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daenysthedreamer101 · 7 months ago

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Daughter of Steel and Bronze ~ HOTD

Ch 7 - Loss of Innocence

HOTD x Targaryen!OC, eventual Targaryen!OC x Harwin Strong

Warnings: ANGST, allusions to rhaenicent, Daena is not the biggest fan of Alicent, mentions of death, slight cursing

Corresponding episode: HOTD 1x1

Masterlist

"In the year 111, the tides of destiny changed course. Queen Aemma Arryn died in childbirth, and so did the child she was carrying. That same year, Princess Rhaenyra, the King's only living child, was named Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne. All the major Lords of Westeros swore fealty to her in a lavish ceremony held in King's Landing. The King banished Prince Daemon from the capital, leaving his young daughter, Princess Daena, all alone at court."

(Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros, by Archmaester Gyldayn)

111 AC, King's Landing

High above the city, Princess Rhaenyra was flying atop her yellow she-dragon, Syrax. Slightly behind was her cousin, Princess Daena, who was atop her dragon, Vermithor. The two dragons flew above the Red Keep and toward the Dragonpit on the Hill of Rhaenys, on the other side of the capital.

Syrax, the smaller of the two dragons, landed first. Vermithor followed suit, the ground shaking under his enormous body. Rhaenyra and Daena dismounted their respective dragons with experienced ease.

"Dohaeras, Syrax. Dohearas, Vermithor." The dragon keepers spoke to the dragons in the ancient tongue of Old Valyria.

Daena caressed Vermithor's scaly neck. She looked into his big copper eyes. She smiled at him, and she liked to believe he smiled back. "Ēva hembar jēda. Sagon syz." (Until next time. Be good.)

With one last pat on his neck, she turned away from him and walked toward Rhaenyra, who just said her goodbye to Syrax.

"Welcome back, Princesses. I trust your ride was pleasant." Said Ser Harrold Westerling, Rhaenyra's sworn shield.

"Try not to look too relieved, Ser." Nyra cheekily said.

"I am relieved. Every time that golden beast brings you back unspoiled, it saves my head from a spike." Ser Harrold replied.

Daena and Nyra chuckled as they walked toward their coach. "Syrax is growing quickly. She'll soon be as large as Caraxes." Said the chirpy voice of Alicent Hightower, Rhaenyra's friend.

Daena had to suppress a frown at the sight of the redhead. "What is she doing here?" She thought, annoyed that Alicent was interfering with something that was supposed to be something only she and Nyra shared.

"That's almost large enough to saddle two," Rhaenyra suggested.

"I believe I'm quite content as a spectator, thank you," Alicent replied smiling, and got inside the coach. Rhaenyra stood there for a few seconds, almost like she wished for a different answer.

Daena cleared her throat which seemed to pull Rhaenyra out of her stupor. "After you," Daena said as she gestured for Nyra to enter.

Quickly following her cousin Daena got inside the coach, sitting on the opposite side of Alicent, while Rhaenyra sat directly next to the redhead.

The three girls got out of the coach and entered the Red Keep. Rhaenyra instinctively joined hands with Alicent. Daena noticed that and, not wanting to be left out, took Rhaenyra's free hand.

The three of them walked through the bustling halls of the Red Keep, the passing lords and ladies bowing their heads at the sight of the two princesses.

After changing out of their dragon-riding outfits, the girls decided to visit Rhaenyra's mother, Queen Aemma Arryn.

"Ah...Rhaenyra, Daena. You know I don't like you two to go flying while I'm in this condition." The Queen said once she noticed her daughter and niece. She was lying on her chaise lounge and fanning herself.

Daena looked around the room - it was full of maids running around, a septa was lighting up candles and there was even a maester, sitting at a desk, writing something. The scent of incense was strong in the air.

"You don't like us to go flying while you're in any condition," Rhaenyra replied to her mother. Queen Aemma gave her an unamused look.

"Your Grace." Alicent greeted the Queen politely.

"Good morrow, Alicent." The Queen replied. Rhaenyra and Daena sat on the stools next to the Queen.

Rhaenyra asked her mother if and how long she slept. "I don't need mothering, Rhaenyra." Her mother said. Nyra argued that all the servants around her were focused not on her but on the child inside her.

"You will lie in this bed, soon enough, Rhaenyra. This discomfort is how we serve the realm. " The Queen replied, as she lightly kicked Rhaenyra with her foot.

"I'd rather serve as a knight and ride to battle and glory," Nyra said, shaking her head. The statement made Aemma chuckle.

"We have royal wombs, the three of us. The child bed is our battlefield. We must learn to face it with a stiff lip." The Queen stated. This made both of the Princesses frown. Nyra looked away, while Daena fidgeted nervously with the silver garnet ring her mother gifted her years ago when she first came to court to be fostered.

"Now take a bath. You stink of dragon. Both of you." Aemma added with a smile. The girls nodded their heads, bid their farewell to the Queen, and left her chambers.

Instead of bathing, Rhaenyra went to the Small Council Chambers, as she was the Royal Cupbearer. Daena, on the other hand, was free to do as she wished for most of the day, having no such responsibilities.

After bathing herself, she again found herself in the Queen's chambers - this time for a lesson. Septa Marlow insisted that Daena should learn to recite verses from the Seven-Pointed Star. Daena wanted to refuse, not caring to learn hymns praising the Mother or the Maiden. Unfortunately for her, Septa Marlow was someone she would have to deal with for a few more years.

Two hours later, Daena was finally free to do as she wished. She was in the Royal Library. When she first came to court and visited the library for the first time, she discovered her love for reading.

She was reading a book about the Doom of Valyria. It made her sad to think about how terrifying it must have been for the Valyrians, how scared they must have been. She was so immersed in the book that she didn't hear the door opening and a person entering.

"I thought you might be in here." Daena gasped and jumped from her seat at the sound. She whipped her head and behind her stood her father, Prince Daemon. He looked the same as far as Daena could recall - his long, silver hair was pulled back and his lilac eyes gazed at her softly.

"Kepa!? Is it really you?" Daena asked, shocked. Daemon chuckled and caressed her face lightly.

"It's me, my little dragon." Daena gave a beaming smile to her father and jumped into his arms. She hugged him tightly and held onto him like her life depended on it.

"I haven't seen you in years. Where have you been?" Daena asked after she finally let go. Instead of answering her questions, he picked up the book she was reading and skimmed through the pages.

"The Doom of Valyria? Hmm, I taught you well." Daemon commented and Daena beamed at his praise. As she looked at her father, all the emotions that had been swirling in her mind for years came bursting out, and tears started flowing down her face.

Daemon noticed immediately and bent down to her level. "What is it, sweet girl? Why are you crying?" He asked gently. She shook her head and buried her face into his chest. He let her cry for a while before asking again.

"It's just...I've felt so lonely, for quite some time. Mother is at Runestone and you were...And Aunt Aemma is very gracious and kind to me, but I wish not to burden Her Grace with my problems." Daena hiccupped her answer.

"What about Rhaenyra? You two are close, are you not?" Daemon asked.

"Yes but...We are, but, lately, she has been spending so much of her time with Alicent Hightower. I feel like she sometimes forgets about my existence. I can't dictate who Nyra spends her time with, but I feel we have drifted apart, and she has replaced me with that Hightower girl." Daena confessed to her father.

Daemon cupped her face and wiped her tears off. He played a little bit with her silver curls, knowing the gesture soothed her. "Have you thought about speaking with Rhaenyra about this issue?" He suggested.

Daena shook her head. "No, no! I can't do that! If I do, Nyra will tell Alicent, and she will tell her father, and then-"

"What about him? What will he do? Did he do something to you?" Daemon asked angrily, furious at the thought of that Oldtown snake hurting his daughter in any way.

"No, it's just...A lot of the time, he looks at me strangely. Any time I speak, it's as if he's annoyed by my presence. Like he wishes I wasn't here..." Daena revealed to her father whose face darkened at her words.

He lifted her face with his finger. "You are a Princess of House Targaryen. You are the King's niece. You ride the second-biggest dragon in the world. You have every right to be here." He told her, and she nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry yourself about him or his daughter. You and Rhaenyra are family. She cares deeply for you. No one can come between you two." He added and she gave him a watery smile.

"I bought you something." He said with a smile and Daena looked curiously at him. From his pocket, he pulled out a beautiful heart-shaped pendant with a ruby in the middle.

"Do you know what it is?" He asked softly. She nodded as she examined it.

"It's Valyrian Steel. Like Dark Sister." She replied quietly as she held it in her hands.

"Yes...I bought it for you from a merchant in Lys. He said it was enchanted with a love spell." He added.

She giggled and kissed her father on the cheek. "Thank you, Kepa. For everything."

"Always." He replied gently and honestly. He kissed the top of her head and placed the pendant around her neck.

Alicent and Rhaenyra were finished with their little get-together under the Weirwood tree and were about to exit the garden when Daena showed up.

"There you are! We haven't seen each other the whole day!" Daena exclaimed, happy to see her cousin once more.

"I was busy," Rhaenyra replied quickly.

"With what exactly?" Daena inquired with a raised brow.

"The Small Council meeting."

"That was in the morning." Daena pointed out.

"You were busy with your lesson with Septa Marlow, I didn't want to disturb you."

"That was also in the morning. I've been alone the entire day. Thankfully, Father kept me company for a while." Daena said, blocking the exit to the garden.

"I see you've also been reading," Daena commented as she took notice of the book in Alicent's hands. "When I offered you to go to the library with me, you refused, saying you found it boring."

"I...I changed my mind." Rhaenyra made a poor excuse.

Daena scoffed. "You changed your mind, or did someone else persuade you?" She suggested as she gave Alicent a side glance.

"Daena, please...You're being ridiculous." Rhaenyra said with a scoff of her own.

"I'm being ridiculous? You lied to me Rhaenyra!" Daena bit back, her voice raising with each passing second.

"I'm sorry, but I already agreed to go with Alicent." Rhaenyra defended herself.

"You always do this! You two get together without my knowledge and you always keep me in the dark about your little meetings." Daena declared angrily.

"We do not!" Rhaenyra uttered, knowing what Daena just said was indeed true.

Daena rolled her eyes. "I'm not a fool, Rhaenyra. You will find any excuse imaginable to spend time with her while ignoring me in the process!"

The silence was deafening and the tension in the air could be cut with a knife. Alicent was nervously picking at the skin of her fingers while Rhaenyra fidgeted with her rings, refusing to look Daena in the eye.

Daena was furious. This confrontation made it clear to her that Rhaenyra was favoring Alicent over her and had been lying to her all this time, just so that she could spend time with the Hightower girl.

When Rhaenyra finally looked up she was met with Daena's fiery gaze. Her eyes were full of hurt and betrayal. "Only if you were honest with me..."

"You wouldn't understand." Rhaenyra tried explaining. She tried grabbing Daena's hand but the latter pulled away.

"You hurt me, Nyra. I thought we were better than this." Daena confessed, her voice breaking. Before Rhaenyra could say or do anything, Daena turned around and quickly walked away, her pink dress flowing behind her.

Rhaenyra looked on until Daena's silver curls were out of sight. "Are you alright?" Alicent asked quietly after a second.

Nyra turned around and Alicent could see tears in her eyes. Instead of answering, Rhaenyra walked away, leaving the redhead alone in the garden, the Weirwood tree behind her bearing witness to all of this.

At the Small Council meeting, King Viserys and Prince Daemon discussed the City Watch's purging of criminals that took place the previous night.

"If only the Prince would show the same devotion to his lady wife as he does his work, Your Grace. You've not been seen in the Vale or at Runestone for quite some time. " Ser Otto commented.

"I think my bronze bitch is happier for my absence," Daemon replied.

"Lady Rhea is your wife, a good and honorable lady of the Vale," Otto said.

"In the Vale men are said to fuck sheep instead of women. I can assure you, the sheep are prettier." Daemon bit back.

"You made a vow before the Seven to honor your wife in marriage. How can you talk about the mother of your child in such a way?" Otto inquired.

"My daughter has a close bond with her mother, as any child would, and I encourage it. She is also intelligent enough to understand that there is no love between me and her mother. I am most cordial with my wife when our daughter is present. I don't see the problem."

Both Otto and Viserys sighed.

Today was the day of the tournament. Daena was adding the finishing touches to her outfit - a pair of golden heart-shaped earrings to go with the pendant her father gifted her.

She looked in the mirror - she wore a beautifully decorated dark red dress with mid-length sleeves that ended just below her elbows. Her silver hair was curled to perfection and two braids sat at the top of her head like a crown.

Before leaving the Red Keep, she met up with her older cousin, Amanda, who traveled from the Vale to attend the Heir's tournament. She was accompanied by her lord husband, Ser Jasper Coldwater.

She and Amanda arrived at the tourney venue. She as a Princess would sit in the Royal box, alongside her uncle, the King, and other lords and ladies. Amanda and she were seated in the front row, just below His Grace.

There was an empty seat between her and Alicent, assigned for Rhaenyra, who was late. As the King was giving his speech, from her peripheral vision, she saw movement. Turning her head to the right she spotted Rhaenyra who quickly ran to her seat.

Rhaenyra gave her an awkward smile. The two of them haven't spoken to each other since the argument they had two days ago. Daena returned her awkward smile.

Daena looked on in interest as Boremund Baratheon called upon the favor of his cousin, Princess Rhaenys. He called her "The Queen Who Never Was" which resulted in cheers from the public.

"I heard that Lady Elinor is hiding a swollen belly beneath her dress." Daena rolled her eyes as she listened to Alicent and Nyra gossip.

"Prince Daemon of House Targaryen, Prince of the City, will now choose his first opponent!" It was finally time for her father to make his appearance. He rode into the arena atop a black stallion, dressed in black armor made of Valyrian Steel. Daena clapped enthusiastically and sat up straighter in her seat, excited to see her father.

"For his first challenge, Prince Daemon Targaryen chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King!" Said the Master of Revels.

In the end, her father bested Ser Gwayne. Atop his horse, he came closer to the balcony. Daena and Rhaenyra jumped out of their seats, and Alicent followed reluctantly.

"Nicely done, Uncle," Nyra said as she leaned over the balcony.

"Well done, Father!" Daena added quickly.

"Thank you, my dears. Now, I'm fairly certain I can win these games, Lady Alicent. Having your favor would all but assure it." Daemon said, looking up at the Hightower girl. Daena and Nyra exchanged looks.

"Good luck, my Prince," Alicent uttered as she threw a flower garland down his lance.

As the participants of the tourney started mauling and bashing each other with maces, axes, and swords she had to look away, for the sight was too vile to handle. She noticed that His Grace and Ser Otto were missing. "I wonder what happened." She thought.

After going against Ser Criston Cole, her father ultimately lost. Daena let out a disappointed sigh, but something else quickly caught her attention - Ser Otto was whispering something to Lord Corlys who quickly got up and whispered to his wife, Princess Rhaenys.

Princess Rhaenys glanced at Rhaenyra and then got up herself and said something to her children, Laena and Laenor. All the lords of the Small Council were gone and everyone in the Royal box was getting up. "What's happening?" Daena asked. She looked at Ser Harrold who had a concerned look on his face.

"Amanda, what's happening?" She asked her cousin. Amanda's brown eyes were also full of concern.

"I'm afraid something horrible has happened," Amanda whispered to her.

The next day, on the cliffs outside King's Landing a funeral was being held. The beloved Queen Aemma Arryn, died in childbirth. Unfortunately for everyone, the child she carried, Baelon, died a couple of hours after her.

Daena stood slightly behind Rhaenyra. She wore a long black dress and a long black coat. Her hair was braided at the top and held by a black bow in the back. Everyone was silent, the only thing that could be heard was the crashing of the waves against the cliffs and the howling of the wind.

"They're waiting for you." Her father softly said to Rhaenyra. After exchanging a few words with Daemon, Rhaenyra stepped forward. She looked up at her dragon, Syrax, who was perched atop a small hill.

Daena could see Nyra's violet eyes were glossy - Daena's own eyes were full of tears. "Dr..." Nyra tried saying but failed. At that moment, Daena also stepped forward, took Nyra's hand, and squeezed in support. She gave Nyra a nod of encouragement.

Nyra squeezed her hand back, acknowledging the gesture, and looked back at Syrax. "Dracarys!" The yellow she-dragon moved down the hill and toward the two funeral pyres. She opened her mouth and lit the pyres on fire.

Rhaenyra looked away while Daena simply closed her eyes, a tear running down her cheek.

Daena was in her room, reading, trying to distract herself from the pain she was feeling when someone knocked on her door.

"Come in." She said. Her father came in, a somber expression on his face. She closed her book and walked closer to him, sensing more bad news.

He took her hands into his and kissed them. "My sweet girl... I'm sorry." He whispered.

Daena furrowed her brows. "Father, what happened? Why are you apologizing?"

"His Grace has ordered me to return to Runestone immediately."

Daena looked at him confused. She didn't understand why the King would do such a thing. "Why? What happened?"

"It doesn't matter." He replied, avoiding the question as per usual.

"Will I be leaving as well?"

"No. I pleaded with the King to let you stay. You will stay and be by Rhaenyra's side and help her deal with the loss of her mother."

"But you can't leave...You just came b-back...Father, please! You can't leave me again!" Daena begged, her voice cracking.

"Daena..." Daemon started but was cut off by Daena's hands colliding with his chest. She hit his chest in anger, pleading with him not to leave her. He caught her hands.

"Look at me." He told her and she looked up at him and saw his lilac eyes were full of regret.

"My only child... I truly am sorry. You deserve a better father than what I have been. I don't know when I will see you again, but know this one thing - I love you, Daena, and I am so proud of you. I know you are strong and you will come out of this even stronger. " He told her as he held her face.

Daena could barely see her father's face from all the tears blurring her vision. Her lip was trembling. "Father, please. Please..."

He kissed her forehead and held her tightly in his arms as she cried. After a while, he let go. He looked down at the pendant he gave her.

"When you look at this pendant, I want you to remember me and the love we have for one another...Geros ilas, ñuha zaldrītsos. (Farewell, my little dragon.)" He whispered to her. He gave her one last glance and left her room.

Daena stood frozen. Once the doors closed, she fell to her knees and wept.

Two months later, King's Landing

After banishing and disinheriting Daemon as his heir, Viserys decided to name his only living child, Rhaenyra, as his new heir.

Today was the day of the ceremony where all the major lords of Westeros would swear fealty to King Viserys and Rhaenyra as his heir.

Daena wore a dark red, long-sleeved dress, embroidered with golden strings. She wore her father's pendant around her neck. Her hair was braided into a bun and on her head she wore a beautiful headpiece decorated with pearls, diamonds, and rubies.

At first, Daena wanted to wear something more simple, not wanting to take away from Rhaenyra, but Nyra herself told her to dress up as this was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Daena stood in the first row, right next to Alicent, and looked on as all the High Lords swore fealty to Rhaenyra.

"I, Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North..." Daena stopped listening and looked at Rhaenyra who had a serious expression on her face throughout this entire thing.

Grand Maester Mellos put a big necklace around Rhaenyra's neck, one that depicted the sigils of all the Great Houses. Nyra turned toward her father.

"I, Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm do hereby name Rhaenyra Targaryen Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne." His Grace proclaimed while standing in front of the Iron Throne and holding Blackfyre, the sword of Aegon the Conqueror.

Rhaenyra bent her head forward and all the lords and ladies present, including Daena, followed suit and bowed their heads.

Rhaenyra Targaryen was now officially the heir to the Iron Throne and the future Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

***

Daena was really going through this chapter! Daemon leaves Daena again! My girl cannot catch a break omg. She is not a fan of Alicent, she does not ship rhaenicent lol

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wootensmith · 4 months ago

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Through the Glass, Darkly

He felt it when she went, even half a continent away. A sudden rush of power, like rivers running back to the sea, as the remnants of the anchor found the way to him and her will was extinguished.

He’d thought he’d prepared himself for it in more than just his mind. He’d had what he needed for the ritual for years. His waiting was purposeful. The Veil had to fall, but he tried to give them a temporary reprieve, hold it off as long as he could. The devastation in the wake of that final breath was unbearable. He’d tried to find her in the Fade, prove himself false. All he’d found was the absence where she ought to be. Not even an echo of her. He was uncertain whether that was worse or if it were a mercy. He didn’t send out agents to verify her loss. It was unnecessary. It was always going to end this way.

He grieved. Alone.

And when there was no time remaining, he began the ritual.

He comforted himself with the idea that the process was almost finished. A few more tasks and he could finally put the burden down. Let go. Release his consciousness back into the void, rivers returning to the sea. No longer alone.

The transfer was delicate. That is what he told himself afterward. That he had been too absorbed in its complexity to remember all the precautions he should have. In his deepest heart though, Solas knew that he’d let Varric find him. He’d hoped— well, it didn’t matter any longer what he’d hoped. For a scrap of her to remain perhaps. For some last thread of sanity for him to grasp onto, some alternate way that Varric or Dorian or anyone had dreamed up. A way out.

The night was chilled, brittle. A long and drenching rain beat down on the stone steps, on the expressionless, titanic stone statues that guarded the prison Solas had built so long ago. He would have liked to do it some balmy summer night, late, late, when all the land slept, a peaceful slide into the end. But there was no more time, his pursuers were closing in and he could delay no longer if he truly wished to complete this before he was discovered. A few hours more and the crisis would be over, for good or ill. It took time to build up the necessary power to burst through the Veil, even with his dagger. He concentrated on gathering his strength in the nucleus of his ritual.

“Hey, Chuckles, hope I’m not interrupting.” Solas wished he could feel the relief he’d expected at Varric’s voice, but rage and sorrow swept it quickly away. “You should not be here,” he said, turning momentarily toward Varric. He was much older than Solas’s memory. More somber, no sly grin or glint of sarcasm in his eye. Just exhaustion. An overwhelming tide of grief tugged at Solas. An instant of recognition of what they had both already lost. “No,” admitted Varric. “It shouldn’t be me who’s here. We both know that. And if you’d let us find you a year ago, it would have been her instead.” “Go home, Varric. It is perilous for you to remain,” he said, ignoring the raw anger in Varric’s voice. “It’s perilous everywhere else, too.” Solas began to turn back to take the next step in the ritual. “She believed in you to the very end, you know,” said Varric. Solas hesitated, the enchanted dagger clenched in his hand.

“That’s why I’m here instead of barricading Kirkwall’s harbor or raiding the wine cellar at the Hanged Man and drinking away the final nights of the world. Her last breaths were asking us to find you. She was convinced you were in trouble. None of us could persuade her of anything different. And we tried, Solas. We tried. So here I am, to ask you because she can’t. Don’t do this.” Solas shook his head and returned to the ritual. “You don’t understand. The Veil is a wound inflicted upon this world, it must be healed,” he said, squinting against the increasing wind and rain. “By drowning the world in demons?” “I have taken precautions to minimize the damage, Varric.” “Minimize the— People are dying right now! You need to listen.” The click of Varric’s crossbow was still familiar after all this time and forced Solas’s attention back to him. “Please,” Varric added.

It was his desperate tone that pushed Solas too far. He shattered Bianca with a thought. Told himself it was to prevent Varric from using it, but they both knew the crossbow was only a prop to catch Solas’s attention. Neither of them had the will to harm the other. Not now. No, he destroyed the crossbow in a paroxysm of sorrow and jealousy. Varric had been with the Inquisitor in her last moments. Had been where Solas should have been. And now he stood where she should have instead. Some part of his anger was for the Inquisitor as well, irrational as it was. For failing. For not standing in Varric’s place.

“People are always dying,” Solas snapped. “It is what they do.” He turned back and struck again at the Veil.

“You’re not the only one who misses her,” said Varric, so quietly that Solas almost missed it. “Destroying everything we fought together to preserve isn’t going to make you feel better.” Solas didn’t answer, concentrating on his task. The air smelt of ozone and rain, something he tried to grasp onto, to ground himself. “Why did you bother helping us?” asked Varric after a moment. “Why not just let Corypheus win if this was all you were after?” He shut his eyes, hearing an echo of the Inquisitor asking the same, though it had been about the Qunari invasion, not Corypheus. He was not ready for the physical ache in his chest. He grit his teeth and slashed at the widening tear in the Veil.

“Was it just your ego? Couldn’t stand for someone else to destroy us and wanted to do it with your own hands? Or was it that you didn’t have the anchor and you couldn’t do this without it? That why you used us? Her?” Rage simmered in Varric’s tone, and Solas couldn’t help but try to explain. “No! I—” “Why now then? It’s come back to you, hasn’t it? The anchor’s power? That’s it, isn’t it? You were just waiting for her to die. I guess I should be grateful you waited then.”

Solas whirled around to face Varric. “I wanted you to have more time,” he said. “But there is no more to be spared. This is bigger than us. Bigger than the Inquisitor or our friendship. Bigger than me. Whatever your plan is, Varric, it will not alter this. I cannot allow you to threaten this ritual or me.” Varric laughed. “Me? Take down the Dreadwolf? No, I just wanted to ask you a question.” Solas hesitated, wary. His skin prickled as the Fade leaked from the tear, washed over him, beyond him.

“This ritual of yours— what’s it meant to do? I mean, from what the Inquisitor told me, you rebelled against the Evanuris and that was a disaster.” “They’re imprisoned,” Solas protested. Varric ignored him. “You created the Veil and that’s a disaster. How will this time work any better? Tell me that.” You haven’t told them everything, Solas reminded himself. “I understand your hesitance, but what I do now has to be done. This is beyond your comprehension.” “So explain it,” Varric insisted. “Tell me why. Why tear down the Veil knowing all the lives it will cost?”

Solas bit back his impatience. “We can have this conversation later. Let me fin—” “Just like you were supposed to explain to the Inquisitor once we defeated Corypheus? Or like you apparently intended to do when we chased you across the Crossroads years ago? You keep promising to explain ‘later’ and then chickening out. It’s later, Solas. Explain now. What is so vital that it’s more important than all the people who are dying?” “We shared a journey years ago. Do you truly believe I would do this if there were some other better option?” “A year ago I would have said no,” answered Varric. “But now— I don’t know what to think anymore.”

It stung, hearing Varric’s doubt. I cannot afford to linger, he told himself. “You came a long way and made a valiant effort, Varric, but this story does not end with my downfall.” Varric sighed behind him. “I never wanted your downfall, Solas. None of us did. Do you know what she said the last time I saw her? The anchor, your anchor, had spread, eating her up like frost crackling across every inch of her. Agony. And we were all helpless. All of us. She should have been furious. But she wasn’t. ‘He’s in trouble.’ That’s what she told me. ‘I don’t know what and and I don’t know how to aid him, but he’s in trouble and he needs us.’ That’s why I came. Because she knew you needed—” he broke off as a terrible rending rumble erupted beneath them. The ancient carvings began to topple in a nightmarish slow slump toward them.

Horrified, Solas managed to catch the foremost statue and push it away. But he was too late. The Veil stood open, the ritual interrupted. The creatures of centuries of nightmares erupted from the yawning Fade. Solas froze in shock until he distantly realized that Varric was calling him. “— out of here, Solas! We can’t stay!” A tug at his elbow shook Solas loose from his paralyzing fear. “Run, Varric,” he croaked, trying to shield the dwarf bodily, “Fly from here!” His ancient spell collapsed, sucked itself back, an implosion. When the rumbling stopped, the world was gone. And Solas was again, alone.

#dragon age #dragon age inquisition #solas #lavellan #dragon age veilguard

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jamespotterismydaddy · 1 year ago

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Thicker Than Blood (Aemond x OC) Chapter 6

AN: I hate doing chapters based off of episodes lol. That’s why this took so long

word count: 1,652 words

Last part, next part

He sent the dress back to me and along with it, sapphire earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet.

Does he think he can win me over so easily with flattery? I don’t wish to think it but he likely can.

I put the jewellery and dress into a drawer so I can pretend it doesn’t exist and I make sure i’m all prepared for supper. Though, I hardly believe a ‘family’ meal will go very well. I can see how Aemond still holds hostility towards my brothers. I make my way down the halls in a black dress this time. Red and black, black and red; it’s all that had been packed for such an occasion. Aemond looks at me when I enter the dining room, disturbing his own conversation with his brother or rather disturbing the scolding he was giving about Aegon’s wine consumption. I take my seat next to Jacaerys and to my utter disappointment, I can see that my least favourite uncle will be sitting to my left.

It isn’t very long before the King arrives. We all stand in silence to watch him be brought in. It is the most awkward kind of quiet that you can imagine as he is placed down between my mother and the Queen. We all sit once again, shuffling into place uncomfortably.

“How good it is… to see you all tonight… together.” My grandsire starts before seeming to lose his train of thought.

“Prayer before we begin?” Alicent offers so that her husband need not exert himself anymore.

“Yes.” He breathes out.

The prayer begins normally with the words that any pious woman would speak. The part that catches my attention is when she says, “And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest.” I glance up to my stepfather who looks ever so amused.

The King goes on to speak about how it is an occasion for celebration. When he mentions the betrothals, I bite my lip and can’t help but look at Aemond whose eyes are already on me. We all toast to my siblings and I control the urge to glare as Aegon leans across me.

“Well done, Jace. You’ll finally get to lie with a woman.” He smirks at his own comment and I scoff. Jacaerys clenches his jaw and takes a sip of his wine to stifle his anger.

Grandsire toasts to Lucerys as Lord of the Tides and I smile softly as Rhaena whispers words of encouragement to him.

“You do know how the act is done, I assume? At least in principle? Where to put your cock and all that.” Aegon whispers across to me to my brother once again.

“You ought to watch your mouth, Aegon.” I speak and he looks at me now.

“You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my sister and my betrothed.” Jace retorts but Aegon ignores him and smirks at me.

“Sad you’re not the one he’s putting his cock in?” He says quietly enough so only I hear.I feel myself fill with anger and I open my mouth to speak but the King stands to make a speech.

“It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world… yet grown so distant from each other… in years past.” He stops to remove his golden mask and I try not to gasp at the sight of his missing eye.

Like father, like son.

“My own face… is no longer a handsome one… if indeed it ever was. But tonight… I wish you to see me… as I am. Not just a king… but your father.” I am slightly surprised when his eyes fall to Aegon over his firstborn. “Your brother. Your husband… and your grandsire. Who may not, it seems… walk for much longer among you.” He drops the mask. “Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances, if not for the sake of the crown… then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly.” I can see the gears turning in my mother’s head as she hears the end of the speech. She finally decides to stand.

“I wish to raise my cup to her grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood… more loyally by his side than his good wife. She had tended to him with unfailing devotion, love, and honour. And for that, she has my gratitude… and my apology.” She finishes her toast and sits once again and we all wait for a response from my good grandmother. I watch as Alicent thinks through her response.

“Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess. We are both mothers… and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow.” Alicent stands. “I raise my cup to you… and to your house. You will make a fine queen.” And with that it is like a veil is lifted. 20 years of anger almost seem to be forgiven in a moment. We all raise our cups to each other. I look over as Aemond only raises his to me. I suppose some wounds take longer to heal.

Things seem to all be going well until Aegon speaks again. He is talking to me but I know his words are to anger my brother.

“He never would have pleased you anyway, niece. If you wish to know true satisfaction then all you have to do is ask.” I don’t let his words get to me but they get to Jacaerys, who stands and slams his hands down on the table.

“Jace.” Baela says softly all it takes is one word from her to calm him. He stands awkwardly for a moment before clearing his throat and I roll my eyes as Aemond stands as well.

Stupid cock fight.

I glare at Aemond. If he’s disheartened then he doesn’t show it. Jacaerys gives Aegon a playful punch on the shoulder and begins a halfhearted speech about fond childhood memories which makes me chuckle lightly at the uncomfortable situation.

“... To you and your family’s good health, dear uncles.” He grabs Aegon’s shoulder again and gives another friendly punch and the look on my uncle's face is priceless.

“To you as well.” Aegon mumbles out and Helaena mumbles something about beasts from next to him.

“Well done, my boy.” Our grandsire compliments.

“I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena.” Helaena says as she stands. “They’ll be married soon. It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you… except sometimes when he’s drunk.” I hear my stepfather laugh but I mostly just feel pity for her situation, though Aegon's embarrassment is amusing.

“Good.” Otto says something nice for once.

In an attempt to move the conversation elsewhere, the King says, “Let us have some music.”

Jacaerys clearly isn’t over the situation as he whispers “Excuse me.” to Baela and walks over to our aunt, asking her to dance. I don’t miss the look Aegon and Aemond share.

For a few moments, everything is at peace. We are all jovial and joking with each other like we never hated one another. Aemond makes no such jests. Things are almost perfect then the King seems to feel the pain of his ailments and has to be lifted out of the room. My family stands as he is taken away but the Queen assures us that it is fine to sit. Things are uncomfortable once again.

I don’t notice the roast pig until it is placed on the table. I try to ignore it and Jace is busy dancing but Luke is attentive. He smirks at the sight and I give him a warning look but I don’t catch his eye. Though, my expression does catch the eye of Aemond, who looks furious. The music stops when Aemond slams his fist down on the table as he stands.

“Final tribute.” I feel nervous as he raises his cup. “To the health of my nephews, Jace… Luke… and Joffery.” Everyone notices the lack of mention of me and our littlest brothers. “Each of them handsome, wise… strong.”

“Aemond.” His mother scolds as I fight the urge to smack him.

“Come… let us drain our cups to these three Strong boys.”

“I dare you to say that again.” Jacaerys interjects.

“Why? ‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself Strong?” I rise to my feet and walk slightly away from the table. Jace swiftly punches Aemond in the face and Lucerys walks over to help, Aegon slamming him into the table before he gets the chance. I see Aemond push Jacaerys to the floor as Baela and I pull Aegon off Luke. The guards finally get over to break up the fight and hold Jace and Luke back the first chance they get. I back off as Rhaena holds onto Baela who’s fighting for a chance to sink her teeth into Aegon.

“I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Mother. Mm, though it seems my nephews aren’t quite as proud of theirs.” Aemond speaks the last part loud enough for all of us to hear it. Jace breaks free of the guard’s hold on him and lunges at Aemond again but all it takes is Daemon holding a finger up to stop his stepson in his tracks.

“Go to your quarters. All of you go, now.” Mother commands and this isn’t the time to disobey. I walk off slowly enough that I can see the silent face off between Aemond and Daemon. I’m not surprised when Aemond withdraws, following us out of the room. The evening ends up a disaster.

taglist (comment to be added):

General: @valeskafics @urmomsgirlfriend1 @girlwith-thepearlearring @darylandbethfanforever9 @lovellies

Thicker than blood: @bellameshipper @g-cf2020 @lady-of-winterfell @s-we-e-t-t-ea

#aemond #aemond targaryen #aemond fic #hotd #hotd x reader #aemond x oc #aemond targaryen x oc

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inevitably-johnlocked · 11 months ago

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TOP 35 BOOKMARKS of 2023

See also:

Top 20 Bookmarks of 2018

Top 25 Bookmarks of 2019

Top 30 Bookmarks of 2020

Top 25 Bookmarks of 2021

Top 20 Bookmarks of 2022

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! It’s time for my roundup of fics that I’ve read over the past year!

I haven’t read as many fics as I wish I did this year, mainly due to me slowly getting back into new routines that afford me the time TO do my reading (and because I read more longer Johnlock fics too)! Plus, a lot of my bookmarks this year were for other fandoms when I got the urge to enter into those worlds again. Since I don’t have a lot of Johnlock bookmarks, I’m going to post all of the Johnlock fics I’ve read this year, and then give you guys a glimpse into the other fandoms I enjoyed and bookmarked as well! There are 3 additional fandoms for y'all to enjoy!

I got really into Loki Season 2 and needed more, so most of my bookmarks this year were for Loki, and I had to limit how many fics I suggested here mostly to pad out the rest of this list to give us a nice number! I've chosen mostly the fics I've re-read a LOT, but other than that, this list is pretty much all the fics I’ve bookmarked this year from Sherlock, Good Omens, Moon Knight, and Loki!

I hope you guys enjoy the list and will give all of them a chance! I am certain y'all will love them as much as I do! I'll get back to requested lists next week :) Have a wonderful new year, and here's to another year of fantastic reads!

ALL JOHNLOCK BOOKMARKS [11]

Bond, Sherlock Bond! by macgyvershe (T, 631 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Kissing, Couch Cuddles, Sexy Talk with No Explicit Sex, Bond Night, Established Relationship) – John is doing a Bond-a-thon. Sherlock is ready for a night of movies and munchies. Washed down with Devil Mountain coffee. Eventually everything comes together in the best of ways.

changing tides by simplyclockwork (M, 5,983 w., 1 Ch. || Substance Use, Drug Relapse, High Sherlock, Sherlock Falls Down Stairs / Injury, Caring John, Drugs, Oblivious John, Hurt/Comfort, Angst With Happy Ending, Acceptance, Pre-Relationship, Addiction, Starting Over, Self-Destructive Behaviour, Drugged Hallucinations, Forehead Touching, Sherlock POV) – If Sherlock were to stop to think about it, he might wonder if he’s simply lonely. He doesn’t stop to think about it.

The Skin Over My Heart by standbygo (E, 8,849 w., 1 Ch. || Post-Hiatus, Fake Relationship, Case Fic, Dog Tags, Military, Homophobia, Gay Bashing, POV First Person Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss / Time, Declarations of Love, Undercover, Haircuts, Flashbacks, Touching, Pining Sherlock, Hospitalization, Metaphors, Introspection, Hand Jobs, On the Couch, John’s Past, Angst with Happy Ending, Fic For Me) – Sherlock and John are still trying to adjust to Sherlock's return from his hiatus when John's friend Bill Murray brings them a case. Someone is targeting the LGBTQA+ members of Bill's unit. John and Sherlock go undercover at the unit, but when they end up having to flirt to flush out the suspect, Sherlock realizes he's in over his head.

A Comprehensive Taxonomy of Tobacco-Ash by Silvergirl (E, 11,475 w., 2 Ch. || No TRF AU || Cranky Sherlock, Alternating POVs, Self-Esteem Issues, Jealous John, Pining John, Confessions, First Kiss, Frottage, Bed Sharing, Sensuality, Cuddling, Touching) – A handsome academic approaches Sherlock about publishing his magnum opus on tobacco-ash in a prestigious scientific journal. Sherlock is quite flattered and flustered, and John’s nose is out of joint.In this little AU there is no Fall and no Mary. Instead, there is humor and smut. Truly a disproportionate amount of smut.

Both Sides Now by Silvergirl (M, 14,724 w., 5 Ch. || Post-TEH / Reunion Fix-It, Bed Sharing, First Kiss / Time, Undercover John, Couple for a Case, Assassin Mary, Big Brother Mycroft, Norfolk Coast, Angry John, First Kiss, Worried Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Alternating POV, Infidelity, Meddling Mycroft, Emotional Love Making, Matchmaker Mycroft) – Sherlock, undercover on the Norfolk coast, texts that he needs help; John is still seething after Sherlock’s gambit in the train car, and he refuses. When Sherlock goes missing, Mycroft sends John in to pose as Sherlock’s bit on the side.

Winter’s Storm by LoloLolly (M, 51,812 w., 11 Ch. || Canon Compliant Through TFP/S4 Is Canon, Alternating POV, Established / New Relationship, Parentlock with Rosie, Explicit Torture, Mentions of Sherlock’s PTSD, Mentions of Human Trafficking, References to Child Abuse, Violence, Kidnapping/Torture, Captivity, Angst with Happy Ending, Fluff, Case Fic, BAMF / Soldier John, Sherlock Whump, Mycroft and John Work Together, Marriage Proposal, Autistic Sherlock, Lestrade Finds Out, Polyglot Sherlock, Aftermath of Serbia) – Sherlock had buried the past. Shut Serbia away in the attic of his mind palace. Muddy footprints at a heinous crime scene, however, have led him right back to old enemies. And right back to captivity. For God’s sake, Mycroft. Part 2 of the Earthly Pomp (Is But a Dream) series [formerly "Genius is a Star..."]

Spare Parts by Raina_at (E, 63,497 w., 10 Ch. || 24th Century / Futurism AU || Post TRF, Pre-TRF Relationship, Case Fic, Mutual Pining, Estrangement, Reconciliation, Science Fiction, Reunion, Nightmares, Angry John, Cybernetic John, Emotional Discussions / Heart to Heart, POV John, Scars, Past Drug Use, Forehead Touching, Emotional Lovemaking, Kissing, Apologies, Kidnapping, Rescue Mission, BAMF John, Bed Sharing, Top Sherlock) – Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes jumped off the roof of New London Hospital. Two months ago, he walked into John's clinic as if no time had passed at all. John hasn't seen him since. But then Sherlock knocks on John's door with a case he can't say no to, and while figuring out why the biggest manufacturer or synthetic limbs in the System is going after veterans, they also need to find out whether there's a way to fix what's broken between them. Part 1 of Realigning Gravity

Swallow the Night by ArwaMachine (E, 87,873 w., 15 Ch. || TSo3/Stag Night Fix It, TAB/S4 Divergence, Toplock, Mutual Pining, PWP, Drunk / Public Sex, Anal Fingering/Sex, Alcohol-Induced Amnesia, Everyone Knows Except Them, Emotional Love Confession, Demisexual Sherlock, Internalized Homophobia [John], Parentlock with Rosie, First Kiss, Drug Relapse, Infidelity, Texting, Masturbation, Oblivious John, Emotional Love Making, Angst with Happy Ending, Dreams and Nightmares) – “Do you know how long,” John panted, his cheek scraping against the wall, looking back at Sherlock through half-closed eyes, “I’ve wanted this?” Sherlock pressed himself against John’s back, biting at John’s ear. “Not nearly as long as I have,” he whispered.

Fade To Black by twistedthicket1 (M, 93,389 w., 29 Ch. || Dissociative Personality Disorder / DID, Dissociation, Action, Romance, Violence, Implied Rape/Non-Con, BAMF John, Fluff and Angst, Baskerville, Human Experimentation, PTSD, Implied Self Harm, Trauma Amnesia, Past Child Sexual Abuse, Protective Sherlock, Smoking, Meddling Mycroft, Past Victor/Sherlock, Gay Sherlock, Sherlock’s Past, First Kiss/Time, Happy Ending) – John Watson believes one day he'll just fade. That he'll drown in the black spaces of his mind, and that one day he will no longer exist. It's always been like this, the dark spots marking out moments in his life he can't remember. Where for just a moment he's someone else. Having a Dissociative identity disorder, he can't even be entirely sure he's really who he says he is. Then he meets Sherlock Holmes. A brilliant detective who when he looks at you can read your entire life story. John is immediately fascinated and afraid, half-wondering if maybe Sherlock can see the other personalities in him and half terrified of the thought of him finding out. Becoming his flatmate seems at once to be a wonderful and horrible idea. Yet as John's Blackouts become more and more severe and his other personalities begin to truly awaken and show themselves with Sherlock's help, the two soon discover that sometimes even the kindest person can harbour a demon best left untouched inside of them. Because not all of John's other personalities play nicely and some may be hiding secrets best left undisturbed...

Drawn to Stars by Silvergirl (E, 109,272 w., 60 Ch. || S4 Compliant to TLD / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Sherlock’s Italian Adventure, Sherlock/OC and Johnlock, Jealous John, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, First Kiss/Time, Idiots in Love, 3 Part Story, Slow Burn, Inexperienced Sherlock, Bottom Sherlock, Introspection, Multiple Alternating First and Third Person POV, Separation and Reconciliation, Emotional Love Making, Love Confessions via Letters, Angst with Happy Ending) – After the Culverton Smith case Sherlock is clean, working, and looking for a romantic partner—since John has told him that’s what he needs. Shame John didn’t mention he was interested in that role himself, before Sherlock went off to Rome with a gorgeous Italian copper to try to fall in love and become a complete human being. Part 1 of the Drawn to Stars series

Out There by DiscordantWords (T, 131,695 w., 10 Ch. || X-Files Fusion || Past Soldier John, Panic Attacks, POV Alternating Present Tense, Anxious John, Canon Adjacent, Deductions, Obsessive Sherlock,, Travelling, Sherlock’s Family, Jealous Sherlock, Mind Palace John, Awkward Flirting, Batting Cage, Kidnapped/Abducted John, Semi-Reverse Reichenbach, Worried/Anxious Sherlock, Hospital, Slow Burn, UST, Case Fic, Government Conspiracy, Aliens, UFOs, Mutants, Mutual Pining, First Kiss, Coma John, Forehead Touching, Hand Holding, Drinking/Bars, Past Jolto) – FBI Special Agent John Watson, medical doctor and army veteran, is assigned to assist eccentric genius Sherlock Holmes with paranormal investigations on the X-Files project.

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ALL GOOD OMENS BOOKMARKS [9]

Wherever We Go by leaveanote (G, 1,719 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Romance, First Kiss, Hurt Crowley, Aziraphale Loves Crowley, Love Confessions, Tooth-Rotting Fluff) – It’s been one week since the world didn’t end, and Crowley is going out of his mind. He needs to just tell Aziraphale how he feels, but when something's gone unspoken for this long, no words feel good enough. Eventually, he can't take it anymore, and asks Aziraphale to walk with him in St. James Park. Absolute ineffable fluff.

Exposed by LollipopCop (E, 8,867 w., 2 Ch. || Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Idiots in Love, First Kiss, First Time, Making Out, Wings, Love Confessions, Virgin Crowley, Angst with Happy Ending) – In which Gabriel can feel how much Aziraphale loves Crowley, and outs him.

equinox by leaveanote (E, 8,993 w., 1 Ch. || South Downs Cottage, Love Confessions, Mutual Pining, First Time, Romance, 6000 Years of Pining, Soft Idiots, Love, Anxious Crowley, Emotional Lovemaking) – Here in the South Downs cottage, Crowley has more than he ever thought he would: the two of them, safe, and he gets to live alongside Aziraphale every day. He still can't bring himself to say it, though, still finds himself wanting, doesn't want to drag the angel down with the mess of his love, doesn't want to ruin what they have. Aziraphale, however, is getting tired of Crowley staring longingly off into the night sky, and confronts him. There is more of a balance here than Crowley thought.

Archangel of Healing by Nnm (T, 9,317 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S1, Crowley Was Raphael, Miscommunication / Fight, Physical Intimacy, Aziraphale POV, Pining Aziraphale, Idiots In Love) – Aziraphale susses out Crowley's pre-Fall identity, as the Archangel Raphael. With this, he must rethink everything he thought he knew about the last six thousand years, about his own identity and his friend's, and even the Ineffable Plan. There is a fight, expressions of fear and hurt, reconciliation, yearning and confusion, and the sorts of questions that by all rights should cause an angel to Fall. Also, at one point, Crowley admits he once lied about breeding rats for demonic ends. Part 1 of The Healer and the Lover

wherever you are, i'll come to you by mutalune (T, 11,375 w., 6 Ch. || Post-Apocalypse, Hurt/Comfort, Fallen Angel Aziraphale, Aziraphale Loves Crowley, Crowley Tries to Help, Slight Angst, Petty Demonic Aziraphale) – “Now that I’m no longer beholden to a rather arbitrary moral code, I have to ask: Do you pay taxes? Actually, more importantly, do you think I can stop paying taxes now? That seems like a sufficiently demonic thing to do. Refusing to do my civic duty and whatnot. Quite devious, I’d argue.” This was, in hindsight, not the most sensitive way of breaking the news.

His Lips Sealed by LollipopCop (E, 11,824 w. 2 Ch. || Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Repression, Drunken Love Confession, First Kiss/Time, Making Out, Love Letters, Oblivious Crowley, Virgin Crowley, Upset Crowley, Angst With Happy Ending) – Aziraphale knew Crowley was desperately in love with him; he heard it straight from the source one incredibly drunken night. He was just the only one who remembered, and was too afraid to do anything about it.

You Never Had A Heart by HotCrossPigeon (T, 12,983 w., 3 Ch. || Hurt Aziraphale, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Blood/Injury, Scared/Panicking Crowley, Idiots in Love, Caring Crowley, Aziraphale Whump, Demonic Traps, BAMF Aziraphale, Hugs, Soft Crowley, Discorporation, Caring/Protective Crowley, Humour, Angst with Happy Ending, Crowley Rescues Aziraphale, Bad Acting, Knife Wounds, Traumatized Crowley, First Kiss, Protective Aziraphale, Hurt Crowley) – Aziraphale finds himself unwittingly ensnared in a demonic trap. Unfortunately for a panicking Crowley, there’s only one way to get the angel out of it. Part 6 of Hurt!Aziraphale Stories

Witness the Fall by Waifine (G, 14,512 w.., 5 Ch. || Pre-Fall, The Fall, Post-Fall, Crowley Was Raphael, Hurt/Comfort, Angel Crowley, Angst with Happy Ending, Crowley's Memories, Aziraphale POV, Not-Nice Archangels, Feathers, Soulmates, Wings) – Crowley never talked about his time as an angel. Aziraphale never asked. But when Hell sends Crowley a package containing his most painful memories, it is Aziraphale who is plunged into the nightmare history of when his beloved friend, the angel who had once been Crowley, was hurled from the Heavens into the bowels of Hell.

lit in the darkness by ToEdenandBackAgain (M, 40,575 w., 14 Ch. || Slow Burn, 6000 Years of Pining, Bed Sharing, Friends to Lovers, Historical, Passage of Time) – Aziraphale returns to Crowley's flat for the night after Armageddon. After all, it's hardly the first time they've shared sleeping arrangements. Or: Times throughout history Crowley and Aziraphale have shared a bed.

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ALL MOON KNIGHT BOOKMARKS [2]

What it Feels Like by DriftingPieces (NR [T], 5,154 w., 1 Ch. || MOON KNIGHT [2022] || Layla POV, Layla / Steven / Jake / Marc, Autistic System, References to Depression, Mental Health Issues, Fluff, Safe Spaces, Protective Layla, Introspection, Relationship Reflection, Identity Issues) – No one said it would be easy to be in a relationship with Marc/Jake/Steven. Does Layla have regrets? How does she cope when her relationships struggle with their mental health?

For Friendship is the True Adventure! by Rheanna (G, 5,199 w., 1 Ch. || MOON KNIGHT [2022] || Crack Treated Seriously, Multiple Personalities / DID, Co-Fronting, Past Child Abuse, Fluff and Angst, Protective Steven, Marc’s Self-Esteem, Dissociation, Marc POV) – In which Marc, Steven and Layla watch Tomb Buster.

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FAVE LOKIUS BOOKMARKS [13]

all to myself by markofalover (G, 1,577 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, S02E03 Rewrite, Fake Relationship, Undercover as a Couple, Pining, Flirting) – “Oh, come on, Mobius,” Loki says, finally looking over, and oh, okay, they’re really close. “Have some fun.” “This is fun to you?”

out of focus, eye to eye by markofalover (G, 2,129 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, S02E05 Alternate Events, Pining Loki, Loki POV, Flirting, Misunderstandings, Crush at First Sight, Insecure Loki, Oh-Oh! Moment) – “You know…are you still in the market?” Loki raises his eyebrows. “Oh, for the, uh,” he sets his hands out in a wild gesture that he hopes somehow makes the mark, because he doesn’t know what an ATV even is— “Oh, no, no,” Mobius says. He’s smiling, now, for some reason Loki can’t quite understand, eyes sparkling in the sun, soft color in his cheeks. “I mean—sorry, I haven’t done this in a while. That was a bad line.”

Are We Dating? by AindyGhosh (G, 2,288 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, S02E05 Rewrite, Flirty Mobius, Flustered Loki, Fluff) – Now that the thought had taken root in Don’s mind, it refused to let go, clinging on to him like a limpet. As it was, Don was infamous in his friends’ circles for his lack of a brain-to-mouth filter. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to him when he just gave in, and verbalised the one doubt that had been making rounds in his head since the moment he had talked to Loki. “Are we dating?” It was only logical to deduce that. And Don couldn’t believe this God-like person had been interested in him enough to agree to date him.

Exsanguination by Beb (T, 3,061 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Protective Loki, Mobius Whump, Hospitals, Worried Loki, Mobius Needs A Hug, Blood and Injury, Angst, Hurt/Comfort) – As a trained agent, Mobius really believed his presence was required in every mission, no matter how risky. As a worried friend and lover, Loki really believed this was absolutely, undoubtedly the last straw. He wasn't about to do nothing and let Mobius carelessly throw himself in danger anymore. Not after the last incident nearly cost Mobius his life.

how's that for glorious purpose? by unintentionallyangsty (T, 3,081 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, Post-S2, S02E06 Fix It, Romance & Drama, Soulmates, Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions, Fluff and Angst, Crying, Reunion, Touch Starvation, Soft Mobius, Hugs, Both Need a Hug, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Romantic Fluff, Hopeful / Ambiguous / Open Ending, Anxiety, Made Me Cry, Forehead Kisses, Soft Loki, Love Confessions, Friendship/Love) – A Loki is left alone without his Mobius. Mobius finds himself completely alone and purposeless without his Loki. Realistically, how long can it last? (Or; directly after Sylvie reveals the reality of Mobius' previous life on the timeline to him, Loki finds a way to return).

The Green Means I Love You by VeggieHarumaki (T, 3,576 w. 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Soul Mates AU || Colourblindness, Pining, Caring Mobius, First Kiss, Pining Mobius, POV Mobius, Forehead Touching, Angst with Happy Ending) – Green. It’s the first color Mobius sees. His world fills with new colors, sensory levels overwhelmed as his gaze scatters across the courtroom. Browns, yellows, colors he’d only heard of before he finally sees with his own eyes. But the green. The cold, emerald green. L1130 stares back at Mobius, eyes full of suspicion, and Mobius can’t help but let his breath hitch. Oh no. Mobius’ heart sinks as fast as it had risen. This variant, L1130, Loki, is his soulmate. But Mobius had read Loki’s files one too many times to forget. Mobius is not Loki’s.

So, Stay by Marauderess5 (G, 4,299 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mission Gone Wrong, Loki Whump, Caretaker Mobius, Protective Mobius, Protective Loki, Touching, Soft Mobius, Forehead Touching, Love Confessions, Idiots in Love, Fluffy Angst) – Mission-gone-wrong. Loki has to make a sacrifice to protect Mobius. Will he do it? Spoiler alert, of course he will, they’re in love. Part 2 of Lokius Whump, my Beloved

more than words by unintentionallyangsty (T, 4,716 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, Post S2, Slow Romance, Awkward Romance, First Dates, Awkward Flirting, Attachment Issues, Abandonment Issues, Touch-Starvation, Slow Dancing, Shyness, Insecure Loki, Anxiety Attacks, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Domestic Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Fluffy Angst, Hugs, Getting Together, Future Fic) – After everything - in spite of everything-, there are only a few words that have truly gone unspoken between Loki and Mobius. And, in spite of Loki's famed "silver tongue", none of these words ever seem to come easily. Luckily, Mobius is patient. They have all the time in the world, after all.

The Best Gift of All by frommyhearttoyours (T, 5,992 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Parent / Teacher Modern AU || Lokius, Mobius POV, Single Dad Mobius, Teacher Loki, Single Parents, Love Confessions, Insecure Mobius, Frustrated Mobius, Mutual Pining, Sweet Fluff, Forehead Touching, Oh-Oh! Moment) – Mr. Laufeyson is the most popular teacher at Lakewood Elementary School, where Mobius's sons are students. He's not just popular among the children, though. He's an even bigger hit among the parents...especially the single ones on the hunt for a Mr. Right. Mobius isn't ashamed to admit he counts himself among the man's many, many admirers, but he also has no delusions that he could ever win the beautiful and intelligent Mr. Laufeyson's interest and attention. Because that would be impossible... right?

Branches by Ailendolin (T, 6,322 w., 6 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Post-S1, Lokius, Pining Loki, Five and One, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Worried/Panicking Loki, Protective Mobius, Made Me Cry, Angst, Loki Needs a Hug, Multiverse) – 5 times Loki searched the Multiverse for his Mobius, and 1 time Mobius found him.

Magic Like You by Anonymous (NR [M], 9,714 w., 5 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Post-S2, Light Angst, Soft, Friends to Lovers, Jotunn Loki, Pining Loki, Heavy Pining, Bed Sharing, Jealous Loki, POV Loki, Living Together, First Kiss/Time) – Loki and Mobius are trying to carve out a new life for themselves after all the chaos and hurt and destruction that was caused by the TVA. This story explores Loki's new life and his relationship to Mobius through magic. (With lots of stupid fun and soft moments along the way, because with these two, it's inevitable.)

we can stay here (& laugh away the fear) by unintentionallyangsty (T, 11,100 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, Canon Divergence, TVA Shenanigans, Attention Seeking Behaviour, Praise Kink, Touch Starvation, Pet Names, Angsty Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Shyness, Awkward Flirting, Crying, Misunderstandings, Cuddling/Snuggling, Blushing, Depression Mention) – Loki is bad with people and relationships, and tends to assume the worst of every intention and interaction because it's easier in the long-run. Mobius is good with Loki. (Or, two times Loki is spooked off by Mobius' unexpected gentleness and familiarity, and one (1) time the opposite is true).

like a flood spills away as a world stains by RunnyYolk (T, 34,055 w., 4 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || S0103 Divergence, Alternating POV, Developing Friendship, Developing Relationship, Mutual Pining, Denial of Feelings, Feelings Realization, Trust Issues, Angst, Introspection, Slow Burn, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Existential Angst, Flashbacks, Recovered Memories, Psychological Torture/Abuse, Touch-Starvation, Affection, Tenderness, Hand Holding, Emotional Friendship, Hair Pulling, Touching, Softness) – Loki groans and his elbows slide forward as he slumps over the side of the desk. "Do not tell me you left all the signature fields blank again." "It makes it easier when I check." "It adds a ridiculous amount of time! Do you actually enjoy this part, is that it? Are you a masochist?" Mobius smirks, shaking his head, and stands up. "Just go to bed, scamp." Part 3 of where the edge began

#johnlock fic recs #lokius fic recs #moon knight fic recs #good omens fic recs #my fic recs #fave fics #long post #top bookmarks #top fave fics #other fandom fic recs

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alannybunnue · 2 years ago

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Ok, Imagine: The Targaryens as yanderes Part 4

We are covering the entire first season of the house of the dragon, next parts will include details from the books, i am not waiting 2 years for the next season to write this. 😘

Again, thank you all for liking my imagines, it really helps with my mental health.

[THERE MIGHT BE TRIGGERS WARNINGS, SO BEWARE]

Tags: @rosaryos - @haven-is-happy

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Rhaenyra/DoD!Reader:

Suffocating

Surrounded by a broken family

That's how you felt, with the many travels you had to do in last 6 years of your life.

While these people tried to consume you with their infectious affection, they wanted for you to replace your dear mother in their hearts.

Unfortunately, they were the cause of why you lost her, so why should you carry this weight? They shouldn't expect you to remain a pretty doll.

You begin your personal rebellion by not doing everything they wanted, like, flying on Starfyre, you started going from a place to another with her when you were 5, much to your aunt Rhaenyra's and your aunt Alicent's displeasure.

Both tried to take your mother's place in your heart, both tried to make you feel like their families were your's too. But you refused, the only person who you sympathize the most between the two sides was your grandsire Viserys.

Of course, the last place you visited (sometimes in secret, because again, no one can confirm were you are going with Starfyre) was Driftmark, to visit Princess Rhaenys and her granddaughter and your dear friend Baela. They understood you better than many, due to fact that Rhaenys did knew what felt like to lose your family in benefits of others.

But you never told her about this.

About what you heard, when you visited King's Landing for the first time after the incident in Driftmark, what Alicent said to your uncle Larys right after you left their sight:

"I can't look at her and not see her mother...and to think of her death...i told you, i didn't wanted them dead!", the fool didn't expect you to be hearing them, but now you knew, they killed your mother for their own benefit.

One side betrayed your mother and left her in a deplorable state, the other took her life.

The children were no better, they still wanted to trap you with them, especially Aegon and Jacaerys, again, they still wanted you to replace your mother. But you never gave them that pleasure.

Rhaenyra tried to talk to you, tried to be "reasonable" but your face was enough answer for her, you would never forgive any of them for what they did.

When you were in Dragonstone, you spend your time with Lucerys, Rhaena, Joffrey, even with little Aegon and Viserys for they were the less insufferable to be around.

In King's Landing, again you took care of your grandsire, but also spent your days with Helaena and her children and sometimes with Aemond.

Sometimes, you would just fly away, no carrying much about where you would end up, since you always found your way back home, Starfyre, who was used to fly in the same directions, seemed happy for this change of pace.

You thought of all the events of the last 6 years, especially Aegon and Helaena's wedding that felt more like a funeral to you, the end of any possibility for those two to have a good life. You pitied Helaena more than her brother, honestly.

Finally snapped out of your thoughts when Vaemond, Lord Corlys' brother, declared that he was going to King's Landing to fight for his claim of the title of Lord of the Tides against Luke due to Corlys' current state could result in his death.

You understood why Vaemond was doing this, the 3 boys were only Velaryon by name, not blood, thanks to the affair between your father and Rhaenyra. However, you couldn't help but feel sorry for Luke, even if he didn't wanted nor "deserved" the throne, it was the only title he would gain...

You travelled with Rhaenys and Baela to King's Landing, by their pleadings because you wished to remain in Driftmark. You would feel suffocated again in the presence of both families, so Rhaenys suggested for you to stay by her side.

Alicent and Otto welcomed you three once you arrived, the queen even tried to hug you, but you dismissed her attempt clinging unto Rhaenys.

The same happened with Rhaenyra, you kept your distance from her. While she tried to convince Rhaenys of supporting Luke's claim. You were quiet for a time.

"You know that this is what she would want-", in that moment, you didn't control your mouth. - "Don't you dare"

Both women looked at you immediately. - "Don't you use my mother's name in your defense, you may be the princess and heir, but use the name of a dead woman is a low step even for you"

Rhaenyra lowered her head, you were to believe that it was for shame, but it didn't matter anymore, you left the garden before anyone could stop you. You spent the rest of the day in the company of Helaena.

The next day was the trial, you didn't attend it, you decided to stay with Viserys, he was in a deplorable condition, it sadden you. For a couple of minutes, until he sat up and said he needed to go.

The servants dressed the King and you followed him, worried for his health but understanding what he was doing, you stayed at his side when the guards announced his arrival at Throne room.

Everyone looked at him and at you, you were right behind your grandsire since he refused help. You stopped when Rhaenys holded and told you to stay at her side as Daemon helped his brother.

You expected Viserys to defend his grandson, of course, but you never expected the aftermath with Vaemond...

That didn't faze you as much as others thought it would.

You were attended the feast by the King's request. Sitting between Jace and Aegon, before your grandsire arrived, you didn't much attention to your surroundings.

Once the feast started, and everyone said their toasts to each, like good liars, or so you thought, since Rhaenyra made a toast not just for the Queen, but to you as well for "Keeping your mother's legacy", yes same one she helped on destroying it.

But other than that, everything seemed to be going on peacefully, even when Aegon opened his mouth to say something inappropriate, but he kepthis tongue for your sake...until your Uncle Aemond decided to open his mouth.

"Final tribute, to the health of my nephews...Jace, Luke and Joffrey, each of them handsome, wise...strong" - And hell fell on the dinner table. The boys attacked each other and Daemon to stop them from killing each other. And you? You started clapping.

Everyone looked at you confused, but you kept your straight face and looked at Aemond.

"Again? What do you wish to lose this time, dear Uncle? Another eye?" - Everyone looked shocked, then Otto answered - "Princess, it's not proper of you to threat your uncle in this moment-"

You scoffed - "A threat? Alright, then dear uncle, next time i shall ask for your tongue as my grandsire so warned you that it would be taken if this matter was questioned again" - You got up from your seat and walked to the door, but before you left the room, you finished - "That was a threat Lord Hand, see the difference?"

You leave the room with disdain, knowing that your words could be a problem for you later, but no matter now, you decided to go to sleep and return to Driftmark with Rhaenys the next morning.

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That wouldn't happen, as you wake up with sounds of someone locking your doors, you immediately knew something was wrong. You looked through the window to see many ladies and lords walking in the same direction.

Later, Alicent appeared in your room, with a small smile on her face for a bit, as if it would calm you down or something. She then proceeded to explain that Viserys, your King and grandsire was dead, and that in his last wishes, he wanted Aegon to inherit the Iron Throne.

...You didn't believe in a word she said - "As his niece, you must stand at his side for the better, even at your age" - Alicent claimed as she holded your hand.

"And if i don't? What will happen to me?" - You didn't mean to say that, you weren't thinking straight and that was your worst mistake - "Will you send my uncle to burn me like you did to my mother?"

You don't remember her words, she was shocked, yes, but angry too, she said that you had no idea of what you were saying, you accused her of something vile...

You were locked away, as punishment.

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Aegon was crowned King at the presence of the people of Westeros, you heard the whispers, but no one came to save you.

A weird feeling in your gut started to bother you tremendously, you had to get out on your own accord. You started looking for anything in the room to get out.

Until you did, a map, that indicated a secret passage in the room that could lead to an exit on the Red Keep. You never liked Maegor as many other, but today you were thankful for these secret passages.

You found some old clothes you could use as disguise, you were used to sneak out, but never like this. At least you knew your way to the Dragon pit.

As you walked towards the exit, you prayed that no one would notice your dismiss and look for you, and you kept praying as you made your way in the town...

You felt relieved when you finally got to Starfyre, but your gut feeling grew when you noticed that something was missing...

Vaghar, Aemond's dragon wasn't anywhere to be found

You quickly freed Starfyre and mounted on her, both finally free from the Greens, you had no idea where Aemond could have gone, but you had to look for him, your gut was still bothering you.

You flew south, looking for any clue of where to go, until you spotted Arrax and Luke, and went after them. Then you arrive at one place that you tried to avoid: Storm's End, the home of the blood family of your late mother.

Luke entered without noticing Starfyre, soon after, you landed and now finally found the missing piece, Vaghar. Which means that Aemond was also there, and that meant trouble.

You were quickly escorted inside as you heard the argument, then the guards announced your arrival - "Princess ... Targaryen, daughter of ... Targaryen!" - the sound of your name made everyone twist their heads towards you.

"What are you doing here?" - Luke whispered - "Making sure you return in one piece...Greetings Uncle Borros" - You answered the prince and said to Lord Boros Baratheon.

"You shall address me as Lord Baratheon, Princess" - Lord Boros claim - "If it pleases you my lord, i shall also apologize for my rudeness, my actions were made out of the assumption that, since you are my mother's brother by blood, it wouldn't be a bother to call my uncle." - You taunted him - "May you tell us why you came here, Princess?" - Boros asked - "Simply to confirm your statement as a second witness for the Princess Rhaenyra and escort prince Lucerys back home"

"You took her side? You truly believe that she is capable of ruling?" - Aemond asks, sounding disappointed, you noticed the dagger in his hand...and eyepatch was gone- "Personally? No, however, unlike many, i do respect the late King's true wish, that his named heir became Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, now i believe we are done here, isn't it cousin?"

Luke nods and as you both start walking away from the room, Boros calls you out - "This is not a child's play, Princess" - Somehow, he sounded worried, you stopped for a second, before answering - "I wouldn't know my lord, i haven't played with my dolls in the last 6 years."

You flew away in the storm with Luke, you tried to follow him, but as you focused on your path, you noticed that Arrax was gone, and you heard someone shoutting in Valyrian, it was Aemond.

You looked for Luke everywhere, until you heard him not too far shouting for Arrax to stop, then Aemond shoutted too, you went higher, above the clouds where the storm wouldn't bother you, until you saw Luke...

What happened next was...shocking? heartbreaking? You didn't knew, both you and Aemond were shocked at what Vaghar did, but you knew, it was his fault.

So you started clapping, maybe it was loud enough for him to hear...

Not that you cared.

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A/N: So...that was it, i hope you guys enjoyed until here...i don't know when i will post the next part :D

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honeybeezgobzzzzz · 1 year ago

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𓃮 Even the Sun Influences the Tide: Chapter Fourteen

Even the Sun Influences the Tide: After the death of your foster brother, King T’Challa, you had spent much of your year of mourning in isolation. When your mother gathers you and your sister to end your mourning period, you encounter the newest threat to Wakanda: Namor. You don’t know what to think of Namor, but you do know one thing: he probably shouldn’t be making trips to see you at your beach hut.

Warnings: Couples First Fight.

To Note: Namor/K’uk’ulkan x Fem!Reader, I Tried To Make The Yucatec Maya & Xhosa Translations/Traditions As Accurate As I Can Get.

Word Count: ~2.0k

Previous | Masterlist | Next

You had been wandering around the caves, your fingers trailing across the beautiful murals K’uk’ulkan had painted, when you came across them. And by them, you meant the deep water diving suits. To be honest you had stared at them in confusion for a good five minutes, scratching your head, before you realized what they were. But why did K’uk’ulkan have these? One conversation later with your man/god, and you learned that the suits came from the Surface World. You quickly decided to not think about how he had gotten possession of them.

K’uk’ulkan all to easily distracted you with an offer of your first glimpse of Talokan in person. So you found yourself stuffed in one of the chunky suits, carefully fitted and double checked for a seal, and then being tugged through the water. There wasn’t much you could do in the suit. You felt clumsy and heavy in it and were sure that you were just along for the ride.

“Are you sure you are okay, In k'iino’?” K’uk’ulkan asked for what you felt was the thousandth time. Twisting your head within the suit while the earrings he had given you jangled, you looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“My current status hasn’t changed in the ten minutes since you last asked me, Ulwandle lwam (My sea),” You replied, your voice drifting through the deep water. K’uk’ulkan gave you a look. “I am currently wishing I had the ability to stand the water pressure down here because it is beautiful.”

“We haven’t even reached the outfields of Talokan.” He gruffly said, though still pleased that you were enjoying the sights of the underwater realm.

“My words still stand and you know it.” You huffed as the lights on the diving suit came to light when you descended into darkness. Even with the bright lights blasting their way through the darkness, you still couldn’t see anything. “I’m hoping that Talokan has lights because I can’t see anything.”

K’uk’ulkan smirked at the soft comment that you had muttered more to yourself that him. If you had been impressed by the humble murals he had painted within his home, K’uk’ulkan looked forward to seeing how you were going to react once you saw the true majesty of Talokan. Following along the strong current that ran by the great underwater city, K’uk’ulkan gently tugged you away from the stream and through a school of fish to emerge at the fringes of Talokan. It was a little disorienting, the change of pace, and you felt yourself rattling around in the large suit. But the moment you righted yourself and took in your first view of Talokan, you found your breath stolen from your chest.

“Ancestors,” You whispered, taking everything you saw. There were fields of crops being tended by the talokanil, children playing games, people just going about their day like normal. While you were rendered speechless, K’uk’ulkan smiled and tugged you along to give you the grand overview of his beloved city. Your mind was racing and your eyes were captured by the bright glowing lights that illuminated the city. The closer you looked, the more your mind was convinced that the glowing lights were made from vibranium. "Ch'ah Toh Almehen, those lights,” You commented. “They’re made of vibranium.”

“Yes. In the depths of the ocean, I brought my people the sun.” Your lips twitched, he really had given his people everything. A new home, protection, light. “They are called sastun, we use them for our rituals.”

“How does it work?” Your mind was having a hard time wrapping around the idea that vibranium could just glow by itself. The boots of the dive suit landed on the pyramid the sastun floated above and you leaned your head back. “The light refractory…”

“We create our own plant and obsidian based fibers in the leaves to harness the glow of algae.” K’uk’ulkan explained. Your face scrunched and you turned your entire body towards him.

“You gave your people fiber optics!?”

Back in the cavern, you held your hands clasped against your chest as your mind raced. After having a wonderful and extraordinary time viewing Talokan, you thought of your own home. You needed to go back. Talk with your mother about K’uk’ulkan, convince her and the other elders that an alliance with the Talokanil would benefit Wakanda. She wanted to keep vibranium out of the hands of the other nations, but now that Wakanda wasn’t the only source… It was imperative that Wakanda and Talokan worked together.

“In reina?” Letting out a breath, you turned to look at Zyanya who had been quietly keeping watch. “Ba'ax k'abéet a ba'al?” (Need anything?) Another guessing game… you had been pacing around and staring off into space for the last half hour, so perhaps she was asking if you needed something? Well you needed to speak with K’uk’ulkan… you might as well ask for him.

“K’uk’ulkan,” You replied, your mind scrambling for the few words you had been taught over the last ten days. They were just simple one word phrases that you could use to indicate what you wanted, but it was better than not being able to speak a word of Yucatec Maya. “T’aan (Message),” You said, hoping that she would understand your want. Zyanya blinked before nodding and making a follow gesture. You steeled yourself and followed her. Zyanya took a different path, heading down one you hadn’t explored before.

Your stomach twisted in knots and for the first since meeting K’uk’ulkan, you were nervous to talk to him. The last thing you wanted was for him to think you were running away, or abandoning him and his people. Certainly not after the ceremony which you still questioned its purpose… though you were starting to have your suspicions. Never mind that, what you needed to do was smooth over your mothers ruffled feathers.

Following Zyanya, she brought you to a cavern that had several warriors standing about, with Attuma speaking to K’uk’ulkan. You didn’t catch the quick words departing K’uk’ulkan mouth, but Attuma bowed his head.

“Tene Tin na'atik (I understand),” The large Talokanil spoke before turning his broad shoulders. It was at that moment that the warriors and K’uk’ulkan realized that you were standing in the entry way.

“Apologies if I am interrupting,” You spoke, your eyes glossing over Attuma as he sized you up. Your gaze landed on K’uk’ulkan. “I need to speak with you if permissible.” K’uk’ulkan raised his eyebrow at you, wondering why you were speaking in such a formal way.

“In biin (I’m going),” Attuma rumbled as he and the other warriors headed for the exit, when he reached you, he respectfully bowed his head. “In reina,” Your eyes caught his dark ones and you gave him a respectful chin nod.

“Attuma,” You greeted, your eyes following his large body as he and the others passed. You waited patiently as they left, and then five seconds more for privacy, all the while K’uk’ulkan looked at you with a raised eyebrow and tilted head.

“You speak so formally, In reina,” K’uk’ulkan drew out, his eyes washing over your body and posture. Something had made you uptight. You cleared your throat, thinking about how to start this conversation. “What is it, In k'iino’?”

“I need to go home,” You stated, deciding to just get right to the point. Immediately K’uk’ulkan’s face changed, shifting from attentive to narrowed. Displeasure flowed through his veins along with a touch of possession. You were his yatan and yet you wished to go home? Was Talokan not your home now? What use did you have by going home?

“Are you not satisfied here, In reina?” He questioned, his voice coming out a little harder than he meant. You sighed and went to further explain, but K’uk’ulkan wasn’t done speaking. “Have you’d decided that our way of life is no one you wish to live?”

“What?” You questioned, stepping forwards to face him without the large gap of space between you. “Ch'ah Toh Almehen, that is not what I am saying. I need to go home and figure out this mess, with the Americans and—“

“I will not have you in a position of vulnerability, Y/N,” K’uk’ulkan flat out rejected. “Neither will I allow the Americans to ever be in the position to entertain the idea of using you against us.”

“Ch'ah— They won’t—“ You sighed out in frustration, feeling as if he wasn’t listening to you. You were trying to protect him, his people. “I am trying to help why are you not letting me? I’m not going to stay there, I already agreed to stay when I did that ceremony. Why aren’t you letting me help!?”

“Because you are going to get hurt,” You almost rolled your eyes.

“I will not,” You retorted. “The Dora Milaje would never let that happen.”

“We both know that you would run off the first chance presented.” K’uk’ulkan countered, stepping closer to you, his eyes dead of emotion now. “Not even the best warriors would keep you safe because you do not listen.”

Gritting your teeth, you forced yourself not to let his lack of emotions get to you. But it already had.

“I can take care of myself,” You said, one last attempt to get him to just listen to you. K’uk’ulkan had already made up his mind on this topic, you were not going anywhere with the American’s on the loose and searching for any way into Talokan, let alone with the Wakandan’s not cooperating.

“Can you?” K’uk’ulkan offered. “The answer is no, in reina,” Your heart dropped in your chest. “I will not risk it.”

You jerked around in a circle as Xhosa curses spilled from your lips in rapid succession. Emotions were running rampant throughout your body twisting together in a noxious tornado of hurt and anger.

“Do not do anything you may regret, In k'iino’,” K’uk’ulkan called as you stormed away, the skirt and beads of your dress flapping behind you. You couldn’t help the childish return of giving him the middle finger over your shoulder. As you stormed through the halls of the many caverns, tears began burning at the edge of your eyelashes. You furiously wiped at your nose and then eyes, feeling frustrated and stuck in place.

It was midafternoon, but by the time you walked off all the anger and rage you felt, the dimmed lights in the corridor told you that it was nighttime. You came to a stop in the middle of the hall and took in a shuddering breath. Ancestors why were you so upset? It wasn’t like he was being mean to you. Just emotionless. Out of everyone in your life, you expected him to listen to you, because he had been the one to make an effort to… but now he wasn’t. And that hurt.

You closed your eyes and leaned your head back, willing your tears to stop falling down your face and dry up against your lashes. Sniffing one last time, you slapped your cheeks before hearing the sound of foot falls. You turned around to see Tlalli emerging from a turn to your left.

“In reina,” She greeted you, bowing her head. “Cena,” She then murmured, holding out her hand towards the way she had come. Cena. The word you had come to associate with dinner. You wiped your eyes one last time, and nodded. Following the blue skinned woman, you were led back to familiar blue halls and then the room that you considered yours. Zyanya was already waiting for you, fiddling with a set up of different dishes. She flashed you a bright smile and bowed as you approached.

“In reina,” You managed a smile in return, clapping your hands together at your breast and bowing your own head.

“Níib óolal (Thank you), Zyanya, Tlalli,” You murmured. Then you glanced at the space opposite where you usually sat. K’uk’ulkan had a habit of sitting with you while you ate, it was the rare occasion you saw him actually consume food. Sighing, you spoke your next question already knowing the answer. “K’uk’ulkan?” Both woman gave you sadden gazes.

“Ma'taali'teeni’, In reina,” Zyanya answered softly. Sorry. You were left to eat by yourself.

Date Published: 6/4/23

Last Edit: 4/5/23

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#k'ul'kulkan #namor #namor x y/n #namor fanfiction #namor of talokan #namor x reader

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chaotic-tired-cat · 17 days ago

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Hey I was wondering If you plan on updating your legacy fic on Ao3, It was really good I've read it multiple times. Although it took me awhile but on like my 6th or seventh re-read I just realized the names of the chapter titles make a really good poem though I'm unsure if that's intentional or not.

Almost everything midoyria does I'd a giant metaphor with him being a gardener planting seeds in the present for the sake of the future. No matter how much he refused to directly fight his brother it seems like he's been planning this kind of thing for hundreds of years. I wouldn't be surprised if One for All was behind the creation of UA or everything going on in its current society.

-Sorry for the long paragraph your story is wild and completely insane, I really want to read about everyone's expression of shock when he come out because otherwise I'm pretty sure they'll never find out otherwise who he is as AFO brother.

Heyo, I am thriving abt your ask! It gave me fuel to go back and edit a bit of Legacy's next chapter. Also, I'm downright flattered that you've read Legacy so many times!! Considering it a huge compliment. Losing my mind. I am very hopeful for reveals to live up to expectations. And yep! The poem by Clare Harner is 100% on purpose. I'm including corresponding imagery in each chapter/title as a scavenger hunt of themes and more literal moments, though some (like Ripened Grain -> Harvest/Seasons/time passing -> Ochako eating rose petals & students moving towards self-sufficiency) are pretty abstract.

Gardening!! Learning to think of life and potential happiness beyond the next immediate harvest is a big theme and you're absolutely correct on that. Cannot confirm or deny suspicions on what specifically is in the works for Izuku, but please know I am delighted with what you said. To tide you over, I added a tiny & mildly unedited snippet under the readmore that your ask me very impatient to share.

Legacy absolutely will be updated and finished. I'm just dealing with a limitation irl where prolonged typing is difficult sometimes. (Feel free to poke me whenever for a snippet, though! I know the agony of waiting ages for a fic to update and wouldn't wish it on anyone.)

Legacy spoilers beyond this point:

“Why gardening?” Tsukauchi asks finally, wrapping chilled hands around his coffee cup. “From what I'm understanding, you’ve been around long enough to get practiced at pretty much anything. Why… plants?”

He doesn't mean it in a rude way, and Midoriya smiles a bit at the blunt curiosity Tsukauchi cannot help.

“Because they’re like us,” he says.

Tsukauchi gives him a bewildered look. “Plants?”

“They can’t be completed,” Midoriya says firmly. It sounds like a lesson that was hard learned. “I can make my garden better. I can plant seeds and weed it, I can water it and fret over every last insect that enters it, but it will never be finished. There will never be a point where I’m done and can abandon it. Somehow, people do it anyway. They keep trying.”

Tsukauchi frowns. “So this whole time, it’s been a metaphor for.. what? Mental health?”

“Finding happiness,” Midoriya says. “Or maybe it’s just a hobby paired with an old man’s ramblings.”

His statement rings true for both. Midoriya brushes dirt off his hands and uses his wrist to push green hair back. Sometimes Tsukauchi wonders if Midoriya’s original quirk was earth or plant related, and if All for One swapped it with an immortality one before anyone knew any better. It’s impossible to tell.

Tsukauchi washes the thought back with bitter coffee and winces when it burns his tongue. “That’s a complex game to play.”

“Not a game,” Midoriya tells him. He sets aside his tools and stands up. Here in the garden, Midoriya seems more at home than he could ever be on a battlefield.

Nezdu sees it too.

He asked Tsukauchi to meet with him and Nighteye tomorrow about possibly placing Midoriya in a modified track for heroics. Nothing will happen without the groundskeeper indicating he’s like a life in the very industry that’s protecting him, but it’s a good plan. If he gets a heroics license, Midoriya will have a job waiting for him at UA once the investigation is over.

Even Tsuakuchi can see the heroic spirit Midoriya carries.

Toshinori says he's a good teacher, too.

[Yall, it's so hard not to add the following three paragraphs to this snippet, but they are low-key massive spoilers. apostriavin, those lines are now dedicated to you.]

#apostriavin #tired cat asks #fic snippet #legacy #i am reeling from this jsyk. how many rereads???#also just. clocking the symbolism and how I'm tying things together. cannot put into words how happy this makes me

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predoom · 4 months ago

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ohoneohone

Sunday, October 9th, 2005 7:38 pm sometimes its hard to remember the great moments. but you remember everything to a detail the moment everything goes wrong. your ims are crazy: i am still not dead or married. im bringing home on the road.

silly. never ccccchhhhange. 12:12 pm you could almost make me an honest man. what i have spent the weekend thinking:

good friends in nyc sometimes my eyes are red and green but not like christmas. just kind of a mess. even when the worlds underwater you're rowing in my wet dreams. everything you know about me is totally wrong because it comes from choruses and camera flashes. you come in flashes in the middle of the night or in the morning. fix me in fourtyfive. everything she thinks you know about me is totally wrong because i can't say anything i mean ever. i say things just to hurt you. i get the job done but it doesn't look pretty. Saturday, October 8th, 2005 12:24 am you win some, you lose some sometime you wake up in the morning and everything is just different. moodcontroller gets turned off. probably on by someone else. the bottom of my pants are wet from running through puddles. the streets of albany got let in on some of my secrets. swoon. its weird how when you stand next to the sun you cant notice anything else. then the lights go out and all of a sudden there is beauty everywhere. im always too little, too late. one day everyone finds something they can hang on to. the bottom line is im all wishes and luck. and thats how its always been. in the tides of the streets. dreaming about beautiful babies. with batting eyelashes and huge eyes. we were never supposed to know. im the golden boy. you are my golden ticket. but the tides always going out. and two months turns into two years. in the blink of an eye. youre never home. the stars look the same from the gutter. pens running low just to keep up with the tolerance. ive got big plans for new years. and thats a way off but its the only way to keep my mind off of the way things go. just know "you're not the lifeforce" pete and thats what keeps heartsbeating at night. i only thought you were someone else. a simple case of mistaken identity. romantic fraud. new york city. im always on.

Wednesday, October 5th, 2005 4:40 pm hateitorloveit-theunderdogisbackontop sickest afterparty in newyorkcity. hopefully i can fly a friend or two in so i dont hide out in the corners all night. nick thinks my lj entries have been kinda wack lately. i can't say i dont agree. i am a total baby. but not a baby like usher sings about. we're making some super sick limited bartskull nikes. im tired as usual. rumor of the day: i pretty much only like sxe girls. you make me laugh too much with the stuff that gets written on the internet sometimes. my life is radical sometimes. maybe ill really update this later. i dont even know. congratulations to panic at the disco for having the sickest first week numbers ever. that band is the new everything. late at night thats pretty much what i have to listen to or i dont feel okay. this morning i got a strange phonecall to end a strange dream. bane.

Tuesday, October 4th, 2005 9:22 pm "someday we'll be nostalgic for this second..." im tired. red thread. baby blues. im a mess. lovable, not that likeable. lemme hum you a sweet one. i know ive been in a rut. the underdogs back on top. im writing this story. but i wouldnt bet on the ending. sometimes this thing has become too big to even think about. but sometimes i wake up in the morning and it feels like something is missing. youknowyouknow.

6:57 pm

the secret to my suckcess pinchme. dear friends, you let me fall off. i forgive you though. if you forgive me. i am out of my head. me and nick have cooked up the sickest idea ever. i am writing a movie with patrick. my tummy hurts most of the time. major disappointment, reporting for duty. wtf. sometimes OMG! i heart the drama. sometimes OMG! i do not. like emeralds just past the sun- green but not the sick inside more like the film warming up to you. the camera is waking up. little boys and girls- get up. the trouble has lifted. youre gonna be okay. "tell me that you're alright". i like wearing your clothes. they are like a bulletproof vest. mostly i miss my friends and chicago. i want to bring you all out on the road.

"...idonthavetobethekingoftheworld, as long as im..."

peace out. i need to take a nap and eat some icecream. i bought nicholas scimeca a present. im tired. act suprised, even if you're not. fake the words. say i love you hard like you hate me. Saturday, October 1st, 2005 4:48 pm life on mars by david bowie reminds me of you the dreams i have for me are just for us. i am not sure i even know what this means. the pros and con are the same. legs tangled. its the kid you loved forever. i got a feeling what they're all saying. under the spotlight you think about the inside of wedding rings. in dark bunks you think about the inside of zippers. make me yours. make me come to life. honestly. black hair and batted eyelashes. dont give up im not sure where this is all going. right on reds and at altars. thinking about the way you are with the little pudgy boy. im getting this sweet tat. she knows what im talking about.

#ohoneohone #itiswhatitwas #content and formatting unchanged from original #pw #blogs #archive

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conditionaljewel · 1 year ago

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An Aria for Imogen - Chapter 3

(Chapter 1)

(Chapter 2)

Laudna trembled only slightly with the envelope from Whitestone in her hands, an odd feeling washing over her. Although much of her wounds and memories of Whitestone had now been erased or replaced with newer, brighter and happier memories, it was still a strained relationship that Laudna held with her original hometown in Tal’Dorei, and the DeRolo’s in particular. Yes, Pate was technically named after them, but what’s in a name anyway? She was also eternally grateful for the effort that Vex’ahlia and select others had put into helping the rest of her friends and Imogen bring her back,

However, the glaring truth of the matter was that the girls had not been to Whitestone since those days. After setting back off on their mission at the time and trying to do what they could to help stop Ludinus, they never found their way back to Whitestone, and by now it had been some time. Truth be told the girls, Laudna especially, were happy here in Marquet, in the Heartmoor in particular. They had no desire or wanderlust to visit Whitestone, no wish to move there, nothing. This was their home.

On a much deeper level however, at least just in Laudna’s own mind, she long held a suspicion that for as long as Percy was alive, he was always going to have his doubts about her, and about whether Delilah was well and truly gone for good or not. Laudna was afraid Percy would never be able to trust her, feeling as though if she were to move back there permanently she would not be comfortable while he was around, as well-meaning as he may have been. She knew she could trust Vex’ahlia, at least she felt she could, but that wasn’t nearly enough.

Laudna snapped back to reality and turned her focused onto the large sealed envelope. She felt a bit of weight to it as she broke the seals on the back and proceeded to open up the flap, moving lifting and peeling it back to reveal its contents. Inside there were two letter-sized paper-thin envelopes, a smaller paper-thin envelope that didn’t look like it had much in it at all at first glance, and one thicker envelope that seemed to be padded. This one contained most of the aforementioned heft.

She plucked the paper envelopes out first, both letter-sized packets along with the smaller individual packet, and grabbed the topmost of the two presumed letter-holding sleeves. She set the others down at her side and flipped this first one over to reveal writing indicating its’ intended recipient: Ms Aria Temult. Below that was written (care of Imogen and Laudna). Laudna flipped the envelope around to show the others before turning it back over to open it. Inside was a letter on simple parchment, no obvious letterhead or markings on the sheet, but just a simple now scrawled on the inside. A personal, handwritten note, from the hand of Vex’ahlia DeRolo herself.

Laudna skipped the contents of the letter and jumped straight to the by-line at the bottom, and shuddered upon reading it. “Vex’ahlia sent something for Aria,” she declared with surprise as she proceeded back to the top of the letter and began reading.

The letter read:

Dearest Aria, daughter of Laudna and Imogen Temult,

Welcome to the world, darling. As a token of appreciation of your mothers’ places in my life and their place in our world, and now yours, I have enclosed a few pieces of jewelry that I felt were befitting of you and your mothers. May they serve you in your life as they have once served me and my family. I wish you good health and tidings for many years to come, dear Aria. I look forward to meeting you and seeing your mothers whenever you next visit Whitestone, where you three are always welcome.

Hold firm to your mothers, little one; they are without a doubt two women whom I am most proud to know.

Yours in kindness, Vex’ahlia DeRolo

Laudna wiped a tear from her eye as she passed the letter over to Imogen. There were no additional seals or official use of her name, Imogen noted as she looked over the letter with one hand, the other still supporting Aria as she fed. As that was happening, Laudna had opened the envelope that had the weight to it, presuming these to be the jewels that Vex’ahlia had referenced.

Upon spilling open the padded envelope’s contents onto the table before them, they were surprised to see a small assortment of rings, earrings, and necklaces. Each of them were beset with various gems and jewels amongst them. One particular ring stuck out in particular, that caught Laudna and Imogen’s eyes nearly immediately: a Ruby ring comprised of two snakes, not unlike one that was already present in the room.

The girls both flashed a look at one another, before glancing down quickly at Laudna’s left hand, where the Ruby ring Imogen had given her in Bassuras sat proudly on her ring finger. They both lit up with smiles, as Laudna reached down and inspected the ring closely.

“It looks very similar,” Laudna said as she took the Ruby ring off her finger and compared them side by side. “How peculiar. I wonder if there’s something to it,” she said as she replaced her ring back on her finger, while passing the new one off to Imogen. Imogen took it in her hand and looked at it closely for a moment, before handing it off to Dorian as the chain continued.

As they shared that around the circle, Laudna felt there was still something inside the padded envelope, wedged at the very bottom. Pulling it open wide revealed a small velvet sack had been stuffed at the very bottom, prompting Laudna to reach her hand in and pull it free. Dropping the envelope to her lap, she fondled the sack in her hand and pulled on its draw string to loosen the cinch. The sack opened as she held it in her palm and poured its contents out: a tiny stone with runes carved into it, with a piece of parchment attached that read two words: “to Whitestone.”

“There it is,” Laudna heard Orym say as she looked up at him with a confused look on her face. “That one will reach out to the DeRolo’s, just in case.” He smiled as he said this, seemingly trying to extend an olive branch between the two families. “They do care about y’all, Delilah or no. They just wanted to share a token of their gratitude and congratulations regardless.”

Laudna pulled the stone close to her chest as she turned to Imogen, who had taken the new Ruby ring back from Dorian. The stone began to glow a light pulsating blue. Orym continued, “we talked before I came here, they knew I was coming to visit. They just wanted you to know that they would be there if you ever needed them again.” Imogen leaned forward and placed the ring down on the table beside the rest of the jewelry.

Laudna nodded and said “thank you” to Orym, all while still holding the stone in her hand. As this happened, the stone warmed slightly in her palm and the blue glow pulsed one last time. The warmth then dissipated, and it returned back to its dull coloration and temperature; Laudna did not seem to have noticed this.

She set the stone down and picked up the second envelope, the last remained sealed procurement of this delivery from Whitestone. She flipped it over to see the addressed recipients on this, to find another surprise:

To Mrs. Imogen and Mrs. Laudna Temult

Laudna still wasn’t used to seeing her name followed by Imogen’s last name, even though they’d been married for quite a while now. It was something she was always surprised by, and it would never get old to her, she felt. She smiled warmly as she flipped the envelope over and popped the two seals that were present on this particular parcel off.

She slid the paper out of its container and unfolded it, and began to read it:

Mrs’s Imogen and Laudna Temult,

We write to you on equal behalf of the Chamber of Whitestone as well as the group known as Vox Machina to wish you a hearty congratulations on your recent wedding, as well as the birth of your baby daughter, Aria.

In honor of these wonderful events, in celebration of our realm’s continued perseverance as a result of your direct action, and in honor of the new beginnings all across Exandria thanks to you and your companions known as Bell’s Hells, the Chamber of Whitestone and the members of Vox Machina would like impart upon you and your family this gift: an offering of seeds from the Sun Tree.

Please plant these seeds wherever you best believe will serve you and your family in the years to come; we believe you will find that the tree will grow with baby Aria, and hope that it will bring you all many happy memories, and a reminder that you are never too far away from Whitestone, if you would ever like to come back and visit - we all would love to see you again.

Wishing a long and happy marriage to you, Imogen and Laudna, and a beautiful, healthy life to your baby Aria.

All the best,

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski DeRolo III, Lord of Whitestone Lady Vex'ahlia DeRolo, Baroness of the First House of Whitestone, Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt, Coinmistress of the Council of Tal'Dorei.

Keyleth of the Air Ashari, Voice of the Tempest, Vox Machina Pike Trickfoot, of the Slayer’s Cake, Vox Machina

Laudna finished reading the letter aloud before passing it over to Orym to hold. Imogen stood up, having noticed that Aria had finished feeding and was now dozing silently in her arms, and moved over to the bassinet only to find Pate still laying there from earlier. “Ugh, Pate,” she said as she bumped the bassinet gently to get him to stir. “Go on, get.”

Just as he did, springing to life and jumping up out of the bassinet quietly, Dorian let out a startled yelp. In the midst of all this, they had forgotten that Dorian had yet properly met Pate.

Laudna exclaimed as much loudly, running over to where Pate was as Orym continued to read over the letter. “Pate, come here!” She shouted at him as she snagged him out of the air mid-flight, dragging him over to Dorian. She plunked down on the floor in front of him, shoving Pate clumsily and forcefully in his face. “Look, it’s Dorian! Say hi!”

Pate extended one of his curled rat paws out toward Dorian who took it apprehensively. “‘Ello!” Pate shouted from a few inches away from Dorian’s face, as Laudna let him go so he may float there on his own. Orym looked up to take in this sight now, and said with much delay, “oh yeah, I forgot to warn you the rat is alive now, I’m sorry honey.”

Imogen’s head swirled on a dime at hearing Orym say “honey” to Dorian. She hadn’t ever heard him be affectionate to anyone that openly before, but it was refreshing to see and hear coming from him, especially toward Dorian. She took a moment and smiled to herself, getting the sense that perhaps something more was at stake on this trip than she or Dorian even knew.

Dorian took Pate’s hand in and gave him a greeting, introducing himself in turn. “It’s nice to meet you, Pate.” Dorian was still in a bit of shock and wasn’t quite sure what to say or do. He said as much. “I’m quite taken aback right now, I’m sorry. I— um—”

Laudna retracted Pate a bit from Dorian’s space, giving him the opportunity to relax and acclimate properly. “I had completely forgotten you two hadn’t met, my goodness, that was a bit overenthusiastic of me Dorian, I'm sorry.” She said to Dorian, before turning her eye onto Pate. “Come Pate, we’ll reintroduce you later,” she said as she pet his head comfortingly and got up from the ground. She tossed Pate into the air, and as she said “go do something productive,” he disappeared in a poof.

“Laudna, I am sorry if I—“

Laudna cut Dorian off. “Oh, no need to apologize! It’s quite alright, honest, that’s on me. No harm no foul. He can be a bit much anyway, so its best to try again later,” she said demurely but not untruthfully. Pate could be a bit much, this is true, but he’d only seen Pate as whatever part of Laudna’s psyche that she chose to portray him as, not as he is now. He would surely be in for a real treat.

Imogen, in the midst of all of this, had wandered into the kitchen to check on dinner. She poked her head out into the lounge after just another minute and announced finally done, inviting the others into the dining room to take a seat.

Dinner was served and a warm meal was enjoyed by all four of them. Several rounds of wine were further consumed, which helped Dorian loosen up and relax enough to the point that, with the added help of a proper explanation, he was able to finally meet and have a brief conversation with Pate. They hit it off as well as one would expect, though Dorian still felt a little weird after their talk. Orym reassured him, however, that he’d get used to him. “You kind of have to, anyway,” he reminded Dorian. Dorian nodded in understanding, knowing that it would take him a minute, but that he’d continue to put in the effort. Next time he’d be better prepared.

It was also during this time that Orym finally got to hold baby Aria as he long anticipated. Imogen motioned for him to go sit in the lounge as Pate and Dorian met, while she snuck away and picked up Aria from her sleeping place. Imogen sat down next to Orym on the couch, allowing him to get comfortable for a moment, before handing her over to him. As soon as he had her all to himself, he let out a hearty laugh as the size comparison became quite evident. “She’s gonna be as big as me in about three years, I think,” she said as he smiled down on her.

“Maybe a little sooner,” Imogen replied, now thinking that she very well may be. Orym laughed.

“Hi Aria, I’m your Uncle Orym.” Orym sat there holding her for a few minutes in silence with Imogen beside him, as Aria reached out to him, still only lightly squirming just as she always had. “She’s remarkably calm,” he whispered to Imogen not wanting to jinx it. “Is this normal for her, or did I just get lucky?”

Imogen smiled and chuckled. “A little of both, honestly. She’s been really good, really calm and easy going, just a few hiccups but… no, she’s been wonderful. We’ve both been so lucky.” A tear formed in the corner of her eye, but she brushed it away while Orym wasn’t looking.

Another moment passed. “She is beautiful, Imogen,” he said to her as he looked over and up at her, taking in the comparison and similarities between her and her child, as a warm smile appeared on Imogen’s face. She closed her eyes and nodded, and leaned into his side with a playful bump as a thank-you gesture. She looked across the house and saw Laudna and Dorian still sat at in the dining room conversing with one another, Pate having been sent away at this point. Imogen nudged Orym gently this time, and motioned subtly into the dining room at Dorian. Upon catching her indication, he looked back at her, and then up at the ceiling. Imogen nodded, and opened her telepathic bond to him.

“Are you gonna do it?”

“Tonight, once we’re back at the inn.”

Imogen smiled big and now said out loud, but in a hushed tone, “I’m really happy for you. Let me know how it goes.” She smiled and slunk down in the couch slightly, allowing her to put her arm around Orym more comfortably and give him a side-hug.

“I’ll tell ya tomorrow,” he replied. He leaned back into her as Aria began to coo once more, seemingly also in approval. Both Orym and Imogen laughed at this, which caught Laudna and Dorian’s attention together. They both broke from their discussion, seemingly to be about which cheese would go great with a bottle of Whitestone’s finest wine, and returned to the lounge to rejoin Imogen and Orym for a bit more friendly conversation and an impromptu game of cards.

As the night wore on, Imogen went to put Aria to bed, which caused Dorian alarm as he suddenly remembered that he had not presented them with the gift he had brought for the baby earlier in the night as he had wanted. “I was so startled by Pate that I was completely distracted and forgot, please, forgive me” he said as he reached out to Orym, motioning for the satchel that they had brought with them. After a moment’s hesitation to recognize the request for what it was, Orym grabbed and handed off the satchel to Dorian. “I’ll wait until you’re back to unveil it,” he said as Imogen walked off to the hall and up the stairs.

It wasn’t long before Imogen returned to hear discussion of the Museum that brought the Bells Hells to the Heartmoor in the first place, and what Dorian could expect to see tomorrow when he and Orym go by. “I wonder if he’ll remember you, Orym,” Laudna was heard saying to him as Imogen re-entered the room, prompting the others to wave as she wandered to the couch.

Laudna was sat to one side of the couch at this point, and had her legs curled up next to her, her feet poking out from the bottom of her dress but tucked under a blanket for warmth. Imogen sat down immediately beside her, but not before lifting the blanket and her legs all in one and sliding underneath them, placing them back down on her lap and resting her arm across Laudna’s leg. Laudna reached up and grabbed Imogen’s hand and held it in hers. All the while, Orym and Dorian both sat across from them, already holding one another’s hands as Imogen was settling into her resting spot, as they continued their conversation. Imogen clocked Orym rubbing Dorian’s ring finger, an empty spot where a ring sure would look lovely, she thought to herself.

They finished discussing the Museum when their attention turned back to Dorian’s gift, as the satchel was still sat resting against his thigh. He moved the bag to between him and Orym, so as to not have to let go of Orym’s hand, and reached inside with the free hand. “So, as soon as Orym told me her name was Aria, that night, I had a dream and I knew just what to get her. I really hope you all like it.” He was arm-deep just as Orym had been earlier while he was looking for his own gifts, and in just a split second after that sentence left his lips, he pulled his arm out with a child-sized harp. It was painted off-white in color with prismatic glitter scattered throughout, causing light to sparkle all throughout the room.

He placed it out on the table and spun it in place slowly, now letting go of Orym’s hand so only to provide added care to his touch of this beautiful gift to their musical witchy friends. “I’ve always thought harps were beautiful instruments, and it just resonated with me as soon as I heard her name.” Imogen sat forward and grabbed the harp from the table and took it in close to admire it. The craftsmanship that went into its creation was second to none, and she and Laudna were both in awe of the consideration and work that went into it.

“Dorian, thank you so much,” they both said in equal but different measures, the full breadth of their appreciation unable to be expressed. They were very clearly touched, both of them getting a bit misty-eyed by the gesture, as Imogen passed it over to Laudna to see for herself.

“It’s nothing, I am happy to share this with you all, with her,” as he motioned with his hand up to the ceiling where he presumed she was asleep somewhere upstairs. He sat back into his spot on the couch, his hand falling back to his side only to find Orym’s waiting for it still. He took it back into his hand, as Orym crossed his other hand over his body and grasped onto Dorian’s arm comfortingly, giving him a caring look as he did so.

Laudna continued to inspect and examine the harp herself, she too in awe of its construction and creation, considering it a work of art in itself. She plucked one of the strings, then another, and another, the notes all sounding perfectly in tune as she moved along a bit discordantly. She wasn’t trained, but the sounds made were still beautiful nonetheless.

“I think she’ll love it, and honestly I always wanted to learn myself,” she admitted as she handed it back out to Imogen, who took it in hand and set it back down on the table. “Thank you so much again Dorian, this was very thoughtful.”

Imogen repeated her thanks, and raised her glass of wine to them both. “Thank you both, you’re wonderful friends and we’re very glad to have you in ours and her life. Cheers,” she said, as she paused for the others to grab and raise their glasses. In unison, the others proclaimed “cheers!” And took a swig of their respective drinks.

As the evening wound down and midnight approach, and with plans made for to grab breakfast in the morning in between some of what the boys had otherwise planned while going about their day being tourists in town, the girls offered to send Pate with them on their journey back to their inn. “It’s not that it’s dangerous — it’s really not, we promise — we just didn’t want you to get lost,” Laudna offered them, but Orym reassured them that they knew where they were going, adding that he didn’t mind if they got lost. He gave Laudna a wink, but she didn’t seem to pick up on it.

The time had came for them to leave, and the boys began to gather with their things in the entryway by the base of the staircase. Double checking that they were not forgetting anything, they all hugged and cheek-kissed across the respective couples as the boys hitched up their jackets and left the Temult estate.

As they reached the bottom of the two steps from their door, Dorian reached out and grabbed Orym’s hand. Imogen nudged Laudna’s elbow as it happened, both of them bouncing against one another playfully as they watched the two men walk down the short path to the gate, and out into the cool night air of the streets of the Heartmoor. Laudna and Imogen watched from their door as the silhouettes of their friends walked down the block, offering one last unseen wave as they disappeared from eyeshot around the corner.

Imogen turned out the front porch lantern before closing and locking the door tight, as Laudna headed upstairs ahead of her, going toward the nursery where Aria lay. She poked her head in and seeing that she was still asleep, Laudna waved her fingers in the air and snapped quietly, summoning Pate into place, and quickly grabbing him as he appeared.

“‘El—“ was all he was able to utter out loud before Laudna’s hands snapped around his mouth, muffling him and rendering him silent.

“Sssssh, you can’t do that,” Laudna said in a hushed, stern whisper. “We’ve been over this, you’re to just appear; the baby is sleeping.” Laudna turned her hands around so Pate could now see that Aria was indeed asleep in the crib.

Pate nodded in understanding. Laudna released her grip on his mouth and let him speak. “I‘m sorry,” he pushed out in as hushed of a whisper as his voice would otherwise allow.

“Just watch over her, come get me if she wakes; Imogen and I are going out to the garden for a while,” Laudna said to her little rat-raven as she tossed him lightly back into the air, in the direction of where Aria was resting. He floated with his ribcage wings across the room and perched himself on the corner post of the crib that was nearest the window and settled in comfortably, keeping a close watch. His head turned as he looked over at Laudna, the blank eye sockets with only that light purple flame burning in them blinking in and out as he gave her a nod, “I got her, ma’am,” he said in the same hushed tone, still so loud anyway.

Laudna sighed and waved at Pate a reluctant thank you, hoping against hope that he didn’t just wake Aria. She closed the door, and turned to find Imogen emerging from their bedroom having changed into a long flowing dusty pink night top with thick shoulder straps and a hem that fell down to just above her ankles. She waved Imogen over as Imogen was already walking down the hall towards her, as she lingered by the door for a moment.

Pate’s noise did not seem to stir Aria, as they did not hear any immediate signs of crying while they stood outside Aria’s room. Laudna sighed of relief as Imogen rubbed her on the back and asked what that was about, having heard Pate herself from their bedroom. After Laudna explained what happened, Imogen too let a similar sigh out. “We really gotta talk to him tomorrow,” she said as she made for the staircase.

Laudna whisper-shouted after her as Imogen began to descend the staircase, “I’ll be down in a moment.” Imogen proceeded down the rest of the stairs as Laudna quickly but stealthily made her way down the hall and to their bedroom to change into more comfortable clothing herself.

Meanwhile, Imogen had made it downstairs and headed to the washroom for a moment. She stepped in and splashed another handful of water onto her face. She was feeling so warm and fuzzy from all the wine, not quite drunk but just buzzing, and was excited about the developments between Dorian and Orym that she was trying so hard to keep inside as a surprise for Laudna for tomorrow, but she wasn’t sure she would be able to keep it to herself all night.

By the same token, she was swimming in the ecstasy that was her little family, and all their friends who had now met their child - their collective niece, them her collective aunts and uncles. Imogen couldn’t contain her happiness over the lives that they had cultivated with one another, much like the garden that they had grown in the backyard. The garden, Imogen thought.That’s when Imogen’s attention returned to the envelope from the DeRolo’s.

She splashed another offering of water up against her face, the coolness feeling so refreshing against the warmth that her emotions and the wine were presenting her. Imogen felt great. She dried her face after a moment and then exited the washroom. Navigating back through the kitchen and dining room, Imogen headed into the lounge where the gifts still remain spread out on the table. She shuffled through the various envelopes and letters that were still strewn about the table until she found the seeds, and grabbed them.

Clutching the packet of seeds in one hand, she then reached for the envelope that the jewelry originally had been in. She started to collect all of the pieces gifted to them by Vex’ahlia and collected them up into her palm, all except for one. Imogen left the Ruby ring, the one that looked very similar to the one she presented to Laudna as a symbol of their love, out on the table as she slid everything else back the envelope whence they came.

Placing the envelope back down onto the table, she then turned her attention to the ring. Imogen picked it up and looked it over again up close, admiring the snakes that twirled around one another, coming to a head at the face where they both, mouths open, held the ruby together. Imogen took the ring between her quite nimble and dexterous fingers, toying with it for a moment, and slid it onto her ring finger beside the wedding band Laudna had given her during their marriage ceremony.

Imogen was about to stand and turn when she paused for another second. Instead of proceeding back to the kitchen, she lingered there for a minute, her gaze transfixed on the two letters that accompanied the seeds that she held so firmly in her hand: First, at the letter to her daughter that was signed only by Vex’ahlia, and then to the letter from Vex and Percy, as well as Pike and Keyleth. She eyed the official-looking letter with a weird feeling in the back of her mind, but in this late hour and amidst the buzz of the wine, she was unable to determine what the bug of it all was. She let it go, leaving the letters all where they lie for the morning when she’d clean them up. Mission accomplished, seeds still tucked away in her hand, she walked back through the lounge and dining room to the kitchen.

In the time it took for Imogen to do that, Laudna hastily changed into her own nightgown and emerged out of her bedroom within a matter of minutes. Now wearing a long black slinky gown with elbow-length sleeves, and a patterned boa neckline and hem that barely cleared the floor when she stood up tall, she scurried down the hallway and quickly checked in on Aria once more, only to find she was still sound asleep with Pate perched on the same post as he left her. She smiled and closed the door gently and headed towards the stairs, descending them with grace as she called out to her love. “Oh, Imogen~,” her voice echoed out softly through the hallway as she reached the bottom step and turned around the banister to the landing. Calling out for Imogen once more by name, Laudna skipped down the hallway to the kitchen where she found her having just arrived there not a second prior.

As Laudna entered the room, a look of intrigue still lingered on Imogen’s face from the letter, but she shook it off quickly. Not quickly enough, as Laudna asked “are you alright, darling?”

Imogen gave a quick head shake to play it off and looked up at Laudna with an elated smile. “Oh, I’m just fine, Laud’,” she said with an elongated drawl on her most of words for emphasis as she took a step toward her and slung her arms around her. She may not have been drunk, no, but Imogen was still feeling better than she normally felt when she chose to drink.

She got up on her tiptoes and gave her a kiss. “C’mon, let’s go,” she said as she just as quickly fell back down to her heels and, after grabbing another bottle of wine (and only a bottle of wine) from the counter, headed back out into the garden.

Laudna was about to follow her when she paused and doubled back to the counters and grabbed two more wine-glasses. Much to her chagrin, upon opening the cabinet door where they were stored however, she noticed that the remaining glasses had been placed rim-side down. “Hmm,” Laudna thought to herself bemusedly. She looked and didn’t see any others whose rims weren’t currently on the shelves, and sighed. “I supposed they’ll have to do,” she said with a knowing chuckle as she closed the cabinet door and hustled to catch up with her loving, beautiful, "can-do-no-wrong except this one little thing” wife.

They walked barefoot through grassy maze that surrounded their soil beds, all neatly arranged and housing all of the various plants and crops that they’d been cultivating for several months. They wound through the garden to the top of the hill that separated their homestead from the woods and steadily, carefully quarter-stepped down the hill to a small fire pit that was at the base, just at the forest line.

They collected kindling and branches to start a fire as they trekked down the hill. Upon arrival, they arranged all they had gathered in a manner that would be most efficient for an open fire, and began to bring it to life. While Laudna worked the flint and created the spark, eventually leading into her stoking the flames and getting the fire really burning, Imogen began to rearrange the space surrounding the fire. She pulled a log that they had typically sat on and moved it about a foot back and away from the fire, and instead sat down in front of it, leaning up against it’s bark-hewn exterior.

Laudna got the fire to a place where she was satisfied with its existence and condition, and allowed herself to step back and admire it for a moment. Imogen had just finished pouring them both a fresh glass of wine as Laudna took in her creation, and reached a glass out to her as she walked around examining it from all sides. Laudna took the glass as she passed and continued her inspection, taking a sip as she tossed one final branch underneath the biggest log on the far side opposite of where Imogen sat.

Imogen patted the spot next to her, inviting Laudna to come and sit as she closed in on completing another lap around. “The fire is good enough, darlin’,” she said as Laudna made her approach. Satisfied that her wife was satisfied, Laudna nodded and joined her wife along the old tree trunk. She squat down and planted her butt firmly on the ground, extending her legs and crossing them at her ankles, right over left.

Laudna made herself comfortable, putting her left arm out and over Imogen and pulling her into an embrace at her side. Imogen handed her a glass of wine and then scooted over a few inches to close the gap to her beloved. She crossed her legs at her ankles, left over right, and nudged them into Laudna’s as they rest immediately alongside hers just in front of the warm fire.

To this, Laudna giggled as she responded by tilting her head to the left and giving Imogen a loving, gentle bump much like cats are often wont to do. Imogen breathed hard out of her nose in a sign of amusement. She raised her wine glass to within view of them both and waited for Laudna to bring hers up, before clinking them together. “To our darling Aria,” she said. Laudna smiled and blinked away a heartfelt tear, and each of them took a sip.

They sat there in the quiet stillness that the Heartmoor presented at night. Where once they both would have felt frightened, anxiety, nerves, now they could finally enjoy the peace and quiet of the night around a campfire in the privacy and tranquility of their own home. Their home. With their daughter.

After a short while, the fire still burning bright, Imogen looked up at the house from where they sat. Laudna had her gaze fixed on the fire as Imogen broke the silence with a question, that nagging feeling from the letter finally catching up to her.

“Laud,” she said softly at first, waiting to hear if Laudna would respond before continuing.

Hearing a gentle “hmm” from Laudna, she proceeded. She took Laudna’s left hand into her left hand from overtop, each of their left ring fingers now wearing matching Ruby rings.

“Do you think they were for real? The DeRolos?”

Laudna’s gaze was broken upon hearing the name again this evening. She blinked twice and snapped back into a more grounded state, processing the question once more. “Why do you ask, darling? What does your intuition say?”

Imogen looked down between them where she had tucked the seeds away initially, and grabbed them in her right hand. She pulled them up and placed them on her lap so she and Laudna could both see the packet. She wasn’t having trouble articulating her thoughts, she just wanted to be wrong about them, but she shared it anyway. “I just have a feeling that this wasn’t as sincere as we think. I don’t know. I just don’t trust Percy, not as much as I trust Vex at least.”

Laudna reached out and took the packet into her hand, and examined it closely. She held it up to the light of the fire and counted the seeds that could be seen through the silhouettes created, and saw at least a dozen. Maybe a few more.

“I trust you, darling. If you don’t think we should plant them, we don’t have to.”

“What do you want, Laud?” Imogen asked with a high level of compassion in her voice. She turned to look up at her Lady of Whitestone, who returned her loving gazing for a moment, just looking into one another’s eyes with a passion that burned far brighter than the fire just a few feet away.

Laudna took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second, before opening them back up to Imogen. She crumpled up the packet of seeds and tossed them behind her shoulder. For a moment, Imogen was afraid that they were being tossed in the direction of the fire, her heart skipping a beat, but was relieved when she saw them fly the opposite direction, away from the flames. Imogen wouldn't have questioned it even if Laudna had thrown them in and set them ablaze, but she was glad that she didn’t completely close that door.

“Whitestone isn’t home for me, it hasn’t been for a very long time. I’ve learned that home is what you make of it,” Laudna said as she took Imogen’s right hand into hers, both their hands now intertwined together in this moment. “Home is who you make of it,” she corrected herself, “and you and Aria are my home now.”

Imogen looked up at Laudna and leaned her head in her direction, prompting Laudna to lean forward to meet her lips for a kiss. They lingered in the kiss for a moment, smacking lips once, twice, three times before parting.

“I’m glad Whitestone is in better hands now, but I don’t need to go back there. I don’t want to go back there, at least not right now. Maybe someday.” She squeezed Imogen’s hands, both of them, and added “but I’m happy with our life here.”

“I am too,” Imogen said as she leaned in and kissed Laudna, embracing her cool purple lips onto hers, allowing the electricity to jolt through her just like they were kissing for the first time, for the 9000th time. They each let go of their hold on one another to pick up their glasses of wine. With a clink, they both took another sip as they continued to enjoy the warmth and light of the fire for a little while.

After almost two hours by the fire, and with the fire at its lowest but not out completely, the girls poured a bucket of water over the remnants that lingered, extinguishing it completely. The smoke dissipated quickly with the light breeze that blew through here at the foot of the forest, but they lingered for just a couple of minutes more to ensure that nothing was going to spark a new fire.

“Wouldn’t want to upset Smokey,” Laudna said with a chuckle.

“Who,” Imogen asked as the two each began to help one another to their feet, stumbling and struggling in their efforts.

“Smokey the Bear? You didn’t have him growing up?” Laudna looked at Imogen like she had just grown a second head.

Imogen, for her part, returned the look. “No?”

Laudna laughed and took her pride and joy by the hand as they walked back up the hill. “So, we had this bear called Smokey the Bear — he was really just this Druid named Smo’quay — who would come into town and give the children little PSAs about preventing forest fires, it was a big deal back home in my youth.”

Imogen was so puzzled to hear about this, but let Laudna continue on her explanation as they worked their way to the crest of the hill and back through the garden patches. Imogen couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but still believed every word that Laudna was telling her, validating her by promising her that she would be vigilant about campfires more often moving forward.

Laudna smiled at her loving, adoring wife and kissed her on the cheek as they walked inside the house. Laudna closed and locked the back door behind her and turned out the light in the kitchen as she followed Imogen’s footsteps down the hall. She tiptoed hastily down the hall and rejoined Imogen as she ascended the staircase. Laudna peered around the corner to make sure the fire in the hearth was fully extinguished and all the other lanterns were turned down, and satisfied that they were, made her own way up the steps as well.

She finally rejoined Imogen for good as she was peering into Aria’s room to check on her one last time. Still sound asleep, she took a few creeping steps in and saw Pate asleep just next to her in the crib. Imogen wasn’t sure if she should feel creeped out or comforted by this, but chose to find it endearing that Pate was taking to her so well; she just hoped that Aria would like Pate just as much, and wouldn’t be scared of her. While everything so far seemed to point to things going okay, she never could quite tell with Pate.

Imogen kissed her fingertips and placed them to Aria’s head as she slept, and then silently tiptoed back out of the room. She closed the door behind her, leaving it cracked just the slightest bit, as they jointly walked down the hall to their bedroom.

It was nearly 2 o’clock in the morning as the girls slipped into their own bed and turned the lights out on their evening. The two witches snuggled into their blankets and into each other as they wished one another goodnight, Imogen laying in Laudna’s arms like always. While Laudna fell asleep relatively quickly, Imogen laid away for a few minutes enjoying the embrace, and specifically the odd warmth that Laudna’s body didn’t bring, as she laid so closely beside her. Imogen squeezed the hand of Laudna’s that rested just over her boob as they lay there, and closed her eyes, wondering if it had happened yet.

In her last moments of waking consciousness of the evening, Imogen let her mind open once more. The sounds of Laudna and Aria’s thoughts both slowly permeated into her head. The softest, calmest, quietest melody played as her girls slept peacefully in their little home, and she smiled to herself as she listened to the music for a moment, her heart full and nearly bursting. As Imogen drifted off to sleep, the last thing she felt as she listened to her girls mentally was Laudna pulling her closer in her sleep, and nuzzling Imogen’s neck as she lay behind her.

With that, the girls — along with Pate — all slept quietly through the night, a beautiful evening having come to a close.

—

About a mile across town on the second floor of the Sodden Grange Inn in a little corner room, two men fell asleep holding onto one another comfortingly, with one man sporting a ring on a finger that had previously been absent any adornment or decoration.

A smile was permanently etched onto Orym’s face as he fell asleep in Dorian’s arms, but not before opening his eye one last time to see the ring resting there on Dorian’s finger as his hand lie there on Orym’s side, embracing him as he slept. Orym pat his free hand on top of Dorian’s, whispering “good night honey,” as he closed his eyes.

Orym felt one last feint squeeze of Dorian’s hand on his side, and a whisper in his ear from behind, “I love you.”

—

Somewhere else further away, halfway around the world in a castle on top of a hill in Whitestone to be precise, in a private office connected to a hidden hallway underneath the Castle, a grown man with a head of white hair sat at his desk seeming to be working with one of his creations.

Percy was here in his private chambers working on one of his long-cared-after creations, looking out through the private window hole in his underground bunker as he did so. He had the device in one hand and a rag in the other as he was in the middle of polishing the long barreled weapon, a firearm upon closer glance. As he continued to rub the cloth on one end of the device, he paused when he noticed a glowing green light begin to emanate from a smooth, thin stone sitting off to one side of the desk in a pulsating pattern.

Setting the device down on top of the long narrow box that he had originally been keeping the item in, Percy picked up the stone and sat back in his chair. After he adjusted his glasses as they rest on the bridge of his nose having been slightly askew, he peered out the squat rectangular window that his desk was situated in front of, the only window here in this small underground office. This is where he always sat and worked on his so-called “classified” projects. He gazed out into the mid-morning sky and just stared for a moment. A few birds were flying overhead and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. It was a perfect day.

He held the stone up to his ear, and heard the words “thank you” come through in a vaguely familiar woman’s voice. He grinned. The glow it had presented changed as he held it in his hand, turning from the greenish tint it featured originally now to a bright blue color. The pulsating pattern continued in this color as Percy held the stone in his hand, but did not say anything.

He continued to sit there and look back up to the sky once more, just observing. Watching. After a beat, Percy sat back up and hunched over the desk once more, placing the stone back down where it first was a moment ago. The blue glow diminished entirely as it came to rest there on the desk.

He picked the device back up from where it laid on top of the closed box, revealing a label on it that read “Bad News.” He looked the device over from atop his wire-frame spectacles, adjusting them on the bridge of his nose once more as he continued his inspection. He turned it over in his hands and took the polishing cloth to the end of the elongated barrel, satisfied that an an itch in the back of his mind was now scratched for the time being.

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