#Gil thinks it's a little bit funny too

[softquietsteadylove]

Idk if you'll do this but I've got this very very very silly request. I saw this video on my instagram, it's a man telling her wife that their child is crying because their child heared her Mom screaming and you know what it is! Everyone knows what's happening there😭😭😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Interrupted spice???😭😭🤣🤣

Maybe you could write in parent x teacher AU of Thenamesh with baby druig, thank you!!!!!

"Hey."

"Hey," Gil sighed as Thena came into the kitchen. Druig was in the living room drawing after a rather rough day at school. Gil had told her specifically that they should 'talk'.

"He seems fine with me," she began right away, obviously concerned about what would have caused such peculiar behaviour in her sweet boy. "Maybe a little sullen, but I can't find why that would be. And he won't say anything."

Gil sighed, setting down the spoon with which he had been stirring the pasta sauce. He blushed faintly, "well, he and Makkari decided that, uh, I'm not the best teacher in the world anymore. In fact, they don't even like me, right now."

"What?" Thena shook her head. They adored Gil! "Druig calls you Mister Dad."

"That still warms my heart," Gil chuckled, pulling Thena closer to him by the waist. She ran a hand over his chest, as if it could soothe whatever was troubling him. "But apparently...Druig is worried...about you."

"Me?" Thena frowned.

Gil gulped, trying to hurry himself along in what he was saying. "Well, yeah, he...he heard...something."

"What did he hear?"

Gil inhaled through his nose, leaning his head against hers and lowering his voice. "What do you think he heard, Angel?--in the middle of the night?"

"Hm?"

Gil pressed a kiss to her temple. "Apparently, he got up in the night and heard you 'crying'. He was worried I was...hurting you."

Thena quickly turned a shade of red similar to their dinner. "What?!"

Gil sighed, also embarrassed but not holding a candle in comparison to his partner at the moment. "I'm sorry, honey."

Thena groaned, pressing her face into Gil's sweater. This was exactly why she almost never initiated things if Druig was even home while Gil was staying the night. Half the time, they were both dead tired after getting Druig to bed anyway.

But of course the one time she had thought Druig would absolutely be sound asleep...

"You should talk to him," Gil suggested gently as he pulled Thena away from him.

She whimpered.

"I know," he sighed, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

"He's too young."

"You don't have to tell him everything if you're not ready," he continued to suggest a soft approach, letting Thena lean on him heavily in the wake of their terrible discovery. "But he has to know that you're not hurt, Thena. He's only gonna think up worse and worse things if he doesn't."

"You're right," she sighed, although she was still flushed quite brightly when she pulled away from him again. She rubbed her eyes with her fingers, "I don't want to talk to my baby about-"

"Personal space!"

Both adults pulled their heads up as Druig - poking his head around the corner - pointed his finger accusingly at them. More specifically, at Gilgamesh.

Thena sighed; this would not be avoidable any longer. She turned, scooping Druig up on her hip, "come with me, Darling."

Druig allowed it, although his lip was pouted out as far as possible. "You shouldn't kiss Mister Dad anymore."

"Darling," Thena began as she set him on a chair and knelt down in front of him. She hung her head, prepared for the most mortifying discussion of her life (thus far). "Did you hear...something scary?--last night?"

Druig shifted on the chair, visibly uncomfortable.

"What did you hear, Love?" Thena cooed, running her hand through his hair and then smoothing it down again.

"You sounded like you were cryin'," he mumbled, kicking his feet nervously as he recounted it. "I thought you were havin' a bad dream, but you said 'Gil'."

Thena tried not to let it show that this was a nightmare. "Yes, I was...I wasn't having a bad dream, Darling."

"Then what?"

What a terribly difficult question. Thena counted each of his little toes in his triceratops socks...his tricerasocks. "We were...playing."

"Playing?" Druig frowned.

"Sometimes grownups," Thena paused. She had resolved she didn't want to lie to Druig, but this wasn't necessarily a blatant lie. It was more of a partial truth--for her own sanity. "Sometimes grownups like to play together, too. Things only grownups can play, that is--after kids have gone to bed."

"Oh," Druig blinked. He clearly wasn't ready to just accept it, but he didn't quite have any sound arguments against it, either.

"I'm sorry that hearing it upset you, Darling," Thena leaned forward, kissing her little boy's forehead. "I thought you were asleep. You know I never want you to feel scared."

"I know," Druig conceded, picking at his little hoodie pocket. He looked up at her again, "so you weren't crying?"

"No, Darling, I wasn't," she assured as confidently as she could. She brushed his hair back from his eyes again. "You know that Gil would never, ever hurt me - or you - right?"

"Yeah," Druig mumbled as guilt settled over him. "I know."

"It's okay," Thena whispered, standing up slowly (listening to her knees crack as she did). She paused partway up, kissing Druig's hair again before lifting him off the chair. "Darling?"

"Hm?" he looked up at her from his safe spot of hanging onto the edge of her cardigan.

"Next time you experience something like this, I want you to tell me, okay?" she gave his head by her knee a pat. "Even if you feel nervous to tell me, I want to know when you're unsure of something."

"Okay, Mum," he nodded, looking into the kitchen again as he actively thought over what to do with this new information.

Thena bent over again to whisper, "I think Gil is a little worried that you're angry with him, Darling."

Druig looked down at his feet. He had been angry at him, and he had thought it was justified.

"Why don't you help him serve dinner? I'm sure that will make him feel better," she suggested, which sent Druig stomping into the kitchen to do just that. She sighed.

"Dinner!"

"Well hi!" Gil laughed at Druig's declaration of his presence. He lifted the boy up to 'help' stir the spaghetti. "You lookin' for this?"

"Let me help!"

Thena walked in, sitting down as Gil finished dishing out servings for them. Hers was too big, as was always the case when Gil was making dinner. Druig's was on a sectioned plate with some green beans and a little extra meat sauce to make sure he was getting his nutrients.

Gil met her eyes and she nodded, assuring him that it was handled. He bounced Druig on his hip before depositing him into his chair. "Man, I'm starved."

Druig looked up in the middle of shoving as much pasta as he could possibly fit in his mouth, mumbling something in the middle of it.

"Not with your mouth full, Darling," Thena frowned, as well as reached over to wipe the excess sauce off his cheeks.

Druig whined at her fussing over him. Once his mouth was clean and he had swallowed his food he tried again. "Is it 'cause you were playing last night?"

Gil looked at Thena, who stared down intently at her pasta, picking up tiny little bites of it at a time so she wouldn't have to look at him while he answered that. "Uh, I guess so."

"What do you play?"

"Hm," Gil chuckled, caught between trying to think of what to tell the curious boy across from him and enjoying his girlfriend's fluster. "Grownup stuff, buddy--but sh!"

Druig's eyes went wide at the universal sign for something being a secret.

"We can't really talk about it," Gil whispered to him, "it's against the rules."

"Okay," Druig whispered back, although even that was loud.

"Eat the beans," Thena gave him a little poke, more focused on watching her son's eating habits than eating herself.

Gil cleared his throat, nodding to her plate, "and you?"

Thena gave him a defiant expression before taking a somewhat larger bite.

Gil grinned to himself, "you need your energy, after all."

Druig slurped up his spaghetti, unaware of his mother giving her boyfriend a friendly little kick under the table.

[queers-gambit]

The Risk

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

prompt: after your wedding, you and Elrond embark on your honeymoon touring Middle-earth. your company is attacked on the road by Orcs. help comes from an old friend.

pairing: Elrond x shy!female!wife!reader

fandom masterlist: The Rings of Power

word count: 7.1k+

note: internet researched Elven wedding customs, i don't want to hear it. keep the Elrond requests coming.

warnings: pre events of TROP, the "shyness" more so conveys as inexperience, romance, little bit of fluff, Gil-galad is a girl's girl, and Elven weddings! also cursing! violence! angst! character injury! Orcs! blood! literal hurt and comfort! emotions are hard! abrupt but happy ending, not edited, wonky brain went wonky, and intentionally misspelled words to indicate accent.

You spent a year and a half planning your wedding.

Due to your status amongst the Elves and their court, it was declared the event of the century and the High King himself demanded it be planned to the highest of exquisite detail. Granted, you and Elrond were content to marry in a quicker fashion, leaving it between family, but Gil-galad loved a good party and who were you to refuse your King?

So, you spent about 18 months (on and off) in Lindon, going over details and specifics with Gil-galad while Elrond did the King's actual work. You're positive Elrond was content to escape the wedding planning and honestly, you didn't mind as much as you feared you would because the King was opinionated, decently funny, and decisive. He spared no expense. He encouraged you to branch away from your usual humble taste. He wanted the whole of Elvendom to come together to celebrate. He wanted this occasion to be...his.

You had no objections.

You were honestly relieved someone else wanted to plan such an extraordinary event for you - but were beyond you ready to be married! Several times in the last several months, Elrond actually offered to elope - run away to the Gray Havens and marry before your beloved grandfather, Elrond's old master, Círdan - but the King was putting so much effort into your wedding, you didn't accept. It was nice, though, how mutually anxious Elrond appeared to be to marry you, too.

However, the past three moons, you've been absolutely inconsolable. Your wedding was only days away, Elrond had traveled to Eregion for "business" months ago, and Círdan had yet to arrive! You felt overwhelming panic consume your very being, becoming slightly more irritable as you couldn't help but feel (wrongfully) abandoned - should it not of been for your best mate, fellow Elleth, Bôril. She held your emotions in check, posed as buffer between you and emotional ruin, and was the voice of reason when your rationality vanished.

"What if something happened?" You worried during one of your late night, last minute sessions. "How would we know? What if - while traveling - something went awry?"

Gil-galad sighed gently, "Herald Elrond was sent with some of my most trusted warriors."

"Elrond is warrior enough by himself," Bôril smirked, "you worry for nothing - "

"I am supposed to get married in a matter of days and neither my grandfather nor my intended can be found. I think I have plenty to worry over!" Gil-galad and Bôril shared a knowing look while you wiped your face clear of frustrating fear. "I am not accustomed to not knowing. It's this unknown, the lack of answers that pushes me towards insanity."

"Well," Bôril smirked, her eyes casted towards the hall, "fear no longer, sweet friend, all your answers approach."

In confusion, you turned in the seat you had been slumped in, seeing Elrond and Círdan heading down the hall towards the room you were gathered in. With a gasp, you leapt from your chair and rushed into the causeway towards your dearest loved ones. "Thank the Valar! Elrond!" You gasped first, flinging yourself into his arms; which coiled around you tightly and lifted you, his face burying in your neck. "My love - where were you? What happened - why the delay?" Your voice cracked as your whispered, "You said you'd be only 6 weeks, you were gone twice that! I was so worried!"

"I'm so sorry for worrying you, my star," he whispered back; breath hot in your ear. "I'll explain it all," he promised, lowering you back to your feet to pull back only to instantly take your cheeks in his hands. "I'm sorry it took so long, but I promise, it was for a good reason," he told you softly, thumbs sweeping over the apples of your cheeks; then glancing over pointedly at your grandfather.

"And you!" You scolded playfully. "We expected you weeks ago! Yet you sent no word!"

"We were delayed," Círdan smirked, approaching you as Elrond released his hold; confirming they were together this time. "C'mere, sweet one," he chuckled, bringing you in for a tight embrace. After releasing, he gently tapped the button of your nose, "I am here now, ready to help where I can."

"Oh, please," you chuckled, taking a half-step closer to your betrothed, "there's nothing left to be done, our generous King has planned it all for us. I'm just relieved you are both safe."

Elrond smiled and wrapped his arm around your waist, bringing you in to place a sweet peck on your cheek. "Come," your fiancé encouraged, and when you reentered the planning chambers, you realized others had followed you in.

Evidently, Elrond had gone to Eregion on "business", yes, but it was personal. He had gifted you a ring to symbolize your engagement; modest, silver, simple, gorgeous, and so perfectly "Elrond" - but he wasn't satisfied with it, apparently. As per Elven customs, the engagement rings would be exchanged at the ceremony for wedding bands, and Elrond was determined to give you something extravagant - to prove his adoration. So, he went to Eregion and forged with the Greatest of the Elven Smiths, Lord Celebrimbor, a wedding ring he thought suitable for your finger. Círdan met them to aid in the creation of this gorgeous ring Elrond crafted - insisting you couldn't see it until the ceremony. The trio also crafted Elrond a matching wedding ring that would only accentuate yours; another show of his devotion to you.

Hence their collective delay. Lord Celebrimbor arrived with them, greeting you with mirth; truly excited and honored to have been involved with your wedding band creation.

You were just relieved everyone finally safe and gathered in Lindon. That night, you laid in bed with Elrond; deflated by relief, just staring at him, hand on his cheek, caressing his flesh. "Next time, send word if you're to be late," you requested in a whisper.

"I'm sorry," he repeated, "we were so focused, purely driven by creating something that you'll have forever - we lost track of so much time."

"How many rings did you make?"

"Too many. Though, Celebrimbor will have now options to gift others."

You both snickered, sighing with contentment. Then you whispered, "I fear I might owe a few people an apology..."

"Why? What happened?"

"I was... Operating on a short fuse while worried about you. Might've gotten a little snappy."

"You were rude?" He gasped comically. "I didn't know you even knew how to be."

"Hush," you breathed, leaning closer, "I was worried."

"But I'm here now," he promised, hand to your neck encouraging you to kiss him.

After that, the days passed in a breeze, as if a collective sigh of relief had been heaved by all of Lindon.

And then, the morning of your wedding finally arrived and it was like chaos struck. You never knew, but apparently, outside the chambers you used to prepare in, Gil-galad had everyone rushing around to perfect final details; prepare food, set tables, water and arrange flowers, retrieve whatever was requested by other guests. However, you were none the wiser (as he intended), being fretted over by all types of Elves who were impassioned to make you and your day as flawless as possible.

The High King ensured Elrond was taken care of, the young Herald quiet and seemingly concentrated on his thoughts; lips moving without words, repeating his vows to himself silently. Before it could've been questioned, Círdan arrived with a velveteen jewelry box; appearing ready for the day's events, as if awake for hours.

"Here," Círdan smiled, shooing away the attendants so he could sit beside Elrond, "this is for you, my boy."

"My Lord?" Elrond questioned softly, accepting the gift.

"It's customary."

"What is?" He wondered, opening the lid and revealing a gorgeous, glimmering broach. "Lord Círdan - "

"It's custom for the bride's mother to gift her new son-in-law a gem to be worn as a boastful show of the joining of two families," the craftsman explained. "This... This sapphire belonged to my daughter, and now, I'd like you to have it."

"I don't think I could accept - "

"It is customary," Gil-galad stepped in, seeing the refusal ready on Elrond's tongue.

So, Elrond swallowed his nerves and nodded to Círdan, "Thank you, my Lord. This stone is... Beyond words, surely, only it's previous owner could rival it's beauty."

The tears were bright in Círdan's eyes the rest of the day.

Due to the lack of conventional family, the ceremony was kept between only the High King Gil-galad as officiant and Círdan as witness. The King had designated a private overlook for your ceremony, standing at the cliffside under the golden glow of the Great Tree with Elrond in fine velvet tunics; gorgeous sapphire glittering on his chest, keeping his father's cloak in place as his own special tribute. Just as the sky turned heavenly, sun in position to set, Círdan began to lead you down the pathway - towards your forever.

Elrond choked on air, tears slowly filling his eyes.

You were draped in the finest of silks, a thin veil covering your face; hair in long ringlets, pinned back from your face in an elegant updo. It was like the Light of Valinor itself was shining through you, nearly blinding Elrond with sheer bliss. It was almost as if time slowed, nearly stilling completely; as if your form was moving in slow motion. Even under the sheer veil, Elrond could see your grin and suddenly, he couldn't hear, see, smell, feel anything but your love and light.

With a gentle sniffle, Elrond glanced at Gil-galad, who was beaming with pride already; his own growing, which nobody realized was even possible. Upon approach, Elrond instantly met you at the base of the stone stairs; watching Círdan give a watery smile while hugging you sweetly. He pulled back, gently lifted the veil to flip over your head, and sighed while caressing both cheeks.

In Sindarin, he whispered, "They'd be so proud of the woman you've become... And the man you're marrying. Just as I am."

Now, Elrond choked on his emotion.

"Thank you for everything," you managed to whisper, your grandfather sighing gently before guiding your hand from his into Elrond's. He joined Gil-galad on the platform, both watching proudly as Elrond was at a loss for words - only able to look you up and down.

Finally, he breathed in Sindarin, "Gorgeous."

Before the Elven High King and under your grandfather's loving eye, you and Elrond exchanged vows during sunset. It was intimate and private, either of you slipping your engagement rings off as Círdan presented your wedding bands. You gasped when you saw the ring Elrond crafted for the first time, looking at him with wide eyes, voice gentle as you asked, "You made this?"

"I did."

"For... Me?"

Elrond smiled, "Of course. A wife as beautiful as you deserves a ring that could only strive to embody your shine."

"Don't make me scold you for being so cheesy on our wedding day, my love, please," you giggled, Elrond chuckling while he took your hand to splay before him. He slid the ring onto your index finger, allowing you to do the same with his matching band. Neither of you were able to contain your glee when Gil-galad pronounced you officially as man and wife - Elrond all but lunging forward to hold your cheeks, swooping in to sear your lips with his kiss. You were just as excited, holding onto his biceps to keep him close; feeling warmth swell and burst in your chest as you realized... You were finally married.

After, at the feast Gil-galad had planned, the whole of Lindon was decorated and celebrating your union; hosts of food on long banquet tables, live bands entertaining the crowds, lanterns and candles glowing, conversation turning boisterous as Elves indulged on the castes of wine gifted or collected by the King.

Who, if you were wondering, was hosting the entire affair and having a splendid time as Bôril danced with Camnir - seemingly to Vorohil's chagrin, which Elrond pointed out to you first.

You were just happy to bask in your husband's glory; unable to believe he was yours, that you get to spend your life with him, that you were bound together. He seemed... Youthful in this setting; a young lad that was forced to grow up too quickly, finally able to appreciate the attention directed at him while gracefully accepting words of congratulations everywhere he turned. It was so simple, something decently mundane, but you found it impressive; the way Elrond could accept conversation from just anyone.

It simply intimidated you; content with your written letters and accounts, never truly needing to interact with people on this level. You were better, not quite as shy as before, but old habits die hard and overcoming social anxiety was a lifelong profession. Speaking of, your anxiety spiked from the sheer number of attendants, but Elrond was both sword and shield - intercepting people left and right, saving you from any "on the spot" moments.

The party went deep into the night, and while it was a fun time - complete with Bôril challenging the High King to a silly drinking game, Celebrimbor teaching the steps to an old dance, and Vorohil getting shot down by several Elleths - you were beyond exhausted. Perhaps you didn't hide it as well as you thought because Elrond slid into his empty seat and instantly leaned into your ear to ask, "All right, love?"

"Hmm? Yeah, 'course," you answered, setting the glass of First Age wine (a gift from Celebrimbor) aside to focus on him. Gently caressing his chin, you asked, "You all right?"

"Perfect, actually, just look at my wife," he mused, "though, you look tired, my star."

You hummed, "Can't fool you, can I?"

"It's my job now," he chuckled, letting you lean in gleefully to peck his lips. "How about we slip away? Hm?" He whispered softly, glancing around dramatically - like he was conducting a secret mission.

"Yes, please," you hissed, both snickering lightly. Like a couple of randy youths, you stood with the gifted First Age bottle, hands tangled together, 'sneaking' away to your rooms; thinking you were pulling it off, being so sneaky.

"Oh, bless their hearts, look. Look! I love those idiots," Bôril giggled to the King, "they're so obvious! Look at them go!"

"They're in loooove," Gil-galad teased, refilling his goblet.

"Guess they just can't wait to consummate their marriage, huh? Good for Elrond," Camnir snickered, freezing when Círdan's blank stare registered. "I-I'm so sorry, my Lord, I did not - I misspoke - I didn't think you, uh... I'm sorry."

Círdan just groaned lightly, his friend, Lord Celebrimbor, leaning over to top off his glass and encourage it closer to him; patting his shoulder in sympathy. Bôril and Gil-galad truly tried to hold back, but the scene was truly comical to witness and the two laughed so hard, they ended up leaning on each other and slumping in their chairs.

The party continued without you and Elrond, but it's safe to say, you were engaged in a party of your own.

"You've been quiet, love," you noted softly, one hand held tightly by Elrond's, the other holding your horse's reins; walking to give them a break on this leg of the journey. For weeks, you've been on the road together, touring Middle-earth as part of your honeymoon.

Never having been anywhere other than the Gray Havens and Lindon, you were like a new born fawn in the wilderness - but it was exhilarating to travel.

"Hmm?"

"You're pensive," you amended.

"I am simply in thought, my star, nothing of concern," Elrond assured.

"You're sullen."

"I don't mean to be," he sighed.

"What's troubling you?"

Elrond was quiet for a long moment, stepping carefully as neither of you noticed thick, dark clouds beginning to fill the sky. Finally, he admitted quietly, "We are not far from Khazad-dûm."

You hummed in understanding, then pondered while stepping around overgrown tree roots, "Remind me why we did not extend Prince Durin a wedding invitation?"

"We did," Elrond informed, sighing deeply, "he just... Did not respond..."

"That does not sound like him, based on your account."

"No, it was truly... Odd," Elrond admitted, "perhaps being why I feel strange being close to his kingdom now."

"Do you wish to visit?"

"We don't have the time - "

"We can make time, Elrond," you insisted, squeezing his hand with a grin. "And as far as anyone is concerned, the great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm is part of Middle-earth, and therefor, part of our tour. I'd like to meet your friend, my sweet. Now, which direction?"

"We don't have time, starlight, we are expected by Lord - "

But Elrond came to a sudden halt, pulling you into his side as both your horses stamped and whinnied loudly; tossing their heads and snorting, the whites of the eyes flashing as ears flattened as they suddenly stopped in place. You flinched into your husband's side, the horses restless, guards circling around the pair of you quickly. Darkness descended.

"What is it?" You asked in concerned confusion.

"Something is amiss," Elrond rushed, looking confused and concentrated. "I-I do not know what, but the shadow has stretched. C'mere, mount up, my love, quickly, please."

"My Lord," Vorohil, one of your guards and a friend to your husband, directed his horse between yours while Elrond ensured you were safely seated, "there's a darkness to the path ahead, the horses - they are refusing to go forward. It grows darker, my Lord."

You had to reseat yourself as Elrond mounted; the horses backing away as there sounded a ghostly moan from the woods surrounding you.

"This darkness?" Elrond repeated, "Where did it come from? 'Tis midday - "

"Look around us!" Vorohil barked, Elrond sending him a sharp look before looking up - realizing there seemed to be a sort of dark cloud covering the sun, your path, and the woods surrounding you.

You gasped when there came a sudden, horrendous, guttural screech in an echo, making it impossible to locate the origin; and suddenly, a force bodied into your side. It knocked you from your horse, but due to the sudden nature of the attack, also took your beast down with you.

You were lucky your leg didn't shatter on impact.

You heard Elrond scream your name; body hitting the dirt and rolling a few feet before being halting by a boulder. Your sight cleared, evened out, gasping again and shoving yourself against the jagged rock in an attempt to create distance when you saw the horrid, gangly creature made of pure, tangible darkness - pure evil - muddy and growling while surging towards you with gnashing teeth.

A sword decapitated the creature before it could reach you, making you flinch at the show of violence. Your name was spoken in a rush, but you couldn't comprehend hearing words yet; staring at the dead creature, twitching from the severed nervous system at your feet - spewing black blood. Your eyes caught sight of it splattered up your skirt.

Boots hit the ground, a pair of hands caressing both your cheeks and making you gasp in panic. But Elrond's worried face was in front of yours, speaking soothingly in Sindarin, "Easy, easy, be calm, it's me, my love, it's just me. I'm so sorry, but we have to go - now, my love, please, get up for me, come with me - "

"My Lord!"

"Elrond!"

Elrond was forced to stand over you and use his bloody blade to defend you both; choking back tears as you realized this was an ambush by Orcs, creatures of pure hate; something Middle-earth thought extinct after not having been seen in an age. And you were defenseless.

"NO!" You gasped when a hand came around your throat, hoisting back into the boulder; holding you in place as two Orcs ravaged your body for anything of value they could've taken. When they tried taking your wedding ring, you fought back harder - struggling in their putrid arms, sobbing, trying to stave them off. "ELROND!" You begged, gagging when the hand around your throat constricted to close your airway.

"Just cut the bloody thing off!"

You whimpered when you were overpowered, hand flattened to the rock forcefully; fingers spread, the Orcs snarling as a dagger was brandished and stabbed directly into the boulder through your pointer finger.

"Y/N!" Vorohil was heard struggling, your cries muffled from the lack of air and tight hand. The gem-glittering belt you wore was yanked from your waist just as the Orc holding you hostage was ripped away, making the other react by stabbing your lung with his dagger between your ribs.

After Elrond killed the first Orc, he instantly engaged the second; only Vorohil catching sight of you freezing before slowly collapsing against the boulder and sliding down it. He noted the smear of blood you left on the rock before the blade protruding from your ribcage.

You were in shock. The pain was insurmountable, yet you felt nothing at the same time. Numb. Confused. Overwhelmed. Paralyzed.

The fighting lasted several long minutes after that, your dress now properly saturated as you knew enough survival skills to not pull the blade free of an injury; it acted as a plug to keep the blood from pouring OUT of your body. You were left on the ground, slumped, weakly holding your wound and feeling unable to react when an Orc leered closer to you.

Elrond's blade emerged from the Orc's chest and was yanked free, the body dropping to reveal your husband; bloodied, panting, caught off guard, but obviously fairing well enough. He was in the heat of the moment, battle turning his blood hot, eyes catching something glittering in the mud and only thinking how out of place it looked. When he blinked, Elrond realized it was your wedding ring - complete with your severed finger still in it.

Elrond snatched the digit from the mud, eyes raking over you, needing to do a double look when he realized the extent of your injuries. Your finger was lost but your ring was secured in your husband's belt.

"No," he whimpered, rushing forward and dropping his sword to take hold of your cheek; blood gently leaking from your nose at a slow but steady pace. "No, no, no, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, stay with me, stay awake for me," he begged, sniffling emotion as his other hand laid over yours around the dagger's handle, "just let me see, let me see the damage, my love, c'mon, I've got you. I need to see to help."

You were too weak to fight him anyways, letting his muddy hand pry yours away to reveal the weeping wound. His eyes widened, nodding as he assessed the situation; wanting to get you out of here, but the Orcs weren't yet vanquished.

In fact, Elrond was tackled off you by another Orc, crying out when the momentum yanked the dagger free. Ironic timing, perhaps, because an injured Orc was clawing at your legs; biting at your flesh; making you grit your teeth, pick up the dagger, and drive it into the Orc's eye. You were relieved when the creature stopped moving; adrenaline instantly draining and making you slump back once more.

You didn't notice when the Orcs were fully killed off until Elrond was propping you up again, sprayed in blood and mud, tears in his warm brown eyes. "No, my starlight, no, you have to stay awake, you must," he reminded, getting one arm around you, the other first laying to your openly bleeding wound, then shoving the dead Orc off your legs. Elrond cursed in Sindarin when he noted the bite marks, how dirty nails left deep streaks after clawing up your body. "Please, stay awake," he hissed, cradling you into his chest before calling out, "Vorohil!"

"My Lord!"

"We need to get her to a healer - where? Where?" He begged, sniffling as you were shifted into his arms and lifted; few surviving horses being wrangled in.

"I don't - I don't know - "

"You are the cartographer!" Elrond snapped, "Tell me where to take her, where are we closest - !?"

"My Lord," Vorohil sighed, "t-the closest civilization to these parts is-is Khazad-dûm - "

"Hurry!" He barked, situating you sideways on his horse before swiftly mounting; settling you into his chest with a secure hold. The others were left in the dirt as Elrond spurred his steed onward, knowing the way to the Great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm.

Upon arriving at the gates, he was a frenzied mess. Elrond doesn't even remember the procession of events; he just knows his men showed up at his flank, he was holding your limp body, begging for aid, and someway, somehow, was then lead into the Kingdom's healing quarters.

"Elrond?" A voice questioned softly, a few nurses and healers checking over the remaining company as you were laid on a surgical table. "Is tha'... You?"

He looked over, eyes void, dead, still splattered in the blood and grime of his enemies. "Durin," Elrond whispered.

"What happened?" The Dwarf Prince asked carefully, taking a slow step forward.

"We... We were..." Elrond looked back at you, hating how many healers surrounded you, "We were attacked - just less than a league from here."

"I see. Who... Who attacked you?"

"A pack of Orcs," he whispered, stumbling back into a wall as his breathing turned ragged, "while we were on the road."

"She's not breathing!" It was announced, Elrond sliding to the floor as horror struck his face. Panic seized his heart, short circuited his brain.

"Elrond?" Durin worried, Disa rushing into the room after him. "Hey? Can yah hear me?" The ginger asked, hand to Elrond's shoulder. "Elrond? Elrond, can yah - "

"I need help! Hold here! She's bleeding!"

"I can't see the wound - cut the corset!"

" - the finger's been lost - "

"She's got bruising on her neck, help me save her windpipe!"

Elrond's breathing became erratic, knees pulling into his chest as his men stood firm in support. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, Durin asking his name again, then, "Who is she?"

"M-My wife - she's my wife, Durin, she's my wife - "

"Okay, okay, okay," Durin comforted, kneeling to the ground at Elrond's side; keeping themselves separate as Disa neared them slowly. Durin shot her a look, silently saying 'close enough', and she stopped - heart aching for the devastation on the Elf's face.

"What's this? An Elf!?" Another Dwarf was heard barking.

"We do not deny aid!" A different Healer Dwarf barked, quickly shedding your dress and revealing your wounds to the room; making a few avert their eyes and hiss as ebony poison had taken to the veins around the wound.

"Do what needs done!" Durin barked, "To save her life! Use any means necessary!"

"You heard your Prince!"

"C'mon," Disa encouraged the Elves, "we should let the Healers work, we do not want to get in their way."

"Is there... Somewhere we can wait, nearby?" Vorohil asked nervously, glancing at you, who was being fussed over as blood splattered onto the ground; wound raging, blood covering your side as they seemed to aggravate the wound in order to clean it of the infection. "What if they need us?" Vorohil whispered.

"We have somewhere close-by for yah's," Disa assured. "Durin?" She asked, "Perhaps Elrond would like t'wait with us?"

"We'll be along," he agreed, knowing Elrond was like a rock in that moment. Disa lead the others away, leaving Durin to sigh and take a seat beside Elrond; just watching the Healers at work. "So, uh, how long yeh been married?"

"We... We sent you, um, a, uh..."

"Oh, right, yeah, yeah, of course. So... Only a couple months, then?"

"Seems like no time at all."

Durin chuckled, "Nah, two months in? You's two are still in that blissful state."

"And when it ends?"

"Oh, yeh'll see, married life becomes all yah know." Durin sighed, hating himself but needing to ask, "What happened to her, Elrond?"

The Elf shook his head, the tears never ending; suffocating him. "The horses," he managed to choke out.

"What of 'em?"

Elrond gulped. "They picked up on it first - that's what I noticed. They didn't want to go down the path, then this sort of darkness came... It was quick... It happened so quick, Durin, I did not - I did not see nor hear them. We were unprepared."

"What else?" Durin was unusually soft.

Elrond shook his head, "I got her on her horse, something didn't feel right. I thought - I just thought to get her out of there, get to safety - you know?"

"Just in case?"

"Yes. But the darkness - it brought them, let them move in the daylight. They tackled her from her horse - I tried to get to her. I swear, Durin, I tried, but it was all so fast - I didn't even see her get hurt. I just found her like that, holding on. What kind of husband can't even defend his own wife? By the end... She was... She wasn't..."

Elrond melted into sobs, folding in on himself, Durin's frown deep and concerning. Despite his own feelings of malcontent towards his old friend, he reached out and let his arm wrap around Elrond's neck. This allowed the Elf to lean into the Dwarf's neck and absolutely lose his shit. Not like anyone heard him, though; the Healers all yelling over one another as they rushed around in an effort to pull the blackened poison from your body.

You don't remember much. Just pain.

Then you remember voices. They were all around you, yet hazy; like you were underwater.

You remember smells - like alcohol and disinfectant.

You remember warmth in your hand; a weight, a constant presence that you squeezed when you felt ready to open your eyes. The twilight had passed, you were awake, a soothing voice cooing and encouraging you back into reality. It was just hard to pull yourself out of the tarpit your mind was seemingly lost in.

Upon regaining consciousness, you were greeted by Elrond's tearful expression of relief. "My love," he spoke clearly, "can you hear me?" You nodded, trying to open your mouth, but he rushed, "No, no, do not - don't do that, don't try to talk. Save your strength, please. You're okay." You nodded again, watching his watery smile warble before dissolving into sobs. "I thought you wouldn't make it," he admitted through his emotional breakdown, hovering close to you if only to feel your warmth and be assured that blood still pumped freely through your body.

"I had reason to come back," you whispered, earning a stony look of reprimand before he sighed and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

"Here, I have something for you," Elrond sniffled, reaching for his belt, "and I cannot keep it any longer." Your brows furrowed when your husband retrieved a bright gem, quickly realizing it was your wedding ring. Elrond saw your confusion, lifting your hand to place the ring on your pointer finger - making you lift the other, finding it bandaged with only four fingers. Your head snapped towards Elrond, but he begged, "Please, just rest, my star, you've been through enough - "

"What happened?" You demanded in a gravely voice.

"Do not - "

"Tell me."

Elrond sighed and situated himself at your side, careful not to jostle your form. "Well, first... We are in the Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm." He descended into the tale of how you lost your ring and obtained further injury, then rushed to get help, being reunited with Prince Durin, and ending on how you've been asleep for 'too long'.

You croaked, "I'd like to thank our hosts..."

"That can wait until you've rested longer. You've been unconscious for days."

"Then I've rested enough."

"I almost lost you," Elrond growled, "you will not move, not until you are cleared to do so. And I have the best authority to ensure you follow the rules."

You chuckled, "Oh?"

Elrond went to answer, but frowned in a panic when you started coughing from the dry prickle in your mouth and throat; quickly fetching the cup of water from the side stand. "Easy, my star, here, carefully, carefully," he whispered, holding the back of your neck, helping you sit up only slightly as to not irritate your abdomen, and tip the cup to your mouth to fill it with cold, fresh water.

"How's our patient doin' today, Elrond?" A voice asked cheerfully, "I'm tellin' yah, I can feel it, she'll be awake in no time, real soon, and then you'll actually sleep - "

"You have not slept!?" You asked sharply, looking to Elrond and noting the contradiction to his flesh; how pale he appeared with dark circles under his eyes, cheeks sunken.

Yes, Elves didn't need sleep like humans or Dwarves, but still, they needed some - and it was evident Elrond had none.

The Dwarf gasped and whirled around to spy you awake and conscious on the stony bed they had layered with fluff, furs, and blankets for your comfort. She dropped the tray of nutrients to another table, looking like she wanted to rush you. "You're awake!" She squealed.

"Disa - "

"DURIN!" She bellowed, hiking up her skirts and rushing from the room, "SHE'S AWKAE! DURIN! DUUURIN!"

You couldn't help the laughter that burst forth, wincing when your side seared in pain - making you choke on air. Elrond muttered to himself in Sindarin, finding a wet cloth and approaching your injury, carefully lifting the thin sheet covering you and peeling the bandage off. You heard Elrond hiss between his teeth, you trying to glance at the mark - but your husband would not let you. "Just stay still, my love," he whispered, "this won't take long, but it might sting - "

You grunted and whimpered when Elrond began soaking your wound; the cold water feeling nice in the hot infection, but making you squirm from discomfort. "Elrond," you begged, hand slapping to his wrist, "please."

"I know, but it needs cleaned - it won't hurt forever, my love."

"Oi," the Dwarf, Disa, snapped as she reentered the room, "get away from there, Elrond, go, go, go, shoo, let me through."

"Disa - "

"No," She now scolded Elrond, pushing him to stand straight and take the cloth from him, "your only job is to be a husband, not Healer - that's my job. You stand over there, hold her hand, and - DURIN!" She suddenly shouted towards the door, where a ginger Dwarf revealed himself sheepishly.

"Oh," you breathed in interest, trying to sit up a little, "Prince Durin, what an honor - "

"Oh, no, no, you don't, lassie, you lay back - just lay back."

"Listen to Disa, starlight," Elrond worried, both their hands reaching out to try to gently encourage you back down.

"It's customary to greet royalty on your feet - "

"Not in yer state, dearie," Disa comforted softly, patting your shoulder; Elrond gently caressing the top of your head. "Just rest - Durin will come to you," She shot her husband a look, who slowly entered the room.

"I just - I want to thank you, Prince Durin," you stuttered, wincing as Disa started tending to your wound again. "For saving me - or saving us, so I hear."

"Ah," Durin cleared his throat, nodding with pursed lips, "'twas nothing, uh, my Lady, we just... Couldn't say no to the state of things."

"Still. Thank you," you breathed. "And for your friendship to Elrond, it's been - "

"Starlight," Elrond quietly discouraged you with a small head shake, looking just as uncomfortable as the ruddy-faced Dwarf.

"What? What's wrong?" You asked, but neither man could meet your eyes. So, you looked to Disa, "What did I say?"

"Oh, you said nothin', dearie; 's just two stubborn mules refusin' to speak of the boulder in the room," she tisked with a small smirk.

"Do you think this boulder has to do with your absence from our wedding? I must admit, I allowed myself to feel excited, thinking we'd finally meet; and was entirely saddened by your lack of attendance."

"I know, sweetling, me too," she assured with a sigh, "but their boulder is truly suffocatin' - prevents them from speakin'."

"Oh-hhhh," you hitched the word to exaggerate, both your husbands stunned into silence by the quickly casual conversation, "so, like most men?"

"Mhm," she hummed sassily. "Friends for decades, Durin even considers Elrond a brother - "

" - So does Elrond - "

" - And yet, the fools cannot bear t'speak few words t'mend the bond! Oh, it's absolutely pigheaded!"

"What exactly needs mending?" You pondered softly. "I thought..." You looked over to see Elrond's head bowed, both hands resting in your single one; looking ashamed. "Elrond?" You asked, squeezing his hand.

"It's nothin' of note anymore, my Lady," Durin stepped in, making your suspicion grow, "just... A little, uh..."

"Distance," Elrond supplied finally, lifting his head and nodding, "our tension stems from a matter of distance."

"Hm," you noted, turning to Disa - who was already offering you a tired, pointed look. "What do you know of this boulder?"

"Oh, aye, it's distance," she nodded, frowning, "some... 20 years of it? Or just about."

"Has it been only 20?" Elrond questioned softly, looking earnestly to his friend; who stiffly looked away, but you saw the cracks in the ginger's foundation.

"'Only'?" You repeated, Disa sending her husband a look. "Prince Durin, my Princess, you must forgive my husband - he can forget how... Long life is. 20 years is a mere blink to an Elf, but to the other races, Elrond, it's a lifetime."

"I did not mean to offend," Elrond told you.

"I know, love, but you speak to the wrong person - I am not the one who deserves to hear your apologies," you said, pointing at Durin with your wedding ring firmly in place.

Elrond agreed and turned to his friend, admitting, "I'm sorry for the offense I've caused. I did not realize so much time had passed." Durin scoffed, Disa growling his name. "Is there more I've done? I do not understand, I have missed my friend - "

"Missed!? Yah missed my weddin'!" Durin snarled in a shout, your head resting on the pillow under your head and deflating in pain as Disa worked to fix one of the stitches.

"You missed ours - "

"And the birth of my children! Two of 'em!" Durin tacked on. "You cannot barge into my mountain and demand I welcome you with open arms! You cannot claim that which you discarded! I did yah this favor because of the obvious threat to life, and I comforted you in the wake of yer wife's injury! I ignored my own woes and bygones because that was the decent thing t'do! I mean," he chuckled without humor, "even when yeh wrong me and refuse to even take ownership - accountability - for yer wrongdoings, I still comfort yah!"

"'Discarded'? 'Refuse to take'..." Elrond repeated, "Durin, I - "

"It's as yer wife said!" Durin growled, "20 years might be the blink of an eye to an Elf... But I've lived an entire life in that time!" Emotion caked Durin's tone. "A life you missed! So, yeah, yeh know what? We missed yer weddin', yeah... But you've missed the past 20 years..." There came an awkward sort of silence, the group stewing in their tension. The Dwarven Prince scoffed a couple times as Elrond processed his words, asking with attitude, "So what do yah have t'say to that... 'Friend'?"

You smirked gently as Elrond did not respond, instead slowly approaching his friend as if a skittish, injured deer. Slowly, in a fluid movement, Elrond laid his hand to Durin's shoulder, squeezing as he spoke with sincerity, "Congratulations." Disa laid her hand in your bandaged one, both smiling as she paused her cleaning session to watch and listen. "On your wife, your children," Elrond elaborated. He slowly retracted his hand, "And thank you for your help, the aid that saved my wife's life. Thank you for comforting me, too; I hope you can come to forgive me."

You cleared your throat, the two turning to find their wives watching them smugly. "I think you might owe someone else an apology, my love," you whispered.

"Disa - "

"Don't even," she beamed, "yer already forgiven."

"Ah, don't let him off easy," Durin grumbled.

"His wife almost died in front of him, I think that's reparation enough."

Durin paused for a long moment, then nodded, "Yeah, all right, fair enough."

"Now," Disa announced, standing, "I think the Lady's wound is as good as it'll get for now - it's up to you for the rest of the healing," she patted your shoulder.

"On the morrow, we shall - "

"Oh, no, you mistake me," Disa smirked to Elrond, "there's no leavin' yet. She's not ready - she can't sit on a horse, one awkward bump on the road and she'll pop a stitch, start bleeding, risk worse infection - "

"How long?" Elrond worried, magnetized to your side again with one hand in yours, the other caressing the top of your head to stroke your hair in calming motions.

"Just a few days, until the stitches come out," Disa assured. "Yeh'll stay with us!"

"No, they will not," Durin argued.

"They're staying."

"They're leaving."

"They're staying!" Disa scolded her husband, who huffed and shook his head before pacing in a circle. "Now, yeh wanna try t'move around a bit, love?"

"Please," you begged, "losing my mind just sittin' here."

"All right, just be careful - your legs took a beatin', too. Them buggers got you good with their teeth - easy, easy, there's a good girl." Once on your feet and both hands in Disa's, she distracted you from the pain by asking, "So, go on, lass, tell us 'bout yer weddin', hmm?"

You chuckled, stumbling a little into her arms before rightening yourself while answering, "Oh, it was lovely. 'M pretty sure my best friend hooked up with the High King, too."

"No!"

"I know! I knew the King wanted the party of the century, but there's other ways to achieve such status."

Durin snickered, thinking Elrond looked like he was going to have a stroke as Disa helped guide you around the room to earn your bearings. Behind you, Durin's hand held Elrond's shoulder to keep him in place; letting Disa assist you as the two men appreciated the obvious relationship blooming before them.

And years from now, when your daughter rescued the Ring Bearing Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, your husband would heal him; a direct result after nearly losing your life that caused him to study the art.

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

requesting rules and masterlist

TROP masterlist

[dlatl98]

The ending is always awkward.

"Maedhros. I will be king." "Yes." "I will choose men."

Maedhros looked at his adopted son, who usually called him father. He fiercely refused to be called father, but unlike Elrond, who had considered Maedhros's suffering, Elros stubbornly insisted on being father, and surprisingly, he had Maedhros give up, and finally allowed Elrond to call Maedhros as he wished. So he called him Maedhros instead of father… "You speak as if they were the same." "They are the same."

Elros looked at him, frighteningly. Unlike Elrond, he loved his adoptive fathers, but did not pity them. But he understood them terribly. “I will do things I cannot bear and I will not look back. I will be terribly determined and terrible. I will burn the world with all my might and act as if there is no tomorrow, making plans for a thousand years that I will not see. I will make plans that will collapse. I will do things I dare not do. I will live with all my might and pay the price with my death.”

“As expected of you,” Maedhros smiled bitterly. “Noldor.”

“A men. And the elf who dared choose mortality was a Sinda.” Elros was silent, and then continued. “But you should never have gone there in the first place.”

"We had to go. I've changed my mind a bit now. The world is made up of several layers, so sometimes wrong things lead to right things, and sometimes doing things that you were told not to do leads to things that should have been done. In this labyrinthine world, who can easily gauge right and wrong, limits, and boundaries? In a world where good leads to evil, and evil decides to the end. But it seems like you chose to be men, which is the right thing for you."

"I don't care about what's right for me. I just make my own choices."

Elros said and handed him the sword. Maedros shook his head. "Fine. It doesn't have to be a good sword. This is the end. If durability isn't important, the difference between a good sword and a defective one isn't that big."

"Yes. But that's because you're Maedhros of the left hand."

Elros accepted the sword and put it back on his waist. Even so, he hesitated for a moment, which was unusual for him. Maedhros asked. "But I'm curious. Even if you were Gil-galad side, there probably weren't many men around you. Since there weren't any men around you, I thought you'd think about it and decide when you were older."

Maedhros was a little surprised. Elros looked at him as if he found it absurd and laughed in vain, and his expression gradually became desolate as he looked at him. He whispered. "I've thought about it a lot. Really a lot. I wish you were a men. You could have just kept your oath and lived, and thought, let's hold out until we die anyway. You wouldn't have had to endure all this. You could have said that life and death are one to me, so there's nothing to fear. You could have swung your sword and laughed that even the Void couldn't catch me. You could have burned me completely without looking back.

And at some point, I knew it. I, too, will eventually commit it. So I have to pay up front."

"men probably think about the future too." "The price was paid up front, so it's not as much as the elves. It's light because there's nothing to carry forever."

It was funny to see him already talking like a men, when he wasn't yet. Well, his mind was set, so it was only a matter of time. And that time depended on when he told Elrond. Maedhros opened his mouth slightly, considering apologizing but deciding not to. It wasn't Elros's taste. Elros awkwardly squeezed and released his hand. Now that it was over, he didn't really need anything, and since he didn't need anything, he had nothing to give. There was nothing to say. Maedhros waved his hand.

"Well then, I'll go now."

"Good Bye. see…."

Elros awkwardly closed his mouth. Maedhros shook his head to keep himself from laughing and left the tent gate.

[drabblesandimagines]

400 request! Could you do some thing like enemies to lovers with Cid, maybe an argument that leads to an angry kiss. With some spice at the end?

Thankyou!

Thanks for the 400 request, anon! Sorry it took me an absolute age to get round to it - I'm still working my way through a few. I didn't quite get enemies to lovers but there's some argumentative banter and a tiiiiny bit of spice towards the end - please let me know what you think in an anon ask xxx Sparks Cidolfus Telemon x female reader Fluffy, little sprinkling of spice towards the end

You start to look up at the sound of the bell tinkling over the door, announcing a customer, but the heavy boots on the wooden floorboards tell you all you need to know and you sigh, casting your eyes immediately back down when you see who it is darkening your doorstep.

“No.”

“Love, that’s not a nice greeting. Want to try again?”

“Cidolfus-” “Oh, I am in trouble.” He smirks. “Now, this is a nice one.” You hear him heave a pot up in his hands, “how much?"

You look up then – he’s admiring the ceramic with a fake interest. “Not for sale.” You pinch the bridge of your nose to try and relieve the tension as he places the pot down.  “I have a headache that could down a behemoth and I cannot deal with that and you today.”

“Then,” the approaching footsteps show he has not heeded your plea, “you should let me help you.”

“Help?” You scoff. “You always bring more trouble to my door. If the Imperials or Dragoons get word of you being here…”

“They’ll what – poke and prod me with their little halberds?” He pretends to pout. “I don’t fear them and, if someone would finally accept my very gracious offer, neither would you.”

“Leave.” You seethe. “You’re nothing but a hinderance these days.”

“Surely it’s the thought that counts.” He chuckles, laying both palms down on the desk to show he had no plans to leave. “Besides, if you would concede, Tarja could whip you off something for that headache too, quick as you like.”

“By the Mothers. I swear-“

“This isn’t a very viable way to run a business, love – chasing your customers away at the door.”

“You’re not a real customer.”

He shrugs, before lifting a hand off the counter and grabbing a gil pouch off his belt. He drops it in show, the bag giving a satisfying thunk as it hit the counter to show off its contents.

“I’ll take however much this will get me.”

“You won’t. I hold the right to refuse you service.” You stress, shoving the pouch back across to him.

“You’re such a funny shopkeeper, someone might get ideas you’re up to something else here.”

You sigh, meeting his eyes at last. He’s a handsome man and he knows it – part of what makes him so cocky. “What will it take for you to leave me be?”

He throws his arms wide. “Come join my group of outlaws.”

“I’m doing fine work here.” You grumble. Your paths had crossed a few years back. He’d heard word of someone shipping ailing Bearers out to the Kingdom of Waloed – something he could not stand, given his history. His investigations had led straight to you – ushering them onto a boat in a way that wasn’t befitting on a slave master. After a tense exchange, it had been established that the two of you were of the same opinion – that Bearers didn’t deserve the hand they had been dealt and were trying to help where you can in different ways. You’d buy up Bearers where you could and, under the guise of selling them to Waloed, you’d find them havens throughout Valisthea, allowing them to live their final days in peace, for whatever it was worth.

He was smug, cocky, thought he was the Mother’s gift to all around him, and it drove you up the wall – like he expected you to swoon over him and his swagger, go along with whatever he wanted. But no, you’d stayed firm, held your resolve – Cidolfus Telemon will not get his way with you.

“What if I say I’m worried?”

“About yourself? You should be. I heard a certain rumour about an unwanted visitor to Drake’s Head.”

He quirks an eyebrow, looks surprised for a moment before his face falls back into its self-assured grin. “I just wanted a closer look, love.”

The bell above the door rings again and a real customer walks in – a nobleman, by the looks of it, with real gil to burn.

You look at Cid and nod your head towards the door. Thankfully, he relents, giving you a wink and a wave and finally heads out the door.

--

Later that evening, you’re about to lock up when a hand squeezes your shoulder. You turn, alarmed, and find yourself facing a trio of Imperial soldiers – all sporting the same haircut under military standards, the same hardened stares.

“I’m awfully sorry, but I’m closed for the day, sirs. Mayhaps you can return in the morning.” You keep your tone light, almost ditsy to try and diffuse what is clearly not a group of soldiers out shopping for pots.

“I’m afraid this matter really cannot wait, my lady.” The soldier reaches past you and opens the door into the shop before pushing you back within. “After you.”

You make it five steps in when you hear a sword being unsheathed and an almighty clatter as it collides with a group of pots on display.

“Oops.” The soldier says, dryly.

“Accidents happen.” This isn’t good – whatever this is.

“They do.”  We wouldn’t want any more happening, would we?”

“No, sir.”

“Like, it must have been an accident when Cidolfus Telemon was here this afternoon and you did not bring it to our attention.”

“Who?” You tilt your head, trying to mimic confusion. The soldier, the commander of this merry trio, you reckon, grabs you by your jaw, squeezing your cheeks.

“Don’t play dumb, my lady. You’ll only make this worse for yourself. What business did you conduct with him?”

“None.” He lets go of your jaw and shoves you backwards, sending you crashing into another display of pots. Jagged bits of ceramic poke at your back and thighs, but that pain is nothing to the fear you feel when he draws his sword.

“Ladies should not lie.”

“And that is no way to treat a lady, lads.” Cid’s smooth voice comes from the doorway. The soldiers spin on their heels, holding their swords aloft. He steps in, casually, rolling up his sleeves.

“Surrender, Telemon.”

Sparks of lightning begin to crackle along his arm and into his palm. “Not my style.” And before the soldiers can make another move, he punches his fist into the ground, sending three strikes of lightning in each of their directions, sending the trio flying up for a moment before crashing down into more of your pots - dead.

You stare in disbelief of what’s just occurred, your heart pounding as Cid strides over to you, pulling you up to your feet.

“Are you all right?”

“You.” You growl, grabbing hold of either side of his collar with both hands and yanking him forward. “I told you that you’re nothing but trouble.”

He holds his hands up in mock surrender. “Love, I’m sorry, that wasn’t meant to happen-“ You cut him off with a bruising kiss and for a moment he doesn’t reciprocate, stunned, before he drops his hands and slides his tongue in between your lips, fighting for dominance. His hands find your waist and he pulls you closer, one hand dropping down to squeeze your backside. You can feel him smirk into the kiss, but that won’t do. You let go of his collar, trailing your fingers down his chest and then lower, ghosting his crotch, causing him to moan into your mouth…

“We gotta go, Cid – more Imperials heading this way!” A voice comes from the door – one you recognize as another part of his crew.

He pulls away, frowning. “We’ll have to continue this back at my place, love. Come on.” And with no hesitation, his hands are back at your waist and the smug bastard throws you over your shoulder, patting your backside as he adjusts his grip.

“Cidolfus!” --

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Masterlist . Requests welcome . Ko-fi

[rjthirsty]

What got you into writing?

Also if it's not too much to ask....could you give me a prompt to write? It could be for ikepri or anything random.

Yay! Thank you for the ask! I feel like a real blogger now.

Funny story, I started writing fanfic from thirst, basically. About a year ago, @scummy-writes had made a post on Twitter (I wasn't on tumblr until recently) about a scene from Silvio's route dealing with Gilbert. It referenced a fic she had done back in April (I think), which is when I had started following her.

Anyways, the joke was that Gil is a freaky little gremlin, and I loved the idea so much that I wrote my first fanfic and first smut piece about it. I had literally just gotten an ao3 account, so it seemed too perfect on timing that I couldn't pass it up.

Before that, I wrote opinion pieces on otome games. It's a bit different than creative writing, but I was technically writing before fanfic. And that started because I wasn't seeing the type of reviews I wanted to read. So I made them with encouragement from friends.

As for prompts... since I'm not sure what kind of prompt you're looking for, I'll give you a few.

Fluff: Suitor finds a stray (young) cat and attempts to convince MC that they should keep it.

Angst: Headcanon their first fight as a couple. Big fight.

Smut: Sneaking away from a party and satisfying the urge in someone else's manor. Caught or not?

Choose your favorite suitor(s) or do them all. I'm absolutely mad about Gilbert. And deeply in love with Clavis, Chevalier, Silvio, Licht, Leon, and Keith.

[grey-gazania]

I'm sorry someone bombarded you with bitchy comments 😭. While my To Read list is lengthy and continually lengthier (actually I think something of yours with her is on it), I'd like to hear more about Ianneth-Fingon-Maedhros if you want to talk about them.

@polutrope

It wasn't really upsetting, just annoying and honestly a little bit funny. This guy left comments on all six chapters of By Love or at Least Free Will, every time I updated the story, just objecting to the entire premise of the story and ranting about how Elves have incorruptible pure souls and are immune to lust. I was sorely tempted to respond with this quote from "Laws & Customs Among the Eldar":

Even when in after days, as the histories reveal, many of the Eldar in Middle-earth became corrupted, and their hearts darkened by the shadow that lies upon Arda, seldom is any tale told of deeds of lust among them.

'Seldom' is not the same thing as 'never', and furthermore, I don't think lust is even a major theme of my story. It's more about conflicting obligations and unruly hearts.

In the end I deleted the comments without responding, because I have a personal policy of not engaging with people who are acting in bad faith. But I have to assume that this guy has no actual hobbies if he spends his time hate-reading entire stories instead of just...closing the window and moving on with his life. Maybe take up crochet, bro? Or volunteer at a soup kitchen? Watch a TV show that you like? Grow some tomatoes? Do something that will be more fulfilling than typing long screeds on AO3. I promise it will make you a happier person.

Anyway. On to the actual topic of your ask! As you've probably noticed, I am very fond of Russingon. However, I am also very fond of Fingon as Gil-galad's father. At first I balanced these two ideas by keeping my Russingon ideas and my Fingon-father-of-Gil-galad ideas in two separate universes, but then I started really fleshing out Gil-galad's mother, and it made me think some thoughts. To repeat something I said to @cuarthol in a comment on AO3:

...half the genesis of Ianneth was seeing so many stories (in multiple fandoms, not just Tolkien) where the woman is written out of a canon or semi-canon couple to make room for a popular M/M ship instead, without the female character being treated with any respect. I decided that the female perspective on that situation would be a nice change of pace and interesting to write.

I'm not trying to point fingers -- I'll readily admit that I have my male faves just like the next gal and that it's fun to make them kiss -- but the wives and girlfriends don't get a lot of love in fandom, do they? And it doesn't help that the legendarium in general tends to be a bit of a sausage fest. So I decided that Fingon would have a wife and be in love with Maedhros. But instead of focusing just on the forbidden love, I was going to focus on the wife's feelings, too.

Ianneth ("bridge-woman") is one of the Northern Sindar, from the community that lives around Lake Mithrim. She's the daughter of Annael (yes, that Annael), whom I've imagined to be one of the more influential leaders among the Northern Sindar, and particularly among the Elves of Mithrim.

Her betrothal to Fingon starts as a political arrangement. Fingolfin loves Fingon dearly, of course, but he's also been hinting for a while now that Fingon really needs to settle down and start having kids so that there will be a strong line of heirs should Fingolfin die. After all, Argon's dead, and Turgon and Aredhel abruptly fucked off to god-knows-where some three hundred years ago and haven't been seen nor heard from since. Your dad needs some grandsons, Fingon, and this also seems like a ripe opportunity to strengthen the Noldor's alliance with the Northern Sindar.

I don't think political marriage is unknown among the Elves of Beleriand. (For one example in the text, see Celegorm trying to marry Luthien to force Doriath into an alliance.) And the quote I drew the title of the aforementioned Fingon/Ianneth story from, also found in "Laws and Customs Among the Eldar," is:

The Eldar wedded only once in life, and for love or at the least by free will upon either part.

Free will could easily mean, "Are we in love? No. But I'll still marry you, for the good of our peoples, and I'll bring some of Dad's soldiers along with me." That sort of thing happened all the time among real-world nobility, so I see no reason why it can't happen among Elven nobility in Beleriand, too.

At any rate, Fingolfin arranges for Fingon to meet the daughters of some of the more powerful leaders of the Northern Sindar, and he's hint-hint-hinting that Fingon really needs to pick one of them to be his wife. Fingon, having been in love with Maedhros since they were young in Valinor, is not exactly keen on this plan. But he goes along with it anyway because he is a dutiful son, he knows that his father is right about needing to strengthen the line of succession, and he also knows that revealing his (quite taboo!) relationship with Maedhros to his father would probably break Fingolfin's heart.

It takes Fingon a while to decide who to court, but he picks Ianneth because he likes her sense of humor; she has the guts to gently tease him at their first meeting, which he finds quite charming. He doesn't think he can love anyone besides Maedhros, but he does look at Ianneth and think, "This is a woman I could grow to care for and whose companionship I think could enjoy."

The trouble begins when, over the course of their courtship, Fingon starts falling in love with Ianneth without falling out of love with Maedhros. And he doesn't know what to do about this. He can't call off the marriage, and he doesn't want to break things off with Maedhros, so he decides to just...keep the whole thing with Maedhros a secret and marry Ianneth anyway. It's not a good decision, but really, are there any options here that won't end with someone getting hurt? I don't think so.

So we have Ianneth, blissfully ignorant of her husband's infidelity (for now); Fingon, in love with two people at once and feeling horribly guilty about it, but unwilling to pick one partner over the other; and Maedhros, resigned to the situation but still hurting because Fingon is no longer his alone.

Maedhros' feelings are complicated by the fact that, once he meets her, he finds that likes Ianneth. It would be easier, he thinks, if he could write her off as just a political necessity for Fingon, but it turns out that she's charming and intelligent and kind, and he can understand why Fingon loves her. His feelings soften further once Ereiniel is born, because Fingon is so happy being a father, and he loves Fingon, so how can he begrudge him that? There's a line from "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen that I always think of when I'm getting into Maedhros' head at this point:

And thanks for the trouble you took from [his] eyes. I thought it was there for good, so I never tried.

Things tick along about as smoothly as they can for thirteen years, until, in the aftermath of Fingolfin's death during the Dagor Bragollach, as Fingon prepares to send Ianneth and Ereiniel to the Falas for their safety, Ianneth learns his secret. This is understandably devastating for her, and leaves her wondering if Fingon ever really loved her as she loved him, or if his marriage to her was simply a politically expedient sham.

Add to that the fact that she leaves for the Falas less than ten hours after this revelation and spends most of that ten hours either crying or asleep, as she's too upset to really talk to Fingon about what she's discovered, and it leaves her with this horrible knowledge and all the worst thoughts that come from it gnawing at her nearly a full year until Fingon next comes to Eglarest -- time that she spends as the sole caregiver for her young daughter, among strangers in a foreign city, without her mother or her sister or any of her friends who might have theoretically been able to offer her some emotional support.

Theoretically is a key word there, though, because even if, say, her sister had come to Eglarest, Ianneth isn't sure she'd even be able to tell her. For one thing, she can't help feeling ashamed, because infidelity is very rare among Elves, and she can't help thinking that maybe she failed as a wife somehow, and if she'd done something different, Fingon wouldn't have strayed. Then there's the fact that he's the High King of the Noldor, and if this gets out it could cause a crisis in the Noldorin government and possibly tank the alliance between the House of Fingolfin and the Northern Sindar. Ianneth is a practical woman, and she's of the Northern Sindar -- the people who have been living practically on Morgoth's doorstep for centuries, with no Maia queen's magic girdle to protect them. Their alliance with the Noldor is vital, and she would never want to jeopardize it.

So Ianneth is just...completely alone with this pain. She has no one to turn to, no one who can comfort her. And that pain is central to her story, and a not insignificant part of Ereiniel's story, too.

[queen-dahlia]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞~𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞?~𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

How I wish we could have more suitors' POV in the future. Gil is seeking comfort with Emma 😭🖤

Now that I've read and confirmed some of the lines that I'm having trouble translating it 2 weeks ago, I've edited the first 2 parts for this event.

Note: Translation is not 100% accurate. Expect grammatical errors.

// : alternate translation | ⫘⫘ : flashback | ***** : I tried my best to translate and understand it but... T.T

I suggest to read Emma's POV first before's Gilbert's POV -ˏˋ. The front sideˊˎ- | -ˏˋ. The other sideˊˎ-

Obsidian is a country of corruption.

Dictatorial aristocracy is rampant, and thick obstacles stand between the people in power and the commoners.

They were often executed for 'being impudent' or 'challenging the nobility'.

By comparison, Rhodolite is still a better choice.

It is not as unreasonable as Obsidian, partly because the noble beasts are watching closely. **

(However... If you ask me if the authorities are well educated…)

Leon: "Where are you going?"

I was stopped by an allied leader who passed me in the corridor.   //   I was stopped by one of the leaders who passed me in the corridor.

The other one of Rhodolite's top leaders, along with Chevalier, did not even try to hide his doubts. **

Gilbert: "Don't ask me the obvious question."

His face grows increasingly grim as I pull out an envelope from my pocket containing a lion's emblem.

Leon: "I don't recall sending you an invitation."

Gilbert: "I could have easily gotten it if I'd asked."

(Because there are two traitors among the princes of Rhodolite.)

As long as you have an invitation, even the party organizers cannot stop you from attending.

Leon: "Why are you so obsessed with Emma?"

(He's very capable of getting that question right away.)

(It would have been fun to use him as a pawn if he had been a more incompetent leader, too bad.)

Gilbert: "Hmmm, I wonder why."

Leon: ". . ."

Gilbert: "Do you have something important to do that would require you to leave the party?" // "I don't think you should be in here anyway, you know..."   //   "You shouldn't hang around here now, either." *****

Leon: "Oh, I didn't know you knew that. You didn't set this up, did you?"   //   What? Wait, I wasn't expecting... You didn't set this up, did you?" **

Gilbert: "Hahaha, funny you say that, huh? I'm a bad guy, but I don't do anything without merit."

Gilbert: "If you had been at the party in the first place, I wouldn't have had to interfere."

I am here to speculate that something will arise that will force the leader of the domestic faction to leave in the middle of the party.

Gilbert: "Would you mind not being her escort when you can't even take responsibility for her?"

Leon: ". . ."

(I know you're thinking, "It'll be fine if I leave you alone for a little bit...") 

(This is too naive and repulsive.)

══════════════════

Malice bares its fangs in the absence of a powerful authority.

When I entered the dance hall, with no sign of my presence, the maliciousness had already begun.

(It's like harassing a child.)

The little bunny with her wet dress and the man and woman laughing vulgarly at the sight of her are in my field of vision.

The nobles around them seem to pretend not to see it,

It was easy to imagine that the aristocrat involved with Ms. Bunny was a centrally powerful person in the inner circle.

Noblewoman:  "Unsightly... Why don't you leave right now?" // "It's unsightly... Why don't you just leave now?"

Nobleman: "I will tell Prince Leon. Go now, you don't want to catch a cold."

Emma: "No, I--"

Nobleman: "I am saying this out of the kindness of my heart. Do you want to be laughed at in such an unsightly appearance?"

(I'm the one who made the little rabbit exposed to the malice of the nobles, but…)

(All I want her to taste is the ugly essence, not the harassing insults.)

Especially childish mischief is lesser than the nature of the nobility.

The buzz in the hall was instantly drowned out as I picked up a nearby glass and let my muffled presence come to the surface.

Noblewoman: "Oh... You are..."

(In Obsidian, at this point, you'd start begging for your life but as expected in Rhodolite.... It's too peaceful.)

Gilbert: "You all don't have to be so afraid, but you're so disciplined."

I approach the little bunny from behind and put my hand on her slender shoulder.

Meanwhile, I splashed the ugly woman with a glass of water I was holding in my other hand.

Gilbert: "Haha, sorry, my hand slipped."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert…"

When I threw the empty glass, shards of glass splattered at the woman's feet.

Unlike the battle-crazed emperor, though, I wouldn't kill anyone.

Although in my mind, I was piling up the shattered glasses with the man and woman who had mocked the little rabbit.

Gilbert: "Poor little rabbit. You got so drenched. But don't worry, you're still cute too, you know?" // "Poor little rabbit. You got so wet. But don't worry, you're still pretty in a bad way, too."

I praised her, but the little rabbit's expression was awkward.

Emma: "Why are you here at the party?"

Gilbert: "I was curious, so I took a peek."

Emma: "To the party?"

Gilbert: "No, to you dressed up."

(In case you're wondering, it's not.)

(I know you're not used to wearing dresses, but you look better than the real nobles.)

Although there may naturally be some favoritism, I felt that the cleanliness of their hearts was reflected in their outward appearance.   //   I know that some people may have a prejudice, but I felt that the beauty of their hearts was reflected in their outward appearances.

(Well, now it's more than that. .....)

I smiled at the woman standing there dumbfounded.

Gilbert: "I apologize for making you look so ugly, but I'll listen to you."

Gilbert: "Do you have something to say to me that would make you want to splash water on the little rabbit?"

Noblewoman: "No, no--"

Gilbert: "Hmmm, I hate lies."

(There are people like this in every country.)

As I intentionally emanate murderous atmosphere, I hear sobbing voices from the surroundings.

I'm still trying to be moderate.   //   Even so, I'm still the one who's adjusting.

(If I overdo it, the little rabbit will hyperventilate.)

I can feel the trembling in my palms, and I gently embrace her.

Gilbert: "This girl is a friend of mine, and she's been trembling since a minute ago, right? I don't know what would make you do this." // "This girl is a friend of mine, and she's been trembling for a while now, hasn't she? I don't know what to say to make you shake like that."

Gilbert: "Tell me. Depending on my mood, everyone here might not see tomorrow."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert! It was an accident." 

She raises her gentle voice in place of the woman who can't say anything. **

Gilbert: "You're lying too?" 

Emma: "I want to say it was an accident, not a lie."

Gilbert: "... Hmm?"

(How nice of you to defend her after she doused you with water.)

(I've known you for a long time.)   //   (I've known you're like that for a long time.)    //   (Although, I know you've been that way for a long time.)

Gilbert: "Hey, little rabbit."

I whispered in the gentlest voice as possible, while stroking her soft cheek.

Even though I am smiling, I am actually not calm inside.

Gilbert: "You might catch a cold in that dress. Why don't you go and get changed?"

Emma: "Later..."

Gilbert: "Now."

Gilbert: "Don't make me say any more, okay?"

Emma: "Well... Then, would you please come with me, Prince Gilbert?"

Gilbert: "Haha, you don't mind if I watch you change?"

Emma: "That's not what I meant--"

Gilbert: "That's what it would mean. An unmarried woman inviting a man into her room is very bold."

Gilbert: "Oh, but unless you want that kind of relationship, that's a different story."   //   "Oh, but if that's the kind of relationship you want, we can talk about it."

I'm still unsure about the 2nd translation.

Emma: "... Then promise me. You will not lay a hand on those who are here today."

Gilbert: "After they mistreated you?"

Emma: "It doesn't matter."

Gilbert: "Hmm, you're so sweet it's almost repulsive, aren't you? But okay, I won't hurt them."

(... Too bad.)

The atmosphere in the hall returns to normal after withdrawing the murderous intent.

Still, the people around remained tense.

Emma: "... I'll be right back."

The little bunny looks anxious, but then bows and leaves.

(Now, I can't do more than I promised, but…)

Gilbert: "Good for you. There are too many nobles in this country who are kept alive by the kindness of the little rabbit."

Noblewoman: "... Ah."

Gilbert: "Hey, do you know what they call me?"

Gilbert: "'The Trampling Beast' literally tramples. Dignity, will, everything."

The sound of a cane is heard.

Fear must have seeped into everyone in this place, even if they were not killed.

Gilbert: "Next time my friend gets in trouble... What do you think will happen?"

With a smile on my face, I trampled the pieces of glass that were scattered on the floor.

The shattered piece of glass made the woman sit back.   //   The shattered piece of glass made the woman fall back.

(You don't have the guts and you're too stupid to fight me.)   //   (You don't have the courage and you are too stupid to pick a fight with me.)

Gilbert: "The little rabbit seems to want to get along with you guys, unlike me."

Gilbert: "Everyone in this room right now-- you'll get along with her, right?" **

When I smiled, all the nobles nodded their heads.

(Noble creatures in every country... Ugly.)   //   (In any country, noble creatures are ugly.)

With my business done, I turn on my heel and leave the dance hall.

I could have gone straight to the guest room, but the feeling of being bugged remained.   //   I could have gone straight to the guest room, but the feeling of being in the wrong place never left me.   //   It would have been nice to head straight to the guest room, however, I felt like I was in the wrong place.

(Now I want to be healed by the little rabbit.)   //   (I wish I could be soothe by the little rabbit now.)

(... That's it.)

══════════════════

After the party, I catch the little rabbit returning to her room and take her to the rose garden.

I asked her to accompany me for a walk instead of thanking me for helping her earlier.

The person herself was sitting on the bench, lost in thought.

(It takes a lot of courage to let your guard down in front of a man who was trying to kill you like that.)   //   (You've got a lot of nerve to let your guard down in front of a man with such a murderous presence.)

(... I feel like my heart isn't here. It can't be helped.)

I got up from the bench and gathered the rose petals that had fallen to the ground.

This is unusual because Obsidians do not have a culture of admiring flowers.

When I had both hands full of flower petals, I rained them down on the little rabbit's head.   //   When I held a handful of petals in my hands, I made them rain down on little rabbit's head.

Gilbert: "Hahaha, you're covered in petals, you poor thing."

Emma: "... Prince Gilbert."

(You finally looked at me.)

Emma: "These petals are..."

Gilbert: "I had some free time while you were lost in thought, so I picked up what was on the ground."

Gilbert: "How can you be so distracted when I'm here?"

Emma: "... I was thinking of you, Prince Gilbert."

(Oh, yeah?)

Gilbert: "What specifically?"

Emma: "Was it a coincidence that Prince Gilbert came to the party venue... I wonder..."

Gilbert: "How could it be such a coincidence?"

The memory of The Day of Bloodstained Roses 10 years ago is ingrained in the people of Rhodolite.   //   For the people of Rhodolite, The Day of Bloodstained Roses of 10 years ago is deeply rooted.

As long as it is there, anyone involved with Obsidian should be loathed.

(A party is the perfect opportunity to release my daily frustrations, and I wouldn't miss it.)

I get on the ground again and gather up the petals.

Emma: "What is your purpose?"

Gilbert: "Do you need a reason to help a friend?"

Emma: "... I feel like that help is strangling me."

(I know.)

Gilbert: "You seem to have forgotten that I'm the bad prince."

Gilbert: "I helped you because I wanted to help you. I don't care if you're in trouble or not."

(... Honestly, you're bad too.)

A large number of rose petals are scattered in the air once more.

The petals that fell on the little rabbit tangled in her long hair.

Gilbert: "Isn't it beautiful?"

Emma: "... It's beautiful, but please stop."

(Yeah, that's it. If you had said those words, I wouldn't have been involved.)

I sat down next to the little rabbit with a smile on my face.

Gilbert: "How come you could say 'stop' to me and not to them?"

Emma: "What…"

Gilbert: "When the water was poured on you, you tried to settle the matter by keeping quiet, didn't you?"

Emma: "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it." 

Gilbert: "You're an idiot."

Gilbert: "If you tolerate poor harassment, eventually it will become the norm and you will be despised every time."

Gilbert: "Instead of making a big deal out of it, you're going to escalate it, okay?"

(Keeping quiet is not a solution to anything.)

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

???: "-- I'm fine… Big brother is not the kind of person to do such a thing."

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

(——... Just a fool.)

Gilbert: "If someone pours water on you, you just have to fight back."

Gilbert: "Did you hesitate because you were dealing with a high-ranking aristocrat?"

Emma: "There's a little bit of that."

(Even the little rabbit, aristocracy is rooted in the unconscious.) **

I take a breath and look up at the night sky.

Gilbert: "No matter how accomplished the nobles are, they're still the same people."

Gilbert: "That's not a reason for you to be watered down, nor a reason for you to swallow your frustration."

Gilbert: "Don't worry, no matter how many fights you put up, you won't get killed. As long as I'm on the court, I'll always be watching you."

Gilbert: "I hate disgusting things. Be careful next time, okay?"

I spun sweetly with an extraordinarily gentle smile. **

But Miss Bunny raises her eyebrows.

Emma: "That, too..."

Emma: "Does that count as 'trampling'?"

(Err...)

As I said, there is no malice in my words now.

I covered my face with my hands as if to convey my feelings of emptiness.

Gilbert: "Oh, man. It's sad that even my good intentions are taken that way."

Gilbert: "... Sniffle."

Emma: "No, it's not that! It's just that Prince Gilbert is such a great guy..."

Gilbert: ". . ."

Emma: "... My apologies. What I said earlier was too rude."

(... It's easy.)

Gilbert: "You can make as many verbal apologies as you want."

Emma: "Then I'll show you how."

When I felt the little rabbit stand up, I stopped my false crying and looked up, and petals rained down on my head.

The petals cling to the hair and give off a faintly sweet scent...

(I never thought anyone would do this to me.)

The person responsible for raining petals was smiling with satisfaction.

Emma: "This is because you seemed to like it... It's beautiful when I look at it again."

(I still like the little rabbit. The more we get to know each other, the less reserved I am towards her.)

It is rare to find a man who sets aside the title of Prince of Obsidian.

(But...) 

When I smiled at her, she breathed a sigh of relief——

Gilbert: "Do you really think you are allowed to do this to a royal guest?"

Emma: "Wasn't it Prince Gilbert who said, "If something is done to you, you must do it back"!?"

Gilbert: "I don't think you're dealing with the right person. We are all equal, but the law has its own rules, right?"

(For some reason, it makes me want to be mean.)

Gilbert: "No need to show any restraint or mercy to the young lady who has been disrespectful, right?"

I get up from the bench and grab the little rabbit's hand.

Emma: "Um...?"

Gilbert: "Hmm?"

( If I recall correctly, I read the book that the little rabbit loves to read before coming here...) 

Until the little rabbit came back from the party.

While remembering the story I read to pass the time, I bring my lips to her wrist…

Her slender hands trembled as I sucked her skin as hard as I could without mercy, like a scoundrel.

Emma: "... Ouch."

(Wow, I didn't know it could leave such a beautiful mark.)

he look so proud xD

Gilbert: "You like that, don't you?"

Emma: "I don't think I'm the one who––"

Gilbert: "Because there was this scene in that book."

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Gilbert: "I see you like these stories, little rabbit. The evil emperor was converted by the love of a village girl––"

Emma: "Why is Prince Gilbert in my room!"

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

It seems I'm not the only one who remembers the conversation we had before coming to the Rose Garden.

I couldn't help but laugh at the little rabbit with red ears.

Gilbert: "I'm looking forward to what kind of rumors will come out of this."

Emma: "Would you do this to anyone to achieve your goals?"

Gilbert: "You think I'm naughty like that with anyone." // "I can't believe I'm considered such a slut."

(If someone who knows me sees what I'm doing now, I wonder if they'll pull back.)

I twirl the little rabbit's hair around my fingers and whisper softly.

Gilbert: "I only do it to you."

please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks he's seducing her xDD

Emma: ". . ."

Gilbert: "In the first place, I came to Rhodolite――to you."

Emma: "To me?"

Gilbert: "Heh, it's nothing."

Gilbert: "Because I want you to like me."

(The kinder I am to you, the more you will be cornered.)

(Like today, you become more and more isolated, knowing so much malice... Stagnant, muddled…)

(Maybe you'll learn to trust me only.)

(If that happens, I'd love to take you back to Obsidian.)   //   (In that case, it would be nice to take her back to Obsidian.)   //   (In that case, it would be nice to take her home to Obsidian.)

(It's not exactly what I came to Rhodolite for, but I'm starting to think about that recently.)

After all, it is a tower on the sand - but everyone should be allowed to at least dream about it. **

(So you shouldn't be bothered by me any more than you already are, little rabbit.)

(Even though I put on a friendly face in front of you...)

(That face I showed you at the party is the real me.)

[danglovely]

Kim Possible Episode Tiers: The C-Tier

The C-tier is probably best defined as episodes that I'm never really eager to rewatch, but I'm pleasantly surprised when I do. It's a good show, so they're good episodes . . . but at least one thing sticks in my craw about these ones.

Attack of the Killer Bebes: Drakken origin story! It's silly, but I still fall on the side of thinking that it mostly works. It's not a strong conviction, but let's roll with it.

Oh Boyz: Honestly, this would be lower if they didn't boy-band-dance their way through some lasers.

Larry's Birthday: I'm a little surprised Larry gets as much screen time as he does. I'm even more surprised that I kind of really like this episode. The twist, Dementor, it all sort of works for me.

Rufus vs. Commodore Puddles: It's a random 15 minute episode, but I just want to highlight one of my favorite Drakken quotes in it.

Mathter and Fervent: Two things I don't particularly love in Kim Possible: B villains and examining the relationship between Ron and his parents.

Two to Tango: I've mentioned it before, but Shego and Jr. have some winning chemistry and I've probably rated this episode too low.

Partners: This episode had some real potential. It tried to analyze Ron/Monique, Drakken/Amy + commentary by Shego, and Kim/Random Character all at once. It would have benefitted from being a bit more focused.

Monkey Ninjas in Space: It's sort of absurd to theme an episode of Kim Possible around a father's crisis about his kid growing up too quickly. She's an international superspy. That's the sort of plot you cede attempting when you created this universe.

Ron Millionaire: Why didn't Shego just take Ron's money? It's fine, but I never outright enjoy the "Ron loses sight of what's important" episodes.

Rewriting History: This could've been in a higher tier if it was more confident in itself. Why are Ron and Kim imagining this all in a shared dream?

Cap'n Drakken: Look. Drakken gets possessed by a pirate spirit. That plot being a C-quality episode for me is frankly, amazing. It could've easily been the worst episode in the series.

Team Impossible: This is the one time the show ever questions whether Kim is the best possible person to be doing this sort of work. Maybe it's important that it isn't a recurring question . . . but I found it particularly entertaining that it ends with a member of Team Impossible doing James's taxes.

Return to Wannaweep: The frustration of Gil clearly being a villain again and no one believing Ron (who saved everyone the first time they were here). I would say the Bonnie and Kim rivalry, which I'm normally fine with, left me exasperated.

Queen Bebe: RIP Steve Harwell.

Kimnation Nation: It's alright, but I thought the clone angle was underexplored and I don't particularly love Drakken riding solo for an episode.

Mothers Day: I have to say it. I don't like Drakken's mom. I think she removes anything threatening about him as a character and I don't think she adds all that much in her own right. What I did like was Ann being a great sidekick for Kim.

Bonding: I don't know what to make of Bonnie and Kim. I really like Bonnie as a character, I'm interested in her opinions and what it's like being the high school rival of an international super hero. I don't like petty drama. Maybe there was more to explore here.

Car Alarm: What were the Ed and Shego interactions in this episode? I will say the birds in car joke got me multiple times.

Homecoming Upset: There's a story to tell about Bonnie's feelings about Ron that I'm not sure I've totally figured out yet. This is a good subversion episode and it has my favorite bit of CCR voice acting.

Rufus in Show: I think I would outright hate this episode, except it's surprisingly funny.

Animal Attraction: There's natural humor in giving all your characters a romance test and having the results pair them with the most ridiculous outcomes. It would probably be higher if the villain plot was a little better than "revenge for getting kicked out of the billionaire club."

Vir-Tu-Ron: This is actually a pretty good episode and maybe I'm just bitter about Ron and Zita never being appropriately resolved by the show.

[welp-back-on-my-bs]

Two people sit in cells right by each other. Something in them recognizes the other, but neither were fully sure on that.

"Haha, this is fine. We are fine. If he really was mad, we wouldn't be here. And hey- at least we are fed-" The male with long dark hair said, either trying to comfort himself or the other person, he wasn't so sure.

It had been a while since he was home...

The tired looking enby looked over at the male and sighed sofrly. "Exactly, I'm just... tired from the long journey..."

The man nodded and took off the cloak of the Obsidian uniform he wore "the abominations aren't great, but... here you go." The cloak was passed through the bars. "Where are ya from anywyas?"

The enby shook their head gentley and pushed the coat back "I dont need it, I have my cloak. And for where I'm from... technically, I am from here, but- let's just say... shit ex husband lead me to run away... and I ended up in Bennonite. "

"Yeah, but you could have two blankets~" 6 man urged, "make yourself a little sandwich of blankets~"

The enby softly giggled at the man's antics "I see why Gil likes you so much, I will be all right tough." They smiled gentley before a question popped into their head "what about you, what's your story?"

"Bennonite Huh? That's quite a ways from here..." The black haired man drapes his coat over his shoulders. "But I'm just stopping by for work, and... you know, I don't know exactly why I'm in here, but ie happens whenever I come by"

The other chuckled softly "try trekking through the mountains with next to nothing trying to get to Rohdinite." They laughed a bit at their own expense. "But, I think this is just Gil's way of making sure that we are safe... in his own way-"

"You came all this way to see him, didn't you?" The man shrugged and frowned a bit. "I suppose it's the same for me. If you haven't slept yet, you may want to lay down. I'll hold your hand if it'll help. You're not a threat to me if you're not a threat to Gil."

The enby smiled softly and shook their head "No I'm alright... I rested while traveling here..."

The man nodded and sighed a bit "it's funny though, the man won't let me attend court functions, but he can lock me. I'm a cell until he stops pouting." He raised his voice with the last few words

"I came to see you first, Gilbert! What more do you want?!" The man continued to complain at seemingly nothing.

"Well, I'm sure I can fix your problems with attending court as the minority representitive of both Obsidian and Bennonite" they gave the man a proud smile before sofening "and I'm glad you love him too... he deserves it..."

The man looked over at the brunette "too?"

"Yeah... I love him... I'm not afraid to say it. I'm sure you do as well, right?"

"Absolutely. I'm Kayden Bazen. It's nice to meet you"

"Morgan Solace. Used to be Viola Ripley- it's nice to meet you too"

He then whistles, "You got yourself a nice job both here and in Bennonite that Ex-husband sure lost out"

They gave Kayden a weak smile "heh- yeah... Silvio has been making sure things go good for me while in there..."

"Prince Silvio, right? The bad mouthed one who jangles and has his own fleet of ships?"

Morgan giggled a bit and nodded. "Yeah, Silvio may be a bit rough on the surface, but he is quite the sweetheart... I was definitely surprised when he took me in.. especially wearing an Obsidian uniform..."

After a few moments, something seemed to click in Kayden's head. "I'm sure that peice of shit ex has been taken care of in a way very different than it seems -"

"Oh yeah- Gil gave me his head after we met again-" Morgan said like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Buddy, you got a whole lot of good going on for you. I'm glad I met you, Morgan. Hey listen, are you at all close to crying?"

"I'm glad I met you too... and thanks... you got some good things going for you too, especially two princes~" they teased the man with a slight smirk, "but, yeah... a little... why do you ask...?"

Kayden tilted his head, looking confused. He the lower his voice, keeping that for later. "I bet if you manage some tears, I bet that you'll see a nice, fluffy mattress sooner than you thought."

They giggled a bit and tried to shake it off "I'll be fine- I can wait..."

"Yeah, but... have you not cried in front of Gil? The softness in his comes out, trust me."

Morgan looked down, "I... I haven't if I'm being honest... I'm scared to..." They softly chuckled, tears starting to fall. They tried to wipe them away.

Kayden gives them two thumbs up before cupping their hands and shouting "HEY GIL! THEY'RE CRYING AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO! RODRIC! SOMEONE? DO I RUB THEIR BACK?"

Clattering could be heard from upstairs, along with rushed sounds and yells.

Morgan was balled up, still crying.

Gilbert fell down the stairs before getting up and brushing himself off. He went over to the two of their cells.

Kayden puts his hands up, shrugging and gestures to Morgan "Gil! They're crying! Said something about loveing you, then tears!"

Gilbert chuckled siftly before going into Morgan's cell and sitting by them "may I hold you butterfly...?"

Morgan nodded and curled into Gilberts arms quietly, sobbing into them.

"You know... I love you too, Gil. You can't hold us here forever. They'll cry some more. Atleast let Morgan out for a bit? I'm sure they have learned their lesson."

Gilbert sighs and chuckles a bit "Honestly, you're such a cute cunning raven. But fine, I can let go of Morgan keeping that little attempted assassination from me this time..." He handed Kayden his cane before scooping up Morgan. He walked over to the other cell and unlocked it. "Come now, my little raven"

[softquietsteadylove]

Helloo, how are you?

So its halloween and i have a little request for something scary. Maybe the eternals somehow end up in this very old and problaby haunted house, and then the ghost in said house take a liking for Thena, so they start to hide her and make the others see her when she is not there. And poor Gil is more scared that he would like.

(Also thank you for answering to my asks🩷😭)

"This place really is massive," Gil commented mildly as he moved the flashlight around the walls. It was just the sound of their steps and their breathing. The halls of this old asylum were oppressively quiet.

"It's easily the largest space we've ever been in," Thena agreed as she too moved moved her light to examine their surroundings. "Its a good thing the others agreed to come with us to man the equipment."

Their friends were being good sports about it, whether or not they were present as true believers or because if half of their group was already in, they might as well all come.

"I hope they don't hate me for dragging them out here all Halloween night," he gulped as they turned a corner down - what a surprise - another pitch black hallway.

Thena scoffed at the idea, though, allowing him to walk even closer to her, all but clinging to her arm. "Please, all they would be doing is loitering at Phastos' anyway. He and Ben would be watching something, Makkari and Druig would be pretending not to make out in the corner and Ikaris would be trying - and failing - to hold Sersi's hand during the whole movie."

Gil snickered beside her. Thena's observations could seem cutting at times, but they were never all that inaccurate. And they could be pretty funny, in that way. "I'm sure he'd get there eventually."

"I have yet to see it," she drawled about their mutual friend, more frenemy when it came to her and Ikaris in particular. "Speaking of, when did they last check in?"

Gil pulled pulled out his walkie-talkie. "Ground floor, do you copy?"

"Ugh, Gil--aye, we're still 'ere. You don't have to go all air traffic control for it."

Well, if he was going to be such a stick in the mud. Gil huffed, "roger that, Party-Pooper."

"Oi!"

Thena took his hand and pulled the walkie closer to her. "Sersi, tell us if he holds onto you too tight and we'll switch floors."

"Watch it!"

The constant radio static of the channel clicked again and Sersi laughed. "He's really quite all right, you two. Anything up there?"

"Nothing, so far," Thena sighed before remembering to add, "over and out."

Gil smiled as he put the walkie back in his pocket. Thena probably thought it was silly too, but she would never actually say anything. It was one of the many ways in which she indulged him on these ghost hunts. "Hey."

She looked at him, wondering what had caught his attention. Once she saw him wiggling his hand at her, her smiled turned a little bit shy as she slipped her hand into his. "Do you think they'll know what to look for?"

"I told them about what all the equipment does, they should be able to tell if they get any activity," Gil murmured as they turned down a hall into a more residential looking area. "Whoa, this looks like an actual house."

"This must have been an area for those in a palliative sort of care, like a true hospice," she muttered, pressing closer to him. It was still old floors and concrete walls, but there were now rooms with more than nothing, some even still had an old metal bed frame in them. There was a dresser or two, even a mirror.

Gil winced as their flashlights both hit it head on. He lowered his, but he blinked and rubbed his eyes after the fact. "Can't believe something like that is still standing in a place like this in one piece."

Thena had no comment on it, apparently.

"Kinda freaky, right?" he sighed as he rubbed at his eyes again before shaking it off. "Thena?"

He looked around.

"Thena?" he called out with a little more urgency. He moved the flashlight around, plenty of the room doors were open, but he would have heard her. He would have felt her, wouldn't he? "Thena?!"

He rushed to check each of the rooms, forgetting how creepy everything was. His stomping feet were echoing all over the place, but that didn't matter. "Thena, where are you?!"

All that came back was his own voice bouncing around. He was starting to panic.

"Thena, please, answer me!" he panted, even moving the creaky, old doors to make sure she wasn't hiding somewhere. How could she have just vanished into this air?

He shouldn't have let go of her hand.

"Thena, please!" he shouted, retracing their steps, shining his flashlight down every hall he passed. He knew most of them led to dead ends. Where could she have gone? His hand pulled out the walkie-talkie again, fumbling with it a little. "G-Guys?!"

"Gil, what's wrong?"

"Th-Thena!" he gulped, knowing they needed more information than that. "She was right next to me and-and now-"

"Whoa, Gil, slow down. Nothing's happened to Thena, I'm sure she just went to look at something that caught her eye," Sersi attempted to diffuse his worry.

"Why the hell weren't you keeping an eye on her?" Ikaris snapped at him in sharp contrast.

"Oi," Druig chimed in on his set. "You all need to calm down, I just saw 'er."

"What?" Gil frowned. Druig and Makkari were on the second level, although most of it was sectioned off thanks to a fire from the last century. He rushed to the stairs, "you're sure?"

"Yeah, I saw her walk clear through that light grid you put up, actually," Druig narrated. He paused and then continued, "Kari saw'er goin' down the far stairwell."

"You mean the one to your left?" Gil asked, rushing down the main stairs so quickly he almost tripped at the very bottom. But he took off, full on sprinting.

"Yeah?"

Based on where they had set up, there was no way Thena could be on the stairwell to their left, because it led to absolutely nowhere, just a collapsed hallway downstairs and a boarded up room at the top. Whatever they had seen wasn't Thena.

"Keep your nightvision cam on, okay? And you two stay there--and stay close together!"

"Gil, man, you okay?" Ikaris asked a little more sympathetically, obviously hearing the urgency in his voice over the loud and static-y walkies. "Like Sersi said, I'm sure Thena's just fine."

"I'm on my way to you, just sit tight," Gil huffed. His chest felt tight, like it was on fire. He looked around, only now on the second floor. This place was such a massive hell hole, who knew what kind of malevolent spirits were in here. "Guys?!"

"Hold yer bloody horses, man, hell," Druig flashed his light at him from within the main hallway of the floor. As soon as Gil rounded the corner, though, Druig was already on his feet. Despite his words, his face was dead serious, "she really not with you?"

Gil gulped. Tears sprang to his eyes, although he knew this wasn't the time. He shook his head, trying to catch his breath. The light grid they had set up to pick up any kind of movement was still shining into the closed off areas ahead.

He jumped, but Makkari rubbed his back with a reassuring smile. Druig shone the light a little closer to them to illuminate her words. This place is like a maze, I'm sure she's looking for you too.

That was actually what worried him. He had screamed for her, at the very top of his lungs. And not only had he not heard anything back, but apparently none of their friends had heard him either, which seemed impossible.

And if he couldn't hear Thena, then how would he know if she needed his help?

"Where did you see her?" he asked, shining his own light closer to his face for Kari to read his lips.

She pointed. I swear I saw her walk through the grid. I thought she saw something in the window.

Thena would never walk through the light grid herself; it would compromise any evidence they got of a spectral figure. Still, Gil moved closer to it. He shone the flashlight into the corridor, through the propped open door. It was hard to tell with the light in the window reflection, but he was pretty sure it was just a boarded up, empty room through there.

Druig took the liberty of packing up the light grid and putting it back in his bag. "Take a look."

Gil slid closer to the darkened hallway. Despite never having been on one of these hunts before, all their friends were far less scared than he was. Maybe because they definitely didn't believe in ghosts. His heart hammered as he entered the suffocating dark of the hallway. He pressed his flashlight to the window of the door that was boarded closed. If something jumped up at him he might have a heart attack.

It was just a closed up room, full of evidence of fire damage. He angled the light around as best he could without giving himself nothing but reflection to look at. He jumped as some kind of movement caught his eye. He tried to follow it but it was gone as soon as he saw it. But he knew it moved towards the other door to the room.

And it looked blonde.

Druig and Makkari made room for him as he started running towards the main stairs again. "Come on!"

"If she's messin' with us she's makin' us go through a hell of a workout," Druig felt the need to chime in, following him down the stairs.

But Gil knew that wasn't the case. Maybe - maybe - she might mess with Ikaris a little, possibly Druig, all in good fun. But she would never make him worry about her like this, she just wouldn't. She would never scare him like this, not when it was always her calming him down on these hunts.

It really was like a labyrinth in this place. Gil leapt down the last two stairs and whipped open the doors to the main floor. "Did you see her?!"

Ikaris and Sersi both jumped off the bench of the entrance hallway. They looked at each other and then at him. They still had most of the equipment set up around them, and a floodlight pointed at the ceiling for a little more illumination of the area.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ikaris growled at him for storming in the way he did. "Didn't you see her on your level?"

Druig shrugged, "thought we did."

But Gil rushed past all of them, taking a right and pulling open the doors. This place was so massive, it was hard to keep track. But if the figure he had seen in the other room had been Thena, or worse, something else, it would have ended up in here. "Thena!"

Still, nothing but his own voice. It didn't echo like it did upstairs, though. He moved his flashlight around, seeing all the junk that was pushed into this empty but undamaged area of the building. He moved more slowly.

His heart was still hammering, but he made himself take each next step. He couldn't stop until Thena's hand was in his again. "Thena, are you in here?"

He could have sworn a voice whispered back to him. It would have been great potential evidence if he had any equipment or was recording anything. But for now, he took the potential whisper of 'she's mine' and scowled. "No, she's not."

Whatever whispered at him didn't have another reply to that.

Gil slid around a corner constructed of old office furniture, flashing his light in every nook and cranny. "She's my girlfriend! Whatever you are, find someone on your own plain of existence!"

Something rattled in a far corner. He really was going to have a heart attack in here. But he gulped, re-grasping his flashlight in his sweaty palm. No ghost was getting his precious Thena--not tonight.

He moved closer to the rattling. It was a doorknob turning. Okay, so he might die in here tonight. He hoped his friends would escape, at least. But if he did die, then maybe he could be with Thena. If she had died alone in here, he would never forgive himself.

There was a door, and the doorknob was turning.

Gil let out a breath and steeled his resolve again. He could do this. He would do this! He could do anything if it was for Thena. Thena, he repeated to himself as he reached for the doorknob, Thena, Thena, Thena.

As soon as he touched the doorknob, it was no longer locked, and flew open. Thena tumbled into the room, straight into his chest as he caught her. Both of their flashlights fell and rattled on the ground as they held onto each other.

"Gil!" Thena gasped into his shirt, burying her face in it as soon as she knew it was him. "I-I-I didn't--I-I thought-!"

"It's okay, it's okay," he gulped, holding her as tight as he could without hurting her. It was really Thena in his arms, small and warm, blonde hair under his chin. His tears came again, and he didn't force them away, "you're really here."

Thena held onto him just as tightly, clawing at the back of his shirt so she could hold fistfuls of it. "I-I turned around and you were gone--just gone! And I tried shouting for you but I couldn't hear anything around me but silence. And then I thought I saw this--th-this thing-!"

"It's okay, I'm here," he whispered. He couldn't process any of what she was saying right now. All he could think about was the comfort of having his Thena in his arms again.

Slowly, they released one another. Thena sniffled, laughing as she put her hands on his cheeks. "I'm supposed to be the one here for you."

He laughed as well, just as watery and tearful. He put his hands on her cheeks as well, "I can be here for you, just this once."

She leaned into him again as he kissed her.

"You two okay?!"

Thena pulled back and picked her flashlight up first. She shone it around the room, "where are we?"

Gil frowned as she handed him his flashlight as well. "We're on the ground floor, in that side room we checked out first thing tonight."

"The ground floor?" she repeated, looking completely baffled. "We were on the third floor. I-I felt something pull me and I thought it was you, then I was in this completely other room. I was trying to find my way back to you in the hall."

Nice try, ghost creep; Gil took her hand, weaving their fingers together. He could carry his flashlight in his mouth if he had to.

"Gil," Thena continued to frown as he guided them back towards the entrance, "I didn't go down any stairs. We can't possibly be downstairs again."

"It's okay, Thena," he reassured her blindly. It didn't matter. None of it mattered, now that his fear was lifting. He waved as a flashlight circled from where the door was. "I got her!"

Collective sighs of relief were had. Ikaris was the first to bark at them, "what the hell, Thena?! You nearly scared the big guy half to death--that's not funny!"

"Shush," Sersi soothed the beast beside her, as she always did. "We're just glad you're both okay."

Druig and Makkari gave them both more curious looks, "where the hell were did you go?"

"I-" Thena looked at each of them, seeming completely stunned. "I don't know."

"Doesn't matter," Gil spoke up, more sure of this now than he had been about anything all night. "We're getting out of here--now."

He pushed through them, pulling Thena to the door to the outside, hand in hand. He could hear their friends packing up all the equipment behind them.

"Yappin' orders at us now, is he?" he could hear Ikaris gripe behind them.

"Stop it, they've been through enough." How did Sersi put up with him?

Finally outside, Gil took a deep breath. He put his hands on Thena's cheek again, urging her to do the same. She did, but she looked up at him. "Really Gil, I thought I was making my way back to you. I didn't even see any stairs, there's no way I could have-"

"We'll figure it out later," he resolved. They could do that in a safe place, where there was overhead lighting, and a warm mug of her favourite tea. Maybe he'd even have a blanket around her shoulders and massage her feet. "All that matters is you're safe."

Thena's face shifted to something like guilt. She looked down at their joined hands. "I thought I saw you."

"What?"

"What lured me away," she admitted quietly, and maybe with the first bit of true fear he had heard her voice all night. "I thought I saw you in one of those other rooms. That was what made me follow...whatever it was in there."

It had lured him the same way. But, again, that could wait until they were in a brightly lit space with firmly locked doors.

Gil kissed her forehead and pulled her into his arms. "I found you again, so it doesn't really matter."

"Hm," she sighed, nuzzling her face into his chest again. "I knew I'd find you, I guess you finding me is okay, too."

Ah, his invincible Thena. She was the truly unshaken of the two of them. But he had to admit, he was assured by tonight that he had what it took to square up if he really needed to. If it was for the woman he loved, at least.

[ginger-grimm]

Okay, I NEED to know every single idea you have for your new ‘Bloodred’ side characters. Hobbies? Favourite classes? Family Relationships? Romantic relationships? Friendships?

- @come-along-pond

thank you very much, I will put down anything I can think of for now. Whatever else there is may come to me while writing new chapters haha

COLLETTE:

Really into baking. Kind of a neat freak. Usually dressed in pastels and creams, often wears skirts, jeans, sneakers, buckle shoes, sweaters, blouses, etc. Kind of preppy chic kinda girl. She is a Doug Dwarf endgame. Bit akward and quiet, which is why she gets along great with Jane Godmother at first until their paths kind split and she starts hanging out with Prue Woods instead. Mrs Potts is really involved in her life, almost a bit too much from time to time, but she gets along great with her older brother Chip. She and Doug first meet when Collette takes over guard duties for council meetings and they get to talking as they walk out of the conference room. Doug accidentally spills some of his soda on her and Collette elbows him in the face on accident as she's trying to clean herself off and from then on they're two lovebirds in the making. Her favorite classes are Home Ec, English, French, and Belle's Book Club. She's a really soft-spoken, clumsy, homemaker type of girl. Born to be a mother. In her freetime, besides baking, she likes to read, make jewelery, do puzzles, and some crafting. She also helps out in the kingdom's daycare whenever she has time.

PRUE:

Prue loves woodworking, but she's lowkey bad at it. She likes to whittle but never really walks away without a million bandaids. Her favorite class, and the only one she attends really, is Woodshop. Her friends are Collette and Rosalie. She does many repairs in school, though she's not nearly as great at them as her grandfather. She's addicted to coffee and is a night owl. She's lowkey got a great sense of style, which is funny considering she's much more of a handy person. She dresses more bohemian, everything she wears is flowy everything and usually some kind of sandal when she's not directly working with wood. She's gonna be a Gil endgame. She's always trying to live up to her father's name while trying to beat the allegations ("Does your nose grown when you lie?" "Ask me that one more time and I will knock you flat on your ass."). She wears a star necklace and has a little whale stuffy in her room that she's had since she was a baby.

ROSALIE:

Fashion queen. Her favorite classes are Magical History, Herbology, and art class. She loves to make clothes, design them, working with plants and flowers, collects fashion magazines and one of her guilty pleasures is watching Auradonian reality shows. She dresses to impress always. She wears the chicest pink dresses and two pieces, is a bit obsessed with ruffles and florals. When she's not wearing some kind of heel (she loves the clackidy sound they make), she will wear those high strap sandals that Romans used to wear. Her best friend in Auradon is Robin Hood's youngest daughter Renee. Rosalie is an Evie endgame. She learned how to work with plants and her passion for fashion from her mommy.

REESE:

Robin Hood's middle daughter. She is sort of an intern in the King's Guard and in line to take a spot in it once she graduates. She's Sporty Spice, usually always dressed in something comfy (corsets are comfy to her), has a green and brown motif to her, earthy colors, is the only person in the world besides her dad who can pull fedoras off. She loves archery, climbing, and is a fantastic tracker, she could hold a candle to Petra with her abilities. Her best friend is Lonnie, they bond over having to uphold their parents honor and eventually over other things too. Reese is a Mal endgame because together, they are literally unstoppable. A red fox follows her around at all times.

[trans-elrond]

rings of power, farscape and i can't think of anything else so mandalorian for the TV show ask game?? 🫶🫶

GREAT CHOICES <3

rings of power

Favourite character: u know as a known villainfucker i am contractually obliged to say Adar but close seconds are Miriel, Elrond, Elendil, Valandil, and Disa and Durin. I HAVE A LOT OF FAVORITES OKAY THIS IS A LARGE ENSEMBLE CAST.

Funniest character: Disa has some of the greatest comedic beats in the show but i think Elendil's dad humor is underrated as well lmao

Best-looking character: Adar, Miriel, Elendil. you canNOT make me choose here i have written extensively about how beautiful they are and i will cONTINUE to write about it

3 favourite ships: obviously miriel/elendil, but the cracky miriel/elendil/valandil ship ~accidentally~ turned into a real ship, and i wasn't convinced about adar/arondir until i wrote it for an exchange and they won my heart (also intrigued by adar/arondir/bronwyn, you KNOW i love an ot3!) honorable mention: isildur/valandil.

Least favourite character: i've said it before and i'll say it again: modern AU kemen is a college republican. unforgivable.

Least favourite ship: brandishes the sign of the cross at the h*ladriels (exception for like, the cool h*ladriels who ship them in a way that doesn't strike me as incredibly sexist...........)

Reason why I watch it: diehard tolkien fan, loves the 2nd age, was not to be deterred by the fact plenty of people hated it (funny story... i actually looked in my saved photos earlier and realized in like 2020-21 i had actually publicly said "fuck the lotr show!" and then. screenshotted it. because of the nudity/sex scene rumor. hindsight is 20/20 i guess, sorry rop, i'm better now.)

Why I started watching it: honestly pure curiosity about if the show would be good or not!!! and because i could not skip a LOTR show, tbh. (i really thought elrond and gil-galad were not hot at first but their charisma & acting won me over! look at me now!)

farscape... oh you've really awakened the sleeping dragon here i'm gonna readmore this for your own sanity !!

Favourite character: crais & aeryn, which really says a lot about how much the "child soldiers fighting to be their own self" works for me as a character arc. (FUNDIE/EXVANGELICAL METAPHOR??? note: talk about this with my therapist later.) they are both so very sexy and tortured and carry big guns. very hot. very cool. *drooling a little bit thinking about aeryn and crais* what was i talking about..... ummmmm yeah okay-- (wait honorable mention to Pilot, who is LOVELY and my FRIEND. also the fact that crais's actor also voices Pilot has given me a weird hard-on for Pilot as well. sorry. alienfucker present.)

Funniest character: john crichton is actually so fucking funny i hope we all appreciate his comedic chops--same for harvey/scorpy, the comedy in some of those mind scenes is EXCELLENT

Best-looking character: crais & aeryn. im so fucking sorry i think they're both incredibly hot and the leather and scowling and "i could kill you in 12 different ways" energy really does it for me. when crichton is in his long leather coat outfit being edgy, he also is included in this category. zhaan is also too beautiful to look at. this is a very beautiful cast!!!!!

3 favourite ships: crais/aeryn/crichton is... basically the show for me. i know it requires a certain deluded perspective to watch the show through that framework but also it completely makes sense if you have the 3rd eye to see how homoerotic the crais/crichton fights are. they're constantly fighting over their own big feelings and over aeryn and it's just like okay, fuck it out already! i do like zhaan/stark a lot as well--super compelling and very sad but beautiful!!! i think crichton/scorpius is really fun in a fucked up traumatizing psychosexual way, but i also think they'd never actually fuck, scorpy just tortures john and that's as close to sex as they'll get. (@julians-meh-house back me up on this)

Least favourite character: rygel. i know what purpose he serves thematically and in the ensemble cast—and don't get me wrong, it SLAPS that a muppet is like, cursing and shitting and farting and pissing onscreen, committing proper war crimes/acts of immorality—puppets is definitely is the best way to do sci-fi aliens tbh—but he has done so many unforgivable things to my favorites! i hate him a lot, but in the "wow he's a well-written character" kind of hate.

Least favourite ship: honestly most things with chiana give me the heebie jeebies because she's canonically Very Young (teenager/young adult?) and d'argo is a whole-ass 40 year old man. so. i understand why farscape does it, i understand that the show is depicting chiana as someone who's hypersexual because of trauma, i know the chiana/d'argo relationship is FAR from healthy to start with. i just personally want chiana to have some healthy relationships with people her age lol.

Reason why I watch it: it is the best show in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but seriously... my major problem with contemporary sci-fi is that it is too clean and shiny and new and sharp and savvy and militarized. and what i really want from sci-fi is the dirty underside of the cosmos. aliens being weird and freaky and kinky and inhuman and gross and ALIEN. (star wars tries to show the grimier side of things but only succeeds in like, rare circumstances.) farscape is so messy and good and it's also from the era of TV where seasons were 20+ episodes long. so much better.

Why I started watching it: @yamelcakes farscape propaganda on the dash worked on me. i am forever grateful. <3

the mandalorian

Favourite character: axe woves and din djarin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! boba fett and fennec shand as well but it feels like an insult to call them characters from the mandalorian when they had their own show lmao.

Funniest character: din is surprisingly funny, but of course it's baby yoda/grogu, he's soooo cute and evil and a menace and i love him! my baby!

Best-looking character: din, axe, koska, fennec! yeah im bisexual why do you ask. honorable mention: i didn't love her episodes but Elia Kane (Katy O'Brian) can step on me anytime

3 favourite ships: call me crazy but i LOVED din/omera back in season 1...... big fan of multishipping din, i've loved interpretations of him with pretty much everyone (omera, cara, boba, cobb, luke, bo, fennec, etc.) i've gotta say axe/bo-katan divorce arc is my thing for real, and i really like axe/bo/koska ot3! honorable mention: axe/paz :')

Least favourite character: i'm wracking my brain and i'm not sure i have one. moff gideon is so fucking sexy and cool i can't hate him even if he's super duper evil. well, maybe greef karga, he tends to annoy me when he's onscreen because i think carl weathers is hamming it up too much and the tone isn't quite right for the show. and cara dune i liked as a character but the acting was always bad!

Least favourite ship: none, i'm a happy multishipper! the antis in this fandom are INSANE though jkdfslkjfdsjlkfds do NOT get into a mandalorian ship discussion with anyone, they WILL eat you alive

Reason why I watch it: unfortunately i am a star war fan in the year of our lord 2023. s3 was... not... good, but i'm so attached to s1-2 din and grogu i couldn't stop. also i love axe woves.

Why I started watching it: i didn't watch it when it first came out--took a few more months and then i binged s1 and live-blogged the whole thing to my close friends' group chat and i was so sold on it afterwards! din and grogu are so special to meeeee

[dib-thing-wannabe]

Thoughts on every JT character + personal headcanon for each of them?

Oooooh dear, there's quiet a few characters, so sorry if I miss any-

Johnny Test: 8/10 Overall, a pretty good depiction of a 11 year old boy! I would be lying if I said that I didn't think of him as one of the best character's in the show. Headcanon: He does have a pretty big soft spot for babies/toddlers, as long as they aren't evil, of course.

Mary Test: 6/10 She's good, but doesn't have much of her own personality apart from Susan. I also dislike that she legit uses Johnny as a test subject. Y'all are gonna kill the boy if this continues! Headcanon: She actually doesn't find Gil that attractive, it's just that every other guy at her school is mid, so he's her best option.

Susan Test: 6/10 Same thoughts as Mary. Headcanon: Her favorite type of scientific experiments are with machinery, especially when building, cleaning, or taking them apart.

Hugh Test: 7/10 He's so malewife it's unbelievable. Now call me spoiled or too sympathetic, but I definitely feel like he should spoil his kids just a little more. Not with toys or something like that, but with attention. Susan and Mary are probably fine with the attention that he's currently giving them, but Johnny might just want some positive attention towards him. Headcanon: Despite making meatloaf 24/7, his favorite food is actually jack fruit. He just can't have it nearly as often because of how expensive it is.

Lila Test: 8/10 The girlboss ever. I just wish she would be able to spend more time with her family, but that's all that I think of her negatively. Headcanon: She actually dyes her hair brown, and her actual hair color is the bright red that Susan and Mary have, and also the color of Johnny's tips. At first it was because her job didn't believe that her hair color was natural so she was forced to dye it, but then she just kept it since she really liked the way it looked on her better than her red hair.

Dukey: 9/10 I am a sucker for smart yet silly characters, what can I say? He's probably the most well written character in the show, but that's not saying much tbh. Headcanon: He did ended up having a litter of puppies before he went in the pound that Johnny rescued him from, and he does try to visit them as often as he can.

Bling-Bling Boy / Eugene: 7/10 He's an interesting character, and I find him funny! I just wish that he wasn't such a creep with Susan- Headcanon: His main type is actually southern women from America with thick accents. Susan is just an outlier when it comes to his attraction.

Mr. Mittens and his butler, Albert: 5/10 Fun villains, but I don't think of them as anything more than that. Headcanon: That cat definitely will sit on Albert's paperwork and things like that while he's doing it to be a pain.

Mr Black and Mr White: 6/10 Similar to Susan's and Mary's dynamic when it comes to writing, but still good and funny characters in my eyes! Headcanon: They are in fact married to each other. You cannot convince me otherwise.

Brain Freezer: 10/10 Silly villain go brrrrrr!! So silly and such a good character to me, I love him sm. Headcanon: Despite being a cold and ice-based villain, he cannot stand on ice without special attachments to his footwear.

Gil Nexdor: 4/10 Average boring white boy, but he's a sweetheart despite that, so he's not the worse. Headcanon: He's aroace, so he truly does think that Susan and Mary don't want to be anything more than friends.

Dark Vegan: 5/10 He's a tab bit boring for my taste, being the trope of a scary villain but when he's in his civilian/normal attire he's just a wimpy guy. Headcanon: His favorite animal is actually snakes!

The Beekeeper: 5/10 Not very memorable or too interesting to me. Headcanon: Despite being a beekeeper, his favorite insect/bug is actually a stick bug!

Zizrar: 6/10 I love this silly mole king, but he's a bit too silly to be fighting with an 11 year old boy. Headcanon: He definitely just makes a hole that's barely big enough to fit him in it and just sits in it for a while. Maybe even sleep in it sometimes.

Sissy Blakely: 7/10 She's a good character! But she's also just a gender bend of Johnny tbh. Headcanon: She's bi with a preference towards men.

The General: 2/10 I hate how he's actually a good depiction of people in the military- Also, why are you placing most of your problems at your job on an 11 year old and his teenage sisters?! Headcanon: He's dead, actually. He's not canon, he isn't real, this was the Mandela Effect.

Johnny's teacher: 1/10 Biggest bitch in the show, and he's technically not even that big of an antagonist. Headcanon: He treats Johnny the way he does because he's actually close to losing his job and he thinks that Johnny's bad grades are the reason he's about to be fired, when it's simply because he's a bad teacher, and treating Johnny the way he doesn't certainly isn't helping him.

[kattahj]

Fic Meme

I was tagged by @sophiainspace and thought it looked fun! If, reading this, you think it looks fun too, feel tagged!

Please note that I have been writing fic online since 1998, and I will definitely focus more (but not entirely) on the newer stuff. I'll also try not to mention the same fic more than once - there's more than enough to choose from!

Fic Meme

My favourite of my fics... There are definitely fics that are closer to my heart than others – some fics I keep thinking of and expanding on long after they're done, others I forget about until something reminds me. But I can't possibly choose one favourite. Most of the ones below are in the "close to my heart" category.

My fluffiest fic is probably Tight-Knight, a Once Upon a Time fic about knitting. Lots of Swan-Charming-Jones family feels.

My funniest fic is... You know, I really haven't written much humor. Of the relatively new ones, I think HEAnowbitches unveils Rebecca Silver (Legends of Tomorrow fic) is pretty funny.

My saddest fic is... again, of the relatively new ones, Ray and Rose and That Guy Trevor, a Julie and the Phantoms fic about Julie's parents.

A fic I almost didn't post is Just a Small Step, the first of the Jay/Gil stories. Or more accurately, I was hesitant to even write it, because I didn't know who would read it. It was pretty slow to pick up readers, too, but did prove to have a bit of a following before the end.

The fic I had most fun writing is... hard to choose, but I think I'm going to say Glimpses of a Life In Love, the Fergus/Marsali story, just because I've been shipping these two for a quarter century, and it felt so good to have an onscreen version with a fic-reading fandom. Back when I hung out on Outlander mailing lists, if you so much as breathed about fic you got shut down, instantly.

My favourite ship to write is... ohh, this is difficult. I have too many fandoms! But I did really enjoy writing Willex from Julie and the Phantoms in Stealing Back a Soul, because it allowed me to be sappy and also write a love song.

My favourite femslash ship to write is... I had a lot of fun with All This Dystopia Needs is a Blue Door, a Society fic with Becca/Kelly.

My favourite OT3 to write is... the Havenites are near and dear to my heart (such as in Placing my Child in Your Arms), but the love is tinged with bitterness these days. The Man from UNCLE trio in Paragraph 17 is a more uncomplicated love (at least if I don't consider the actors). And of course there's the Three Men and a Baby polycule in Three Men and a Chance at Love.

My favourite non-romantic pairing to write is... I really enjoyed writing Klaus and Ben from Umbrella Academy in A Minor Complication. Though I appreciate all comments on the fic, obviously, it does make me a little salty when people treat it as if it's just a Klaus fic. Ben may not be the POV character, but he's just as important! They also appear together in Drugs, Death, and a Giant Robot, which is a crossover with Dead Like Me.

My favourite character to write is probably Milah from Once Upon a Time, in Other Duties Just as Sacred, because she was such an interesting and potentially complex character, and was completely squandered by the writers (and maligned by the fandom).

My favourite neurodiversity fic is I would say a tie between Closing the Circle (Real Genius fic) and One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (Descendants fic) because Jordan in the former and Gil in the latter are so different from each other. Jordan talks a mile a minute, while Gil has difficulty finding words and picking up on what other people are saying. It made both of their POVs a writing challenge in different ways.

The fic I remember writing most clearly is... hard to tell, but the Haven fic The Muse of Gym Bleachers and Bathroom Stalls is a strong contender. Writing it felt less like making stuff up and more like putting into words what Duke Crocker and Nathan Wuornos clearly must have been up to in their high school days.

My favourite 'written out of spite' fic is... you know, spite isn't really a factor in most of my fics. But if "these characters need more appreciation from both canon and fandom" counts, then Worth the Distraction is up there, the Shadowhunters/Mortal Instruments fic where I let Lydia Branwell befriend Jessamine Lovelace's ghost. Also Cinematic Healing in the same fandom, where I focus on Maia's friendships with various people, and the BBC Class fic Everything's Better With Cupcakes, which is about April and Tanya.

My most-read fic is A Treasure from the Trash, a Shadowhunters Malec dumpster baby fic (where the dumpster baby is a different one from the book canon, which I only learned about after I'd already started writing).

My least-read fic is Away from the Abyss. Which, yes, few people are going to read "Ran" fic 37 years after the film premiered, and fewer still are going to want to read Kyoami/Tsurumaru, two characters who barely interacted in canon, but I REALLY enjoyed writing it, and sometimes you have to write fic for yourself and the two people who end up leaving kudos/comments. I think the story came out pretty well, and as a bonus I learned a lot of Japanese history, which enriched my viewing of the film as well.

The WIP I most regret not finishing is... I mean, the Uma/Elle fic that's meant to be the third part in the Steps series is still stuck mostly inside my head and I want to get it out. As for stuff that's actually posted, I think Other Duties left off at an OK point, so I guess I'll go for older fare and say Birthdayverse Realities, an Angel AU fic.

My favourite gen fic is... I have so many. SO MANY. But okay, I will say The Big Four-Oh Will Be The Best One Yet, which is a Legends of Tomorrow fic about Nate's birthday, because I like seeing all these characters celebrating together, and it was fun trying to figure out which gifts everyone would give.

My crackiest fic is... *winces* Listen. there are other answers I could give that you might be satisfied with, but I know damned well which my crackiest fic is. It's my very first Yuletide fic from 2003, An Afterlife Afternoon in South Park. I figured that the only way to complete the assignment was to go all in, so that was what I did. I wrote a story in which Kenny's ghost blows Cartman.

And finally... Have a Christmas fic. For all that I've written a lot of Yuletide, I actually haven't done much Christmas-themed stuff, but The Winter Wall definitely qualifies! A gen fic for Michelle Magorian's Back Home.

Ask me a fic question! Or say something fic-related! If you want to!

[calmingpi]

Some more hall of tuesday stuff~

Specifically, some thought processes and concepts. Yes, I know its Wednesday, but I got too tired + didn't feel well last night to type all this out

I'm noting the design process of this one, because while writing a Tarvek thing the other day it occurred to me that I have a habit of getting attached to characters that follow some philosophies that have become attached to lolita fashion- the dislike of ones true personality, using consumerism and extravagant tastes to fill a metaphorical hole, hiding negative traits beneath literal layers of cute clothing, presenting a personality thats within specific ideals of elegance and refinement, the concept of feminine androgyny, etc

Tuesday the first

Anyway, this outfit was inspired by Baby The Stars Shine Bright

Streamer Tarvek

I can't even possibly explain why i drew this to begin with, partly because i dont actually remember. But i love this au SO much. I wrote a whole bunch of these that i never ended up finishing. Heres a couple of them

Tarveks streams are not gamer related; its more of a commentary stream but really he talks about whatever he wants. Often hes prompted by questions from the viewers, that causes him to go on extreme tangents about whatever. History, politics, pop culture, math, literally whatever. It's also not a popular stream in the grand scheme of things. He doesnt market or promote this thing at all, but he has a small and very dedicated fanbase of very strange people. In general tarvek likes having an audience and not having to act really put together and refined. Instead he can infodump to strangers and not worry about impressing people too much. And he can wear cat ears and feel only a little bit silly instead of a lot

Girl Watching With Colette

Tarvek is married to agatha and gil in this, which i believe ive mentioned, and i think ive also mentioned that he pretends the stream doesnt exist to them. They dont bother him about it, but they do watch it and regularly comment. I think hes just embarrassed about having a goofy internet outlet, and they just really love watching him excitedly talk about his interests

This was another one from the original prompt list, called "girl watching with Colette." They're sitting at a little teahouse, i think. There's a sequel prompt called "Gil watching with Colette," where Tarvek is holding a large pair of binoculars and absolutely SEETHING with anger while Colette is laughing. Otherwise exactly the same setting

Unforgiven

Before this blog, one of my first Tarvek drawings is a picture of him dressed as Nayeon from Twice. I also remember a picture I did of Lars in a Love Dive inspired outfit being complimented a lot on here, lol.

Anyway, this one was inspired by the concept photos for Unforgiven by Llesserafim. I think concept photos are a really cool form of art in general. Art direction. Needs more recognition, really!

This one was based off the "fallen angel" style of photos they did, but they also have this weird "office cowboy" style of photos? From the same album? I have no idea what that was about, but it's really funny to me. There's a horse loose in the office space. He's using the copier. I didn't know he knew how to do that. Anyway, maybe I should do an office cowboy Tarvek, too. Ive drawn him as a cowboy before, and it was really fun

I Still Feel Alive

This is actually my favorite tuesday, which is funny cause it was just coloring practice, really. But my favorite bit is really all the just. Amount of stuff i shoved in there. We're on castle wulfenbach, hes been stabbed and poisoned (dw about it), hes drinking the vaccine gil made from his notes, weve got his favorite clank girls (which by the way i unfortunately love that we have tinka without a head and anevka without a body), his weasels of course, agathas portrait (because whos office is this, really?), we've got the portal to the eldritch monster dimension out the window there, and an apple tree!

I drew Tarvek with a lot of apple themes for a while, as a reference to his condescending snake description. Its kind of funny 2 me to think of agatha and gil as adam and eve (dont ask which is which. I dont think it particularly matters, tbh), and tarvek as the evil snake, because i think its exactly how hed see himself really. Whether hes actually an evil snake or not. Token evil teammate, awful seductress, yadda yadda yadda. Really, aggie and gil arent innocent either, which makes it funnier 2 me

Godqueen

I really love the idea of tarvek as a godqueen (or godking, i just think godqueen suits him better) because he was originally supposed to be killed off in sturmhalten. He could always still be killed off, which would be very disappointing because i think we would have wasted a lot of time then. Or he could live and things would be as expected. Or we could go the funnier route and make him literally immortal. That would be hilarious to me!

Also, im pretty sure gils going to be storm king. And with agatha as the heterodyne + probably a godqueen, and gil as storm king and the only one whos graduated college, i believe tarvek should be allowed a little immortality. Or maybe financial compensation. As a treat. Make it harder for bang to bully him

Looks wise, godqueen tarvek is based on what he keeps shoving agatha in (sidenote: that is NOT anevkas dress. Can you even imagine her in that? That is his dress. I dont think he wore it, but its definitely tarveks). When it comes to dresses i always put tarvek in something really flowy and needlessly gaudy. But suits and pants should be a tighter fit. A lot of the design inspo is wizard of oz based, particularly ozma. In a lot of illustrations she wears these very loose fitting gowns, and often very simple crowns and a few specifically placed flowers

His crown is also little storm clouds. If gil was a godking hed have little lightning bolts, but i think gil shouldnt be a godking. He can already lift tanks. But if he was, hed have little lightning bolts. Theyd match!

Tuesday Anniversary

First of all, i love painting. Like i love it SO much. Ok, cool

I wanted Agatha in the picture right off the bat, but originally I was going to draw them dancing at Albias ball. I drew this, discovered i drew them facing the wrong way, scrapped it, and then crab anons drink got spilled on them, so it was not meant to be. Also, frankly, i think the impact would have been all wrong. I wanted a kind of "what tarvek wished had happened" kind of thing and instead i think it just keeps bringing back how gil and aggie danced together. And really i wanted something special for just agatha and tarvek, since i tend to do so much gil shipping with them. Its been a while where ive drawn them something of their own

So i kept thinking about tarvek and agatha ideals, from his perspective. I went back to his "when im an evil overload and agatha is my sexy dark mistress" idea, but decided to go for a more likely scenario. So this is sometime in the future, and hes happy being able to walk her down the hall for whatever it is theyre doing. Theyre in Castle of course (with the little wall hangings from the game! I love those), and shes let him dress her up in one of his flowy dresses. His outfits still really similar to the one from the ball, which is also really similar to the one from sturmhalten. I think its just a design choice he likes, so i kept that up. Agatha also has two rings, because this is a moment to themselves but theyll never stop loving gil, really

[strangefellows]

so about those mixed feelings on kid gil....

AIGHT SO

It really does boil down to the fact that he's not "Gilgamesh as a child" but "a child that is Gilgamesh", so to speak -- he's just the concept of 'the King of Heroes, but ten years old'. They pretty heavily imply that in FGO, and I'm fairly sure it's referenced in Hollow Ataraxia too.

It's probably because in most cases, Kid Gil is a result of Gilgamesh using the potion of rejuvenation -- which just resets your time clock and makes you younger, so it's not like "returns you to your childhood" but more "you as you are now have become a child again".

But while I love Kid Gil, and his sweet decent kid behavior and absolute seething hatred for his adult self is funny -- and speaks to a lot of issues there with self-loathing in general, Gil, can we talk about that -- I just...am also a little disappointed in the wasted potential.

I mean, him being SO DIFFERENT from Archer Gil is a huge starting point, but then the FGO profile says it might be because it was Gil when he was a wise king who forms the starting point for his identity, which both tracks because it's the likeliest time when he'd decide to take the potion and because he DOES act a bit more like CasGil. But then that just cycles back around to the beginning of "this isn't Gil as a child, this is just old man Gil who chugged the potion and became ten years old again" and it explains his hatred for his Archer self as, well, yeah, duh, that's the worst time of your life, you'd hate yourself too if you remembered being An Absolute Fucking Tool.

I wish we could see Actual Kid Gil, but then Gilgamesh shoots that handily in the foot by saying he has literally no memory of his actual childhood. Which is both weird as hell and ridiculous, Gil, how the fuck? It feels at once like an excuse to keep the question of what Kid Gil is a little vaguer, but there's just...it's silly.

Especially in the early stuff when Gil just knocks back the potion when he's bored to fuck around as a kid for a while. See: a reference that that's what he did for the 10 years in between Zero and FSN, and what he does in HA, and what he very nearly does in FSF before Enkidu showing up stops him cold. Like...that really undermines the idea that this is actual child Gil because he's just like lol bored now time to be 10. It just has so much more evidence to the contrary; especially in - don't shoot me - Prisma*Illya, where it's so clear he's just our Gil but 10 in his behavior and how he basically tactical nukes someone for using Enkidu without his permission. Actual Child Gil wouldn't have known Enkidu.

SO TLDR I LIKE HIM HE'S FUNNY BUT ALSO I AM JUST QUIETLY DISAPPOINTED THAT HE'S NOT GENUINELY GIL AS A KID.

I have my own headcanons for what Gil was like as a kid, though, and those tie to my big weird Gil hcs, but I do think actual kid Gil was similar to the way he's described, echoes of what Kid Gil shows - kind, sweet, moral, just, gentle, etc - but...it's not the same, yknow? Kid Gil has enough of his older self's traits still that it's not a complete overlap.