#Forgotten Betrayal

[wickedzeevyln]

Blankets

I have grown wise enough to see what a fool I've beenlong after summer is gone I feel the cold gnawing at my skinyou are a quilt of the best things that I failed to seein a world of chaos you were a sweet anomaly you tucked me in while I tucked you away shelved and neglected forgotten and betrayedwhen winter finally came without you life hasn't been the same.

[artsyhamster]

Disease from within, called love

[taritoons]

A little tribute to the tiefling companions from the past 20+ years of D&D CRPGs.

Left to right:

Haer'Dalis (Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn; BioWare; 2000)

Valen Shadowbreath (Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark; BioWare; 2003)

Neeshka (Neverwinter Nights 2; Obsidian; 2006)

Karlach (Baldur's Gate 3; Larian; 2023)

Annah of the Shadows (Planescape: Torment; Black Isle; 1999)

Gannayev-of-Dreams (Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer; Obsidian; 2007)

4k 16:9 wallpaper under the cut.

[doli-nemae]

some Sam and Ran (who belongs to @clericnortke) during Mask of the Betrayer. Samira is my half-orc paladin and Ranerin'uit is my friend's drow bard. Ran is Kalach-cha, while Sam was knight-commander

[bleedingseeds]

Forget Mystra -- I've got a knife I've been sharpening for Kelemvor since NWN2:MotB.

His time better come, I swear. There aren't enough dead gods of the dead yet!

The fascist bastard.

[mythalism]

the more i brush up again on all of the lore on fen'harel the more convinced i am that there is far more to his entrapment in the prologue of dav than we know. it just does not make sense to spend 3 games building him up as a cunning, manipulative trickster, incapable of being trapped or outsmarted, always one step ahead of his enemies, capable of winning 4d mind chess, and then having him... get trapped. by some random. pushing... statues...... over..... theres just no way

[luck-of-the-drawings]

THE ORDER OF PALMS An order of holy folk that serve The Helm, working to create powerful Aasimar Paladins for the purpose of protecting any who hire their help. [BACKSTORY UNDER CUT]

One day, Gjör and her peers were lead by their mentor Opheria, to a mission far from their home. On the peak of that mountain village, they saw upon the horizon, the castle of their home go up in flames. Horrified and scared, the apprentices sought to follow their mentors guidance, and followed her lead into a small barn. It was there, that Opheria proceeded to slaughter each and everyone of the apprentices. It seemed she somehow had a hand in this sudden attack on the Order of Palms. Gjör D'annevual survived a sword through the 'heart', on account of a rare condition, that places her heart on the other side of her chest. When she finally managed to bring herself back home, the Order was insulted by her survival. She had so many better peers, why couldn't any of them have survived? This runt was seriously the only thing that survived Opherias wrath? It was better to just wash their hands clean of this. Thus the Order decided to banish Gjör from their ranks. She now travels the land in search of a purpose.

[fearyandear]

Not Who You’re Supposed To Be (Yandere! Revolutionary Servant POV x Captured Princess Y/N)

They took the nobles. Every last one. Most had tried desperately to escape. To blend in with the commoners, or to off themselves with dignity. Some slipped through, but in three days' time, the most important figures had been rounded up like hogs.

Ready to be slaughtered.

Among the first was the 12th princess. The attackers that burst to her room noted how calm she appeared, sitting on her chair with her favorite wine in hand. She'd given them a smile and told them they did a good job.

She was sent to the dungeons with the rest of her family.

Saber knew he shouldn't face her. What was done was done. She had served her purpose as his master, and now, he was free from her command. He was free.

And yet, he grimaced every time he passed the heavily guarded chambers to the underground. They beckoned him.

Only a day was left until the executions. They would be public and humiliating. The best show the country would ever get. And she would be a part of it.

He knew going down would be a mistake. He knew, as much as he denied it, that he'd regret it. That seeing her look at him after his betrayal... would be able to break him.

And still, that night, he ventured.

He used the guards' blindspots. This was a... private affair. He didn't want to explain this to the others. The dungeons creaked and wails prevailed. Heavy doors kept him from seeing their faces. But he had already memorized everyone's place, so he skipped to the end of a row. When he reached her cell, he was surprised by its stillness. Knowing her, she would have been one of the wailers. Her pampered lifestyle meant she'd get aches from the floor of her cell.

A thought targeted him, fast and quick.

What if she's sick? Already dead?

He fumbled with the lock, his initial fear was replaced with the anxiety to check. A swing of the door later, and his terror vanished.

She was standing, facing the outside on the small barred gutter with her head resting in her arms. She hummed as the door closed.

"Is that my little shadow?" She turned to look at him. She had expected him.

Knowing this made him feel conflicted.

Why wasn't she crying? Why did she look... content?

She wasn't being herself.

"You did it." She grinned. "You succeeded. I'm so proud of you!"

She came at him fast. He braced himself. Punches. Thrashing. A slap. Something would make contact, surely this would be her petty litte revenge but-

No.

An embrace.

It felt the same as others she had given him.

She hugged him completely, wholeheartedly nestled into his chest.

And she repeated herself.

"I'm so proud!"

He hated this outcome.

He pushed her. She stumbled but didn't fall.

"You... knew?"

"Of course!"

"How??"

She laughed. It was genuine and hearty, with a snort at the end.

"Saber... I've always known."

What the hell was she talking about.

"I... need you to explain."

She nodded. An explanation of everything was owed. A long one. She theatrically sat in the only bench available, and smoothed her dress.

"I am not a good person, Saber. You of all people know well my wickedness." She held a cheek with a hand. "I knew of the people suffering. I knew that I had the power to stop some of it. But... well, I'm lazy, Saber. I'm lazy and... It was easier not to. To believe that as the least favorite, I couldn't do a thing.... So I'd planned on living life quietly, sending prayers for the poor.

But then they gave me you."

She gazed at him. Met his eyes. They were warm and deep and welcoming. The same eyes as the day he had met her.

"You hated me. You hated everything about us, of course, but serving me especially... you directed it towards this foolish, stubborn princess. And you know what? I found you so admirable for that! You were a person who would change the world! And you'd make it so much better for everyone! So strong, so committed, so intelligent! Oh Saber! You're wonderful!"

Her grin brought him back to annoyance. There was an expression he finally recognized. The one he always felt was patronizing... but... perhaps it had never been. Her words...

Wait-

"So you knew about my plan to betray you? Did you recognize then... my disguise- those nights!"

His cheeks burned. The princess was hysterical.

"Saaabeeer, I knew, I knew! And I liked it. I always loved your touch, Saber. I was so happy too. You saved me from the anxiety of parties and people that I hate... I treasured those moments filled with passion..."

Both cheeks were in her hands now. Saber felt the need to explain himself.

"Those weren't supposed to happen... I had lost myself in the alcohol! I wouldn't have-"

"Oh. I know Saber. It's okay!" Her reassurance quieted him. "Your spite never went away. I'd never delude myself into thinking otherwise! You had a goal. It was just... the wine."

There was a pause. He couldn't look her in the eye.

The alcohol. He'd never drunk any, and... if she had known it was him, she may have been sober enough to know that too. But she was going along for him. He felt ashamed.

"I'm just a dumb princess."

He looked back up.

"I knew that's all I would be. But if I could help you... I thought, at least that'd be good for you. So, I played my part. I never paid attention in my classes. I let you do my homework for me. I made you memorize the secret passageways for dumb errands.... I blabbed about all the gossip I could gather at those stupid parties. And everything fell into place."

She shook a bit. He almost took a step towards her. He was getting distracted. Pieces were falling into place...

"You never once disappointed me. Or the people. You're a hero, Saber! You'll be legendary."

She got back up. He took a better look at her now. Her unkept hair. Her dress had torn and become dirty from sweeping the floor. Her eyes showed her lack of sleep, and the moon made her skin deathly.

But she was still the girl chained to him. She was still the girl with eyes that were glued to him, never out of malice but always out of love.

She had loved him.

She still loved him.

"Princess..."

"When will I be killed?"

His blood ran cold. Reality came flooding back..

"I heard the guards talking about an execution. But I never got the date... and it's been..." She looked to the wall. Three little notches had been made.

"Three days. When will the day be? How much longer will I have to stay here?"

Saber was back to feeling lost.

"I... I don't know."

He lied.

It would be tomorrow.

The princess crossed her arms. She blew out a breath like she always does when she's annoyed.

"Well, I hope it's soon. And I hope you can be the one to do it."

"Me?"

His voice almost cracked. Now she looked stunned.

"Of course you, you jerk! Don't tell me you weren't planning on doing me in yourself! With those eyes? With that built up grudge? I won't have it any other way! It has to be you!"

She got right up to his face. The usually warm eyes were cold. This was a demand. He hated when she did this.

But his usual defiance couldn't be mustered now for some reason...

He couldn't find any bite at all.

He felt his shoulders slump.

Killing her...

"Why are you so okay with this? Why did you let this happen?"

The flame of anger was welling up inside again.

"You could have stopped me. You could have- helped me! If I had known-"

She laughed again. "What do you mean? You hated me! You still hate me! Telling you I'm helping you would've only made you despise me more. Or it'd make you seem unreliable to the others on your side. We nobles are the enemy. Why would they trust in me?"

She shrugged.

"Theres no use in thinking about what could have been. What's done is done."

What's done is done.

"My fate would have been the same. For a better tomorrow with no future royal blood, we will all need to be killed."

No mercy was their rule.

Saber recalled the plan. The guillotine. The space made for the heads and bodies, each to be separated. And to be paraded around.

He couldn't help himself from reaching for her. Softly, he touched her neck.

"So, a beheading?" She had guessed.

It dawned on him how clever she actually was.

He had never noticed.

"Well," Her hand brushed over his. She held it firmly there and was back to meeting his eyes. "I'm glad you came to visit. And I hope you're getting everything you ever wanted."

How can she say such things without an ounce of malice?

He left her cell with her words in his heart. What is it that he wants? The moon was still high. The execution would be in the morning. Her place in line would be near the middle, with the lesser nobles.

She'd be surrounded by the people that mocked her. To die with those she hated.

The hand that touched her neck burned.

He could kill her now.

Surely that'd be preferable?

He imagined it. Squeezing her neck. Watching her eyes bulge. No longer would they smile.

He wanted to cut off his hand.

He can't.

He needed another plan.

He made his way to the servant quarters.

Tonight, he would be a villain.

~

(Doodles of this story found here!)

[downfalldestiny]

يا فؤادي رحم الله الهوى, كان صرحًا من خيال فهوى ❤️‍🩹 !.

[fantasyismyonlyrealescape]

Whumptober 2024: No. 29 - Forgotten

Title: Walking Away

Fandom: WWE (Professional Wrestling)

Characters: Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens (Past-Zowens)

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Word Count: 774

A/N: Welcome to another addition to Whumptober, Day 29. This one was fun to write, bouncing from Steen to Owens. It showed just a little bit of Kev's growth, and I liked digging into that. Cheers!

Summary: Kevin Steen had been forgotten once, left behind by the man who would become Kevin Owens. Kevin Owens would do whatever it took to not be forgotten by Sami.

Cross posted on AO3 under user wrestlinginjeans.

Kevin Owens knew what it felt like to be left behind, to be forgotten. When he had left behind Steen to become who he was today, he thought that by becoming something else, he would never have to feel forgotten again. He had made it to the WWE through blood, sweat, tears and skills. He had bulldozed through all barriers and people who stood in his way. He had even destroyed people that had stood by his side, who had thought they would be able to stand by his side forever. There had been one, one person who was like sunshine personified. One person who even Kevin believed that for a moment would be by his side forever no matter how much his touch burned. Kevin needed it, craved him but even that didn’t last. It couldn’t and Kevin had done what he had to do.

He thought that they were done, never to inhabit the same ring again, to breathe the same air. But they were intertwined, two sides to the same coin, two soulmates on the same path forward. But then their paths diverged once again. Sami, filled with visions of grandeur, had left Kevin behind for something more. Kevin couldn’t blame him; he had done the same to his partner so many times before. His light had long since abandoned him for a group of people that would snuff it out before molding the hopeful wrestler into something else entirely, a fallen angel.

Kevin, unable to watch the carnage that would ensue, moved off and joined his own attempt at escape in the Brawlin’ Brutes, a group that was united in a common goal. Kevin would destroy the Bloodline, but could he destroy him? He would destroy the Bloodline for what they had done to his sunlight, his purpose, his reason for being but he could never destroy Sami, not entirely. He had never been able to before and that was something that would never change.

Kevin Owens had gotten distracted, blinded by his light, if only for a moment and it had cost him. He had been so close to completing the pin 1…2…, so close to freeing himself and Sami of the nightmare that they spent every waking moment in, only to close their eyes and continue said nightmare. Kevin waited for the final slap of the ref’s hand as it met the mat, the bell signaling the end of the match and a victory for his team. When he knew that it would never come, that something had stopped it, he looked up and turned fiery eyes on the individual that had stood in his way to exoneration. The fire died in his eyes as he saw that Sami had been the one to stop him.

(Why? Why, Sami?)

 He had been this close, this close to freeing the both of them, to stopping whatever had been going on these past few years. Why had he stopped him?

Kevin stared into those hazel eyes that he should have known all too intimately, and he got his answer. Those eyes were not the ones that he had known, they were foreign to him now. Sami was no longer Sami. Sami was no longer his Sami. Kevin could weep at the sight. He had failed Sami. He would never be the same again.

In one moment, Kevin was staring into the eyes of a stranger and the next said stranger was hurdling towards him. Kevin welcomed it, ready to accept his fate. How poetic is it that his fate was to be fulfilled by the one man that he thought he was fated to be with forever. Kevin never the poet wished that he could articulate his thoughts into words, to weave them in a way that he knew they deserved. As Sami Zayn’s Helluva Kick connects with the side of his head, Kevin welcomes it like an old friend because that’s what it was, savoring the way the touch, even in violence, burned.

As the ref counts 1…2…3… three slaps of the mat close to his head, Kevin’s heart beats in time. His skin burns from where Sami is touching him, and he welcomes that too. Sami is off him all too soon and Kevin feels the crushing weight of loneliness and loss. But then, Sami is standing over him and his shadow is intoxicating, his gaze penetrating the very depths of Kevin’s soul and then he is gone, walking away from Kevin and to a future that Kevin had never had any business being a part of.

Kevin Owens knew then what it felt like to be forgotten.

[thyeternalhunger]

𝕾𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖚𝖎𝖘 𝖋𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖘 𝖒𝖊𝖎 𝖒𝖊 𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖆.

[allamericanb-tch]

taylor swift wrote all the young dudes, no one believed it was really her, and then she wrote the great war to prove them wrong. 

[umbrx]

Three days have passed since the birthday of once dear little brother. Such a shame to have missed it. Truly. ❝ Fufufu, maybe next year. ❞ Too bad dead men can't receive presents, even if said presents would send them back to their grave.

[groundbreakingdot872]

Ever think about the fact that Uther fell in love with a corpse?

That Catrina was dead, had already been dead for weeks, when the troll strutted into court wearing her face

And speaking of the origins of their plan- the troll had likely scavenged the estate of Tregor after the invasion minutes after the event, kicking bodies out the way on her instinctual hunt gold

Instead of finding anything valuable, which the bandits had already taken, she found pretty personal belongings, too lesser for a thief... and the lady that they belonged too.

Brutally murdered maybe, but intact enough to be recreated, and impersonated.

Finding her manservant’s body fallen nearby made the idea too easy to conceive, a "Jonas" in hand and the personal items of Catrina ruthlessly ripped away, the plan wealth beyond their imagining was already in motion

And then in the aftermath, of the whole horrid, gruesome, embarrassing affair, when the rumors had died down enough…

Uther must’ve gone quietly, in the early hours of the morning, to visit Catrina’s grave - the real Catrina

Laid flowers, and shed a few private tears over the woman he had never met, but had strong feelings for, perhaps love. Her physique and voice had enchanted him, in more ways than one, and temporarily given him a happy out from the sins of the past

Though it must've unsettled him, that he had fallen for the figment of a woman, not even a ghost, and pledged his entire Kingdom in a heartbeat over a pleasant if pitying face

Although I'm sure the irony, of beloveds coming back to the present, wearing marred faces with a masked intent for vengeance over ghosts of his evils, must have eluded him...

[soapcan18]

Here’s a chronological list of Kirby games no one asked for because I’m in a Kirby kick for some reason! I didn’t include spin-offs, also games that are remakes/remasters of each other are highlighted

1. Kirby’s Dream Land

2. Kirby’s Adventure

3. Kirby’s Dream Land 2

4. Kirby Super Star

5. Kirby’s Dream Land 3

6. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

7. Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

8. Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

9. Kirby: Canvas Curse

10. Kirby Squeak Squad

11. Kirby Super Star Ultra

12. Kirby’s Epic Yarn

13. Kirby Mass Attack

14. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland

15. Kirby: Triple Deluxe

16. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

17. Kirby: Planet Robobot

18. Kirby Star Allies

19. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

20. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe

[stars-and-clouds]

The slight, eye-crinkling smile Astarion does is seriously up there with Cullen’s side smile.