#I think I just really wanted to make a purple griffon because that makes my inner child happy

[therantingsage]

Working through the handful of ocs in my next gen, too, might as well.

Gayle, the sole Griffon in Ponyville's weather team! He's Sky Pulse's boyfriend, very affectionate and protective of her.

The gem is plastic. This is important information.

[merklins]

BEHOLD! THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS!

Various hlvrv characters as ponys (: A full list does indeed exist, BUT! These are the silly guys I've drawn for you today. Under the cut, as I! Have now gone into WAY more detail than I thought I would haha.

Player- A Pegasus, inspired by the European Turtle Dove and Komorner Tumbler Pigeon! (He is not pictured here BUT. I also have a Saxon Fairy Swallow assignment set aside for Power Trip) I'd probably give him more armor in the future for the HEV suit, BUT! Little leg guards is what he's got for now. And also a little band on one leg like you see on pigeons for tracking and scientific purposes. Because SCIENCE and BLACK MESA! And honestly I thought it'd just look cool for him to have the little lambda band on his leg after all's over with and he isn't carrying around an entire HEV suit anymore. The other front leg is where he would put anything else, like friendship bracelets or "hey hold onto this for a minute" or what have you.

Doc- A Pegasus, BUT BETTER! After an accident in the Green Department of the rainbow factory, he now glows... GREEN! Surprising! And also she has various bat pony traits Which she now uses her epic and cool inventions to help with. Like the robot arms! He's inspired by a Rufous hummingbird, mostly. Actual flight is finicky because of the hummingbird and bat pony wing combination, BUT! They can indeed hover and zip a little! As they deserve. (This drawing was done before I picked hummingbird specifcially, but now she's got much tinier wings like a hummingbird, that are feathery at the base but extend out into more bat-like wings!)

Loverboy- As Gordon B he would be an Earth Pony, BUT! There's this wonderful wonderful Generation 3 episode where- [I am sent to the abyss for referencing this single episode for the third time on blog] WHERE THE EARTH PONYS GET HUGE MAGIC GIANT BUTTERFLY WINGS THAT LOOK SO AWESOME AND COOL. Loverboy is that (:

(THE EPISODE IS CALLED TWO FOR THE SKY)

Sleepless- A Griffon! Violet-Backed Starling is the main inspiration, but I DID take a little bit from the White-Breasted Ground Dove as well. The other half that isn't a bird I used a Clouded Leopard because. cloud... fog... the purple stuff... it was a REACH, but it looks cool so I win either way. I didn't draw it in this one, but I imagine his regular sleeping mask is a little more like a cowl you'd see in Falconing. One of the masks that slide on and cover the entire upper face. Also I know Griffons are basically pony sized, but also I write the canon here and Sleepless gets to be taller than ponies by a large margin. Just for fun, a little treat for me.

Valentine- A Unicorn! But as opposed to other unicorns I have slotted in the hlvrv roster, they take a lot of inspiration from that classic unicorn look. You know the one, probably. A lot of MLP redesigns change the unicorns to look like it and its SO cool. But Spork and Valentine are the only ones I really did that with this time around, other then a couple guys who got the little unicorn beard. You also probably know the one. I think I stole their cutie mark from somewhere by mistake, so apologies for that, BUT!! In other news, Valentine and the Love Letters all very VERY specifically have the little heart-shaped hoof thing going on. For the Aesthetic, y'know?

CLOWN NEO FUNNY GUY CLOWN NEO!! Neo himself is an Earth Pony, BUT! In Nightmare Circus? He has all that cool dressage that carousel horses and circus ponies wear SUCH AS! One of those cool decorative head pieces that are meant to make them look like a unicorn. EXCEPT. Because this is a dream and you can do whatever you want, It ACTUALLY works as a functional magic horn and he can pull all KINDS of magic tricks and shenanigans with it!

AAAAAND PING FOR FRIEND WHO RAMBLED WITH ME FOR HOURS ON THE MATTER TO HELP ME ASSIGN THEM ALL! YES, ALL OF THEM! @bbeeohazardd

[humanradiojmp]

I now have the rest of cast done (well, all but Draxum; have to figure that out..)

First we have the design for April O’Neil. Initially, like in the first picture, I just took the existing design in the show and made her a (Earth) pony, but it didn’t seem quite… right. not that there was anything wrong with it, but I wanted to make it seem like she’s an actual character from the MLP world and more distinguishable from the ROTTMNT show. So I decided to lean more into the hazel color scheme (since I knew her pony name would be “Hazel something”) and went with the results of the second picture. Named Hazel Prose. Has green and brown colors for her palette and has an open journal being written in as her cutie mark. Similarities between human and pony are her two curly pigtails, her glasses and jacket. 

Next is Hamato Yoshi/Lou Jitsu and Splinter designs. Instantly, I knew I wanted the human design to be translated into an earth pony, since when he was a movie star, he did more hand to hand combat, and that could be kicks and such as a horse. For the most part, the pony design is just a copy-paste of his human form, with a slight change to some of the colors as well as making his coat similar to Sunburst from MLP (I wanted to use that kind of coat design for a while, and now I got the chance). With his mutated form, I actually decided he should be a wingless “hippogriff”. Before hippogriffs were officially introduced into the franchise, there was one MLP analysis YouTuber that had his OC as his interpretation of a hippogriff. I decided to take inspiration from that and used it for pony Splinter, named Akabane (which if the name origin site is accurate, means “red feather” in Japanese). I imagined that in the MLP version, while Lou Jitsu, called “Flawless Star”, was taking the newly mutated baby creatures with him, one of the DNA canisters “Draxum” had broken open and fell on him, spilling griffon DNA on him. It only covered half and, since he wasn’t a Pegasus to begin with, didn’t get any wings, just the front half of a griffon.

Finally, my personal favorite, Foot Recruit, AKA Cassandra “Casey” Jones. For now, I’m keeping her pony name unknown, but know that like Hazel, she is named after her coloring. Because of that, I wanted there to be some purples and greys to her design and futz around with a few color palettes until I got something I liked. Mostly, I tried to make sure it matched alright with her uniform colors. Mane was a little hard to figure out. I didn’t want her to have the buzz cut because I didn’t think that look good on a pony, so I tried to go for a really short mane style. A few attempts later, I got what’s featured here, with a few other angles so I know how it lays on her head. made her a Pegasus because it seems right (Casey’s also pretty light on her feet, so making her a Pegasus just seemed like the right choice). And because she is part of the Foot Clan in ROTTMNT but she’s a pony, she’s part of the Hoof Clan, with the clan’s symbol featured in the picture. I did think briefly about doing something extra and edgy but honestly the design is meant to be unassuming. Because who would think that something as simple as a horseshoe would be related to something evil and bent on world domination. And of course it’s upside down.

[glapplebloom]

Time for the fighting to commence.

Shadow Lock looked at the crowd after that speech. They were dressed as villains and as things he does not recognize, but despite that they were doing as told. Ponies who were caught in the debris were being rescued, others were being defended from collateral damage. As for the group leading that onslaught, he saw that Stygian was among them. He saw this and figured it would be best to take it outside. So he shall wait out there and see if Stygian even makes it out.

Back with the group, Big Spike and Ocellus were taking care of the sides. With the bigger Spike’s girth as well as Ocellus’ experience pretending to be Rainbow Dash that one time, they were making sure nobody got to Stygian from the sides. Mina, dressed as Princess Luna, used her new magic to protect the rear. She’s tempted to move the moon, but didn’t want to cause Luna any trouble with them thinking she’s the one behind it. 

Sadly for the group, Gabby was the most powerful among the group and she has no clue how to use those powers. Little Spike is trying to coach her but it is tricky since the Griffon doesn’t have any knowledge of magic or Power Ponies. Smolder is mad because she’s basically useless being a Pink Dragon, especially when her thoughts turn towards a purple dragon. That left Stygian and Juliet taking the lead. Stygian is doing most of the lifting until confronted by someone dressed as Starswirl.

Stygian tried his best, but Starswirl was always more powerful than him. That’s when Juliet stepped up. “Hey Jack, do you mind if I take off my shirt?” “Jack? My name is...” the Starswirl cosplayer was saying as the Echidna  was taking off her jacket. When she proceeded to lift her shirt, a fist came out of it punching the Cosplayer in the face. It was Senator Armstrong, Stygian was confused. “What was that?”. Juliet turned to him and said “that is what we call a meme. One I kinda always wanted to do.” 

Stygian looks on as the Starswirl Cosplayer tries to fight Senator Armstrong but fails. “Shouldn’t we stop...” Juliet interrupts, “Making the mother of all omelets here, Stygian. Can't fret over every egg.” “What does that even mean?!?” “It means I’m out of ammo. So we better hope there aren't any more roadblocks heading towards us.” They finally made it out of the Panel Room when they came across their first Roadblock: Princess Celestia. And unlike the others, she was not a cosplayer.

“I had to open my big mouth!” Juliet said. Stygian looked on and theorized “I’m guessing the magic that gave those in costumes the attributes of their characters also created them from the fictional works.” Mina stepped up. “I got this.” Mina got in front of the rest and struck a pose. “Dear Sister, I am Princess Luna! You trapped me in the moon for a thousand years and since then I have returned! Now I shall have my rightful revenge!”

Most of the others look confused. Ocellus was the first to ask, “But didn’t Princess Luna...” Little Spike stopped her. “Don’t really think too hard about it. It’s just fanfiction.” Celestia and Mina begin a magical beam struggle. Mina looked to the others and said “go on without me! If you can stop that pony before I get sent to the moon it’ll be all worth it.” The others nodded in agreement and headed towards Shadow Lock’s location.

-----------------------------

We’re almost ending this storyline. Probably one more week.

[where-is-caithe]

30 Days of GW2 Challenge: Day 5

A List of All Your Characters

I’m not actually going to list ALL of my characters, I have at least 5 more Rhowans, 2 more Eons, and another Yden that I didn’t want to add, BUT this is most of them. I’m gonna put a little tidbit for each of them (in order) under the Read More. It gets long.

Rhowan Sóldottir - Love Of My Life, my main and almost always the character you’ll see me playing. She’s my commander and also One True Love, she occupies my every thought and any lore I think of is for her or for people in her circle.

Femme Goth - This is just Yden, she’s my only character that doesn’t have a real name in-game and I! Kind of want to change that! If you see me on anyone else, it’s probably her (recently I’ve been levelling some other characters but for the most part. It’s only ever Rhowan or Yden) She is Aurene’s Champion and has grown so much as a character, both in the story and as an oc. I love her so much.

Fletch - Fletch is a new character I haven’t really introduced yet, she’s good friends with Rhowan and is involved(?) in the story a little, mostly as the woman who fixes up Rhowan’s armor when she breaks it. She knows a little healing magic as well and can heal minor injuries. I made her because I wanted a punk butch middle-aged woman.

Mina Qadir - Borne out of a need for Yden to have friends, Mina has been friends with Yden since they were kids and Yden spent a good amount of time with her and with her parents. Mina has become a pretty neat character and will eventually use some of the more feminine medium armor skins I never use. She’s an accomplished thief and spends a lot of her time stealing from rich nobles through the art of sleight-of-hand and charm. She meets up with Haven (more on her later) in the desert and they’re the ones that do the griffon quests. She ends up in Drizzlewood somehow(?). Possibly joined the pact after Joko.

Dhizzi - still my most-played character (tho if you add up all the hours on all my Rhowans she is well above 2,000 at this point so, who is the real winner) she grew up in Soren Draa with her twin sister until she dropped out of college (couldn’t keep up, I’m def projecting my adhd onto this one) and went on to explore Tyria. Ended up being the climbing guide for Priory explorers doing research in the mountains, until they came across this demon book that bound itself to her soul and corrupted her. She ended up killing the team she was guiding and fleeing into the wilds. When she came to, her arm was gone and there was glowing purple writing on her skin. She could summon a hand out of dark purple smoke and where before she was a mediocre mesmer who could barely summon a portal, she was now extremely strong. She took her new talents to mercenary work. Eventually, the Order of Whispers found out about her and her strange powers and they strong armed her into the order (read: her sister put her in a choke hold and dragged her into it).

Khoffi - Dhizzi’s twin sister who also dropped out of college right after Dhizzi booked it out of Soren Draa, and joined up with the first Order of Whispers rep she found. They taught her how to be a thief, how to spy, how to go unnoticed. It suited her well. She was bitter about Dhizzi leaving and for years she wanted nothing more than to forget about her. She got word that the team Dhizzi was leading were viciously killed in the mountains and there was no sign of her sister, she was presumed dead with them. Khoffi mourned with her mother and kept working. When the Order found Dhizzi as a mercenary with dark mesmer magic, Khoffi was so angry she nearly killed Dhizzi herself, but resigned herself to dragging her into the Order to keep an eye on her.

Valkyrie Helspyre - I made her because I thought of an axe like what people call guitars sometimes and I HAD to make a heavy metal mesmer as soon as possible. Val is a rockstar, she played in Rhowan’s band when she was a gladiator in LA and took over when Rhowan left. She’s an accomplished mesmer and can throw a pretty good punch. Her only desire is to be a legendary rockstar. However, since she’s a good researcher and is pretty good in a fight, she joined up with the Priory during the Zhaitan campaign and has been travelling with the Pact since. She still works with Rhowan a lot, and she still holds concerts, but for the moment she’s more concerned with the threat the dragons pose.

Haven Crowe - Haven is still relatively young, in her early 20s during Path of Fire, and a devout follower of Raven. She’s an accomplished necromancer and has an affinity for snakes. She heard about the legendary commander when she still lived in Hoelbrak and joined the Vigil because of her, hoping to carve out her own legend. She ended up in the desert as part of a Priory protection detail, studying the brand as well as Palawa Joko. She ran into Mina there and somehow ended up tagging along with her griffon adventures. Whatever. Landed her a pretty sweet griffon. After the desert, she was sent to Bjora Marches, to the keep. She dodged the massacre by being on patrol and returning after the Commander had already swept through.

Charleigh - Charleigh is a rehash of an oc I made in high school. I’m recycling. She fits pretty perfectly as a sylvari revenant so here she is. She awoke the moment that Glint died, and if she had a purpose before then, she doesn’t remember it now. She only remembers the white stag from her dream, and the voice of a dragon. Glint’s voice was in her head from the start. She learned to fight using her strength and power, and her Wyld Hunt became fighting the dragons. Caithe took her under her wing and Charleigh trained with her for a few years before setting out on her own (ends up being the one to go through the dungeon stories in canon). She encountered the Stag, where she also met Nikki, another sylvari looking for the stag. They worked together to capture him, but when the moment came to take him back to the Grove, Nikki betrayed her and took the stag to the Court. After a fight, Nikki releases the stag back to her in a change of heart, and flees. Once he’s safe in the Grove, Charleigh joins up with the Vigil, following Glint’s instructions, and rises through the ranks becoming a prominent Warmaster. She rises through the Pact as well, and is one of the bigger leaders people look up to. When the Crystal Bloom is formed, she resigns from the Pact to join with them, following Caithe.

Anikita - Nikki is another oc from high school I’m recycling, since I can’t have Charleigh without Nikki. Nikki woke about 5 years before Charleigh and took to exploring immediately. The Nightmare Court caught her easily, and taught her how to fight and how to betray. She remembered the White Stag from her dream, and she knew Charleigh when she found her. It was why she let the stag go in the end. After the fight with Charleigh, Nikki fled the Court and learned to cut herself off from the Dream. She became Soundless and meditates regularly to keep herself that way, lest she fall prey to the Court again. When Mordremoth woke in Maguuma, she heard the call and it angered her. She joined with the Pale Reavers and became a sniper. She ran into Charleigh again in the jungle. Charleigh was faltering. Nikki saved her, kept her grounded. The two have been inseparable since. Maybe someday they’ll even date.

Eon Shearfang - Eon’s just a. Just a space cat and there’s not much else. Technically my fursona that I created in gw2. I like them and play them sometimes but I’m not nearly as attached to them as I am Rhowan or Yden so. They’re mostly unused. They’re my levelled jeweler tho so it’s not like I’m gonna get rid of them ever.

Ziassi Ghussi - Ziassi is my oldest character that I just hold onto for the birthday gift. Her lore is that she’s 45 and lives in VB and trades to the Itzel and that’s it.

Gorik Smokepyre - What’s really funny about Gorik is that the biggest reason I stopped playing him is that there’s a fucking npc named Gorrik and I hated that. Anyways. I played him forever, he was my main for so long. He got me nearly ALL of my mastery points and I made my first legendary with him (Chuka and Champawat) so I’m attached but I will probably never play him again.

Eifeld + Deihman - I can’t really play as these two or involve them in the current storyline because Eifeld is so ingrained in being the commander and I dont like having more than 1 so she’s in limbo forever. Deihman is too because her Wyld Hunt is to protect Eifeld and her story is intrinsically connected. Eifeld is also a rip-off of Charleigh so it feels awkward anyways. The only thing is that Eifeld was my first thief so I love her and will hold onto her forever.

[talpup]

Lost Song:11

Summary: The war between the Dragons and Griffons ended 233 years ago, and both races right along with it.

Or so it was believed. There are three individuals that will soon change that.

Kai is the last of the Dragons and he seeks to take what he sees as his rightful place and rule over all of Oblvi. Meanwhile, Shouta, the last Sphinx, wants nothing more than to do his job; keep the peace and and teach the young Fourth’s to hopefully avoid the mistakes of their ancestors. And Teris, a Foundling who is just trying to understand and survive in this strange new world that is supposedly her own.

All three have their own wants and desires, but Kai’s plans, Teris’ existence, and Shouta's past mean that none of them may get what they want.

This fic is rated explicit and has warnings of sex, violence, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Earlier this week someone asked a great question about Nemuri and His Purple Highness' home trees.  If you wanna see that question and answer go on over to my tumblrs homepage.

11.1

The next morning Teris entered the great room and plopped next to Hizashi on the sofa.  Keenly aware of Shouta's presence, she avoided looking in the Sphinx's direction least their eyes meet.

Though the two had talked after His Purple Highness had left.  They hadn’t talked about the Dryad King calling her halted words a confession of love.  With luck Shouta had forgotten about it.

Teris bristled.  The peach fuzz along her face turning into tiny downy quills at the memory of Shouta smelling of sex and Nemuri.  Her fingers caressed over the bracelet he had given her.  Catching herself she pulled her hand away and focused on Hizashi.

“How was your date?”

“Hmm?” Hizashi hummed, distracted by how Shouta and Teris refused to so much as look at each other this morning.  Had they had another argument?  What was he thinking? Of course they had another argument.  Arguing was how they distracted the other from how they really felt.

It must be tiring, Hizashi thought.  Lying to yourself about your true feelings.  It was certainly tiring for him and he only had to live with the secondary effects.  He should've stayed home.  Teris had been upset last night. Distressed about something.  And Shouta had apparently left her in rush without hearing a word she said.  That didn’t sound like Shouta.  Gruff as the Sphinx was, Hizashi couldn’t see Shouta ignoring and leaving like that.  Not when Teris had clearly been worried about something.

Then again he had left.  Hizashi's lips twitched in shame.  He had known Teris had minimized her distress so he would go on his date.  He could’ve canceled and stayed with her.  Maybe then Shouta and Teris wouldn’t be pretending a whole section of the room didn’t exist simply to avoid looking at each other. He could've asked Oboro if they could’ve saved the Venti’s plans for another time, and hung out in Hizashi's Ilca dorm with Teris.  Shouta and Oboro were friend's.  With Oboro there maybe Shouta and Teris wouldn’t have argued at all.

“Your date.  How was it?”  Teris asked.

“Oh! It was amazing!”  Hizashi instantly brightened.  His guilt about leaving Teris, and whatever argument she and Shouta may have had falling away.

Shouta tuned out the Banshee-High Elf’s loud, excited chatter.  He had other things to focus on.

“You! You’re what’s wrong.“ Teris’ words from last night replayed in Shouta’s mind.  “You with your face and hair and way you move. That voice that makes me—“ Shouta frowned slightly, eyebrows pulling together.  What about his face?  What did his voice make her--  He shook his head in annoyance. That wasn’t what he needed to focus on.  This afternoon was the gathering to honor the visiting Council Elders.  Of course Teris was expected to be there.  The Council might’ve said they sent a contingent to meet the two Foundling’s.  But with Hizashi's species already known before word of the visit was sent, Shouta knew they were here to meet Teris.

More like inspect her to try and suss out what she was and how she ended up in the human realm of earth, Shouta thought darkly.  He had been through such interviews and inspections shortly after His Purple Highness had found and released the stoning spell on him.  He didn’t like the thought of Teris being subject to the same.  At least his inspection had been done by His Purple Highness.  The ordeal quick.  With Shouta allowed to keep his underclothes on.  Depending on who carried out Teris’ inspection, she might not be so lucky.

Hizashi stopped the detailed recounting of his date.  “You alright there, Shou?”

Shouta straightened in his seat.  He hadn’t realized he’d been growling.  He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, smoothing down the heckles on his neck that had risen.  “Fine.”

Teris looked at Shouta out of the corner of her eye.  Shouta did the same, looking at Teris.  Their eyes met and quickly flicked away from each other as if stung.

Hizashi's slightly pointed ears lowered a fraction.  Why were they always like this?

Shouta sighed and pushed to his feet.  “There’s a couple hours till the gathering.  Do what you want but be here and ready to leave ten minutes before.”

Hizashi deflated further.  “I can’t go with Oboro?”

Shouta's eyebrows knitted together.  “You’ll both be there.  Why do you want to go with him?”

“Because--”

“Never mind.”  Shouta cut in over Hizashi.  He didn’t care enough to know.  And wasn’t in the mood for one of Hizashi's long winded answers. The main reason for the order was to keep Teris close.  The bracelet seemed to have worked.  But Shouta was still concerned about His Purple Highness’ curious reaction to Teris.  “Just be here tens minutes before.”

“Shouta.” Teris got up and followed after him.  As much as she wanted to avoid the Sphinx after last night.  She hadn’t told him about the disturbing encounter with the winged man.

Shouta turned eyebrows raised in question.  Damn, she was beautiful.

Teris paused, pierced by those bottomless dark eyes.  Why did he have to be so devastatingly handsome?

She fiddled with the bracelet on her right wrist.

Shouta's eyes lowered, watching her fingers caress the bracelets braiding. His skin prickled, scalp tingling.  He wondered what it would feel like if she ran her fingers through his hair.

Teris’ eyes followed his.  Her hand jerked away from the bracelet and rubbed along her pant leg as if burned.

“I need you.”  She said.

Shouta’s heart fluttered and skipped a beat.

Hizashi slapped a hand over his mouth.  He literally bounced in his seat trying and failing to silence his squeal.

Teris closed her eyes and shook her head.  “I mean.  I need to talk to you.”

Shouta smirked at her blushed.  She really was cute when flustered.  He almost told her he was always up for whatever she needed; but didn’t.  He hadn’t been up to staying and listening to whatever she needed yesterday.  And Teris was the sort of contrary person who’d point that out.

Instead Shouta turned and headed toward his office.  Teris followed.

Once inside she told Shouta about the winged man.  Though clearly displeased about the kiss, Shouta had seemed more concerned about the Fourth himself.

“Who is he?”  Teris asked.  She hadn’t met everyone at Traverseen Hall and hoped he didn’t work here.

Shouta leaned back, gripping the the front of his desk and silently cursed.  He knew he should've given Teris the bracelet yesterday morning.  Why had he waited?  Even if Hawks hadn’t gotten a good enough whiff of Teris’ hereditary scent to notice it now being muddled by the bracelet.  Hawks’ sharp eyes would’ve seen Teris hadn’t been wearing the bracelet before. He would know it was new and wonder at it.

“His name is Hawks.  He works for the Council.” Shouta told.

Teris relaxed back in her seat, relieved. “So he’ll be leaving when they do?”

Shouta didn’t answer.  While he hoped Hawks would leave when the members of the Council did. He had a dreaded feeling the Anzu would stick around.

“Shouta?” Teris pressed.

“I’ll speak with Nedzu.  Until then…  Stay by my side during the gathering.”

Teris bristled.  “I can take care of myself.”

Shouta rubbed tired eyes.  “Teris…  This has nothing to do with that.”

“So Hizashi has to stay by your side too?”  Teris asked.

“You’re the one who came to me uncomfortable about this.”  Shouta grimaced as soon as the words were out. If he was to properly protect Teris, he needed her to come to him. Striking against her Griffon pride would only make her close up.

Teris glowered. It didn’t matter if Shouta had a point.  She didn’t need him.  She didn’t need anyone.  She had been taking care of herself for as long as she could remember. Sure that had been in earth against humans.  But a few months before she was brought here there had been that scarred man with the blue flames…  

Her heart beat faster at the memory.  Who had the man been?  What had he wanted?  Surely he had been a Fourth.  Had he passed through the realms like the Derrick had with her?  Was he now in Oblvi?  What if she saw him again?  Teris’ mouth opened to tell Shouta about the man she had escaped from but stopped.  Shouta had said the Council would want to interview her.

She looked up at him.  “Will you be there?”

Shouta’s head tilled aware she had changed the subject but not sure what to.

Teris moved in her seat, knee brushing Shouta’s pant leg.  Why was he standing so close?  He’s just standing in front of the desk, she told herself.  It’s still too close, she thought.  Had the chairs in the office always been this close to the desk?  Shouta’s presence alone made it difficult to focus.  But when he was this near…  Teris fidgeted, resisting the urge to push the chair back. The prideful beast within her wouldn’t allow sign of weakness or submission.

“Teris?”

Shouta’s low baritone warmed her blood and quickened her pulse.  Why did he have to sound like that?  She wished he didn’t know her name. Wished he’d say her name again.  Wished…  “At the Council's interview?  Will you be there?  Will they ask you questions too?”

“I’ll be in the room for the interview.”  Shouta said, both wanting to be in the room for her inspection and glad he wouldn’t be. “They’ll probably ask me a few questions.”

Teris nodded.  Then she definitely didn’t want to tell Shouta about being held captive or the things the scarred man had said.  It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him. But she’d rather not make Shouta a conspirator in her lies to the Council.

“You have nothing to worry about.”  Shouta said.

Teris smiled sadly wishing that were true.  But if what the scarred man said was right. She had a great many things to worry about.

Shouta wanted to go on.  Wanted to tell her that he would protect her no matter what.  That he would rather die than see any harm come to her.

“Keep the bracelet on.  Don’t ever take it off.”

Shouta's low stern voice sent a shiver through her.  Teris’ hand moved to the bracelet on her right wrist.

Between the topic, her thoughts, and the coming interview with the Council; things had gotten far too dark and serious.  Without Hizashi there, Teris was left to try and lighten the mood least she break under the tension. “Is this to be my Piece of Their Person?  I thought Fourth's were meant to chose their own piece.”

Expression unchanging, Shouta’s eyes and voice sharpened. “I mean it, Teris.  Don’t let anyone take it off you unless I’m there.”

“Why did you give it to me?  What does it do?”

Shouta's fingers twitched wanting to caress her face. “It protects you.”

Teris looked down at the shining charcoal bracelet.  Disappointment crept into her heart. So it hadn’t been gift.

Shouta gave into his need to touch her.  His first finger brushed the line of her jaw and curled under her chin, lifting her face to look at him.  “Promise me, Teris.”

“I promise.”

11.2

Even after three months of living at Traverseen Hall the place still amazed Hizashi.  Dwarf magic or no, it was mind boggling how such an unending colossal interior could fit within the still massively large exterior of the campus.  Grand as Traverseen Hall was from the outside.  There was no way the mind could reconcile even a portion of the space they were walking through to be from the same building. The proportions just didn’t line up.  Even with the perspective change that Hizashi still had trouble controlling and gave him headaches. He still couldn’t fathom how such a gargantuan space fit in the castle like, though human-sized structure.

Hizashi looked about in awe, seeing the full scale of the space as it would appear if everyone were in their true form. “This place is even bigger than all the other buildings.”

“Keep up.”  Shouta admonished, leading the way down the long hall.

Hizashi sped his pace but didn’t stop gawking.  Mouth slightly open, he looked up at the hallways gilded coffer ceiling.  He had seen Shouta in his true form.  The Sphinx was huge.  But even Shouta in his true form would be dwarfed by the space.  The ceiling had to be three-story’s taller than the Sphinx's true form.  And the width.  Even if Shouta were to spread his wings to their full extent there would still be enough room for at least a couple stadiums on each end. The windows themselves were the height and width of a multi-level building.  Starting six meters off the floor Hizashi couldn’t even see out them.

Hizashi's different focus of perspective didn’t mean he just saw the space differently.  It meant he existed in it differently.  Even though he was walking at the same pace as Shouta and Teris, Hizashi was left a hundred paces behind for every step they took. For Shouta and Teris who were focused on the more human scale perspective Hizashi's steps were mere shuffles that left him ten paces behind for every one of theirs.

Suddenly the distant Shouta was in front of him as if out of nowhere.  “I told you to keep up.”

Hizashi sucked in a startled breath.  His eyes changed focus, switching perspectives.  The hallway shrunk down like a snapped rubber-band. He saw Teris several steps ahead, frowning at Shouta for his scolding.

Hizashi swallowed a wave of nausea the change in perspective always brought on and licked his lips.  “Sorry.”

“I don’t want to be here either.”  Shouta said, mistaking Hizashi’s dawdling as reluctance.  “But we have to.  So let’s go and get it over with.”

Hizashi opened his mouth to correct the misunderstanding but Shouta had already turned, walking back to Teris.  Hizashi's eyes flicked about the still large space.  Though cramped, Shouta would still be able to fit in his true form.  At least he could now see out the overly large windows.

“Hizashi!” Shouta called.

“Right! Sorry!”  Hizashi rushed after Shouta and Teris.

Teris entered the grand room and abruptly stopped.  Her eyes instantly fixed on the winged man across the room.  Hawks, Shouta had called him.  Her senses hyper focused.  Vision sharpening to clearly count the barbs of his crimson feathers.  Ears tuning in to hear the rustle of his wings.  She registered Shouta's presence behind her before she felt the tickle of his hair on her bare shoulder. Her nerves so alert, muscles so reactive that his hot breath felt more like a physical touch as it rolled over her neck.

Shouta looked at Teris and followed her gaze.  Hawk’s gold eyes slowly turned. Before the Anzu’s gaze could lock on Teris, Shouta stepped in front and faced her. The tension in his shoulders eased.  Relief washed over him.  Agitation and concentration could trigger a Fourth's heightened senses and led to mild displays of their true form.  But Teris’ features hadn’t sharpened.  Her beautiful face the same as it ever was.

“You alright?”  Shouta asked.

With Shouta blocking the view Teris’ focus broke.  Her heightened senses diminished.  Blinking, she looked up at him.  “What?”

“Are you alright?”  Shouta asked, again.

Teris nodded.

“Just stay by me.”  Shouta told.

Teris scowled. “I told you.  I can take care of myself.”

“It’s an order.”  Shouta said without expression.

Hizashi caught up to them and stopped beside Teris. He looked between the two.  “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” Shouta said.

“Why doesn’t Hizashi have to stay by you?”  Teris asked, tersely.

Hizashi brightened.  “Shouta wants to keep you by him?”

“It’s not like that.”  Shouta said.

“He thinks I can’t take care of myself.”  Teris said.

“That’s not it either.”  Shouta told, a bite in his tone.

Hizashi rolled and massaged his neck.  He liked to think himself a patient person.  But he was this close to yelling at the two to just fuck already.  He and Oboro had.  While they hadn’t bickered like Shouta and Teris, the release had gone a long way in helping rid Hizashi of his nervousness around Oboro.

“I’m gonna go find Oboro.”  Hizashi said.

Shouta glanced at Hizashi.  It was less than a second but when he looked back at Teris she had turned and was slowly inching away.  Shouta’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowing. He must be cursed.  Why else would the Fates send such a woman to test and torment him? There was no logical reason why Teris continually turned the simplest things like an order to stay by his side into an ordeal other than to purposefully provoke.

Even if the command hadn’t been important to her safety.  Shouta wasn’t in the mood to suffer her petty challenge.

Grabbing her arm Shouta’s chest pressed against Teris’ back nudging her through the door they’d just entered.  As soon as they crossed the threshold he pulled her to the side and spun her around, pushing her back against the wall.

Teris’ mind whirled from being so quickly moved about. She made to step forward and away.  But Shouta gripped her hip, holding her in place.  Her head turned eyeing the open doorway just a pace away along the same wall she was up against. But any chance of escape was blocked by Shouta’s strong arm.

His hand rested on the wall just above her shoulder, caging her in.  Shouta leaned down and gruffly spoke in her ear. “You either follow my command without test or complaint.  Or I use my piece to tie you to me.”

Eyes ablaze Teris’ head snapped to face him. “You--” Her voice faltered seeing how close he was. She stared into his dark eyes heated indignance evaporating from hers. Her gaze lowered to the capture weapon he threatened to tie her with then pulled back up and stopped on his lips, no more than a few inches from hers.

Shouta’s eyes took on a different kind of fire.  He smirked. Lips parted, tongue pushing out to wet and pull his lower lip in, giving her a view of the tantalizing muscle.  Top teeth scrapped over his bottom lip.  He watched her pupils dilate.  Heard her breath hitch. Felt her shift as her core clenched and thighs squeezed together.

His thumb rubbed against her hip.  Fingers digging into her flesh. “You like the thought of that?”

Teris’ eyes darted back up to his.

Shouta’s voice purposefully lowered in pitch and volume. “If you wanted me to tie you up.  All you had do is ask.  No need to act the brat.  Unless you like being disciplined.”

Teris’ eyes widened.

Shouta's body crowded over hers. “Is that why you keep testing me, Kitten?  Want me to tie you up and punish you?”

Teris’ hips danced under Shouta's hand.  A warmth pooled in her core.  She shook her head, cursing the betraying mewl she gave.

Shouta's cock stirred at the sweet sound.

“Tha—that—that’s not...”

“Look at you.  Struggling to find words when I haven’t even touched you where you need me.” Shouta taunted. His eyes pulled over her body leaving tingling goose flesh in their wake.

Teris drew in a hitching breath, heaving chest drawing Shouta’s desirous gaze. “I—I...”

“You what, Kitten?  Use that pretty voice and tell me.  What do you want? ” Shouta’s knee brushed her legs grazing the channel between.

Teris trembled.  Her muscles jerked legs eager and ready to part.  Body begging for him to press his knee between her thighs and grind against her core. Her hands fidgeted at her side fighting the need to touch him.

Shouta's head dipped bringing his lips no more than a couple fingers width from hers.  “You said you needed me this morning.  Is talking all you wanted? Tell me, Teris.  What do you really need of me?”

“I…”

“You.” Shouta whispered.  He breathed deeply, pupils dilating at the enticing whiff of arousal that seeped from her heated pussy.  His mouth watered imagining the taste. A hungry growl reverberated in his chest.

Battle lost Teris’ hands lifted.  Shouta inched closer.

“Aizawa.”

Shouta silenced a second more dangerous growl.  Hands dropping from Teris and the wall, Shouta straightened and turned to the newcomer.  “Chisaki.”

Bottomless dark eyes met molten gold.  The Dragon and Sphinx stared each other down, unblinking.

“Kai.” Teris greeted, disappointed and relieved at the interruption.

Kai’s amber eyes shifted from Shouta to Teris.  His fingers itched wanting to reach out and pull her from the Sphinx and to his side where she belonged.  He sniffed smelling her arousal through the nose dulling mix of numerous Fourth's in the room beyond.  While part of him knew better.  He told himself it was his presence that had her body reacting in want.

“Teris. Good afternoon.”

Standing beside the Dragon, Ryuu heard the clear softening in Kai’s tone as he said Teris’ name in greeting.  Less obvious but far more telling was the barest upturn of Kai’s lips when his eyes focused on her.

“Are you alright?”  Kai asked.

“Why wouldn’t she be?”  Shouta rumbled.

Kai spared the Sphinx a glance and looked back at Teris, seeing the bracelet he had missed at first sight. “Some Ilca leaders are known to be harsh and demanding of their members.”

“You should talk.”  Shouta said.

“I’m fine.”  Teris said, smiling her thanks.  With as rude as Shouta was, was it any wonder why someone as genteel as Kai would worry about her?

Shouta’s chin ducked, frowning into his piece.  Kai might have Teris and countless others fooled but one day the Dragons mask would slip.

“Elder Ryuu.”  Shouta opened his mouth to introduce Teris to the Council member but was cut short.

“Interesting.” Ryuu stepped to Teris.  His nose flared taking in her scent.

Teris stood her ground despite the urge to shrink back.  She looked nervously at Shouta.

Shouta stared at Ryuu, eyes darkening. As flamboyant, lascivious, and loud as His Purple Highness was. At least his mentor had the civility to first introduce himself.  This wasn’t Teris’ interview or inspection.  She was a proud and beautiful Fourth.  Not some thing to be examined on sight.

Kai’s eyes sharpened.  He didn’t like the way Shouta was looking at his mentor.  Nor did he like that Teris had looked to the Sphinx instead of him for direction.  Aizawa was useless.  Proven by the way Shouta stood silently by and glowered at Ryuu instead of offering Teris a nod of assurance and comfort.  Teris had nothing to fear.  His mentor was merely appraising her.  Ryuu would surely come to the same conclusion he had.  That Teris was flawless.

Ryuu looked Teris over with a critical eye. “Clearly a pure blood beast of some kind given the perfect human form.”

Kai hummed in agreement.  Preening as if the Tengu had praised him personally.  Ryuu might’ve been speaking of how Teris’ human form didn’t carry over any traits of her true form the way Hybrids did.  But Kai also viewed the comment as speaking of Teris’ form in general. Not simply because she looked completely human.  But because her features and proportions were perfect.

Catching himself, Ryuu apologized. “Forgive me, my dear.  My curiosity got ahead of me there.”

“As it is known to do.”  His Purple Highness said from the doorway.

Standing beside the Dryad King, Nemuri smiled at Teris.

Teris looked pointedly away.  Her nose wrinkled with a sniff, remembering the stinging smell of sex and Nemuri on Shouta.

Seeing the exchange, His Purple Highness placed a comforting hand on Nemuri's shoulder.  He had yet to talk to the young Dryad, and fully intended to do something that would help Shouta and Teris’ relationship along.

Ryuu chuckled at the Dryad King’s words. “Say’s the man who followed his senses and found a young Sphinx, unspelling him without first bringing it to the Council.”

Shouta, who had been returning Kai’s unblinking stare, looked to Ryuu.  He had no doubt that if His Purple Highness had brought his stoned spelled body to the Council they would’ve smashed him to pieces.

“It’s not as if I found a Dragon egg and secretly saw it hatched before making the Council aware.”  His Purple Highness said.

Kai’s molten gaze fixed on the Dryad King.  He didn’t like the Tree Spirits tone.  Never mind that the man was talking about him as if he wasn’t there.

“True.” Ryuu said. He turned to Teris and apologized once more. “Forgive us, my dear.  You must think us terribly rude.  I am Ryuu. An Elder on the Council and Leader of the Tengu’s.  And this is--”

His Purple Highness waved Ryuu off.  “Teris and I are acquainted. We met last night after an unfortunate interruption on my part.”

Shouta looked from His Purple Highness to Teris.  The Dryad King thought that Teris had been about to give some confession of love.  But Shouta knew better. His Purple Highness didn’t know how much Teris hated him.  She didn’t love him.  Which suited Shouta just fine because he didn’t love her either.

Teris stole a glance at Kai.  Even though she meant what she said about keeping things solely as release.  She’d rather not have His Purple Highness bring up last nights near confession to Shouta.  She shook her head and corrected, what His Purple Highness mistakenly thought was a confession.

She smiled at Kai’s mentor.  “It’s nice to meet.  Kai’s told me of you.”

“Has he now?”  Ryuu looked over at Kai who was watching Teris.  He saw an imperceptible softness in the Dragons features that likely only he could see, having raised him.

Remembering what His Purple Highness had said when he thought Shouta had told her about him, Teris quickly added. “It’s all been very respectable.”

“Of that I’m sure.  Kai is nothing if not respectable.”  Ryuu said

Shouta scoffed.

All eyes turned to him.

“Shouta.” His Purple Highness lightly scolded. “There’s nothing wrong with being respectable. No doubt your friends and colleagues say the same about you.”

Kai did much better job of managing his disbelief.  He met Shouta’s gaze with an expression of studied politeness.

“Why some of the wildest release sessions I’ve had happened with respectable Fourth's finally letting their hair down.”  The Dryad King went on.

Nemuri nodded in agreement. While Shouta ducked into his capture weapon grateful for his long hair. He wasn’t embarrassed by the scolding.  But wished his mentor could go five minutes without bringing up sex.  Or at the very least, personal escapades of release.

Accustomed to the Dryad King’s ways Ryuu moved the conversation along telling Teris.  “Well I for one am looking forward to hearing a bit about you during our dinner this evening.”

“Dinner this evening?” Teris repeated.

Kai would've rather told Teris about the dinner privately but didn’t miss a beat in saying.  “You and Ryuu will be joining me for dinner tonight.”

Teris blinked.  It wasn’t just that they had seen each other and had sex yesterday, and Kai hadn’t said a word of this.  It was the way he said it.  Her lips parted to say no simply because she didn’t like that he had decided for her.  But Shouta spoke first.

“No.” The Sphinx said.

Kai’s eyes slid Shouta.  “I didn’t invite you.”

You didn’t invite me either, Teris thought.  You tried to tell me how it was.

“She’s not going.”  Shouta said. It was bad enough Teris spent seven hours a day for five days out of the week with Kai.  That she had sought release with him.  Shouta wasn’t about to let her spend extra time with the Dragon who would kill her the moment he discovered she was a Griffon. Teris was his…  Fuck!  His Ilca.  She was part of his Ilca.  Why was it so hard to keep that single thought straight?

“You don’t own her.”  Kai said, certain Shouta had given Teris the bracelet.  The Sphinx was deathly wrong if he thought he could try and claim what was his.

She’s my Ilca, Shouta thought before saying the words aloud, wanting to get them right. “She my Ilca.”

“So this is another command of yours?”  Teris questioned, heatedly.

His Purple Highness and Ryuu shared a knowing look.

“I think we should leave the young ones to fight over… things.”  His Purple Highness told the fellow Elder.

“I believe you’re right.”  Ryuu said.  He inclined his head to Teris.  “It was nice meeting you, my dear.  I hope this afternoons interview isn’t the last we see of each other and you do join us for dinner.”

A look of disapproval crossed the Dryad King’s face. The point of leaving was so they wouldn’t say anything to sway Teris’ choice to their chosen favorite.  Not that there was any doubt Shouta would win in the end.  The Sphinx had been found with Teris’ feather.

“Nemuri.” His Purple Highness called, turning and re-entering the grand room.

As soon as she was left alone with Shouta and Kai, Teris told Shouta.  “I’m going to Kai’s for dinner.  He’s right.  You don’t own me.  What I do in my free time is my business.”

Fierce eyes fixed on Shouta, Teris didn’t see Kai’s smug look.  But Shouta did.  He saw the Dragon’s gold eyes rake over Teris’ body and wondered how she didn’t feel the undressing gaze.

A warning growl sounded deep within Shouta's chest.

Thinking Shouta was growling at her, Teris growled back.

Shouta's eyes moved a fraction, focusing on Teris. His expression both softened and darkened at once.  She had no idea the dangers she was entertaining in getting closer to Kai. And he was in no mood to suffer her bratty, too proud attitude.

“Get inside.”  Shouta snapped without emotion, hand gripping his capture weapon.

Teris’ eyes widened, remembering Shouta’s threat.  Kai’s smug look vanished at how quickly Teris obeyed.

Shouta met the Dragons glare but felt little pleasure at it given the coming interview and inspection Teris would soon face. Never mind that she would now be spending the evening with Kai.

This fic will have a LOT more world building than my others.  Please feel free to comment or send me an ask if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special thank you to those who have left comments and/or reblogged. They really mean a lot.

Special thank you to @inorganicone2230 who knows of my love for the mythic and encouraged me to start this fic without stressing about the other two I’ve got going.  Your friendship means the world to me.

[branching-paths]

Of Riddles and Hair

A solid week of nice weather, and nice traveling since we left Rivendell has been a blessing. If only everyone wouldn't second guess the calm. Even Gandalf said it was going to break into a storm sooner then later. "Hey hobbit," Fili called from ahead. I looked up from where my hands were wringing my wrists, and looked at the blonde prince. He had the biggest smirk on his face, adn I knew that wouldn't amount to anything good. Never trust Fili or Kili when they have that smile, they keep eye contact with you, or say they're right behind you. He noticed that he had my attention and leaned back in his saddle, looking smug. "I have a riddle for you, and I know you won't be able to get it," He said smugly. I inclined my head and looked him square in the eye.

"How much do you bet," I asked, knowing that I had him hooked. Dwarves, I found out, when tempted with a challenge, they bet a lot on who they think will win, and I felt that I was ready to get in on the action. Kili looked up from his saddle and stared at me. I didn't have that much coinage, everyone knew that, but I was betting the richest in the company, second only to Gloin. There wasn't much I could loose. Fili stroked his mustache and looked at me. "Ten gold," He said, knowing how much I had, how though was a mystery. "Raise ten more," I said. Fili and Kili looked at me, confusion on their faces. "How do you plan to pay fer tha' hobbit," Gloin asked. I turned around adn inclined my head a little more. "I have my ways," I mumbled, turning back around. "Deal or not," I asked Fili. Fili smirked and removed his hand from his mustache. "A hobbit walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water," Fili riddled. "The bartender pulls out a cross bow and aims it at the hobbit. The hobbit thanks the tender and walks out, without his water. What happened?" I thought for a moment. Fili took that moment to set the rules. "Yes or no questions may be asked, but that's it." I looked up at Fili, opened my mouth and shut it. "How long do I have to answer," I asked. "Till we reach the mountains. The second we step onto stone, I'll reveal the answer." Myrin, who was riding next to Thorin, rode up next to Fili and whispered into his ear. He pulled his ehad away and looked at her, a look of bemused horror across his face. Myrin cackled and rode back up to Thorin, whispered to him and sent him cackling. Then something happened. Thorin choked on his laughter. A good wack on his back, thanks to Balin, and all was seeminly right again, so I went back to solving the riddle. What could a hobbit need with water, but suddenly not need when a crossbow was aimed at them? I tapped my chin as I thought and mumbled to myself. "You seem to be enjoying yoruself," Gandalf said, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Enjoyment, no, pleasure, yes," I mumbled to him. "Now leave me be." I waved him away. "It's been forever since I had a good riddling match." Gandalf smiled from under his hat and rode over to Gloin adn Oin, where he stayed most all the time. HPHLUMP! I sat up and looked around. What was that? Fili and Kili were just as puzzled. Myrin adn Thorin were having a little stare down. Thorin's shoulders jumped, HPHLUMP!  and Myrin's stare turned into a weird smirk stare. "What was that," Ori asked from behind. "Some sort of monster," Nori growled, getting out one of his crooked daggers. My hand flew to the sword Gandalf had given me, I hoped it wasn't another Orc pack. "Was it an Orc pack," Bofur growled, reading my thoughts and readying his pikestaff. Everyone was getting their weapons ready, looking around the fading dusk. Myrin and Thorin were still having that little stare down, Gandalf's gaze switching between the two. Dwalin growled as the sound came again, hefting one of his axes off his shoulder. Then Myrin started to loose it. Chuckling madly, she rocked back and forth on her saddle, trying to supress her laughter with her hand. "Come now, it's not that funny," Thorin said, shaking his head. Myrin's laughter doubled. Everyone relaxed and put away their weapons. HPHLUMP! "Hiccups," I shouted. Thorin had hiccups, and it was high pitched. Fili graoned adn looked at me, scowling half heartedly. "Yep, you got it," He growled, folding his arms at me. I frowned at him. Got what? OH, the riddle. "I meant Thorin had hiccups," I corrected. Kili snorted. "Is that what that was," He asked. Myrin nodded, still chortling on Lakita. Thorin's cheek was twitching with annoyence, glaring at Myrin. "But you still answered," Gloin yelled. "Hand it over Fili!" "But-" "It's fine, pay when you have it," I said, waving my hand. Fili growled and faced forward on his pony, Kili cast me a worried look. Apparently Fili didn't like to loose things by acceident. Thunder rumbled in the distance, Lakita trilled, growling at the end. Myrin rubbed the back of her neck, trilling back. Then the rain came, just like everyone thought it would. What's worse, it was a thunderstorm, so Lakita was screaming when lightning arced across the sky, bolting from tree to tree to rock, still screaming, all this with Myrin on her back. We stopped just after the first break in the storm, on the top of a litte rise. Myrin jumped off the griffon and kissed the ground, hugging the grass, dispite it being soaked. "Not once have I forgotten how terrified she gets," Myrin shouted. "Not once have I been on her while a thunderstorm, and never again!" She burried her face into the grass and sat there as we dismounted. I think Kili tripped over her.

Well, I really hoped this worked. Fili hadn't given me the coins after dinner, so I volenteered to take first watch. It hadn't stopped raining, so any sound I could make would be muffled, unless someone had elf hearing. Right now, I was leaned up against a tree, an aspen if you're interested, watching the company get ready for bed. Gandalf just leaned up against a tree, stuck his pipe in his mouth and went stock still, eyes open and normally his hat was off, but because of the rain it was on tonight. His sword was next to him, staff on the other side, bag wrapped around his staff. Gandalf got boring, so my eyes drifted to Bofur and his family. Bombur was snoring again, like he normally was. He was on his side so he wouldn't drown in his sleep. I was surprised that he didn't wake himself up with his snoring tonight, it was esspecially loud. Maybe he might, the night was young. Bofur leaned up agianst Bombur's belly and placed his hat over his face,  his quieter snores joining his cousin's soon after, muffled by the floppy hat. Bifur laid on his stomach, held his forehead in his palms and went to snoring with his brother and cousin. How he didn't drive that axe farther into his head when he slept was beyond me! I glanced around the camp, not everyone was sleeping yet. Oin was finally asleep, snoring louder then Bombur, somehow. And he wouldn't wake himself up, because of his hearing. Gloin, who took forever to get to sleep, was leaning against a rock, smiling at a locket which held a portraite of his son and wife, mumbling in Khuzdul. Yeah, Kili finally told me what it was called. "Get to sleep Gloin," Thorin growled at him. Gloin looked up and looked at Thorin, frowning. He tucked the locket into his shirt and currled up in his roll and blankets, next to Oin. I noticed that the snoring didn't bother the dwarves, and Gandalf could sleep through everything. I wished that I could... "Get this off me," Nori mumbled. To the left of the Ur's lay the Ri's. Nori threw off the thick blanket that was covering him, shoving it on Ori, who was samwiched in between Dori and Nori. His notebook was under his arm adn he was sleeping. "Get it back on, do you want to catch cold," Dori hissed. The elder brother threw the blanket over Nori again, not without much grumbling though. Soon their were sleeping, Balin adn Dwalin went to sleep as well, but they went to sleep weird, to say the least. Dwalin took off his axes, set them side by side next to him, leaned up against a tree, folded his arms, shut his eyes and didn't move. Sure he breathed, but other then that, he could pass for a statue. Balin was pretty normal, but he slept with his sword right next to him, and I mean like almost used as a pillow, it was that close. But it was useful when someone called the alarm. "NORI, GIVE BACK MY DAGGER," Myrin shouted, stomping over to Nori, who was sitting up, looking around wildly. He met Myrin's purple scowl and tryed to meet it, but failed myserably. "What dagger," He asked. Myrin's scowl deepened and she threw a dagger, from somewhere I haven't a clue, right next to his hand. "It's just like that, about half an inch longer," She growled. "If you don't return it right now, the next one's going a little more to the left!" Nori freaked out, dug in hi spack and pulled out a dagger. It was entirely black, the blade was semi-transparent and deadly sharp. Myrin grabbed it from him and slid it into her boot. She picked up the one on the ground and slid it into her sleeve. She walked away, leaving Nori to get some sleep. I shook my head, flinging raindrops everywhere. Myrin went and sat next to Lakita, who was hunckered down under a large drooping pine, her tail trembling and puffed up. "If you two don't get to sleep, I'll make you sleep," Thorin shouted at Fili and Kili. They had been whispering about something, but now were silent. "Thank you!" Thorin turned over in his roll, covering his head with the blanket. Soon all three Durin's were snoring, the only one up now was me and Myrin. She took forever to get to sleep, but when she did, she was out! "Finally," I mumbled as I got to my feet. Everyone was asleep, and I could pickpocket Fili now. I took off my cloak, that way I wouldn't drip on anything. Sure I'ld get a little wet, but truthfully, getting at Fili was something I would do nearly anything for. Creeping over silently, I knetl down next to Fili's bag. Kili mumbled something in his sleep, making me freeze. Kili's face was scrumched up in a terrified scowl, mumbling in his sleep still. Fili mumbled something back and flung his arm around his younger brother, pulling him close. Kili smiled adn turned over on his side, snuggling close to Fili. It was cute, in a brotherly sort of way. I sighed and went digging into Fili's pack. I almost wished I had a sibling...almost. I twig snapped near Thorin, startling me. I scanned the trees, looking for anything. Two large beady eyes came out from behind a tree. I reconized the snout from an old childhood memory. "BEAR," I shouted, kicking over Fili's pack onto him, waking him up immeadiately. I drew my sword, unsure what else to do, and jumped over Fili and Kili, running towards Thorin. The rest of the creature came into view, it was a Warg. I stopped short, terror halting my movements. Thorin was up, sword drawn, staring down the Warg. It circled Thorin, a snarl deep in it's throat. An arrow sprouted from his chest, making it yelp. Myrin shot another arrow, another yelp, then Thorin finished it off with a blow to the chest. Thorin pulled his sword out of the carcass and turned around. "Behind you hobbit," He yelled. I turned around just in time to get pounced on by another Warg. This one had a rider. The rider got off and drew his sword, his bloodshot eyes scanning me like prey. Lakita screeched and bowled into the Warg, scarring the Orc. "Flamebird's here," He snarled, lowering his sword to my throat. I gulped, feeling the cold steel brush my skin. "Where she at, hum?" Dwalin bowled into the Orc, knocking his sword away from my throat. I got up and looked around. Everyone was fighting somesort of thing, most of them were Wargs. Two other Orcs were there, fighting Thorin. Kili loosed an arrow and sent another Warg down, Fili stabbed it for good measure. Just as suddenly as it started, the fight ended, leaving everyone breathless. "Oakenshield," An Orc hissed. Thorin scowled at the creature as it heaved it's last breath. "You won't surrvive the nigh', Master will find you. And he'll take you down-" "Who is your master," Myrin hissed back, sword point at his throat. The creature chuckled, sending chills down my spine. It turned it's head and stared right at her, the scarriest smile on it's face. "You know him, Flamebird," It wheezed at her. "After all-" He said something in another language and Myrin stiffened. It's voice trailed off, and it's breathing stopped. "Get the ponies ready to ride," THorin ordered. Nobody moved. "NOW!" 'We can't, they bolted again," Nori shouted from where we left them last. "Then pack up, leave all the food, get ready to move out," Dwalin shouted. I stared at the warrior. No food?! How did he expect us to manage?! "No take the food, they'll follow us even without it," Thorin snapped back. I snapped out of my trance and sprinted to my pack, shoving everything into it that I could. I cast a glance at Myrin. She was still at the dead Orc, sword still out and at it's throat. She seemed frozen. "Myrin, come on," Fili shouted. Myrin snapped out of her own trance and started to pakc her bags back up. Her hands trembled as she rolled up her bedroll, so I walked over and helped her pack up. "Thanks Bilbo," She said quietly. Something was up, she never called me Bilbo unless something wasn't right. I strapped her bedroll to the saddle on Lakita. "What did the Orc say," I asked her. "Nothing..."

"What did the Orc really say Myrin," I asked as we wound back down the path from the mountains. One solid week of running, then nothing. No Orcs waking us up in the middle of the night, no fighting for our lives again, not even a peep from the Orcs since my feet touched stone. That's when Thorin adn Gandalf actually agreed on something, send back a scouting party, just to make sure that we really were safe. Myrin quickley volenteered, needing a reason to, "Get away from Dwalin!" Que sticking tongue out. Dwalin and Myrin had a fight a few days ago, all in Khuzdul, so I don't know what it was about. Then Kili shoved me forward, so I was picked to head back with Myrin. Right now, we had our backs pressed against a rock, breathing heavily from the quick climb. Myrin looked at me from under her white hood. She gripped her bow a litte harder, turning her knuckles white. "He said I knew who was hunting us," She said quietly. She took a deep, steady breath, slid up the rock and peered over it. Myrin ducked back under. "Are they there," I mouthed. She nodded adn peered over again. I turned over and looked down. Twelve Orcs were at the edge of the stone, ten more on the Wargs, eleven Wargs in all. One with a large scar across his face stood up and howled something to the others. He got on his Warg and they rode off, leaving a plume of dust behind them. They disappeared from sight adn Myring sighed. "What did he say," I asked. "They're going to report to their leader," She said while standing up. I got to my feet and brushed myself off. "Any idea who's that," I asked. "Nope," She said quickley. A little too quick.... We trotted back to the camp, over the spires of rock and sparse foilage. Fili and Kili met us at the gap in the path where we were resting in a little grotto. If we weren't running for our lives, I would of thought it beautiful. Lichen covered the entrance, just inside was covered in soft moss. About ten feet in was a nice creek fed pond, the water cool and sweet. The grotto was walled on four sides, the only entrance through the lichen, about fourty feet by twenty of floor space, that wasn't counting the pond. If it wasn't for Kili actually, we wouldn't of found it. I walked over to the pond and cupped my hands, drinking handfulls. Myrin just stuck her face in and gulped. When she resurfaced, her face was red from the cold. It was rather comical. "Well," Thorin asked. He was leaned up on a wall, arms folded, glaring at Myrin. Well, glaring wasn't the right word, but it was what best discribed the look on his face. "They've turned back, something about someone's territory and the consiquences if they crossed the border," Myrin said, brushing the wet strands of ahir from her face. She frowned and brushed her tongue across her teeth, through her lips and repeated the process. She reminded me of a cat and a hairball. She gagged adn grabbed something off her tongue. With her mouth wide open, tongue out, she pulled out the longest strand of hair from her mouth. If I had something in my stomach, it would  emptied it's self when Myrin finished. "Hairball done," Kili asked. He looked a little sick. Myrin looked at him and smirked. When he looked at her face, she started the process again, sending him reeling.

Well, that had to be the best night's sleep I had in a while... Then again, that was the first time in a week I had slept without getting attacked by Orcs and or Wargs. Someone moaned, so I knew we didn't get attacked in the night and I was in heaven. Still though, I peeked an eye open and met moss. Nope, not dead yet. "Can you get it undone," Someone whispered. I opened up both my eyes, wondering what someone was trying to get undone. Across the pond, where Thorin had hunkered down for the night next to Fili and Kili, I saw the princes working on some sort of red/black thing. I sat up and pulled my coat around my torso. I waddled over to Fili and Kili, yes waddled because my stomach was still full from the wonderful dinner we had last night. I touched Kili's shoulder and he jumped with a yelp. "What are you two doing," I asked. "Trying to undo their hair," Fili whispered, guesturing to the mess of red and black. That's when I remembered who had black and red ahri like that. "What did you two do," I shouted at them. "Nothing," Kili shouted, quieter then me but still pretty loud. "Okay, so we tried to braid their hair together again, and we did. It was fine when we went back to sleep, but when we woke up this morning...." Kili looked at the mess of tangles making up Myrin adn Thorin's hair. They were back to back, both snoring quietly, bundled in their own sperate blankets too. "Get out of the way," I shouted. I crouched next to Myrin and started to work on her hair, pulling at the knots and tangles. "What did you do, knot every other strand," I growled at the two idiots next to me and in front of me. I pulled a little to hard on part of Thorin's hair and he moaned, starting to wake up. "Take cover," I hissed at Fili and Kili. I got to my feet and sprinted back to my roll, threw the blankets over me and went still, but that didn't mean my brain didn't. Why did Myrin decide to sleep right there?! I mean, it was just asking Fili and Kili to do something! Another thing I had learned about dwarves was that they had a fire within them, and that menat that they were unnaturally warm. First time I found out, I thought that Bofur ahd gotten sick! I had noticed that Myrin was warmer then the rest, Kili said she had a fire brighter then most. That gets staying warm out of the way! Fili and Kili slept next to Thorin most of the time, and I knew that they and Myrin had something like a family like connection, maybe that's why..... Maybe, maybe not, but I had a feeling that wasn't it. Kili yelped half heartedly as something thumped. "Kili get up," Thorin hissed quietly. "Good morning Thorin," Kili mumbled through a yawn. I peeked over and almost laughed. Kili had this doppy smile on his face, looking at Thorin, who was frowning at him. "Get this undone," Thorin hissed again. "Get what undone?" Thorin growled and pointed to the back of his head. Myrin's entire hair had been braided all the way up his hair, all the way to his scalp, same with Thorin's to Myrin's. Kili's face fell. He elbowed Fili, who was right up, bleery eyed, eyes crossed. He reminded me of Radagast. Kili and Fili whispered quickly and quietly, then turned back to Thorin. "Neither of us can fix that," Kili whispered. Thorin growled again. That's when Bofur woke up. "Good morning," He mumbled as he sat up. His eyes flicked open as he reajused his hat. "Oh my...... Looks like you could use a tinker's hand...." Thorin growled again, but he motioned for Bofur to come over. As Bofur worked on the braid, for the next hours or so, everyone got up and put away camp. When they were finished with that, Bombur got cooking, and I decided to get up. Faking sleep that long can't be good for you. I sat up, rubbed my eyes and let them open. The sun was pouring into the grotto now, so it had to be around eleven in the morning. How I missed elevensies.... Bofur was still working at Thorin and Myrin's hair, and Myrin was still sleeping. Thorin was whispering orders to everyone, obviously very annoyed that he was stuck on the ground. Myrin moaned and all the people by her head, Thorin Bofur Fili and Kili, stiffened. All those who could hid out of her eyesight. In fact everyone, myself included, kept away from her vision. She mumbled something in Khuzdul and sat up. "We're right here," Kili made the mistake of saying. Myrin's eyes widened and she attempted to get up. "Why did you let me over sleep," She shouted while getting up. "Stop yanking," Thorin adn Bofur shouted, pulling on the hair to get her back down. "You stop yanking," Myrin shouted back. She fingered the begining of the braid, frowned and followed it down. As she did, her face turned sour, and when she touched Thorin's head, she turned around adn looked about ready to snap him. "I didn't do it," Thorin said, holding up his hands. Myrin's scowl turned even more cold, I didn't think it possible. "I know for a fact that I didn't, so who in Durin's name did!?" Few seconds of silence. "FILI AND KILI, GET YOUR SCRAWNY REAR ENDS OVER HERE AND HELP BOFUR UNTANGLE THIS MESS YOU TWO MADE!" Her loud voice rang through the mountains for a good while, left my ears ringing even longer then that. Fili and Kili ran towards the old tinker, who was shouting orders at the two shamed princes. Another good hour of hair care before Bofur came to a little problem. "I can't untangle this," He announced, sitting back on his heels. Silence fell over the company. All eyes, and ears turned towards Thorin. "We've wasted too much daylight already," Thorin growled. "Cut it..." Bofur clamped his teeth down on his bottom lip, but brought his pack over. He pulled out a pair of sciscors. "Hold on, let me see if I can untangle that," I shouted, scrambling over to Thorin adn Myrin. "We can't have a king shaved, can we," I added quickley. I crouched down between the two and looked the tangle over. There wasn't an end I could start at, so I started at Thorin's scalp. I wiggled my finger into the little gap I created when I pulled on the braid towards Thorin, then I pulled out Myrin's hair. Eventually, both their hair was untangled, sure it was a little wet, and we lost another two hours, but they hadn't lost a single lock. I dropped the last lock from Thorin's hair like a hot coal. "Done," I said, rubbing my face, which had been in a scowl the past two hours. Thorin jumped up, gathered his things together, and was ready within the next ten minuets. Myrin took a little longer, but she had to braid her hair again. We set out again, winding up the rocky terrain, slipping on the wet rocks, sometimes making more progress backwards then forwards. When we camped for th enight, however, we made substantual progress into the mountains. Everyone took a seat and pried their boots off their feet. Bofur promptly fainted at Dwalin's raw foot. Kili, who was sitting close to the seasoned warrior, snatched his boot and swished his hand in it, looking for something, I wasn't exactly sure what. "Ah-HA," Kili shouted, pulling out a little knife that had come loose off of a hidden sheath on the side of the boot. He twirled it in his hand as he set the boot back down, smirking smuggly at Dwalin. As Oin wrapped Dwlain's foot a few minuets later, Dwalin snatched his boot back, his little dagger too. "Stop yanking," Myrin shouted, drawing all the company's eyes. That's when I saw the most bazzar thing, Thorin was braiding Myrin's hair. "It would help if you hadn't lost my comb yesterday," Thorin countered. "It wasn't my fault you kept it in my bag, and it- Okay, it was my fault I forgot to tie the opening, but you should keep your things in your bag, not in mine! STOP YANKING!" Fili and Kili were trying not to explode via laughter, everyone else was trying to piece together what was going on. I knew exactly what was going on, I helped it happen actually. That was before I knew that Fili and Kili were braiding their hair together. I brought my sack over and pulled out my own comb, then threw it at Myrin. "Thanks hobbit," She said when she caught it. Thorin took it from her hand, and the night continued as normal as it could. I burrowed down in my roll after my watch. I found it weird that Thorin braided Myrin's hair. He just didn't seem like the type to do that.

[popcornaddict500]

M6 x mc headcanons but, EVERYONE is a demon

(i thought of this. What if everyone had become a demon after the devil’s plans, and were living normal lives? See it as a wholesome twist on the reversed endings! The world is ovbiously not as fucked up, it’s just that all people are demons or monsters or creatures, or even hybrids. It’s fun, you’ll see. I’ll be putting my own designs as the m6′s demon forms, they’re gonna be different than in the reversed endings (in Julian’s and Nadia’s case). You can look however you want to, just imagine a demon form you like. I’ll keep that neutral.)

Asra

-He’s become a fox person, sporting a large, white, bushy tail and fox ears on his head. He has soft, white fur covering his neck and his lower arms and legs. His feet and hands are fox-like and he’s got claws. His eyes lack a white sclera, instead they’re entirely purple (like cat or dog eyes). Also, he’s got fangs. He’s become taller and bigger in stature, but to be fair, everyone has.

-Still travels with you a lot, meeting other people from far away, and seeing new demon species and creatures.

-Once, the two of you helped a person with the lower body of a spider to escape a pool of quicksand

-They thanked the two of you by giving you a shimmering gem

-Asra still loves to cuddle you, and you love it too. He’s so soft and fluffy.

-A lot of naps

-He tends to fall asleep anywhere

-Faust has become a smol dragon

-Asra loves it when you pet his ears and brush the fur on his tail

-He just melts

-Despite everything, despite everyone becoming a monster or demon they are still living normal lives, and he’s content with it. As long as he’s with you.

-His tongue also got a lot longer 😏

-If he gets excited or he has to laugh, he makes yowling noises and it’s so cute

-Still loves water, find him swimming in a lake with a waterfall in the forest. He’ll ask you to join him, definitely 😏

Julian

-He’s become a dragon-man sort of creature. He’s got large, black, leathery wings on his back, and a long tail. His arms and legs are a scaly black, with clawed feet. He’s got black, pointed ears and some small, smooth scales on his throat. He can breathe fire but doesn’t really do it often. His teeth got sharper too, though he’d never use them on you. (he still has his hair, not like his reversed ending)

-He’s known as the ‘dragon doctor’ and has a clinic next to your shop.

-He’s still as goofy and likes trouble as much as he used to, and with his new form he can find it much easier.

-Takes flights with you on his back quite often, travelling through the forest or just in the sky.

-He loves visiting other towns to find ‘the rowdiest places’

-These visits end with him being injured 95% of the time

-But it’s hella fun anyway. He’s a demon so he heals a lot quicker.

-He can be self concious at times, imagine being on a date with him like

-’’Don’t you think we stand out too much?’’ 

-’’Julian. Look around the restaurant. That lady has 18 arms, that man has eyes all over his body and that person has a squid for a head and tentacles for arms. I really don’t think we’re the strangest people here.’’

-Despite having clawed hands, he’s remarkably gentle with you. But, when needed, he can scare someone shitless.

-Not only his body is monster sized now if you know what i mean 😏 he has a knot-

-His sense of smell is a lot stronger, he loves your scent and will often spend a lot of time kissing and cuddling you with you enveloped in his wings.

Nadia

-She’s become a beautiful creature, (she already was tho) with massive, butterfly wings resting down her back. The wings are a mixture of a shiny black and a deep purple, as well as magenta. She has two long antennea on her head and a long, thin tongue. She has 4 arms, with a bug-like structure to it. (kinda like doll arms, with segments yknow) She’s incredibly lightweight and very fast.

-Sometimes goes on flights with you, Chandra joins her. Chandra’s become a griffon, though a small one. 

-She can get to one side of the city to the other in less than 2 minutes

-Her different tongue is a guilty pleasure of hers, she loves kissing you like this

-She’s gained a weird love for flowers and often spends a lot of time in the garden

-Though she had to get used to her new arms, she’s discovered how useful 4 arms can be.

-She can walk on the walls and the ceiling for some reason

-Her servants are all demons and creatures too btw

-If you give her a bouquet of flowers she’ll love you so much

-Her wings are rather sensitive and it’s considered EXTREMELY rude for people to touch them without permission

-But of course she’s totally fine with it if you’re doing it 😏

-Gives great hugs 

-You can pick her up with one hand, she’s just so lightweight look out for stormy weather though

Muriel

-He’s become a werewolf-like creature, though he doesn’t really change much on a full moon. He has two wolf ears on his head. He’s got fur covering his neck and upper collarbone, as well as his lower arms and legs. He’s got a bushy tail and fangs, he can see in the dark. Like Asra, his eyes lack a sclera and are cat or dog like.

-He is quieter, because his voice has roughened somewhat. 

-He enjoys being in your presence, though. You put him at ease.

-He’s always worried that you dislike him because of what he’s become, but you convince him that you still love him. After all, we’re all monsters.

-He’s even bigger than he used to be and can just carry you with no effort in the slightest

-Inanna is a GIGANTIC doggo

-Can be used as a horse (Inanna, not Muriel xd)

-Somehow, when you pet his hair, he just purrs. 

-Gets super embarassed about it despite liking your touch

-Takes you with him when he goes exploring

-GIANT TEDDYBEAR

Portia

-She’s become a saber-tooth tiger creature. Her fangs are rather small (in saber standards) but visible, she’s got two fluffy ears on her head and a loooong fluffy tiger tail. Retractable claws on her hands and her feet. Feet look like cat paws but bigger.

-She loves cuddling, being a cat

-Honestly cuddling with her is heaven bc she SOFT

-She tends to get frisky after cuddling for a long while, sneaking her tail under your clothing 😏

-Pepi has become a winged cat with a detachable head

-Sleeps a LOT

-Can jump really damn high

-She can climb up walls like a pro

-If you kiss her she’ll want more, nuzzling into you and purring to get your attention

-’’Rawr!’’ ‘’Portia! You scared me!’’

-Dates are always so fun, she can always make you laugh even if it’s just from her tickling you with her tail

-Has a habit of falling asleep on top of you

Lucio

-He’s become a satyr. He has horns as well as a goat tail and hooves. His ears are goat ears. Also his hair is long. His legs are covered with blonde fur.

-He likes vegetables a lot more than he did before

-If you pull on his tail he’ll shriek in surprise

-Bleats when angry

-He is horny af 24/7 (it’s in a satyr’s nature)

-He’s curious to see what grass tastes like

-Please stop him from doing this

-Will sometimes carry you on his back and just take you on a journey

-He won’t mind if you ride him differently either 😏

-Loves to kiss and snuggle

(if y’all want more of a specific character, by all means, ask away.)

[masked-disciple]

19 through 25? :0

19. Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?)

Hmmmm.... Honestly, not that I can think of? I mean characters in my head sometimes walk up and inform me they’ve committed incest again, but that doesn’t usually make it to AO3. (Shoutout to Rhada for informing me of a whole lot of shit he did with Sisyphus, who is related to him in Mirrorverse on a fucking technicality, jfc. But also Rhada’s been committing incest by way of sleeping with Gordon, aka Minos’ son, since the bronze age so.) 

I mean, I probably overuse Toby quotes, but tbh I actually can’t think of something I overuse too much. Huh.

20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)

I’ve already done this a lot (I’m actually answering this last because I’m trying to think of my favourite here), and. Hmmm. Honestly, I’m gonna go with IKM Minos, because while I have rambled about him before, only in DMs, and I haven’t talked about IKM much yet.

The thing is, I know as much about him as y’all who follow the series do. He’s very quiet in my headspace, and only ever comes out when I sit down and write him. But he’s four things. Four things, completely at odds with each other, and yet completely in harmony. He’s a griffon, he’s a Spectre, he’s noble, he’s feral. And everything he is can be summed up in those four traits.

He’s a griffon, to start. Half cat, half bird. All the casual arrogance of cats, all the flock behaviour of a bird, all the loyalty, all the insistence to guard. That’s what griffons do. They guard. And that’s his fundamental beginning: he’s a griffon, once you strip everything else away from him.

On top of that, he’s a Spectre. He’s casually cruel and vicious, very traumatized (how, I don’t know, he won’t tell me), he’s a strategist, he prioritizes his own survival but looks out for the others in his division, and he’s very very choosy about who he trusts to not hurt him, who he trusts he won’t hurt on purpose.

Then, his demon star, Nobility. This comes from the Age of Myth. He’s at ease with humans, can interact well with them, can slip around their social etiquette with grace, despite being nothing like them. He’s a little bit chivalrous, has honour enough, tries not to get too messy, actually does have a moral compass of sorts.

Lastly, he’s feral. Wild. Untethered and unforgiving and free. This is the opposite of his demon star, yes. But it is what he is, and he has no issues stripping free of his fancy clothes and running naked through the mud with nothing but fur to cover him and howling at the moon as he rips through prey with his teeth. 

Seems contrary, and indeed, he’s a very contrary person. The real joy in how those go together.

A griffon Spectre means he’ll guard his division. He doesn’t need to love them to have no option but to guard and protect them. He’s the leader of the flock, and he’ll do what needs doing. He’s cruel, he’s responsible, and he does what he needs to. This ties in well with Nobility, his star, because he has enough of a moral compass to know when he has to sacrifice someone, and how to feel bad about it, while his Spectreness allows him to not feel as bad about it as he could.

Naturally, most of the time, he’s noble, a bit fussy and imperious, likes his poetry as a way of speaking. But the more he’s hurt, the angrier he is, the more upset he is, that stripes away into his feral nature. His nobility is a mask and a shield for his true nature: simply a wild griffon, untethered by any rules and unforgiving to any that meet him. I’ll explore this part a bit further later on as this is the part of him that Alba really falls in love with, but this is where his personality begins to really shine. That duality between his noble, imperious nature and his honest, wild self.

He’s a hard as fuck character to write. But oh, I love the results. 

21. What other medium do you think your story would work well as? (film, webcomic, animated series?)

As answered previously, I Have No Fucking Idea But Probably Anime.

22. Do you reread your old works? How do you feel about them?

As also answered previously, yes, because I have no other choice if I want to see my damn rarepairs most of the time, and I enjoy doing so because I like most of my fics. 

23. What’s the story idea you’ve had in your head for the longest?

I answered last time as Rose’s story, but I checked my spreadsheet for what I’d forgotten and gold star me, I forgot about one I really do want to talk about: the TLC version of Seanan McGuire’s Every Heart a Doorway as a long fic! Harry Potter AUs are out. Wayward Children AUs are in as fuck.

What I know is that Aiolos and Aiolia run a school like Eleanor does. It may be located not far from Sagiverse’s Saint Shion’s University, probably Academia Terrestria. Most of the cast is TLC, Golds and Spectres mostly. It follows the adventures of one young Sasha, kicked out of her world by Hades himself after going mostly all the way through the plot of TLC itself, as she deals with coming back without her brother - a possibility she’d already made peace with - but with him still in Sanctum Greece, out and committing mass murder - the part she isn’t cool with.

She walks in during the first few chapters to meet Aiolia just as Minos - from a high Nonsense, high Wicked world where everything is the theatre and the rules make you think it’s Logic and it’s not - bolts across the room, swings a grappling hook around the chandelier, and scales the wall in the nick of time before Pandora throws her trident at him. They’re roommates. Pandora’s from Prism, Kade’s world, as the Goblin Princess so she is understandably wanting Minos dead here.

Sasha blinks, immediately goes on the defensive because hello, two Spectres, but neither know who the hell she is. Lia takes her with him as he negotiates getting Minos into the tower room with Albafica, from the Moors where he and his dad fend off vampires with a strain of woody rose poison they put into their blood, and then puts Sasha in with Pandora, who helps her figure out that just because she knows all of these faces and names doesn’t make them the same people. (This is after watching her freak out over Minos and Alba sharing a room, because she watched them kill each other.)

And then like two weeks later Alone shows up, immediately throws himself at the Dragon Prince Rhadamanthys, who is sixteen and doesn’t know how to handle a small child without a tail and shares the attic with Aiacos, who lived in a world of fire and brimstone and light and wind, moderate Virtue, moderate Logic. Sasha freaks out, Pandora sits on her, and it is discovered not that long later that Alone brought Hades with him.

I have no idea what the plot is past that point. I figure I’ll be asking Zander or another system how I should best write Alone and Hades, which is a standard possession that I want to be thinly-veiled multiplicity, because really those two things are the damn same from where I’m standing and that would be cool.

I’ll write it when I’ve got a plot. Gah.

24. Would you say your writing has changed over time?

Oh abso-goddamn-lutely. I finally figured out how to show and not tell so much, and how to vaguely fix my biggest problem that I had forever: expanding individual threads so I didn’t rush everything. Now that I’ve figured out how to do that, I’m pretty sure I could redline for another writer struggling with the same thing. One of the bits of advice someone said that really fixed my writing was the idea of one, ‘always name at least two sensory details in every paragraph’, and two, ‘for the next six months never write ‘they saw that’ ‘they felt like’ ‘they wanted to’ etc etc, and find a way to say that without saying that, take no shortcuts and never say it outright’. Once you understand why they’re telling you to do that, you can go do it again and avoid the purple prose, but it teaches you how to expand things.

Instead of just going ‘he was sad’, if you can’t say that, then what ends up happening is that you quietly restate he was sad by referencing it in his every action. Body language. Tone of voice. Show don’t tell is advice that works great with examples. Take out every ‘they were’ ‘they saw’ ‘they felt’ and you have no choice but to show it without telling it. And it makes your writing so much stronger.

Another thing I learned was that a Mary Sue isn’t a level one character, they’re a level twenty in a level-three-recommended story. Their backstory is their plotline. This one I learned from Betsy Lee, with No Evil versus Brother Swan- specifically, Ozma Angeline. Look at her child form. Now look at her adult. Her adult is the perfect idea of an edgy Mary Sue. But it’s clear the moment you see her child form, that her every adornment was gained after she first appeared. She wasn’t born that way. Every mark she has is a part of her story. I first met Angel in NE, and I got to know her. Then I saw her in BS and I was like “is that fucking Angel???” and suddenly everything made sense. That’s a well-written character. Sure, we see fuckall of her arc, but that’s when I finally understood how to write a powerful character without making them a Mary Sue. Because nothing stands in the way of a Mary Sue, they never struggle. You set the Mary Sue as their endgame, twenty years after the series ends, and you’re golden.

The last thing I really learned that helped me so much owes itself to Seanan McGuire, of course the Toby books. Specifically: Luna Torquill. This is where I learned that allies become enemies offscreen if they want to, and how to give your side characters a true arc without ever giving them the spotlight. Toby characters don’t feel like they’re just waiting for Toby herself to check in with them. They go do their own stuff when she’s not there, and actively get more development offscreen without ever feeling out of character. Luna is the most obvious example, but Sylvester, Antigone, Tybalt, and Cass all do it too. Actually, the only one who didn’t was Connor and he died and I didn’t like him anyway. Luna really showed me how to bring my side characters to life, and in that understanding helped me really get how to write a character arc.

25. What part of writing is the most fun?

Sneaking in metaphors and foreshadowing and recurring motifs and parallels, and doing so accidentally because I’m just that good. /lh No really, I love having parallels and shit in my writing that make me look smarter than I am, because most all of them are accidental and I only notice after someone points it out. I look like a genius. I’m bullshitting it the entire way. But when I do actively do it, and it works out, I like it even more. I love hiding little things that reinforce the storyline and atmosphere and add a deeper meaning to my work.

Like, for example. In Aeternum, specifically As We Watch The Hourglass, Tsuko pointed out that the state of the boiler room perfectly represents Minos’ mental state. She’s fine, she’s fixing things, and then outside circumstances causes her to fall apart and Alba just attempts to patch it up enough that it’s vaguely safe enough to work with, but still very very fragile and prone to collapsing at any second. Add in that she’s an engineer and this is her specialty and biggest talent, and it seems like a super cool parallel to do, especially since I really like reflecting my characters in the world around them.

It was completely accidental. I wanted to show that her sadism that canon Minos has is in there, that she isn’t totally OOC and just hasn’t yet become more like her canon form (he’s more traumatized and has gone down a path she’s only inching onto at the moment), but I also wanted them to get a damn bath so Alba could bitch about his hair, while showing that Minos is actually surprisingly useful. In order to do that, I needed the boiler room, I needed to show her fragility, and then I needed to show what was underneath that. And then I needed the threat gone so they could do other shit. In order to make that realistic, I forced her to not panic about it even though she really wanted to, and Alba did a shoddy job because we gave him like an hour and he’s running on little food and less sleep. That was it, that was my entire thought process. And on the page, there’s symbolism that makes me look smart.

When I go to rewrite Aeternum, I’ll be showing more of their early relationship, so she actually is useless onscreen for a bit, so the scene has more oomph when surprise, she has talents after all. (Later those talents will prove very important, but I haven’t written that part yet and won’t for a while.)

So yeah. Accidental symbolism. I love doing that shit. 

[thewondersomethingorother]

One more Pony post and then I’m done for a while. Big ol’ long post under the cut

One of the things I wish the show did more, was explore the different magics outside of pony magic. Now I know this was a show for kiddos who aren’t here for deep fantasy lore, but the early seasons did a pretty good job building up the different ways tribes use their magic. It wasn’t any one major thing, but seeing how the pegasi industrialized the weather, how the Apple family seemed to use rituals to make Zap Apple Jam, and that not every unicorn knew magic like Twilight, but they at least were able to use their magic for what suited their lives. 

But, as the show went on, that sort of charm began to fall to the side in favor of filling the already large cast, and making way for plots that would reveal more toys. I can’t be too mad, since again, baby show for babies, but there was a lot of fun in realizing how the different tribes maintained equal footing with each other, all while each controlling different magic (before it became “UNICORNS AND ONLY UNICORNS GOT DA GOOD MAGIC”). Adding new creatures like Griffons, Minotaurs, Kirin, the Cats, and so on, really made me wish the show at least had some kind of guide that made it clear how these other creatures got along with or without their own magic, and didn’t have the ponies look like these singular blessed beings who would bless the lesser nations with their magical friendship wisdom (no I don’t like the Map). 

Anyway, here’s some examples of magic I wish we got:

Two of these are characters that have to do with m’girl @thebiscuiteternal, one being her OC and another being a past Pony character we’re using for our story. The unicorn, Silver Swirl, may seem like the kind of standard unicorn you’d see on the show, but she’s a bit of a special case. Silver never really had naturally strong magic, and would use her prodigious mind more than natural power to do her job. She would often wear a robe, because whole she does have a Cutie Mark, it’s usually pretty much invisible unless she’s pushing her magic. Then it manifests as purple magic swirls, usually indicative of a talent for magic in some way (and her eyes glow like they do when a pony really pushes their magic). 

The other Biscuit character is the cat on the left. That’s Divya, who she made for a story different than the one Silver is in, but still a part of the Pony lore. She’s an Abyssinian or the Cat People from the Movie, but she’s lived in a different country her whole life. Biscuit has this whole cool set up where Divya excels as a blanket maker, as is her family’s tradition, and summons magic through her claws to weave intricate patterns that always seem to match the personality of the customer. Also I think she has House Magic but I could be wrong, but if she does, then that’s so Biscuit. 

To the right is our Boy, Rockhoof. One of the Pillars and while seemingly the meathead of the group, is actually as skilled in Earth Pony magic as Star Swirl was in unicorn magic. I wish we could have explored more of what Earth Ponies were capable of beyond “yeah they’re strong and grow things I guess” because that makes them sound like natural laborers and that’s eeeehhhhhhh, not great. I did do a post a while back going into my own version of what Earth Ponies can do, and one of their talents is Enchanting, or making something (usually tools) work the way they want to. Earth Ponies usually are the tribe most likely to use tools, and their magic can make it so that said tool tends to work in some special way that’s different from the other tribes. This can go from simple farm tools, to even more subtle things like pens and ink, jewelry, glass, food, and so on. Earth Ponies are masters in more subtle magic out of the 3 tribes, so theirs usually has the least counters, simply because not everyone knows what they can do (and Earth Ponies prefer it that way). Rockhoof’s shovel never needed sharpening, and was at its strongest when being used by him. Rockhoof himself was one of the most prodigious users of Earth Magic, being able to blast through mountain sides, dig trenches in minuets, and seemed to be able to have a deep understanding of nature. Plus all that shoveling does wonders for the body, ladies.

And at the bottom right is a kirin, because I like them. The introduction of kirins was something I enjoyed, but I again wish they went in to them a little more outside of “they’re here in the jungle and don’t talk so that’s not helpful.” What makes them so pony-like but also not (and on that note, don’t get me started on the Saddle Arabians because ARE THEY -JUST- HORSES?)? How long have they been there? Why don’t they have their own nation and are just in this one town? Does the Equestrian government recognize the kirin leader as leader of her own people, or do they ultimately have to serve the Crown? All these things and more I think about, and I’ll probably go into that later on, but for now I do enjoy that they’re these weird, seemingly androgynous creatures that seem to have magic that is more emotion based than that of the pony. When their emotions are in harmony and at peace, a kirin can do things like jump great lengths, run over water, and control their weight so as to float like feathers or drop like stones. When in their pissed-off nirik form, their magic is more violent and dangerous, usually burning things around them until they tire themselves out. Kirin can usually control these magics in tandem if they need to, but usually favor their more positive magic. 

Also they’re fireproof. 

[halfblood-fiend]

Every Single Star - Dragon Age: Origins, Cousland x Alistair

Written for Blu’s Discord Secret Santa, here is the first half of my gift for @mothmanaintshit. Thanks for your patience while I do it this way because it totally got away from me but I’m thinking that it’ll be super worth the wait because I am very proud of this whole thing! :D

So here’s my first coffee shop AND college AU, just for Axel with their Warden Cousland, Delilah, and the best ball of awkward, Alistair. <3

Words: 8,257 (big yikes)

Rating: General Audiences

Warning(s): light cursing

Read it on AO3

Ferelden’s capital, Denerim, seemed to always be awake and bustling, which was why the silver and blue light-up sign emblazoned with a griffon and announcing their space as The Grey Warden Coffee Roasters never turned off. Must’ve been a rule here, to appear to never need sleep. The line out the door most mornings implied this rule applied to people as well. They all crammed themselves into the cozy shop, certainly following the smell of brewing coffee more than the desire to bask in “the glory” of the fraying Warden memorabilia hanging on the dark walls. Duncan was proud of “his brand” though, so it stayed, no matter how many sneezing fits Alistair had from the dust.

The commuters rush and the first pinkish lights of dawn had just about died down in favor of a full grey sunrise before the next wave of morning-time ghouls lumbered their way into the café. Instead of the existential dread of a long, slow life in the office, these ones carried with them the crisp air of the first day of autumn. This rush was all new notebooks and shuffling papers and the strangely satisfying sound of polyester backpack straps being anxiously shifted on shoulders as folks rooted around in the bottom of them for Sovereigns.

Alistair and Duncan helped all these idiots get their mornings in some semblance of order before their first classes of the term at the University of Ferelden: Denerim, conveniently just down the street.

The glass doors banged open, the silver bell overhead ringing like mad, a sharp gust of biting wind swirling leaves across the floor. Alistair paused from frantically writing on a black insulated paper cup in a squeaky silver pen and saw her.

A small woman with blonde hair, a thick blue scarf the shade of denim and a cream-colored sweater stood there wrestling the door closed. Her scarf slipped from her flushed, wind-bitten cheeks as she yanked on the handle, the tousled top of her short-cropped hair whipping around her head. She panted and pushed, her pointed face straining until the door closed with a snap and she turned, murmuring a short apology to the onlooking line of patrons. Alistair hardly realized he was staring with a slacked jaw until the elf in front of him cleared their throat and asked how much for the Caramel Griffon Steamer in a voice that told him that this wasn’t the first time they’d asked.

“Sorry, I—? What size will that be?”

They looked at him doubtfully but replied, “Small. The Genlock. It’s literally the one in your hand you were just writing on.”

Alistair flushed hard and coughed. “Oh! Right!” As he pressed the buttons on the register, his gaze wandered towards the back of the line where the woman fell in with the rest, but now that the door had been righted and the wind calmed down, she’d disappeared into the jumble of people. He tamped down the strange disappointment that swelled in his chest as he took the elf’s money and dumped it into the register’s drawer.

The line moved steadily enough, but impatience started coloring his voice with each new customer that wasn’t the Door-Wrestling-Woman. Every once in a while, he would catch a glimpse of her. A cream-sweater-clad elbow, a flash of that scarf or the peeking toe of her shoes. She wore tan boots with a flat heel, skinny jeans neatly tucked into the knitted tops. Alistair amused himself by deciding that meant she was practical, maybe even economical, as though he was some sort of detective from a bad mystery novel. He knew that in reality, those random details meant very little, but it just felt so important to know something—anything—about her. And why that was, was beyond him.

He was internally interpreting the symbolic meaning of wearing a denim-colored scarf and blue denim jeans at the same time when the next person in line stepped forward and made him do a double take.

He had to be the nastiest, most sour-looking man Alistair had ever seen—and he had seen so many people in his time working here. He recalled to his mind every negative interaction to date; every upset PTA parent complaining about the consistency of their latte’s foam and every harried businessman with neckties so tight their purple faces looked like they would pop clean off after Alistair told them they were out of pumpkin spice syrup. He put them all together as one person and this man still managed to look nastier. Something about his long black hair or his piercing blue eyes or the vicious glower that settled just beneath his stern features made Alistair’s guts wilt and curl into themselves like paper in a fire. He looked to be the physical manifestation of every bad thing that ever happened in Alistair’s life thus far, and when his thin lips attempted a brief but grim mockery of a smile, Alistair gripped the counter behind the register to keep from jumping backwards.

Thank the Maker that the expression slid from the man’s face almost as soon as it appeared, as though it pained him to make the muscles in his mouth do that for even an instant.

Alistair adopted the most chipper tone he could manage in light of his desire to dart into the back room away from this man. “Er-Hello, ser. What can I- erm- get started for you today?”

The man’s eyes flicked upwards to the menu as though he hadn’t just spent the last 20 or so minutes waiting with nothing else to do but read the carefully written chalk letters. He frowned. “Do you have just plain coffee in this Maker-damned place?”

Movement from behind him caught Alistair’s eye and the flash of blonde hair and cream sweater grabbed his attention. The Door-Wrestling-Woman’s head snapped up from her phone at the man’s gruff voice and recognition sparked in her eyes. Then horror. She turned away from him in order to pull her green canvas messenger bag in front of her, hold the flap up between their line of sight and begin rummaging around in the bottom of it. Alistair’s brows furrowed at her. The man started to turn to look when Alistair realized that was probably the last thing she wanted and cleared his throat to get his attention back.

“Uhm, yes. We have several signature blends and I’d be happy to recommend some to you. Wha-what are you looking for to satisfy that palate of yours, hmm? Any favorite tastes or flaaaa-vors I should know about?”

Scowling, the man replied, “No. I just need the caffeine and this silly little place happened to be on the way to the university.”

“Ah, so, on your way to school, I see—”

“No small talk. I’m not interested.”

“Oooohkay,” Alistair’s mouth snapped shut. The Door-Wrestling-Woman lowered the flap of her bag a few inches and his eyes found hers. He was delighted to note the scrunched-up touch of amusement in the corners of her eyes.

When the man spoke, she disappeared behind the bag again. “Give me whichever one has the most caffeine and be done with it.”

“Ah. That’d be our Darkspawn Roast! Excellent blend, ser, you are truly a man of impeccable taste. I guarantee you will find it absolutely de-blight­-ful and sure to make your eyes wide as a—” The deep scowl was enough to make Alistair abandon all hope of making the Door-Wrestling-Woman laugh and he cleared his throat instead. “Er- what size?”

“Large.”

“Oh, er, sorry about that,” Alistair began. He really didn’t want to have to break any sort of bad news to this man, but at this point he was contractually obligated to. He hoped it wouldn’t be the last thing he did with his short life. “I aaactually can’t do that. See, there is too much caffeine in the Darkspawn Blend and it is actually quite illegal for me to sell that much to you. I’m afraid I can only give it to you in a Hurlock size, not an Ogre.”

The man did indeed appear as agitated as Alistair worried he would, the curl of a sneer appearing at the corners of his mouth. “Illegal?”

“Mmm, yes. Illegal.”

“Why?”

“Caffeine is a drug, technically, as I am sure you are aware, ser. You’re only supposed to have so much a day. We could be shut down if I sell you Darkspawn Blend in an Ogre because it would be too much caffeine.”

“I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“Ah, yes, well, still a no, ser, I’m afraid. I…I’m sorry. I can still give you the Hurlock size…?” His hand edged for the middle-sized insulated cup and Alistair almost wished that he could just sell him the big one and be done, if for no other reason than to get this man away from him. But Duncan was always watching, even as he busied himself making drinks as Alistair took orders. The last time Alistair had sold an Ogre-sized Darkspawn Blend to someone, Duncan had refused to sell Alistair any of his favorite Mabari Cake Pops for a month.

Frowning, the man squinted up at the menu and then asked, “I can add espresso shots to any drink, can’t I?”

Alistair gulped. Ah, the Shrieks. Not the Shrieks and the Darkspawn Blend? At his age, this man would have a heart attack before he left the parking lot. “…yes?”

“Is there a limit to them? Because of that silly caffeine thing?”

“Yes. Five.”

“And I can add them to this drink, too, if I wanted?”

Alistair’s eyes widened and darted to the left where Duncan was busy at the steamer and shaking up other drinks in the line. He really should ask, he thought to himself, though he knew the answer was, technically, ‘yes.’ Sod it, if the man died, he died and it was his own fault, wasn’t it? Alistair had warned him. “Yes,” he said finally, and the man nodded.

“Good. Then give me that blasted medium size and put five shots in it.”

With a shaking hand, Alistair wrote what he was told and repeated the order back while in a vague state of shock. “Darkspawn Blend, Hurlock, five…Shrieks… Uh. Room for cream?”

“No. And no sugar, either. Black, if you please.”

Alistair nodded, but didn’t understand as he wrote the last bit of order. “Name?”

“Loghain.”

Alistair proceeded to make the most terrifying coffee order he’d ever taken in his life. He couldn’t help but hold his breath when he handed over the drink that probably tasted just like the Blight itself and Loghain walked out of the café. Please don’t die in our parking lot, he thought, I’d have to clean it up. As the door closed behind this Loghain man, he breathed out an audible sigh of relief.

“Awful, isn’t he?”

Blinking a little to clear the haze of horror that had settled over him, Alistair realized with a start that the Door-Wrestling-Woman was now standing right in front of him, unobstructed by either customers nor her own messenger bag.

When faced with her up close, whether she was economical or practical or whatever fanciful things he had made up about her before this moment, he realized only one thing was abundantly obvious: that she was breathtakingly beautiful.

She beamed at him, in all her tiny glory, the wool scarf around her neck the same light blue of her eyes, making them pop and dance. Her hair reflected the light with golden strands. Her slim jaw accentuated the pink feminine curve of her mouth. Her brows, somewhat raised with amusement, furrowed the purple tattoo around her left eye. His greedy gaze took in as much of her as he could, and for the first time in what Duncan might have called ‘forever’, Alistair was stunned into silence.

She misinterpreted that silence, her smile slipping slightly and added, “Don’t worry. You didn’t do anything. He’s like that with everyone.”

Duncan crossed behind him and placed a carrying tray of drinks on the pic-up counter. “Tabris!” he shouted into the room in his deep voice.

And with that, the spell was broken, and Alistair shook himself slightly and returned an uncertain smile. “Oh. You…you know him, do you?”

“Sadly. He’s my Modern Military History professor,” she said with a grimace.

Wrinkling his nose, Alistair echoed, “Modern Milita—what kind of a class is that? What would it even be for? It sounds horribly boring!”

He gulped as the woman’s face hardened at his words. “It’s actually quite fascinating,” she replied cooly, “It’s a part of the Military Series for a Political Science degree.”

Alistair saw his opportunity to fix this interaction with humor and he took it. “Riiight. Political Science. That’s every child’s dream, isn’t it? To grow up and be a corrupt politician. Is there anything better in the world?”

To his horror, she didn’t crack a smile.

“It was my childhood dream to be a politician. Like my parents are now.”

Oh. Well…shit.

“Mmmm,” Alistair hummed and picked up his silver pen to fidget with it. “And, on that note, what can I get for you today? I hear the foot-in-mouth breakfast sandwich is very good this morning. I can make it as an Alistair-special. As you can see, I’m really good at putting them together.”

Blessedly, she did laugh this time and shook her head. The tension in his stomach disappeared immediately and Alistair secretly decided there wasn’t a better sound in the world.

“I mean, you’re kinda right. It’s not a normal thing to want, and you didn’t know…and Professor Mac Tir is the worst…”

“It is quite unfortunate that you have him as your teacher, yes. You have my condolences for that.”

She smiled up at him again and said, “Thanks. He’s brilliant though, even if he is mean.”

Duncan appeared at the register beside them and typed on the keys quickly to log in. He threw a look at Alistair as he called the next customer in line forward that told him that he was bristling not just because he was beardy. You’re supposed to take their orders, Alistair, not chit-chat with them, he practically heard his friend say in his mind. But Alistair pretended not to notice.

She continued, “He just recently published a paper, you know.”

“Oh?”

“And also made it required reading for the class.”

“Oh. So, a total douche, then?”

“A bit. It’s called Philosophical and Theoretical Perspectives on Wartime Justice: The Question of War and Ethics. In case…I dunno, you ever wanna look it up for yourself. It’s good, I’ll admit, but I’ve been staring at it for the last couple of hours because I forgot it was due before our first class. And honestly, I’m getting so sick of thinking about it, so how about some coffee?”

“Coffee! Yes. I do have that, if you would like to buy some!”

Giggling, her eyes briefly roved up to the menu and Alistair took the moment to be relieved that he had successfully navigated out of the hole he’d dug himself into. Good job, Alistair.

“Oh man… there’s a lot of drinks… What would you recommend?”

Wide blue eyes blinked at him, waiting, and he struggled not to get lost in them so he could answer. “Me? I would recommend…hm. The Calling Latte and the Conscrip-uccino are both popular and they’re pretty good. But my personal favorite is probably the Brewed Mother. It’s a pour-over blend of several of our roasts so it’s got all the taste of coffee but is also very sweet and thick and foamy because we use druffalo milk instead of a cow’s.”

“Sure. I’ll try that then!”

“Excellent choice!” Alistair said, double underlining and starring either side of ‘Brewed Mother’ on the cup. “And if you don’t like it, I can give you your money back!” Duncan threw him a dirty look.

But she laughed. “I doubt that’ll be necessary.”

Alistair grabbed the size she wanted (Hurlock), took down her name (Delilah—has there ever been a more beautiful name in all of ever??) and sent her on her way. Once she moved on, Duncan signed off of his register and elbowed him gently in the ribs.

“We’re too busy to make fools of ourselves in front of pretty girls right now. How about staying on task, hmm?”

Alistair rolled his eyes but couldn’t keep the smile from his face as he assented to the warm and firm grip of Duncan’s hand on his shoulder. He should have known there would have been no hiding anything from Duncan, even busy as they were right now. Knowing the old man, he probably heard everything, too, and was going to grill him about it as soon as the rush died down. Yet even replaying the embarrassing things he just said to Delilah couldn’t dim the warm glow of happiness that breathed life into his chest and spread all the way to his toes with each fluttering beat of his heart.

His gaze kept flickering to her as he took more orders, but her own was glued to her phone. Each time he looked, she would be squinting at the screen or typing furiously with flying thumbs.

That was just as well, probably. A little voice inside urged him to ask her for her number, but how weird would that be? Hey, I know that I just met you and I insulted your life’s goals but I’d love to keep doing so over texts if you give me your number. Worrying his lip between his teeth, Alistair told himself that would never fly. Rom-Com romances didn’t happen in real life in busy coffee shops near universities. Total strangers didn’t have instant connections, no matter how much he believed it to be true. The only connection Delilah had to him was that she was about to drink his favorite coffee, and once it was gone, that was it. No more Alistair the Grey Roaster in her life.

But he wanted so badly to ask her anyway.

So maybe he just should.

Out of the corner of his eye, Alistair saw Duncan fit a Hurlock-sized cup with a lid, and as he spun it to make sure the lid was fully closed, Alistair spied the silver stars peeking over the cup sleeve. As he turned to take Delilah’s cup to the counter, Alistair wheeled away from the register and plucked it from Duncan’s hand.

“Hey—”

“Switch you!” And without waiting for a response, Alistair marched her cup to the counter and called Delilah’s name.

She looked up and when she saw him, she beamed. And when she beamed at him, a strange shiver of delight rippled through his body and made him grin in return. Like the most wonderful domino effect.

“Your coffee, Future Arl of Denerim.”

Delilah giggled as she took the offered cup. “I’d have my work cut out for me if I pursued that. I’ve got my eyes on a smaller but no less noble prize. Highever will do just fine for me. Though it’ll take just as much work to get there.” She took a sip from her cup and her eyes lit up. “Ooh, this is good! Thanks for the rec. Gotta get to class now. Wish me luck!”

“Me luck,” Alistair said, somewhat breathlessly, earning him a final smile over her shoulder before Delilah disappeared out the door.

As he watched it close behind her, he realized he hadn’t asked for her number after all.

“Alistair! Register!”

Good luck out there, Delilah, he thought, a soft regret constricting his throat. He rapped the counter with his knuckles then returned to the morning mayhem.

Alistair had been wrong. Duncan wasn’t going to tease him later that day. And not that night or the next day or the next. He was beginning to think he was in the clear and Duncan would be cool and never mention Delilah at all… until after the morning rush on Thursday.

Duncan leaned against the counter with the steamer machine and mopped his brow with a handkerchief he produced from the pocket of his grey and blue apron. A few people still milled about at the array of black tables with their headphones on, but at least there was no more line of people and no more orders to fill. It was enough time for them to breathe, for certain, but not enough to relax if the teetering pile of coffee-stained shakers, glass blender jars and measuring cups in the shining metal sink had anything to say about it.

“So,” Duncan began in his baritone, causing Alistair to freeze with his hand inside the baked treats display.

“Soooo….?”

Duncan’s dark eyes bored into his and twinkled with mischief. “Still no sign of the Cousland girl, eh?”

“What?” Alistair’s back snapped straight so quickly that he forgot the sliding glass door he was holding onto and it closed on his wrist. “Ouch!”

Duncan chortled to himself and switched out his handkerchief for a dish towel. He picked up the first dirty serving glass with worn, careful fingers and got to washing. “Why don’t you pick up your jaw and make yourself useful, Alistair. Wipe down the machines while we still can.”

“How…How did you find out her last name?” Alistair asked him. He bent to pick out a clean microfiber towel and Duncan’s favorite all-natural cleaner from a lower cabinet. “And how did you know I was looking for her? I wasn’t, by the way!”

His friend smiled and Alistair heard the low rumble of quiet laughter over the spritz of his spray bottle. Just like Duncan to decide not to answer. But after some washing, he said, “It was easy enough. Her name was Delilah; she said she was a political science major and has wanted to be a politician all her life, like her family is. And she mentioned she wanted to be Arl of Highever. One internet search was all it took to find Delilah Cousland, only daughter of the current Arl of Highever. Even filled in my search bar for me.”

“You searched for a customer?” Alistair gasped, offended for her. Duncan did some socially questionable things sometimes (like take a penniless orphan in and give him a job and a place to stay, for one) but this was low, even for him. “I just can’t believe you would do such a heinous thing. I don’t think I can even look at you!” Alistair moved on to spray the cappuccino machine and made a mental note to search for ‘Delilah Cousland’ on his own computer later. He knew just enough about the current state of the Houses of Nobles, Arls and Teryns to know the Couslands were somebody, but he couldn’t quite recall what they had been known for.

“Oh, good morning, Delilah, welcome back,” Duncan rumbled.

Alistair spun around towards the register and dropped the spray bottle, his hand flying to his hair instead—

—but there was no one there.

The room shook with Duncan’s great, booming laughter.

“Oh, har har, Old Man,” Alistair scolded, flushing as he snatched up his spray bottle from the floor. “What a wonderfully cruel trick to play on your poor employee. Feel good now, do you?”

“Absolutely,” he chuckled, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “You were looking for her then. You’ve been sullen and sulking after every morning rush for the last couple of days.”

“No,” Alistair insisted. No way was he letting Duncan get the best of him. Not again. “I do not ‘sulk.’ And I’m not looking for her. I don’t even remember what her name is anymore.”

“Oh, so, I can unbookmark her MyPhylactery page and not tell you her current relationship status.”

“Wait, wait, wait! You found her MyPhylactery page?”

Duncan gave him a satisfied side eye, his bushy black beard betraying the wide toothy smile beneath and nodded.

“And…it wasn’t set to private?”

He shook his head. “It was. I invited her to Bond to our company page.”

“But our company page is just your Phylactery!”

He nodded.

“So now you can see all her information!”

Duncan’s eyes twinkled.

“That was a skeevy thing you did, you know.”

“So, you don’t want to see her Phylactery?” Duncan asked again even though it was clear he already knew the answer. Alistair cursed himself for being so blighted easy to read.

“No, no. I’ll look. But I won’t be happy about it, and I will deny any involvement if she ever finds out. I’ll throw you under the cart-wheels in an instant, Old Man, mark my words.”

His threat was only met with snickers.

Alistair didn’t have to wait long at all before he saw Delilah again. After all the waiting and all the eager searching of faces each morning, he figured it was just his luck that she would reappear now, at the end of his break. The break that he had just spent pouring over the link to MyPhylactery that Duncan had sent him and scrolling over every picture and every life update she had posted in the last five years.

As soon as he saw her wander in, he blushed. He shouldn’t be blushing. It…It was perfectly normal to look someone up after you’d met them! Even though…she’d never actually given him her last name. Nor had she really consented to letting Duncan see her private profile. Because how was she supposed to know that he was bad with tech like some strange youngish-Old Person and didn’t even know how to make a business account on MyPhylactery? Alistair felt that he really shouldn’t know that she had broken up with her boyfriend of four years before moving to Denerim to go to school, and that he was still commenting on every single post that she made. Clearly, he couldn’t let her go. It had to be annoying for her. But Alistair shouldn’t have known that, it was weird.

So he blushed scarlet when Delilah waved at him, and his stomach twisted in guilty knots when she bounced forward to order at the counter. Her bright smile, while still dazzling, didn’t quite melt the ice pounding in his veins. He was sure she could read the guilt in his eyes.

“You okay?” she asked, shifting her bag’s strap from her right shoulder to her left. Her head tilted quizzically. There was genuine worry in her eyes. Alistair might’ve felt touched if he wasn’t too busy feeling ashamed. “You look flushed. Are you sick?”

Alistair tried to speak, failed, cleared his throat and tried again. “’S’just warm back here…is all.”

Every impulse in him screamed to tell her, but what would that even do? It wasn’t a big deal! Was it? If anything, he would look like more of a stalker if he just announced to her that he’d looked her up and found out that her brother, Fergus Cousland, had gotten hired to work as a campaign manager for the incumbent Arl of Amaranthine Rendon Howe, and was slated to become the next Arl once Howe gained the Teyrnship, and then she, Delilah, was promised an internship on the committee (which she was very, very excited and grateful for, a sentiment that earned her 106 likes from all her various Phylactery Bonds).

Oh, Maker, no, he should tell her. He should fess up and beg forgiveness before he accidentally let on that he knows more than he should and loses the possibility of a friendship with this beautiful, wonderful, intelligent—

“Did you hear me?”

He started. “Sorry. What was that?”

Delilah smiled and shook her head at him. “Are you sure you’re not sick? You should go and sit down because you seem really out of it.”

“I’m okay, really,” he replied shakily, lifting a hand to rub out a kink that started forming in the back of his neck from the stress of his own personal disaster.

“Well, if you’re sure… I said that I really liked what you recommended to me last time. So I think I’ll just have another Brewed Mother. But I’ll take it in an Ogre this time.” She patted her bag and sighed, “I’ve got a lotta work to do.”

“Oh, yeah?” Alistair asked somewhat automatically, picking up the large cup and scribbling away. He wrote her name without asking for it and added a star at the end.

Tell her, you idiot. Say something!

“I should—”

“I also said—”

They both spoke at the same time, then they both paused to chuckle awkwardly.

“You can—”

“What were you—”

They shared more uncomfortable titters and Alistair stared at the register keys, willing them to spell out what to do next or to come to life and attack him, or anything really to abate his discomfort. Sweet Maker…

“I-I was just going to say that I had also asked��before, I mean—well, that I didn’t get to catch your name last time. Is all.” Delilah fiddled with the grey and tawny feathers taped to the tip jar. Duncan swore they were real griffon feathers and would encourage people to be more generous with their tips. Alistair was sure they were eagle feathers, which didn’t seem to inspire anyone to give more silvers than they usually would.

Strange thing to ask for, his name, Alistair thought as he glanced down at his apron to double check that his blue nametag was indeed still attached to his chest. It’s right there, after all. But before his brain decided if he should point his badge out to her or not, his mouth was moving, and his name was falling out of it. His whole name.

“It’s Alistair Theirin,” he said, the sounds coming out like a rush of water with no hope of damming it up. His mouth clamped shut so hard that his teeth snapped together and rattled his brain, but he knew the damage was done. Delilah’s face had whipped back up to his and she searched his soul as though she could confirm he was telling the truth if she stared hard enough.

“Theirin?” she echoed in astonishment. “Like the Theirin? Like King Cailan and Maric and—”

Alistair leaned over the register and shushed her more violently than he intended, eyes frantically darting around the coffee house. The only patron now was one dwarf in the corner, and he had on a headset nearly as big as his whole head.

Delilah lowered her voice, but her eyes were still wide. “I-I can’t believe… A Theirin? But then, why are you here?”

Grimacing, Alistair replied, “It’s a long story… One I’d really rather not talk about it, to be honest.”

He expected her to press—the handful of people he’d told over the course of his life often did—but, to her credit, she only nodded. “I’m a Cousland so…so I get it. Kinda. In a not-as-big way, of course, but, yeah… There’s just a lot of expectations to be something, am I right?”

“Right.” Not that you knew the half of it, Alistair thought darkly. Not that being the daughter of a prestigious man repeatedly voted into the House of Arls was really anything when compared to being the bastard son of the late King. But sure. Sure, Delilah “gets it.”

He supposed that he should be grateful. Since she now knew his best kept secret, he felt exactly zero amounts of guilt for knowing what she ate for dinner three nights ago (Antivan Spicy Noodles that looked delicious, 38 likes). No need to fess up about stalking her now. There was no doubt in his mind that she would go home and scour the internet for him now.

“An Ogre-sized Brewed Mother will be five silvers and eleven bits, by the way,” he mumbled.

“Oh! Yeah.”

By the time the coins clinked into the till, Alistair regretted being short and the bitter things he had thought about her. Delilah wandered away more towards the pick-up counter, her phone in her hand, but Alistair found himself speaking anyways.

“It’s not really so bad. The whole…you know, thing. My parents, or whatever.” He rambled while he made her drink and didn’t bother looking up to check if she was even listening. Alistair decided he didn’t really want to know. “I kinda stopped paying attention to it, really. Some people have cared a lot about my parentage, but none of them were my, you know, actual parents, so, what’s the point? I try not to let it bother me.” Why was he saying this to someone he’d only met once before? Just because he was guilty about stalking her social media? Or because there was a slight chance that he could finally get these things that nagged him in the dead of night off his chest? “I figure if they don’t care about me, I shouldn’t care about them. I’m happy to just be…me, you know? I’m just Alistair. That idiot Grey Roaster who talks too much and… aaaaand spills secrets to total strangers. That’s who I am. That’s what I’m here for. Saving the world one Brewed Mother at a time.” He snapped the plastic lid on over the lip of the cup and tried to pick it up by the top to make sure it was on properly. When he was sure, he spun around to slide her drink over the counter and found himself face to face with Delilah.

She had been listening, and if he didn’t know any better, she looked…sad. Not pitying, not disdainful, not any of the kinds of emotions he had come to expect from people when they learned of his very own Tragic Backstory, just…a little moved. A little mournful. Her cool fingers brushed against his own as she took the coffee from him without breaking their locked gaze.

“I understand,” Delilah murmured after a moment. “And… and I’m happy that you’re you too, Alistair.”

He blinked. His mind wiped blank. He had no idea what to say to that. She was…happy for him? No one had ever been happy that he had abandoned his old life before. Even Duncan tried to push him to do something more with himself every now and again. Delilah’s support, even if she didn’t know it, meant more than any words he could think of to describe it. So, he didn’t say anything.

After what felt like several Ages smushed together all at once, Delilah bit her lip and turned away. He watched her disappear out the door again in stunned silence.

She started coming in a lot more often after that. So often, in fact, that Alistair was starting to piece together her schedule. Totally on accident of course, because he had refused to look at her MyPhylactery again until she wanted to send him a Bond. If she ever even wanted to. If they even got to that point.

Delilah came in most Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and some Thursday afternoons. She greeted him each time with a “Hey, Just-Alistair!”, chatted amicably until her drink was ready, and then she was off to class. She tried a few different things off the menu, but more often than not, she ordered a Brewed Mother; a fact that made a tiny flame of happiness light up in Alistair every time. She never mentioned his heritage again.

On a dull autumn Thursday when the grey clouds that always hung low over Ferelden seemed particularly thick and heavy, the bell over the door tinkled and Alistair looked up from his sweeping to find Delilah easing her way in with an armful of large books with faded leather covers.

“Do you need help?” Alistair asked, moving to lean his broom against the counter but Delilah answered faster.

“Nope! I’m good!” She lugged them to a table near the register and dropped them rather unceremoniously with a loud bang that echoed off the glass windows. “Oops, sorry.” She glanced around apologetically and when she realized there was no one else in the shop, she shrugged.

Alistair shook his head and laughed at her. She must have been much stronger than her height let on, he realized. He respected a woman that could bench press her weight in books. “The usual?” he asked, already reaching for a Hurlock cup and writing her name on it with a flourish. And a star. Always a star.

She appeared to consider for a second as she divided up her books into piles over the entire surface of the table and then answered, “Yes. Get me that Brewed Mother. I have a midterm paper to write!”

“Midterms?” Alistair asked in shock. He did the math quickly in his head. There was no way it was that far along in the semester already. “Isn’t it still too early for that?”

“It is,” she agreed, pulling her laptop case and several notebooks from her bag. “Dr. Mac Tir is notoriously picky about papers. He’s got a strict grading scale so he hands out prompts in the first week so that we can start our papers as soon as possible. He’s already given us our final too! Can you believe that??”

Shrugging, Alistair filled her cup with milk from the carton marked ‘druffalo’, set it back in the mini fridge and kicked the door closed. Even only meeting the dreaded Loghain once, Delilah’s story checked out in his mind. “Wish I could say no, but just that five-minute conversation I had with him took 10 years off my life.”

Delilah sniggered as he moved on to the steamer. “You sure all the coffee you drink while working here isn’t what’s responsible for that?”

Alistair allowed himself a smile for a brief moment before swallowing it and turning around to find the plastic lids. He worked hard to keep his face neutral and controlled. “Oh, I don’t like coffee.”

As predicted, Delilah was taken aback, her blue eyes bugging a little. Alistair bit his tongue to keep from laughing. “You…work at a coffee house. At The Grey Warden Coffee Roasters! It’s only the most famous international chain of cafés!”

Alistair let his own eyes go wide and pretended to be just as shocked. If he didn’t have to clean the mess up himself, he might have dropped her coffee. For comedic effect, of course. “What? I do??”

Her eyes narrowed at him and he suspected she was catching on, but Duncan appeared from the back room carrying a large box and spoke before either of them could.

“You won’t for long, Alistair, if you don’t charge her and help the other customers in line,” he growled as he passed by.

“Yes’ser, Café Commander Duncan, ser!”

His friend rolled his eyes and pulled a box cutter from his apron instead of replying.

Dancing back towards the register, Alistair checked that the lid was tight and handed it over. His heart skipped a beat when her fingers grazed his. He grinned. “One Brewed Mother for one brood…y…mother, you know, that made a lot more sense in my head until I said it.”

Delilah held out her handful of coins in her palm, but he waved her away.

“Eh, don’t worry about it. What’s one on the house for my favorite customer?” he told her with a wide dreamy smile, leaning on the counter to cup his chin in his hand.

“Alistair…”

“Did I ever mention to you how astute Duncan’s hearing is? I think it’s something to do with being Riviani. You know, on second thought, I will take those silvers, if it’s all the same to you…”

Handing them over and laughing, Delilah shook her head at him and warned, “Keep going on like this and you’ll get fired. Then what will you do?”

“Pft! Me? Fired?” Alistair shook his head and shot her what he hoped was a cocky grin. “Nah, Duncan needs me. I don’t think he’d know how to run the shop by himself, at this point. He makes me do all the work, you know.”

Duncan kicked at Alistair’s heels as he walked back to the store room with the empty box.

All customers taken care of, Alistair was free to bother his favorite patron, still bent as she was over her books, occasionally pausing to type something on her laptop. He grabbed the broom and unlatched the hook holding the counter between the registers in place in order to pretend to sweep around Delilah’s table.

“You solve that great mystery of wartime ethics yet?”

Delilah barked a short laugh and leaned back in her chair to look up at him. She put her arms over her head and stretched. Alistair realized too late that it gave him a clear angle down her shirt. Blushing, he averted his eyes and worked very intently on an invisible speck of dust on the floor that refused to be swept up. “No, have you?” he heard her reply.

“Oh, er, that old thing? Yeah. I solved that ages ago. I’m on to the secret of eternal youth now.”

When she laughed and her eyes met his, Alistair all but melted. He blushed again, but this time for a different reason. For a somersaulting stomach filled with butterflies sort of reason.

“Great! So you don’t mind writing my midterm paper for me, right?”

“Well, isn’t that plagiarism, dear Delilah?”

She shrugged and replied seriously, “At this point? Not if anybody knew about it.”

Alistair chewed his lip. He saw his moment, plain as day right there in front of him. I would think about writing that paper for you if you gave me your number. No, no. That came off too predatory. Maybe we can work out the details of the midterm exchange over dinner? No, too serious. Damn. The opportunity was there, he could sense it, but for the life of him, his brain wouldn’t make that last connection towards the perfect way to ask. And if he dawdled too long, the knowledge that he’d lose his chance looked over him like a dark cloud.

Sod it, man, speak.

“I-uhmmm.”

Light blue eyes turned up to his and Alistair lost track of what he was doing. He had a vague thought that maybe he would faint.

“I-I-I could, er, write it for you. Er, try to. Aaaaand we-we could, um. We could, um…”

Delilah waited patiently, expectantly, her face open. A small smile settled on her lips, and Alistair willed himself not to glance at them. Don’t you dare imagine kissing them. Don’t think about how soft they would be or how pleasant of a thing kissing Delilah would be. Don’t… no, don’t think about it.

You thought about it.

Alistair tried to clear his throat and made an awful noise that sounded more like a bleating ram than anything human. Delilah politely pretended not to notice.

“W-we could- er, I could bring it to you if we were somewhere else. If we met somewhere else, I mean. Like for coffee, or…”

Sweet Maker, you absolute dunce, why coffee, of all things—you work in a coffee shop, for crying out loud!

A touch of color began rising in her cheeks. “You mean… you would write my paper for me if we went on a date?”

Alistair started to nod but then her words washed over him. “N-no! I mean, the paper was…more of an excuse, really, I-I don’t—”

“Oh, so… just a date then?”

Alistair’s knees buckled and he didn’t trust himself to speak, so he nodded.

The smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up and danced the same way they had when she had first tried his favorite drink. These were good signs, weren’t they? No one glowed like that and then shot a man down. Not that he’d had enough experience to know but… but, Maker, he hoped. What he did know was that someone like him didn’t deserve to bask in her radiating warmth. Alistair drunk from her anyway, letting all the lovely facets of her fill him and make him light. Her kindness, the way she laughed, the brightness of her, it was everything to him. And fumbling and awkward as he was, Delilah was going to say ‘yes’ to him. They were going to make plans and go on a date and maybe she was going to choose to be with him. Him, of all people. Just-Alistair and Delilah Cousland.

The door to the café banged open and both Alistair and Delilah leapt out of their skins. Her wide eyes fixed on the door before he could turn and she uttered a quick squeak of alarm, scrambling to get back to work on her laptop. Alistair’s brain was sluggish in making connections, but the voice that spoke nailed him to the floor.

“Ah. If it isn’t the youngest Cousland,” Loghain drawled, his footsteps drawing nearer to the table. Like flipping a switch, Alistair’s mood changed as ice shot through his veins. If he didn’t know any better, he would say the temperature in the shop just dropped several degrees, even after the door closed to the chilly outside.

He didn’t want to turn and face the last person he wanted to see during a conversation he’d been working up to for weeks, so Alistair closed his eyes and shouted every curse in every language he knew in his head.

Loghain swooped in on Delilah like a hawk on its prey, his shrewd eyes roving over the books on the table. Even his head turned like a bird’s to better read each gilded title. “I take it you’re in need of subpar coffee in order to finalize your midterm paper. I needn’t remind you that you have little over two weeks to turn it in.”

Scoffing, Alistair echoed, “Subpar coffee?” as though he’d never been privy to a more grievous insult to his person before.

The other man looked up at him as though noticing Alistair’s existence for the first time. “Don’t you have something else you should be doing besides eavesdropping, boy? Sweeping, perhaps. Or, better yet, making my coffee. Same as last time: darkest roast with as many espresso shots as you can give me, black, no sugar.”

There wasn’t really anything else for it. Alistair knocked the bristles of the broom against his boots for a second, debating saying something else, but Loghain wasn’t paying him any mind anymore. He’d make Loghain’s coffee. And if Duncan wasn’t looking, maybe he’d spit in it too. Wouldn’t that be nice?

As he stalked away, Alistair heard Delilah stammer a response he couldn’t understand over his heartbeat in his ears, but he did catch Loghain’s reply.

The dark-haired man grunted. “I hope so. If it’s anything like your brother’s papers, I highly doubt it shall be anywhere near “ready to go” without more serious work. But given your source material, I’m willing to be open to the possibility of being surprised. We shall see.”

“Ser,” Alistair barked, drawing Loghain’s raptor gaze from Delilah. “Six silvers and fourty-eight bits. For your subpar coffee.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up and Loghain reached into his pocket to pull out the coins. He crossed to the register. “So, you’re always mouthy, I see—” his eyes flicked to the nametag and then back to his face, “—Alistair. You really shouldn’t speak to your clientele that way. It discourages them from returning.”

Alistair’s face hardened. He didn’t know what it was but something about this man made his whole body shake with anger. He hadn’t felt this much hatred since he was dumped at the doorstep of a Chantry boarding school by a family that didn’t want him. He was aware his voice would shake if he wasn’t careful, and Alistair wanted to be sure nothing was open to Loghain’s interpretation. Whether Duncan would approve or not, Alistair decided right then and there that this man was unwelcome in his store. “That is the idea. The only clientele I want, are the ones who appreciate my work. If you think it’s so subpar, I suggest you don’t come back. Ser.”

“I might just heed your suggestion. But then…perhaps this swill will grow on me, and I’ll come by more often.”

“Pray it doesn’t. The doors are locked, as far as you’re concerned.”

Loghain gave Alistair something impossibly close to a wry smile and handed over his coins. With one hand, Alistair dumped them into the till without counting and with the other he passed Loghain his disgusting coffee.

“Good lad,” Loghain said softly. His eyes bored into Alistair’s, but Alistair refused to look away. He didn’t even dare blink. He believed with all his soul that blinking would mean weakness. “You remind me of someone I used to know. From a long time ago.” He smirked and raised the cup to his lips. Alistair watched the steam curl from the small opening in his peripherals. He knew good and well that was fresh coffee from the pot and he had dumped it into Loghain’s cup scalding, but the man drank it anyway. A long drag of it. “Wonder why that could be,” he murmured.

“I haven’t the slightest idea.”

With a little shrug, Loghain turned away and Alistair all but sagged onto the counter.

“Good day, Delilah, and good luck,” Loghain said to her as he passed her table and headed out the door.

 Merry Christmas, Axel!!    ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ヽ(´ ▽ ` )ﾉ  *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

I’ll have part 2 ASAP!!!

[zenithlux]

Cadence CH 4

Catch up on the story here!

I’ve gotta keep the calm before the storm, I don’t want less, I don’t want more Must bar the windows and the doors To keep me safe, to keep me warm

Head Above Water - Avril Lavigne

While Aki was only a few blocks away, Dante’s endless chatter made the walk feel miles longer. Vergil didn’t quite understand it. His brother had always been a talker, even as a child. Most of the time, Vergil simply ignored his ramblings, but Roxy was responding to everything. And that didn’t make much sense either, as she was clearly embarrassed and still in pain. Every few sentences, she’d suck in a sharp breath, regain her thoughts, and finish with a much quicker answer than she probably wanted. 

And, as much as Vergil wanted to ignore both of them… his mind wouldn’t let him. Because Dante was asking all the right questions, and that bothered Vergil more than the chatter. 

“So he was a gift from your father?” Dante said.

“Yep,” She said. “Tenth birthday.”

“So your dad worked with demons or…?”

“He studied them, yeah,” She said. “His best friend was an old demon witch doctor.”

“Is that so?”

“Diadona,” She said. “We still talk now and again.”

“What about demons interested him?”

“Dad believed that he could harness demonic energy to heal others,” she said. Another sharp breath, but this time, she continued as if it hadn't happened. “Since most demons have much stronger healing factors than humans, my father was testing the possibility of using blood to cure certain illnesses or even transplants to save a person’s life.”

“Transplants?” Vergil said. Now that was something he hadn’t heard of. The idea of implanting a piece of a demon into a human seemed… peculiar. It wasn’t like his and Dante’s devil forms that they could slip in and out of with little effort. This was figuring out how to integrate demonic organs into an incompatible host. “Was he successful?”

“On a very small scale,” She said. “I can’t recall any human tests, but he had been working with primates around the time of his death so…” Her eyes fell to Dante’s shoulder. “I was hoping I’d get his work as part of the inheritance, but it all vanished before I could see it for myself. Diadona was furious, and blamed my mother. But mother blamed me for… well…” She paused. “It’s too long of a story for this walk.”

“Naaah we get it,” Dante said with a light shrug. Roxy winced, and Vergil noticed an actual spasm in her lower back. Regular humans wouldn’t have seen it. But when Vergil’s eyes locked with Dante’s for the briefest of moments, he knew he had felt something too. “We don’t talk about our pops very often either.”

Vergil bristled at that. He expected the questions to start the second that sentence left his brother’s lips. Who’s that? Where is he? Do you know? On and on and on... He could think of dozens on his own. But, Roxy’s curt nod and quiet smile caught him completely off-guard. “I’m glad I got to spend the time with him that I did. He told all kinds of amazing stories.” She paused again. “I guess it helped me see the world a bit better.”

“What was his favorite story?” Dante said as they rounded the corner. Aki had migrated to the rooftop at the end of the block, staring down into a plaza. Vergil heard the faint sounds of lesser demons and knew this agonizing walk would be…

“He met Sparda when he was a teenager.”

Vergil nearly choked. Dante burst into laughter. Roxy blinked, confused. “Is something wrong?”

“What did he think of him?” Dante said. 

Roxy tilted her head in thought. “He said he was in awe at first, and really nervous. But Sparda was welcoming, and answered all of his questions.” She shrugged. “He only saw him once, but I think that’s what convinced my father to pursue that line of research.” 

“Did you meet him?”

“Sparda?” She shook her head. “Father said he disappeared about 15 years before I was born.”

Vergil assumed that was around the time their parents met, as Sparda had chosen to seclude the family in an attempt to protect them. It had worked for a while, but…

“How old are you?” Vergil said.

Dante practically screeched to a halt before whirling on his brother. “Vergil!” He said with a disappointed click of his tongue. Roxy winced after another, small spasm. This time, however, Dante didn’t notice. “You never ask a lady her age!”

“32,” Roxy said.

Dante groaned, glaring over his shoulder before he turned back around. “You can’t let him get away with that.”

“It’s a simple answer.”

“Well sure, but...”

“Enough,” Vergil said as he blinked to the end of the path. As expected, a group of three empusas were there, drinking an absurd amount of blood. Demonic, Vergil thought. The smell was undeniable. The red sacs on their backs were engorged with fluids, but Vergil could see swirls of black beneath; an excess of demonic blood. They wouldn’t last long. 

“Weaklings,” Vergil muttered. 

“Works for me,” Roxy slid gracefully off Dante’s back. She flinched as she landed, but walked past them both with confidence. Again, the twins exchanged glances. Except this time, Vergil wasn’t certain what was going through Dante’s mind. He was still smiling, but his eyes were clouded in thought. Was he concerned with her well-being, or lost in some other random idea that had nothing to do with the situation?

Vergil shook the thought off. No use considering it. 

“So, sunshine,” Dante said. "What's the plan?" Vergil glared at him, and Dante rolled his eyes. “Why did you of all people respond to that?”

Vergil huffed and looked away. Roxy held her hand up and whistled; a loud, short sound that echoed more than Vergil expected. The empusas’ heads shot up in confusion. A streak of purple shot off the rooftop above them, and Aki chirped once as he dove straight for her hand. A milli-second before they collided, he vanished in a flicker of bright light. In his place was a gray bow that rippled with demonic energy. Purple light swirled around the strings in an endless pulse of energy between both sides of the weapon. Metallic, purple and gray feathers fanned out from the otherwise simple grip. It was much larger than Vergil expected, given the small stature of the demon that had turned into it. But Roxy held it with ease, unbothered by the fact that it was only about a foot shorter than she was. And, to be entirely fair, it was less ridiculous than most of Dante’s devil arms, so it really wasn’t all that fantastical.

The fact that she could summon it with such ease despite her weakened state was infinitely more interesting. 

No, He chided himself. Not interesting. Insightful.

He imagined Griffon snorting at that. “Whatever you say, Shakespeare.”

“Damn,” Dante said. “That’s pretty nice.”

Roxy chuckled as she snapped her fingers. A trio of arrows appeared. A couple of empusas scrambled away. One just stood there, either too full of blood to move, or too brainless to realize what was happening. “I do apologize,” Roxy said as she nocked all three arrows with little effort. The bow shifted to accommodate as her fingers wrapped around the strings. “I can’t show you much today, but I’d love to join you again sometime.” 

As she pulled the strings back, she tilted the bow gently to the left. Energy pulsed along her arms and vanished as it reached her head. One quiet breath later, she let go. The arrows shot forward at blinding speeds, each one darting in separate directions. The first empusa died before it had time to react, the arrow piercing the sac of blood. The other two shrieked, but they too were impaled within seconds. Roxy snapped her fingers and the arrows pulsed with electricity. The creatures exploded. Demonic blood burst in all directions, congealing in the all too familiar red orbs. They hovered for a brief moment, before darting straight at Roxy. 

Dante’s eyes widened. “Wait…”

Vergil grabbed Dante’s arm, yanking him back before he could get in the way. When the orbs reached her, they vanished, just as they did for Vergil himself. And as the last of them swirled into her body, her back straightened, her shoulders relaxed, and Vergil heard a content sigh as she stretched her arms out for the first time that night. A quiet pop echoed back, but it only seemed to add to her relief. “Much better,” She said as she tossed the bow into the air. It transformed back into Aki within seconds, and the demon landed on her shoulder with a purr of satisfaction. 

“Y-you…” Dante stopped short, shook his head, and continued with that not-quite-at-ease-but-I’m-trying smile. “You absorbed them?”

Vergil resisted the urge to roll his eyes by crossing his arms in disapproval instead. “That part was quite clear, brother.”

“But I thought humans couldn’t do that.”

Roxy rubbed at her neck, breaking their gazes. “Technically,” She said. “Aki’s absorbing it. It just looks like I am.”

While that excuse seemed to satisfy Dante, Vergil’s eyes narrowed. A devil arm absorbing energy was plausible. But using that same energy to heal her? Impossible. At least, it wasn’t something he’d ever heard of. Humans couldn’t tolerate demon blood. Most who tried either went mad or turned into demons themselves. But there was nothing demonic about her, as far as he could tell. There would be more obvious signs. Her heartbeat would be different. She wouldn’t have such random aches and pains. She’d smell different. She’d probably act differently…

“Earth to Vergil!”

He blinked once before glancing at his brother. “Yes?”

Dante shook his head. “What world did you just go to? ‘Cuz it sure wasn’t this one.”

Vergil didn’t answer him. “Are we done?” He said, turning back toward Devil May Cry before either of them responded. “As fascinating as that display was, I have things to do.” He dripped that sentence in as much sarcasm as he could muster. Still, it wasn’t enough, for Roxy simply beamed at him with pride. His heart skipped in what he assumed was exasperation. “We’re going…” 

Demonic energy swept over him before he finished that sentence. A portal snapped open behind him, and a large pack of empusas spilled out in a chaotic mess. Dante sighed dramatically as he summoned his Devil Sword and propped it up on his shoulder. “Time to take out the trash,” He said. Roxy’s eyes widened for a brief moment before she yanked her gaze away. “I’ve got some magic of my own, Sunshine,” Dante said with a grin as he clapped his hand on her shoulder. 

She gasped in pain as her back spasmed. She stumbled away, fumbling for the closest wall. Except she didn’t make it, crumbling to her knees only a few steps away. “Dammit,” she hissed, hands hitting the ground. “I wasn’t ready for that.” Aki chirped in a panic, rubbing his head along her lower back as if trying to heal her. Instead, she convulsed one last time before rolling sideways, arms stretched as she stared blankly at the sky. 

Dante stared at her, dumbstruck. “What the hell…?”

She scowled at nothing. “Don’t mind me,” She muttered. “Just figured it was a good time to rest.”

“Riiight,” Dante said as he took many large steps back. “I’ll let you take care of her then, Verge.”

“What? This is your mess.” But his brother had already leaped into battle with a whoop of delight. The waves of empusas were seemingly endless, but this was child’s play to him. Vergil wouldn’t waste his time fighting over it. 

Instead, there was the problem of the woman lying at his feet. 

“So…” She said, eyes flickering toward him. Except he was out of her view, and she gave up within a few seconds. “I’m currently looking to hire a semi-friendly escort back to safety if you’re up for it. I’ll even pay extra since you’ll have to carry me.”

“Carry you?” Vergil said. “And ruin your rest?”

She sighed in defeat. “This street isn’t the most comfortable place in the world. I’d much prefer a bed."

Vergil glanced at his brother, but Dante was too engrossed in the fighting to care. And when a much larger empusa queen stepped out, Vergil knew he would be busy for quite a while. “I suppose I don’t have much of a choice,” He muttered. 

“I mean you could leave me here,” Roxy said. “But then I’d probably get eaten, and that’s on you.”

“Technically,” Vergil said. “This is Dante’s fault.”

“Also true,” She said. “But I have a feeling you may be a little more careful with such a delicate situation.”

Vergil couldn’t decide if she was naive or painfully accurate. His mind settled on the former. “What is this strange illness of yours?”

“Long story,” She said. 

“We’ve got plenty of time.”

“Unfortunately, no,” she said, wincing. Aki hopped onto her chest and pressed his forehead to her chin. “I’ll probably fall unconscious in about… two minutes.”

“... You’re joking.”

“Nope.”

Vergil rubbed at his temples, trying to shove away his irritation. It didn’t work. “And how long will you be unconscious for?”

“A couple of hours,” She said. “It’s only my legs that don’t work, by the way. I can hold on to most anything with enough warning.”

With another, almost longing glance at his brother, Vergil sighed. He lifted her with ease, and was almost amused by the shocked look on her face. “I know I don’t weigh much,” She said wearily. “But I didn’t know I was that light.” 

Vergil said nothing, trying to ignore the painful thudding against his ribcage. If she expected him to say something else, she didn’t show it. Instead, she curled her head toward his chest as her hand half-heartedly clung to the lapel of his jacket. “Thank you,” She said, her eyes fluttering. “Hopefully next time, I’m not so much of a burden.”

“Next time?” Vergil echoed. But it was Roxy who returned the silence, as she fell asleep within seconds. “Infuriating,” Vergil muttered. 

“But at least now you’re enlightened!” 

If Vergil could strangle the bird, he would. But the fragmented memory cackled before slipping back into his subconscious where it belonged, leaving him to trudge back to Devil May Cry. 

--------------------------

Roxy left around three in the morning, and Vergil didn’t try to stop her. She’d been quiet enough, after all. If he slept even halfway like a normal person, he wouldn’t have noticed. He did, however, wander downstairs the moment he felt Aki’s presence fade away. It was the only time he could get Dante’s miserable amount of paperwork done in relative peace. It was also a good time to think. Or maybe stop thinking. He wasn’t sure which one was more important at the moment. 

But as he reached Dante’s desk, he stopped, bewildered. For there, sitting between three mounds of paperwork, was check and a bookmark.

His mind went blank for far too long before he picked it up. It was different from the last one. There was no glossy finish or smooth, plastic covering. Instead, this one was made from thick paper and laminated. The picture - a water-colored, sunset sky over mountains and a lake - looked to be hand-painted. Then, there were the words painted in perfect cursive with black ink; the same calligraphy that Vergil recognized from the cover of the book she’d given him.

Hold infinity in the palm of your hands, And eternity in an hour.

He flipped the bookmark in his hand and wasn’t surprised to see her phone number again. This time, however, she had signed her name: Roxanna. Had she made it herself? It was possible. The paint, while dry, smelled fresh, and the cursive on the front matched the name on the back. But that just confused Vergil even more. Did she often hold onto bookmarks for random people? Why would she give him another one after he’d ignored the first? What was her goal? Her plan? Did she even have one? Was he…

“So are you going to call her this time?”

Vergil flinched, but that was the only startled reaction Dante would ever get from him. “What are you talking about?” He said as he went to tuck the bookmark away. But Dante plucked it out of his hand before he had a chance. 

“Damn,” He said, followed by a low whistle. “That’s a pretty impressive second chance.”

Vergil snatched it back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You never messaged her, right?” Dante said as he crossed his arms. “Guessing you ran into her on your way home or something?”

“Why does it matter?”

“You still haven’t used that number.”

“Again,” Vergil said. “Why does it…?”

“At least put it in your phone.”

“What?”

“The number.” Dante shrugged. “You’re clearly interested. At least a tiny bit.”

“And what makes you think that?”

“You carried her back,” Dante said. “Instead of asking me to do it.” 

Vergil said nothing. Dante chuckled. “You want to be a part of this world, right? Here’s your chance.” He pointed to the bookmark. “A friend.”

“A friend,” Vergil echoed. 

“Yep,” Dante sighed wistfully. “My big bro’s growing up.”

Vergil rolled his eyes, but quickly realized how tense he was. His grip on Yamato was so tight his knuckles had turned white, and the muscles in his shoulders were practically shaking from the tension. But why? What was this feeling? Anger was his first guess, but he hadn’t been angry at Dante’s teasing in months. So why…

“Don’t be afraid,” Dante said.

“I’m not afraid.”

“Then put that number in your phone.”

Vergil stared at him. For a long moment, neither of them said anything. Dante watched him expectantly, tapping his foot in something between amusement and annoyance. Again, Vergil found himself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She had proven him both right and wrong on multiple occasions on the same day. She was a weak, injured, clueless woman who would likely drag him down. Yet, she was strong enough to wield a devil arm with incredible precision and absorbed demonic power as he and Dante did. She clearly trusted people way too easily… but she hadn’t given up on him.

“What would V do?” Dante said.

Vergil frowned, but his eyes fell back on the bookmark. Did he even know the answer to that question? V’s memories were there, of course. Always tugging on his mind whenever he tried to make such decisions. But they were rarely clear. At least, not in moments like this. Though he supposed that he hadn’t had many moments like this, so that wasn’t fair. There hadn’t been any hard decisions since returning from the Underworld. Everything just… happened around him. He took the jobs. Sent the money where it needed to go. Failed to get along with his son. Argued with his brother. That was life. 

But surely that’s not all you want?

Vergil held back a sigh and threw the bookmark at Dante. His brother snatched it out of the air before it hit - a shame, really - and raised an eyebrow. “What do you want me to do with it?”

Vergil glared at him. “I do not… possess that knowledge.”

Dante snorted. “Dramatic as always.” He tossed his own cellphone into the air in a needless display of something and spun it twice as it landed between his fingers. His was much different than Vergil’s. Whereas Dante had gone for every upgrade under the sun - touch screen, fingerprint scanner, and a million other things Vergil didn’t care about - Vergil’s was simple. A sliding phone with a keypad which was, arguably, still more than he needed. “So you open it,” Dante said as the screen flickered on. “And you find the button that says, “Contacts.” He wiggled his fingers under the phone as if summoning a demon. 

“Quit with the theatrics.”

“But that’s the best part!”

“Do you want me to do this or not?”

Dante rolled his eyes but walked him through the rest of the steps in the most business-like tone he could manage. And while it took a few minutes, as Vergil hadn’t really looked at the phone beyond answering the occasional call, he eventually figured it out. By the end, he was left staring at his nearly empty contact list: Dante, Morrison, Nero, Nico and…

Roxanna. 

He snapped the phone closed. “There,” He said. Dante stared at him in pure horror. Vergil twitched. “What?”

“You’re not gonna message her?”

“Why would I do that?”

“How do you think she’ll get your number, dumbass?”

Vergil bit back a response, unwilling to admit that he hadn’t thought that part through. But when he reached for the phone again, he hesitated. He did not, however, miss Dante’s not-so-subtle eye roll. “Just say ‘hello’ or ‘this is Vergil’ or ‘I’m the idiot that spent two weeks ignoring you’.” He grunted as a summoned sword careened into his shoulder, but grinned back as he put his hands on his hips, not bothering to remove it. “You know, something straight to the point. Just like you.”

Vergil’s eyes drifted back to the phone. And after another long moment of silence, in which his thoughts were both frustratingly chaotic and entirely unhelpful, he tucked it back in his pocket. “Later,” He said as he blinked to the stairs. Dante sighed behind him, and Vergil was certain he heard a muttered ‘you’re hopeless, bro’. But the older son of Sparda ignored him as he slid back into his room, locked the door, and grabbed a book to calm himself. His frown deepened when he realized which book he’d grabbed: her gift that he had yet to read. But it was the only book from his small collection that he hadn’t poured through yet. Her first bookmark slipped from the back, and his eyes fell to her number once again. 

Thank you. Hopefully next time, I'm not as much of a burden. 

Vergil's hand shifted toward his pocket but stopped short.

Why? 

Why are you so… infuriating? 

Frustrated, he set the book on the bed and teleported out the window, more interested in the random demons of Redgrave than his thoughts.

[cloudchaserandflitterexplain]

Cloudchaser and Flitter Explain: Agile

If you say so…

ahem Hello Flitter. Do you know what we have been practicing at the Wonderbolts Academy lately?

Why no, do tell!

Well, there are a lot of things. Sometimes we practice our speed. Sometimes we practice our guts. But lately we have been practicing our agility. Speaking of agility, that’s our topic for the day: Agile.

You’re supposed to put a pause between those two lines, Cici…

I’m just reading what you put down here.

Well, yeah, but there’s more to telling silly jokes than just reading them.

You gotta put some emotion into it! If you’re not having fun, no one else will. And more important than that is…

Uhhh, is what?

Hi everypony! Like I tried to get Cici to tell you all, today we’re talking about Agile! The new keyword from Friends Forever!

Well, new-ish. We’re still a bit behind.

Er, Flitter?

So Agile’s pretty neat. It’s basically the equivalent of Hasty, only for the “Move a Character” action instead of the play a “Friend, Resource, or Event Card” action.

Which is to say it lets you take the normal pay 2 AT to move a character Main Phase action whenever you could take an Immediate action instead. Cici! Tell everyone why that’s important!

Huh? Oh, sure.

Well, in theory, Agile’s pretty great because it allows for more efficient confronts. Letting you move characters when you can’t normally move them is pretty powerful, and why cards like Rainbow Dash & First Mate Mullet are so good.

However…

There are basically no good Friends with Agile. At all.

Cici!

Sorry, Flitter, but they basically wasted this keyword. The closest to a good Friend with Agile is Flash Magnus, but he just costs too much.

Though Core is rotating soon. He may be good then...

Okay little miss bigshot, why’s Agile so bad if you just said it was good?

Well… it wasn’t really put on any impactful Friends, you know?

There’s 12 Friends with Agile, but none of them really do anything all that impactful. Agile is ostensibly an aggro ability, but the rate on most of these Friends is just not all that exciting. Paying 2 to move a Friend with 2 power and no other benefit isn’t really exciting you know?

Almost all of those cards have abilities when they move, Cici. Or at least when they confront something.

Sure, but the benefit is pretty small for the cost you’re investing. Like, why not just play another Friend who does something instead? Or use more cost efficient immediate movement options like Hasty Friends and Princess Luna: Dream Warrior?

Because I’m building convoluted engines that involve flipping my Troublemakers down with Strawberry Sunrise before my opponent can defeat them, then uncovering them again for minor benefit!

….Why?

Well, it’s like that famous philosopher said…

Anything worth doing is worth doing as silly as possible!

...Pinkie Pie said that, didn’t she?

It was Cheese Sandwich, actually.

You really should go take a tour of his amusement factory! There’s lots of fun stuff you can learn!

Maybe later...

But the point is, this is something new I can do that I couldn’t do nearly as easily before! And it’s all thanks to Agile.

Yeah, but—

Sure, it’s not the most effective plan, but it’s there! And I’m glad Agile exists!

I am too!

I just wish it was on better Friends…

But, you know, it’s pretty good on the non Friends. Defend the Hive and Surprise Take Off are both kind of super good, since they can give Agile to things that don’t normally have it. And there’s a lot of cool stuff you can do with them.

Like using Daring Do: Crafty Collector to confront Surprise Take off to give you an AT which you then use to move Daring Do to another problem and confront and get an AT again.

It’s probably worth pointing out at this point that since Agile counts as a main phase movement, it’s also affected by Swift!

Of course, it’s also affected by Showy, which isn’t as great.

Eh, no one uses Showy, so who cares?

Weren’t you beaten by a Showy Mane last year at Continentals?

That was a fluke, I swear...

Maybe we’ll get more Agile in the next set on cards you like better.

You think? Oh, I hope there’s an agile Friend who moves another Friend when you move it. Just think of all the possibilities!

Anyway, Agile definitely opens up a lot of interesting things you can do. Like move to a troublemaker to challenge it when you’d have had to have waited until the next turn before. Or to counter Purple movement abilities like Burning Bridges.

Yeah. That’s a real strong use of agile…

Maybe if Purple movement saw more play, we’d see a bit more Agile? But nowadays Purple’s usually paired with Pink or White and just removes Friends a bit more permanently… hrm.

Core’s going to rotate soon, though. Who knows what the future holds?

Not me, that’s for sure.

SPECIAL DELIVERY!

Uhh, Bulk? What are you doing here?

SPECIAL DELIVERY!

I’m pretty sure he’s delivering the mail, silly.

I can see that. I mean why? He’s not normally a mail pony.

I wear many hats…

And you’re very good at all your jobs, Bulk!

Couldn’t ask for a better wing pony.

THANKS!

So what’s up, Bulk?

SPECIAL DELIVERY!

...Just give it here, Bulk.

OKAY!

Oooh, what is it, Cici? A new jet ski? A Lifetime supreme of lemon pudding cake? The lost griffon Idol of Boreas?

It’s clearly an envelope, Flits.

Psh, you’d be surprised what you can fit in an envelope if you try hard enough.

It’s… a card. For the next set

But we already had our spoiler for the next set.

“We’re sorry you got two copies of the same card last time. We must have made a mistake when sending them to you. Hope this makes up for it.”

Huh. Well then.

Well, Cici, what is it?

Weird, is what it is. I mean just look at this card.

Oh hey look, Cici, your wish came true! Spike’s got Agile! What are the odds of that?

Eerie.

Also, I wished for an Agile Friend that could move other characters, not whatever this is...

Oh no! Cloudchaser, this is awful!

What? What’s wrong?

With this card… you can get infinite points!

That’s all you’re upset about?

But Cici, before, you couldn’t get more than 19 points, since the game ends the moment you have 15 or more points and the most points you could get at once was 5.

But if you make infinite copies of Spike…

And who’s going to do that?

...then start a problem faceoff at his problem, the winner will get infinite points!

This is just awful!

Don’t you normally love doing stuff like that?

Well, yeah, but it was a fun little piece of trivia that 19 was the most points you could get.

Well, time to adapt to the times, I guess!

You got over that quickly…

I was exaggerating for comedic effect! Yet another comedy technique I’m going to teach you!

And this card is honestly pretty neat!

I dunno. 1 power for 2 cost is really bad…

But just think of all the possibilities, Cici!

You start a faceoff, unsure if you’ll win or lose… and then after flips, once you know you’ll win…

Bam! You agile in Spike to score an extra point!

And if you’d have lost, you just keep him at home so the opponent doesn’t score the extra point.

Seems like a lot of work, honestly…

But yeah, okay. I’m intrigued. This is worth toying with.

Told ya!

I’m not expecting much…

But eh, who knows? It’s definitely interesting.

And with that surprise spoiler out of the way, I think we’re done talking about Agile!

Unless Cici wants to say more mean things about it.

I wasn’t saying mean things...

Although… there is one thing I’m wondering, Flits...

Oh? what’s that?

You never did tell me what’s more important for joke telling than emotion.

Timing!

Oh.

But wouldn’t the right time to tell me that have been right after I asked you before?

...You’re hopeless, Cici.

Huh?

Nevermind. Later everypony!

Later.

[kagetsukai]

Drops of Satina: Day 18 - Distance

Raphael Trevelyan belongs to @out-of-the-embers​

Excerpts of correspondence between Hannah and Raphael as they travel around Thedas and miss each other terribly. 

Words: 2048 || Read on AO3

My Darling Hannah,

My life is agony. Whoever decided that Western Approach was a good place to inhabit was mad and I would like some words with them. It’s incredibly dry here and the temperature never stay the same for more than a few hours. Some days it’s terribly hot and other days I have to wear my jacket for warmth. It’s insane. And let’s not mention all the sand; it must’ve seeped into every crevice of my body and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get rid of it. I long for a bath, but that won’t happen until we’ve reached our next destination. At least Varric understands and commiserates with me.

I miss you dearly. I know it’s only been a week since the last time I saw you, but it feels so much longer than that. I really miss our daily walks around the gardens - it’s made even more acute by the fact that there’s almost no plant-life around here. I did come across a flowering deathroot and picked a few buds to send with this letter. Didn’t you mention once how purple was your favorite color? I hope you like them.

Are you well? Were you able to travel safely? I do trust Cullen and his men, but I can’t help worry about you; there’s too many horrible people who do awful things just for a laugh. I hope to hear from you soon, because I desperately need to know you’re alright.

Yours, Raphael

=============================

Dearest Raphael,

I must confess, your dramatic depictions of the Western Approach had me giggling like an idiot. Surely, it can’t be that bad? I’ve never been to a real desert so I can’t say if I agree with your description, but I do hope you got to have a better time than what you’ve described. If not, I’m sorry for your discomfort. If it makes you feel better, I really appreciated the deathroot flowers you’ve sent me - did you know they are hallucinogenic and are used by some as a form of intoxicant? I caught someone eyeing the petals, so I had to hide them in my engineering journals. I hope you don’t mind.

To answer your questions, I am well. As much as I’m thrilled to be out of Skyhold and seeing the world, I desperately miss my own bed. I forgot how much I hate sleeping in tents. That being said, I’m currently in Caer Bronach to look into repairs to the castle, so at least I get to sleep in one of the rooms here. I’m amazed how much lack of proper maintenance can put such a young stronghold into immediate decrepitude. I got to inspect other Fereldan places as well, but I doubt you care to read about it - this isn’t an official report after all. The most important part is that I’m almost done with Inquisition properties here and I’ll be traveling to the other side of Frostbacks soon. Judging by how angry Lily got over the bridge in Exalted Plains, I’m sure to find a doozy.

I will admit, I can’t wait to be done with all inspections so I can be back in Skyhold and awaiting your swift return. I never considered myself the waiting type, so I place all the blame squarely on your shoulders; considering you have strong and capable shoulders, I’m sure you can handle it. I miss you terribly, too. I just don’t have a reason to laugh as much when you’re not around to do dumb things at the most inappropriate times. I also miss having you around during mealtimes - things just don’t taste the same without you adding your salted garlic paste. And really, I just miss your kisses. Your kisses are the best.

Hannah

 [added in a rushed scribble]

Ps. Chargers just arrived with summons to go directly to Western Approach. They are to escort me to Griffon Wing Keep so I can oversee urgent repairs and construction of a bridge through some horribly noxious area. If I’m lucky, I’ll see you there - I cannot wait.

=============================

My Darling Hannah,

I tried to postpone our departure from the Griffon Wing Keep until you’ve arrived, but Lily would not be convinced. Logically, I understand that the sooner we’re done exploring western Orlais the sooner we can be back in Skyhold, but my heart wanted the gratification of seeing you immediately. I hope you received the note I left for you with Rylen; he was terribly amused by it and poked fun at me, that cheeky bastard.

We’re in the Forbidden Oasis and it could not be more different from the Western Approach. It’s still technically in the middle of a desert, but this place has canyons shaded from the sun where all sorts of waterfalls and verdant pools sit in a warm shade. I took the liberty to soak in one of them and it was glorious. I wonder if you’d like it here. According to Lily there isn’t anything to build so she won’t be requesting your presence, which I’m sad about, but perhaps it’s for the better; I loathe the thought of you traveling through the desert. Still, I miss you dearly. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve seen you last and I’m starting to suspect it will be even longer before I see you again. This expedition is shaping up to be long and arduous. I just hope you’re well.

With all my kisses, Raphael

=============================

Dearest Raphael,

Thank you for the lovely note you left me at the Griffon Wing Keep; it brought a smile to my face. Granted, Rylen decided to be a little shit and make fun of me for my reaction, but he changed his tune once I reminded him he’s just a man and can feel pain just like the rest of us. Perhaps I shouldn’t have kicked his balls, but maybe he’ll learn the lesson quicker that way.

Anyway, I now understand why you hated Western Approach so much. This place is so dry, my face has turned into a prune! By the time you see me again, I’ll have aged 20 years and I’ll no longer look youthful; I hope you’re prepared to court a grandmother, because that’s how I will look from now on. At least the area is interesting and should keep me occupied for a while.

Speaking of which, I know I had originally estimated it would only take me a month to attend to everything, but with the exploration of the Western Approach and increased workload, I doubt I’ll make it back to Skyhold anytime soon. Just judging by my initial sketches, I’ll have to stay here for an extra month to make sure everything is done correctly; who knows if something else doesn’t crop up while we work. I hear Lily might be returning to the Griffon Wing Keep at a later date so maybe I’ll get to see you here instead of Skyhold? I would very much like that. As much as I enjoy Rylen and Krem for company, I terribly miss having you around. Can you imagine having a date on the dunes? Sand would get everywhere, I’m certain, but I’d still enjoy it.

I’d like to thank you for all the little flowers you’ve sent with the last letter. They are so pretty! They’ve joined all of the other blooms I keep in my journal and now, whenever I open it, they make me think of you. And they still have the scent! They’re wonderful, so thank you once again.

I hope you’re well and you continue to be well. I cannot wait to see you next, because I miss you dearly and it’s horrible how long I have to be without you. Maybe fates will bring us together soon.

Yours, Hannah

=============================

My Darling Hannah

It’s been a while since my last letter, because we’ve been slowly exploring the entirety of the Hissing Wastes and haven’t been back to the main camp in what feels like an age. Yes, you read that right. Hissing. Wastes. In case the name isn’t a good enough clue, the place is an even larger desert than the Western Approach with even less friendly flora or fauna. The wind blows at extreme speeds and everything is so grey and muted, I think I’m sad just from looking outside my tent at night. I suppose it’s an important spot to the Inquisition, though in my humble opinion, I’d just let it fall by the wayside. Why does Lily have to be the one to look at this stuff? Can’t we send some archaeologists to excavate the dwarven ruins? I suggested that once and Lily only got annoyed with me. I thought it was a good idea, but oh well.

I wonder if you’re still at the Griffon Wing Keep. Judging by my count, you’re probably done with your work and heading back to Skyhold as we speak, though I do hope you are still there when we arrive later this week. Maybe that way we could escort you back home? I’d love that, I won’t lie. I miss you so damn much. Normally I don’t mind traipsing around Thedas with Lily, but being away from home is really difficult this time; not only it’s a longer trip than any before, but I now have a reason to want to return. I wish all of this was over already, so I wouldn’t have to travel so much. I miss our daily chats. I miss you.

Always yours, Raphael

=============================

My Dearest Raphael,

I miss you, desperately. It’s been too long since we’ve kissed or held each other or even talked, and I’m going a little crazy from this clutching feeling in my chest I associate with not having you around. I hate the fact that we’re apart and there isn’t much we can do about it. I cannot wait to be back at Skyhold with you, so we can go back to some semblance of normalcy. I’m done with being on the road and constantly sleeping in a bed that isn’t my own. I’m done and I want to go home.

Instead of Skyhold, I’m in Exalted Plains. When Lily first told me of how Master Wardell completely neglected his duties when constructing this bridge, I hadn’t expected this level of incompetence. I mean, it’s a functional bridge, but with the kind of resources we are given, he should have been able to repair this gap properly and in no time. Thankfully, the team I already have here is hard-working and not afraid of challenges. Once I draw up new plans and divide up the responsibilities, all work will be done fast. I hate that I have to once again clean up Wardell’s messes, but it can’t be helped. At least this is the last of it.

I hope you are well. I hope you are taking care of yourself. I hope to see you soon.

Yours, Hannah

=============================

My Darling Hannah,

We are on our way home. We just passed through Exalted Plains and I got to admire your handiwork in person - you’ve done a fantastic job here, dearest. Lily is also happy with the results, but I’m sure she’ll want to thank you in person, so I’ll let her speak for herself. Still, I’m proud of you. This bridge and what you’ve done in the Western Approach proves that you are the right person for the job and I’m so glad you are finally recognized for your hard work.

I will see you soon, my darling, and I cannot wait. Lily wants to stop by Emprise du Lion to take care of some dragons, but once we’re done, we’re coming home. I cannot wait to see your beautiful face again. I miss you so fucking much. We will be together soon.

Forever yours, Raphael

=============================

Raphael,

I came back to Skyhold two days ago and I am thrilled beyond words to finally have my own bed back. I cannot wait to have you back as well. I spoke to Leliana and she said you should be home within a week, so I won’t be making this letter long. I miss you and I’m looking forward to seeing you again. Be safe.

Yours, Hannah

[keeroo92]

Savior, Bloodstain, Hellfire, Shadow Ch10 (V x Reader)

Chapter 10 - The Taste of Despair Part 1

_________________________________________

May 31st, 2:12 pm

V

V looks up at the root that is the target of your group, its visage dark and leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

 I hope the demon it’s bound to isn’t too difficult to destroy. We cannot afford to fail.

Nero is standing nearby, his mechanical arm crossed against his remaining flesh and blood arm. The look on the young warriors face is thoughtful as he gazes at V for a long moment.

“What is it?” V finally asks as Nero stares at him for an uncomfortably long moment.

Nero uncrosses his arms and lets out a sigh.

“I don’t know what happened between you and Y/N, and I don’t wanna know. But if you hurt her, I will make you pay. Got it?” Nero states emphatically, a stern glare in his expressive eyes.

V’s eyes widen in surprise at the man’s protective tone. He knew you and Nero were close after he trained you, but this was unexpected. The thought of causing you pain made his stomach twist uncomfortably - causing you pain was the last thing he wanted to do.

“It is not my aim to cause her any pain. You may do with me what you will if I do,” V replies honestly, then continues after a pause, “Love seeketh not Itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.”

Nero stares blankly at him, trying to figure out what he means. He struggles for a moment before V sees his face return to its previous expression of protective concern.

“Look, just… she’s like a sister to me, man. What are your intentions?”

V almost laughs. First Nico, now Y/N… The man collects sisters.

“I don’t yet know,” he replies earnestly.

“Well, just remember what I said,” Nero says and turns away, wandering off to ready himself for the battle ahead. For a few moments, V is left in peace and he takes the chance to consider Nero’s words.

 What are my intentions? All I know is this is more than Vergil ever felt for someone. And it’s inevitable that I hurt her, when I die. That is, assuming she cares for me.

His heart clenches painfully in his chest at the thought. He desperately wants you to care about him, to give him the chance to feel loved. But if it hurts you in the end… He doesn’t want that. The internal conflict rages within him and he almost doesn’t hear it when Griffon’s talons click against metal as he lands on top of the van, having returned from his scouting mission.

V shakes himself, refocusing on the present. “What did you see?”

“Uhhhh… well…it’s a Glutton,” the demonic bird states hesitantly.

V groans internally as he reflects on what he knows of the beasts. They are huge, often the size of a city bus. Known for their insatiable hunger, a Glutton can open its jaws like a snake and devour its foes whole. Their size makes them slow, but a single blow from one of its massive arms would easily kill most men. Due to their absurd mass and density, they could withstand a ridiculous amount of damage before being brought down.

“Ah. Well, that should be interesting,” V articulates calmly, and Nero cracks his knuckles nearby, already itching to fight.  Before the excitable warrior can say anything, his stomach rumbles noisily.

“We should eat first, Nero. We will need all our strength,” V tells him and steps to the van to see if lunch is almost ready or if you need help with it. A wonderful smell greets him as he opens the door and climbs the two steps into the vehicle, making his mouth flood. He spots Nico hard at work on some… contraption behind her counter, you standing at the stove and stirring a pot of the aromatic meal.

“Almost ready, V. Maybe another two or three minutes,” you tell him as he walks up behind you. He waits until Nico turns toward the wall, now unable to see the pair of you. He steps closer to wrap his arms around you to plant a soft kiss on the crown of your head, eliciting a soft squeak of surprise from your beautiful mouth. He steps back with his signature smirk as Nico turns back toward you two, his hand lingering on your stomach until the last possible moment. He spots a tint on your cheeks as you determinedly keep your eyes on the pot of chili and his heart warms.

“I’ll get some bowls for you,” he says simply and goes to do just that.

Within a few minutes, the four of you are all sitting down to eat, Nico and Nero at the small red table and you with V on the couch. As the group chows down, grunts of enjoyment periodically filling the air, V explains what you’ll be facing at the nearby root.

“This will not be a quick battle. The longer it takes, the greater the risk of injury. Because of that I think Y/N should stay nearby, close enough to help us if something should go wrong,” he concludes.

“Sounds like a good idea to me, but what do you think, Y/N? You up for it?” Nero asks you, leaving the final decision to you alone.

V watches your face, expression shifting from wide-eyed fear to grim resolve as you make the choice he knew you would.

“I’ll be there,” you state simply, voice firm.

_________________________________________

May 31st, 4:07 pm

You walk beside Nero and V, one hand gripping your metal bat with a white-knuckled grip, the other holding a strap of your backpack as if to reaffirm its presence. Periodically, V reaches out and touches your arm or shoulder, his touch a warm comfort in your state of cold fear.

The three of you walk two blocks, passing a Mexican restaurant and a few shops on your approach. The closer you get to the root and the Glutton, the worse it smells. The aroma of rotten eggs and hot garbage mixed with feces creates a perfume of filth and you try not to gag, breathing through your mouth when the awful scent gets too strong.

 What on Earth could that be from? I’ve never smelled anything so foul!

It gets stronger and stronger as you enter a courtyard, so strong you can taste it, and your eyes shoot open as you spot the source; a monstrously huge humanoid form, its flesh distended and sickeningly bulging around thin straps of cloth wrapped around its limbs. There’s a splash of blood under its chin, evidence of its most recent meal. Its right arm ends in a cruel blade, massive screws holding it in place on its forearm. Another blade sticks out from its hunched back, going through its disgusting flesh and reemerging near where you imagined a tailbone would lie somewhere under the layers of muscle and fat.

But the worst aspect of its horrifying visage was the fact that it looked so human, if you ignored its size. Its skin a normal shade of peach, facial structure resembling one of the cashiers at the grocery store you used to frequent before the city fell into insanity. You find yourself unsure if it even is a demon; then it opens its mouth, letting out an unearthly howl and you see its jaws open impossibly wide as it uses its one hand to lift what looks like the corpse of an old man to its lips, somehow able to fit the whole thing in its maw. Its cheeks bulge as it swallows viscerally, and you shudder.

Definitely a demon.

“Right, Y/N find somewhere to hide where you can see us in case we need your help. V, let’s go kick some ass,” Nero orders as he steps forward, cracking his neck and stretching his arms in preparation. You turn and see a coffee shop on the corner, ducking inside right as Nero speaks. You crouch behind the counter and peek your eyes over to watch the battle unfold, hoping you won’t be needed.

“Hey, ugly! You know, you could really use a bath,” Nero says, waving one hand under his nose mockingly. The beast growls as it turns to face him and V, its face distorting into an expression of rage and hunger as it spots the two men.

“The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom, but I think you may have missed the turn,” V chimes in with a twirl of his cane, and you can hear the smirk in his voice even as he faces away from you.

The Glutton snarls and charges, its massive weight making the ground shake with every step as it dashes at Nero. The white-haired warrior performs a flawless hands-free cartwheel to the side, and the creature skids to a stop where he was just standing. Nero draws his sword and brings it down for a harsh slash, opening the beast’s flesh from its hip to its upper back. It howls again, turning to face the threat.

V flicks his cane out to the side and Shadow springs forth, Griffon following a fraction of a second behind in a burst of black shards. Shadow shifts instantly into her spinning blade form, dashing forward to land a slice on the creature’s chest. Griffon hovers in midair and his form flashes purple for an instant before he releases a spherical cloud of electric energy, scorching the Glutton.

The creature bellows, swatting Griffon and Shadow away and they both shift into small spheres as they hit the harsh pavement, pulsing with light as they float a few feet off the ground. Your heart lurches at the sight of your two summoned friends being hit so hard and you see V’s face go even paler than its normal shade as bile rises in your throat. 

Nero unleashes a flurry of strikes, keeping the Glutton’s attention as V limps to the glowing spheres. You hold your breath, unsure if Griffon and Shadow are dead as V holds a hand over the first sphere. You gasp in relief as a moment later, Shadow bursts back out of the small orb and roars. V rushes to the other sphere, panting already, and repeats the process to revive Griffon as Shadow darts forward, a blur of black fury as her body shoots out numerous appendages to strike the Glutton as it focuses on Nero.

Nero somersaults away as the beast brings both its blade and its fist to strike the spot he had been standing, cracking the asphalt instead of Nero’s skull. He taunts it as it turns to face him again.

“Ha, you’ll have to do better than that!”

The Glutton prepares another charge, bellowing its fury as it runs at Nero again. He hops onto its head as it reaches him, carefully avoiding the blade embedded in the creatures back. He simultaneously presses the small button on his mechanical arm to deploy Bladestorm, slashing through the beast’s meaty shoulder as he drops down to the ground behind it. Griffon dives, cawing curse words as he leaves a deep scratch on the demon’s leg. Shadow follows up, swiping the same spot with her brutal claws, and the creature staggers as its leg almost collapses beneath it. Your eyes flick to watch V, as always staying on the edge of the battle and reading his book of poetry. He snaps the book closed as you watch, his other arm rising high above his head and snapping as he speaks, voice harsh in battle.

“Enjoy the taste of despair…”

V's hair sheds its layer of black, the shards dissipating into thin air to reveal his snow-white locks as Nightmare bursts through the wall behind him. The Glutton takes notice of this new threat, bellowing again and charging right at V and Nightmare. To your horror, V doesn’t move out of the way; instead, he leans over and claps his hands tauntingly. You feel like you’re watching a deadly game of chicken as the beast gets ever closer to V and he still doesn’t get out of the way. You can’t take it and close your eyes, holding your breath and listening for the moment the beast strikes the poet.

You hear an impact, but it’s not what you expected. It sounds almost like gravel shifting and you open your eyes again to see V on Nightmare’s back, its massive fists locked in a stalemate of strength against the Glutton’s arms. You can see V panting and gritting his teeth from the effort to hold the damn thing in place as Nero surges forward with a yell, slashing the legs of the Glutton repeatedly. You think he may just get the massive demon onto its knees when it suddenly kicks back blindly at Nero, its foot hitting him in the chest and sending him flying across the courtyard to hit a lamppost. Even from your distance, you can hear bones crunching as Nero’s spine breaks and he falls to the ground without making a sound.

Your breath leaves you, your stomach and heart clenching painfully tight as you see your friend lying on the ground, body broken beyond your skill to repair. Tears fall freely from your eyes and you curl into yourself, already mourning both Nero and…

 V... God, no… He’s going to die and there’s nothing I can do. I’m useless, always so fucking useless. It should have been me that died, not them. It’s never enough, I’m never enough, I’m never enough, never enough, never enough, neverenoughneverenoughneverenough…

You start pounding your head against the counter, sobbing and hating yourself for your utter failure.

(Link to art used as inspiration for the Glutton - https://www.austenmengler.com/store/gluttonator-print NOT MY ART!!!)

[talpup]

Lost Song:12

Summary: The war between the Dragons and Griffons ended 233 years ago, and both races right along with it.

Or so it was believed. There are three individuals that will soon change that.

Kai is the last of the Dragons and he seeks to take what he sees as his rightful place and rule over all of Oblvi. Meanwhile, Shouta, the last Sphinx, wants nothing more than to do his job; keep the peace and and teach the young Fourth’s to hopefully avoid the mistakes of their ancestors. And Teris, a Foundling who is just trying to understand and survive in this strange new world that is supposedly her own.

All three have their own wants and desires, but Kai’s plans, Teris’ existence, and Shouta's past mean that none of them may get what they want.

This fic is rated explicit and has warnings of sex, violence, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

12.1

Kai exited a side door and met up with Hari.  Whiffs of smoke blew from the Dragon’s nostrils at the memory of Teris and Shouta's arms brushing while the two stood side by side, the Sphinx regularly moving to shield Teris from his view.  Teris might be part of Shouta's Ilca.  But she was his.   And yet Shouta had managed to keep her by him the entire gathering.

He had no doubt Shouta had given Teris that dull, disgusting bracelet. The thing wasn’t even worthy of being on some detestable mutt Hybrid like Nedzu.  It certainly didn’t belong on a proud, pure blood Beast like Teris.

Kai swore that if he hadn’t killed the Sphinx by the time he reclaimed his throne.  The first order of his reign would be to end Aizawa, finally do away with all Sphinx kind.

The only thing that had gotten Kai through the trying afternoon was imagining what he would do to Teris this evening after Ryuu left.  He imagined her pretty lips wrapped around his cock.  Making her look at him as he fucked her sweet face.  She had done well in combating Shouta's attempt at keeping her from agreeing to dinner.  But she had stayed by Shouta's side.  Had accepted Aizawa's gift and worn it.  For that she would be punished. And Kai could think of no better punishment than having her choke on his cock.  It wasn’t as if he could punish her more directly.  At least not yet.  Though the thought of spanking her ass raw and fucking her from behind while she screamed his name and cried out in apology was something he looked forward to doing when things progressed.

“Did you find out who was doing the inspection?”  Kai questioned.

Uneasy as he was, Hari bravely met Kai’s eyes.  “We did our best.”

“And was your best good enough?”  Kai asked, knowing if it had been Hari would've answered with a name.

Hari swallowed and shook his head.  “No, Sir.  I’m sorry and take full responsibility for the failure--”

Kai’s hand wrapped around the Arepyiai’s throat cutting off his words and air supply.  “You’re damned right you’ll take full responsibility.  I left it to you to see the Ilca learned who was doing Teris’ inspection. Yet you’re telling me you’ve failed.  That out of my nine Ilca members no one was able to discover a simple name?”

Hari gurgled, but to his credit didn’t attempt to fight off Kai’s choking grip.

The Dragon’s eyes slitted.  Gold scales appeared along the back of his hand.  Nails lengthened into deadly talons that pierced Hari’s skin.  “How am I suppose to threaten or buy a person off if I don’t know who they are?  Do you like the idea of my future mate being subjected to some filthy Fourth's roving gaze?  Maybe you’d prefer Teris undress and walk the grounds of Traverseen Hall for all to see?”

Hari shook his head as best he could.

“What part of mine do you not understand?  Teris is mine. No one should be allowed to look upon her but me.  And yet because of your failure--”  Sensing someones eyes on him, Kai turned.

Hizashi sucked in a breath, emerald eyes widening further. He had been waiting out in the garden for Oboro to return.  The Venti said he had a gift for him.  Hizashi hadn’t meant to listen in.  In fact he hadn’t heard anything.

Teris had said Kai was kind and gentle.  But what Hizashi saw was far gentle and kind.  He stupidly ducked behind a shrub as if he and the Dragon hadn’t already locked eyes.  He had wondered why Shouta didn’t like Kai. The Sphinx always admonishing Teris on what time she was to return from lessons with Kai; as if she were some child with a curfew.  Was this why?  Because Shouta knew Kai was violent and harsh?

Kai’s eyes returned to human.  The scales on his hand disappeared.  Talons shrinking back to nails.

Releasing Hari, Kai took out a handkerchief and he wiped his hand clean. “Return to the dorm.  I’ll deal with you later.”

“Yes, Sir.”  Hari nodded.

“And Hari.”  Kai called.

Hari turned back.

“Set another place for dinner.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Cursing his lack of care, Kai made his way to the distant shrub. “Hizashi.  Isn’t it?”

Hizashi’s eyes squeezed shut.  Where was Oboro?  He sheepishly stepped out from behind the bush. “Yeah.  And you’re Kai, right?  The one tasked with instructing Teris.”

“Teris makes it more of a pleasure than a task.” Kai said, wondering what if anything the Hybrid overheard.

Hizashi's eyes darted about looking for someone to come to his aid.  He was usually great with meeting new people.  But after what he saw...

“About what you heard--”

“I didn’t hear anything.”  Hizashi said.

Relieved, Kai went on.  “Well, I’m sorry you had to see that.  I tend to take sterner measures when the protection of a ladies virtue is at stake.”

Hizashi's lowered ears lifted and twitched.  “A ladies virtue?”

“You don’t think I go around treating my Ilca so cruelly all the time do you?  What has Teris been telling you about me?”

“No, no!” Hizashi shook his head.  He laughed, relieved.  Though still unsettled, it gave reason to what he saw.  “Teris speaks rather highly of you.”

A low hummed sounded in Kai’s throat, such things always nice to hear.  “You wouldn’t happen to know who ‘s doing her inspection.  Would you?”

Hizashi frowned and shook his head.  He didn’t know what Teris’ interview and inspection would entail.  But the words coupled with Shouta's darkening mood as today drew near told him it wouldn’t be pleasant.  “I wish she didn’t have to go through it.  It’s all because they can tell she’s some pure blooded beast from an ancient species.  If she were a Hybrid like me and had some telling marker in her human form.  Like my ears.  Maybe they would have some idea what she was and wouldn’t have to go through it.”

Kai’s lips tightened a fraction.  The thought of the dirty Hybrid feeling sorry for Teris and wishing such a disgusting disgrace of mixed blood on her was an insult. “I’m hosting a dinner for her this evening.  Hopefully it will help take her mind off today's ordeal.”

“That—that sounds really nice.”  Hizashi said, wishing he’d thought of it. Maybe Kai wasn’t so bad.

“I’d like for you to come.  I know Teris thinks you a close friend and having you there would undoubtedly make her happy.”

Hizashi brightened.  “Is Shouta going?”

Kai paused but was able to keep his irritation with Hizashi and hate for Shouta from showing.  “The aim is to lighten Teris’ spirits and make her happy.  Do you think his presence would aid in that?”

Hizashi's smile fell.  It would if the two quit being so stubborn and admitted their feelings for each other, he thought. But as things currently stood, Kai had a point.  “Do you like her?”

“That’s a rather personal question.”  Kai replied.

“She’s my friend.”

“Which is why I would like us to get to know each other.”  Kai said.

“So you do like her.”  Hizashi said.

Kai wasn’t about to belittle his feelings to something as juvenile as like.  Nor was he willing to tell Hizashi his plans to Bond with Teris; fully aware the Hybrid would tell her and Teris wasn’t ready to hear it.  Instead, Kai said.  “I want to see Teris happy and think she deserves the best, same as you.  More than that I can and will give her those things and more.”

Hizashi wasn’t sure how he felt about Kai liking Teris.  Sure he had suspected it.  And with the way Teris talked, he could tell she had a bit of a crush on Kai in return.  But he had seen Teris and Shouta together.  They could be so perfect if only they stopped being so stupid.  Still, it was Teris’ life.  If she chose to be with Kai either for friendly release or as a companion, Hizashi would support her.  So long as Kai was a good guy.  And accepting Kai’s invitation to dinner was just  the chance Hizashi needed to decide if Kai was a good guy.

Thinking a short apology to Shouta, Hizashi smiled. “Thanks for the invite.  I’d love to go.”

“Good. I’ll see you and Teris at six.”  Kai turned away, pleased with the exchange.  Distasteful as it would be having a filthy Hybrid in his Ilca dorm, he was well aware what Hizashi meant to Teris. Winning Hizashi over would only help speed Teris’ sense of ease and comfort which would quicken her acceptance of their eventually mating.

12.2

Shouta glanced at the window gauging the passage of time.  It had been nearly an hour but Teris’ interview felt like it had gone on much longer.  Seated beside her, Shouta hoped the questioning was near its end.  That was until he remembered what awaited her after.  Sharp eyes looked over the five visiting Council Elders seated at the table before them.  He wondered which Elder would be doing Teris’ inspection.  Much as he hoped it would be His Purple Highness, Shouta wasn’t holding his breath.  He was never that lucky.

Along with the five visiting Council members was Elder Yagi.  Also a member of the Council, the Talos was acting more as host for these proceedings than anything else.  At the end of the long table was Director Nedzu and Arbitrator Todoroki Enji, who were there more as witnesses to the interview and hadn’t said a word unless direct questions were asked of them.

Facing the line of Council members felt more like facing a firing squad. Though few questions were asked of him, Shouta couldn’t shake the invading memories of his own interview.  The fear his younger self had felt got the best of him twice already.  Making his heart hammer till the rush of blood drummed in his ears drowning everything else out.

“Tell us, Aizawa.  Has Teris shown any hinting of her true form?  Scales? Feathers?  Fur?”  Destro asked.

“No.” Shouta lied without pause or regret.

“Why don’t you speak plainly and just ask if she’s shown sign of being a Griffon, Dragon, or Sphinx?”  Ryuko asked the Basilisk.

Eyes on Shouta, Destro prodded.  “Well?  Has she?”

“No.” Shouta said.

“Having once served the Dragons and raised one myself.  I can say with certainty that our young Foundling here is not a Dragon.”  Ryuu said.

“Nor is she a Sphinx.”  His Purple Highness put in.

“And what about a Griffon?”  Destro questioned.

Shouta’s fingers twitched, eyes on some distant detail in apparent disinterest.

His Purple Highness looked at Destro. The Basilisk’s might’ve served the Dragons during the Dragon-Griffon war.  But Destro had become leader of the species after the Fall of Crowns.  Whether it was because Destro had been leader for only 233yrs and felt the need to prove himself. Or because the Basilisk truly held such beliefs. Destro had been the most vocal Council member when Shouta and Kai faced the Elders. He vehemently argued the then young Sphinx and Dragon should be put to death for the sake of continued peace.

“The Griffon’s are dead.  A lost species.”  Mera said, wishing for the interview to end so he could go to his rooms and sleep.

“So were the Sphinx's and Dragons until Ryuu and His Purple Highness found and saw different.”  Ryuko said.  The Amphiteres might’ve served the Dragons during the war.  But Ryuko liked to think she and her species had lost their servant mental to the Dragons; while holding no animosity against Kai for his species past deeds.  “What’s to say Elder Yagi hasn’t done the same?”

Yagi coughed.  The Talos’ long ago injury that was slowly killing him making him cough blood into a handkerchief.

“May I remind you, Yagi didn’t find Teris.  She was found in earth and brought to Oblvi by a Derrick.  You can hardly fault Yagi for that.  Or did you young ones forget Traverseen Hall was build near one of the only two physical gateways connecting Oblvi to earth?” His Purple Highness asked.

Ryuko didn’t mind being called a young one. When one had lived as long as His Purple Highness, everyone was young.  Still, she didn’t like her intelligence being called into question.  “I’m aware.”

“So why question if Yagi’s done the same?  Surely you’re aware any Foundlings or issues coming through either gateway are handled by the area Elder.  Yagi just happened be unfortunate Teris was brought through the gateway here. It’s not as if he didn’t inform the rest of us immediately.” His Purple Highness said.

“Unlike some.”  Destro remarked.

“I informed the Council of my finding Shouta as soon as I was able.” The Dryad King said.

“After you unspelled him.”  Destro said.

“I’m flattered you think my physique strong enough to carry a stoned Sphinx through an untamed forest and back home.”  His Purple Highness sarcastically flirted.  “It’s not as if I secretly hatched a Dragon egg and raised the youngling for several years before informing the other Elders.”

Ryuu frowned at the Dryad.  “Your species served the Griffons during the war.”

“And yours served the Dragons.  Save for the Sphinx's, there isn’t a species of Fourth that wasn’t guilty of choosing a side.  And every single one of us here helped hunt the Sphinx's down for it during the war.” His Purple Highness said.

“Is that why you unspelled the Sphinx?  Out of some sense of guilt?” Destro asked.

“This is an interview about the Foundling.  Can we please stay on target and get this over with?”  Mera murmured, tired eyes slipping closed.

Looking at His Purple Highness, Ryuu went on. “You were quite high up the ranks, if I remember. A close and trusted friend of the Griffon King.”

“That was a long time ago.”  His Purple Highness said.

“But surely you remember well enough what the Griffon species smells like. All we’re looking for is some assurance Teris isn’t one.”  Ryuu said.

Shouta's eyes lifted to his mentor.  Air catching in his lungs he force himself to breathe.

Everyone at the long table, seated across from Shouta and Teris, turned to the Dryad King.  Destro and Ryuu leaned forward to get a better look at the Fourth.

His Purple Highness stared at Ryuu.  There was a toying glint in the Tengu’s challenging gaze.  With a blink His Purple Highness realized Ryuu somehow knew Teris was a Griffon.  How?  And why wasn’t he outing her?  Was Ryuu setting him up to deny Teris was Griffon in attempt to claim he was a sympathizer to the fallen crowns and traitor to the Council?

“Well?” Mera pressed, eager to be done.

“Teris’ hereditary scent smells like no Griffon I’ve ever smelled.”  His Purple Highness truthfully said.

Ryuu’s shimmering eyes smiled at the Dryad King.  His Purple Highness expected a follow up question to try and ensnare him.

Instead Ryuu blocked further questions before anyone could ask them. “Well, I’m satisfied.  If no one has anything further?  Good.”

Mera was already standing and gathering his papers.  “In that case. We’re done.  Director Nedzu, thank you for the use of the room. Thank you everyone for your time.”

“And her inspection?”  Destro looked after the already departing Mera.

“Happening in the next room over.”  Mera said with wave and a yawn.

Mera gone, Ryuko looked at the fellow Elders. “So who’s doing it?”

Shouta's shoulders sunk.  There went his hope Teris would be inspected by the sole woman in the group.

Teris was so relieved the interview was over she didn’t hear the name of the Fourth inspecting her.  She felt Shouta tense beside her.

Lips hidden by his capture weapon, Shouta attempted to assure the both of them. “It’ll be alright.”

Teris barely heard Shouta’s murmur.  His deep timber a comforting balm while his words set her back on edge.  What had she missed?  Who was doing the inspection?

Getting to his feet, Shouta turned and held a hand out to her. “Just keep the bracelet on.  Understand?”

Teris nodded.  Her eyes lowered to Shouta's upturned hand.

For a second Shouta thought she wouldn’t take it.  He silently cursed himself for the unthought action.  But then Teris’ warm hand nestled in his. Shouta's nerves ignited in delight. His fingers curled around hers.  He pulled her to her feet and didn’t let go.  Turning around he led her out the room and down the hall to the next door.

Teris rushed to keep up with Shouta's longer stride.  Grateful when he stopped, she faced him, breathing hard.

“Out of breath from a short trek.  We should train more.”  Shouta murmured.

Teris weakling tried to pulled her hand out of his. “I know you’re an ass.  But you’re just saying that to irk and take my mind off things.”

“Is it working?”

“No.”

Shouta stepped to her, hand letting go of hers to wrap around her waist. “How about now?”

Teris’ face heated.  The Sphinx wasn’t playing fair.  “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Shouta hummed.

Teris shivered, feeling the deep vibration of his chest.

Shouta's other hand slinked up her arm.  “Should I up my game?”

“Are you capable of it?”

Shouta chuckled, lowly. “Oh, Kitten.  I’m getting up right now.”

He held her tighter.  His hardening length prodding her pelvis.  Teris sucked in a breath.  Her legs squeezed together, hips dancing.

Shouta bit back a groan.  There had been something he wanted to tell her. Something important.  But he couldn’t think with her rubbing against him.  The smell and warmth of her overwhelmed in the best of ways, drowning everything else out.  “Keep the bracelet on.”

“You already said that.”  Teris breathed.

Shouta swallowed, trying to remember what he wanted to say.  His head began to dip, eyes focused on her tantalizing lips. Teris’ head lifted, tilting ever so slightly.

The door behind her opened.  Shouta's head jerked up. Teris turned.  Eyes widening, she pressed back into Shouta.

Remembering what he wanted to say Shouta whispered into the back of her head. “Whatever the reason, if it becomes too much.  Leave. I’ll be waiting out here and will deal with whatever may come.”

Teris looked back at him.  She knew Shouta, like Kai, was watched by the Council.  But until today she hadn’t realized the Council's goodwill still determined their continued existence.  If Shouta went against the Council…

“Are you ready?”  A male voice asked.

Shouta looked at the man, fighting a low growl.  How the hell was the Anzu preforming the inspection?  He wasn’t an Elder.  He merely worked for the Council.

Straightening her back, Teris turned and met Hawks’ gold eyes.  Shouta felt a wave a pride at the way she fearlessly faced the Anzu.

Hawks watched Teris step to him. Holding her breath, she passed him and entered the room.  Hawks’ eyes flicked to Shouta.  He smiled at the Sphinx.  Shouta's lip twitched, battling a snarl.  The Anzu cocked his head at Shouta's unaffected stare.

“Feel free to go about your day.  This may take a while. I plan on being exceedingly thorough.” Hawks goaded.

Shouta's hands balled into fists in his pockets.  Claws formed and embedded in his palms.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed a fraction at the non-reaction.  He smiled crookedly and shrugged. “Or stay and use your imagination.”

It took every ounce of restraint Shouta had not to bust down the door as soon as it snapped shut.  The Elders exited the interview room drawing his attention.

While the others filed off in the opposite direction, His Purple Highness made his was to Shouta.

The tension in Shouta's shoulders eased. Annoying as His Purple Highness could be, the Dryad had been something of a parental figure.  Well, more like the embarrassing Uncle that made open innuendos in polite conversation and forgot children were around.  Still, His Purple Highness had done more than unspell him and argue for his life.  He had given Shouta a home.  The beginnings of a new pack to help ease the pain of the one he’d lost.

The Dryad King smiled warmly. “That interview couldn’t have been easy for you.  You did well.”

“It was Teris’ interview.”  Shouta said.

“She did well too.”

“She did.”  Shouta agreed.

“You should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

“That she did well.”  His Purple Highness said.

Thinking the too proud Griffon likely thought she did well in everything she did, Shouta huffed.  “She already knows.”

As he spoke, the Dryad added, voice mixing with the Sphinx.  “And that you love her.”

Shouta looked at the Fourth and blinked.  “What?”

“What?” His Purple Highness echoed.

Shouta's eyes narrowed at the Dryad’s overly innocent expression.

Certain Shouta had heard him, His Purple Highness went on.  “Still, her interview had to have brought back memories of your own.”

“Maybe a bit.”  Shouta begrudgingly admitted.

“I remember the day I found you hidden in a crevice deep inside that mountain cave.”  His Purple Highness didn’t speak of the cave-ins, rubble, or multiple bones that had once been Shouta's home and pack.  “Curled up and put to stone, you looked so tiny and helpless.  It was clear you had been spelled not just for protection, but out of a great love and sense of hope. Even being put in hibernation during what had surely been a terrifying time, you looked peaceful holding that--”

Shouta's eyebrows furrowed.  He had been holding something?  What?  He didn’t remember holding anything.

His Purple Highness chuckled, trying to cover and divert from the slip. He would tell Shouta about and give him the Griffon feather he’d found him with.  But not now.  It was far too dangerous for both Shouta and Teris.  “You were a dirty mess but still one of the most beautiful and precious things I’ve seen in my life.”

Shouta’s scowled with an embarrassed blush.  He ducked into his capture weapon trying to hide his flushed cheeks.  Grateful his hair covered his warming ears.

“You’re getting sentimental in your old age.”   Shouta muttered dryly.

“Deciding what to do with you was one of the hardest and easiest things I’ve done in my existence.”  Thinking again of Teris’ feather clutched in Shouta's small hand, His Purple Highness said.  “As soon as I unspelled you I thought I’d regret it.  But I never did.  Not even when faced with the fear and anger of my fellow Council Elders.  Even now, after everything. I don’t regret it.”

“You mean after I’ve grown into a gruff grouch?”  Shouta said with a toothy smile most found creepy.

“Well… Now that you mention it…”

The two chuckled.  Shouta's low and short.  His Purple Highness’ light and long.

“I’m almost sorry you’re leaving tomorrow.”  Shouta said.

“Well, now that you mention it.”  The Dryad grinned.

Shouta's expression darkened. “I said almost.”

“A King has duties to his people, Shouta.  There’s a Harvest Moon tomorrow.”

Shouta cursed.  With everything going on, he’d forgotten.

Oblvi had four Harvest Moons a year.  One for each season.  While most species only celebrated one Harvest Moon.  Many elementals and species carrying a tie to the land celebrated all four.  The fall Harvest Moon would be celebrated with bonfires and dancing.  And of course release.

Many revelers would attend in their true form.  It’s why humans took to wearing masks on the day.  To appear like the ‘evil spirits’ they saw and not be set upon.  But that was a long time ago.  Thankfully travel to earth was now limited and illegal without proper pass. Though their were occasionally those that snuck through.

“You should come.  You could use some fun.”  His Purple Highness said.

“Walking around a forest full of loud, excited Fourth's is hardly what I call fun.”  Shouta remarked.

“Hizashi is half High Elf.”

Shouta cursed again.  High Elf’s were connected to the land.  Of course Hizashi would want to and should participate.  The celebration was more than just a festival. It had a physical effect on the Fourth's linked to nature.

“Teris should attend too.”  His Purple Highness said.

“No.” Shouta's heckles rose at the thought of Teris accepting some revelers invitation to participate in the orgy known as the Sowing.

“I understand that Kai is instructing her.  But as her Ilca leader you should be taking part in her learning.”

Shouta's lip twitched, biting back a snarl.  Mind still on the Sowing, he imagined all the ways Kai was instructing her.  It certainly didn’t help that Teris had returned yesterday smelling of sex and Kai.

“Bring your Ilca and just attend for the tamer beginning festivities.” His Purple Highness said. “Think of it as a lesson for Teris, and way to support Hizashi.”

Though he had denied His Purple Highness in the past, Shouta didn’t like to.  He owed the Dryad.  Even now His Purple Highness looked out for him.  The least he could do was suffer an hour or two at the Harvest Moon Festival.

“Fine.” Shouta growled.

12.3

“Alone again.”  Hawks smiled, seductively.

Trying to hide her unease Teris blustered.  “If you kiss me again I’ll kill you.”

“I’m hurt.  Like that lip you bit when I kissed you.  I’m nothing if not professional, Teris.  Now undress.”

“What!” Teris shrunk back clutching the neck of her tank top.  She wished she’d worn more covering clothes.

“It’s an inspection.  What’d you think I’d be looking over?  Your resume?”

Teris swallowed.  Her show of fear was giving him too much power.  The Anzu’s toying smile and dancing eyes told of his enjoyment at her discomfort.  Lowering her hand she met his shimmering gold eyes.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed.  Anger and distress often caused a small show of a Fourth's true form.  It’s probably why the Council Leader decided he would perform Teris’ inspection.  Because he was good at playing with emotions and getting under peoples skin.  But if Teris was going to bury her unease thus denying the opportunity of some display of her true form, then he had no other choice but to go through with the inspection.  Not that he minded.

Teris looked Hawks over in judging distaste.  “So are the Anzu some newly recognized species?  I thought Hybrid’s were the only ones incapable of perfect human form.”

“Wow! Do you speak to Hizashi with that mouth?”

Teris grimaced.  She really didn’t care.  But given how much Kai made of it, thought it would be a sore spot to needle Hawks with.

“My species is a new old.”  Hawks said, conversationally.

“A what?”

“Not new.  Not old.  And definitely not ancient.  The wings and eye markings a show.”  Hawks said of himself.

“Show of what?”  Teris asked.

“You can put on that robe.”  Hawks nodded to a covering hanging off the back of a chair.

“Show of what?”  Teris pressed.

“Do you really wanna draw this out?  Aizawa’s probably stayed standing outside.  Waiting.  Wondering.”

Teris lifted her chin.  “I just want my question answered.  Show of what?”

Hawks smirked.  Proud.  Stubborn.  Entitled.  He ticked the traits off in his head for later scrutiny.  “Undress.”

“Turn around.”

Hawks’ smile grew.  “I’m nothing if not a gentleman.”

Teris huffed.  Hawks slowly turned away.  She took a tentative step to the chair.  Hawks looked over his shoulder making Teris pause.

“Just don’t go stabbing me in the back.”

“I’ll do more than that if you look back again.”  Teris snarled.

“Ooo. Promise!”  Hawks enthused.  His wings opened and lifted creating a sort of screen between them that put Teris at ease.

Teris pulled off the tank top and hastily put on the robe.  Her skin prickled at the touch of the cool silken fabric.  It was shorter than she would've liked.  Coming to just above her mid-thigh.  But at least she wasn’t left in just her underwear.  Not trusting Hawks, Teris turned away undoing her belt and pants.

Red feathers parted ever so slightly, a single gold eye peeking through. Hawks observed Teris’ movements more than her undressing.  There were moments where she was fluid and graceful; like a cat.  And others that reminded him of himself when agitated; quick and staccato.  Bird like.

Back turned to the Anzu, Teris bent and pulled off her pants. Straightening, she felt a presence behind her and spun around.  When had Hawks moved?

“Shall we begin?”  Before Teris could respond, Hawks dropped into a squat in front of her.

Suddenly Hawks wrapped a hand around the back of her ankle and lifted her leg. Teris squeaked.  Her body jerked, toes curling.  Arms stretched out trying to help balance.  She wobbled for a second but quickly steadied herself.

Hawks noted her reactive timing.  And how she didn’t need the nearby chair.  Though there was still no physical display of her true form.

“What the hell!”  Teris squawked.

Interesting. While most voices took on a higher pitch when startled.  There was a melodic chirp to Teris’ voice.

“Just checking your reflexes.”  Hawks sung, Teris’ chirp bringing out the beastly bird in him.  He set down her leg, hand and eyes running up the smooth flesh.

Teris shivered at the touch.  When he got to her mid-thigh she stepped away.

Hawks met her glare with a smile.  “I guess it would be rude to go any further without first buying you dinner.  Other than Kai have you sought release with anyone else?”

“I’ve already done my interview.”

“So that’s a no.”  Hawks declared.  He got to his feet.  “Since I’m staying on at Traverseen Hall for a while.  Feel free to seek me out if you tire of Kai.  Or just want some variety.”

“That’s never gonna happen.”

“I make it a point to never say never.  Extend your arm.”

Teris did so.  Allowing Hawks to push the sleeve of her robe up.  He rotated her arm, hand and eyes examining the same way he had her leg. His fingers skimmed over the bracelet Shouta had given her.  Teris tensed.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed and lifted taking in every minute expression.  His fingers trailed down her palm, opening up her hand.  Head lowering to the pulse point of her wrist, he breathed deeply.  Her hereditary scent was definitely less distinct than it had been yesterday.  And there was a muddled something to it that hadn’t been there before.

While it didn’t matter to him since he’d been unable to recognize her species scent.  He wondered if any of the Council Elders would've been able to tell what she was if not for the obscuring difference.

His eyes focused on the bracelet she wore.  The bracelet that hadn’t been on her wrist yesterday when her species scent was clear and distinctive.  He wondered who gave it to her.  Aizawa was the obvious choice since she hadn’t had it when she’d come from Kai, smelling of sex and the Dragon.  Why would Kai want to muddle her species scent anyway?  Then again, why would Shouta?

A talon sprung from his nail-bed, pricking the pad of Teris’ finger. Teris’ hand jerked back.  She licked the small puncture.  Hawks marked her treatment of the wound.  The list of possible species she could be narrowed by small degrees.

“Take off the robe.”

Teris bared her teethed.  “No.”

Hawks met her challenging glare with a mask of stern command.

“Why’d you give me the thing if you were gonna make me take it off?” Teris asked.  “Trying to lure me into false comfort?  Or do you just like toying with people?”

Like toying with people?  Hawks thought.  No.  But I’m good at it. Trained at it.  Along with a host of other things.  Hawks’ mask of determination melted into one of mock sympathy.  “What the Council giveth the Council can easily taketh away.”

Teris’ eyes widened thinking of Shouta and Kai’s lives.  At Hawks’ smirk, her expression hardened.  “You’re not the Council.”

“You’re right.  But I am working for them.  We all must obey and dance to the Council's tune if we wish to keep our lives and freedom.  Now take off the robe.”

Teris paused.  Caught between fearful compliance and proud defiance.

Seeing her hesitance, Hawks took pity and cajoled.  “I told you.  I’m nothing if not professional.”

“You’ve been far from professional.”

“It’s just a job, Little Bird.”

“Names like that make it seem more than a job.”  Teris glared.

“Have you never enjoyed a job?”  Hawks questioned.  He both hated and loved this one.  Teris was fun.  The puzzle of figuring out what she was a unique challenge.  Only trouble he had with the task was Teris was new to this world.  She wasn’t like the others he’d spied on and lured into traps in the past.  She was truly innocent and unprepared for the ways Oblvi worked and was run.  And he had to pray on that innocence to get his answers.

It’s just a job, Hawks comforted himself.  If he didn’t do it the Council Leader would send someone else, and he’d be ruined.  Never mind what his Secret Boss who ordered him to watch Teris would do.

Suddenly Hawks was in her face.  Teris pulled her head back only to have Hawks grab under her jaw, fingers pinching in her cheeks.  He pulled her forward.  Their noses almost touching.  Hawks’ eyes darted over her face.  His hair tickled her forehead.

Teris’ breath caught in her throat.  Her eyes widened, unfocusing.  The action was reminiscent of the way the scarred man use to grab and examine her, spitting terrifying words in her face.

Hawks’ wings sagged.  No sign of her true form.  Releasing her, he stepped back.  “Robe off.  Now.”

Heart hammering in her chest Teris untied the fabric belt with trembling hands.  She tried to steady her breathing, telling herself the scarred man wasn’t here.  He and his blue flames couldn’t hurt her.

The robe slipped from her shoulders.  Hawks watched it puddled on the floor at her feet.  Taking a fortifying breath, he schooled his features and lifted his eyes.  Teris’ hips turned to the side.  She crossed her arms shielding her bra covered breasts.  The action squeezed her tits together enhancing her enticing cleavage.

Stay on target, Hawks told himself.  This is a job.  Not a pleasure. Yeah, but with a sight like that it kinda makes it a bit of both, he argued with himself.  She doesn’t want you and there’s a Sphinx waiting outside that’ll tear you apart if you step out of line, he reminded.

Hawks slowly circled her.  Booted feet deafening in the silence.  Teris shivered.  Though she couldn’t say if it was from the chill or Hawks’ roving gaze.  She felt him stop behind her and bit her lip, fighting the urge to look back at him.

Fingers plucked the waistband of her panties.  Teris spun around.

“Just checking for a tail.”  Hawks smiled, crookedly.  His eyes sharpened.  Still no sign of her true form.

“Are we done?”

“Almost. Just wanna try one more thing.”

“Try for what?”  Teris scowled.  She yelped and turned, something tickling the back of her leg.  It was one of Hawks’ feathers.

Hawks stepped to her.  With a practiced snap of the bra strap he had her bra unhooked.

One arm clutched to her chest, Teris spun back around, other hand lifted. Hawks had but a moment to see the mild display.  But a moment was all he needed.  In place of peach fuzz there were tiny quills gracing Teris’ cheeks.

Her hand connected.  The slap sharp and loud.  Hawks’ head wrenched to the side.  He held his throbbing cheek.  The stinging skin hot under the palm of his hand.

Teris bent, free hand grabbing the robe.  She grasped the fabric to her. “Out!  This so called inspection is finished.  We’re done.”

Feather re-attaching to his wing, Hawks turned to the door.  The inspection might be done.  But he was far from finished.

***This fic will have a LOT more world building than my others.  Please feel free to comment or send me an ask if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special thank you to those who have left comments and/or reblogged. They really mean a lot.

Special thank you to @inorganicone2230 who knows of my love for the mythic and encouraged me to start this fic without stressing about the other two I’ve got going.  Your friendship means the world to me.