#HIS BROTHER TRIED TO KILL HIM! HE LEFT THE LOST CITIES TO GO DIE PEACEFULLY SOMEWHERE! AND FAILED!

[camelspit]

I'm in a terrible dilemma

I run 2 sideblogs

one is essentially a grady fanpage

the other is my alvar rp

and I love gethen as well

help me your eminence

grady is not a sexyman!! leave his ass behind. abandon him.

as for gethen and alvar ❤️ i personally like alvar more but i suggest supporting gethen. he has the best shot at the sexy crown this year.

[animatorweirdo]

Imagine reuniting with Maedhros in Valinor

(I’m sorry that this took a bit longer. I had to rewrite to make it better, so I hope you enjoy it.) 

After several years living in Valinor with nothing but memories, you are finally reunited with your beloved. 

Requested by @wandererindreams

Warnings; mentions of captivity, death, killing, a break up, angst, trauma, reunion, hopefully sweet and emotional for your taste. 

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How has it been since the last time you saw each other? 

How long has it been since you held each other, loved and warm, and safe from the world around you? How long has it been since you heard his voice, filled with words full of love and reassurance that everything would be alright? 

How long has it been since you separated for good? 

You did not know. You had lost count of the years since you left him and tried to live a life without him and the oath that plagued his family for centuries. You did not regret leaving because it was for your own good. You couldn't stay and get caught in the madness the commitment to the silmarils brought upon your beloved. It would have only ended badly for you, so you had to do what was best for you. 

However, the longing and sorrow never left you. You missed your crimson-haired ellon, the one who welcomed you and your people to his home when no one else would accept you, the one who made your heart beat with love and passion. You missed Maedhros. 

When he fell into desperation to fulfill his oath, it broke your heart. It changed him for the worst. You tried to support and be there for him as much as possible, but when he agreed to settle down to attack Doriath to take the silmaril from Dior’s hand by force, that’s when you had to draw the line. 

You tried to convince him not to do such a thing, not to fall upon that path again and become a kinslayer he had already shunned since the first age. You have already seen innocent suffer and die at the hands of the dark lord. You did not wish to see your beloved do the same thing. 

Maedhros did not deviate from the plan and kept saying it had to be done. If you were not going to support him, you might as well leave. Those were words you never wanted to hear from someone who held your fragile heart. 

After escaping the hellish fighter pits of Angband – you promised yourself that you would never harm innocents again, so you left.

You and those who followed you had already been ridiculed once for being former thralls of the dark lord. Therefore it was better for you to leave than to be marked as kinslayers for associating with Maedhros.

You could still remember when you packed your things and turned to look at your lover for the last time, bidding him goodbye and hoping Eru would be merciful upon him. He didn’t even turn to look at you. He only apologized for the pain he had caused you and wished you well. 

It broke your heart. The tears that fell that day were uncountable when you left with those who chose the same. While his brothers mocked your decision to leave, Maedhros ensured they would stay quiet and let you go peacefully without strife or aggression. It gladdened you that he still cared enough about your safety, but it did not heal the broken heart within you as you left and never saw each other again. 

Cirdan, the shipwright, welcomed you and your people when you arrived in his city. He was kind, and living in his safety allowed you to heal and begin something new – away from Morgoth and the hardships of the past. 

It was hard to adapt in the beginning, especially when you heard the terrible news of the Doriath, the ransack of Sirion, and how Maedhros finally ended his life by throwing himself into the flames on the earth. It broke your spirit to realize he was now gone. You were glad he finally managed to fulfill his oath and rest his soul in peace, but it now meant you might never see him again. 

You knew very little about Mandos and the matters of the dead – but you didn’t need to be a genius to think that he might face judgment for his crimes and thus never walk upon the soil of the earth till the doomsman of the valar decides so. 

As time passed, Cirdan and your friends convinced you to sail for Valinor. You had suffered long enough, and your heartbreak over Maedhros’s death had yet to heal. It was one of the reasons why you should go to the undying lands than remain on Middle Earth. 

You had grown weary and tired. You wished nothing more than peace, rest, and freedom from violence, so you decided to leave Middle Earth and sail for the blessed realm. 

The sight was beautiful. It was like being enveloped in light for the first time in your life, and you could not feel even an ounce of darkness, strife, or danger you usually felt in your life on Middle Earth. The stories Maedhros once told you about it could barely compare to the feeling you felt when you set foot in Valinor for the first time. 

You reunited with those you once lost and even found your family, who welcomed you with teary eyes and hugs. You felt emotional when you felt their arms around you again. It had been so long since you saw them again. The last time was when the orcs captured and took you away into the Iron hell, away from your family. 

You got welcomed into the gardens of Lorien, where you were allowed to heal from your traumatic experiences. You joined groups of people who shared similar experiences, and through therapeutic sessions, you managed to bond and adapt more comfortably to your new life in Valinor. 

You even managed to make amends with those whose’s lives you had unfortunately ended in the pits of Angband. Their souls were lucky to escape the darkness and be reincarnated in Valinor. They harbored no ill feelings for you and had forgiven you long ago, so you finally managed to let go of the guilt that had plagued you for years. 

Your life became peaceful. 

You lived with your family, sharing loving moments and spending the time you lost since you got captured. The scars on your body began to vanish, and your grayish hair regained its natural color. It was almost a surprise when your hair suddenly started changing color since you were used to your grayish hair, but it was a pleasant surprise because you finally learned your natural hair color since you had forgotten. 

You still missed Maedhros from time to time. You sometimes imagined meeting him again and wondered how it would go. Would you be happy to see him, or would you keep your distance and avoid interacting with him? You hoped it would not be the latter. 

You went to see his mother once. The red-haired elleth was beautiful, kind, and welcoming – like Ariel in the morning sky. She was just like how Maedhros described her. You now knew where he got his height and good looks. 

Her time alone in Valinor had grown her weary and tired, but she was delighted when you told her many good things you shared with Maedhros before your separation. She insisted you come to talk to her if you missed Maedhros since she did not harbor hate or resentment like many who still bore hard feelings from the horrible acts of the first age. You appreciated it and took up her offer many times. 

She appreciated it as well since you made it less lonely for her. 

You took a deep breath, taking steps back from the cliff's edge. The sea waved before you, and the seagulls flew in the sky, singing and hunting their fish. It was an odd habit. You would sometimes go there and stare into the distance, toward Middle Earth and think. It helped you find peace and ease the deep homesickness you felt for Middle Earth. It might have been a dangerous place, filled with orcs and dangers, but it was your home with many good memories you shared with your loved one. 

You turned back and walked away.  

The exotic birds of Lorien sang in their trees, filling the air with their unique melodies. The bees and butterflies flew around the flower beds that dressed the garden with their colors and pleasant smells that effortlessly eased your soul and mind. You always found the scent of the flowers most pleasing when you walked in the garden. 

You remembered when lord Irmo welcomed you into his garden. He helped you heal along with his wife and sister, who were kind and made it easier for you to let go of the past and look up to the future. 

The memories of Angband had left your mind, and your heartache healed thanks to them. 

You almost thought you would never be able to heal from the scars the dark lord had inflicted upon you. It was one of the things you shared with your beloved ellon, the traumatic experience you both suffered at the hands of the dark lord and his wicked servants who took joy in your suffering and pain. 

He was the first one you opened up to about your time as a thrall like you were his. 

Mind occupied with sad memories and longing again, you couldn't do anything but think about them while walking. People passed you and gave you some greetings, which you returned with smiles and nods while walking with no destination. 

The elf sat down on the bench, his crimson locks falling from his shoulders and a solemn expression dressing his face. He looked at nothing. There was nothing much to look at, and he didn’t need to see or hear the whispering of other habitats of Lorien’s garden as they sent him looks of suspicion and displeasure as they passed him. 

He let out a deep sigh. He did not blame them. Who wouldn't talk badly of a kinslayer? 

His mind returned to the days of his life on Middle Earth. He had done so many atrocious things, and even after several years in Mandos repenting and healing, he will never be able to let go of the guilt. It was not his right. While he regained his hand, the scars that covered his body were reminders of his past, a reminder he gladly wore.

He looked around the garden, taking in the peaceful sight. He had almost forgotten the serenity and the peace it possessed. He wondered if you had the chance to feel those things. 

His mind returned to you and those times you spent together. Safe and loved in each other’s embrace, away from Morgoth and the world that sought to take you down. He never knew your fate. Have you sailed for Valinor? Have you perished in conflict? Or have you remained in Middle Earth? 

Did you live better without him? Or have you suffered because of him? 

He hoped it wouldn’t be the latter. He hoped you had lived a better life after leaving him. It was all he could ask for since he had succeeded in nothing but killing innocent people. 

Did you hate him? He wouldn't blame you if you did. He was foolish to make you choose between leaving or staying to watch him kill innocents. You had suffered the choice to take innocent lives by force because of Morgoth, and he expected you would support him as he took innocent lives. It made him wonder if he appeared like Morgoth to you back then. 

He might never know what became of you. He can only wish to feel the warmth of your arms and see your blessed smile again. He may not be able to see you again, and that may be best for both of you.

“Maedhros?” He almost jumped from his seat.

 He turned around and saw someone looking at him with curiosity and familiarity. He was confused for a moment. He had no memories of meeting this elleth, yet she knew his sindaring name. She closely reminded him of you, though. 

“Is that you?” You got closer when he looked at you. 

He was uncertain how to answer as you stepped closer to him. “That would be my name – but I do not recall meeting you before, my lady,” He said. “You do not recognize me?” You questioned with a tilted head. Maedhros almost cursed under his breath when you said that. He tried hard to remember where he had met you before but got nothing as you looked too different from someone he knew. 

“Forgive, my lady – I do not believe we have met before,” He said. 

“Well – I guess it had been a long time since we saw each other,” You said. “Things have changed, and I guess I look much different,” You almost chuckled. “My hair used to be gray like with an old man, I had scars on my face, and my hands were in a much poor condition than they are now,” You moved your hands, then looked at him. “But we have met before –” You smiled. 

“You were the one who welcomed my people when no one else would and helped us heal from the wounds we suffered from the cruelty of Morgoth. I found my healing in cooking, and sometimes I invited you for dinner to spend time together – away from the outside world to only enjoy peace and comfort,” You explained. There was a hint of recognition in his eyes when you told him.

“I’m (Name),” You gently smiled. 

Maedhros almost felt his body freeze as he stared at you with widened eyes. His mind ran through thousands of memories and emotions as you stood before him in your untouched beauty and that beautiful smile he fell deeply in love with before you separated because of his oath. 

He almost cursed himself for making himself a fool. How could he have not recognized you, his beloved who he abandoned? 

“(Name) –” He almost whispered. 

Maedhros almost couldn't move. He raised his hands, but they shook like he was hesitant to touch you. His eyes glistened, ready to shed tears. You were also close to shedding tears as he finally recognized you and decided to embrace him first. 

He wrapped his arms around your waist as you brought his face to lay against your chest. He was shaking and breaking down in sobs as he held you close like you would disappear. You allowed your tears to fall freely as your heart soared happily to feel him in your arms again. 

“I missed you –” You whispered. 

“I thought I would never see you again after I heard you had died,” You said as he sucked in his sobs. You slowly fell beside him on the bench – holding on to him. It was a moment when time stopped, and it was just you and him. 

“Please tell me you have been forgiven and allowed to walk freely from the shackles of Mandos. I have been alone for so long,” You looked him in the eye, almost pleading. “I can’t bear it again to see you gone, away from me,” You stated. 

Maedhros looked back at you, holding your now gentle hand that grazed his face. “I won’t go anywhere, ever again. I will stay by your side – if you have me again, that is,” He almost looked down in shame. You chuckled, sniffing in your tears of happiness. 

“I would not choose anyone else than you,” You smiled. “There is no one else who can make me feel so loved and safe as you did,” You said. Maedhros cracked a smile, almost breaking down in tears again after hearing those words. 

“Come here–” You said, bringing him into another hug. He laid his chin against your shoulder, and you two held each other close again, unwilling to let go. “I love you so much,” He said. “I love you too,” You uttered back. 

You held each other for a while before releasing each other. “Have you gone seen your mother yet? I think she would be delighted to see you again,” You said. “You met my mother?” He questioned with a curious yet hopeful tone. “Yes. She’s so warm and kind – just like you said,” You smiled, which made him smile. 

You picked yourself up from the bench, pulling him along. “C’mon, let's not make your mother wait. I think she would be even more delighted to see us together again,” You said, leading on through the garden. He gladly followed you as you held onto his hand. It felt odd to feel his missing hand again but feeling your warm and soft hand against his made it better, and at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to follow you everywhere in this world.

[megsironthrone]

You Don’t Have to Do This

Based on this request: okay umm👉👈🥺 if requests are open, I would really like one with sandor clegane x reader (female if it’s okay) set in the one to last episode of the series, yeah that ugly episode for us sandor stans…….😭 like can the reader arrive in the red keep while sandor is fighting his brother and helps him out? managing to not get him brutally tumbling to the ground with him? and then he confesses his love for her? ❤ 🙏 thanks 

Here you are, lovely! *Familiar Characters are NEVER mine!* Also, as I refuse to rewatch this episode in particular, some things from the scene have been altered(though I will say the scene portrayed in the gif is one of my favorite Sandor & Arya scenes)

Warnings: Angst w/happy ending, violence, fire, The Mountain, death

Pairings/Characters: Sandor Clegane x fem!reader, The Mountain. 

(^^Also Could someone please help me learn to make gifs?? I really would like to find/make more Sandor gifs that are NOT SanSan related XD)

You pushed passed the crowds of people trying to get out of the city and trying to avoid the flames raining down. Nothing mattered in that moment but finding Sandor. You knew he was headed for the Keep and you were determined to stop him and get him out of King's Landing before you both died in one way or another.

         You ran as quickly as your legs would carry you toward the Keep and the man you'd come to love. Your legs threatened to give out and your lungs burned, but pure perseverance and love pushed you forward. Finally, after what seemed like hours, you made it inside. Luckily, your entrance had made enough noise to attract Sandor's attention because you couldn't speak in that moment even if you wanted to.

         His brows furrowed for moment before deciding to let you take a moment to catch your breath. He turned to Arya, who you just now noticed was in the room, and said something along the lines of, "You want to be like me?" You watched as a look of understanding came over the young lady. She began to walk out of the Keep, thanking Sandor then leaving the two of you alone.

         "What are you doing here?" he asked, his deep brown eyes meeting your (e/c) ones. "Please, Sandor. I know why you're here. You don't have to do this. Come with me. We can find a way out of the city. We can escape. Please…" you trailed off. You weren't sure what else to say without admitting your feelings for the man. Feelings you were certain he would reject and you couldn't bear that.

         "I can't let him keep living." You ran forward and gently grabbed his arm. "Please, Sandor. He isn't worth your life. The best revenge you could have is leaving and living the rest of your life peacefully, out of his shadow. Sandor, look at me. I am begging you don't do this." Sandor shook his head, removed your hand from his arm, and turned away.

         You felt your heart clench once more at the thought of Sandor dying at the hands of his resurrected brother. You couldn't let him go alone. To that end, you followed after him. "What are you doing?" he snapped. You rolled your eyes. "I'm coming with you. I can't stop you, but I sure as all Hells am not going to let you go alone." His brows drew together as he tried to contemplate the meaning behind your words.

         "Fine," he said after a moment, "Just stay out of trouble." You chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "This entire situation is nothing but trouble. But I will stay out of your way unless I think you need help. I just…I need to be there and know that you're okay." Once more, Sandor didn't say anything, but you could almost see the gears turning in his head. However there would be no more time for conversation.

         You heard him before you saw him. The Mountain. Gargantuan and imposing. Lethal. You felt a shiver rip through you when he rounded the corner. He seemed to ignore you in favor of staring down his brother. You didn't hear anything Sandor said to him. You just wanted it to be over. Sandor needed to win this time. The sound of a blade swinging through the air had you moving out of the way as quickly as possible.

         The scene before you unfolded as you watched in horror. The brothers were somewhat evenly matched. Well, except for the Mountain being dead-but-not-dead. It seemed his strength was left intact when he was brought back. When the Mountain had Sandor pressed up against the crumbling walls of the Keep, you knew you couldn't wait any longer.

         You rushed forward, drawing the Mountain's attention to you long enough for Sandor to straighten himself up. Your relief was short-lived as the giant man grabbed you by the throat and threatened to throw you into the roaring flames below. Your eyes met Sandor's for a brief moment and a look of understanding passed between you. With one hand, you tried clawing at the Mountain's gauntlet-covered hand while your other hand reached for the nearby torch.

         Sandor yelled at his brother, causing him to remove his helmet to vehemently glare. You took the opportunity to reach next to you. You grabbed the torch and swung it against the Mountain's head with all your might. He let out a blood-curdling scream, dropping you to the stone steps. No pain registered in your mind as you focused on the task of helping Sandor.

         The Mountain was precariously close to the walls, giving you an idea. You only hoped Sandor would catch on quickly or the Mountain's sword was coming for your neck next. From your position on the ground, you could easily reach the Mountain's legs. Sandor had him bent backward over the wall. If you were quick enough, you could end this right then and there.

         Without waiting another minute, you took aim. If you hit him in the just the right spot, you could throw him off balance long enough for Sandor to finish the job. Since the Mountain wasn't paying any attention to you anymore, you had your chance. His knees bent just enough. With a smile, you carefully reached over and rammed your elbow into the back of one knee and then the other. Then, you stayed on all fours behind his legs, basically creating a table from your body.

         In his surprise, the Mountain released his hold on Sandor. Sandor took one glance at you and got the idea. With all his might, he shoved. The Mountain lost his balance, flipping over you and off the walls, down into the flames below. Sandor helped you to your feet and the two of you watched his brother fall. When you could no longer see him, Sandor pulled you back and gazed into your eyes.

         "What in Seven Hells were you thinking, woman?!" he snapped, "You could have gotten yourself killed!" You huffed a little and crossed your arms. "A 'thank you' would be nice. I told you I would stay out of the way unless you needed help. And you did! I-I couldn't let you die, you idiot! I saved-" you were cut off, letting out a squeak of surprise when you felt Sandor's arms wrap around you.

         "Don't do anything like again," he muttered. You pulled back slightly to look at him. "Sandor, I…why are you so worried? I'm fine." Sandor let his brown eyes meet your (e/c) ones. "I," he started, but couldn't seem to find the words, "I-Dammit, woman! Just accept that I can't lose you!" You felt your lips stretch into a smile. "Sandor, do you love me?"

         "Aye," he answered without hesitation. You guessed he thought he'd hesitated long enough. With everything going on, there were no guarantees after all. You moved to stand a couple steps above him so you could meet his gaze. "I love you too." You placed your hands on his shoulders and slowly leaned closer to him. Sandor froze for a moment, but began leaning in as well. "Are you sure about this?" he asked when your lips were a mere breath away from one another. You laughed lightly. "Absolutely. Will you kiss me, Sandor?" You question was answered when he smashed his lips against yours, practically pulling you off your step in an effort to bring you closer to him.  

(a/n: I hope this is what you wanted! I miss my Sandor!)

Forever Tags: @fizzyxcustard @brewsthespirit-blog @etherealpotter @line-viper @frozenhuntress67 @cd1242 @gruffle1 @smalltownbigheart @igotmadskills

Sandor Clegane Tags: @songoficecreamandfireworks​ @silversprings98​ @nkjktk​

[silveanna]

Hello World

Na jaemin x fem!reader, Feat. 00 liners

Summary: Wait, humans suddenly disappeared? well isn’t it fun? you get to do whatever you want now but no one will be there for you anymore. You’re completely alone in a world that seems to be dead but is that Really it?

It’s been hours since you woke up, you’ve been wandering around the city but you haven’t met a single person yet. You also checked your phone but all your contacts, photos and all the files in it are gone, there is also no signal. It was quiet, too quiet it was hurting your ears. There’s no wind or any birds chirping and especially, the people are gone, it feels like the world isn’t alive at all. “i swear if i’m in Alice in borderland, im going to kill myself” you said.

You went to the mall market but the food seems to be expired already, seriously for how long did they disappeared? but at the fruit aisle there were still a few fresh fruits, you weren’t a big fan of fruits, you hate it but you have no other choice, all the foods are expired even if it isn’t you don’t know how to cook at all. Well, you can cook instant noodles and eggs but that’s all.

And of course because you’re alone, you jump on the beds at the furniture aisle while singing “five little monkeys jumping on the beds” not until you heard a loud thud nearby, you quickly hide under the blanket. Minutes passed nothing happened, maybe something just accidentally fell.  Yeah ACCIDENTALLY

Months have passed, everyday feels the same, like you’re on a loop it’s sickening, are you really alone? or maybe your just dreaming. You tried pinching your arm, it hurts but nothing changed the world is still empty... dead. You’re running out of food, Your gonna die alone, no one is going to mourn your death. “Oh god oh god..” you pulled your hair and cried.

“I don’t want this, i didn’t ask for this.. I miss everyone” you said and hugged your knees.

.

.

.

.

.

“Here”

“Huh?” you immediately looked up, a guy with jet black hair beside you is offering you a handkerchief, you ignored it and wiped your tears with your hands, he looks away and puts the handkerchief back in his pocket. There’s a lot of stuff running in your mind right now, you feel happiness, sadness, and anger at the same time. You snapped out of your thoughts when he waved his hand in-front of your face. “I think they forgot us and went to mars” he joked but it didn’t move you.

You were too busy scanning every inch of his face, why the fuck he looks so healthy compared to me.. maybe he’s a robot?

He was in the middle of talking when you suddenly poked his cheek, “oh wow you’re real” you said, he laughed and removes your finger away form his face. “Yes I am real”

You keep asking him about everything, he tries his best to answer your questions. “Before all of this, i like being alone, it relaxes me, you know just vibing with myself but not this alone” he explained.

“I know, waking up thinking it was another normal day and the next thing you knew the people are gone, I might have you now but you might suddenly disappear too or me. Back then I’m scared to die, cause when you die you can’t do anything you want anymore, it’s just like dreaming forever, but for me this is worse” You said.

He took your hands and looked at you in the eyes, it was beautiful but the person who have it is sad. He wanted to changed that “Let’s make the most of it while we still have each other, I’m Jaemin by the way you?” He smiled.

His smile was beautiful and calming, almost like a free therapy, it made your heart skipped a beat “I’m y/n” . And so you two did, you shared each other’s favorite stuffs, read books together, danced in an empty street while raining, watched the sunset, played board games, and put on some expensive clothes and pretended like you guys are in a fashion runaway.

“You see that three stars together? My mom said those are the three Kings, oh there’s the orion!” You said pointing in the starry sky, you and jaemin are stargazing on top of a hill. He stares at you lovingly while you keep telling him about the meanings of each constellation you point out in the night sky. “I love you” he said out of nowhere causing you to stop.

You looked at him, his eyes sparkling “I love you too you know that” you said.

“No like LOVE love” he clear up.

Jaemin looked away, “It’s fine I can wait, I have all the time in the world”

Silence..

“It’s not like there’s someone who’s going to stole yo-“ when he looks back at your spot you were gone, it was as if you had suddenly disappeared like a bubble. “Y/n?” He stands up and starts looking around for you, his breath getting heavy, his vision starts to get blurry as tears formed on his eyes. Jaemin dropped on his knees and looked down. Just when things started to be fun, one had to disappear. Now he’s all alone again.

•••

You slowly opened your eyes, your vision cleared up and a white ceiling is the first one that greeted you. You felt a dextrose which is injected into your right hand. Wait, what are you doing in a hospital? you were like fine seconds ago.. and where’s Jaemin?

A woman entered the room, she looked middle aged based on her hair which has a few white strands. You were surprised when she suddenly jumped in joy when she saw you were awake, she fishes her phone out of her pocket and dials someone’s number. “Honey come here! our daughter is finally awake!” after that she cuts the line and hugged you. “Mom?” you said. She cares your hair softly “Im glad you can still remember me, i’ll go get the doctor wait here okay?” you nodded.

Your mom leaves the room, you sat there in silence. Was is it all a dream or am i in another dream right now? what about Jaemin? 

Soon the doctor arrived with your mom, no, with your whole family. The doctor asked you a few question and you answered them effortlessly, “Your daughter is doing fine now, we can arrange her documents so she can leave in few days, and i recommend to let her rest for three days before going back to business.” the doctor explained.“Thanks doc” you heard your dad said, the doctor nodded and leaves the room along with their nurse.

“I don’t remember what happened, how did I ended up here?”you asked, they all sat beside your bed. Your mom held out your hand and rubs it with her thumb. “You got hit by Car, you were comatose for 8 months we thought we were going to lose you” Your dad explained. You forced a smile, you don’t know what to do in this kind of situation so you just looked down.

You looked up after you felt your stomach growl, “can i go to the cafeteria? im hungry”you requested.

Your mom accompanied you to the cafeteria while your dad and older brother decided to stay in your room, you were surrounded by a lot of people you felt different. You want to tell your family about what happened and especially Jaemin but they might think your silly. While your mom is ordering food, you are looking for an empty seat. You weren’t paying much attention infront of you and bump into someone, luckily they catches you before you kiss the floor.

“sorry i’m so sorry i wasn’t looking” you apologized.

“no no it’s fine i wasn’t either” the guy smiled, he felt familiar, it feels like you already met him but where? “oh wait y/n? it’s you, glad you already woke up!” he said and hugged you.

“i’m sorry you are?”

“i’m Jeno, we’re classmates remember?, i came here to visit you and visit my friend jaemin also-”

“Jaemin? did you just say Jaemin? where is he? is he okay? wait is he here? please tell me it’s just high fever or he works here?”you asked.

“Oh Y/n there you are, let’s eat?” Your mom interprets the conversation, “he’s in room 25, 10th floor meet me there” Jeno said and left.

“So Jeno’s here too?” Your mom asked.

“Yeah he’s supposed to visit me but we met here so he’s off to his friend now” you explained, you were happy to hear that Jaemin’s here but felt guilty after you remembered you suddenly left him at the hill.

After you finished eating with your mom, you told her you’re going to room 25, she still accompanied you there but she just waited outside the room. When you got inside you immediately saw Jaemin sleeping peacefully in his hospital bed with his life support. He’s sleeping, does that mean he’s still in that world? Alone?

There are tears trailing down from your cheeks as you approach his unconscious body, “h-how long has he been like this?” you asked Jeno, he stood beside you and pats your back even though he has no idea how you knew his bestfriend. “3 years, brain infection”

That night you prayed a thousand times, hoping that in your sleep you would return to that world to be with Jaemin again and tell him you love him too. Eventually you got there, to the place where you guys usually hang out but you didn’t met him, you looked around for him but you couldn’t even see his shadow. Or any trails he left behind. He just disappeared like you did before. Morning came, afternoon, evening, a day, and a week. You didn’t woke up. You were trapped in there again.

Kicking a can out of your way as you took a road to god knows where, you lost count on how long you’ve been trapped but it almost felt like a year or more “I wonder if Jaemin already woke up”

“He hasn’t” you turned around and saw a very tall figure of a man wearing black suit, “But he will, just not now. I believe your time is up miss” you took a few steps back away from the man. “Haha very funny, I know you’re just trapped here just like me” you said and started to walk again. “What you call ‘here’ is where lost souls go who still have a chance to live but you don’t, your brain is starting to shut down and the doctors back in the real world are trying to save you with a defibrillator” he explained. You stopped in your tracks. So now you’re dying? you haven’t pretty much done all your goals in life yet.

“I-I’ll go back! I will woke up!”

“Haha we’ll see miss, three days, I will give you three days, if i still spot you wandering around here you have no choice but to come with me” he smirked, he snapped his fingers and poof! he was nowhere to be seen.

•••

“You seriously don’t remember her?”

“No... why? Do I have to?” Jaemin sipped his black coffee.

“I don’t know, it’s just that after she woke up she went to see you, she was crying it’s kinda...unfair”Jeno explained, ever since Jaemin woke up Jeno’s been trying to tell everything about you but it doesn’t ring any bell to him. “Unfair? What? It’s my fault if i can’t remember her? I’ve been asleep for 5 years and so is she, how the hell— argh nevermind” Jaemin face palms himself.

“C’mon Jeno don’t force him to this, he can’t be stressed” Renjun said.

“Yeah yeah right sorry” Jeno apologized.

They all went back to their business, silence filled the room. Renjun and Haechan are focused on their phones, Jeno looking outside the window, and Jaemin drinking his favorite drink. Jaemin was dozing off until a certain memory from his dream played in his mind. He was in an empty grocery store with a girl, everything was clear except her face, her voice was also mute. “I like canned bread, it’s kinda good” Jaemin said out of nowhere.

His friends looked at each other in confusion and back at Jaemin, Haechan scoffs “since when have you eaten canned bread?”

Jaemin’s unable to answer, he swear he have. Jaemin shruggs “Nevermind”.

12:30 pm, Renjun and Haechan already left since they still had school tomorrow. Same as for Jeno, he’s just waiting for Jaemin’s mom to arrive so he could go home, he didn’t want to leave his dear friend alone. The Tv is on shopping channel, the air conditioner was off but it’s still cold. They couldn’t sleep. As Jaemin spaces out, he hears this familiar voice of that girl again, she was singing. It was annoying and relaxing him at the same time, he couldn’t understand why he feels such feeling towards a girl who only lives inside his head or is she really? Her face is still blurry but he can finally hear her voice loud and clear. “Hey little train we are all jumping on..the train that goes to the kingdom...” Jaemin sang quietly.

“Where did you heard that?” Jeno ask.

“Someone... I don’t know” Jaemin replied, Jeno shook his head and puts his attention back to his phone. It keeps happening, Jaemin saying things out of nowhere, facts about him that sounds fake but aren’t , its just that, it didn’t happened in reality. “I used to hear y/n sing that a lot when she still attends school, it’s kinda annoying to hear the same lines over and over again but, her voice is beautiful.” Jeno shared.

silence...

“I want to see her, that girl you keep blabbering about, I want to see her” jaemin said.

“But you’re still not allowed to leave your bed until the doctors said so?”

“Do you think I care? I’ve been in this bed for 5 years it’s time to get up” Jaemin hops down the bed and puts his slippers on, he goes at the door and peeks outside. “There’s no one around let’s go” he says. The hallway was empty and quiet, the nurse who was appointed at the receptionist desk was in deep sleep. It was so easy for the boys to wander around without staffs standing in their way.

There’s no one inside y/n’s room at the moment, she was still unconscious, a nasal cannula place around her nose as it gives her oxygen. “She got hit by car, woke up after 8 months and went to see you, she didn’t woke up again after that” Jeno explains.

Jaemin held your hand, it was cold as ice, i never met you but how come i feel like i already knew you like the back of my hand?

•••

“I can’t decide whether I should take her or not, I’m already late for my given deadline argh” the black suit guy whom you met earlier was watching you from afar kick a vending machine again and again, you weren’t hungry or anything, well you can’t feel any hunger anymore, you’re just an empty lost soul who’s not yet ready to go. “Something is holding her back, like a thin red string attached on her back that trails back to the real world” he rest his head on his palm.

He teleported right in front of you, “it’s only day one what are you doing here?” You ask him.

“Listen missy, I’m just doing my job okay? Just come with me and you’ll be at peac—“ he was cut off when he hears a heartbeat, your heart beat. It was purple and it’s glowing, “what’s happening? What’s happening?!” You shook him.

“Hold on hold on, I’ll get my handbook” he snapped his finger and an old big brown book appeared out of nowhere, he used his powers to flip the pages until it gets to the page he was looking for. He puts his glasses on and reads the text. “Well it seems like your not coming with me anymore, any moment now you’ll come back to the real word BUT you won’t remember everything” he explains.

“Is it temporary? Like after a long time I will regain my memories?”

“I’m afraid not, but at least you’re coming back” the grim reaper hears you sigh,he looks away and flicks your forehead. “ah! what was that for?” you glared at him while rubbing the spot he just flicked. “I did it so you won’t lose your memories, it’s against the rules but it’s my first time doing it so i guess i won’t get fired entirely. Maybe just a few punishments” he shruggs.

“why? why did you cross the line?”

“i want to see how it’s all going to end... don’t worry much kid, i have other back up jobs”

5 days later

“Finally! shit!” You cheered, you’ve lost count on how many tissues you used to remove the ink from your face. 3 minutes before you woke up someone’s kid got inside your ward and drew on your face. Your family was crying and laughing at you at the same time, you were confused at first until your brother handed you a mirror. You dump all the tissues at the trash and went out the bathroom, you were with your brother at the moment because your parents are still at work. 3 more days before you’ll finally be discharge and another 3 days for you to rest at home before going back in action. 

You went to the couch where your brother was peacefully sleeping, he’s pretty much also knocked out because of work. You don’t want to disturb him anymore, so you went outside to look around, it’s boring if  you just stayed in your room. You found a large garden at the ground floor and went in there, the sunlight is illuminating the whole garden, it just rained a while ago so it looks like there are crystals glued to every plant and flower. All of it shines beautifully. The place looks like those beautiful sceneries in anime’s. Back then at that world everything looks cold, lifeless, almost looks like grey. 

You went to the main spot of the garden, the wishing fountain. “Hey little train wait for me.. i was held in chains but now im free” you sang, you stare at your reflection from the water and tucked a strand behind your ear. “I’m hanging in there don’t you see?” out of nowhere, you heard someone whispered the lyrics, you got startled because of it and fell towards the fountain. What if it’s a ghost? You’re in a hospital after all. 

“Oh my god i’m so sorry! here let me help you up” 

“Good thing i have-- Jaemin?! wait, is that really you?” your eyes widen, you feel your heart beat faster and got goosebumps. He wasn’t wearing a hospital gown anymore, that means he got discharged before you did.

He giggled “why don’t you poke my cheeks again like you did last time?”

[death-himself]

Saw your monsyer au on ao3

Great work

Anyway, probably an angsty prompt but I was wondering if you think that any of our monster bois have had nightmares where they go on a hunt and then accidental chomp Virgil. Bonus points if in the moment they actually enjoy his flavor

I feel like the left brain boys (Janus and Logan) would be the most likely to have a nightmare scenario like that, especially Logan since he DID almost munch Virgil, and they'd also be the most likely to pretend everything's fine the next morning even tho they're absolutely miserable and terrified of taking a crunch munch out of their human bf in real life

Great work, don't know if o said that already

Happy holidays Nico

It’s been over a month since you sent this so sorry about that .-. Anyway here’s the fic, some good ol’ hurt/comfort with Loceit and Logicality because Logan deserves it

Warnings: Death (in a dream sequence), cannibalism, nightmares, blood

Logan went down his usual route to hunt. He and his other nonhuman boyfriends often hunted at the same time, spread all across the city and countryside to make their home less easy for the police to find. He found a good place on the rooftop to sit as he watched the humans pass by, waiting patiently for his prey.

One with dark purple hair walked down the alleyway. A pleased smile pulled at Logan’s lips. He dropped down silently in front of them, and before they could even scream he had them pinned to the ground, a hand over their mouth as he sunk his teeth into their arm.

The taste was heavenly. He ripped away at the tender flesh, sweet as candy and melting in his mouth. He ignored the human’s cries as he savored his meal, biting away until rose red pooled around them both. It was the most beautiful shade of blood he had ever seen. Logan felt bile hit his hand as the human attempted to vomit, before all the muscles beneath him loosened, and he heard their heart slow into silence.

Finally Logan pulled away with a sigh, having eaten his fill. He normally refrained from looking at his victims, in fear that he would feel guilty for killing them, but for whatever reason his eyes drifted over, looking over the dead man’s face. Purple hair, blank, empty black eyes, black eyeshadow.

Virgil.

Logan’s eyes snapped open, his body drenched in sweat. He looked to his side, relieved to see Virgil alive and well, sleeping as peacefully as ever. He listened closely to his boyfriend’s steady heartbeat, staring up at the ceiling as he waited for his own heart to come closer to matching.

He hated thinking about how he and Virgil met. He hated what had been going through his mind while he attacked him. He hated the fact that Virgil was the most delicious human he had ever tasted.

It had been something that had always been at the back of his mind, something he refused to acknowledge. Virgil tasted fucking incredible and there was nothing any of them could do about it. If Patton hadn’t been there to stop him, what had happened in his dream would have been reality.

He looked over Virgil at Patton, hugging the end of Janus’s tail like a teddy bear. He was the only one out of the four of them that hadn’t actually tried to kill Virgil, wasn’t he? No, he had saved Virgil from Logan’s own bloodlust. Wow, what a great boyfriend he was.

He sighed, turning over to stare at the clock. It was three AM, that was only three hours earlier than he would usually wake up. Might as well get up then.

Virgil had gone off to work and Roman had decided to visit his brother. The moment both of them left, Janus pulled Logan aside, wrapping his tail around him and almost pulling him close enough to touch noses. “Is something bothering you, love?” Janus spoke softly.

“Of course not.” Even Logan could tell he responded too quickly. Janus smiled.

“Well there has to be a reason why you kept staring at Virgil this morning. I know he’s absolutely gorgeous but there has to be a reason other than that.” Logan sighed. He knew how Janus was; he refused to give up until whoever he was talking to admitted what they were struggling with. It was something he both hated and loved about him.

“...You came close to killing him too, didn’t you?” The question threw off the naga for a moment, yellow and brown eyes widening. Janus hummed, nodding.

“So that’s the issue.” He sighed. “Well yes, I did. If I had held him for maybe five more seconds he would’ve passed out, and if I didn’t notice by then I likely would’ve eaten him alive. It’s in the past though, all is forgiven.”

“What if we realized afterward that he was our soulmate? What if you had looked at your tail and seen that Virgil’s mark was gone after he was dead and eaten?” Janus looked him up and down, concern flooding his eyes.

“Did you have a nightmare like that, darling?” Logan nodded hesitantly. Janus paused, arms hooked around Logan’s neck, his hand drifting up to run his fingers through Logan’s hair.

“I’ve gotten those, too. They’re tough to see, aren’t they?” Logan closed his eyes, allowing himself to go limp in Janus’s arms and coils as the naga pulled him even closer, holding him with all the care in the world.

“We’ve been around him long enough to not harm him. I know with how annoying he can be at times it’s hard to restrain yourself, but it seems like we still manage.” He chuckled. “And our first meetings are in the past now. They were awful first impressions, sure, and we’ll always remember what it was like to nearly kill him, but we know that they won’t happen again.”

Logan hummed, nose nuzzled into Janus’s shoulder. Janus killed through suffocation, though. Logan was the one who actually bit him and tasted his blood. And the taste and scent of that blood was what constantly hung in his mind, something he would always crave but could never get. At least not without consequences.

Janus unwrapped himself a bit, delivering a soft kiss on Logan’s lips and looking him over to make sure he was alright. Logan heard humming from the doorway, smelling Patton waiting just outside. Knowing him he had probably walked in and saw what was going on, opting to wait until they were done rather than joining in.

The vampire peeked his head in to check, before deeming them done and smiling happily. “You two having a cuddle party without me?” He gave Logan a kiss on the cheek before moving over to do the same to Janus.

“We were simply talking about an issue Logan had.” Patton immediately turned back to Logan, eyes full of concern, and Logan wished Janus had just spun one of his lies to get him out of this.

“It was nothing serious, I’m fine.”

“You sure, Logi Bear?” Logan hesitated. Patton was a vampire, he would understand something like this better than Janus or Roman would. But how the hell was he supposed to word it?

“...Virgil tastes incredible.”

“He does!” Patton giggled, a wide smile on his lips. “He let me drink his blood once, it was so good! I was scared I would kill him though, so I didn’t get much of it.”

“It’s very sweet, isn’t it?”

“Like candy!” Patton agreed. Janus looked between the two, accepting in his mind that this was really where the conversation was turning.

“Is there a way that you, ah...” Logan cleared his throat, “a way that you’ve learned to cope with that?” Patton’s brows scrunched in confusion, and he quickly rushed to explain. “Being around him all the time must be rather difficult, as he always...smells like our form of candy, I suppose you could word it.”

“Oh!” Patton’s eyes widened, before his cheeks went red. “Yeah, sometimes I just really wanna bite him. It’s an annoying thing to deal with, huh?” Logan nodded silently. “But like I overheard Jan tell you, we’ve been around him too long to actually hurt him. And I know you especially have a lot of self-control when it matters, so...try not to worry too much about it. You’re probably the least likely out of all of us to hurt him.”

“You were the one that stopped me when we first met him.” Logan spoke quietly. Patton shrugged, floating a few inches above the ground as he thought.

“But you were the one who got to him first. If I was the one that had tackled him, you probably would’ve had to pull me off! You have enough self-control to stop yourself with just a bit of help from us.” Patton took Logan’s hand, running his thumb across his knuckles. “I think that kinda proves that you won’t lose control and hurt him.”

Janus sighed, itching at an old bit of shed snakeskin. “We’ve all worried about what would happen if we lost control. And the truth is that it’s possible, probably more than likely, that we’ll end up hurting him at some point.”

The thought made them all go silent as it weighed down on their psyches. Hurting each other, especially their weaker human boyfriend, was the last thing they wanted to do, and they were all sure they would rather die than harm any of the others.

“But, it hasn’t happened yet, and we’re doing all we can right now to make sure it’s as least likely as possible.” Janus curled his tail around his boyfriends’ legs, snapping them out of the worried, distant blurriness in their eyes. “Let’s not worry too much about a future we can’t see yet, okay?”

They nodded, a weight feeling as though it had been lifted off Logan’s chest, as he for once didn’t plan out the rest of his day, instead opting to join Janus and Patton in what the two had dubbed self-care time, lying on the couch watching cartoons as the future grew blurry and distant.

[jay-and-dean]

I don’t need you  Chapter 2 : Freaking super hero

Dean x reader

Summary : She’s a warrior, she’s a loner. Nothing can stop her, nothing ever had. She doesn’t need Dean, does she ?

This is a request by @magssteenkamp​ that I decided to turn to a serie, see the original request on the serie Masterlist.

Serie Warnings : Swearing (duh). Mention of death. Smut, probably all kind from rough to fluffy, I’ll precise in the chapters if there are specific warnings. Fluff. Angst of course.

Chapter warnings :  Swearing (duh). Mention of death. A tiny hint of jealous Dean. 

Words : 3k

Note : I’ll try to stick to the 3k rule, like for Rescue You

If everything goes as planned, you’ll get one chapter every wednesday (Thanks to @magssteenkamp, I call it WednesJay, lol. Sorry okay, I shut up).

***Want to read more ? => MASTERLIST***

*** I don’t need you MASTERLIST***

__________________________

2.     FREAKING SUPER HERO

 Dean’s Pov

             All the lights. This apartment is big, and its windows are too. I look at the regular shadows of the metallic lines of the windows that divide her bedroom door into bended squares.

She offered us to stay at her place, opened the sofa bed, and disappeared behind that door. I just can’t sleep, again. I try to imagine I’m in my bedroom in the bunker, or on Baby’s backseat, but everything is so new to me here. I lost my bearings.

I stare around, my eyes wide open, now used to the weak darkness. Is it possible that she’s just better than us ? Like more up-to-date, trained by the cruelty of huge cities ? How can she do this alone ?

The walls are covered in those research papers, and, after a while, in the middle of this organized mess, my own name catches my eyes.

I get up in silence, trying not to make the mattress move too much, to let my brother sleep. Is it California that made him so insensible to lights and noises at night ? Maybe…

“Dean Winchester is a demon.” I frown, it’s a printing of a mail she got from someone called thathunter87, she hung it here and made a red line between that and a stolen page of a grimoire about demon cure. Why ?

On the table under all those articles and notes on the wall, a long desk, covered in books, notebooks and folders. It’s like she had hundreds of hunter journals, one for each subject.

Discreetly going through them, I find one called “Winchesters” and a shiver runs down my spine but the thought attached to it never reaches my brain. I open it. There are no photos, just mails from thathunter87 and pages of those Supernatural stupid books.

My eyes widen suddenly, and my heart misses a beat. Next to pieces of the books and a sketch of our anti-possession tattoo scribbled like she was thinking hard, a few words : Was John abusive to Dean ?

“Trouble sleeping ?” a whisper makes me jump.

I turn and my breath gets caught in my throat.

           She’s standing in the door frame, an oversized Hocus Pocus t-shirt hiding her upper thighs, and nothing covering her legs.

She looks so different now. Almost… cute. Her worn out t-shirt falling childishly like thin drape on her body, her face freed from any makeup and her hair going in every directions. I can’t help but imagine a morning after…

           She walks to me, pushing her messy hair out of her face. And I’m so caught up in this vision that I forget to hide what I was looking at.

“Oh… I’m sorry” she murmurs, taking the notebook out of my hands. “I know it’s not my business.”

I have no idea what to answer despite the thousands questions flying in my skull, and just keep searching her face, loudly cursing at myself in my head.

“How do you know us ?” I finally say low, my pupils dilating at the ray of the night light hitting her collarbone and I try to fight the electric feeling giving me goosebumps.

“Well, the Supernatural books saved my life” her whisper feels like her nails were grazing my back.

“How ?” I dare, my curiosity getting the best of me.

She chuckles but a shadow crosses her face, a shadow of fear and pain, something weak and lonely, everything she usually hides so well.

“Dark days… I… I lived in the street a long time ago” she looks down. “I needed to believe in heroes I guess.”

Her smile is soft and kind for a second, making me almost believe I could take her in my arms, like an old friend, like a lover. But she sighs, and it’s like she had breathe out everything soft, her eyes become stern and her neck straighten.

“Jimmy doesn’t whine too much ?” she asks, pointing at the laundry room with her chin.

“Not a sound” I assure her, and she smiles dangerously.

“I threatened him a lot.”

 Reader’s Pov

             I walk to the laundry and open the door.

“Ah good you’re there” Jimmy starts right away, making the chair creak. “I-…”

But I cut him.

“One more word and you will regret it, Jimmy. Remember what I said : If my guests sleep bad because of you, I cut your cock, to see if it grows back on an immortal.”

I close the door and give Dean a little corner smile.

           Sam grunts and turn in the sofa, taking all the cover with him. I chuckle and take a glass of water from the kitchen sink.

“Sleep, Dean, tomorrow will be a long day” I murmur walking back to my room, hoping my own thoughts will stop harassing me.

 *******

             I get up and grab my clothes, lazily walking to the bathroom. On my way to it, my eyes glance at the brothers on my sofa, Dean is still not sleeping.

           He looks at me in silence, his piercing eyes following me when I cross the room, but I don’t say a word to him. I know he’s familiar with nightmares, he would hear it in my voice.

           Having them here somehow brought bad memories. It’s a paradox : They saved me from very bad moments in my life, but meeting them makes me think a lot about those dark times, and since I know they’re in town, my own demons are screaming at me. Or maybe knowing I will see Holloway tonight…

           I enter the bathroom and put my clothes on the chair next to the shower. I have to be prepared. In the shower I repeat my plan in my head. I have nothing left to lose, so nothing can end worse than it already is. If I feed, if I become a vampire, I know the Winchesters will end me, and I would finally die peacefully, knowing at least I tried. If I miss Holloway, I will have him next time… If I just die, well it will be over, at last.

           Sam and Dean will try to talk me out of it, I know that, and I’ll have to be very firm, because they can’t make that mission fail. There was a time when I needed heroes, now I don’t.

           The shower turns cold again, ripping me out of my thoughts, I grunt and rinse quickly under the familiar freezing jet.

Naked, I look at the mirror, using the sight of my scars to focus my anger. This is the cut they made on me to taste my blood, after they killed my family… my finger graze the little straight scar on my arm ; this one is the knife cut I got from that rape attempt when I was in the streets. This is fangs, I hate this one.

Then the transformation starts.

Like every day, I put on my mask : The outfit I use to remember who I am, and to forget who I was.

           I feel like putting on an armor the second I start to draw my eye-liner cat’s eye line. And by the time I tighten the ribbons of my corset hard, nothing in me is vulnerable anymore. My back is straight and held, my eyes are dark…

           I’m going to kill them all.

 Dean’s Pov

             She comes out of the bathroom, dressed like that warrior she is, tough and sexy, transformed, unrecognizable, like a freaking super hero.

But I will never forget the cute girl I saw last night.

“I have coffee” she says when Sam sits up, looking around like he was wondering for a second where he was. “And I can make eggs, I don’t want my side kicks to be hungry.”

Her voice sounds slightly different on the word “hungry” and, knowing she lived in the street, I guess she knows what truly hungry is…

I nod and Sam thank her but she’s already in the kitchen. I get up, joining her behind the counter to help her with anything she would need. The truth is, I just want to be around.

I notice a man big jacket on a chair and wonder who she could invite here, despite hunters. Is she really alone ? Does she have friends ? Lovers ?...

“I have no sugar” she states sternly.

And once again, I’m mute, taking the mug she hands me to break eggs in an old pan.

           Suddenly, the walls tremble and the power goes off, the only light she had turn on going off, and the few device she has dying. She sighs but keeps cooking on her gas stove like it was nothing.

“Your stomach is noisy” she chuckles.

“Sorry” I mumble, making her raise an eyebrow.

           She puts the plates on her coffee table with two cups of coffee, going back to the kitchen to take a mug for herself. Only two plates.

“You don’t eat ?” Sam asks.

“I don’t like eggs” she shrugs. “And I have nothing else, I’ll buy something later.”

“I can go to buy you something” I state, really uncomfortable with her not eating with us.

“Eat, Dean. I can handle myself.”

           A knock on the door makes Sam and I frown.

Keeping her coffee cup in her hand, she grabs her gun, puts it in her belt in her back, and walks to the door. Sam and I get up, even if we can’t see the main door from here, we’re ready to fight.

“Hey Y/n. Was it the Winchesters ?” a man voice greets her.

Y/n…

“Yeah. There are no more eggs, I gave them the ones you bought” she answers.

“You feed them now ?” the man mocks. “I bought you a chocolate muffin.”

Why does that annoys me ?

           She appears in the room again, followed by this guy, Joe, the bartender. He’s a very tall –Sammy tall- strong guy with long blond hair in a bun. Freaking hipster.

           When he sees us, he frowns, and look at her like she was insane.

“What are they doing here ?” he asks, making my brother raise his eyebrows at his rudeness. “Wait, Y/n, did they sleep here ?”

“I invited them” she shrugs, sitting to unwrap her chocolate muffin. “Sam, Dean, this is Joe. Joe, bla bla.”

I can’t help smiling at her attitude, but Joe doesn’t. It’s like he didn’t want us to be here, like he was threatened by us somehow… And it suddenly hits me. The chocolate muffin, the things he “forgets” at her place, the worry.

He’s in love with her.

“I have to buy a few things for tonight” she states, ripping a little part of the muffin between her fingers, to slip it between her lips, licking her index a little when chocolate stick on her skin.

“Do you want me to come with you ?” Joe immediately says and I have to blink to not roll my eyes.

“No” she states, then she turns to Sam. “You already made the cure for your brother, I heard.”

“Y-yeah” Sam hesitates. “But are you sure…”

“Then” she cuts him. “Could you prepare it while I’m out ? I already have all the ingredients… And Jimmy.”

“What are you talking about Y/n ? You’re not doing it ? Tell me you’re not doing it.” Joe asks, looking around and she sighs, getting up.

“Okay listen” she states. “All of you. If you have something to say about my plan, you can walk out the door now. I can do this alone. I don’t need you.”

She puts the rest of the muffin in Joe’s hands and take her coat.

“I’ll be here in a few hours, don’t kill Jimmy accidentally with day light, and don’t, well… I don’t know, be stupid. Sam, the ingredients are on the sill, and if you don’t want to do the cure, just… Okay” she says before she leaves, a silence falling on us.

 *******

           I don’t like Joe, the guy stayed with us for no reason, like he wanted to survey us.

           Sam is looking in the box, trying to find a bowl to mix them. And the bartender and I are left practically staring at each other.

“Did you guys convinced her it was a good idea ?” he finally speaks.

“What do you mean ?” I grunt. “Of course not ! This is a terrible idea. I should go, not her.”

Sam lifts his head form the bowl and looks at me with a disapproving frown.

“She will kill you” Joe chuckles darkly. “You have no idea how bad she needs to get them, you have no idea what she’s been through.”

“Well, I won’t let her get killed by those freaks” I state.

“Dean…” my brother speaks. “She knows them way better than we do, this is her plan, her hunt. I think she knows what she’s doing, and you’ve seen her… She’s a great hunter.”

I sit down, sighing, rubbing my face with both hands. Am I supposed to stay there, watching her run to her death ?

 Reader’s Pov

             I take another sip of whiskey, letting the smooth notes of blues wrap me in the comfortable atmosphere of the small bar. I knew Joe would stay with them, and looking behind the bar, I give his colleague a little smile.

           I sigh with the little bottle in my hand, making the thick poisonous liquid redden the sides of the glass.

           I can’t go back to my apartment. They must already be making plans to force me to stay home. I know them. In a way I Know the three of them.

Joe is my friend, and I know he thinks we should be more than that, those ideas of “saving” me spoiling his mind for years, like I was some kind of precious bird with broken wings.

I am not.

I’m not broken or damaged. I’m just furious, a storm of rage boiling in my veins. And he can keep his fairy tales for him. Unconditional love is not going to save me. I told him that, and refusing any kind of proximity with him, I think I made it very clear. But he will always try to save me.

And the Winchesters… They are heroes. Self-sacrifice is burned in their genes. They are as determined to protect everyone they meet, as I am to kill Holloway.

The early winter night is announcing its rise with a pink ink in the city sky. I finish my glass and take my phone.

Did Sam prepare the cure ? I send to Joe.

I get up and walk to the bathroom to check my look on the mirror. Arranging my hair, I practice my smile. It has to be innocent, charming and seductive.

He did. We have to ad Jimmy’s blood but only once you’re turned. Oh God, please don’t do that. Why didn’t you come back ? Where are you ? The night is almost there, and the Winchesters are sneaky. I stayed with them to make sure they don’t rummage through your stuff, but they’re asking questions. Why did you let them stay at your apartment in the first place ? Joe answers in four messages in a row.

Because I don’t really care.

           I put money on the counter and greet the woman behind it, getting out.

           Dead man’s blood capsules in my purse, my vampire killing knife in my boot, another thin slightly longer blade in back along my spine. The magical burning oil in its little flask. That’s all I can take with me. I stuff my purse with lipsticks, random keys, foundation powder and other useless things, in case someone looked into it.

I will drop my guns and other weapons in the trash cans outside the club. I already spent two hours looking at it to be prepared. I know every entrances.

It’s time.

I walk to the alley I slept in so many nights. I don’t know why I chose to do it here, probably because I so often thought I would die here. It’s smaller than I remember, darker too.

On the wall, the drawing I had made, the anti-possession tattoo my heroes wore in their skin. I was sure it would protect me from my own demons, I was so sure it would. I used to put my hand on it when hunger made me so weak I couldn’t stand, when cold was biting my skin ; and when despair was beating me up, telling myself it would make me go through the night.

At least I thought it helped. The truth is, I was alone, and I was the only one fighting all this, the only one that could help me.

I put my finger on it.

“I met the Winchesters” I whisper to the girl I was, to the childhood that died here, wishing I could hear that in the past. “They’re even more handsome than you thought” I half smile, fighting the tears. “But they are not going to save you. You are. It ends tonight.”

           Taking the little bottle in my hand, I close my eyes for a second. I hate vampires. I have to focus on that, I have to be strong, and merciless.

If I become a vampire for good. They have to kill me. I send Joe.

Then I open the flask and drink it in one go.

 Dean’s Pov

             “She answered !” Joe exclaims, getting up to read her long-awaited text.

When he frowns, my heart starts to beat faster. She never came back and now night is here. I’m going nuts, I can’t just stay on this stupid couch.

“She…” the bartender says, but he doesn’t finish, just showing us the text.

Sam runs to the laundry door and opens it.

“Did she take your blood ?” he almost yells and my pupils dilate.

When the vampire chuckles darkly, Sam turns to us.

           She’s already gone.

________________________

***FEEDBACK IS GOLD***

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[its-me-jessi]

Back To The History PT5

Pairing: Hvitserk X Reader

Summary: After arriving in king Harald’s kingdom everything is going to change.

A/N: At first, I want to apologize for taking so long writing this part, but I still hope you’ll enjoy this part as well. 🤗😇 As always, I’d appreciate any kind of feedback. Feel free to leave comments or reblog. 😊

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 6

Before I knew it, I found myself sitting on the bottom of a viking ship. After I agreed to raid with them or rather was forced to, I didn’t have much time to prepare myself for this new kind of journey. Before dawn we had to leave the harbor and with it the town I finally got used to behind. I didn’t get much sleep. While Hvitserk was sleeping peacefully like a marmot beside me I couldn’t stop thinking about the raid. Soon there would be a battle in which again countless people will die and with it a dozen of families will experience a great loss. I thought about the people I got to know in the past month of me being there as well as Hvitserk who I unexpectedly fell deeply in love with. I loved him so much, I couldn’t stand him being hurt or even dead. Without him I had no one I could trust like I can trust him. There wouldn’t be anyone who would let me feel like home as he did. He was as important for me as my family and friends back in my timezone were.

One thought lead to another and now I was starring into the still not brightened sky and thought about all the things I missed about my old life. Will I ever see them again?  

“You should get some sleep. We got a long day ahead of us.”, Hvitserk said to me while adjusting the fur which was supposed to keep me warm in such a cold night. I thanked him before I shook my head. “I’m not really tired!”. 

As I looked at him, I noticed he was watching me in disbelief. “What is it really that keeps you from sleeping?”, He knew just by looking at me that something was wrong. “You’re worried, aren’t you? – Trust me, I’ll always be by your side and make sure you’re safe! I won’t let anything happen to you!”, he promised. 

“I know, but it’s not that. I’m more worried about you! I don't want anything to happen to you!”. He just pulled me into his arms and leaned his head on mine. The fur around my shoulders could never warm me up like he could warm up not only my body but also my heart. “Don’t worry so much about me, I’ll be fine. I have to be or else I would never get to do this again!”, he laid a hand on the back of my head and pulled me in a loving kiss.

_

“Now tell me, what else is it, you’re worried about?”, he asked me while pulling me back into his embrace. 

“I was just thinking about my family and friends. I’m already gone for a quite long time and I’m wondering how life’s going for them.”, I snuggled up to him while looking into the distance remembering my life how it was before. 

“Do you want to go back?”, as well lost in thought Hvitserk was staring down at me. He was worried I would actually leave him and all we had behind. His eyes reflected his worries for me to see as I looked up to him. “I would be lying if I said no but I wouldn’t leave if that meant I wouldn’t have you by my side. I want to go back, yes, but not without you!”, I looked at him intensely, “My family and friends are very important to me but so are you! I would never give you up! Don’t even think about it!”. 

“I’m glad you say that. We just found each other; I don’t want to let go of you.”, he emphasized. 

“You won’t need to besides I don’t even know if I’d ever have the chance to go back.”, I said watching my surroundings.  Ivar was watching us from behind and as I noticed I lowered my voice not wanting him to grow more suspicious: “I still don’t quite know how I got here and with it I have no clue how to go back.”.

_

It took quite a long time till we reached the port of our destination. I was glad to finally go off board and feel solid ground under my feet again. I was never a big fan of boat trips. That doesn’t mean I hate them I just don’t like the thought of being separated from land. “So that’s the kingdom of king Harald.”, I thought looking around while following king Haralds men. On our way we passed by people who were pulling a dead whale out of the water. As I was closely watching my surroundings, I understood that whaling was a peculiarity of that kingdom.

“So, you want me and my warriors to support you when you attack Kattegat?!”, king Harald was sitting on his throne talking to Ivar and Hvitserk. I was just standing behind them next to a very few of Ivars men. Even if I could I should not interfere in their plan. No matter how I thought of the plan, I wasn’t supposed to change the past and risk the future I know.

Quietly I just listened to their conversation until my name was mentioned. It was the first time Harald turned his attention to me and Ivar as well as Hvitserk turned around to look at me. Not quite sure what this was about I looked at them confused. “King Harald may I introduce this woman to you. That’s Y/N. One day she suddenly turned up in York and since then she’s with us.”, Ivar told him. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Y/N. Where are you from?”, Harald asked me. 

Here we go again. I struggled for words and as Ivar took notice of it, he laughed. “She won’t tell anyone! – Except for my brother. She might already have told him.”, Ivar leaned on his crutches and looked to his right to Hvitserk, “obviously you two are quite close.”. 

I looked at Hvitserk waiting for his reaction. “She didn’t tell me!”, Hvitserk lied convincingly and I tried my best not to seem relieved by his answer, because there were still people watching me. Ivar was already suspecting me and now Harald grew suspicious as well. That’s also the reason why they forbid me going to Kattegat with them much to Hvitserks relieve. He was worried something could happen to me. “You could get killed!”, he spoke to me. “I could get killed no matter where I am! I could die here as well as in battle!”, I answered. “You’ll be safe here! My men will protect you!”, Harald assured me. 

_

The next days I always had the feeling of somebody watching me, but I couldn’t tell whose pair of eyes it were which were watching me every step. I knew Harald and especially Ivar didn’t trust me, but would they send someone to spy on me? Possibly yes. So, knowing I was being watched I behaved just like anyone else. Even in conversations I had with Hvitserk I was wary of saying anything about my past life. If we did talk about the future, we had to do it extremely secretly.

“You won’t be gone by the time I come back, right?”, shortly before he had to leave, we were standing in the middle of our chamber embracing each other with the door closed behind us. He looked deeply into my eyes searching for assurance. 

“No, I won’t be gone! I will be right here thinking about you and waiting for you to safely return!”, I smiled up to him. He was already dressed in armor ready to fight. “Promise me to be careful! I don’t want you to get hurt!”. 

“I won’t, I promise! After all I’m planning to tell you something important when I come back!”, he kissed my forehead before looking out of the window to the harbor. “I have to go now.”, Hvitserk sighed before he took my face in his both hands and kissed me lovingly. 

“Promise me I’ll see you again!”, he pleaded me as if his life was depending on it. “I promise!”, I said before he went out. I would have never made that promise if I had known I couldn’t keep it. 

_

That night I didn’t sleep peacefully. The fact that there was a man outside of my chamber making sure I wouldn’t leave was definitely one possible reason for that as well as the full moon whose bright light was shining through the window, but the more decisive reason was the dream I had. I dreamed of my past life. It was a normal day at work. I served the last customer before I went into the cloakroom to take of my pharmacy smock and grab my bag. After I said goodbye to my co-worker, I left the pharmacy and hurried to the train station. My train would leave in exactly 13 minutes. I hurried along the streets until the loud sound of the church bells made me stop. The noise brought me to my knees, and I held my ears. The dream felt so real and the ringing of the bells were so loud as if they were directly next to me.  As I woke up from that dream the noise immediately fell silent and I sighed relieved. Thank god it stopped. As I opened my eyes, I realized the noise wasn’t the most shocking thing. It was the fact that I found myself standing in front of a modern church in the middle of a city I knew too well. I’m still dreaming. With my eyes wide open I looked around and to my surprise I recognized every single building I saw. Am I back?  I didn’t believe it until I got a message of a friend of mine. After I took out my phone and looked at the display I was startled. It was the exact same date I had seen my home for the last time. No wonder everything felt extremely familiar to me. I’m back.

Thank you so much for reading and stay healthy everyone!😇

Tagged: @alexa4040 @lordsexmachine

[wifeofkimtaehyungofbts]

Chapter 1

>> Pairing: Jungkook x Y/N, Jungkook x reader

>> Genre: supernatural, fantasy, vampire, fluff, smut

>> Words: 2003

>> Notes: This is my first time writing on tumblr so I hope you can go easy on me

Synopsis: You are the chosen sacrifice to the King of the Vampires and his son this year. You decide to be fair to the people that have given their lives before you by going ahead with the God’s decision. You arrive at the Vampire castle ready to be munched on by wolves after having your blood drunk dead out of you but instead you are faced with a strange yet compelling adventure with none other than the beast son of the Vampire King.

               “And this fateful year, the chosen one by the Gods we worship of the skies, the oceans and the land is” he cleared his dry throat and continued in his raspy voice, “Y/N”.

               Whispers became murmurs becoming loud conversations as everyone discussed the plight of the next sacrifice. Isn’t her father the best blacksmith in the city? I heard his emblem has been carved into the shields that defend the King of Vampires himself! Oh, what a pity! Yet another young one to be lost and grieved!

               The conversations continued to be blown all over the small city by the winds that sent a shiver down my spine every time it touched my pretty pecan brown skin. The big and leading kingdom of Vrykolakas is North of our small city of Psari. All the four cities of this island, Psari the city of fish, Pouli the city of birds, Skylos the city of the dog and Vatrachos the city of the frog, are ruled by the kingdom of Vrykolakas. The kingdom gained power after its third king, King Alaric, won the Great Agrios War, also known as the fierce war, defeating all kings, of the South who ruled Psari, of the East who ruled Vatrachos, of the West who ruled Pouli and of the North who ruled Skylos together with King Alaric himself. This betrayal remained in the hearts of the people of Skylos and they refused to accept King Alaric as their ruler hence they were all executed. Their bodies were fed to King Alaric’s wolves and he feasted on their blood for his celebration feast. Upon consuming far too much human blood, he became fond of the taste and smell and soon sought out innocents whose blood his tongue could savor.

               Rumors spread fast through the other cities of the human-turned-vampire king, but not as fast as King Alaric’s horses. He consumed almost everyone at Pouli and soon his descendants, born with their father’s tongue, consumed anyone and everyone that crossed their way. Population dropped as fast as a man falling from a roof top and soon everyone came to fear the sound of horses. Whoever managed to escape built underground bunkers or moved to our city. Our city avoided all the bloody chaos thanks to the fast-flowing river 10 feet deep that separates us from the main land on which all the other cities and the kingdom are built on.

               Three generations down the line, 300 years later, King Cassius, now ruler of Vatrachos, is said to have fallen in love with a human lady who changed his evolutionary habits of consuming human blood. However, story has it that he killed her with his own hands 4 years after the birth of their second son. His oldest son, Prince Athan ran away from home after witnessing the death of his mother leaving his little brother behind. Prince Athan was never to be found again.

               After the death of his wife, King Cassius, established a new rule; every year a sacrifice from the city of Psari was to be offered to the King and his kin. The sacrifice will have no age limits or selected gender. They will be brought to the castle by the King’s knights and guards and shall never see the Sun again.

               There was utter chaos in our city following this new rule and people turned against one another, lovers turned enemies and families torn apart to select a sacrifice. Soon the council members of our city decided after the age of 8, all individuals must submit their name and family name to the council who will then carve it on a black stone and place inside a clay pot. This pot will be positioned under the Sun facing the direction of the kingdom and will soak in the waters of the rain until the day of decision arrives. The day of decision falls annually on the 27th of August and everyone gathers around the pot as a council senior pulls out a stone while reciting prayers and reads the name on it. Countless children, pregnant mothers and sick fathers have been sent as sacrifices who never returned. And this year, the Gods have selected me.

*******************************************************************************************

               I was seated in front of my mirror on a dainty stool looking at myself as if I was seeing myself for the first time. My dark brown eyes looked almost black underneath the thick lashes and my locks fell in a frizzy mess past my shoulders. So, this is it, huh? I smiled at myself in the mirror.

               My mother walks in with a cup of my favorite tea, looking like she has been crying for hours. I didn’t want to leave without giving her the smile she loves, the smile of the girl she birthed and raised for 20 years. I took the warm cup of tea and smiled. “Mother, don’t you worry. I am going to meet my cousins up in the skies and talk till we fall asleep like we always used to”

               My mother fell on her knees with a thud and cried like she was in immense pain. I knelt in front of her and placed the tea cup between us. “See mother,” I said pointing at the tea. “You have made me my favorite cup of tea. You usually make this before I sleep, so I can sleep more peacefully” I held her shuddering shoulders. “Think of this as me going to sleep. You made me tea and now I shall sleep peacefully... forever” I smiled my brightest smile since the announcement of my father’s liver cancer. My mother holds my face between her calloused hands and touches her forehead to mine. “I love you so much y/n. Don’t you ever forget that.  Come back to me my dear. Please” I held onto her as my tears spilled into the cup of tea making it salty like the seas of empty space between life and death.

               There was a sudden rumble and then we heard it. Horse steps. Approaching fast.

               It all happened too fast. Knights broke down my closed room door and grabbed my shrieking mother from behind. Someone struck me on the head with something that shone in the sunlight pouring through my windows. I fell to the ground and felt myself being dragged disgracefully out of my house. I could still hear my mother shrieking and I wanted to ask her to shut up and go inside. I didn’t want my last memory of hers to be one where she looks ugly with sorrow.

               My father.

               I wanted to see him. I wanted to hold his big hands and allow him to envelope me in his bear hug one last time. I wanted to hear him before I left. Just one more time.

               But I could barely move. I felt weak at my joints and my head was spinning. I was put on a horse back and soon fell asleep to the rhythm of the galloping horse.

 *******************************************************************************************

               All I remember is being thrown on to cold, hard ground. I could spell blood in the air and it made me want to throw up my last lunch. My hair was stuck to my face with sweat and I was finding it hard to breathe. My hands had somehow been tied behind my back and I couldn’t move my head without an intolerable pain shooting through the sides my head. I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

*******************************************************************************************

               Someone kicked me awake. I woke up sputtering saliva. I tried to look up to see the giant man looming over me but my eyes couldn’t focus with the sweat clung to my lashes. The man pulled me by my hair and threw me out of the cell I’ve been in. My knees scrapped against the hard, stone floor and I was pulled up by each arm by two equally big knights. Just how big are these men? I wondered to myself.

               I was dragged carelessly and my skirt tore at the bottom. I squirmed in their hard grasps and managed to free my arms. I stood on shaky legs that wobbled like crazy. “I can walk on my own. Allow me my last walk”

               The men looked at me like I was crazy, but I could only see their piercing blue eyes through the masks they were wearing. “Let the girl walk. We don’t always get someone so foolishly brave” a voice came from behind me.

               I turned around to find a man with broad shoulders and plump lips approach me. I recognized him as the man who pulled me up by my hair. He wasn’t wearing a mask like the other two so I assumed he must be someone of higher rank in the castle. “Follow me” he commanded and for some reason, I obeyed. I followed him through dimly lit, stone hallways and it got much warmer as we walked into the castle. I looked out a single window on my right to see a dead garden with over grown weeds spilling from the broken-down fountain in its centre.

               I wonder if anyone is even bothered to care for this garden?

               Growing up, I loved nature. Trees were my first best friends. It saddened me to see them so carelessly left to die. If I was granted one last wish, I’d ask to tend to the garden before they ate me.

I was busy thinking about last wishes when the man in front of me suddenly stopped walking and I bumped into his enormous back. I peeked from his side to see a man twice as large as the man that brought me in with a crown of gold, sapphire, diamond and ruby sitting pretty on his long dark hair. His eyes gleamed red and upon eye contact I immediately hid behind the knight with no mask.

               “Why is this sacrifice using you as a cover, Seokjin?” King Cassius asked.

               “My Lord, she almost put up a fight with base level knights 78 and 86 demanding to walk alone. I myself am surprised to see her bravery suddenly gone upon seeing you” knight Seokjin answered. Knights 78 and 86? Wow. They don’t even have names for their people?! I thought to myself in disbelief.

               “Appear before I, the King and my son, pathetic being” King Cassius demanded, his voice booming against the stone walls, making them shake. I sighed at what my mind was asking me to do next. I moved from behind Seokjin and took 20 steps forward. I was awfully too close to the throne now. “I only got to live 20 years of my life Lord. Therefore, I took 20 steps forward. Kindly do whatever you please with me as I stand on this spot” I said bravely staring the king square in the eyes.

               The king laughed. “You are telling me what to do? You, a pathetic fool who is about to be devoured by my son and myself? YOU?!” he shouted in mock at my face. That’s when I noticed the tall guy seated next to the king on a throne as luxurious but a step lower than the king. What a strange man, I thought to myself at first glance at the man cloaked in black from head to toe.

[honeypiehotchner]

Trust -- part twenty-nine

Hello again.

If you’d like to really get into the emotions of this chapter, or if you’re just curious of what kind of soundtrack I would possibly have when writing this insane story, then I’ll tell you I listened to “Hold On” by Chord Overstreet a lot. But I listened to “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron when Sherlock begins talking (I’ll put a thing in there to say when to start the song, if you want).

I know I’m evil, but if it makes you feel any better, I cried while writing this, too.

You thought about death probably more than the average person should.

Ever since you were a kid, death was all around you. It wasn’t something your mother waited to explain to you when you were ready or older or when a family member passed and it was inevitable, it was something you were told about and told to just accept. She told you your father was dead, or might as well be – so you accepted it. Her parents were dead – so you accepted it. When friends of hers would die – you accepted it. When one of your friends in school died in a tragic car accident – you had to accept it. And when you shot your mother, taking her life – you had to accept it.

The funny thing about it, though, is that death is a lot easier to accept when it isn’t your own. You had come to terms with possibly dying when being stuck in the factory with Gidon because you were sure Sherlock and John wouldn’t be able to get there in time – and you had accepted that.

But when you saw their faces in the back of the ambulance, both terrified and concerned and confused all at the same time, your mind changed. You had accepted your death when you thought it would occur with them nowhere in sight, when you weren’t able to see how it was hurting them, because it was easier to convince yourself that they would be relieved. But seeing their faces made it all change.

You didn’t want to die anymore.

~~~

“A medically induced coma— What the hell is she in a medically induced coma for?”

           Sherlock watches the doctor calmly try to explain to John that the drugs found in your system were unlike any they’d seen in a long while, and that the amount administered was enough that you could’ve overdosed. Surprisingly, you hadn’t, and Sherlock is chalking it up to your stubbornness – which is why he presumes you were able to stand and fight Gidon after having been shot in the abdomen.

           John regains his senses after the explanation and the doctor’s assurance that by this time tomorrow, if all is looking well (which he’s sure it will be), you will be waking up and continuing on your speedy recovery.

           John nearly scoffs. There is nothing speedy about recovery. He still feels like he is recovering every day from the war, and it’s been years now since he was shot. Recovery isn’t speedy. It’s shitty.

           You lost a lot of blood. Enough that the helicopter took you back to the hospital, because the fifteen-minute drive was too long and they weren’t sure if you would make it that long. Surgery lasted a few hours, from removing the bullet, resetting your shoulder, and repairing the areas that internal bleeding had caused damage. Sherlock was a worried mess the entire time, pacing back and forth in the waiting room so much that even the nurses were worried for him.

           You did well, though. They got the bleeding under control and your vitals stabilized, except now you’re in a coma. It’s Christmas, and you’re spending it in the hospital, in a bloody coma.

           “Did they say when she’ll be able to wake up?”

           “Hopefully tomorrow,” John explains. “But at the latest, New Years.”

           Mary reaches out, grabbing his hand. “You need to sleep.”

           “I can’t sleep.”

           “Come on, John, Sherlock will be here all night, you know he will. You need to go home and sleep. We can come back first thing in the morning after you’ve had a shower.”

           It takes a few more moments of coaxing, but eventually John leaves, telling Sherlock he’ll see him in the morning. Sherlock merely waves, not really focused on anything but you right now.

           And Gidon. Gidon has been taken into custody, even though Sherlock wanted to kill him. Lestrade had to physically restrain Sherlock from kicking Gidon’s face in.

           Sherlock told Lestrade he better lock Gidon up tight because…someone might kill him during the night. That someone is Sherlock.

           His phone begins buzzing in his pocket, causing him to join reality again. But it’s his brother.

           “What do you want?”

           “How is she doing?” Mycroft asks, because even though his brother is angry with him, he still knows him better than anyone else, and he knows he needs someone to talk to right now.

           “She’s in a coma,” Sherlock pauses. “Medically induced. Because of you, might I add.”

           “Yes, because you haven’t stressed it enough,” Mycroft sighs. “When will she wake?”

           “Tomorrow,” Sherlock says quietly. “Or New Year’s.” He doesn’t want Mycroft anywhere near you, but he also knows there isn’t much he can do to stop him.

           “Alright.”

           “Don’t come,” Sherlock orders.

           “I am coming to check on her, Sherlock,” Mycroft counters. “I will text you when I arrive, so if it is absolutely too much for you, you can leave, so you won’t have to see my face.”

           “I’m not leaving you alone with her.”

           “Very well. I will text you all the same.”

           “Goodbye, Mycroft.”

           Sherlock doesn’t wait for his brother to answer before he ends the call, sighing frustratedly. Mycroft is who got you in this mess, and now he thinks he should come visit you. As if he has the right.

           Sherlock leans back in the chair he’s been sitting in for an hour now. He got bored with pacing, so he decided to sit and think, but this chair is nothing like his back at Baker Street – comfortable and broke in. But he’s not leaving you here.

           “Hey.”

           He looks up, finding a woman – a nurse, early thirties, a new mother – leaning against the doorway, a soft smile on her lips. “Hello.”

           “I’m Natalie,” she offers, fitting one of her hands in the front pocket of her scrubs. “You’re Sherlock Holmes?”

           He nods.

           “You’re here to see…”

           “Y/N,” he answers for her. “Y/N L/N.”

           “I figured,” Natalie nods. “Are you two married?”

           “No…”

           “Wrong answer.”

           Sherlock furrows his eyebrows. “I’m sorry?”

           “Look,” Natalie sighs, walking further into the room and lowering her voice. “Visiting hours are long over. The only reason you’re still here is because I’ve told them you’re not causing any trouble. Now, only one immediate family member can stay overnight with a patient. Since her brother left, that leaves the option of a spouse.” She pauses, raising her eyebrows. “So. Are you married?”

           Sherlock hears what she’s saying and knows that at this point it doesn’t matter about telling the truth. “Yes.”

           “Right answer,” she smiles brightly. “Now, come here. The chair in her room isn’t the best, but it’s better than these. And you’ll have some privacy.”

           Sherlock feels himself smiling, suddenly grateful for Natalie’s generosity. He lets the nurse lead him into your room where you lay peacefully, not moving. He averts his eyes, still not used to seeing you in this state. Your shoulder is fine, sling holding your arm up while it heals. There’s a large bruise covering your cheek, vaguely resembling a handprint, and Sherlock has to take a deep breath to calm himself down after seeing it.

           “Here’s a pillow,” Natalie tosses it to him. “I’ll come back with a blanket and check her vitals, and I’ll try to leave you alone for the rest of the night. Something tells me you’d notice if something was wrong.”

           “Thank you,” he says, actually meaning it for once.

           True to her word, Natalie returns with a blanket a few moments later. She hands it to Sherlock before she begins checking your vitals.

           “Everything looks good,” she murmurs. “Have a good night, Mr. Holmes. I’ll be back on my rounds but try to get some sleep. You look exhausted.”

           Sherlock makes a face at her as she leaves, feeling suddenly like a child being told it’s their bedtime.

           He tries to sleep, he really does. He props the pillow in the corner of the chair and pulls the blanket up to his chin. He tries looking out the window at the lights of the city, but his eyes always find their way back to you. You, sleeping soundly, completely unbothered by the outside world. Completely unaware of the worried man sleeping at your bedside.

           Or so Sherlock thinks.

This is when I would start “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron.

           You’ve heard of people in comas having out of body experiences or being able to hear their family members talking to them, but you didn’t think it was real. Until you heard Sherlock start talking.

           You had heard him talk minutes before to a nurse, Natalie, you remember seeing her when you first came in, only briefly. You heard the rustle of the chair next to your bed, no doubt Sherlock settling down. You wish you could move, open your eyes and let him know you’re okay, but you can’t move. All your brain is allowing you to do is listen.

           “My brother used to tell me a story,” Sherlock began, moving his eyes from you to look back out at the city. “When we were kids, he told a lot of stories, a lot of frankly rubbish stories, but he was a rubbish big brother. He told me a story about the east wind.

           “I don’t know why I’ve thought of it just now or why I’m talking to you about it when you’re clearly comatose, but I haven’t slept in three days, so I assume I’m verging on delirium.”

           You want to smile. To laugh at his blunt humor. Then to scold him and tell him to go to sleep. Despite the arguments you had before…before everything happened, you wish you could move, could scoot over on your hospital bed, so he could join you, so he could hold you, so you could tell him it doesn’t matter that he’s scared because you’re scared too, but that you can both be scared together and you can get through this together. Not apart. Together.

           “My brother used to tell me the east wind takes us all in the end. It was this terrifying force that lays waste to all in its path, seeks out the unworthy and plucks them from the Earth. That was generally me.

           “But as we grew older, he warned me about the east wind. It was my…addiction. It was my destructive side. He warned me not to let the east wind take me, but also not to let the east wind become me.

           “I know you aren’t really here right now, and I’ve never been a man to gamble, but I hope you somehow hear these words.

           “Do not let the east wind take you.”

           If you had any control over your body right now, you know you would be crying. The break in his voice when he says those last words, like he doesn’t want it to be true and he doesn’t want to even entertain the possibility of you not waking up.

           “After all, I need my companion,” he chuckles darkly, his voice thick, and you wonder this time if Sherlock Holmes is actually crying again. “I can’t let the east wind take you. I’m not sure what I’d do with myself if it did.”

           You wait.

           “I know it hasn’t been long since I’ve met you, but your presence at Baker Street is something I have found myself growing used to. If you were to no longer be there, I don’t know what it would feel like. I can only imagine that this must be how John felt when I was gone.

           “I admit that was wrong of me to do, to fake my own suicide. If this is the east wind teaching me a lesson, I can assure you, it has been learned.

           “I have never felt this feeling before of fear that I can’t protect someone, and I’m not sure what exactly to call it. I’m afraid even my mind palace has limited information on the subject.

           “I know I have limited information on you, seeing as I’ve only known you for under a year, and I can be more self-centered more days than most, but one thing I believe is that there is a right day to die. We can feel it, when it comes. And if you never wake up…”

           He stops himself, and I hear him take in a shuddering breath.

           “If you never wake up, then I want to leave you with these words. I think I might love you, Y/N, and I’m not sure what I should do with this revelation other than tell you right now because I am afraid I might never have another chance to say these words.

           “It is true that I have taken a liking toward you from the moment we met, and you have managed to confuse this brain of mine on more than one occasion.

           “But it won’t confuse me if you do go with the east wind. I understand if it is your time. And I…I am grateful for the time I did have with you. Though I have always despised the east wind, I understand if you would rather go with it than me.”

           There’s another moment of silence, followed by some rustling, and you think he’s rolled over and finally gone to sleep, but that isn’t the case.

           You’re caught off guard by a gentle kiss being placed on your forehead, his hand smoothing over your cheek one last time.

           His touch leaves you, making you wish nothing more than to let your body move, to wrap your arms around him and make him stay.

           There’s more rustling, and after some time, you hear him begin to snore.

[vfdbaudelairefile13]

Misery Loves Company Part 2:

Meet Esmé Squalor:

The city's sixth most important financial advisor, powerhouse fashionista, and fixated on revenge coke addict. Esmé takes no time showing the orphans that she is just as scary and dangerous as Olaf and sometimes they think she is the worst of the two. Esmé has one thing on her mind and that is her precious sugar bowl which she vows she will steal back or she will burn the entirety of VFD down trying.

Esmé has no problem with any of the vicious acts that Olaf suggests. She is down for just about anything he has in mind. Murder? Yes. Very in. Kidnapping? Yes. Completely In. Arson? Yes. The innest thing since aqueous martinis. And making sure a young child is never able to sleep peacefully again? In her words that 'deliciously in'. The children have a new villain to watch out for and believe it or not...shes more unstable than Olaf.

《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》《》

[Trigger warning: subtle and not so subtle hints at Esme and Olafs hideous and devious intentions with teenaged orphans. Please read with caution]

Olaf was driving like an absolute psychopath as he raced from the burning hospital to the rundown carnival in the hinterland. He was angry. He felt defeated. Not only did those three blasted orphans escape his clutches AGAIN, now apparently someone had survived one of the fires...which one? He did not know. But that bastard, Jacques Snicket, seemed so sure of it when Olaf was watching that video. *stupid fucking VFD and their stupid fucking members escaping their well deserved deaths!* he thought as he growled as loud as he could. And to make matters worse while he was driving this way all he could think about was the woman who broke his heart so many years ago and so many times since then because he was driving just like her.

"YOU IDIOTS LET MY PRETTY LITTLE PET RUN AWAY!" He yelled hitting his fists as hard as he could on the steering wheel.

"Well technically boss..." the bald man spoke up. "She didn't *run away* the bookworm rolled her away on a gurney,"

Olaf growled again. "Oh. How I *cannot* wait to obliterate *that* brat! Oh, he thinks I've been brutal before, he hasnt the faintest fucking idea! And if you dont shut your mouth YOU WILL FEEL MY WRATH AS WELL!" Olaf yelled.

Now everyone in the car shifted a little, even Esmé who was unamused at the whole situation but kind of fearing for her life as he drove like a unpredictable madman. But...when I say that everyone in the car shifted a little...I mean *everyone* and even the three secret passengers in the trunk shifted a little especially Klaus Baudelaire who started to shake.

"Klaus...Klaus...you're fine," Violet whispered desperately reaching around for his hand. Once she found it she squeezed his hand tightly trying to keep him in reality with her and Sunny.

"We shouldnt have gotten in this trunk," Klaus whispered back. "He is going to kill Sunny and I...and..." he stopped talking when he looked towards Violet, who frowned. Both older orphans knew what Olaf would do to Violet if given the chance. Hell, both older orphans knew what Esme wanted to do with Klaus if given the chance. They both feared that even Sunny, by now,  Had a faint idea of what Olaf was talking about. "Why did....you *make me*... get in his trunk," klaus cried as he began to sob. Sunny turned her head towards her brother.

"Shhhh," Sunny pleaded. "Quiet," she reminded Klaus.

"We're going to die..." he whispered fearfully.

Violet frowned as she held klaus' hand tighter and grabbed Sunnys hand with her free hand. "I got you guys," she whispered. "I'll always protect you,"

"We know," sunny whispered back.

"Can you believe there is a SURVIVOR!?" Olaf shouted and then he screamed in pure anger. "Just when Ithought I was winning! I framed them for my MURDER for fucks sake! I HAD that pretty little brat!" He screamed angrily.

Violet shuddered and Sunny put a comforting hand in hers.

Esme scoffed and rolled her eyes when he mentioned Violet being 'pretty' again. He turned to her. "THIS IS YOUR FAULT!"

"HOW THE FUCK IS THIS *MY* FAULT!?" She asked angrily. "It was YOUR idea to use the girl as bait!"

"But you let the Baudelaires take the Snicket bitch right out the operating theater!"

"YOU SET THE HOSPITAL ON FIRE! I GOT THE FUCK OUT OF THERE!" she yelled. "He was standing right next to YOU. Why didnt ypu do anything!"

"HE WAS HOLDING THE LARGE KNIFE YOU GAVE TO HIM!" Olaf yelled back. "The plan was to use the girl as BAIT! NOT have him actually kill her! She is our key to BOTH fortunes!"

Esme gave a wicked smirk. "Oh...that was the plan? I must've forgot,"

"You pathetic jealous bitch!" He yelled.

"Oh *Im* pathetic? You've lost to these children for MONTHS now!"

"YOUVE LOST TO THEM TOO!"

"If I was in charge of this entire thing, those two girls would be dead and the boy would be our little prisoner," Esme replied wickedly smiling.

This made Klaus shiver and Sunny put her free hand in his the same way she had for Violet.

"You wouldnt have the SNICKET fortune if you killed the Snicket bitch you dumb bitch!"

Esme smiled wickedly at Olaf again. "I dont need Lemony's fortune...hell, unlike *you* I dont need Beatrice's fortune either," she laughed. "No what *I* want is to make *Beatrice's little mommy's boy suffer* " Esme tapped her long nails against her window. "Of course I also want back what's *mine*!"

Olaf rolled his eyes. "*So do I*!" He screamed. "But NOW one or two of them might not be inheritors of ANYTHING! SINCE THERES A FUCKING SURVIVOR!"

"Darling...youre honestly looking at *that* all wrong. I think this is good news," Esme replied

 Olaf responded by pushing his foot harder on the pedal.

"How is that a GOOD THING!?" hr asked.

"Well...think about it. Whoever it is. We will get to kill," esme pointed out. "I personally hope its Beatrice. I'd love to kill that sugar bowl snatching bitch...ooooh and we could make her children watch!"

"Or we can torture her children in front of her," Olaf pointed out smiling.

"Who do you think the survivor is boss?" The hook handed man asked.

"I dont know. If its Bertrand...well that's the least exciting option. But Esme's right...if its Beatrice, torturing her or her precious son and daughter would be fun."

"What about Snicket?" The henchperson of indeterminate gender asked.

Olaf pushed hard on the brakes causing everyone to ram forward a bit. His car came to a screeching halt. Violet, who had the misfortune of getting into the trunk first was squished harshly against the end of the trunk as Klaus tried to shift himself away from violet to give her room. Violet had let go of Klaus' hand in attempt to shield Sunny from hitting anything. Olaf turned around to face his henchperson. "I doubt that its Snicket...but...if it is...let's just say when I find his pretty pipsqueak daughter...I will make him watch as I *destroy* her entirely and then I will make her watch as I murder her father agonizingly slow and then I'll murder that stupid fucking bookworm and biting brat in front of her too," he hissed causing Violet to start shaking.

He took a deep breath and began driving again. Esme huffed in annoyance as the hook handed man did his best to hide a disgusted face.

Klaus looked to Vi. "Speaking of that...did he...?"

Violet wiped a few tears from her eyes. "I dont know...while I was conscious, no. Esme kept barging in before he could do more than touch my face or leg. But... when I was unconscious...I dont know. Wouldnt I know? Like...wouldnt I feel different?" She whispered as she began to sob quietly.

Klaus sighed. He didnt know the answer to that. He just gave Violet a small smile. "Yes, I think you would feel different. So if you feel the same then he didnt," he lied as he shifted his arm under her head to give her head some support. He had no way of knowing...and he feared that Violet would never get a true answer.

Violet nestled closer to Klaus and Sunny as she shivered form the cold mountain air that seeked in through the bullet holes of Olafs trunk. Klaus and Sunny could hear her whimpers and shivers. Klaus tried his best to take off his suit jacket from where he laid but he couldnt. Sunny shifted to lay more on Violet to act as a blanket for her. "Violet..." klaus whispered.

"Yeah," she replied back in a hushed tone as she wiped a few tears from her eyes.

"I just wanna say this... if I ever find out that he *did* hurt you or if he ever *does* hurt you like *that*...or if he continues to try to hurt you like *that* **I'll castrate him myself...**" klaus whispered. Violet looked towards her brother and even in the cold, dark trunk of their worst nightmare's car, she could see the dark look in his eyes.

"Klaus...you dont..."

"Oh you're right," he replied. "I'll hold him down and let you do it if youd rather.."

Violet gave a small chuckle to that.

"Darling! I've been thinking about what you said back in crow town,"

"What did I say back in crow town?" Olaf asked confused as he continued to drive like a psycho.

"Well... you said that the boy was much more fun to torture than either one of the girls...and *you're right!*" Esme recalled. "So why dont we just keep him,"

Olaf growled. "Wr are keeping the Snicket bitch! That little tease has another thing coming..."

"We are keeping the boy..." esme demanded in a tone that made Klaus shudder.

"Why dont we just keep who we catch first?" The hook handed man replied. "Besides when we left the hospital the brats were stuck in a utility closet...I doubt they all made it out,"

Olaf snickered at this. "It would be nice if one or two of them burned to a crisp...just like their parents," he began smiling and laughing.

"Well, except the survivor," the henchperson of indeterminate gender replied.

This sent Olaf into another screaming and raging fit.

Esme rubbed her temples. "I just want my sugar bowl...that's it...that's all. I'm down with murder, kidnapping, and making it to where little children cant have another peaceful night of sleep but I AM NOT DOWN WITH THE YELLING AND THE INSANE DRIVING!!!!"

"Fuck off...we are almost to Caligari Carnival. Then we can ask Madame Lulu where to find that little Snicket tease and the two other ugly brats," Olaf replied.

Esme rolled her eyes. *I will kill that fucking brat. Hes not touching any girl related to that bitch Katherine* she thought as she continued to rub her temples. 

Esme was not someone who was used to someone telling her that she cant have her way. She was too rich, beautiful, and powerful for *that* bullshit but as she sat in the passenger seat of Olaf's car she was beginning to think that shed have to take matters into her own hands if she was going to get what she wanted. Olaf seemed determined to have the Snicket brat as a captive...and Esme would rather have the infant than the Snicket girl.

"Do we have any wine? I'm parched and I heard wine is very in this time of year,"

"We have some in the trunk. I would be happy to get it if we stopped," the hook handed man replied.

The three children froze. Violet put her arm around Sunny tightly as Klaus put his arm around Violet to hold her and Sunny, who laid on top of Violet hoping to keep her warm, put a loving hand on Violet and her other on Klaus. Their hearts stopped as Olaf stopped the car.

[likemesomesalads]

I know I keep reblogging ask games from you from my GW2 blog and I always feel guilty about not asking you one of them. I just don't know anything about your characters, but I want to. Might I indulge you to tell me about the lovelies?

This will be a Long one since I have many of them and not all of them is fully flushed out, but here I go!

First up my main: Thoernen:

He is a thief, literally, his occupation in his first 8 years was a thief. He ran away from his Wyld Hunt in fear of death and for years he tried to avoid any contact with undead or other dragon minions (not always successfully but always letting others solve the problems). Alas, in the end, he got baited into joining the Vigil and from there as a vigil soldier he worked against Zhaitan, eventually (following the personal story) forming the Pact with Trahearne and becoming the Commander.  After defeating Zhaitan he got a bit more confident in his work so continued to be the Pact Commander, forming a brotherly bond with Trahearne. Which made it really hard for him once he had to kill him in HoT. In the jungle, he also lost sight in his left eye and got several scars which made him look as miserable as he felt. Also in Maguuma, he saved an ex-mordrem, Dau who later ends up being his dear heart.  Personality wise as a sapling he is cheerful and keeps up the sight of that even after he runs away from the Grove and becomes Soundless, though as he fulfills his Wyld Hunt he gets more serious and broken even, especially after All or Nothing. He can’t take Aurene’s Death and steps off as Commander. he also loses his left arm because it was hit by a blast of Kralky’s and started to turn him branded, which he cuts off himself, not having anyone around. After he retired he and Dau moves back to the Grove to try and live peacefully.Aevelyhn:A helpful, tiny sylvari roaming Tyria and helping where she can. She doesn’t have a specific Wyld Hunt, rather she follows what she was in her Dream, which was helping others. She is often found in Divinity’s Reach, with her friend, Jaquline Du Ciel. She enjoys shopping for pretty dresses, dancing and practicing her elemental magic in her free time.Ainlon:A necromancer who awoken from the Dream with the face of Trahearne in his mind. He took it as a sign that he had to help him so after a few months of training himself, while Trahearne was in Orr and he waited for his return, Ain joined the Firstborn. It was a rocky learning curve to get used to living in Orr but he and Trahearne had a really good mentor-student, then a sort of brotherly relationship. He has a boyfriend, Quinlan back int he Grove who he always love to return to.Quinlan:Ainlon’s boyfriend and a gardener in the Grove. Mildly jealous of Trahearne being able to spend so much time with Ainlon, but knows Ain loves him and he trusts him.Sheara Swiftpaw:The leader of a Warband and member of the ash legion. Very skillful ranger has a pet stalker called Jul and loves hunting trips. She is very tomboyish and not very friendly, however, she does indeed have friends. A norn, called Rhaevee and an asura, Eaxxy.Eaxxy:Crewe leader in the college of dynamics. She loves to come up with new ideas which she usually forgets about as soon as she has the next, so her lab is full of half-finished projects and ideas. however, if she indeed finishes something than it’s the best it can be. She is rather sarcastic and loud. Has an unlikely friendship with Sheara and Rhaevee. Rhaevee:A journeywoman, who loves to travel and collect strange animals as pets. Has a big family with seven younger brothers. She is the only girl in the family which made her the protective big sister. She loves her family very much. They own a pub up in Shiverpeeks and make their own beer as well. Besides collecting animals she also loves to collect recipes from all across Tyria (and later Elona) and shares them with her mother who then tries to make them in the pub and home as well. She follows the Spirit of Raven yet her companion is a white wolf, called Morrigan. She saved Morrigen when he was a pup and his pack was slain by Sons of Svanir. She was led to the pup by a white raven. She is loud and strong, a true norn woman.Jaquline Du Ciel:A second born child in a noble family. She aspires to be a Shining blade member, currently a recruit, to be able to spend more time with her all-time crush so that she can live up to her idol, Countess Anise. Her best friend is Aevelyhn whom she loves to invite to tea and chat about the happenings in Tyria. She is a big lesbian and she does not hide this fact.Aeris Moonsong:Priory researcher and hobby gardener. She lives in Queensdale, near Divinity’s Reach and loves researching ancient artifacts. She also loves gardening but deadly scared of spiders.Cayde:Nightmare Courtier, Duke of Peonies or more commonly known as Dog of Faolain. He and his pod twin, Soléine were lured in a trap pretty much right after their awakening, by Inquest asuras. They both were curious and naive and paid the price for it. They were separated and experimented on. From the painful, torturous experiments Cayde turned to Nightmare and Faolain was there to welcome him. He has quite murderous tendencies and anger issues, resulting in him murdering many other courtiers and captives, for which Faolain had to assign a special ‘sapling sitter’ beside Cayde who can keep him in control. He is obsessively trying to turn her sister to Nightmare and kidnaps her from her loving home. Despite all of his flaws he has a boyfriend, @ascalonianpicnic‘s Aselif who he loves dearly and for whom he would do anything.Soléine:Cayde’s pod twin. She suffered the experimentations as well but was strong enough not to turn to nightmare, barely. She was saved by a group of soldiers, including Canach, who was the only one who could convince her to leave with them and the only one she actually sees as her savior. After she is rescued, she clings to him closely and they grow to love one another. She saves a half-dead fern hound in the human city and decides to take it home and heal him. and since then Isonos is by her side and she finds a passion for healing animals, learns more and becomes a vet.  At the time when Canach is in Maguuma Cayde kidnaps her ( or more like commissions @mystery-salad‘s Aezlin to do it for him) and tortures her, trying to turn her. That nightmare ends when the Court falls apart and she can escape, having again zero trusts in people and clinging to Canach just as she did in the beginning. She is shy and soft and loves animals and Canach.Lusus Naturae: They are Cayde’s 'sapling sitter’. Their pod was taken from the tree by the Inquest working with the fresh Nightmare Court in 1307. The name of the project and the one they ended up having was: Lusus Naturae (aka. Freak of Nature).  Their pod was just freshly sprouted so it had a lot of growing to do. Since they were severed from the Tree at such a young state they have no connection at all to the Dream, to the Pale tree or to other sylvari. It also caused them to take much longer to bloom. It took 16 years for them to be ready and when they were born, due to the lack of connection to the Dream, had the mentality of a newborn. The Inquest rectified the problem with connecting their brain to a computer and uploading the needed data which had them very confused for a while. (The implant which they used to do that is still embedded in the back of his neck.) After they were deemed to be a somewhat successful experiment, not counting that it took them way too long to awaken, and another series of tests, in which they tested their capabilities and discovered their fast regenerating abilities (tested for limb loss, high blood loss and many more which caused their Nociceptors to  shut down, thus they are unable to feel pain.), the Court took them over and they worked for them ever since. First, they worked under a Duke who was a Mesmer and learned from them (eventually broadening their abilities and learning Chronomancy by themselves), but a few years later they were assigned to keep another Duke, Cayde in control for his murderous tendencies. They work with him ever since.Tristrham:A revenant who is not at all proud of his abilities. He got his revenant powers by letting his guildmates die in the Mists when they accidentally found a way there. He actually had to kill one of them himself to be able to escape. (He killed more but didn’t want to think about it and we don’t talk about it. They basically were killing each other due to illusions.) Since he is out of there and once he got used to the voices in his head he went on about in the world, working as a mercenary, ending up in the Heart of Maguuma, where he was fighting to not give in to the voice of Mordremoth. He pulled it off for quite a while and giving in practically just before he died, so he has a short mordrem past, of which he doesn’t remember nor he wants to. After the jungle, he took a little break, trying to relax and heal but eventually ended up joining the Pact and is there ever since.Xeneviev:A spy in the Grove for the Nightmare Court. He joined the court because he has a HUGE crush on (again) @mystery-salad‘s Aezlin and he didn’t have much of a love for his supposed to be purpose either. In the Dream, he saw himself in nothing more than endless fields and mud and he really wasn’t about that. He hated it to the core so it wasn’t hard for him to throw that away for something more intriguing. He loves fashion, Aezlin, doing his job right, Aezlin, designing outfits, Aezlin, looking good and, you guessed it, Aezlin.Dau:His full name is Daulion but he doesn’t like that, so just Dau. He was in an abusive relationship with a courtier, named Alvanil and it took him years to be able to run away. But as soon as he did Mordremoth awakened and he was too weak to not give in, so he became a mordrem. He doesn’t have a lot of memories from that time but he still fears that he’ll turn mordrem again even after the dragon’s defeat. Thoernen saved him in the jungle after he successfully killed the jungle dragon and he fell for him at first sight. He joined the Pact and started to follow around the Commander, lending him a lot of emotional support in the desert, during PoF and they slowly formed mutual feelings and got together. Alvanil:Dau’s cruel, abusive Courtier ex-boyfriend. He loves to make others suffer, especially if they are weaker than him. Not many characteristics, only that he is an asshole. Gotta work on him more.Saberlily:Naive little sapling turned to Nightmare by Gavin, who is her mentor now. She kept her cheeriness even in Nightmare as she thinks there is nothing wrong with how the Court thinks. They want to free the sylvari and anyway, other sylvari do bad things too for no apparent reason. She loves sharp and shiny things. Has a very weird obsession with sharp weapons.Asteracéa:A soundless sylvari courtesan, living in Divinity’s Reach. He had to use his body as payment once he was stuck up in the mountains with no money or anything. (Not like he really had to have to but that was the first thought he had and it worked.) He ended up there by hiding from the Nightmare Court in a caravan. Ever since then he hasn’t returned to Caledon Forest and is a greedy, but highly requested courtesan. He loves to be fancy and even figured out a way to change the color of his body without much hassle. Has a roommate I am yet to name but he loves to hang out with him in his free time. He also obviously very much likes his job and the activities coming with it.Philix:A sweet, furry teenager, raised by two lesbian salads in Lion’s Arch. Works on the docks and as a part-time tour guide. Loves to get in trouble out of work and flirts a lot around. A true teenager.This two is not yet up in my character list, because I am lazy but:Endellion:You can call him En, Endy or Lion. Anything goes with him. He is a hairdresser/foliage dresser?  He loves his job a lot and doesn’t just excel at sylvari foliages he is great with hair or fur too. Residential in the Grove or  Mabon Market from time to time. A cheerful sunshine salad.Dhealaichte:He is Trahearne but not really. He is his reincarnation. Looks and sounds alike has his memories as well, but not his abilities. He bloomed a few years after the defeat of Mordremoth with the name Trahearne but he decided to change when he had enough of being compared to his previous life. He has no memory of his Dream this time though so he doesn’t have a Wyld Hunt.  Once Dheal was full of everyone wanting him to be someone he isn’t he left to discover Tyra for himself and then stayed in Lion’s Arch for a while, working and eventually learning to be a doctor. As the elonian refugees’ numbers grew he decided to go to Elona and help there, so as of now he is in Amnoon doing his best to help people.

[podcastenthusiast]

After a million years, I finally finished the fanfic I’ve been working on. Also on ao3. 

Major Rhalâta questline spoilers!

Hope, or Something

It is over.

Tharaêl kneels before Letho’s corpse. He deserves some time alone to say goodbye to his brother, she knows that, but Kalila just can’t quite bring herself to walk away from someone who very nearly took his own life moments ago.

“The Order owes me a few favors,” she says tentatively. “If you want, I could…see to it that he’s laid to rest properly.” She thinks of the Lost Ones in the orphanage.

Tharaêl sighs, but he doesn’t look away from Letho. “That’s not how the Rhalâim do things. Death is a failure to achieve transcendence. The body is nothing more than an empty husk, maybe more so in this case. It’s considered unworthy of any special treatment.”

“You don’t actually believe that, do you?”

“Of course not. But he did.” Tharaêl finally stands and meets her gaze with tearful eyes. “Thank you, but let’s just go, all right?”

“Yeah, okay,” Kalila replies, and hands him a teleportation scroll.

—

He moves into her home in the Nobles’ Quarter. The first few weeks are touch and go. Tharaêl scarcely leaves his room let alone the house. He barely speaks, eats only just enough to survive, and doesn’t sleep at all as far as she can tell. When she asks if there is anything she can do, he insists he only needs some space.

Kalila understands grief. She has lived for decades with a complex tangle of guilt and sadness, like a weight on her chest. She knows it takes time to heal, if one ever really does. Everyone has their own way of processing things. She can scarcely imagine how it must feel to learn that everything you thought you were fighting for was at best a failure, at worst a lie, and even your own body isn’t real flesh and blood. But she also feels a bit helpless, too, watching him suffer and withdraw from the world. She wonders if Sirius felt the same about her back then.

As it turns out, her old familiar nightmare is something of a catalyst. Kalila dozes off one night in a chair by the fire, and awakens an hour later to the sight of her new roommate hovering over her with a sword.

“Creator’s balls! What in blazes are you doing, Tharaêl?”

“You were screaming, so I prepared for the worst,” he explains, irritatingly calm. He puts the sword away.

“I’m not possessed or anything. It was a bad dream, okay? Just a dream,” she says, perhaps more to put her own mind at ease. “Happens sometimes, especially when I fall asleep without taking my potion like an idiot.”

“Potion?”

“Yeah, to help me sleep peacefully. I lied to the Order’s apothecarii a bit. Said it was a side effect of the arcane fever. But anyway, I doubt I’ll be getting any more sleep tonight. We could talk. I mean, if you want to.”

“Talk about what?”

Kalila shrugs, feeling a little pathetic. Gods, selfish as it is, she just really doesn’t want to be alone right now. Stoking the fire with a wave of her hand, she replies, “I don’t know. Anything. How are you holding up?”

Funny. Here they are living under the same roof, yet they have barely spoken since that awful day in the Room of Paintings, let alone discussed anything meaningful.

“Well, what do you expect me to say? That sometimes I still wish I’d died with Letho in that fucking temple? I do,” Tharaêl snaps, but the anger ebbs away as quickly as it had come. He turns his gaze toward the fire. He’s quite easy to read without the mask, she’s noticed. “Sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with this; you’ve already done so much for me. It just feels…strange.”

“What does?”

“All of this, I guess. I dedicated my life to killing the Father until there was nothing left in me but that all-consuming wrath. I did so many terrible things. Now it’s gone. And, even though I don’t deserve to be, I’m still here.”

Kalila is very familiar with that lost feeling, with having to rebuild one’s life from scratch. She had felt that way in Ostian, orphaned and destitute, living more for Sirius’ sake than her own. She’d felt it keenly since washing up on the shores of Enderal, too, drifting aimlessly from place to place, from one job to the next. At least until this whole fight against the Cleansing gave her a purpose.

“I understand,” Kalila says, ignoring his incredulous expression. “Oh I know, I seem so well adjusted with my reoccurring nightmares.”

“What was your dream about?” he asks.

Kalila hesitates. “It’s a long, depressing story. Are you sure you want to hear it?”

“Like you told me in the orphanage, talking can help.”

“Using my words against me, huh? All right. Wine first though, I think.”

A few minutes later they’re sitting in front of the warm glow of the hearth, with a fine vintage all the way from Arktwend. Tharaêl is right; she should take her own advice. But actually confronting the feelings tied to those memories is never easy.

“I was born on a small farm outside the city of Ostian. My father was a delusional bastard who abused my mother. But it wasn’t always terrible; he’d take me on hunting trips, even though I was a miserable shot. Sometimes he was the perfect loving father, and I hate him for that. I fucking hate that my memories of him are still so vivid after all these years, yet I barely remember my little sister’s face or that Qyranian lullaby Mother used to sing.”

She takes a deep breath, then a large sip of wine. She offers him the bottle.

“Thanks, but I shouldn’t.”

“Is that because you don’t want to, or because the Rhalâta wouldn’t approve? I’ll respect your choice either way. I’m just curious.”

“You always say what’s on your mind, I’ll give you that. Fine, why the fuck not.” Tharaêl takes the wine bottle. “You are a very bad influence.”

“Shh, don’t tell Arantheal. I’m a Keeper. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“You’re stalling, Prophetess.”

“Yeah, you got me,” Kalila admits. “Okay. So, I’m not sure how much you know about Nehrim, but in the south there’s this fanatical cult, the Creator’s Temple. One night a group of masked men from the Temple burned our farm and they…they killed my family. I still don’t really understand why; my father was devout, terrifyingly so. In the dream, he blames me for what happened, but I guess that’s just my own guilt talking. I don’t know.”

“How did you survive?” Tharaêl asks, seemingly unfazed by her story. After all, he knows the cruelty people are capable of inflicting better than most.

“I’d been riding since I was four, so I took one of our horses and fled. I made it all the way to Ostian. The horse wasn’t so lucky. I started begging, stealing, whatever I had to do. Honestly I don’t remember much of that time, except being so afraid the masked men would come for me.”

“Did they?”

“No. Ostian has a lot of abandoned buildings, so I never stayed in one place for too long just to be safe. I met my first friend in an abandoned house. Sirius…he was…well, he put up with me for years which, as you can imagine, is quite a feat. We looked out for each other.”

“Hm. Sounds familiar,” Tharaêl says. “What happened to him?”

“He, um—” There’s a lump in her throat. Wine doesn’t help. Somehow this is so much harder than talking about her family. The pain of it is still too fresh and raw. She knows she could stop now, but Kalila wants to do this. She feels, in a way, that she owes it to herself, to Tharaêl, and to everyone she’s lost.

“The civil war had made it too dangerous to stay in Nehrim. Not to mention the lack of work, honest and otherwise,” she explains. “So, we stowed away on a ship. And we almost made it to Enderal. But then we were discovered, and the captain killed Sirius. Tried to killed me, too. So now I get to have nightmares about that, because somehow I survived. Yay.”

“It feels like a punishment,” he says, quietly.

“Yeah. The truth is, I don’t have any answers. I’m a mess. Not a day goes by I don’t wonder why the fuck I was spared. But there are good days, too, reasons to keep going. I have friends, an apocalypse to prevent, and this truly fantastic wine. Sometimes that’s enough.”

“I guess it has to be.”

Kalila sighs. “Not much, I know, but honestly it’s the best I have.”

—

The fire has long since died down to smoldering embers, and the wine bottle is empty. When did that happen? Tharaêl is lying on the floor, half asleep. A bird chirps outside, drawing Kalila’s attention to the window where soft dawn light pours in.

“Shit, is it really sunrise already?”

“How would I know?”

“Oh come on, cave dweller,” she teases, “You could certainly use more of it, but I know you’ve seen the sun before.”

“Not this bloody early I haven’t.”

Kalila makes a decision. She gets to her feet, only a little unsteadily, and declares, “I have an idea.”

“No. Let me die.”

“Never. We are going to watch the sunrise. You’ll love it, I promise.”

Tharaêl opens his eyes. “You’re not going to drop this, are you?”

“Not a chance.”

Which is how they end up on the roof of Dal'Geyss’ estate, watching the sun come up over the heartland. Best damn view in the city (besides the Sun Temple, of course.) It really is beautiful. Sirius would have liked it here. She’s come to love Ark, despite all the aristocrats and Keepers making it very clear that a Pathless foreigner doesn’t belong. She is going to do her best to ensure this stupid world gets a lot more sunrises. Purely out of spite, if nothing else.

“You were right, you know.”

"Mm?”

“Right now this is enough,” Tharaêl says, sounding content.

Kalila, exhausted physically and mentally, rests her head on his shoulder. They remain there until Prince Mith decides to shatter the peaceful morning stillness with his self-proclaimed genius poems, causing both of them to briefly contemplate murder.

–

Thanks for reading!

[iprincezzinuyoukai]

U.A. Students Days Headcanons

Part 2/5 | Part 1

A lot of headcanons...

Shouta has difficulties during the physical admission exam, so he's put in the General Studies. Hizashi had no complications and was one of the first five.

Shouta isn't very social. He came here to be a hero not to have friends, goddammit! Hizashi's first friend is Tensei. Tensei was a little nervous and thought that Hizashi was only his friend because of his family, Hizashi didn't know that he was related to the famous Iida family until he saw his quirk for the first time. Weeks later Sekijirou joins when Hizashi recognizes him at the vet buying food for his St Bernard.

Maybe Shouta isn't good with physical attacks, but he discovers that he's good at parkour when he follows his black kitty all over the city, although that doesn't stop him from asking his sister to teach him some defensive movements, just in case.

When the sports festival starts, Shouta's determined to win the first place; Hizashi just wants to have fun, Tensei wants to make his family feel proud, and Sekijirou just wants to make sure that his friends don't damage what little brain they have left.

In the final matches, Shouta has to fight against Hizashi. He was on the verge of losing since he was confident that Hizashi didn't know how to fight properly, since all he had done with his previous opponents was screaming until their ears bled. That's because Hizashi recognized Shouta as a cool and hard opponent. Anyway, Hizashi ended up losing and Shouta went on to the next round against Tensei, in which he won the sports festival. Hizashi tried to talk to him when the festival ended but he didn't see him anywhere.

Shouta was transferred in the middle of the first semester, and he almost killed Hizashi as the latter didn't stop bothering him to be his friend. Even so Hizashi didn't give up (this boy had a death wish, they whispered) and he challenged Shouta in the Arcade in the claw machine. If he managed to draw a prize, Shouta would accept to be his friend. Shouta accepted knowing that those games were impossible (because he'd already tried and lost). For a conflict of emotions, Hizashi managed to get a stuffed cat (after almost running out of yen).

The surprise of the whole classroom was the next day and to see that Shouta had a lively conversation with Hizashi.

Hizashi teaches him sign language and also some words in other languages. He doesn't know if it's good or bad, but Shouta only remembers the swearwords, and often says it, like very often, especially towards teachers and some classmates. Shouta decides to teach him parkour, which can serve him someday since to trust on the quirks isn't good, according to him.

Having obtained their hero names, whoever dared to make fun of his hero name or Hizashi's, Shouta would break their nose.

The first time they wore their hero costumes, Eraser and Mic ended up entangled with the scarf and hundreds of nicknames.

Shouta was so used to people getting mad when he erased their quirk that when he did the same with Hizashi (when he started to get too loud) Hizashi started telling him how fantastic Shouta's quirk was.

Hizashi's eyes always seemed interesting to Shouta, especially because they look like rings. Hizashi gets excited every time Shouta's eyes change to red when he uses his quirk and sometimes he has an eye drops in case Shouta will forget his.

Hizashi and Shouta have the same route from home to school and walk together in the evenings, and often they meet in the mornings.

Shouta loves having naps, and Hizashi enjoys joining him. However, it's so peaceful to be sleeping on the roof of the U.A. that often they forget to set an alarm.

Nemuri ends up becoming part of the group after the 1st year fight against the 2nd year in their exam. Besides, her quirk is useful to Shouta when he has insomnia and is the first to suspect that Shouta has a crush on Hizashi when she flirts with the blonde to irk him, but to be frank, she just know how to charm people.

Hizashi has several playlists for different occasions, and even creates a playlist with names of his friends with songs that remind him of each of them.

As optimistic as Hizashi is, and although he rarely seems upset or frustrated – Shouta knows when Hizashi fakes his smiles. The same for Hizashi, who notices when Shouta is more grumpy than usual.

Both realize their crush on the other during their vacation, despite sending messages every day, their minds rambling to think about each other.

Tensei almost went bald for all the mutual pining he witnessed. He even gave several hints to both, he even made several excuses not to go to the Arcade for a whole week – That and that Tenya had just born and he didn't want to leave helpless his beautiful mother. Sekijirou and Nemuri made bets about who would confess first. Tensei scolded them, though inside he was divided into who would confess first and why.

Once Sekijirou bought a motorcycle... Hizashi and Shouta ended up destroying it.

On the other's birthday, Shouta has no idea what album to give to Hizashi (since he loves all kinds of music), so instead he gives him a polaroid camera. While Hizashi gives him a sleeping bag, so Shouta will have a more comfortable place to rest. Hizashi has many photos of Shouta sleeping because only then his face doesn't have that expression of 'I'm going to kill you'.

Shouta invited only Hizashi to his sister's wedding. And for the honeymoon Shouta went to live with Hizashi's family. “No.” “But you're going to be alone for a whole week!” “I don't care.” “My mom have a veterinary – and she's gotten kittens!” “... Okay, I'm going.” The moment that Hizashi sees Shouta smile (and I'm not talking about those smiles he does today) his heart skipped a beat.

Hizashi had several dates, but none lasted more than a week. Shouta was also confessed several times, all of them being rejected instantly, though he did agree to go out with a general studies classmate.

During the holidays and when his sister couldn't be at home, Hizashi invited Shouta to his house. Hizashi's mothers treat him like another son and were used to finding him sleeping everywhere.

During their second year they both confessed at the same time. Tensei fainted because he'll finally be able to sleep peacefully and won't have to keep thinking about more matchmaker strategies. Nemuri doesn't accept having lost so she proposes another bet with Sekijirou about their future wedding.

Because their friends are too meddling, Hizashi and Shouta can't act at all romantically, although secret messages are sent during classes and Hizashi likes to flirt with him using sign language.

During the hero licensing test, Shouta meets Emi (Ms. Joke), who studied at Ketsubutsu – He has no idea why, but Emi names him her best friend – And to Shino, Yawara, Ryuuko, and Tomoko (Wild Wild Pussycats), who were Class B of the same year.

A few months later his sister announces that she's pregnant. Tensei gives Shouta advice on how he should deal with a newborn baby - even lending him a book, as well as looking for the opportunity to show off what a good brother he is and how beautiful Baby Tenya is.

Hitoshi is Shouta's nephew. (Yes! Insert freedie mercury pose)

Hizashi takes several photos of Shouta carrying Hitoshi. Shouta decides not to comment on anything more than his nephew seems to have inherited more from the mother's side.

Before Nemuri graduated, Hizashi and she organized an outdoor camping trip with all their friends. Nemuri's intention was to have a party where there were no police or neighbors complaining, but they all ended up around a campfire making fun of everyone in general and planning what they would do as soon as they stopped being students.

“You cannot sit with the cool kids.” “Don't listen to her, take a seat next to me.” “Do you realize that we are nine persons in a six-person table?” “I got this.” Cue to Sekijirou putting Hizashi on Shouta's lap.

The first time they tried to kiss... They couldn't because it felt very clumsy and awkward, especially when they noticed their friends watching them.

“That's why love hotel exists!” “Dang it! leave them alone!” “My children have grown so much~” Then someone starts to hum the wedding march and the next thing is to Hizashi hyperventilating and Shouta wanting to die right there and at the same time thinking about how to kill their friends and hide the evidence.

[powerovernothing]

Korbun for every other prime number! (Ex: 2, 5, 11, 17....)

Send Me A Number, And I’ll Talk In Detail About My Elder Scrolls Character~!

2 - What is/was your character’s relationship with their mother like?

To be perfectly honest with you, Korbin doesn’t actually remember his mother, or either of his parents. You see, he grew up in the streets of the worst parts of the Imperial City for many years, and most of those years were spent completely on his own. Meaning that any struggle, any conflict, any attempt of just staying alive that he endured until his teenage years, he did so by himself.

He doesn’t really know if his parents were there with him, and he just simply forgot about them, or he buried down the bad memories just like the rest of his childhood. Or if they simply abandoned him, and left him to fend for himself out of malice or hate. In fact, when Korbin really stops to think about it, the earliest memory that he can recall from his childhood is the very first moment that he ended up taking a life. Losing himself to the feeling of actually having control over something for once, and then realizing that he no longer needed to be afraid of what else lurked in the shadows.

They needed to be afraid of him.

But, all in all, Korbin just can’t recall his parents. He doesn’t remember their faces, he doesn’t remember their names, or their tone of voice. He honestly cannot even remember if they ever cared about him in the slightest. But considering that he was alone, for so many years, and he had rather interesting reactions to the feeling of an actual embrace – as well as the phrase ‘I love you’ – I just don’t think they were the best kind of people.

Perhaps that’s meant to be seen, and played around with in the future, but in Korbin’s case he’s a bit bias, and slightly bitter about this subject over all. But, he often is when it comes to his childhood, so that’s not entirely surprising.

(*~*GET READY FOR A FEELS TRIP KIDS, BECAUSE THERE IS PLENTY TO GO AROUND*~*)

5 - On an average day, what can be found in your character’s pockets?

On an average day? Oh, let’s see.

If you managed to go through Korbin’s pockets you would probably end up finding: A few loose Septim’s (gold coins), some crumbled up notes, and various contracts given to him by Lucien that he probably forgot was even in there, half eaten sweetrolls and/or apple slices that he was saving for when he got to camp, lots of lockpicks that ended up entangled in themselves like cheap earbuds, and some sort of miscellaneous alchemy supplies like flowers and so on.

Basically, the man is really bad at just picking things up and sticking them places and forgetting about them until much later. Also, if you don’t think he would rummage through his pockets and see the half-eaten sweets, and then proceed to down them as though they’re still super delicious, and not like two weeks old…then you are wrong, and he would.

What a mess.

11 - In what situation was your character the most afraid they’ve ever been?

He stands at the bottom of the staircase in a very familiar throne room, and he feels the bile rising in his throat the very instant that his tormentor rises from his seat, and proceeds to close the distance between them with a large playful smile over his face.

Every night it is almost entirely the same. Will his mind allow him to pass peacefully into the realm of dreams when he closes his eyes, or will everything that he so desired be ripped away and then cruelly shift into an endless amount of nightmares, flashbacks, of visions that he long since hoped would remain abandoned and forgotten?

Would he see the faces of The Black Hand, as they stood triumphantly over the flayed corpse of the “Traitor” of The Dark Brotherhood? Would he listen to them describe how wonderful his dying screams were, and how he should take a moment to admire the slices, and the cuts, and the results of their hard work, for surely it was nothing sort of poetic?

Or perhaps, would he stand in the crumbling remains of the Temple Of The One? Watching as the Septim Heir pulls away from his embrace, and smiles – too gently, too peacefully – and assures him, with tears in his eyes, that everything will be okay, and that their friendship meant everything to him in the short time that they had together?

But when his vision clears, and he is forced to stand in a room that he had been in far too many times before – and he hates it, he hates how he knows every color, every texture, every touch and sound, and how he always returns here, *always* – he realizes that he would have gladly taken the flashbacks, the horrible memories, so long as he did not have to physically be in the presence of The Mad God.

Korbin blinks only once, and suddenly he hears his voice before he is able to see just where he had vanished to.

“Ah, Little Raven,” Sheogorath whispers, sickeningly sweet into his ear, from where he stands behind him. Soon, his voice turns, and it is playful, and somehow that is far worse. “Honestly, what a naughty bird you’ve been! Just up and deciding to leave your cage, and without even so much as a goodbye!”

He tries to move, to get away, to put some amount of distance between the two of them, but his tormentor holds him tightly in place.

“Well now, if that’s the way that you wanna go about playing it, then I guess I’ll just have to roll the dice and make my move!” He snaps his fingers, and suddenly the familiar throne room is engulfed in pitch blackness.The only light emitting from Sheogorath’s cat eyes in the distance.

His voice is low, almost angry, and it makes Korbin violently shake in fear for what he knows is coming.

“Allow me to show my favorite little plaything just how much I’ve missed him, and why he should never think about leaving his chains ever again.”

Hours later, the sun rises over the mountains, and so does Korbin from his dreams…

…Frantically screaming.

17 - What was your character’s favorite toy as a child?

Oh fantastic! More questions about Korbin’s childhood, and further ways for me to be completely masochistic in regards to my favorite boy, and his heartbreaking life and endless amounts of trauma!

As mentioned above, Korbin was on the streets of the Waterfront of the Imperial City for many years, and most of those years consisted of him being a very young child at the time. He was absolutely terrified of being on his own, and each night was practically the same. Where would he sleep? Would it be safe? Would someone attack him? Would someone try and kill him just for being there? Would they sneer and spit as he walked by, looking as though he came from less than nothing, and turn him into the guards for them to do whatever they pleased?So, for a very long time, he truly had nothing that would bring him comfort outside of a very small dagger – the only thing that he stole away for himself, just to try and keep him safe in case someone did wish to harm him – and a tattered and ratty old blanket that he used to cover himself with when the nights wore on and he was too tired to keep going.

In Korbin’s adult life, he is a man who enjoys the simple things. He enjoys a good fire, a good home-cooked meal, and he enjoys curling up with a good book underneath a comfortable and warm blanket. And that mostly comes from the fact that as a child he didn’t have these things, and the old habits truly do have some difficulties dying down.

Especially when he is not in his proper state of mind, or having a bad day. When that comes around, you can absolutely be certain that you will probably find him huddling away underneath a blanket. Wishing that the world would just go away and not bother him, until he is able to get a handle on his emotions once again.

Because that’s what his nights were like. The worst ones, at the very least. Huddled away, pulling the blanket over his face, and just whimpering until everything quieted down, and he could stop being afraid for once. (This is one of the obvious telltale signs that his adopted siblings have come to depend on when Korbin is not acting like himself. If he’s underneath a blanket, he’s probably in a bad place, and need someone to try and pull him out of it.)

And if you’re curious about whatever happened to his favorite childhood blanket. Well, let’s just say that…Korbin never enjoyed having his special things taken away from him by force. And that there was pretty damn good reasoning behind his very first kill.

23 - What does your character dislike in other people?

What does he dislike in other people? Disloyalty, dishonesty, and betrayal of any kind. Yes, Korbin is indeed an assassin, and he is indeed one of the Dark Brotherhood who do their killing for a reason. But, he is a very honest one, and is very devoted to his Dark Family at the end of the day.

So anyone that seeks to use him for their own gain, his family members, or his brothers, and then tries to harm them, to toy with them, or belittle them in any possible way…Korbin just cannot abide that, and they are the ones who die the most painfully at his hands.

Which is why in the original timeline, he slaughtered the entirety of The Black Hand after Lucien’s death, and in the restarted timeline…he throws Bellamont into a endless cycle of torment, with the help of Sheogorath’s power. He believed that there was no greater justice for the man who used him, and then took his brother away from him.

31 - Describe a scenario in which your character feels most comfortable.

Korbin lays his head against the surface of the pillow that is underneath the open window of his bed chambers in Cloud Ruler Temple. His eyes are closed, and there is a gentle smile on his face as he listens to the comforting sound of the heavy rain falling down the mountainside. He places his arms underneath his head, and breathes in carefully, letting his mind wander to an enjoyable place of peace.

Lost within his own thoughts, he is unaware that he is no longer the only one in the room. Martin stands at his door, and looks towards his young brother with an amused expression, before clearing his throat and making his presence known.

“Korbin, my dear friend, just what are you doing?” He wonders aloud; walking into the room slowly, and coming over to his side to stare down at him, and then towards the open window rather quizzically.

In response to his questioning, Korbin keeps his eyes closed and his smile perfectly in place as he answers him.

“Why, enjoying the sound of the rainstorm, of course,” He tells him simply, before a chuckle escapes, and he opens his eyes to meet Martin’s gaze. “Or rather, perhaps my preferred way of listening to it.”

“And that way is…laying underneath your window, as the rain falls around you?” Martin asks; kneeling down to touch the top of Korbin’s – now slightly soaked – mop of grey with the palm of his hand. “Aren’t you rather cold to be laying here for such a extended period of time?”

Korbin turns his head more into Martin’s welcoming touch, and cannot help but allow his tone of voice to shift into something far more playful.

“Come now, brother, you know better than to worry so much!” He says with a grin, shaking his head and forcing Martin’s fingers out of his hair. He grabs a hold of it when the Septim Heir pulls away, and his voice slowly turns gentle. “I really am just fine, and honestly… I rather cherish nights like this. The sound of the rain, the cool air against my face, the feeling of closing my eyes and allowing myself to be lulled into a pleasant night’s sleep…”

His eyes dart towards the window, and his impish grin falters, and becomes much more genuine. He speaks quietly, more so to himself, than to the brother at his side, and allows his emotions to take over briefly.

“…It has always been my favorite memory from childhood. Knowing that, when the rain came, I could actually sleep without any fear for once. It is probably why I still enjoy it even now… because in some way, it makes me feel as though I am truly safe.”

Martin listens silently to the words that Korbin speaks, and he feels his heart ache in regards to what is being said. Whether an unconscious action, or no, he knew well that the subject of his brother’s childhood was always a difficult subject to discuss. Even to the point where the mere passing reference of that time was enough to cause Korbin to react in bitter anger.

And to know that he alone was responsible for this explanation, as well as the  emotions that his brother was now feeling based around years long passed, when he was so obviously relaxed only minutes prior…

...Martin felt the need to do whatever he could to help Korbin find his treasured peace once again.

Reaching out with his free hand, he touches his brother’s cheek, and calls his name just as softly. When Korbin turns his head back around, matching golden eyes with blue, Martin thumbs over his cheek.

“If you do not mind, my friend, I was rather curious about something?” He all but whispers to him, as he continues his reassuring touch.

“Curious about what, Martin?”

The future Emperor pulls from his brother only for a moment, before he lowers himself down to his side, and lays across from where Korbin’s pillow is underneath the window.

“About whether or not you would enjoy some company while you fall asleep to the rainstorm,” He holds out his hand and beckons Korbin down next to him. “After all, I believe that I, too, could use a good rest. And after you spoke so highly of the comfort this sound gave to you… what do you say, hm?”

Korbin smiles widely.

“I would say that that sounds like a wonderful idea.”

41 - Does your character feel that they deserve to have what they want, whether it be material or abstract, or do they feel they must earn it first?

Oh wow, this is a very interesting question, and one that I have to say that I really enjoy thinking about when it comes to Korbin!

In all honesty, and considering his history and his overall character, I think it should go without saying that Korbin would probably believe that anything that he wants, or desires to have for himself to make him happy, or healthy, or protected, he would absolutely assume that he would have to earn the right to it before anything else.

And that could be anything from actual weapons, or relationships between the people that he values and loves. He wants to have Lucien care about him and see him as someone worthy of his utmost trust and love? He wants Martin to know that he can trust him, and that he will never do anything to let him down as he helps him get upon the throne?

He has to earn that.

He wants to have better weapons to make his contract and assassination work easier and safer? Then that means that he has to earn the right to those weapons, and keep working with his less than perfect ones – possibly even broken ones – until he is able to feel as though he really did earn better equipment after all.

After all, for so long he had nothing, and no one. Thus, he believes that he if wants to have anyone, to have anything at all, that he absolutely needs to earn that right.

Even if it requires pushing himself to his limits.

43 - Has your character ever had a dependent figure who was not related to them?

Absolutely! Korbin has no blood relatives that he can speak of, and thus anyone that he depends on, or anyone that he care about, is not actually related to him. But he doesn’t mind, he prefers it that way. After all, found family, is way better than your chosen family in Korbin’s mind.

The ones that he depends on most outside of Lucien and Martin? Probably Vicente Valtieri from The Dark Brotherhood, and Jauffre from The Blades. He has very close ties with both men, and he actually views them as father figures for the most part.

He is also incredibly close to Baurus – another member of The Blades – as well, but mostly sees him in a brotherly light just like Lachance and Septim.

[zippdementia]

Part 36 Alignment May Vary: Finale

Thirty six posts and over a year ago we began this crazy romp with three prisoners on a ship in the middle of the chilly Moon Sea. Now we come full circle. Karina has found and forgiven her mentor, Tyrion has cured his affliction, and their new companion Traki is about to become wrapped up forever in the machinations of the red hand...

Why did he join this group of travelers? The question hits Traki like a stone. The night before agreeing to follow the Tiefling into the mind of her mentor, he had had a vision, a true vision, the first one since he had crashed on the accursed island. In it, he had once again seen his brother Falco, who told him that the elves of his homeland had felt his presence as soon as he had left Rori Rama.

“I am coming home to you, brother,” Traki had said. But Falco had told him that no home was left. Dragons had come to the woods. Dragons had pierced the secret places, found the valley, burned it and anyone who dared to stand against them. Nor had the dragons been alone: A goblinesque creature had ridden one, a great Black Beast of a Dragon, and on his chest had been painted the symbol of a Red Hand. Home, which had existed peacefully in the forest valley for thousands of years, was gone.

The Red Hand... Traki had seen the Hand clawing at the earth in fevered visions, had seen it spreading fire across the trees and forests of the world. He had also seen three figures, indistinct in their features, stride towards the hand, bringing with them light. Three figures he had seen, and three he had found, two Tieflings and a halfing. Inauspicious heroes to be sure, but he had told his brother he could not return to him yet, that he had to go chasing the Hand. And then he had followed the female Tiefling into her dream world. The Gods had repaid his gumption by taking his eyes.

But they will not take my world.

Determined, Traki told himself he would train; every day until the exhaustion tore him into sleep he would train to learn to rely on his other senses. Blindness would not be a disability but a boon. He would not be distracted from his purpose. His enemies could hide their bodies but not their smells, their breathing, their sighs of fear as he came for them. He would follow the three of his vision and the Red Hand would fall.

First, though, there are bills to pay.

Returning the Favor

Clem and the other crew members of Twyin’s Revenge approach the companions shortly after their return from Rayden’s mind.

“There is the issue of payment,” Clem explains as they all gather. “Our crew put nearly a year of their lives into this and expected 50% of the treasure in return, as Abenthy promised Captain Krisp. We are guessing that treasure doesn’t exist...”

Clem and the crew end up demanding several things: all of the party’s gold, the ship Tywin’s Revenge, and the eye of Callax from Karina. The party is willing to give up the ship, but they are not happy about the gold and Karina refuses to give up her most precious item, so a bartering ensues. It becomes heated once, when Tyrion casts Hold Person on Clem, but quickly the party realizes they will never make it back to civilzation on their own. The crew has them in a bind.

Ultimately they settle on giving up their masterwork weapons for resale, as well as several magical items—most prominent among them Haggemoth’s Band of Intellect and Belt of Defence, Tyrion’s Ioun Stone, and Karina’s Elven Chainmail. They are hard bargains, but as the crew puts it, they were owed much much more.

It is a sullen party, thus, that makes it way back to Ottoman Docks. Rayden and Xaviee depart at the Desert Island of Thud along the way, Rayden to await Karina’s return here (she still has to claim the portion of the land that the Fuzwah of Thud gifted her) and then assist her in whatever she decides to do, and Xaviee to catch a ship back to the Elsir Vale.

“Better men than I took on this quest and did not survive,” Xaviee tells them. “I can only imagine that the gods are not done with me yet. But I also know my path no longer matches your own. Abenthy showed me that. If I see him... well, best not to dwell on it. I will return to my homeland and prepare to finish what Twyin started.”

His parting is bittersweet. He leaves a friend, but a distant one, hurt deeply by Abenthy’s turn to his demonic father.

The group arrives at Ottoman’s dock in a late afternoon turned to night by a building storm. They make their way past the docks and Rose’s old tavern (now seemingly a gambling hall) and arrive at Zennatos door. Karina pauses here. It is almost too painful to open that door. The last time she did, Abenthy was here, and Tywin with his smarmy smile and callous manner. Both gone now. No, Abenthy is not gone, only changed forever. The thought comes as she gathers her resolve and pushes her way inside.

And finds herself staring into Abenthy’s cool eyes.

“Karina. I thought we might meet here. I was just explaining to Zennatos what must happen next, and why.”

Zennatos and Abenthy sit in the crowded sitting room, facing each other from the depths of large plush armchairs. Zennatos clutches a cup of tea like it is a magic shield of protection, while Abenthy sits calmly, unmoving as a statue except for the slight turn of the head he gives to look at Karina. His skin is like a statue’s as well, deathly pale, though with a strange dullness to it. His eyes, too, once so bright, are now strangely dead. He has lost his shine.

His life. Karina thinks. He is drifting away from all that made him cherish life.

Tyrion’s thoughts are more direct: I will kill this bastard. He had not forgotten the power lost when Haggemoth’s scales were destroyed, nor the way Abenthy had blithely brushed off his attacks afterwards. It was past time for a rematch.

Traki, on the other hand, sees nothing but feels the tension in the room and decides to leave well enough alone, at least for the time being. He says nothing but listens intently as Abenthy begins to explain why Zennatos must die.

“He stole the book,” Abenthy says. “And that in turn led to death and destruction for everyone. The people of Friezorazov, enslaved now by the Giant. The paladins of the monastery, dead by our hands.”

“The Desert Island of Thud,” Tyrion shoots back. “Saved by us.”

Abenthy stared at him. “One good deed does not erase the bad.”

“And one bad deed does not erase the good,” Karina counters. “This is wrong, Abenthy. It is not for you to punish Zennatos or judge him.”

“It is for me. I am the inevitability of Justice. There is no other more able to judge.”

Karina moves suddenly and stands in front of Zennatos. Quickly, Verrick moves to her side. Abenthy looks at him, and there is a touch of sadness in his eyes.

“I see you have reunited with your lover.”

“He lives, yes.”

“Move aside, Karina. I don’t wish to hurt you. I won’t hurt you.”

“And you won’t hurt Zennatos, either.”

“That is where you are wrong.”

“Can we talk more about bringing rain to the desert?” Zennatos chimes in with a quavering voice. “That was a good topic. All the good that came from my quest, yes?”

Wings burst then from Abenthy’s back, great skeletal wings, and his eyes glow a dark red. Fear washes over the room and Zennatos yelps in fright. Karina barely manages to contain herself in time to activate her cloak of Darkness. Abenthy’s fearful visage is lost in darkness. She reaches out through it, touches Abenthy’s face. “Come back to us. Don’t choose the path of your father. Don’t do this.”

“I must,” he says, and flings her aside.

What follows here is a surprisingly even fight. Abenthy is level 10 at this point, to Karina and co’s 7 (almost 8). But he refuses to hurt them, while they can barely hope to hit him with his AC of 24 (magical items boost it). Tyrion is full of rage, attacking Abenthy over and over to little effect until he finally switches to picking away at his health with psychic damage, for one or two or three points of health at a time. On top of this, everyone is rolling at disadvantage for the darkness and so consistently ends up with less than 10′s on their dice, except for Traki who keeps punching Abenthy in the back of the head, Karina who rolls her usual natural 20s, and myself who doesn’t roll much lower than 17 for Zennatos. This leads to some very amusing situations where Abenthy continually tries to get past Karina and repeatedly gets overwhelmed by her paltry 8 (or somewhere around there) Strength and finds himself on the ground with Karina pinning him... only to shove her off and start again. Meanwhile, Zennatos is blitzing through the darkness like an idiot savant, eventually getting the idea to smash a window to make Abenthy think he has fled.

It is not quite the dramatic encounter I had hoped for, but it does speak nicely to the conflicts plaguing the party. No one really is invested in hurting each other, except Tyrion who doesn’t yet have the power to go it alone, and so the battle devolves into a depressing and uncomfortable stalemate. Karina does try to talk Abenthy out of his path by insisting that Zennatos should spend his life in attonement rather than pay for his crimes by wasting that life, and Abenthy’s player allows her one roll to try and persuade him, but as luck would have it, it’s the one low roll of the night for her, and the attempt badly fails, only strengthening Abenthy’s resolve.

In truth, I had expected that Abenthy and Tyrion would clash like Titans and Karina would get caught in the crossfire, or else Zennatos would actually be murdered before the party could stop Abenthy. Instead seeing the stalemate continue on, I decide to step in and move us along to the next part of the finale...

I Hear Bells a Ringin’

Alarm bells begin to sound all over the city. Traki, having some background as a sailor, knows the sound and what this particular peal means.

“Pirates,” he says. “Marauders attacking the docks.”

“It is the Red Hand,” Karina says from the darkness.

“The Red Hand?” Traki’s heart leaps at the words. The prophecies were true!

“Reeves,” agrees Verrick. “He has followed us around the seas and back again.”

“The pirate captain who murdered your companions?” Tyrion asks.

Shando. Targaryen. Their names plague Karina’s thoughts. “Do you hear that, Abenthy?” she asks. “It is the men who murdered the Butcher of Skagos, who worked with Rose to kidnap women and enslave them to her will and the will of Mordekai.” Whoose armor you now wear. “There is your evil. Will you fight it? Will you bring them justice?”

The silence stretches on.

“Zennatos has fled,” Abenthy says at last. “Justice will find him, but today my strength is needed elsewhere. Yes. I will fight.”

Only then does Karina let her darkness fall away. She is face to face with Abenthy again. Their eyes meet. The look that passes between them carries the weight of lost possibilities. And then he turns and is soon gone, sweeping from the room like a light extinguished.

Zennatos momentarily emerges from his hiding and stammers out a thanks, begging Karina to continue protecting him. She tells him that where she is going it is not safe. He needs to flee this place, disguise himself, and above all do good. Only attonement, she believes, will save him from Abenthy’s justice. Zennatos agrees, handing the team over 300 gold pieces to thank them for their efforts.

The players then move out into the storm. The city is alive with shouts and screams, the noise carrying over the sound of the clanging bells. In the distance a red glow signifies fire—it looks to be coming from the Lord’s fortress. They move down the street towards the docks, stopping to fight ten Ratzotto pirates and their captain in the city center, dispatching them fairly easily (proving how far they have come in the course of this adventure). By the time they reach the docks, the storm has turned into a gale, sending waves crashing over the docks, where men are fighting to the death. From one dock three pirate ships have landed and men are swarming towards the city, but there, too, the companions can see the towering figure of Abenthy, cutting down enemies as they come at him, taking on eight pirates at once, rallying the city guard to move in and handle the others. Soon, he is lost in the mayhem.

The companions head another direction, towards a ship Karina knows well. The Audacity sits at dock as she remembers it, a low sleek pirate schooner, built for speed and stealth. It is not bothering with stealth now. It has crashed itself into the docks and secured itself with grappling hooks. It rides the storm easy, as if the storm is its horse. The deck has more than a half dozen pirates on it, though these are little like the Ratzotto’s the fought in the square earlier. Months ago, Karina watched as her former friend Targaryen murdered her new ally, General Tywin of the Elsir Vale, in a drowned tower while they tried to rescue Targaryen’s sister. Targaryen and the pirates that assisted him had been changed by the power of some God of the deep, morphed into beings that seemed more at home in the ocean than on land. These pirates now reflect that same change. Some are covered in barnacles. One has blue skin. Most grin to show razor sharp teeth and some even have claws instead of fingers. And at their head stands Captain Reeves Testain, his black beard encrusted with the salt of the sea and interwoven with stalks of seaweed. His jacket is open, leaving his chest bare, his pale skin slick with rain that seems not to bother him. His smile is manic, his stare one from beyond the grave. He sees Karina...

... but before anything else can happen, Twyin’s Revenge, manned by Clem and the rest of the crew, crashes into the Audacity, knocking several of the pirates into the sea. Crossbow bolts fire across the deck, taking down several more pirates. For a moment, the battle seems won, but then the sea opens up underneath Twyin’s Revenge and a monstrous mass of tentacles wrap themselves around the Ghost Ship. Clem and the others are dragged away from the Audacity, the men cutting desperately at tentacles as thick as masts. Reeves turns his attention back to the companions and gestures, and five pirates, four men and one woman, leap off the Audacity to meet the companions on the final dock leading to the Audacity, the final bridge between the players and their destiny.

This is a fun fight. I use enemies from the Princes of Apocalypse campaign, two reavers, two dark tide knights, and one fathomer. It’s a bit of a test, too, to see how the players will do against more varied enemies and groups in the upcoming campaign. Tomb of Haggemoth has a lot of Boss Monsters (tm) and Red Hand of Doom is much more about a mixture of enemies with different classes and abilities supporting each other to make combat harder and more tactical. I want to see how that plays out here.

It is a tough fight. The reavers go down pretty quick, with Karina “leaving her mark” on one of them in the form of a bolt through the eye. But their point is to blockade, not kill: they block the bridge long enough to give the fathomer time to cast spells from afar without being harried, and he rolls three critical strikes, severely cutting down the health of Tyrion. When Tyrion faces off against one of the knights, he is quick to be knocked unconscious. And then things get interesting.

Seeing that the blind monk is battling effectively despite his condition and that Karina is a good shot, the knight tries a different strategy. He kicks Tyrion’s unconscious body off the dock and into the sea, forcing the players to split up if they wish to save him. Karina takes the bait, leaping off into the ocean and making some very harrowing spot checks to see if she can find and save Tyrion. Left alone to face both the knight and the sorcerous fathomer, Traki is soon overwhelmed on the dock and goes down.

Now, as far as the enemies know, they have won the fight. The fathomer starts walking the dock to check the waters, make sure the heroes are down. The dark tide knight goes to work on searching Traki’s body--they are pirates after all, and this gives the players a turn to make a plan before the knight tosses HIS body into the sea as well. The players take the opportunity: Karina, having pulled Tyrion to shore without being seen, revives him and together they launch a sneak attack against the knight, killing him.

Left alone to face three heroes, the fathomer changes tactics, turning into his serpent form and trying to drag Traki into the sea to drown him. Traki avoids this attack and the fathomer tries one more desperate ploy: turning invisible, he dives into the sea and waits for the players to cross the bridge. Then he gets behind them and sneak attacks Karina with vampiric touch, draining her health and restoring his own. It doesn’t save him, Karina is quick to reverse the hold and cut him in half with her scimitar, but it leaves them all shaken and injured for the final battle, out of potions and running low on spells.

And it does illustrate that the players are ready to face the Red Horde and gives me some direction on making some final touch ups to the Red Hand campaign before we begin. But first, there is an old foe to face...

The Final Battle

“The little bird returns!” though he stood on the prow of Audacity in the midst of the storm, the companions could hear Reeves Testain as if he stood directly next to them. For Traki the experience was the most surreal as he could not see the man to show the lie.

“I have followed you across the oceans, girl,” Reeves continues. “I used my scrying magic to see your path. I lost you once, recently, when you went to an island where I could not follow. But now I have you again. And I see you have hatched more companions, girl. Do they know how your other friends died? If they did, perhaps they would not be so eager to stay with you.“ He spotted Verrick standing next to her. “And you have brought your manservant, too. Traitor! You betrayed the Many Headed Goddess. But her power has not stopped growing. I will murder you, destroy this pitiful town, and then move on to the East, where she amasses a great army. The Red Horde shall fall upon the land like locusts. The Vale shall be the first to fall, but not the last.”

“You speak of the Red Hand!” Traki called out. “But I have seen another prophecy. I have seen their fall.”

“If you have seen anything it is because the Queen willed it. She shows you hope in order to sweeten the victory when she takes it away from you.”

“This is the one who killed the others? Who killed your friends?” Tyrion asked.

Karina nodded. “I cannot ask you to join in this fight,” she said.

“... and you won’t have to,” Verrick answered. “Let us put an end to this.”

And so the three climbed on board the Audacity and found its lord waiting for them. Reeves attacks viciously using magical ice storms to halt the heroes and hold person to freeze them in place. Tyrion takes him on directly but even his magical axe seems only to be partially effective. Meanwhile, Reeves wields a relic of the deep, the ancient trident Drown, pulled from the tower of the Drowned God in his quest for power.

There is another one here, as well. Behind Reeves, huddled by the prow, is a young girl who Karina alone recognizes: it is Jade, Targaryen’s sister. She is in a kind of trance and Karina correctly guesses she is controlling the tentacled beast attacking Clem and his men. However, all attempts to attack the girl fail as a powerful psychic shield deflects all arrows and Reeves is between her and the other party members. The same shield seems to protect him, as Karina’s attempts to loose arrows at him all end with the arrow stopping feet from him and falling harmlessly to the ground. She even tries a silver arrow but this fails just the same.

This fight is meant to be very hard, possibly outside of the player’s ability to handle. The reason is that there is another way to fight Reeves rather than head on, a way that exists because Karina managed to reclaim the Undersea Effigy back at the Tower of the Drowned God. The effigy begins calling to her from within her bag of holding. It wants her to touch it, to use its power. Doing so will allow Karina to engage in a battle of wills with Jade over control for the Kraken.

Unfortunately, Karina doesn’t trust the voices! This almost leads to the annihilation of the party but for once I step in with a pretty heavy hand to push Karina towards using the effigy. When Reeves freezes her in place with his hold person and prepares to slaughter the rest of the party, she finds that only her right arm can move, and then only towards the bag of holding. Yes, it is remarkably heavy handed, but I think it’s okay considering this is the final fight and a very big moment. Looking back on the campaign as a whole, if I had given the players a book or scroll earlier, detailing how “the many headed statue controlled the denizens of the deep,” the forced hand could have been avoided, but honestly this final battle was not fully developed until a few sessions back and I didn’t see a place to squeeze that in. So instead we get forces outside of Karina’s control taking over a little. Which, considering that part of the campaign has been about otherworldly powers, I think works out just fine.

Karina reaches inside the bag, knowing what she is searching for, reaching for it  despite her fears, despite promising herself that this relic would never again see the light of day. Then her hand closes around cold jade stone and the world disappears.

She is huge. She is powerful. She is hungry. She is ancient. She opens her jaws and the ocean pours in. She stretches and her tentacles break bones, crush wood, move waves. She focuses and sees the ship at the docks, the figures fighting on it, and the one who she must kill.

NO.

The voice is an intrusion, a blot on her mind.

I RULE THIS CREATURE. YOU MUST LEAVE.

Karina. Her name is Karina. But the voice, the voice was not her voice. It was...

LEAVE NOW OR I WILL HURT YOU.

... Jade. The little girl. The psychic. Karina pulls herself free for a moment from the Krake Spawn’s mind and sees the girl, or at least feels her hovering nearby, her power palpable but weak, spent, drained.

“I can overpower you,” Karina says. And then she dives back inside the Kraken.

This is a battle of wills, and really the final battle of the campaign. I don’t pull any punches here. For every roll Karina wins versus Jade, she will get to make an attack on Captain Reeves for massive damage, maybe enough to turn the tide, maybe not. The real power comes if she can make three in a row.

And by the gods, that is exactly what she does. This is a huge accomplishment, considering that Jade rolls Will at +2 and Karina at -1 (I think... it’s low, anyway). But Karina, staying true to her character, rolls well in a crisis and she pulls out that natural 20 as the final roll of the campaign, kicking Jade from the creature’s mind and bringing its full power to bear on Captain Reeves.

Tyrion leaps back as the tentacles smash into the deck of the Audacity. Reeves throws his hands up, blocking his face and eyes from the splintering of wood. Before he can lower them again, he is wrapped in the thick wet tentacles of the Krake Spawn, the beast lifting him high in the air. Reeves fights for a moment, but the tentacles tighten and he all but disappears beneath their slimy folds. Then the sea opens up and a massive maw fills the space where water once was. Reeves calls out a final condemnation of the party: “My Queen will revive my Soul! All that die in her service will walk again! She will reap this world! She will—”

He does not get to finish. Reeves is dropped into the maw and disappears amidst rows and rows of razor sharp teeth as the jaws close and the creature retreats back into the depths, hopefully never to be seen again.

Aftermath

With the Kraken defeated and Reeves dead, the rest of the pirates are easily routed, without the players’ help. Karina comes back to herself to find the Jade statue destroyed, a true signifier of the end of the campaign as the first adventure we had was retrieving the thing from the depths of the Moonsea, over thirty sessions ago. Jade (the girl, not the statue) comes back to herself as well and thanks Karina for saving her mind from the creature of the deep. “Had you not pushed me from it, I would have been lost to the deep forever.” She asks after Targaryen but all Karina has the heart to tell her is that he is at peace. The lie makes her think of Abenthy, who condemned Targaryen’s soul to his father’s hell, and she feels a great pang in her heart. I lost him too, she thinks. Maybe not to death’s embrace, but he is gone all the same.

They do not find the Aasimir after the battle. He has disappeared, they assume to hunt his quarry. Zennatos, too, has disappeared, they know not where to, though Karina hopes it is to take her advice and do as much good as possible. Whether it will appease Abenthy she knows not, but it is worth trying.

With the battle finished, the companions look out upon the town of Ottoman’s dock. The lord’s manor is aflame and it is said he was murdered by pirates in a raid on his fortress. The town has much rebuilding to do, a new leader to elect. But for once, this is not a task the companions feel they need to take on. They have their own paths to follow.

Karina, the Seeker of Callax, says farewell to the group. “I have had enough adventuring for one lifetime,” she tells them. “I have found the truth I sought and avenged the ones who I called friends. Something tells me this is where I should stop. I have a reward to collect and a school to build. Traki, I hope you find what you are seeking. Tyrion, do not lose your music.” And with those words of parting, she and Verrick leave, catching one final ride on Tywin’s Revenge as Clem and the crew take them back to Thudd, where she collects her reward from the Fuzwah, the promised expanse of land to do with what she pleases. Aided by the Fuzwah, she builds a school here to teach adventurers how to defend themselves against the dangers of the world. In return, they give the school a cut of their treasures from their hunts. It is a small percentage, but it adds up, and eventually the school grows in power and reputation. Karina never forgets Abenthy’s journey, and she picks her students with an extremely critical eye, never wanting to turn out a student who starts on the path of good, but falls to their own search for justice. She uses the spell book of Haggemoth and his histories to aid her studies, and in doing so, feels that she is keeping alive the old dwarf’s knowledge and setting it to good. Maybe she could not save his soul in her journeys, but in this small way, perhaps she can help him offer pennace.

Jade trains at the school for a time before eventually leaving on a mission of her own: find a way to free her brother’s soul from the clutches of I’afret. Verrick and Rayden remain, growing old with Karina, being her truest guides and mentors, and ready to lift their blades again the day the Seeker of Callax ventures forth again.

Abenthy had planned to return to Thudd as well, to claim his prize and build his own school, a school of justice and punishment, but fate and his father push him onto another path. “There are men and women in this world whose hearts are pure,” his father tells him. “They are ready to follow you and be soldiers in the war which will come. You must collect them, test them. Those you find worthy make your companions. Those you find lacking, send to me.” And so Abenthy sets forth and slowly gathers an army of fanatics. Insanely loyal to him, they travel the world as mercenaries, choosing their causes as Abenthy sees fit. Under his command the group becomes known as the Inevitables, and it is said that they only serve those with just causes. Before long, their numebrs have swelled to massive size and then Abenthy turns his sights towards unfinished business with a certain giant on the isle of Friezurazov…

But these stories unfold over the course of years, and there is yet more to be told of the here and now. Traki’s prophecy tells him to head East, to find the Red Hand and stop it before it crushes the life out of the world.

“Is this a journey you intend to continue?” Traki asks Tyrion.

“My story is not yet over,” the Halfling answers. “And East is as good a direction as any. The Elsir Vale, Reeves said? I know tell of the land. Ancient place. Perhaps some old magic survives there, something worth finding.”

“Three companions are meant to fight the Hand,” Traki tells him. “But we are now only two.”

“I find these prophecies tend to work themselves out,” Tyrion says, adjusting a string on the golden harp he retrieved from Haggemoth’s tomb, the last surviving treasure of the mage dwarf’s hoard. He strums a chord as a test and smiles, pleased with the melancholy sound. “I have a feeling someone will come along.”

“What Karina said about losing your music… what did she mean by that?”

“Just the woman’s way of saying goodbye,” Tyrion says, and strums a new chord, this one as discordant to the first as the halfing’s lie was to truth. “This Red Hand thinks it is powerful. But wait till they get a load of me.”

Next session will show the start of Season 3: The Red Hand of Doom. From here on out we will be converting the Red Hand of Doom from 3.5 to 5e and each post I’ll talk a little bit about how the conversion was handled and why I made the decisions I did. With Red Hand of Doom being played every week, it seems, by some group somewhere, it will be fun to add our little oddball party to the mix. Karina’s player will be back, too, but not as the Seeker of Callax. She has retired the character to live out her days in relative peace, a just reward for her incredible survival of the massive and deadly Tomb of Haggemoth campaign. Instead, a new character will emerge to join our heroes as they make their way to the Elsir Vale and into a darkness that they do not yet fully comprehend.