick his ass and then be confused about his behavior with Alfonse later.

Anyway, that’s where I’m gonna leave this one. I feel like I could go on for forever. More than already have, anyway. Book 4 is up next and will mark the half way point. Wish me luck

Um. So. I may have gotten stressed and started transcribing FEH’s story mode. Might currently have all of book 1 written down. Perhaps a third of the way into book 2.

This started as a way to have the preface chapters handy since they’re not replayable. But then I looked on the FE wiki and saw that they only have a small fraction of the chapters written down. And that scared me, because means that my hyperfixation has a nonzero chance of becoming lost media if the app were to go down one day. So now I have all of book 1 in my back pocket, including the preface, two intermissions, and the two relevant xenologues. Once I’m further along and have a few more books accounted for, I have no problem making the document public. But until then I encourage others to also write some of its content down. Just in case, you know? Especially those prologues and Tempest Trials.

With that PSA out of the way, omg book 1 hi!!!! It’s been forever!!!!

Apparently, I haven’t reread book 1 in its entirety since I first played Heroes! I’ve gone back to look for specific scenes and replayed the levels on harder difficulties (self inflicted or otherwise), but I haven’t done a thorough second pass before. Which was news to me, because that meant I was consistently blindsided by scenes and characterization that I completely forgot about! Did any of you remember that Zacharias was apparently Alfonse and Sharena’s childhood friend? I didn’t! But there it is, chapter 7 part 5 after battle cutscene, Anna specifies that aspect of their relationship. That’s crazy! How does the timeline even line up on that??? If he spent his childhood in Askr, how did he manage to have a strong relationship with his significantly younger sister? How did he find himself rubbing shoulders with enemy royalty? Could he have inadvertently met Peony? I’m not changing my takes on his character, but I would love to know.

Speaking of character, apparently seven years spent writing a character naturally changes how they sound! Who would have thought. It made seeing the book 1 versions of our Askr trio a little jarring, but in an oddly nostalgic way! This was a phase of the game where the story, its characters, and its world existed with the singular purpose of introducing new players to what Heroes was trying to do. Which was, at the time, being a cute yet unobtrusive gacha app tie in with simplified FE mechanics to give you that gameplay fix on the go. And to its credit, it does do a good job of this! It ain’t a masterpiece, but I was charmed by its emphasis on showing off all these cool characters you could go summon. Ryoma gets to talk for a few lines and you are going to look at his very pretty art! But that meant that the world and characters of Zenith take a bit of a backseat. They’re not here to be too complicated. The Order of Heroes are the friendly faces that go on adventures and meet these heroes that you can summon for only $19.99. But we all know where the game and its story is going to go from here. That emphasis is going to wane as FEH grows into its own identity (and also earn IntSys over $1 billion worldwide).

But that’s a later development. Before that fundamental shift is where book 1 sits. It’s in this fascinating position where these characters have yet to solidify into their recognizable forms. And if you don’t believe me, chapter 9 part 4 has a scene where Sharena and Alfonse’s roles have reversed. For once, Sharena is posing the cautionary “what if the information we are getting from this total stranger is a trap?”, to which Alfonse responds “nah I’m getting a vibe that it’s fine and that we should believe him whole heartedly.” Like??? Huh???? It’s Bruno, but still, that’s hilarious! Alfonse’s pragmatism bordering on paranoia hasn’t established itself as a massive driver of his character yet. Nor has Sharena’s role as trusting emotional core and moral compass of the group. It was very easy to borderline Mandela Effect it into being there, but it isn’t. Not quite. There are hints, sure, but once again these characters were initially made to be simple at the time. The depth doesn’t quite exist yet.

It wasn’t until I was writing this very paragraph that it finally dawned on me why the Askr trio voice lines, especially Alfonse’s lines, are such a big deal. That's where Alfonse’s character arc with trusting Kiran resides. There's the pragmatism we know and love! It’s not super present in the text of book 1, but the depth of these characters can be found in the voice lines you unlock from building them and earning the crown jewel level 40 conversation. That’s where Alfonse’s arc with his self isolating behaviors crumbles at that sight of one silly tactician. That’s where Sharena finally wins a fight against her own loneliness by forming genuine friendship with this stranger form a strange land, who is appreciative of her loud eccentricities. That’s where Anna apologizes about her initial underestimation of Kiran, thanks them for being more reliable than she could have ever hoped for, and swears that whatever hell may come their way, they’re in this together. The books themselves don’t seem to reflect this characterization until book 2, where they overall act more in accordance with the rest of the narrative. It’s as if they're taking from the voiced lines’ example and extrapolating more on the story they imply.

The one standing in slight contrast to all this is Bruno, as he's the most interesting character in book 1. It's blaringly obvious he's Zacharias, but it's genuinely amusing how deep he is in his own gaslighting. He can't manipulate, mansplain, manwhore his way out of this one folks, but he's certainly going to try! His lies aren't even that good, but it honestly contributes to how at wits end he is. Like, sure honey, I totally believe you that you just killed Zacharias. I bet he has an eight-pack too. Just take a nap for two minutes. But then everyone believes him because our protagonists have yet meld their group braincell. Overall, an amusing time.

I don't have a particular point I'm trying to make with this one. Just having a fun and pointing out the things I've noticed. Might give a little update for every book I complete. However many that will be.

[umbralsound-xiv]

The Fourth Sibling.

"Sayuri had finally gotten the sketches into my hands of those i was to hunt. My targets...

Q'kura, the Seeker responsible for Eir's capture... And Vairg, a Viera that was responsible for the worst of the pain he had been inflicted.

I was in the process of reviewing my notes, until an... Unfamiliar face walked into the sunroom. A Xaela who i felt some... Strange familiarity with, though i was sure i had never seen him before. Of course, all of that made sense when he introduced himself as Khu.

Khu. Adelle's love. Dusk's brother.

...I dread to think of what he knows of me. Adelle would speak well, i hope; and Dusk, i can only imagine what he has told of me. But Khu spoke to me kindly, approaching the situation in a polite yet curious way.

...We got along better than i had anticipated. Dusk despises me still, i am sure; but we are at least more amiable than we were. Dubus i can imagine would still come for my head. Auro'usk... I... Hope does not dislike me? He is still kind enough to bake me a rolanberry tart most mornings...

And once he seemed confident enough that i did not mean his brother any harm, Khu seemed more at ease, then. He makes Adelle so happy... And she is not one to let people into her heart so easily, now.

...Of course, to me... That is what matters most. He brightens when i speak of her, and has only her happiness and best interests at heart.

...She deserves nothing less.

Perhaps Dusk could stand to learn a thing or two from his brother."