#Forbidden water

[frogletscribe]

One more WIP, this time HZD/HFW X Avatar AU!

Parallels between Aloy/Lizbet and Kiri/Grace compelled me to doodle this and then i started thinking about Na'vi clans vs the Tribes in Horizon + more biodiversity and developing cultures and the like.

Also just like,,, love Kotallo

Not sure i'll go further with it but I thought it was neat

[mistress-light]

Horizon Forbidden West PC • (dev Guerrilla Games)

[robo-dino-puppy]

horizon forbidden west | flight 40/?

[skeletondeerart]

Sacred Waters, Sacred Hearts Chapter 9

A Male OC! Metkayina x Fem Human! Reader | Word Count: 1500

Masterlist & join the taglist

A/N: Both Rukan and reader are in their mid 20's

" " = direct speech | ' ' = Metkayina sign language | Bold = English

POV Rukan

The sun was beginning to fade against the shore as dusk drew closer. (Y/N) and I strolled along the beach, the soft, iridescent sand squeaking underfoot. We walked toward a series of rockpools nestled among ancient mangroves - a quiet refuge teeming with life. Tiny baitfish glow in the pools, the air cool and salty as I took a deep breath taking in the moment.

As we walked, the soothing crash of the waves provided a steady rhythm, but I couldn’t help but notice how (Y/N) averted her gaze. Her usual playful banter was replaced with quiet seriousness, and her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now held a mix of determination and vulnerability. We reached a particularly vivid rockpool, its surface dancing with shimmering flecks of light. There, in the quiet intimacy of that secluded spot, (Y/N) pulled me close, her hand warm and steady in mine as she led me to sit, I reclined letting my feet submerge in the water.

My eyes drifted to her hand in mine. My thumb absentmindedly ran across her knuckles in quiet comfort, letting her talk in her own time. We sat there watching the rockpools until I heard (Y/N) release a heavy sigh. She shuffled to face me, taking my other hand. 

“Rukan?” she questioned, her voice barely rising above the murmur of the tide.

I tilted my head, my curiosity piqued. “What is it?” I asked, a gentle frown creasing my brow, as what-ifs swirled inside my mind. 

She hesitated for a moment, then said something that would change everything

 “I’m getting an avatar.”

The words hung between us, and I frowned in confusion as I floundered under her wide hopeful gaze. 

“An avatar? What is that?” I inquired. The term foreign on my tongue. I saw her eyes flick around nervously as her palms became clammy. My heart leapt into my throat as I guessed this wasn’t the reaction she wanted. 

“Uh- how to explain this simply…” She muttered to herself in English, the language lost to me. “Well, I’ll become Metkayina-” She started before I interjected trying to grapple with all this new information.

I frowned, confusion knotting my brow. “Become Metkayina?” I echoed. “What do you mean? You’re tawtute… you can’t just change species.” I leaned back, trying to make sense of her words.

“Ru- hear me out.” She huffed in frustration, and I quickly shut my mouth allowing her to explain further. “Think of it as a second body. Right now, I’m human, but when I sleep my brain will connect to my avatar… my Metkayina body. I will become Navi, Ru. This will allow me to move, swim, and bond with this world just like the way you do… just like Eywa intended”

I listened, absorbing her words trying desperately to understand. “So… you mean you’ll be able to go to sleep and wake up in a different body? How?”

“Exactly! I will sleep in a bed in my mauri, and wake up in my Navi body. When my Navi body sleeps, I will wake up as human again,” she replied, her voice growing more animated. 

“Isn’t this exciting?! I won’t be holding you back anymore. I can be right there with you - sharing every adventure, exploring every hidden cove, and truly belonging.”

I swallowed hard, glancing down at our joined hands. “(Y/N)... I-” I admitted, my voice unsure. “I've always known you like this. It’s difficult to imagine you any other way.”

Her gaze softened, as her five-fingered hands interlocked with my larger four-fingered hands “I know it sounds scary, Ru. But I want to be a part of this world and experience it alongside you. I’m still me, just… blue. I want to explore Pandora and breathe the air without bulky equipment… I just feel so alien.”

Alien.

The word stung my heart as it tumbled from her lips, she was my (Y/N), and to think she saw herself like those true aliens that destroy my… no… our world is truly heart-wrenching, my eyes burning with unshed tears as she poured her heart out. 

I gazed down at our intertwined fingers, then back up at her, a conflicted smile tugging at my lips. “I can’t say I fully understand yet (Y/N). But you belong to Pandora whether you are Navi or not. Your soul is Navi and that is more than enough for our Great Mother”

Her smile deepened as she squeezed my hand in gratitude. “Thank you, Ru. This means so much to me. I know this is a lot, but trust me. I’ll still be (Y/N) in my heart.” She reassured me by bringing my palm to her chest, where her heart beats with unwavering resolve.

“Of course my dear. I care about you if this is what you wish. Then we’ll navigate this together.” I say, my tone resolute and full of determination. I watch as (Y/N) flushing at the term of endearment - a soft blush spreading over her cheeks -before a playful, toothy grin takes over her as she lands a teasing punch on my arm.

“Alright enough out of you, you overgrown fish,” She says dismissively but the bright flush of her cheeks betrays her words.

“Ok-ok! I’ll quit it… my dear~” I snicker, raising my arms in a mock-defensive stance as she delivers another playful hit, and I groan in amused exasperation.

… Back at Awa'atlu with Säyani, Arohi and Tsevi …

Säyani couldn’t help but notice Rukan venturing outside the reef again on his Ilu—something he had been doing for months. He would silently slip away, as if disappearing within the seafoam, and the nagging feeling tugging at her chest fueled her curiosity about where he went. She could only speculate what he was getting up to.

“Hey girls,” she called out, glancing at Arohi and Tsevi, floating on their backs, basking in the sun. Their heads lifted briefly to acknowledge her. “Do you ever wonder where Ru goes beyond the reef?”

“You aren’t his Mum, Säyani—who cares? What, you sweet on him?” Arohi teased, her eyes closed as she soaked in the Sun’s rays.

Tsevi’s eyes narrowed as she watched the horizon. “Oh, this is ridiculous. What’s he even doing out there?” She huffed, swinging onto her Ilu. “No point in guessing. Let’s find out.”

“Yeah, that's a good idea, Tsevi. Let’s just check on him. I just want to make sure he's not up to no good,” Säyani agreed, yipping for her Ilu.

“Aww… but I wanna keep sunbathing,” groaned Arohi, squinting at them with one eye and shielding her face with her hand.

Tsevi huffed in annoyance as she turned around, her back facing Arohi. “Fine by us. You can stay here while Säyani and I go,” she called over her shoulder before jetting off to the open ocean, leaving a trail of sea spray behind her.

“NO! Wait up, guys!” Arohi floundered as she climbed onto her Ilu and raced after them.

Later, Arohi, Tsevi, and Säyani approached a dense tangle of mangrove roots. Their Ilu’s glided effortlessly through the water as they nestled themselves out of sight, keeping a safe distance. Their eyes settled on Rukan, who spoke to someone on the shore.

Tsevi squinted her mouth slightly agape. “Is that... a human?” she muttered under her breath, incredulous.

Säyani narrowed her eyes, her gaze drifting to a smaller form beside Rukan. “I thought humans were far out in Southern waters?... Why are they so close to Awa'atlu?” she murmured.

Arohi, always the more observant of the group, whispered, “It doesn't feel right. That one doesn't look like the demon soldiers we've heard about. They’re... different. Not like the stories.”

Tsevi frowned, her gaze flickering between Rukan and the stranger. “A human,” she muttered. “I just... I don’t get it. After everything? After what they did to the Tulkun?” She shook her head, the words catching in her throat.

Säyani exhaled slowly. “Rukan wouldn’t be reckless about this. Would he?”

Arohi hesitated before speaking. “What if this one is different?” She glanced at her friends. “What if we’ve been wrong?”

Tsevi inhaled sharply. “We can’t afford to be wrong.”

A tense stillness settled over the group as they tried to process the seriousness of the matter. Then, Tsevi’s voice cut through the silence, low and sharp with determination. “I’m telling Tonowari. This can’t go on.”

Säyani moved to interject but hesitated, her gaze lingering on Rukan and the human. Turmoil coiled in her chest as she took a deep breath, realizing they might have stumbled into something that would change their lives forever.

Enjoy the next chapter in my Masterlist! & join the taglist

Taglist! @stag-symbolism @camiicazi @shadyd3ar @cocopuffff @etexin @nanaluvs-me @misplacedvibes @annoyingasexual @royaltysuite @lovemiss-vale @heyitsaliii @lunagala23 @darktrashpoetry @mojo-jojo-1 @samlove391 @ravenswife @ellizzen @nifujiswhore @gingersnap126126 @luckeclover @xwackk@sparks0918

[madychi]

Just some doodles of Sonic from my L0st.BAT exe au

[bluiela]

E/riels acting like Rhysand "sacrificed and tortured for 50 years just to keep his family safe" Archeron wouldn't stand up and support his brother Azriel with ANY person who would be his true love.

Rhys LOVES his family. He WANTS THE BEST FOR THEM. Rhys clearly saw it for what it was. Maas made his favorite "can do no wrong" boy reject them.

And Azriel "chain me to a tree and I'll fly with it on my damned back" Berdara actually listened to Rhys once just shows his surface level feelings for Elain.

Like at this point she just spelled it out for us.

[reenvhai]

Aloy taking not the slightest crap✨ - Part 1 of ?

[camelspit]

you know that one post that’s like “my roommate had to take a long shower to determine whether he was gay or not half an hour before we had to leave for an event. he wasn’t even gay. fucking waste of my time”

that’s so keefe to me. i think he is bi but i think he would take the long gay introspection shower and come out thinking he is straight

keefe does this during lodestar when hes with the neverseen 🙏fintan, alvar, etc. waiting to go on an evil mission or whatever but keefe wont hurry up the introspective gay shower

[mistress-light]

Horizon Forbidden West PC • (dev Guerrilla Games)

[robo-dino-puppy]

horizon forbidden west | crab

[skeletondeerart]

Sacred Waters, Sacred Hearts Chapter 8

A Male OC! Metkayina x Fem Human! Reader | Word Count: 2160 words

Masterlist & join the taglist

A/N: Both Rukan and reader are in their mid 20's | ALSO sorry I fell of the face of the planet for like a month... life is busy. ANYway, time for the Rukan and the reader to reunite!!! Some exciting stuff this chapter :)

" " = direct speech | ' ' = Metkayina sign language | Bold = English

POV (Y/N)

The lab lights bathed everything in a pale, sterile light. I followed closely behind Norm, who was in his human body, as he took me into the room housing the avatar tanks. My eyes flitted over Grace’s avatar suspended in the solution with a melancholic gaze. Yet on this occasion, I wasn’t here to voice my respects… I was here to view my avatar for the first time.

Norm gestures to the final tank in the room, multiple monitors were set up to display the avatar’s vital signs - temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure all of which were shown in green text so I knew everything was going smoothly. I tentatively approach, my reflection bouncing off the curved glass of the cylindrical tank. I stepped closer, my heart thudding against my ribs as I peered into the solution. There, floating in the gentle currents, was her, or me I guess - the infant form of my Metkayina avatar. 

Her tiny form bore a broad chest and long limbs with wide forearm fins built for the harsh waters of Pandora. The solution nudged her slightly as her face lulled to face me, the resemblance was uncanny, she had my face shape, the same lips even the same lashes and some faint eyebrows… it was starting to feel real. Her rippling markings were slowly emerging, they were faint right now but I knew they would gain their colour as she grew. She was beautiful, my eyes became misty as I watched her ebb with the gentle push and pull of the solution. All I ever wanted was to reach my hand into the tank and caress the short inky strands sprouting from her scalp.

Her chest fluttered with practising ‘breaths’ as the umbilical cord pulsed with life, her small webbed fingers twitched slightly like she was dreaming. I pressed my hand against the glass, not caring if I left handprints on the pristine glass, my fingers splaying out as if I could somehow reach her… cradle her in my arms… bond with her. She was so small, so fragile, yet so full of potential. My throat tightened as the weight of it hit me - this was my future, I could bond with Pandora as Eywa intended. I couldn't help but dream of the day I would swim with her… as her. But right now, she was just a delicate promise suspended in a tank, waiting for her to take her first breath, first dive… and I will be ready for her when that time comes.

I’m pulled from my stupor by Norm’s gentle voice. “Beautiful isn’t she, not a single complication. She's growing strong and healthy. I can see your features in her already.” he stated with a warm accomplished smile. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure she's developing correctly. Her lungs are on track, her fins are enlarging daily, and her tail is beginning to develop its paddle. Vital signs are steady. She’s one healthy baby girl!” Norm proudly rattles off the diagnostics from his tablet. His excitement is infectious. I grin, unable to take my eyes off her. Eighteen months to go… I think, mentally counting down the days. 

POV Rukan

The waves lapped at my feet as I carved another tally mark into a shell with my knife. Three weeks have passed since (Y/N) was taken for treatment and I began to grow restless. The days seem to drag on longer now that she’s gone, weeks stretching into the next with the same endless monotony. I’m staring out in the direction of the Omaticaya Clan more often than I’d like to admit, my gaze always drawn to the horizon where the forest meets the beach. Somewhere out there (Y/N) is recovering, but every moment without her feels like I’m desperately swimming to the surface trying to catch my breath, just waiting for her to return.

I can still hear her laugh - soft and genuine. She made everything feel… lighter, she could make any boring task the most fun I’ve ever had. Without her, the ocean feels quieter. Even Säyani’s presence, usually so overwhelming, can’t fill the space she left behind in my mind.

I shake my head pushing my damp fringe from my eyes. I was frustrated with myself. I’m being foolish. She’s only been gone three weeks. But the time apart has made me realise how much I’ve come to rely on her steady presence.

Yet all I can do is wait, watch the tides roll in and out, and hope that Eywa brings her back to me soon.

“Ru! Come out with us!” My ears prick up at Säyani’s voice ringing out. I sigh as I sheathe my knife pushing myself to stand with a groan, my feet tingle after sitting cross-legged for an hour now just reminiscing.

“Coming,” I say unenthusiastically as I pick up a light jog to meet with her little group of girls. I could tell they were trying to impress me. It didn't feel genuine. I flash a polite smile, unconvinced as Säyani eagerly took my hand into her own and dragged us over to a pod of Ilu. I bond with one and we all set out deeper into the reef. The girls do tricks and show off, seawater cascading around them elegantly as they breach the surface. I can’t help but have some fun as I urge my Ilu to leap into the air and splash causing a wave to wash over the girls. My chest rumbles with laughter as I watch them cry in surprise tumbling off their Ilu’s in a flurry of limbs. 

"Rukan!" Arohi squeals, her voice light with amusement. She’s already half-submerged, her legs sticking awkwardly above the water. Her short ponytail floats behind her, and a playful smile dances on her lips. Her pale markings crease with joy.

"Rukaann!" Tsevi yells, her voice high-pitched with mock annoyance. Her thigh-length goddess braids are tangled from the tumble, she glares at me with her piercing pale eyes contrasting greatly against her rich markings. She scowls, but I can see the glimmer of competition in her, eager to get me back.

"I hate you, Ru!" Säyani exclaims, her headpiece askew, shooting me an exaggerated pout. She swims up to me, her movements sharp with determination as she throws a half-hearted punch toward my shoulder. As it connects, I laugh it off. Her arms flail in the water as she splashes me back, grinning despite herself. “Alright girls, let's head off” She huffed “Ru is being a pain anyways-” She ordered as the girls rolled their eyes and swam down the reef wall with Säyani. My gaze soon drifted across the ocean towards (Y/N)’s mauri and I couldn’t help but urge my Ilu forward as if drawn in by a siren’s call.  

The familiar waters gave way to the beach where her mauri resided. I expected it to still be in ruin but was taken back to see a shiny new pod standing on the shore and the debris cleared. It was like nothing ever happened, I went up to investigate only to see tawtute boot print marks in the wet sand and I hummed in curiosity. They were here recently. I crouched down tracing the strange prints before the clattering of helicopter blades abruptly pulled me from my thoughts. I dove off the pier into the waves in a mindless panic. My teal skin blended seamlessly into the waters as I hid in the corals. My eyes widen as I watch the helicopter land with a thud. But to my surprise, a familiar face steps down onto the sandy shore, she brushes stray hairs from her mask as she turns to stare at the ocean.

My breath caught in my throat as the figure turned around, allowing me to catch a glimpse of her features. The sun beat down, basking her in an ethereal glow. (Y/N). She had finally returned to me.

For a moment,  my body floated motionless as if I was paralysed. She looked like the girl I bid goodbye to just a few weeks ago, yet she seemed to hold herself in a new light - like she carried a newfound weight. My fingers clutched the coral as she took a slow, hesitant step forward, scanning the beach like she wasn’t sure she was welcome here after such a long time.

I should have rushed forward and called her name. But something held me back. I had spent so long imagining this moment, picturing the day she would return to me. Now that she was here, my chest tightened with something I couldn’t name.

Then, her gaze flickered to the water, her brows furrowing as she squinted through the water. My cover was blown as I stared at her through the water like a stunned mullet.

“Rukan?” she called, her voice cutting through the roar of the helicopter blades with an excited lilt.

I exhaled sharply as bubbles rose to the surface. Pushing off the coral, I swam toward her. The water dripped from my skin as I pulled myself onto the shore, furiously racking my fingers through my curls trying desperately to make myself more presentable. My teal fingers sink into the damp sand as I push myself to stand before her. 

(Y/N) stood there, hands on her hips, a lopsided grin tugging at her lips. For a moment, neither of us spoke. My mouth opened, yet no words came out.

The silence shattered as she spoke with a grin. “You should see your face right now Ru.”

I blink owlishly, my tail flicking behind me in embarrassment. “I-” I start trying to defend myself.

“I was gonna surprise you, you know,” she teased, crossing her arms. “But I guess you beat me to it… I didn’t expect to see you lurking here.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms with a pout. “I wasn’t lurking… I was just on patrol.” I stammered out trying to make a believable excuse for why I was out this far. 

“Oh, you liar.” She said jutting her hip out “You were snooping” she scolded, wagging her finger at me with a knowing grin. Rocking on her heels as she eyed me up and down. “Still my handsome boy, I see.”

Heat crept up my neck as I whipped my head around, astonished at her brazen words. flustered. I pretended to pick the sand from under my nails so I didn't have to look at her teasing grin. Soon we both fell silent as we listened to the lapping waves, the helicopter already far into the distance. 

After another beat of silence, I let out a drawn-out sigh. 

“You… came back,” I mumbled, looking at my feet. Unable to bear watching her crestfallen expression.

“Why wouldn’t I? I promised I’d come back.” She murmured concerned, I peered through my lashes as I watched her curl into herself, unsure where this conversation was going.

“I- uh I don’t know. I thought maybe you would like to be with the other tawtute more than being with me and would decide to stay… ah, don’t listen to me.” I stumble out trying to back out and make her forget about this conversation, I take a step back running my hand down my face angry at myself and how I openly expressed my baseless anxieties like that.

“Oh Ru…” she said softly, her teasing tone faded into something empathetic. “I’ll always come back for you… This is my home, the ocean… and you”

Something thick settled in my throat, an unspoken weight pressing between us as I raised my head to meet her eyes. I wanted to say something - anything - but all that came out was a strangled whimper.

“Why didn’t you tell me of your return?”

(Y/N) winced. “Well, I wanted to. But I had no way of contacting you remember? so I thought it’d be a nice surprise?” She gestured around vaguely trying to find the right words. “Didn’t think I’d nearly give you a heart attack, though.”

I huffed, shaking my head. “You are impossible.”

She grinned. “Yeah, but you missed me anyway.”

My ears flicked, and I tried to keep my face neutral, but the warmth in my chest betrayed me. “A little.”

“Just a little huh?” She laughed, almost stepping forward before hesitating like she wasn’t sure if she should hug me. I took matters into my own hands and strode up to her, embracing her tightly and lifting her to my chest. Her feet dangled but she couldn’t help but huff humorously wrapping her arms around my neck melting into me almost instantly.

“I really did miss you,” she mumbled into my chest.

I sighed, pressing my chin to the top of her head. “I know, me too.”

And just like that, the world felt right again. Just like Eywa intended.

Enjoy the next chapter in my Masterlist! & join the taglist

Taglist! @stag-symbolism @camiicazi @shadyd3ar @cocopuffff @etexin @nanaluvs-me @misplacedvibes @annoyingasexual @royaltysuite @lovemiss-vale @heyitsaliii @lunagala23 @darktrashpoetry @mojo-jojo-1 @samlove391 @ravenswife @ellizzen @nifujiswhore @gingersnap126126 @luckeclover

[queereads-bracket]

Queer Historical Fiction Book Bracket: Round 1A

Book summaries and submitted endorsements below:

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

Endorsement from submitter #1: "Lesbians. Drag kings. Sex workers. Socialism. What more do you want?"

Endorsement from submitter #2: "A classic of lesbian literature, there's not much else to say"

Nan King, an oyster girl, is captivated by the music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler, a male impersonator extraordinaire treading the boards in Canterbury. Through a friend at the box office, Nan manages to visit all her shows and finally meet her heroine. Soon after, she becomes Kitty's dresser and the two head for the bright lights of Leicester Square where they begin a glittering career as music-hall stars in an all-singing and dancing double act. At the same time, behind closed doors, they admit their attraction to each other and their affair begins.

Setting: Victorian England (1890s)

Historical fiction, late Victorian, turn-of-the-century, 1890s, adult

The Forbidden Visions of Lucius Galloway: An Arkham Horror Novel by Carrie Harris (Arkham Horror #25)

Endorsement from submitter: "Part of the Arkham Horror licensed fiction line (so, Cosmic Horror genre), Lucius Galloway is a Black queer man in the 1920s America, an academic who has to hide a huge part of his life vis a vis his "roommate," Rudi. A poet haunted by dreams of a drowned city, Lucius is trying to find answers -- and track down what's happening to Rudi's nightmares, as well. I really appreciate that Arkham Horror is giving more and more queer characters to play as, as well as queer storylines in their novels (and generally any characters in the games are first written into a novel!)"

An antediluvian tome holds the key to unlocking an otherworldly horror dreaming of Arkham’s fall.

When poet Lucius Galloway is offered a prestigious position translating a mysterious ancient text at Harvard University, he is thrust into an unimagined world of esoteric knowledge, mystical symbols and sanity-shattering nightmares. But Lucius has no idea that his visionary anthology, The Drowned City, has revealed him to be one of the eldritch-touched, and brought him to the attention of the mysterious Abdul Alhazred, whose schemes are even now ensnaring the unwitting scholar. Haunted by dreams of horrors lurking beneath the waves, Lucius must do everything in his power to solve the mystery at the heart of the translation before the hidden figures dogging his footsteps catch up to him and their ominous machinations transform the world forever.

Setting: 1920s New York and Boston

Historical fiction, horror, cosmic horror, 1920s, adult

[catylotlzart]

So close! You'll catch them someday Spyro!

(shoutout to breezeharbor for their refs!)

[matilda-jugs]

Elemental

[romanowork]

[redfoxstims]

Aloy Despite the Nora (Horizon Zero Dawn/Horizon Forbidden West) with nature and lesbian stims

🦊 / 🌸 / 🦊 / 🌸 / 🏹 / 🌸 / 🦊 / 🌸 / 🦊