#I wish we knew the apprentice's name...

[morelikebaldursgay]

(From Healer's Log)

(From Highcliff's Journal)

So interested in the storytelling of the Blighted Village/Moonhaven... the blackmsith who made the Sussur weapon blueprints was an apprentice named Dida Highcliff!

(Also from Blacksmith's Note it seems she may have gotten Infernal Iron from some unnamed person--I like to imagine it was Ilyn Toth's apprentice because a) we know his master had some involvement with fiends from Shovel, b) Occam's Razor, c) think it would be fun if they bonded over both having awful masters, and d) I think they would make a great odd-couple doomed friend(?)ship.)

[really-fanny-longbottom]

never yours

summary: azriel never regretted his decisions so much like he does right now.

warnings: angst (like a lot), fluff (also a lot because we need a balance)

pairings: azriel x reader, azriel x elain, lucien x reader

words: 6.1k

you were born in day court during the longest and the warmest day of the year — summer solstice.

even though it's not a custom to exchange gifts on that holiday, your parents always told you that you were their greatest gift and that the sun shined brighter that day like he knew that you would be entering this world very soon. 

your father was helion's best and longest friend, and he had a place in his court as his second in command and advisor. 

your mother was the lead healer of the court. she was one of the most powerful and talented healers of prythian, being a very close second to madja. 

due to your parents' jobs, you grew up in the day court palace and close to helion, who didn't just happen to be your high lord but also your godfather. 

your parents reconsider that maybe making helion your godfather had been a mistake because of how much he spoiled you.

on your 4th birthday, he gave you a black baby pegasus as a present, which you decided to name him blackjack.

when he discovered that you liked reading, he had a private library built in your room with all kinds of books.

when you were seven and heard an old male saying that females should only wear dresses, you only wore pants for the next three months and of course, helion made sure you had every type of pants at your disposal. 

when your parents tried to scold him, he just scoffed with his only response being, 'she's my goddaughter. what else am I supposed to do?' with a big grin plastered in his face.

you weren't helion's child, but he always treated you like one, and that never changed, especially after your parents' death. 

your favorite thing about your parents was their mating bond. after you learned that mates are rare and a blessing, it made every single thing about your parents' love even more unique and pure.

you saw first hand what true love is really like. you saw how much they loved, cared, supported, and protected each other.

you saw loyalty and honesty in their deepest forms. seeing your parents' mating bond made you wish to the stars for a mate, and that one day, you would be blessed enough to find him. 

but you also saw how deep a mating bond could go — you saw it first hand, too.

you saw it when your mother died after getting infected by a rare disease while trying to help her patients.

her death destroyed your father. the pain and the grief of losing your mother — his mate, and the love of his life were so big that your father followed her into the next life a few days later, so they could start their next journey together.

before he died, your father made helion promise him that he would take care of you, which he agreed without hesitation.

he became more protective of you. he couldn't stop thinking how unfair it was for you to lose your parents at such a young age, only eleven years old, when helion had them for centuries.

your godfather made sure to provide you with anything you needed from the best education to the best clothes, and when your healing powers start manifesting and you decide to follow your mother's steps, helion called in a favor to thesan to see if he could teach you himself.

the high lord of dawn was happy to accept, and so were you at the thought of having him as your teacher.

you moved to dawn court for a year where you learned everything about being a healer, not only with the high lord himself but also with his best healers. 

you became one of the best — talented, powerful, gifted, and wise. just like your mother.

madja was looking for an apprentice at the time you returned to day, and when she heard about your skills, she asked for you.

rhysand reached out to helion with madja's offer — you would be her apprentice, work in the clinic with her but you would also assist her if she ever needed to go to a patient's residence, and would learn everything she could teach you. 

it wasn't needed to convince you to agree. you had heard about madja and her healing, after thesan, she was the healer you wanted to work with the most, so of course you were more than happy to have a chance to have her as your mentor.

rhysand added that you would be welcome to stay in one of his personal residences, the house of wind, during your stay in velaris.

you were only supposed to stay in the night court for a year, but that was before you met the shadowsinger. 

however, despite wanting the apprenticeship more than anything, if you had known what would happen when you agreed to go to the night court, you would never have accepted the offer.

•••

azriel couldn't sleep.

no matter how much he tried, he couldn't. not with tomorrow so close, not when he knew what was waiting for him in the morning. 

the past was haunting him tonight, his thoughts hadn't stopped since he had been informed earlier of tomorrow's meeting.

so now, here he was, trying to keep his eyes open even though his body was protesting for him to do the opposite.

but he was fighting that need because every time he closed his eyes, you were all he saw.

your beautiful face with your sparkling eyes, your smooth hair, your pointy ears, your sweet voice, and your soft laughter.

you were haunting his thoughts like a punishment for all those years ago. 

so all he could do now was to sit on the edge of his balcony with his legs hanging off while waiting for the sun to be born, and remember how things used to be before he destroyed everything.

 •••

everything was perfect in the beginning.

velaris was beautiful, the people were kind, and the pastries were absolutely delicious. 

the only thing you actually missed, besides helion, was the warmth of the sun like no other court had but the day court — that was just the day citizen in you talking.

your apprenticeship was going amazing. you and madja had instantly connected, and you were learning so much.

two weeks later, you were already attending your own patients without supervision.

you really had a gift, and every time madja complimented your powers, you gave all the credits to your genes — to your mom.

it warmed your heart knowing that the mother had blessed you with this part of her. In this way, it felt like she was always with you.

the house of wind felt just like home, and you adjusted perfectly.

the inner circle had welcomed you with open arms, and you got along with everyone. they thought you and mor would be the closest of all, but they got a big surprise when it turned out to be you and azriel.

the shadowsinger was different from everyone you ever met.

everyone in day was so loud, extroverted and open.

but not him.

he was calm, reserved, and difficult to read, but with time, you ended up finding out that the two of you were more alike than you thought. you were able to go through the shell that azriel had so perfectly built around him over the centuries. 

a friendship was born.

every day, qzriel would fly you to the clinic and then back to the house. you explored velaris together and made your personal mission to try every single restaurant and bakery from the city of starlight. 

you walked along the sidra and even stopped once in a while to dance along the melodies that the musicians were playing. you would read together whether that was in the library, in your room, or in his. you even started training with him and sometimes, cassian.

you became each other's person. 

when a day at the clinic was hard or you would lose a patient, he was there to hug and comfort you, and you found yourself doing the same for him about his missions.

so you decided to take the next step and spoke about your parents' death, how much still affected you losing them.

and in that moment, azriel realized how much trust you put in him, so he decided to return it and opened about his past, his family, and his hands. you listened to every word, cleaned every tear, and held him for as long as he needed.

tou found yourself falling in love with him a little more day by day, and it only took you a few months to realize that you were completely in love.

the day the bond snapped was one of the happiest days of your life.

it happened during the most beautiful celebration in the night court — starfall.

your hair was tied in a long braid that reached down to your waist, decorating the braid were small yellow daylilies.

you were wearing a golden dress that fit perfectly against your sun-kissed skin. the dress had a slit on the left side that went up to the top of your thigh, a single strap held the dress on your right shoulder and when you turned around, whoever was behind you could have a perfect view of your naked back.

golden jewels rested on your ears and neck. 

you looked like a goddess — one blessed by the sun itself.

you were shining just like a day court citizen should.

azriel standed next to you in the balcony while gazing at the spirits passing.

both of your hands rested on the stone of the balcony, and when you went to adjust your hand, it brushed against azriel's.

at the new feeling, you looked up to find his eyes, only to see the shadowsinger already looking at you.

in that moment, with the touching of your hands and the meeting of your eyes, the world stopped.

your hands start interviewing, and everything else just disappeared.

it was just the two of you and the sound of your heartbeats. and then, a golden thread appeared and started tying your hearts and souls.

azriel held your free hand and pressed it against his own chest, right where his heart laid.

you followed his action, freeing your intertwined hands and putting his hand on your chest, above your heart. 

with the final loop of the golden thread around your hearts, azriel bent down and kissed you. 

that moment couldn't be more beautiful and magical even if you tried.

you had finally found the mate that you had wished to the stars all those years ago. 

everything was perfect.

you had everything you wanted and more.

you lived in a beautiful city that you learned to love and were starting to call it home. 

you had the job of your life, working alongside one of your idols. 

amazing friends that made you feel welcomed and part of a little family.

and finally, your mate, the male you were in love with, long before that beautiful and sacred golden thread.

everything was perfect.

but of course, nothing lasts forever.

and all of that disappeared when elain archeron came into the picture.

•••

ten years.

he couldn't believe that much time had passed. all those years without you.

it had been ten years since the last time he saw you.

ten years since he had heard something regarding you.

ten years since he had broken your heart.

and ten years since he had made the biggest mistake of his entire existence.

you had moved back to day court after that day, after what happened and after what he did. 

the high lord of day had forbidden azriel from seeing you and from trying to contact you in any way.

and months later, when the rumors of a certain shadowsinger flying above the palace in hopes to get a glimpse of you reached his ears, helion banned him from his court.

helion had always been a very charismatic and loving person.

he's kind, generous, and a very good friend. He gets along with almost everyone, always joking around and laughing. 

some people may say that he's the nicest and kindest high lord that prythian has ever seen. 

when problems arise, he always tries to find a solution to solve them or if a solution is not possible, a way to improve them.

but not this time.

not when it comes to you and his son — Lucien.

because your heart wasn't the only one to be shattered that day.

no.

lucien's heart was a victim, too.

so, from that moment, everything that helion did was to protect you and lucien.

to make sure that you felt safe, that you had space and time to heal.

azriel's banishment wasn't the only consequence from the events of that day.

that day also cost the alliance between the day court and the night court, and when the alliance fell apart, so did helion and rhysand's friendship.

but azriel wasn't the only one to blame for all of this.

elain archeron was guilty, too.

she, too, was banished from the day court and forbidden to contact lucien in any way.

but unlike azriel, elain's actions cause far more consequences than his. 

the autumn court followed the same decisions as the day court.

the banishment of azriel and elain and the prohibition of any kind of contact with lucien.

eris, now the new high lord of the autumn court after beron's death, didn't take lightly to what happened to his little brother. 

the two of them had reconnected after eris became high lord.

they talked through everything that had happened in the last centuries, made peace with their past, and decided to move forward together.

now, the brothers were inseparable and had the kind of relationship they had always wanted since they were younger.

so when eris heard what had happened, he considered those actions as a personal attack. 

he went as far as to offer lucien the opportunity to choose the blood duel, which his little brother refused, saying that all of this had already caused enough pain.

eris wasn't angry just because of lucien.

he was angry because of you, too.

you were the first person to give him the benefit of the doubt, the first one to not judge him and unlike the others you tried to get to know him, to be his friend and he let you. 

6ou were the first one to know the real eris, to know what he hid behind the mask.

therefore, you had a special place in his heart. even if you didn't share the same blood, you were part of his family.

but that didn't stop with day and autumn. spring joined them, too. 

despite everything that happened and the fact that they were still working on their friendship, tamlin's loyalty remained with lucien.

spring had been lucien's home for decades, and with that came a brotherhood between the two of them. 

needless to mention that jurian and vassa's loyalties also remained with lucien.

to everyone outside the situation, all of this may seem overreacted and exaggerated.

but to everyone involved, it's not.

after all, you and lucien almost died.

that's what happens when a mating bond is rejected.

•••

azriel couldn't believe things had turned out this way.

he was so sure that the cauldron was wrong, that he belonged with Elain.

three sisters for three brothers.

how more poetic could it be?

there were signals everywhere.

feyre with rhysand.

nesta with cassian.

elain with him.

elain wouldn't go close to lucien or talk to him, but she would sit next to him whether during dinners or on the couch, she would talk to him, and requested his company when she went to the garden or to the city.

even his shadows disappeared every time he was with her.

weren't those signals clear enough?

they were meant to be.

the cauldron was wrong. 

so azriel did what he thought was right.

he rejected the mating bond with you, and elain did the same with lucien. 

he never thought that the rejection of the bond would've almost cost your life.

that memory still gave him nightmares to this day.

how pale you turned, how you sank to your knees with your hand pressed against your chest, tears running free down your cheeks and muffled screams leaving your lips.

how much pain you had suffered and how he had been the cause of it.

how once, not that long ago, he had been the reason for your smiles, laughs, and giggles.

but that memory wasn't his.

it was rhysand's.

rhys, who had to go through your mind shields, and knock you unconscious so the pain would stop and that memory led him to another memory. 

the memory of that day and the things that had followed after he shattered your heart.

•••

azriel wasn't there the moment it happened.

no, he was too busy kissing elain after admitting how much they craved each other. 

and while he kissed elain, he felt that golden thread tying the two of you breaking and start slowly to disappear.

nothing could have prepared him for that last memory of you when he and elain were summoned to the river house a few hours later.

rhys had shown him not as a courtesy but as a lesson of how much his actions can affect others.

but you weren't just some other.

you were his mate — former mate.

azriel made a move to go find you.

he needed to explain it to you, and he needed you to understand, but you were already gone.

rhys told him that after you regained consciousness, lucien took you with him back to day court. 

lucien.

who you had become instantly friends with since the male's arrival in velaris.

you had treated him just like you were when you moved to the night court.

you showed him the city, the good restaurants and the best pastries, and also told him about Helion, now that he knew the high lord was his father and he was his heir.

you wanted him to feel like home, just like you did. 

when Azriel made his intentions clear to go to day and find you, rhys showed him the letter helion had sent.

the one that forbidden him from seeing you and from trying to contact you in any way.

the one that also had the same indications to elain regarding lucien.

and that if any of them tried to disobey his orders, there would be consequences.

azriel knew of protective the male was of you and that he would do anything to protect his family, so for a split second, azriel found himself fearing the high lord. 

rhysand also ordered them to stay away from the two of you, stating that they had already created enough problems and the night court could not afford a war with day. 

after they left his office, rhys sat down on his chair, trying to think how he was gonna solve this.

his mind kept going back to you and lucien. 

he was there when lucien came for you.

the red headed male was also pale and every few minutes, his hand would press to his chest in pain, his eyes were still red, probably from the tears he had shed.

rhys knew that Helion's letter wouldn't be the only one he would receive that day.

and like he was right, three more letters arrived during it.

first from autumn, then spring and the last one from the band of exiles. 

rhys passed a hand through his black hair and released a long sigh.

azriel and elain actions had just cost four allies to the night court.

•••

when you and lucien arrived in day, helion almost fell to his knees at your sight.

you were in lucien's arms, your eyes half open with tears still following down your cheeks.

one of your hands was against your chest, rubbing small circles in a way of trying to get rid of the pain.

lucien wasn't much better.

helion headed towards you and started examining you for injuries, but he found nothing.

when confusion made his way to his features, Lucien told him everything.

the confusion was replaced by anger, but the anger wasn't just directed towards the shadowsinger and the middle archeron sister.

some of it was towards himself. 

towards himself, because seeing you like that, helion felt that he had broken the promise he made to your dad and that this was his fault.

without giving time for any more thoughts to fill his mind, helion led lucien to your room, where the heir laid you on the bed.

you had fallen asleep in his arms with your cheeks still stained. 

lucien sat on the chair by your desk that was placed in front of your bed and said to Helion that he would stay with you.

helion gave him a firm nod, remembering that lucien didn't have a room yet in his palace, but he was about to fix that.

helion didn't waste any time after making sure that the two of you were okay for now. 

he called two of his servants to prepare a room for the young heir and went straight to his office where he wrote the letter and sent it to rhysand.

the next week's were a complicated ones but showed that time was the best healer. 

you no longer spend the days locked in your room alone.

you started to eat properly again and went back to work.

day by day, you were smiling more, sometimes making jokes.

lucien improved as well.

he decided to live in the day court for the time being and took his place as helion's second in command.

his relationship with helion was also getting stronger over time.

they were making up for the lost time.

but that wasn't the only thing that changed. your relationship with lucien also changed.

you got closer than ever, due to the fact you were the only ones who knew what the other was going through.

you found comfort in each other's presence and started spending more time together to the point where you became each other's favorite person. 

little by little, you start helping each other heal.

you started putting back together the pieces that had been broken, and the pain started slowly fading until the day that it didn't hurt anymore.

you two mended your hearts and souls, and for the first time, in a long time, you were full again.

your friendship grew, and so did your feelings for each other.

•••

azriel couldn't believe how wrong he had been.

because the cauldron wasn't wrong, it had never been wrong. 

he was the one who was wrong — right from the beginning.

he and elain had tried a relationship after yours and lucien's departure.

it worked for six months until it didn't.

azriel questioned himself why the relationship was starting to fail and why being with elain was starting to feel wrong.

it didn't take him too long to understand the reason. It was because she wasn't you.

he found out that the reason his shadows disappear every time he was with elain wasn't because they were destined but because they were with you. 

his shadows would leave him and elain to go find you, like they were stating that they wouldn't betray you, that they chose you.

on the day he broke up with elain, he found his shadows in your old room, which once was filled with colors, books, paintings, and light, and now was empty, dusty, and dark.

the shadows were swimming around your starfall dress — the one you wore on the day your bond had snapped.

the sight of the dress was painful, and he understood why it had been left behind.

azriel had tried to apologize.

he flew to day court and around the palace trying to find you but he never did and the next day helion sent a letter with his and elain's banishment, making autumn and spring to make the same decision. 

he understood why.

they were trying to protect you and lucien, and even though he didn't have the right, he just wanted to know if you were okay.

he asked rhys several times if he knew something about you, and thys revealed to him that you weren't talking to him or the other members of the inner circle either.

you had stated that it was too early and still very painful. 

so they respected your decision and kept their distance. 

that had caused azriel's guilt to grow even more.

how he wished for nesta to still have her powers so he could go back in time and repair all of this.

the light of the sun broke his thoughts.

the sun was finally making its appearance in the orange and yellow sky. 

azriel released a long breath and looked at the clock perched on his bedroom wall. 

the morning was here, and he was only two hours away from seeing you.

•••

the inner circle stood at the entrance of the day court palace. 

helion had lifted the banishment for this meeting with yours and lucien consent.

both of you said that it had been a long time and that the past should stay in the past, but that didn't mean you would be accepting any apologies today.

koschei was on the rise again, and prythian needed to come together once more.

right now, your past didn't matter.

the doors swung open, and the inner circle made their way inside.

a servant led them to the conference room located in the same hallway as helion's office on the first floor of the palace.

they sat at the marble table while the servant informed them, "the high lord will be here in a few minutes."

receiving a nod and a 'thank you' from rhysand, the servant left.

rhys started, "y/n and lucien will also be in this meeting. now, helion was nice enough to allow the two of you back here, so do not ruin this."

he finished while looking at azriel and elain, making them both nod their heads.

helion entered the room, and the inner circle raised from their seats.

the high lord of the day court made his way to the head of the table.

he turned to the side where rhys and his inner circle stood, offering his hand to rhys to shake it.

taken by surprise, rhys needed a few seconds to process what was happening before accepting his hand.

once they had shaken hands, everyone returned to their seats, but not before helion sent a disapproving look in azriel's and elain's direction.

a few minutes into the meeting, the door to the conference room opened again.

and there you were. 

you were dressed in day attire. a beautiful white dress that hugged your body, with your hair loosen and golden jewelry adorned your neck and ears.

lucien was by your side also wearing day attire, one that matched helion's, with your hand in his.

the inner circle held their breaths at your sight.

it had been ten years, but all the memories came flashing back to them. 

you looked the same, but when you two approached the table, that's when they saw it and shock spread all over their faces.

azriel couldn't believe what he was seeing.

he didn't know what he was expecting to see at this meeting, but it wasn't this.

it wasn't the golden ring that you and lucien had matching on your left hands informing him that you were married that shocked him.

it was the small and round belly that your free hand was resting on and the sweet vanilla scent that was filling the air — the scent of yours and lucien's baby. 

"apologies for our delay," lucien started, then looking in your direction with a smile continued "someone had a big appetite this morning," he ended with a laugh.

you looked at his gaze, a genuine smile on your lips "shut up," you whispered.

lucien grabs the back of your chair, pulling it to give you enough space to sit. "thank you, my love."

you said while watching him take the seat at your right, making you stay seated between him and Helion.

for the first time since you entered the room, you looked at the people in front of you. "night court," you greeted with a small smile. 

feyre was the first to say, "congratulations, y/n and lucien." 

lucien spoke this time. "thank you, feyre." he rested his hand on your belly.

"how far long are you?" rhysand's voice reached your ears.

looking in his direction, you answered, "23 weeks. lucien thinks it's a girl, but i think it's a boy," you added, making rhys smile.

"i always took you for a boy mom." amren's voice surprised you and couldn't help but smile at her words.

"congratulations to you two. the mother knows you deserve it." she finished with a genuine smile.

lucien looked at azriel and elain before directing his eyes to the ancient one "yes, we do. thank you, amren."

lucien paused for a second before turning in helion's direction and continuing. “let's not keep holding on to the meeting. please go on, father." 

helion proceeded with the meeting, but azriel didn't listen to a word that was said.

he couldn't tear his eyes from you and lucien. 

there was no doubt of the love you two shared, not when it was written in both of your eyes.

he didn't miss Lucien caresing your belly and pushing a strand of hair behind your ear, passing his thumb over your jaw, and kissing your cheek after.

or how you rested your right hand on top of his on your belly while your left passed through his long red hair before resting around his shoulders and your smile while doing it.

what bigger proof did he need of your love if not for the baby you were carrying?

lucien's baby, he kept telling himself.

not his.

lucien's.

jealousy invaded his body, but there was nothing he could do.

he made his decision ten years ago, and now he had to live with it.

lost in his thoughts, he only realized the meeting was over when everyone started standing.

rhys and helion were finishing talking, and when the doors opened one more time, eris vanserra walked in with a little ginger boy in his arms.

he couldn't be more than five years old.

he looked exactly like lucien, except for his eyes — those were yours. 

azriel's heart sank, and it sank even more a few seconds later, when the little boy spotted you and lucien.

you already had a baby and you were about to have your second.

with a big smile appearing on his sweet face, the little boy almost shouted, "mommy! daddy!"

the boy jumped from his uncle's arms and ran to you.

you bend down and gather the happy boy in your arms before standing again and passing a hand through his ginger curls and saying, "hi, baby."

you peppered his face with kisses, making him laugh even more. "i thought you were having fun with your uncle," you said, looking at your brother in law.

your son pouted “uncle eris doesn't know how to play. he only wants to do the boring stuff, mommy.”

everyone in the room chuckled. eris gasped with fake hurt “excuse me?”

“elijah.” lucien chuckled and said to your son after joining your side “don't be rude to your uncle.” 

“but it’s the truth, daddy.” elijah hid his face on your neck. 

eris approached the little family with a smile directed to his nephew. "sorry. i tried to keep him entertained, but he just kept asking about you two." 

lucien noticed his older brother had paint and glitter on his white shirt and laughed at the thought of his son giving him a hard time before exclaiming, "it's alright, brother. we were about to leave anyway." 

the little boy settled in your arms and rested his head against yours, lucien started rubbing his back.

when the little boy caught the sight of his grandfather, he asked before anyone could stop him "grandpa, how was the meeting with the idiots from the night court?" 

the room went quiet, and a few gasps escaped.

at your son's words, you turned to look at Helion, now on mom's mood. "helion! how many times do we have to tell you not to speak like that in front of him?" 

the room erupted in laughter at your statement. 

the air became lighter, and helion put his hands in surrender, promising you that it wouldn't happen again. 

you gave him an incredulous look, saying that you didn't believe him.

your son wrapped his tiny arms around your neck and rested his head on your shoulder with a yawn leaving his lips. 

you rubbed your son's back while speaking to him. "C'mon, elijah. let's leave before your grandfather comes up with a new bad word for you to learn." 

“bad grandpa” your son agreed with you while earning new chuckles from the night court. 

even though he was trying to hold his smile, azriel failed. your son was too adorable.

you turned your gaze to the inner circle and gave them a smile. "it was good to see you all." 

"you too, y/n. i missed you." cassian replied.

your smile stretched before telling him, "i missed you too, cass." 

the nickname made his heart ache — maybe there's still a chance for you to reconnect.

you turned to look behind you, meeting your husband's eyes "you're coming, lu?" 

a pink blush made its way to lucien's cheeks "of course, my love."

the heir looked at his father, "we'll see you at dinner, father. night court." he said, giving the inner circle a small nod before joining you and wrapping his arm around your waist and giving a kiss to your now sleeping son.

amren spoke again “see i told you were a boy mom.”

“you're right. if this baby happens to be a boy as well, i'm gonna be in trouble.” you replied with an arm holding your son and while the other made its way to your belly.

“no, you're not. you're gonna be great.” nesta spoke, a genuine smile on her lips “we already can see you are.” she gestured to the little boy sleeping in your arms. 

“thank you, nes.” you were grateful for her words.

on your way out, you met azriel's eyes, but you couldn't find the words, so you simply gave him a nod with a small smile, and azriel returned the gesture.

when the door closed, amren was the first to break the silence "well, the mother has a sense of humor." 

everyone turned to look at her, but she focused her gaze on azriel and elain.

"you rejected them because you believed you belonged with one another only for your relationship to fail six months later. and now," she released a laugh, "your former mates found their way towards each other. fell in love, got married, have a son, and have another baby on the way. ironic isn't it?" she said with the feline smile returning to her lips. 

it was helion who spoke next, amusement all over his face, "indeed. i guess karma is a bitch."

he sent a disapproving look one more time in the direction of the two people who almost cost him his family before exiting the room.

amren's and Helion's words stung, but azriel knew it was nothing but the truth. He realized in that moment that despite your life now and how things turned out, you would never forgive him.

he had lost you forever, and now he had to live with regret for the rest of his life.

after all, you were no longer his. 

a/n: thank you for reading! i'm thinking in making a general taglist so if you wish to be added let me know.

the beautiful dividers belong to @cafekitsune

[bananabeebenson]

Romcom kind of idea: Helmeppo and Garp takes Koby drinking to relax since next day they have to start training some new recruits. At the bar Koby see a pretty lady and get pushed by the other two older marines for him to go talk to her. After talking, drinking and maybe even a little make out session with the lady, Koby goes home all relaxed and happy. Next day, still with a little hangover, Koby goes to talk with the new recruits just to spot who in the crowd? Cute lady!!!! And she looks just as surprised as him. What now?

Pairing: Koby x Reader

Warnings: None (SFW/Fluff and some awkward Koby)

Word Count: 1,940

Fic is under the cut

Requests are open

Koby should have known this was going to be a mistake.

Garp, the famous Hero of the Navy, had pulled only a handful of strings in pulling his two apprentices away from Marineford to an island only half an hour’s travel away, where a ‘perfect bar was calling them’. Koby had been trying to ignore their insistence that he join them. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t have enjoyed the idea of a couple of drinks possibly in the house, or Garp’s own tab, it was that the next day they would find themselves training their first new wave of Recruits. Koby and Helmeppo had struggled to get as far as they had come, fighting through tribulations and their own self-inflicted doubts to get to the point they were. Not to mention the thin ice they sometimes found themselves on due to their light association with Luffy D. Monkey. Not that they would complain. Garp’s name would usually be enough to back off most who threw doubts their way, or their own accomplishments they’ve managed in most locations. This had put them in good enough graces to finally take on a small group of new recruits to be trained. It wouldn’t be permanent, like Garp with them, but more so a temporary thing to last only a few months before they would be split apart and shipped off to different areas. Some would remain in Marineford, but not many.

“Come on.” Helmeppo spoke, tilting his head to the side just as the boat rocked to the right a little too hard. It wasn’t a Navy ship like they were used to, more so a simple Ferry built to withstand the waves of the Grand Line. It wasn’t something built to go for several days or harbor hundreds, thus it rocked in uneven motions, tossing the people who weren’t prepared for it back and forth. Compared to others, they were holding on just fine, with Koby’s hands gripping the side of the boat. He still couldn’t believe they had managed to convince him to come along. Maybe he was more stressed than he had realized over the situation.

“I’m here, aren’t I?” It wasn’t bitter, but he was pouting in a strangely young way, something to remind Helmeppo just how young the two of them were compared to others out here. He huffed.

“Don’t look so guilty and miserable about it. You’re acting like we kidnapped you at gunpoint or something.”

“You both threatened to, and I quote, carry me out here anyways. I don’t think I had much of a choice.” His smile was weary, small on his face. His goggles fell suddenly from a sharp rock and he steadied them back to the top of his head.

“Well, you needed to get out.” Helmeppo said. He nodded, agreeing with himself and propped up against the railing. Koby knew when he was fighting a losing argument, so he resigned himself to simply enjoy the quiet he would have before arriving.

The bar was definitely crowded with young, new faces that Koby had never seen before. Some older Marines, people he had seen around Marineford, were also there and nursing harder drinks in their reclusive corners. Garp and Helmeppo wouldn’t leave Koby alone, much to his own simmering annoyance. It wasn’t that he wasn’t unthankful nor wished for a lonely presence, but he did wish for some quieter drinking company. His own drink was fruity and light, something he could enjoy at least while he watched everyone around him continue to grow louder and louder. 

Then, he spotted you.

It was a creeping feeling. A sudden realization that he had been staring at you as you laughed at something another person said, your own drink also being softly nursed with small sips. He didn’t even notice his staring or how he was acknowledging how you snorted into your hand when you laughed a little too hard until Helmeppo had noticed he was zoned out and no longer listening. Bending over his shoulder he looked over and grinned something broad and dangerous.

“Oh, spot you someone?” Koby jerked into a stiff seated position and quickly looked away from you, red burning across his cheeks. Garp’s attention was immediately dragged over when he tried to stutter an excuse, one that had Helmeppo smirking.

“What’s wrong? Got tongue-tied or something from a beautiful lady?” Garp slapped a hard hand onto Koby’s shoulder and his weaker drink was spilled, the shattering of the glass covered by the loud atmosphere of the crowd around. “I thought you learned how to talk to someone like that from me already. Or did you?” Garp shook his head and delivered another harsh slap, knocking him from the seat.

“Go talk to her.” Helmeppo said. “She doesn’t look like she’s here with anyone.”

Koby choked on a response to them and found himself urged away, shooed off with waves and hollering that followed his ever growing reddening ears. You were still where you were though, as they had said, you were alone. Whoever you had been talking to had moved on, perhaps to another face, and you were still nursing your own drink, twisting the straw that stuck out of it. You were dressed formally. No, not formally, but better than he was in his casual clothing that had been thrown to the back of his closet, almost forgotten about until this time. He felt underdressed compared to you and it made him hesitate even further. But the shame of what Garp and Helmeppo would do if he returned without at least attempting to speak to you far out-weighed any nerves of his attire, so he swallowed nerves down deep and approached you with the first thing he could say.

“I like the color of your shoes.”

He was doomed.

You blinked up at him in confusion, poised for a sip you would abandon in return for eyeing the man before you. Koby remained unmoving, hands sweating and flexing in his pockets as he tried to maintain some calm atmosphere about him. 

Then you laughed.

“Well, I’m glad I suppose. I like them too.” You looked him over once, twice, then shifted on the seating you had been perched on. A bench, definitely meant for outside, had been pulled in. “Did you come over here to speak only about my shoes or….”

He definitely did not.

“I-I came over to talk to a pretty lady like you.” Garp would have been proud of his word choice, but the ever flustered Koby was slowly curling in on himself, turning away to hide his embarrassment. You found it charming. Cute, in a way, and masked your giggle around the rim of your cup.

“Well, aren’t you a charmer?” You asked. The teasing tone did urge him to look at you and you were so nice when you spoke. Up close like this he got to smell the perfume you had on, something sweet to lure him in a bit closer, which helped to ease up his nerves. “You look a little uncomfortable though. You sure that’s why you’re over here?”

Busted.

“I-It isn’t that I don’t want to talk to you. My friends just, ah, they saw me looking at you and just, well.” He choked and you fought your grin until he found his words. “They…wanted me to try talking to you.”

“I’m glad.” He blinked, looked you over once, then blinked again. “No, really. I promise, my friends dragged me out here too for some celebration I’m not even a part of. Or, well, I don’t want to be a part of.” You spared a glance to a gathered group of young, fresh faces to the far side and he followed it. They were drinking heavily, a few encouraging the others as fresh shots of something strong and smelly passed around. You lightly cringed around your own fruity drink, something Koby would have liked. 

“You were dragged out too?” He relaxed a bit more then, finding you in a similar situation. “Well…guess we have no choice but to keep each other company then, right?”

Keeping each other company turned into a few drinks. A few drinks turned into a couple shots, bought by the beaming Garp who raised his own glass. And a few laughs and stories shared between the two of you turned into shoulders brushing. Then it turned into him helping you to a corner where there was less light to try and fix your shoe, which had broken when you stood to get a drink.

Then it turned into a drunken spur of the moment kiss that evolved into more than one.

Maybe he should have paid attention to the facts you spoke, but he hadn’t drank in a long time and it was definitely potent when it settled. These kisses you shared were sweet and warm. A breath of fresh air to the cold reprise of Marinfore, and he was sighing into them whenever you both broke apart. He was respectful of any boundaries you had and you were respectful that he was still intoxicated, so your touches were restrained. Held back to simply brushes of fingers on fingers, or fingertips touching at the shoulders or bottom of the kneecap. The kisses continued on, the sounds of the background falling apart, it all became too much and when you finally pulled back, head lightly spinning, a hand clasped onto Koby’s shoulder.

 Garp.

“It’s getting late.” He stated, a gruff voice rough from his drinks and a couple of smoke breaks he had taken with others in the Marines. Koby blinked up at him in confusion before you seemed to put the pieces together. Garp was charming with his smile, but he was also aware of how late it had actually gotten. Koby seemed to want to disagree, but your hand on his wrist distracted him briefly as you agreed.

“You should head back. I have a few things to take care of tomorrow too.” You looked down at your person and frowned. “I…don’t have a way to communicate, but I could meet you back here tomorrow night? If that’s okay?”

That was more than okay in his eyes.

Then, nothing. He was on the rocking boat, listening to Helmeppo tease him about the “loving eyes” he had been shooting you, all blitzed out of his mind from his drinks, but he didn’t care. Garp didn’t speak much on anything, enjoying the cooler evening air and soft sounds of the Ocean. Then he was in bed, curled into his pillow and still remembering your perfume, the taste of your sweet drink on your lips, and how soft your hand was on his.

He slept with a smile on his face.

That smile would be abruptly taken the next morning, when he was dressed in uniform and standing at the end of a long lineup of people, all dressed in similar uniforms. They all looked similar. Young, fresh, and new to the Marines. Similar to how he had been long ago when he had first joined, except there was an issue. Standing in exactly row five, three to the left stood a familiar, equally shocked face.

You. There stood you, with your eyes wide and mouth partially open at the realization of what had happened the previous night. Helmeppo, thankfully, hadn’t recognized you or he would have never heard the end of it. Garp wasn’t there, busy with something else that these two were to handle.

‘Well.’ He thought, looking away with his ears a vibrant pink once again. ‘At least I won’t have to meet you there tonight.’

[these-posts-arent-real]

Clanblr dashboard simulator is back babye (part 1)

#yes i just finished part 1 #yes im already doing another one #this is really fun to me #hey btw when the follow button is "missing" it isnt missing. #that's your mutuals

0 notes

🪺 robbbinpaw Follow

I miss leaf-bareeeeee... my long-haired ass CANNOT with this weather

#shorthairs please dont reblog with "actually i think the warm weather is nice" #then this post isn't for you #robbbinposts

3 notes

🔁 🐍xviper-the-fagx reblogged

🐍 xviper-the-fagx

I'm trnasgender

🐍 xviper-the-fagx

Happy 6 moon anniversary to the time I butchered what was supposed to be my cool, unexpected coming-out with a spelling error

🔥 b-b-b-blaaazr Follow

At least the typo wasnt in your url dude

Also. The coming out wasnt unexpected. At all. We all knew.

#fuck you blaze #"we all knew" yeah maybe because i posted about how i wished i was a tom 10 times a day #whacking uou on the head with my manly paws

204 notes

🔁 🦁 lionsight-x3 Follow reblogged

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

Happy bday to @lionsight-x3, my beloved mutual! Cant imagine life without you

🦁 lionsight-x3 Follow

AGHJHHHH THANK YOUUU ILY SO MUCH LILY <3

#Was honestly having a TERRIBLE birthday until I saw this. #Love you so much Lilystem.

3 notes

🦋 lalala-bluegaze Follow

Am I the only one who didnt know that @ex-thunderclan-kipper is a kittypet??

🛤 carnation-stem-02 Follow

His whole blog, including his url, is based around the fact that he's ex-clan... how are you just now finding this out...

🦋 lalala-bluegaze Follow

I just followed for the wood-scratching art..

#didnt realize he was a kittypet #:/

17 notes

🦢 gentlesong-momof17 Follow

Kits are having their apprentice ceremony tomorrow... can't believe they're all grown up. At least my next litter is due in a moon!!

#momlife #queen #leaving the nursery #mom life #nursery queen #perm queen #perm queen life #permanent queen #permanent queen life

1 note

🔁 🪺 robbbinpaw Follow reblogged

🫎 mo0sedude Follow

Im actually gonna die

🫎 mo0sedude Follow

Sorry guys forgot to specify. My assessment is tomorrow. So like. My mentor is gonna decide if I get to become a warrior or not. Im freaking out

🪺 robbbinpaw Follow

Wait. Youre an apprentice still??

🫎 mo0sedude Follow

Ya? My bio says 11 moons- how old did you think I was?

🪺 robbbinpaw Follow

WHAT????

I thought you were 21 moons old! Last time I read your bio was 2 days ago and I swear I thought it said 21!??

#moose ive been thinking you were 21 this whole time #cant believe youre only a moon older than me #this is surreal #robbblogs

50 notes

🌠 nightshade-tast3s-yummy Follow

Im on transblr and I keep mixing @l1llyst3m up with @carnation-stem-02... they look nothing alike and post about completely different things I think it's just the (flower)stem names

🛤 carnation-stem-02 Follow

This is extra funny to me considering Lily and I actually became mutuals due to a similar mix-up (someone tagged her where they meant to tag me) but I for the life of me cannot understand how nobody takes one look at our blogs and never makes that mistake again.

🛤 carnation-stem-02 Follow

To the cats in the notes saying "but you're both trans, it's confusing" guys. We arent even the same flavor of gender...

#shes transfemme #im agender #why is this even a source of confusion #we dont even go by the same pronouns..

2,702 notes

🌱 dirtdigger-23 Follow

Uh... hello?? I think Im on the wrong site... what in the name of StarClan is... Tumblr...

[the-himawari]

A3! Outing Event Translation - You're my first and last love. (10/11)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Izumi: (The butlers’ day had just begun, yet Alfie kept making mistakes such as burning the newspaper and dropping the silverware.) (Unable to overlook it, the head butler summoned Alfie.)

Logan [Sakyo]: “Do you why know I called you here?”

Alfie [Masumi]: “…Yes.”

Logan [Sakyo]: “You may still be an apprentice, but you aren't able to perform the tasks you were able to yesterday." This is an alarming situation.”

Alfie [Masumi]: “…I wonder if I’m qualified to be a butler.”

Logan [Sakyo]: “That's an unbelievable statement coming from someone who passed the examination to become a butler for this household” “Have you grown tired of this work?”

Alfie [Masumi]: “That’s not it.” “It’s just, I… I’m in love right now.”

Logan [Sakyo]: “…”

Alfie [Masumi]: “The first time I came to this mansion, I was in a panic since I got lost and thought I wouldn’t make it in time for my appointment.” “But then the young mistress saved me.” “After that, when I fell, she would extend her hand out to me. She even tended to my injuries from time to time…” “Before I knew it, I fell in love with the young mistress who treats everyone equally without any distinction.”

Logan [Sakyo]: “…”

Alfie [Masumi]: “In this place where love is forbidden, I fell for the person I serve of all people. I don’t have the right to continue working here…”

Logan [Sakyo]: “It’s not that ‘love’ as an emotion is prohibited.”

Alfie [Masumi]: “…Huh? But you said it was wrong for Elise-senpai…”

Logan [Sakyo]: “I wasn’t talking about the emotion. I was talking about his behaviour. Dating someone just because they confessed to you is not something to be praised.”

Alfie [Masumi]: “…”

Logan [Sakyo]: “Sometimes, strong emotions become your strength.” “For example, if you have someone you’re head over heels for, then you’ll do anything in your power to make them happy and smile. Isn’t that right?” “And if you have someone you don’t want to lose to, then you’ll improve yourself even more than how you are now.” “No matter what type of feeling it is, someone who carries a strong core is a strong person.”

Alfie [Masumi]: “How are you so sure about that?”

Logan [Sakyo]: “…I’m the same way as you, after all.” “If you’re tired of this job and wish to take your leave, then I won’t stop you. If not, then get back to your work.”

*walks away*

Alfie [Masumi]: “R-Right away!” “…I see. I’m free to love her.” “Now that you mention it, the head butler complimented me for the work I completed because ‘I wanted to make the young mistress happy’… right?” “Huh, but that means… the head butler is my love rival!?” “…” “No, that’s fine with me. These feelings of mine won’t lose to the head butler! I’m sure of it!” “So from now, I’m not going to lose. Not only in work, but also love. After all, this emotion is supposed to give me infinite strength!”

*applause*

Izumi: (I wondered how it was going to turn out when they told me they wanted to do a play. But even though it was short, I’m glad it conveyed a strong message.) (Emotions become your strength. That’s certainly true. I’m sure everyone feels that way since they genuinely love acting)

-pause-

Izumi: (Yep, it looks like the audience has cleared out. We should start cleaning up soon.) Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Masumi-kun and Sakyo-san’s team for a while now. Where could they be…?

Sakuya: We finished taking our pictures!

Misumi: Yep. Let’s post them on inste later~.

Azami: You sure they’re okay? Hisoka-san’s eyes are closed.

Hisoka: …It’s fine. That’s a kind of fanservice.

Azami: Are you being for real…

Izumi: Ah. Great job, all of you! I was wondering where you were, but I see you were taking pictures.

Sakuya: Yes!

Izumi: Hm? Masumi-kun and Sakyo-san aren’t with you?

Azami: Ah, right. I think those two are still in the building.

Izumi: I see. Thanks for letting me know! (Are those two taking photos?)

-pause-

*door opens*

Izumi: Ah, you two—.

Sakyo: “We have been waiting for you, fair lady.”

Masumi: “Now then. Who shall you choose between him and I?”

Izumi: Huh…!? (Bouquets of white roses… Does this mean I’m supposed to accept one of their bouquets? But…)

Masumi & Sakyo: “…”

Izumi: …I’m not going to choose yet. Sorry about that, boys.

Sakyo: Well, that’s what I figured you’d say.

Masumi: As expected.

Izumi: Huh? What do you mean…? And what was up with the bouquets?

Sakyo: These? They’re leftovers from the set we had. Throwin’ the roses away was a waste, so we took some of them and made them into bouquets. We could’ve just handed them to you, but we decided to act out an etude that fit us.

Izumi: I see. So that’s how this came about.

Sakyo: That’s how it is, so won’t you take it? If you don’t mind.

Izumi: Fufu. I’ll happily accept it in that case.

Masumi: Take mine too.

Izumi: Are you sure?

Masumi: Of course.

Izumi: Thank you! I’ll treasure them. I have to ask Tsumugi-san how to arrange them once we get home.

Masumi: … (You said “yet”.) (In that case, I’ll continue to love you today, tomorrow, and beyond so that you’ll choose me “one day”.)

Masumi: …I’m not going to lose, you hear that?

Sakyo: Hmph… you wish.

---

previous | next

[the-obnoxious-sibling]

Hi Meredith! I'm a huge Buggy fan and I LOVE your analysis about the manga and I want to share this idea with you. I found myself thinking about Ace, well, we know he met Shanks when he was still with the Spade Pirates and wished to see his "little brother savior", but his meeting with Buggy was a totally different story. At that point years had passed and he was in Whitebeard's fleet as a "son" and commander, looking for revenge on Teach. That makes me wonder... was it really some casuality that he showed up in the Big Top or maybe, just maybe, he was curious to see the other man that was raised by his real father? I mean, I'm sure the old Newgate told something about Roger's past to him, even if Ace denied his origins. if I were in him I would be intrigued, plus it is clear by his acting on the ship that he percives no treat in Buggy, he's clearly not there because he's worried for Luffy, rather he enjoys the meeting very much.

It might be just my fantasy but I'd like to know your opinion.

Love!

[on ao3]

“you’re bold as brass, kid, i’ll give you that,” marco the phoenix said, the twentieth or thirtieth time he patched ace up. “fight a warlord for five days straight for a chance to meet your first emperor, lose impressively enough that pops offers you a spot on his ship, and what do you do with that? try to kill him every day for months.” smiling, he shook his head in a way that infuriated ace, like he thought knew better than ace how things were gonna go.

(he had, of course. ace was hardly the first hotheaded kid marco had seen make the transition from enemy to son—though ace did take the longest time about it.)

“not my first emperor,” was all ace bothered to say in response.

“oh? who else?” marco looked ace over and decided, “not kaidou, not if you attack all emperors on sight. he’s not half as nice as pops.”

ace snorted, grimaced at the spatter of blood this threw across the bandages marco had just finished tying off, and, wiping his nose with the back of his hand, said, “no, it was shanks. and i wasn’t there to kill him.”

marco startled. “oh man, i keep forgetting that kid’s an emperor now! time flies…”

ace sat up. “you know shanks?” he couldn’t help but be curious—he didn’t know much about the man who’d saved, and inspired, his baby brother.

“yeah, i’ve known him nearly thirty years.”

oh, he had meant it when he called shanks ‘kid.’ “…was he a whitebeard pirate too?”

marco laughed. “can you imagine?” he asked, glancing down the deck to look at whitebeard, lounging casually in his oversized chair, like ace hadn’t flung a half-dozen bombs at his head twenty minutes ago. the old man didn’t turn to face them, but his mustache twitched, a sure sign that he was grinning. “no way, that kid was roger’s start to end.”

the name hit ace like a punch to the gut—like the one whitebeard had landed on him nineteen minutes ago, actually, blunt and out of nowhere. “roger?” he asked, breathless.

”oh, yeah, you’re young enough you wouldn’t know,” marco realized. packing away the last of his supplies, he said, “gol d roger didn’t have a fleet like pops, just the one ship, and just two apprentices: shanks and buggy.” scratching at his chin, marco said, “what’d you always call them, pops?”

“red-hair and red-nose,” came the response.

“that’s it.” marco chuckled. “roger’s red boys. hey, if you met shanks, you must’ve seen buggy too. blue hair, bad attitude, and—well, pops is right, you can’t miss that red nose.”

“uh…” ace thought back, or tried to—the memory of shanks, luffy’s friend and savior, was being overshadowed by this new knowledge. a warm smile in a snowy cave—a smile worn by a monster’s pupil. surrounded by men with wary looks at an upstart with an interest in their captain—a captain whose former captain was that man. were any of them blue-haired? had any of them looked at ace, seen a demon’s spawn, and been glad at the sight? “doesn’t ring any bells.”

“no?” marco looked disturbed for a moment. “well, it’s been a long time. i guess even those two might’ve gone separate ways.” marco gave ace a pat on the shoulder and got to his feet. “alright kid, you’re in as good a shape as i can get you! try not to ruin all my hard work by going after pops again tomorrow, huh?”

but he said it like he knew ace would. again and again, until the siren song of the word “son,” genuinely meant, grew too strong to withstand.

it would be years before ace thought of that conversation again. he had other conversations with whitebeard—with his pops—about roger which lingered more in his memory. the fact that there were two people out there in the world who were, essentially, raised by that man… ace put that knowledge out of his head.

at least, he put it out of his head until, running dangerously low on supplies while hunting down teach, he spotted a ship with a red-nosed jolly roger.

“a red nose, huh?” ace brought striker into the larger ship’s wake, considering climbing aboard. if shanks had known ace for who his father was, he hadn’t mentioned it. this buggy guy would probably be similarly ignorant, or discreet. and if he did know, maybe he’d feel obligated to feed his old captain’s son? ace’s stomach growled painfully, a reminder of what single-mindedly hunting down a traitor could do to a man.

a delicious aroma drifted downwind, along with a raised voice shouting something about “strawhats” and that clinched it. between his brother, his father, and his hunger, ace needed to see what this red-nosed buggy was about.

[greyspirehollow]

We lock eyes again [Request]

Pairing : Quaestor Valdemar x Reader

Fandom : The Arcana visual novel

Warnings : none

Summary : You do not remember how long it took you to finally find a suitable host for your soul, and go on a quest to find your long lost anchor to the mortal world ; the one who your thoughts inevitably converged towards, stubbornly holding you back from crossing the threshold of the afterlife.

It had been centuries. It had been too long. You'd lived many ages : through the eyes of the salmon, deer, and wolf. You would see it in your dreams ; the time you spent in limbo, waiting, patiently...Although, when you awoke, these dreams didn't make sense anymore ; only leaving behind a lingering sense of longing, a feeling that you had to find... What did you have to find? You couldn't put your finger on it...

You sighed, sitting up in your bed and stretching. Another one of those dreams... But you didn't have time to reflect upon them, today. Asra wanted to introduce you to the court of Vesuvia, as a sort of starting point to your journey as a magician's apprentice. You feel as if you've done this before. You got up, yawning, and rummaging through your wardrobe to find something decent to wear. Once you had your outfit all sorted, you decided to add a twinkle of jewelry, just to make it all a little less dull. You had heard about this kingdom's history : struck by a terrible plague that had decimated thousands, sacrifices, memory loss... It was all a bit confusing, so you had only paid attention to the plague bit. Asra eventually knocked on your door "Are you ready?" ; you quickly adjusted your attire before hurrying out of your room "yes! I... Do I look ok? is it not... a little too much?" the magician smiled, looking at you fondly "you look perfect. Now, let's go ; we shouldn't keep the Countess waiting." You followed, walking through the sunlit and busy streets of the kingdom, looking around with delight. You had not left the shop much when you had gotten here, and the lively markets, the colors, and the people actually did you some good (to your surprise).

Your eyes widened slightly as you and your master arrived at the Palace's gates ; you looked up at the shiny architecture with sparkles in your eyes. What snapped you out of it was the voice of the guards demanding you introduce yourselves. Luckily, the Countess had seemingly told them about you and Asra's arrival, as the guards let you pass after having heard the magician's name. You then advanced past the gates, still awestruck. You felt as if the sun was illuminating the Palace in a magical hue, and the more you approached, the faster your heart thumped in your chest. It wasn't just the Palace's glory : you had a feeling. Something that made you apprehensive yet eager to go inside. You felt as if you knew something, but at the same time it was missing ; you had to go in the Palace, but you couldn't figure out why ; it tugged at your heart, pumping adrenaline into your veins, as if strings were drawing you towards the place... However, you kept this to yourself, and quietly followed Asra as you both made your way towards the throne room. Now that you thought about it, you didn't see anyone guide you towards there, and you suspected Asra had come to the Palace before.

However, no one was sitting on the throne. You raised a curious eyebrow, but before you could utter a word, your master uttered a little "ooh" of realization, before saying : "She must be in the drawing room. I wouldn't be surprised if she wished to introduce you to the courtiers as well." You nodded. That made some sense ; even though you were slightly disappointed : you would've loved to meet the Countess in a more private setting. You followed Asra nonetheless. A few turns later, you both found yourselves in said drawing room. The Countess was elegantly sitting in a one-person sofa, while she conversed with five figures, which the diversity of... Struck you, to say the least. Despite your unease, you followed Asra inside, as the magician bowed to the woman whose purple hair draped over her shoulders with shocking delicacy. "Countess Nadia" ; you bowed as well. She smiled "Ah, Asra. And you are..?" she asked, looking at you with a soft yet undeniably authoritative gaze. You managed to stutter out your name, giving her a short bow of the head. "I am glad you two were able to join us for tea. Please, be my guests ; make yourselves comfortable. I will have a cup made for you this instant. Portia?" She called out to a servant, whispering to her something before the young lady hurried out the drawing room, to presumably go fetch the tea.

It is then that Countess Nadia gestured to the other people in the drawing room. So they were the courtiers, you thought, as she went over each of them, your gaze following accordingly. Procurator Volta. Consul Valerius. Praetor Vlastomil. Pontifex Vulgora. Quaestor-

You let out a soft gasp ; no one heard you. Your eyes widened as they locked with their red own. Suddenly, everything made sense. This is why you were here. This is who you had been seeking. The dreams connected themselves, perfectly falling into place at this exact moment. You remembered it all now, the limbo, your adventures from body to body, your struggle and ghostly tears, the longing, the waiting, all that for this person right there, sitting on this sofa amongst the others...

Valdemar.

They looked surprised as well, their eyes never leaving your own, as they seemed to be deep in thought. The conversation around you faded, your whole attention focused onto them. The memory flooded back in your mind, nearly playing out in front of you...

The little cottage. The lingering scent of herbs and wood in the air. The shelves with dried plants, stuffed birds and other animals, skulls they had found on their trips to the forest... And Valdemar themselves. They excitedly opened their journal on the desk, signing you to sit next to them enthusiastically. "Here ! -they said- I've found something ! I think you're going to like it..." You smiled and chuckled. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you managed to capture a frog" They snorted at your reply "I'm past that. No, look... I've managed to make an antidote with snake venom ! I just diluted it, added some... ah, I forgot the plant's name- it's all in my notes, look" they were smiling widely as you approached, standing mere millimeters away from them, your hand brushing against theirs as you flipped through their research journal. It smelled peculiar, it always did : a mix of something like oak and leather, with a hint of vegetation. "It's impressive..." you nodded as your eyes squinted slightly, having a hard time reading certain words because of their highly cursive and optimized handwriting. Valdemar looked at you expectantly. "It is brilliant" you finally said, looking back at them. Your heart skipped a bit at that precious smile of theirs, which pushed their freckles-adorned cheeks. Oh, how you'd kill to pamper those in kisses... "why, I'm quite proud of myself" they said, looking back at the pages. However, their grin faltered slightly "...but what if... what if all this disappears? what then?" your heart ached slightly. You knew how important their researches and breakthroughs were to them. You didn't resist this time : you wrapped their arms around them "do not fret. Your knowledge will not be lost." you spoke softly, hoping to soothe their worries, even temporarily. "...You're right... It and I will live on forever..." They say after a few beats of silence, embracing you back. You smiled, content to see them somewhat reassured.

With that, the memory faded. Your throat tightened and you had to excuse yourself. Your eyes hadn't left Valdemar's for all this time. You made your way to the bathroom, closing the door, but not locking it. You took in a quivering breath, the tears coming to your eyes despite your best attempts at holding them back. Tears of joy...

After a while, someone softly knocked on the door, but before you could get a chance to answer, the door opened, revealing the Quaestor. They stepped inside, carefully closing the door behind them without a sound, and pulling down their mask. As they set eyes on you, their expression softened somewhat. You sniffled, quickly wiping your tears away. You were about to say something, but suddenly stopped yourself. No. You didn't need to talk.

You looked at them... They had changed... You were unfamiliar with this lab-coat, those supposed horns wrapped in bandages, and this sickly green skin... But you'd recognize that thin nose and those thin lips, those freckles and those wide, curious eyes, even if they had turned red, anywhere. You had to bite back both your tears and a smile, as you felt them examine you. They took a step or two towards you and carefully lifted your hands into their own, as if to take a closer look at them. They were... Confused. And a foreign feeling tugged at their heart. They didn't know what it was. They just knew it was... Human. Which only confused them further. Scared them, even, although they wouldn't admit it.

Your eyes.

Your soft hands ; their thumb brushed onto the back of them.

Why do you feel so familiar?

This specific accent they heard when you greeted the Countess earlier.

Your warmth.

It's all so familiar...

Who are you?

Why can't they remember?

They remember someone, they can't say who. They remember them like an essence. A feeling. Nothing concrete. They don't remember their face or their voice but they know how they felt around them. They know they talked to them, even if they don't remember the words they said. It's all blurry. It feels like a dream...

Had it been too long? Did their deals make them forget? Why did you trigger their pseudo-memories of that someone?

They don't remember...

Their brows furrowed as despite their best attempts, the answer just wouldn't come back to them. Their grip on your hands tightened slightly.

But you do. You remember now. You can't help a soft smile from tugging at your lips as you look at them fondly. They haven't changed one bit... Factually, they did. But to you ? They were still the same. Deep down, they were still your sweet alchemist. You had missed their voice... You had changed as well, beyond recognition. You were aware of that. Those tedious years you spent in limbo had carried you into body after body, having to live as a wild animal once or twice as to not disappear... You wouldn't tell. Even if your soul was the same. They would either recognize you, or they wouldn't, and you were perfectly fine with both. Your alchemist... They were there, in the flesh. You had to hold back your tears of joy, yet again.

Valdemar sighed, briefly closing their eyes. "...I do not know who you are -they started-, nor do I know where you come from" your heart tickled in your ribs. They locked eyes with you again. "... But I feel as if I am happy to see you again". You nearly lost it, briefly closing your eyes and tilting your head down as to not burst in tears "strange, -you started- I feel the same about you" you chuckled. "Maybe... Forces we don't know of are into play?" you looked back up at them. They didn't seem to like that idea too much "I hope not... I would rather know who is playing with me like that" their tone held nothing negative. You couldn't help but chuckle again "w-well..." you cleared your throat, trying to keep your voice from shaking too much "Whether it is planned or... conducted by something in some way... I don't think this is too bad, eh?" you tentatively asked. They seemed to turn the thought into their head, their red eyes briefly flickering to your hands.

"...I suppose not."

You nodded, fighting for your life tears to not roll down your cheeks. You knew it made you look somewhat suspicious, but if they'd noticed, they didn't comment on it.

"...Say, -they spoke once more- what do you think after... the end of your meeting with the Countess, we spend some time in the library? I feel as if... We have... uhm... Something to catch up on." oh Gods, they absolutely hated when things were blurry and inexplicable. You nodded, practically beaming "I-I would love to." you said, once more looking at your hands in their own.

You both exited the bathroom, hand in hand. You softly let go once you had come back around the drawing room, and Valdemar did the same. However, they sat down next to you. While you joined the conversation between Nadia and Asra, their eyes never left your hand resting on the sofa, withing reach, and once more endless questions tossed and turned in their head... But it looks like the mystery of you was going to stay unsolved...

[tabitha42]

The Wizard's Apprentice - Chapter 21

Saffron is just a lowly apprentice with barely a successful firebolt to her name. So what chance does she have with the arch mage she's slowly falling in love with?

Gale x Tav, slow burn, eventual smut

Chapter 1 Previous chapter Next chapter

Gale had never been a morning person, and he was especially not a morning person when nursing the world’s worst hangover. 

By the time he finally emerged from his tent the camp was a buzz of activity. The tieflings were helping clear up after the party and Wyll was cooking breakfast at the campfire. 

“Ah, there you are,” Wyll greeted him, taking some cooked meat and putting it on a plate. “Thought you’d never wake up.” 

Gale blearily walked over and sat next to him, rubbing his eyes. Gradually his mind started to piece itself back together as he ate. 

“Where are the others?” he asked, finally realising he couldn’t see any of their other companions around. 

“The ladies decided to go bathe in the spring just down river, which I thought might be a good idea for us, too. Might even help wake you up.” 

Gale nodded slowly. 

“And Astarion?”

“I have no idea. Off doing… Astarion things.” 

Astarion still hadn’t returned from his Astarion things by the time they’d finished breakfast, so they headed to the spring without him. They bought a towel each, a fresh change of clothes as well as a handful of dirty clothes to wash while they were there. They found a spot far from where they knew the girls likely were and got undressed. 

Wyll had been absolutely right - the water certainly did wake him up. 

“Gods, nothing like a shock of cold water to really stimulate one’s senses,” Gale commented with a wince as he stepped into the brisk water. Wyll was already waist deep, much more used to this sort of living than Gale was. 

“Feeling a bit better?” he asked with a chuckle as Gale waded in to join him. 

“Better is… not the word I’d use,” he admitted. “I swear this was warmer last time I bathed.” “It’s that morning air. Crisp and fresh.” 

“Mmm…” Gale murmured, unable to have quite the same enthusiasm for it that Wyll did. Still, he decided to try to focus on the one positive of all this. “You seem to be in better spirits than yesterday.” 

“Ah, yes. Well. I’ll admit, for most of the party, I felt rather… out of place. As much as Karlach was right and the tieflings did accept me, I still didn’t feel myself. When she went to dance I took the opportunity to excuse myself. But I should have known Karlach wouldn’t leave it at that. She came and found me. When I refused to return to the party, she refused to leave me. We spent a long time just talking. About all sorts - our adventures, our childhoods, our hopes for the future. Then we heard Alfira playing her new song. It was distant and muffled, but we could hear it. She knew I love to dance, so she offered to dance with me. Not a full dance, of course, but as much as we could without touching. I’ll admit - it worked. By the end of it I finally found myself smiling. And I daresay, had I been able to touch her, the night might have ended up in more than just a dance.” 

Gale chuckled softly, glad to see Wyll starting to feel like himself again. He could relate. 

“Amazing what having the right person around can do for you, isn’t it?” he mused, taking some soap out of his bag and starting to wash himself. 

“It truly is. I used to curse the name Karlach, now I could sing it from the rooftops. The only thing I curse now is Zariel and what she did to her. That damnable infernal engine… I am honestly amazed at how she keeps so positive all the time. But she is sure Dammon will be able to cure her. And, well, she has made it quite clear what she wants when that time finally comes.” 

Gale chuckled, amused by the smirk on Wyll’s lips. 

“I won’t ask for details,” he joked. 

“Heh, if I’m honest, I’m not sure I’m ready for all she’s got planned. But still… I wish we could do something. A hug, a stolen kiss under the stars… but it will make it all the sweeter when our time finally comes.” 

Gale had to admit, that was a nice way to think about it. He hoped they would all find the cures they needed, and all have their time finally come. 

“Anyway, enough about me,” Wyll decided after a moment. “What about you? Did Saff finally convince you to dance?” 

“Ah… yes, she did. To the same song as you, in fact,” he said, a smile playing on his lips from the memories of the night. “Oh? And how’d it go?” he asked with an excited smirk. He clearly was expecting more than what actually happened between them. 

“Well… we were dancing, and it was lovely, and then… I was a lot more drunk than I thought I was, and fell over.” 

Wyll burst out laughing. 

“Oh gods, Gale. Don’t tell me you let that be the end of it, though? I’m sure she didn’t hold it against you.” 

“You’re right, she didn’t. But…” he trailed off and looked away slightly. Wyll looked at him, at first in curiosity, then in concern when he saw the pained look on Gale’s face.

“Gale? Are you alright?” he asked, growing worried for his friend. Gale had been hesitant to tell anyone just yet… but he knew he could trust Wyll with this. 

“I�� haven’t told her this yet. But the truth is… you and I are in much the same boat.” Wyll frowned, deeply confused. 

“What do you mean?” he asked, trying to figure it out. Gale sighed deeply. 

“This,” he said, tapping the circle on his chest. “It isn’t just magic it reacts to. It reacts to me. To… my emotions.” 

Gradually Wyll’s eyes started to widen in realisation. 

“I hadn’t been sure about it at first,” Gale continued. “But I’m sure of it now. Whenever the two of us are close… it flares up. Everyone thought I fell last night because of alcohol. It wasn’t. It was this.” 

There was a moment of quiet as Wyll looked at him sadly, realising how much his condition truly affects him.

“Well well, look at you two. Cockblocked by the universe.” 

The two of them nearly jumped out of their skins as Astarion seemed to appear out of nowhere next to them. 

“A truly tragic tale,” he continued casually. 

“Where did you come from??” Gale gasped, equal parts surprised and annoyed. 

“Oh, I had been getting some food earlier. After how busy last night was I didn’t get a chance to get a proper meal. Then when I got back I heard you two had come down here, so I thought I’d join you.” 

Gale and Wyll glanced at each other, then back at Astarion, who was now looking at them with a smirk on his lips. 

“I had a wonderful night by the way, if anyone’s interested.” 

“Did you?” Wyll asked, curious now. “Who with?” 

“Oh…” Astarion started, looking at them playfully. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Further downstream, the girls were enjoying a much warmer bath, courtesy of Karlach. 

“Ahh, this is the life!” Karlach declared happily, stretching her arms and leaning back against a rock. While the others were busy washing or cleaning their clothes, she was relaxing as if on a spa day. 

“You really enjoy bathing in rivers that much?” Shadowheart asked. She couldn’t say she shared the same love for it. 

“Yes! Never got the chance in the Hells. The rivers there were all boiling and stank of sulphur. But this… cool, clean water… I’d forgotten how good it felt!” 

Saff smiled to herself. It was so nice to see Karlach enjoying herself so much. Shadowheart shrugged slightly and went back to what she was doing, til she spoke again shortly later. 

“So, did you find Wyll last night after you went off looking for him?” 

“Yes! He didn’t want to come back to the party, but we still had a good time together,” she said with a big smile, reminiscing. Shadowheart narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at Karlach. 

“Had anyone else said that I would assume you’d slept together, but with you I know that can’t be the case…” 

“Ugh, don’t remind me! I can’t wait til I can get this thing fixed. Then I have so many plans.” 

Now Shadowheart’s interest was really piqued. 

“Oh? Do we get to hear them?” she asked curiously, but Karlach only laughed. 

“No, those are for Wyll’s ears only. I’ll only tell you the first one - I want to share a dance with him.” 

Shadowheart looked marginally disappointed, while Saff looked more interested now.

“That’s so romantic,” she said softly, finding it sweet that that was one of the first things Karlach wanted to do. 

“Well, I hope he’s a better dancer than a certain other male companion of ours,” Shadowheart teased. Karlach lifted her head now and looked curiously at Saff, who looked slightly annoyed at Shadowheart. 

“Gale’s a perfectly good dancer!” she said defensively. 

“He fell over.” 

“He... was drunk,” she tried to argue in Gale’s defence, though didn’t do very well. Karlach started laughing, and finally even Lae’zel, who had previously been ignoring the conversation, joined in. 

“He fell over??” she asked, looking a bit disgusted. “Ch’k, any man who fell over while trying to court me would quickly learn of his failure.” 

“He wasn’t-... it wasn’t like that…” Saff stuttered, though all three of them gave her a disbelieving look. 

“Wasn’t it?” Shadowheart challenged. Saff didn’t answer, and just looked down to focus on the clothes she was washing. “You know, I’m surprised it’s taken you two this long. You’re both clearly interested in each other. So act on it.” 

Saff sighed, realising there was no point trying to pretend there wasn’t anything between them anymore.

“We are acting on it,” she insisted, trying to hide the slight blush on her cheeks. Shadowheart raised an eyebrow at her. 

“Half a dance is acting on it?” She said, a criticism more than a question. “Yes! It’s only been a few days!” Saff said defensively. “Plenty of time,” Lae’zel declared. Saff was beginning to feel a bit ganged up on. 

“Well, I want to take things slow, ok?” she said, hoping that would be explanation enough.

“Why?” Lae’zel asked. Saff might have got annoyed, but it didn’t sound like a tease like it would have done from Shadowheart - it was a genuine question.

“Well… sometimes if you take things too fast, that can ruin the relationship. I don’t want that.” 

“Why would it ruin the relationship?” she pressed. Her genuinely questioning tone reminded the others just how alien she really was to their world. 

“Because… you might end up in a relationship with someone you don’t really know yet. And they could turn out to not be the person you thought they were.” 

“Not the person you thought they were? Like someone in disguise?”

“No- no…” Saff said quickly, to the amusement of Shadowheart and Karlach. “I don’t mean literally, I mean, you might have this idea of them in your mind, of what they’re like. But then the more you get to know them, you realise they’re not like that at all, and that you’ve not actually fallen for them, but you’ve fallen for this idea you had of them that isn’t actually real.”

Lae’zel nodded slowly, beginning to understand. 

“Do you fear this is the case with Gale?” 

“Well, no… but I want to be sure,” she explained. It looked like Lae’zel was finally getting it, until she spoke again. 

“I still don’t see why this has to delay sex.” 

Saff despaired and buried her head in her hands. The other two laughed and Karlach finally sat up to give her input. 

“Some people don’t like having sex with someone unless they love them,” she said simply. Lae’zel looked almost disgusted by the suggestion.

“How ridiculous. You would miss out on so much of one of life’s greatest pleasures.” 

“I never thought I’d say this, but I agree with Lae’zel,” Shadowheart said, to Lae’zel’s surprise. “Short-term amusements are much better.” 

“Well, you guys can stick with your short-term amusements, I know what I want,” Saff said firmly. 

“Good for you, Saff,” Karlach said proudly. “You take as much time as you need, and don’t let these two tell you otherwise,” she said, gesturing to Lae’zel and Shadowheart. 

Lae’zel rolled her eyes. 

“How can you be sure you’re not wasting your time? You do not even know if he’s interested if you don’t make your desires clear,” she questioned. 

“Well… that’s all part of taking your time about it, to be sure you know they feel the same way. But I’m sure he’s interested. There’s been lots of times when we’ve been really close, way closer than just friends would.” 

“And those times have never led to anything?” 

“No. Usually either we get interrupted, or… he changes the subject or something, cause like I said, we’re taking it slow.” 

Lae’zel gave her a look. 

“How do you know he’s not changing the subject because he’s not interested?” she challenged. 

“Wha- I… I’m sure that’s not the case,” Saff said, though sounding rather more uncertain than before. It never took much to sow the seed of doubt in her mind. 

“You should strike while the iron is hot,” Lae’zel insisted. “Make sure he knows your desires, before he loses interest!” 

“I don’t think he’s going to lose interest,” Karlach started, “but I guess there’s no harm in making sure he knows how you feel.” 

“Karlach’s right. Plus, a small gesture to keep him on his toes can always be fun,” Shadowheart agreed. 

“You think? Like… what?” Saff asked, a bit unsure what she could do. 

“Pin him down and ravish him until he is so overcome by arousal he cannot refuse you your desires!” Lae’zel declared.

The others went silent, looking at her in shock. 

“...I was going to suggest a picnic,” Karlach said after a long moment. “But… I suppose that works, too.” 

“I’ll bear the picnic idea in mind,” Saff decided.

[your-ne1ghbor]

Wish 2023 could have been the next Prince of Egypt and here's why:

@chillwildwave reminded me of Prince of Egypt because of their recent post on a villain song rewrite/reimagined.

So I just wanted to say that both are pretty similar in terms of most of the plot and modivations for the character, and the fact that Wish could have been just as good as prince of Egypt, but yk, they butchered it. The 2 movies COULD BE very similar in a good way(if one was done properly)

So lets get started!!!

(this will be a brief overview of both films since I know you guys dont have all day so here)

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Background on the Prince of Egypt

Prince of Egypt is an musical adaptation from the story of Mosses from the bible.

So in the movie/story, all the Hebrews are enslaved by the Pharoh of Eygpt. One day, the Hebrew's population started to grow, so to prevent a revolt, the Pharoh sent out his troops to slaughter all of the newborn children by tossing them into the river where they are eaten by crocidiles (this scene was told in the begining and dream sequence of the film. The begining song is called Deliver Us)

Mosses's mother, not wanting her newborn child to face the same fate as the other children, sends her child in a basket into the river "So he Can be free". God protected him from all of the fates the river brought and by fate, landed at the Pharoh's castle, with his wife taking him him.

Mosses grew up under the impression that they where his biological parents and brother to Ramisies (yes my spelling is bad help) until he heard a song that his sister sang (yes he has biological siblings) that his mother sang to him when she brought him to the river. Insert a song and dream sequence, he learns to what Pharroh did those years ago with the Hebrews. And we get a cold chilling response from his "father" : Oh dear Mosses. They were only slaves.

So with this revelation, he realizes how badly they treat the Hebrews. Then, one of the soilders continued beating an old man, so to protect him, Mosses accidently kills him. Mosses wonders the desert, and comes across some travelers. Mosses was welcomed and he learned about God and putting his life "Through Heaven's Eyes". Later on, he gets a message from God for him to go and free the Hebrews from Pharoh. He goes back, expecting his "father" to be the one still in charge, but realizes that it was his brother Ramesies who had taken up the Mantel. His brother is over joyed to see Mosses, but Mosses only asks him to free the Hebrews (After A BANGER: Your Playing with the Big Boys Now). He says no, but it was only the start of the rage of God. Through a sequence called: The Plagues, the ending being all the first born children dies, and only then, he lets the people go.

(Not spoiling the ending since it is a good movie)

Alright thats an overview of Prince of Egypt, now lets look at Wish

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Background on Disney's Wish 2023

Okay so the plot is about a guy named Magnifico creating a kingdom where your dreams can become a reality after his home/family was destroyed and he knew how dreams can be destroyed. Kinda why he built the kingdom.

The protagonist, Asha is hoping to be the king's apprentice because she wants her grandfather's wish to be granted since it hasn't been granted yet.

Through some crazy shinanigans, Magnifico says no to Asha because her grandfather's wish to inspire people could cause a revolt. Asha is destroyed by this and complains about it to a plushie-AH uh star (I am not calling that thing Star it is forever gonna be plushie). And the plushie comes down to earth to cause chaos (UM HELP ASHA FREE THE WISHES haha...)

Through some boring parts of the movie, Magnifico opens a magic book and becomes....the villain...

（￣。。￣）...

He starts eating wishes by first eating Asha's mom's wish and he gets stronger but he is mainly after plushie sooo yeahh (the wishes do not boost his powers in any way it is basically like a drug it makes him happy lol)

He then catches plushie and Asha. And through the power of song, he is defeated. Asha becomes the fairy godmother and plushie returns to the sky.

Dang...

(Yes I spoiled the ending because since the movie doesn't earn my respect, just like how Disney does not respect it's audience in a mature way anymore)

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How are the Stories similar?

Its kind of simple really, just mainly hinging on the fact that the villains needs to let something go.

For Mosses' case, it is his people, the Hebrews.

For Asha's case, it is the dreams and hopes of Rosas.

However, Wish butchered this so bad that it is kind of ironic in a sense. It was already hard enough to go brief and in depth as I can with Wish because of how bare bones it is.

So some similarities they share is a corrupt overlord (Pharoh and Magnifico) holding something close to them. When threated, however, they react in different ways.

Pharoh puts more work on the Hebrews while Magnifico kinda does nothing??? Eat the wishes I guess after he opens the book is close enough.

Mosses modivation at the start was to make his brother laugh, hense the line in plagues "Once I thought the chance to make you laugh, was all I ever wanted". To freeing his people underneath the corrupt ruling.

"A kingdom should never be built up on the backs of slaves".

Asha's modivations are similar to Mosses, but also not at the same time. Her modivation at the start is legit: "Lets become an apprentice so I can get my grandfather's wish granted" to "oh he wont grant the wish and most of the wishes wont be granted so lets free them all."

It felt like they wanted to lean into the idea that Magnifico is an awful ruler or pratically most of the plot in the Prince of Egypt, but as I established in my brief overview of Wish, he was not a terrible person. He only got worse because of Asha going haywire for not getting what SHE wanted. And I said in the begining of this blog, "The 2 movies COULD BE very similar in a good way(if one was done properly)".

Wish could have been the next Prince of Egypt with just a different concept in mind. It felt like that clearly in the deleted scenes like this one right here:

We learn that he crushes dreams (which is their life source in this version) when people oppose him.

This could have been explored, if they didn't decide on "It would be cooler if everyone liked Magnifico".

How so?

Well, think of Ramisies before the scene where "all the first born children will die". When Mosses is trying to reconsile with him and change his mind, all he does is: "My father had the right idea of getting rid of YOUR people...AND I WILL FINISH THE JOB". And we get a terrifying shot of all the Hebrew children getting tossed into the river. Showing his stubborness. This scene right here:

Skip to 3:19 for that scene

What if he get that scene with Magnifico? And change the context?

So lets say, Magnifico takes wishes and either changes them to fit what he wants ( @annymation's idea) or granting ones that are dangerous since the good wishes gives him more power (in my old draft), or we don't know what he does with the wishes, just that he takes them.

Lets go with we don't know what he does with the wishes (so that for anyone who is making a rewrite on wish can just insert their ideas on what they do with the wishes).

In perspective, everyone is living miserably. Going by the same routine, time and time again, with no passion or goal in life. We can say that the trade is: You give up on your dreams for a roof over your head. If we apply that, a lot of parents can sympathize with the people's situation. Many of them have families, or children to take care of. Of course you want your children to be safe from harm, just that you will suffer the cost, and soon, your children will. Its a heart breaking situation since the world is a very dangerous place, and as I said, parent's will do anything to protect their kid "at all costs" (haha see what I did there) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

So what about Asha here? Well it changes the context to her modivation. She wants her grandfather to experience that spark he did as a teen and to see him finally be happy and not so miserable. SO of course she will want to learn what Magnifico does with the wishes, and applies for apprenticeship.

Now lets skip ahead, to where it could be "Mosses and Ramisies before all first born die" part. Perhaps learning about the wishes inspired Asha to form a revolt. The people are now fighting back and they want to be free more than ever. A scene between Asha and the King, where the King knows what Asha wants, but he is too stubborn to give the wishes back. Even put in the perspective of plushie, he sees it as a threat to him, and depending on what he does with the wishes, can make him need more of the people's wishes more than ever to end plushie's life. You can also say that both the king's men or higher class of overlords (if there are any you decide!) and the people are taking it too far and their fight is causing so much destruction. Both are sympathizing with the situation at hand and suffering because of it (in different ways ofc), but we know who is in the right here. Asha tries to reason with him, and perhaps, Magnifico finally will end it. It can be literally anything, and you can even pull A PRINCE OF EGYPT, where he kills all the newborns or something.

And for proof that this could work, a few weeks ago, I remembered the song: YOUR PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS.

The song, felt like a threat. You either comply, or something bad will happen. You are also nothing in context to them since they are all power hungry overlords. You are an insect and they are giants. They'll walk all over you since you are insignificant to them and nothing important. And I applied it to Wish, and it fucking works Disney, YOU SON OF A B-

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Anyways, I made a small animatic of it. Not done ofc, I come up with ideas way more than my modivation and time to make or finish them. And it was only "YOUR PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS NOW" part since idk I just imagined that scene more vividly lol

o(*￣▽￣*)o

If anything, you can say that they make an image of a dragon to scare Asha (and star boy but they dont know that) to make them do what they want and fall in line with what everyone in Rosas does. They can't transform into one, they just use their talent in magic to show off pretty visuals to scare people. (LIKE PRINCE OF EGYPT)

And it works. Star Boy is horrified and he now realizes how bad the situation is. If these people gets his powers, EVERYONE IS AT RISK. PEOPLE CAN DIE BECAUSE A STAR GOT TOO CURIOUS OF EARTH AND HIS GENEROSITY LEAD HIM CLOSER TO HIS DOOM AND THE DOOM OF ASHA'S PEOPLE. This horrifies Asha because you can say, she still believed that these people can change. In my version at least, Asha is adopted into the royal family and is a sucker and more forgiving to them since THEY ARE HER CARETAKERS. And when realizing that EVERYTHING SHE KNEW ABOUT HERSELF AND THE KINGDOM was a lie, she had HOPE that perhaps they can change because of her. But they didn't. Her parents saw her as, "You're against me? Fine then. You will suffer just like your real parents did." But they don't harm her here. My idea was, is that this was a threat to her, to the kingdom to Rosas. "You don't obey, you will suffer concequences. But, you were our daughter, we cared for you, this is just a phase, she will get over it and be more compliant later. But for now, Rosas will suffer because of you." This gives depth to the situation and slightly sympathetic traits given to her adoptive parents. They grew attached to Asha, but now? Her rising up? It is outrageous and they take offense to that lol.

It is very similar to the original and it is slightly intended since I love those songs way too much hehe (✿◡‿◡)

````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Anyways, thats why I think Wish is almost the next Prince of Egypt. I do firmly believe though, it has more similarities with Hunchback of Notre Dome, and I also love that movie for it's own good too

ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

But this was just an oppertunity to show how bad Wish is compared to other classics like this movie, but it also clashes with Hunchback of Notre Dome, so if you wanna see the similarities with that just let me know hehe

now ya'll have a good day or night (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞

[thatoneperson747]

Hi

So while procrastinating writing the fic I'm working on, I decided it was time for me to read the Royal Ranger. I only have book one, and I've had it for about a year now, but I never read even the first page. I've heard stuff throughout the fandom about it, but I've tried to stay away from royal ranger specific posts in order to not spoil the book for me.

If you also haven't read it yet and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading now. You've been warned.

Here's the things I knew before reading:

Will has a beard now. This is very controversial.

Alyss dies. She was burned to death. Also very controversial.

Horace and Cassie have a daughter named Maddie. Maddie becomes Will's apprentice.

And that's about it.

I decided that since the Royal Ranger was so hit or miss for the community, I'd document my thoughts on it (as a personal record, if you will) and see how my opinions change, if they change at all. Feel free to laugh at me if I make predictions and they end up being completely wrong lol

I've read the first seven chapters, and here are the main thoughts I have right now.

1. Is Will now just Halt? When he was first being described during the scene with Henry Wheeler, I dead ass thought Flanagan was talking about Halt. I mean, Will is grey already? Like, fully grey. He's described as having a "steel-grey beard." Not grey and brown, just grey. Halt???

2. Alyss' death fit her character well, but why did she have to die? Keep in mind, I was never the biggest fan of Alyss - I thought a character as interesting as a diplomat should have more personality than just "the main character's girlfriend" - but come on? We barely got to see them married. Idk man. I feel like her death would be better justified if they had actually like. been together longer? 10/10 for writing her death though, saving a poor child from death seems really in character for her, especially considering that's pretty much what Baron Arald did for the ward kids (he didn't die for it but still, he saved them from a childhood of neglect and almost certain death). I feel like it's a great wrap to her story, although I wish her story was longer.

3. Crowley was done dirty. What the actual f u c k Flanagan? The Corps Commander, the man, myth, and legend gets a paragraph to explain his death. It's such a lamely written death too? Crowley, a ranger, who was probably in peak health, just nopes out one night. At least he was smiling..? And maybe it's the fact that TEY is my favorite part of the series so far, but Crowley deserved way better than that shit. Also I'm surprised that I managed to not know about Crowley's death before this?? I actually cried reading it. He was such a precious little man in TEY, how could you do this Flanagan???

4. Maddie is a bit of a brat. Not even a bit, she kinda just is. To be fair, Cassie was that way sometimes as well, but Maddie just seems... I don't know, too much of a 'I-do-what-I-want-and-you-can't-stop-me' kinda person, but in a bad way??? Like that one kid in school who would never listen to authority figures and got everyone in trouble all the time? I hope she mellows out because she could be a great character, I think. It's said she takes after her mom, but I'd like to see her act like Horace too.

5. Gilan. Just Gilan. What?? I never liked his relationship with Jenny much, he seems quite a bit too old for her (at least 5 years, most likely quite a bit more since Halt had a few years between Gilan and Will), but he's so relentless in asking her to marry him? Huh??

And also, BOLD of Flanagan to assume Gilan would be hesitant about letting a girl into the corps. This man has traveled with Cassie. He's traveled with Lydia from Brotherband. He knows women are capable. I mentioned not liking his and Jenny's relationship, but like. he even respects her. She's a business woman, she owns her own restaurant. No one can possibly convince me that Gilan doesn't drink his respect-women juice DAILY. It feels out of character for him.

6. Poor Duncan. That's the end of the sentence.

7. Those guards are hysterical. Ah, yes, let's just casually not mention or try to stop the princess sneaking in and out of the castle even though this could end really really badly. Perfect logic.

And yeah that's all I got right now. I'm very excited to see how my opinions so far change! I'll document them here too in case anyone cares. Feel free to reblog with your own RR opinions and the like! I'd love to see what you guys think of my takes lol

[borathae]

“Being a sorcerer has always been Hoseok’s dream. So when a well-known and powerful sorceress sends out letters informing the young minds of the city of an upcoming position as her apprentice, Hoseok takes fate into his own hands and applies. The only problem is that learning the arts of magic is reserved for women. He is convinced however that hard work and effort can charm the sorceress’ heart and get him the position.”

Pairing: Magic Student!Hoseok x Magic Student!Reader

Genre: Fantasy!AU, Magic School!AU, s2f2potential lovers!AU, Romance

Warnings: lots of plot, 90% of this is written from Hoseok’s POV, Queendom!Tae being the bestest friend, they’re both so adorable, the students are mean to him at first :(, except for reader heheh she is a sweetheart <3, also idk if this is important but i got inspired by Elden Ring as far as some names are concerned istfg best game <3, this will have a second part where reader’s pov plays a bigger part and the romance is gonna be bigger as well <3, for now this story is very magic & Hobi’s journey to magic centered, but also some romantic tension is present as well hngngn, istfg i love this universe

Wordcount: 17.8k of 24.3k

✴ Part One of Two ✴

Hoseok stumbles into Taehyung’s room without knocking. The young prince startles slightly, gasping in surprise.

“Tae! Tae, I have news!” Hoseok calls out and stumbles to his friend.

“What is it? Are you feeling alright?” Taehyung asks. 

He was in the midst of painting with some tea for sipping on the side, when Hoseok interrupted him. The latter lets himself fall down on the chair next to Taehyung, taking out a flyer from his chest pocket. He slams it on the table, looking at Taehyung excitedly.

Taehyung scans his eyes over his friend first. His long white hair is ruffled as if he ran quite some distance. His chest is heaving up and down quickly and his flushed face carries a thin layer of sweat. So he really must have been running.

Taehyung looks at the flyer next. It is of yellowish paper with purple ink soaking the fibres. The message is rather short. Short, but effective. 

New Apprentices Wanted. Come to Sorceress Selen’s tower if interested.

“Oh? The sorceress seeks an apprentice?” 

“Yes, indeed she does. Do you have an idea what that means?” 

Taehyung furrows his brows in thought.

“Perhaps that there will be a new sorceress soon?” 

“A new sorcerer you mean.”

Taehyung widens his eyes, gawking at Hoseok.

“Yes”, Hoseok says and nods his head excitedly, “I am going to become her apprentice.”

“Are you having a jest with me?” 

“I am not. I will go to her tower and prove to her that I am fitting for a magical student.”

“But…you are a boy. No boy ever learned magic before.”

“This isn’t true. There are sorcerers.”

“Yes, perhaps in faraway lands but not here.”

“Well, then I am going to be the first one from these lands”, Hoseok says and grins. 

Taehyung needs a few moments to regain his thoughts. Such news are of great surprise to him. He knew of Hoseok’s wishes to learn magic, but to truly have him act on them is shocking. No boy has ever tried what he wants to try. Oh, Taehyung is truly flabbergasted by his friend’s plan.

“But what about your life here? At court? As my lord-in-waiting?” Taehyung asks.

Hoseok falters.

“Do you not want to be my lord of court anymore?” Taehyung asks and pouts sadly. 

Hoseok lowers his eyes, “but my dreams”, he whispers.

“Is it your really dream to become a sorcerer?”

“It always has been. You know that it has.”

“You always talked about moving the stars one day. Even when we were just little.” 

“Exactly. Oh Tae”, Hoseok takes Taehyung’s hands, “I know I sound as if I have lost my mind, but I truly think that I could convince her to take me as her apprentice. I want to take this chance, perhaps there won’t ever be another like it.”

“And if you do and she agrees, you won’t forget me, will you?” Taehyung asks with great insecurity on his features.

“Of course I won’t. Oh Tae, why would you even worry about such things? You are my best friend. No, you are more than that. You are my brother and I won’t ever forget you.”

Taehyung smiles shyly, “that is so good to hear. I want you to accomplish your dreams. My dream has always been to paint and write poetry and sing songs and these days, I can do all these things and more. It would be unfair of me to stop you from achieving your dreams. Forgive me for my initial distaste.”

“No do not apologise, I understand your grievances. I will miss my life here. I love being your lord of court.”

“I love it as well. I love our conversations in the orange gardens and sharing chocolates after dinner”, Taehyung says and giggles.

Hoseok giggles as well, nodding his head in agreement.

“And swimming in the lagoons”, he says to which Taehyung agrees with a scrunch of his nose.

Their laughter dies down naturally. Hoseok lets out a loud sigh, sagging his shoulders.

“Maybe nothing will change in the end. Oh Tae, I am terribly nervous. What if the sorceress refuses to even hear me out?”

“I am sure that you will do great. We could practice your speech together.”

“You would really help me? I do not know where to start or what I need.”

“Yes, that is true. Me neither”, Taehyung says and tilts his head to the side. He scratches his chin. Suddenly his eyes light up.

“What did you think of?” Hoseok asks excitedly.

“Shall we look in the library? Perhaps we could ask Mistress Qela if she knows how to write applications”, Taehyung suggests.

“Yes, what a wonderful idea. We should go this instance.”

The two young men leave Taehyung’s recreation room, chatting about the endless possibilities once Hoseok mastered magic. They talk about making flowers with his fingers and giving oranges a sweeter taste. They dream about making pretty shells appear on shore and of Taehyung’s paints never running out again. All the great, revolutionary spells they do not speak for their minds never wandered there.

Mistress Qela is sitting by her desk, surrounded by scriptures and books and with her silver haired cat keeping her company.

“Mistress Qela?”

The elderly dwarf lifts her head upon being called. She fixes the reading glasses perched atop her nose and places her writing feather aside.

“Young prince Taehyung”, she says, standing up to bow at him.

“Please stay comfortable.”

Despite his words, she finishes her bow before sitting down again. She runs her eyes over the young prince first, then his young servant by his side.

“What brings you here, Sire?”

“Show him the letter, Hoseok.”

Hoseok takes out the flyer and places it on the table. Mistress Qela scoots to the edge of her seat and begins reading with a loud clear of her throat. She is running her fingers through her greying beard as she does, keeping her bushy brows furrowed.

“It seems that the sorceress Selen is seeking new apprentices”, she concludes.

“Yes indeed and Hoseok wants to fill the position, but we do not know how to write an application. Mistress Qela, could you help us?”

The dwarf runs her eyes over the two young men, carrying a stern expression on her face. Seconds pass like this where she stares and they allow her to do so nervously.

“Very well”, she says in the end and slides from her chair, “follow me, young ones. There are books in these halls which will help you”, she says and stomps away. She won’t comment on Hoseok’s dreams for it wasn’t her right to do so. She is aware how possible some impossible dreams are. She herself was called a foolish girl by her tribe for wanting to be become a librarian instead of a miner. She will always offer understanding for the dreams of young people even if others might call them foolish.

The books they seek are on the second floor in a high shelf where a window next to it allows sunlight to enter. Just a few shelves down, there is a desk with chairs and candles for light. It is currently empty.

Mistress Qela points at the shelves which are just out of reach for her.

“You will find what you are looking for here. Do not hesitate to ask me for help however. Have a good read, my young ones”, she says and turns to stomp back to her scriptures.

“Thank you, Mistress Qela!” Hoseok and Taehyung call after her.

Soon the dwarf disappears down the stairs.

“So, where shall we start? Shall we look for books each?” Taehyung suggests.

“Yes, that is a very good idea”, Hoseok agrees.

The young men spend the rest of their day in the library. They read books, scriptures and writings. They compose practice applications and note down new knowledge whenever they stumble upon it. They discuss the important parts and exchange possible phrases to use.

They are so lost in their research, that they do not hear the dinner bell, nor witness when Mistress Qela leaves for her bedchambers. They most definitely would have continued to be lost if Taehyung’s wife, the princess of the Sand Queendom, hadn’t looked for them.

“My darling one?”

Neither Taehyung nor Hoseok hear her and the princess has to try three more times before they finally lift their heads.

“Oh? My darling one”, Taehyung gasps, stumbling from his chair to hurry to her. He takes her hands, guiding them to his lips to kiss her knuckles.

Hoseok is standing as well, bowing his head deeply.

“What are you doing here?” Taehyung asks her.

“I could ask you the same thing. You were missed at dinner and it is way past our bedtime. I was worried.”

“Forgive me, my darling one but I am helping Hoseok with his application”, he says.

“Application?”

He guides her to the desk, showing her what they have been working on. The flyer of the sorceress is also on the desk.

“The sorceress is seeking a new apprentice and Hoseok wants to apply. We spent all day on perfecting his application”, Taehyung explains, “look. What do you think of it?”

The princess looks at Hoseok, ignoring the papers her husband is trying to show her.

“You want to leave your position as lord-in-waiting?” she asks.

“Yes, your highness”, he says, lowering his head in respect, “please forgive the sudden news. I planned on telling you and the Queen tomorrow. Please forgive me.”

“But men are forbidden from learning magic.”

“I know, your highness”, he lowers his head even more, “I thought that I could try. At least. Perhaps it could work.”

“I see”, she says and finally looks at the paper. She sits down where once Taehyung sat and picks up a writing feather, reading through the application. The two men watch her in silence. She nods her head sometimes and fixes mistakes, she also praises some parts whilst correcting others.

“It reads well”, she finishes the letter, “I shall ask mother to write you a letter of recommendation and I believe that with it and this application you will have good chances.”

“What?!” the two man exclaim at the same time.

“You have no problem with his plans?” Taehyung gets out.

“You aren’t angry at me?” Hoseok blurts out.

The princess chuckles, shaking her head.

“Why should I? I know that you dream of being a sorcerer and you are my friend as well. I want to support you”, she says.

“Oh my darling”, Taehyung says and pulls her up just to hug her tightly.

She laughs, accepting it with closed eyes.

“You are truly the most wonderful person”, he says and kisses her cheek.

“You are adorable”, she says.

“Thank you so much, your highness. You do not know how much this means to me”, Hoseok says, bowing so deeply he almost folds himself in half.

“Please do not thank me too soon. We will still have to get you through the part trickiest, which is getting her to even hear you out.”

“But with the Queen’s letter of recommendation it could work, couldn’t it? Oh! I could write one as well. So two people of power speak highly of him. You could write one as well, my darling one.”

“Fine, I shall write one as well. But first, you two need to have your dinner and then get your sleep. You have bodies to nourish besides your research”, she says and begins pushing them away from the desk gently.

The Queen agrees to the letter without hesitation. She is quite taken by the idea that the first sorcerer of these lands could be one of her servants. She tells the court on the same day and soon talk about Hoseok’s dream is heard in every corner of the castle. Excitement is grande. Young master Hoseok will be the first ever sorcerer and Castle Sandrock will be known as his once loving home. So the people talk. The Queen even lets her trusted dressmakers create a most elegant gown for him so he could look his best and offers one of her carriages for him to take to the tower so he didn’t have to sweat through his new dress. One week later, Hoseok has everything he needs for the most compelling application and the day of his attempt can no longer be postponed.

The courtyard is busy with life on his day of leaving – even if he will return by nightfall again, it is after all just a conversation – and the day has been good till now. There were celebrations in the servant wing during breakfast and good cheers in the court room during lunch. Hoseok accepted it with burning cheeks and constant confessions that he feels unworthy of such support. Nobody acknowledged him and the celebrations continued. The Queen and her husband are standing by the carriage. Taehyung and his wife are beside them.

“I shall pray for your success”, the Queen says.

“I believe that you will be successful”, her husband says.

“Thank you so much, your highness. I do not know how to be worthy of such support”, Hoseok says, bowing deeply.

“Just come home with good news.”

“I will, my Queen. At least, I hope I will.”

The Queen laughs fondly, “I am most certain that you will.”

The princess presses a piece of fresh cake into his hands. It is wrapped in a silken handkerchief and still warm from the stone ovens. The faint smell of butter and vanilla comes with it.

“Fresh pearl cake for you”, she says, “I find its sweet taste calms me down in nervous moments. Perhaps it can aid you as well.”

“Thank you, your highness”, Hoseok says, bowing in gratitude.

“May the goddesses be with you.”

“Thank you, your highness”, Hoseok says, bowing deeper.

Taehyung doesn’t say his goodbyes because he promised to come with Hoseok. The two friends get into the carriage together and accompanied by music and cheers, they leave the courtyard for the tower.

The drive through the city is calm. The day is still young, but life is already busy. The merchants are promoting their fresh goods with loud calls and chants, the seagulls fly high above the painted roofs in search of an easy snack and many people use the sunny morning to get their shopping done. Hoseok doesn’t feel his nerves in the city because he has something to look at and listen to.

The tower of the sorceress is in a calmer area of the city, passed the two inner most walls and at the end of a steep road. It is walled in, but its gates are always open, and consists of not only the high tower but two buildings as well, which are used as housing for magical students and work rooms, as well as a shop which sells magical goods made by the students. Behind the high walls, a luscious garden offers everything the eyes and nose desire. Fruit trees and vegetable beds are always rich with their bearings, offering nourishment to people who might struggle with hunger. Flowers are always in bloom, filling the air with their sweet scents. Old trees offer shade to anyone who might need it and the big fountains offer clear water, which never runs out.

The carriage comes to a stop. Big formations of purple crystal sticks out from the ground, glimmering in the light and on the shop porch cats are napping in the warmth. Glimmering clouds of purple magic traverse the air, giving everyone who might walk through such a cloud a sensation of clarity. 

“It seems that we have arrived”, Taehyung says, studying the tower with wondrous eyes. Magic keeps the garden healthy and rich despite the hot weather and rainless days. The roof and window frames are coated with golden paint, reflecting the light and in the high above chambers purple curtains sway in the breeze.

“This looks beautiful”, he says, “you have windows here as well. Oh and they are so big.”

Hoseok can barely hear his friend’s excited words for he is too occupied with gawking at the stream of excited girls and young women flooding the tower gates with dreams of a brighter future. So many people came today.

Hoseok closes the curtain and gulps.

Taehyung reaches over to pat his knee.

“Nervous?” he asks.

“Frightened. Have you seen all these people? How should I even stand a chance?”

“You stand a chance because you are you and you deserve it.”

“Shall we turn around again? Let us turn around again.”

“No”, Taehyung shakes his head vigorously, “no, you have worked so hard for this. At least try. If it fails, you can say that you tried your best, otherwise you will already have failed.”

Hoseok gives in with a sigh, “you are right. Oh Taehyung, I am so nervous.”

“Don’t be, you will do wonderful in there”, Taehyung assures him and stands up to hug his best friend, “if you get too scared, think of me. I will wait right here outside these walls and think positive things about you.”

Hoseok smiles, “thank you. This makes me feel better.”

“Now go in there and show everyone why you deserve to study magic”, Taehyung says and smiles.

Hoseok frowns in dedication, “I will show everyone, yes I will.”

“That is the spirit! I am cheering for you”, Taehyung says and stays by the carriage while Hoseok leaves for the gates. He waves his friend until the masses swallow him. He releases a sigh of contentment, turning to his guard, “what say you? I saw a small shop filled with art down this road. Do you believe that we have time to visit it?”

“I believe we do, my lord.”

“Very well, then I want to go there.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Hoseok clutches his bag with both hands, trying not the look left and right in fear of seeing the judgemental eyes of others. He can feel them surround him, shrinking him more and more the closer to the tower he gets. He is aware that he is wrong here, but it still hurts to feel it so obviously. Most of the people are too busy with their own nervousness to care however. 

“Leave me alone, you old hag!”

A loud voice calls Hoseok’s attention. An old, clearly weak woman tried to seek support on an arm of one of the women storming into the castle. The latter is slapping her hands away, calling her an “old hag” once again.

Hoseok stops in his steps. None else does. He watches for a few more moments to see if the situation resolves itself. The young woman storms off with her friends, leaving the old woman stranded by the wall. She looks helpless, trying so very hard to pick up herself up, but failing miserably as her own age betrays her. People pass her, but nobody helps.

Hoseok furrows his brows and runs to her.

“Forgive me, do you need help?” he asks, stretching out his hands to her.

The old woman lifts her head slowly, squinting her eyes to see better.

“Oh? Young boy, you come at my lowest times. I walked along these walls before I felt the sugar in my blood sink and now I have also dropped my bags. I cannot get up. Oh, these aren’t good times to see me, young boy.”

Hoseok squats down beside her

“Please, worry not”, he assures her, “may I place my hand on you to support you?”

“Yes, young boy.”

Hoseok does it gently and carefully, rubbing her arm slowly.

“Worry not, we will just sit here for a while until the drowsiness passes”, he says and offers her his waterskin, “please drink something. Clear water, collected just this morning.”

“Oh? Oh goddesses be pleased, thank you”, she accepts it.

Hoseok helps her drink from it. Next he offers her all his pearl cake.

“I couldn’t.”

“Pearl cake. It contains sugars. I wouldn’t want you to lose consciousness.”

“Are you certain, young boy? I have already robbed you of your water, I do not want to steal your food as well.”

“I wish to give this to you. You need it more than I do”, he says and smiles. When she still hesitates, he breaks off a small piece, offering it to her.

“Oh, young boy. You are too good to me”, she says and accepts it. She eats it, chewing it with the little amount of teeth she still has left, “oh it is wonderful. So sweet and very delicate on my teeth”, she says and smiles to show off her gums.

Hoseok laughs fondly, “you have a bright smile.”

“It was brighter in my youth”, she jokes, making him snicker.

“I am sure it was.”

“Thank you, young boy. You can go now if you wish to. I can manage on my own.”

Hoseok however dismisses her with a shake of his head, “I would feel terrible if I left you like this.”

“Oh, young boy you are too good to me.”

Hoseok and the old woman chat until she has finished the pearl cake and water. She tells him how she is on her way home from the market and that she bought all her food for the week. She looks ashamed when she tells him that she began to feel weak, but Hoseok assured her that there was no shame in it and that the days have been exhaustingly hot lately. She agreed with a nod of her head and a curse to the heavens for heating up the earth so much. Then she drifts off and begins telling stories from when she felt better and that she has a barely studied disease the doctors call diabetes. Hoseok asked for more information, but all she could tell him is that she can’t eat too many sweets as this could be dangerous, but also not too little as this would make her faint. He didn’t quite understand it, but she assured him that the doctors didn’t either yet. Then she asks if Hoseok had somewhere to be.

Hoseok looks over his shoulder. The roads are empty. His heart skips a panicked beat. How much time has passed? He looks back at the old woman and her innocent curiosity in her eyes.

“The sorceress’ tower”, he says and sighs in defeat, “I want to apply as her apprentice, but I do not know if this is even a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Because I am a boy.”

“Well, you should still try.”

“You believe so?”

“Yes I really do”, she says and begins standing up with grunts.

“Wait! Let me help”, Hoseok says, stumbling to his feet hastily so he could support her.

“Oh, thank you young boy, thank you. Oh, my old bones aren’t what they used to be. Oh, aging is a curse”, she says and then tries to reach for her bags.

“Please, allow me”, he says, picking them up instead, “where is your home?”

“No, no I couldn’t. You need to go to the tower, not help an old woman carry her food.”

“I couldn’t leave you alone like this. What if the sugar in your blood sinks again?”

“Would you truly do this for an old hag?”

“You aren’t a hag. I wish to help you. Life is easier this way”, he says and offers her his arm to hold on to.

She takes it gladly, pointing west.

“My house is this way. It isn’t big, but it keeps the heat out. I couldn’t ask for more.”

“Then we shall walk there together. If you need to take a break, please let me know.”

They leave the tower gate behind in slow steps. Time still passes, but Hoseok can’t think about it right now. He really wants to help this woman, he doesn’t care how long it will take.

“Do you live close by as well, young man?”

“I live in this city, but I’m not from here.”

“You aren’t?”

“No, I come from the Snow Isles.”

“The Snow Isles? Oh this is so far away. What brings you so, so far away from home?”

“My best friend married a woman from here and I followed him.”

“A woman you say?”

“Yes, he was promised to her and I…” Hoseok falters. He doesn’t like to tell people who he really is because most people begin to feel inferior once they do. He doesn’t want people to feel as if they were less than him and so he lies, “…I came with him because he was scared to leave home. He is one year younger than me and we have been best friends since he was only eight months of age.”

“Eight months of age you say? And how old are you now?”

“I am twenty and three of age. He is still twenty and two. We have been here for more than two years now.”

“Oh, then you have known each other for a long time.”

“Yes, we have. He feels like a brother to me. He is still a little naïve sometimes, but his heart is at the right place. He supports me in my dream even if it is foolish.”

“And why is it foolish?”

“Because no boy was ever allowed in this school. We aren’t meant to learn magic.”

“Well, times can change. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do agree, but it is also a foolish thing to think.”

“No it isn’t. I do not know you, but I believe in you.”

“Thank you, this means a very lot to me.”

The woman lives quite far from the school. Hoseok doesn’t complain, supporting her until she is sitting safely in her own home. She talks about dizziness again and so Hoseok offers to cook something for her which will raise the sugar in her blood again. She refuses more times than not, talking about how she already stole too much of his time. But he didn’t care. He helped her. He put the food she bought aside and cooked a healthy meal for her. He stayed with her until she ate and then helped her relax her swollen feet. He would have also helped her in setting up her bed, but she managed to send him away before that, stuffing money into his hands for all he did.

“I couldn’t”, he refuses, shaking his head vigorously.

“Take it, please I insist.”

“But, this is your money. I couldn’t take it.”

“I wish to give this to you. The only thing I need from you is your name so I can include you in my prayers from now on.”

“Hoseok. My name is Hoseok, but please keep your money.”

“Hoseok”, she smiles, “I shall remember your name, Hoseok”, she says and pulls her hands away so he can’t attempt to place the money back into them.

Hoseok gives up with a sigh, bowing deeply.

“Thank you, I will spend the money well”, he lies, “perhaps we will see each other again. I will pray for your health as well.”

“Yes, I believe that we will see each other again”, she says and looks at him with a knowing glint in her eyes. Perhaps the light deceived him, but they looked purple for just a second. He shakes away the funny feeling and bows one last time.

Then he leaves, letting her think that he took the money. He slips it and one of his rings back under the door once he closed it, leaving before she could notice. He feels good about helping her until the hall of prayer close by reminds him of the time with loud calls of bells. Two hours. He spent two hours with this woman. The applications only last another hour.

Hoseok jumps into a full sprint, running back to the school even if the distance is grande. He has to be punctual! He has to get there in time! If he loses his chance because he didn’t run fast enough, he will forever blame himself! Quick! Run! Quick, quick, quick!

He arrives, heaving and panting. His clothes are soaked in his sweat, his head is just a little dizzy. The sun has never felt more punishing than it does right now.

He comes to a stop in a stumble, supporting himself by leaning his hands on his knees.

“What brings you here?” the guards ask him.

“I…am…here…for…the…appli…cations”, he is heaving out his words, barely managing to breathe.

“The doors are closed.”

“What?” he gasps, “no”, he shakes his head, “no, please allow me to enter. Please.”

The guards exchange an annoyed look.

“The doors are closed.”

Hoseok feels like crying. He came too late.

“Please”, he begs, “please I promise to be quiet, please.”

“Leave, boy. The doors are closed.”

Is it because he is a boy? Is that the reason?

“Is it because I am a boy?”

She curls her lips in distaste. The glimmer in her eyes lets him know that it truly was because he was a boy.

“No. You simply came too late.”

“But-”

“Leave before we make you”, she warns, flashing her eyes purple.

Hoseok takes a cautious step back. Anger, frustration, sadness, helplessness. He feels all of it. He is going to fail not because he came too late or didn’t impress the sorceress enough, but because the guards are cruel sexists.

“Please.”

“No. You-”

“Wait! Please wait!”, a girl stumbles next to Hoseok, coming to a stop with a squeak. She must have been running as well because sweat pearls have collected on her forehead, “forgive me, oh forgive me I arrived too late. Are the doors still open?”

The guards grind their teeth in annoyance. Hoseok stifles his victorious smile.

“Yes”, they press out and step aside.

“Thank you, oh thank you”, she says and hurries inside.

Hoseok follows her, looking over his shoulder to send the guards the smile he was hiding. He did it. Now nothing can stand in his way anymore.

There aren’t many people left in the waiting room. They all look at him as he passes the threshold. Whispers begin instantly, but Hoseok doesn’t care. He is too busy with recovering from the intense run. So much for taking a carriage so he wouldn’t ruin his new clothes. He looks as if he took a dive in the ocean. He reaches for his waterskin. Empty. He grunts, dropping his head against the wall in exhaustion. He is going to die in these halls.

Three other girls enter and leave the hearing room until Hoseok finally somehow recovers from his run. He scoots up the seats with the remaining girls, finally feeling ready to look around. They are staring at him. The girl which also arrived too late is missing. She must have already left.

One of them scrunches her nose at him in distaste.

“Why are you here?” she asks.

“The same as you”, he answers her snappishly because he recognises her. She was the one who abandoned the old woman.

“You aren’t allowed to be here.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No you’re not. This place is for girls only.”

“No, it is not.”

She scoffs in distaste. Others are chuckling quietly. Hoseok stands his ground, staring her down. She curls her lips.

“You are sweating, it’s revolting”, she says.

“That is because I just ran quite the distance and it is hot outside.”

“Well, I don’t like it. You look ugly.”

“Not as ugly as you.”

She gasps. The others around her do as well.

“Excuse me?” she hisses.

“I watched you abandon the old woman outside the walls. Your ugly soul makes you the ugliest here”, he says and turns his head away.

“How dare you! You come in here and insult me? Who do you think you are?”

Hoseok ignores her.

“I’m talking to you”, she hisses and reaches over to slap his arm harshly, “I said, I’m talking to you.”

Hoseok sends her a deathly glare and stands up to walk closer to the door.

“What’s your problem, why are you ignoring me?” she spits and jumps up to attack him again.

The door opens. The girl, who was just inside, stares as the scene unfolding. The guard by the door does as well and far in the back the sorceress is watching it happen. The rude woman with the ugly soul stops her attack on Hoseok and presses herself past the girl coming outside.

“It was about time, I was wait…” the door falls closed and silences her.

Hoseok finally releases the nervous breath he was holding in, rubbing the spot the rude girl hit multiple times. It hurts.

“Are you hurt?”

Hoseok looks at the girl who just came out of the hearing room. She was the one who also running late.

“I am fine. How did it go inside?” he asks her.

“Oh, I do not know. I felt so nervous that I kept messing up my words.”

“I understand you so well. I feel so nervous as well.”

“So you are also here to learn?”

“I am.”

“But you are a boy. Are boys allowed here?”

“I want to be the first sorcerer in this school.”

“Oh? I see. You must be so nervous then.”

“I am. I really am.”

“I can see that. You look very hot. Are you sure that you are fine?”

“I am. I ran and have no water left to drink”, he says and chuckles nervously, “I hope that my throat doesn’t constrict inside.”

“Do you want some of my water? I already drank from it, but if you don’t mind.”

“Would you really? I hate to beg, but I ran so far.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t mind. Please”, she says and offers her waterskin.

Hoseok accepts it with a deep bow, drinking from it almost greedily. Oh it feels so good to drink. He felt so close to his end.

He tries not to drink all of it, handing it back to the girl.

“I bless you. This truly saved me.”

“I am just glad that I could help”, she says and smiles, “I wish you luck. Maybe if you succeed, my brother could too one day.”

Hoseok feels warm in his chest. He is already inspiring people. He nods his head vigorously.

“Yes, yes indeed. I believe that he will.”

She bows her head at him, “perhaps we will see each other again at school.”

He bows his head at her, “perhaps we will.”

She leaves then, looking over her shoulder one last time before she crosses the corner.

Hoseok takes a deep breath. Now that he finally had some water to drink, his head feels clearer. He needs to prepare. He takes out his application from his bag and begins reading.

He doesn’t notice when the rude girl comes back out, neither does he notice her poisonous glances until she talks to him.

“You are still here”, she spits, making herself big in front of him.

Hoseok lowers his papers, looking down at her.

“I wasn’t in the hearing room yet, so yes I am.”

“You should leave now. You won’t ever stand a chance.”

“We will see about that.”

She scoffs and slaps the papers out of his hands.

“Hey!”

She turns and stomps away.

Hoseok squats down, picking up his papers with shaking hands. This hurt him. He is already nervous beyond recovery and now he was treated like garbage. He is too emotionally vulnerable to be bullied this way. The papers are out of order. Oh no, oh no, oh no. Everything is going wrong. His application is a mess.

“You.”

Hoseok lifts his head.

“You’re next.”

“I, I haven’t sorted my papers yet.”

“You can do it inside. Time’s ticking”, the guard says.

Hoseok feels dizzy, scrambling to pick up his papers.

“Hurry up.”

“I am, please.”

The sorceress Selen lifts her head at the noises by the door. Her guard is talking to one of the potential students. Like always, she has a harsh tone going on. Whoever she is rushing, seems to be quite upset about it. Second later he stumbles into the room. The sorceress Selen widens her eyes in surprise. A boy? This is new.

Said boy is busy with sorting papers. So busy in fact that he doesn’t even notice her presence until she greets him.

He lifts his head, “oh? Oh, heavens. Please fo-forgive me”, he bows deeply, dropping his papers again, “no! Oh no, my application! Not again!” he exclaims and falls to his knees to sort it out.

She stands up so she could see past her desk. His hands are trembling uncontrollably as he is picking up the papers.

“Are you alright?”

“Pl-please forgive me. I, I am sorry. I d-dropped my application. I- please forgive me, please”, he stutters, working hastily to fix it, “foolish Hoseok. You are foolish.”

He seems to be talking to himself. Poor boy.

With pity in her heart, she rounds the table to help him.

“No please you, you do not have to help I, I- oh god.”

“Don’t worry. I wish to help you. Life is easier this way.”

Hoseok falters. The words seem familiar to him, but he cannot remember where and if he heard them before. He lowers his head after meeting the sorceress’ purple eyes.

“Thank you. I-I am not usually that clumsy.”

“Worry not”, she assures him and hands him the finished papers, “there you go.”

“I thank you. My deepest gratitude, truly.”

She stands back up and rounds the table. She sits down, waiting until the young man sat down as well. He sits as straight as possible, holding his head high even if he can barely keep up eye contact. He looks very obviously hot. As if he ran quite the distance. She studies the papers he is clutching, then looks back into his eyes.

“Are you feeling alright? You look quite hot.”

“I had to run quite far.”

“Overslept?”

He shakes his head vigorously, “no, my lady sorceress, I have been awake with the first ray of sunlight, preparing for today.”

“Indeed?”

He nods his head.

“So why were you running?”

“I…” Hoseok could tell her about what he did, but he doesn’t want to come off as if he was boasting. He didn’t help this old woman because he wanted to boast, he helped her because he wanted to be kind. He decides against telling her, “…I had something important to do, which took me quite far from this school. So I had to run back again in order not to miss the hearing.”

“Mhm, something important you say. Very well then. Now, your name is Hoseok?”

“Yes, indeed. I am Hoseok.”

“And why are you here, Hoseok?”

“I want to become one of your students”, he says and slides over the papers, “I know I am not your usual candidate, but I am a hard worker and a diligent learner. I wrote an application and, and there are also letters of recommendation.”

“You wrote an application?” she asks, lifting up the papers with the help of magic.

“I did yes. I, I had no idea how to, so I spent all day reading books about it and practicing until it was as perfect as it could be.”

“You researched how to write applications?”

Hoseok’s cheeks light up, “I, I meant- I didn’t- I mean I did, but I- I wanted it to be perfect.”

“I see”, she says and looks into the papers. She skims her eyes over them, but does not begin reading them yet, “I shall read through them later”, she says and fixes the heap into one neat stack.

Hoseok gulps nervously, ogling the papers. He does not know what this means meant. Oh, his heart might give up in his chest.

“I thank you for coming here. You will hear from me soon.”

“You have no questions for me?” he gasps.

“I have everything I need to know.”

“But”, Hoseok stops his lower lip from trembling, “I truly want this position.”

“I am certain that you do. So do many other young women however.”

“I, I dreamt of being a sorcerer ever since I could think and, and I know that I-I am a man and that it, it isn’t tradition in these lands for boys to learn magic, but I know that I could do it. I, I want it and I will work so very hard for it. I will work so, so hard until my fingers are sore and my mind foggy. Please. You could count on me, my lady sorceress. I work hard and well and I do not break under pressure. I am also very cleanly and punctual and I fulfill each task to perfection. I, I can also read and write and I enjoy studying. Please my lady sorceress Selen, give me a chance. Please, I wouldn’t disappoint you.”

The sorceress Selen listened to his nervous babbling with a tinge of fondness in her heart. The passion burned in his eyes and the love for his dream was obvious in his voice.

“Thank you young master Hoseok, for your passionate words. I shall consider them.”

Hoseok panics. He said too much, came off as rude and obtrusive. He stands up quickly to apologise with a bow. He bows so vigorously that he hits his head on the desk. It is loud, forcing a squeak out of Hoseok as well. He stumbles back, touching his aching forehead.

“Oh! By Razula!” the sorceress exclaims, jumping up in shock, “are you hurt?” she gasps, reaching for him to hold him by his shoulders in case he loses his consciousness.

Yes, it hurts. He feels dizzy and his skull is pulsing, but nothing hurts more than the shame Hoseok feels. He made a fool of himself. Now the sorceress won’t ever consider him.

“I, I am not hurt”, he stutters, bowing again because the shame sits too deep, “please forgive me. I, I took too much of your time. Please forgive me.”

His face literally feels as if flames were melting off his skin. He is so ashamed that he wishes for the gates of Helva to swallow him whole. He feels tears in his eyes.

“Please forgive me, please”, he pleads and turns to run away.

“You-”, the sorceress does not get to finish her sentence because Hoseok left the room before that, slamming the door accidentally.

She allows the situation to sink in with her mouth open in shock and her body stiff in surprise. This was the most peculiar situation which has happened to her in a long time.

Hoseok almost throws himself into the carriage, falling around Taehyung’s neck before the young prince could even say his first word. He drops his sweet ice cream from the impact, grunting.

“Oh? Did it go so well?” he asks, hugging his best friend back.

Hoseok sobs heartbreakingly just as the carriage begins to move.

“Hoseok”, Taehyung gasps, tightening the hug, “what happened?”

“I made a fool of myself”, Hoseok chokes out and wails painfully.

“Why? What happened?”

Hoseok tells Taehyung how the sorceress didn’t even read his applications nor ask him questions and how he acted obtrusive only to completely embarrass himself by hitting his head on her table. He barely gets the words out as he cries as if he just lost every person dear to him. And Taehyung listens to him, trying to comfort him without any sign of success.

The castle welcomes him back with music and cheers, but that soon dies down when Hoseok leaves the carriage and runs straight to his chambers. Taehyung tells everyone what happened and no one truly knows how to behave once they know. A deep grieving is shared however.

Hoseok doesn’t leave his chambers for days. Taehyung is the one to make sure that he eats and drinks, but Hoseok never allows him to enter. The young prince has to put the tray of food in front of his door and come collect the empty one, hours later. He tries to talk to him, but the only thing he gets are mumbled “leave me alone”s or “go away”s. Hoseok is grieving, there is no denying that.

Taehyung huffs out air in frustration. He was painting in the orange gardens when he thought of his best friend again. He looks at his window. The curtains are drawn closed. Another huff of air shows how helpless Taehyung feels. He doesn’t know what to do to make Hoseok feel better again. His heart got shattered and Taehyung has no idea how he could glue it back together.

“Young prince Taehyung?”

Taehyung looks at his servant.

“Yes?”

“The letters of today.”

“Letters?” Taehyung stands up to get the heap of letters from the silver platter. The servant bows his head at him, watching the young prince sort through them.

Most are of royal duty, some are from his family back home and some are merchants attempting to advertise their expensive goods. Taehyung will read through them later. He reaches the end of the heap, widening his eyes.

A purple envelope with golden lettering spelling Hoseok’s name. The sorceress’ wax sigil keeps the letter closed. It is a dark purple colour.

“Is this…” his servant asks.

“It is”, Taehyung confirms, exchanging a shocked look with him.

“Your highness, did he do it?”

“Perhaps? Come, we have to give it to him.”

The young prince and his servant leave the orange garden, running to Hoseok’s chambers.

Taehyung doesn’t bother to knock, entering Hoseok’s room by calling his name.

The latter is lying in bed, lifting his tired head. He is squinting his eyes. His silver hair is messy. The air smells old.

“Hoseok! Hoseok, I have news!”

“I am not interested, just leave me alone”, Hoseok grumbles and buries his face in the pillow.

“You will want to know these news”, Taehyung says and jumps onto Hoseok’s bed, “Namgil, please open the curtains.”

“Yes, your highness.”

“No. No light. Just leave me alone”, Hoseok whines and pulls the blanket over his head.

Taehyung drags the blanket away. Hoseok fights him weakly, whining his name.

“Look. Hoseok, look”, Taehyung insists, waving the purple envelope in front of Hoseok’s face.

The heartbroken man peels his eyes open groggily.

“What?”

“Look.”

“Huh?”

Hoseok shoots up instantly, ripping the letter out of Taehyung’s hand. He moves it closer to his face, squinting his eyes to make sure that they aren’t deceiving him.

“What?” he presses out.

“It arrived earlier. Look, this is the sorceress’ sigil and, and this is your name”, Taehyung says, bouncing on the mattress as he points at them. He is so excited that he can barely contain himself.

“This can’t be”, Hoseok whispers and rips the sigil to unfold the latter.

Namgil sits down next to him, trying to steal a glance. He is just as excited as Taehyung.

“And? What does it say?” Taehyung stresses, “tell us please. We are dying in curiosity. What does it say?”

Hoseok lowers the letter, staring at Taehyung.

“What is it? Did you get the position?”

“I did”

“You did?!”

Hoseok nods his head.

“Yes! You did! Hoseok, you did!” Taehyung screams in excitement and falls around his best friend’s neck.

Hoseok is stiff and silent at first. The shock sits too deep. But as Taehyung’s laughs and sobs and cheers continue, the realisation of his situation begins to seep in. It isn’t long until Hoseok is sobbing and laughing as well, hugging Taehyung as if his life depended on it.

“I did it!”

“You did it! Hoseok, you did it!” Taehyung says and pulls Hoseok to his feet so they could jump on the bed together. Namgil joins as well. The three men hold hands and cheer loudly, so loudly in fact that soon guards peek inside the room asking if everything was fine.

“Tell everyone that Hoseok managed to get into the school”, Taehyung tells her with sparkling eyes.

“Oh! By the goddesses! Congratulation, Hoseok! I will tell everyone!” she exclaims and hurries away to spread the news in the castle.

The celebrations about Hoseok’s success last until the early morning hours. Dance is plenty, food delicious and wine most intoxicating. Hoseok, Lord of Court of Sandrock Castle will be the first sorcerer of these lands! Oh the news couldn’t be any sweeter.

But where sweetness lies, bitterness follows and only two days later, the moment of his goodbye has come. The court is excited for his future and yet terribly sad to part ways. His fellow servants already said their goodbyes to him with tears and a basket of fruits they saved up for together. The Queen and her husband said goodbye with white dresses he could wear at school and the promise that he will always be welcome at the castle. The princess is holding her husband, who has been sad ever since the morning.

The carriage is packed. There is no reason for Hoseok to stay any longer.

“So, I believe it is time for me to go”, Hoseok says.

“We wish you luck”, the Queen says.

“Thank you, your highness. Not only for your kind words, but also for your support. I am but a mere servant and you didn’t have to be so kind to me. So thank you”, Hoseok says, bowing until his chest touched his own thighs.

“We are all equal. You may have served my son in law, but you are also his dearest friend and his lord-in-waiting. Do not thank me for my kindness, I am happy to give it to you.”

“Thank you, your highness”, Hoseok says and straightens up. He looks at the princess, “you will have to take care of him for me.”

She laughs, “I will gladly do so. Good blessings, dear Hoseok.”

“Thank you, your highness”, Hoseok bows his head, then looks at Taehyung.

The latter pouts sadly, throwing himself around his neck in a tight hug.

“Please promise to write as often as you can”, he murmurs into him.

“I will. I hope that you write as well.”

Taehyung steps back, nodding his head vigorously.

“I will. Oh, you will get tired of me. I will write so many letters.”

The two men giggle, holding hands.

“And you have to visit on the weekends. Please, we need to talk in the orange gardens and swim in the blue lagoons.”

Hoseok nods his head vigorously, “I will visit whenever I can. I promise.”

“Good”, Taehyung says and falls around his neck, “I will miss you so much.”

“I will miss you too”, Hoseok says, closing his eyes as he enjoys his best friend’s hug before he can’t feel it for quite some time.

“Please be happy and successful. I will think of you each night.”

“Me too. Be happy as well and never stop painting.”

Taehyung laughs, but it sounds just a little like a sob. The two men hug each other tighter, laughing eventhough they are secretly crying.

“I won’t.”

“Good. That is good.”

The goodbye is bittersweet. The life they once knew and grew up with ends and a new one begins. It hurts. But they will each follow their dreams and will only be apart an hour by foot. It lessens the pain and gives both of them happiness. They will be apart, but still close. They won’t live their old lives anymore, but will finally follow their dreams. The goodbye is bittersweet. It truly is.

The streets in front of the school are calm today, which allows the carriage to drive all the way to the front steps of the student housing.

Hoseok steps out of the carriage, thanking the royal guard for helping him. He is conversing with her, blind to the shocked looks the magical guards send him. They are aware what the sigil on their armour meant and the realisation of who they were rude to just weeks ago sits heavy in their stomachs. And while Hoseok is talking to the guard, the servants he once commanded, carry his luggage to the student housing. They ask the guards where they must go and the latter tell them with nervousness in their voices.

“I wish you good blessings”, the guard says.

“Thank you Nepheli, I wish you good blessings as well”, Hoseok says, looking over his shoulder, “did Namgil disappear with the cases already?”

“It appears so.”

“Oh, well I see”, Hoseok gives Nepheli a smile, “we will see each other again.”

She bows her head, “most definitely we will.”

Once Namgil and two other servants return from Hoseok’s new chambers, it is time for the carriage to return to the castle. Hoseok waves to them until they disappear outside the walls. He lowers his arms and takes a deep breath. His heart is racing, but it isn’t for an uncomfortable reason.

He is excited.

His new life lies behind these doors.

He will finally study the arts of magic.

Hoseok contains the dance of happiness he wants to do and turns around. His eyes meet those of the guards. The judgment of once is gone. Nervousness replaced it.

They bow their heads at him, “my lord, I see that you were successful.”

Hoseok blinks his eyes in confusion. Why are they bowing their heads?

“May we help you with anything?”

“No, uh”, he clears his throat, “well, uh, where do I have to go?”

“Please, follow me, my lord.”

“Very well?” Hoseok follows her confusedly.

They have walked quite some time when he finally talks.

“Excuse me?”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Why are you calling me this way?”

“Well, are you not from the royal court?”

“Oh”, now he understands. They must have seen the royal crest and thought that he was of royal blood. Hoseok touches the side of his neck, flustering slightly, “some could say that I am.”

“My lord”, she bows her head, “I hope that our behaviour last time carries no consequences. You must know, we only followed our duties.”

Hoseok doesn’t like to feel superior. Again, he never tells people what his profession once was. But he also likes the sense of victory their apology gives him. They weren’t following duties last time, they were being sexist. Hoseok decides to let them boil in their misunderstanding a while longer.

“I understand. I had already feared that this school was guarded by a bunch of sexists.”

She laughs awkwardly, “no, my lord. Of course not. Everyone is welcome here.”

“Good. I hope it stays this way.”

“Yes, my lord”, she bows, then points at an open door, “the first lecture is here, my lord.”

“Thank you”, Hoseok says and walks off without bowing. His heart might actually fall out of his ribcage. He never felt more nervous before than he did right now. This was the first time he left a conversation without having to bow. Oh he is such a liar. This will have consequences for sure.

And while Hoseok thinks of his own actions, he scans his eyes over the classroom. It is high up in the tower with windows on six of the eight walls. Only the wall with the teaching board and the door have no windows. Two of the windows are facing into the hallways while the other four show the outside world. It is a sunny day, so the class room is flooded with natural light. Big chunks of purple crystal reflect the rays and on most wooden desks, young women were sitting. Small groups of chatting women have already formed. Their conversations die down when Hoseok enters the classroom. Whispers, which aren’t very secret, run through the room. Questions if “this” was a boy, wonders why he was here and rude comments about how he is wrong here all meet Hoseok’s ears.

He swallows down his nerves and lifts his hand to wave at the group of judging women.

“Good day, I am Hoseok. How are you all doing?”

All their heads turn away in sync and Hoseok is left without getting an answer. It stings, as much as it embarrasses him. He probably would have felt like crying when a sweet voice hadn’t called his name. He turns his head.

It is her. The girl, who also came too late and who saved his future back then. She is sitting with two other girls, waving her hand at him.

Hoseok jogs to her with a smile on his lips.

“You made it”, she says.

“You made it as well”, he says.

“I did. Oh, I am so happy to see you. Not only because I know nobody here, but because you made it.”

“I know nobody either. My name is Hoseok”, he says.

“I know, I heard. My name is ___.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, ___.”

“The pleasure is all mine”, you say and continues with a shy gleam in your eyes, “do you want to sit together?”

“Yes, I would like that”, Hoseok says and sits down by the desk next to yours. His heart is fluttering. He is making friends. He doesn’t have to spend his entire academic career as an outsider. He turns his knees to you and gives you a smile.

You retort it.

“How are you doing?”

“Excited. I couldn’t sleep at all because I knew what today would bring. You?”

“Excited as well. And nervous”, Hoseok confesses, “I don’t think that I am very welcome here.”

You scan your eyes over the room. The conversations have become significantly quieter ever since Hoseok is in the room. Confused and judgemental looks meet his direction every now and then.

“It is the first time that a boy is learning magic. I believe that they are all just very confused.”

“I want to believe this as well”, Hoseok agrees and shifts his eyes to the two girls behind you, “nice to meet you.”

One of them has hair as red as fire, while the other has silver hair just like Hoseok. They both looked surprised to be addressed.

“Oh? Oh, uhm. Nice to meet you”, the silver haired girl says, “I’m Becca.”

“I’m Ash, nice to meet you”, the fire-haired girl says.

“Are you three friends?” Hoseok asks.

“No, we have only met today”, you say.

“I see, so we are all in the same boat.”

“We are”, Becca says, “are you really a boy?”

Hoseok nods his head.

“Are you actually allowed here?”

Hoseok shrugs his shoulders, “I managed to get in, so I must be”, he grins, “I am going to become the first sorcerer of these lands.”

��Woah”, Ash gasps, exchanging a look with Becca, “are you allowed to do that?” she is whispering the question as if it was a forbidden secret.

“I decided to rather ask for forgiveness than permission”, Hoseok whispers as well, making the girl snicker and hide their mouths behind their hands. A sense of excited glee washes over their faces. As if they are now part of a secret plan to change the world.

Hoseok smiles proudly, relaxing back into his seat. He feels relieved to know that he won’t be such an outsider here. That was truly his greatest fear.

Hoseok would have continued to chat with his new friends, hadn’t sorceress Selen entered the room, announcing herself with a clear of her throat. The classroom grows silent instantly.

A plethora of sorceresses enter the room behind her, lining up along the front of the classroom.

“Good morning, class”, sorceress Selen says loudly.

“Good morning, sorceress Selen”, the class answers back.

“As you all may know, you are the very few lucky ones who have impressed me. Some more than others”, she says, meeting Hoseok’s eyes long enough that the rest of the class notices. The jealous looks are instant. Hoseok feels hot under them, sinking deeper into his chair in hopes of hiding away.

Sorceress Selen breaks eye contact, scanning her eyes over the class as she talks.

“Remember that there has been a first for anything on earth. Someone had to take the first swim, the first run, someone had to taste sugar for the first time and someone had to have the first hangover. There will never stop being firsts and I ask of you to show the respect I see in every single one of you. Understood?”

It is obvious to all that she meant Hoseok’s presence in these halls. This is a first. Never before was there a boy studying magic in this school. 

“Yes, Sorceress Selen”, the class answers hesitantly.

“Very good. Now, my name is, as you all know, Sorceress Selen. I am the headmistress of this school and I will also be your teacher of glintstone magic”, she says and steps back to allow another sorceress the spotlight.

“My name is Sorceress Zenith. I will be your teacher of magical potions.”

The next sorceress calls herself Ceva, introducing herself as the class’ teacher of magical literature.

Sorceress Ciri will be the teacher of magical history and Sorceress Cintra will teach the ways of magical transformation. The first year will only have five courses, but they promise that the students will have a lot of work to do and that five are very much enough.

“Now that we introduced ourselves, we would like you to do the same. Go on, stand up and introduce yourselves to the class. Be kind, you will spend a lot of time with each other.”

One by one the students stand up and introduce themselves. Hoseok listens intently to all of them, trying his hardest to memorise their names. The class is a good mixture of all social stands, races and nationalities. Hoseok is surprised at how many girls from other queendoms come to this school to learn. He likes it however. It makes his Snow Isles heart feel less alone in being so far from home. He feels his pulse increase the closer to his turn the introductions come and by the time it is finally his turn, his cheeks have started to heat up.

He stands up, looking around the room. All eyes are on him.

“My name is Hoseok, I come from the Snow Isles and I am here to learn magic just like all of you are, I believe, hah”, he says and laughs.

Nobody else laughs. Some even look at him angrily.

He clears his throat nervously, straightening his back.

“I know that you all must be very confused why I am here. A boy here in the school of magic, I know you must want to curse me and call me wrong. I do not blame you, but I want to say that if you need help, I am always willing to help”, he says and smiles, “I want all your very bests”, he says and bows, “thank you”, he says and sits back down.

The eyes linger on him just a little longer before you steal the attention by standing up loudly.

“I am ___. I was born and raised here and I live by the docks with my family. I am here to learn magic just like Hoseok already said”, you say, sending him a playful look, “that is all. Thank you.”

You sit back down, leaning closer to Hoseok to whisper. He leans in as well so he could listen better.

“You stole my joke”, you say and snicker.

“Forgive me, I panicked.”

“It’s alright. It was a good joke.”

Hoseok grins, agreeing with a nod of his head.

The students have free time for the rest of the day. Most use it to move into their chambers. Hoseok does as well. The chambers consist of one small shared room and two connecting bed chambers with a small washing chamber connecting as well. Hoseok arrives last at his shared room.

“Oh, it is you.”

Hoseok is greeted by you, Ash and Becca.

“Are you my new chamber mates?”

“Indeed we are. We were already wondering who might be our fourth chamber mate. Are all of these things yours?”

Hoseok looks at the heap of packages in the middle of the room. He wasn’t even aware of how much he packed.

Hoseok blushes shyly, “yes, they might be mine.”

“Forgive me for asking, but are you a prince?”

“A prince? Me?” Hoseok laughs, shaking his head, “oh goddesses no, I am no prince. I…” he stops himself. He almost exposed that he served Taehyung, prince of the Snow Isles and future queen consort of the Sand Queendom.

“But these are golden hinges. Only those of royalty can afford golden hinges on their travel cases.”

“Well”, Hoseok touches the side of his neck shyly, “I might have served a prince before coming here.”

“A prince?!” his chamber mates all gasp in unison, inching closer as excitement overtakes them.

“Who did you serve?”

“Do we know him?”

“Where is he now?”

“Who is it?”

“We can keep secrets.”

They bombard him with questions. Ash even grasps his lower arm to shake it in excitement.

Hoseok takes a careful step back, lifting his hands in defeat.

“Very well, very well I will tell you”, he gives in.

“Oh this is exciting.”

“I want to know everything.”

“Tell us, please.”

They babble and chat, sitting down on the shared seating to listen to Hoseok. He sits down as well, blushing heavily when they all gather around him with minimal space between their bodies. Their excited eyes are glued to his face.

He clears his throat, “I left the Snow Isles as a servant. The prince I served was promised to a princess and as his lord in waiting it was my duty to follow him and serve him in his new home.”

“But…when you served a prince and he was promised to a princess from these lands, that means…” Becca’s eyes widen as realisation sets in, “that means you are serving prince Taehyung! You were a servant at Queen Ranni’s court!”

They gasp loudly, throwing their hands over their mouths.

“Is it true?”

“Did you truly?”

Hoseok nods his head hesitantly, lowering his eyes shyly.

“By Frenya!”

“This can’t be!”

“Oh this is mindruining!”

You take his lower arm and shake it excitedly, “how is it living at court? Is the Queen as kind as it says she is? Is the princess truly beautiful beyond compare? And prince Taehyung, is he truly such a wonderful soul as everyone says?”

“Yes. Yes, I would say that all of these things are true. The Queen and her daughter supported me in my dream of becoming a sorcerer. They didn’t have to do so and yet they did. And Taehyung”, Hoseok smiles fondly, “Taehyung is my best friend. He didn’t have to support my silly dreams, but he was the first to dream with me. He is the kindest soul you will meet. He truly is.”

“So the sayings are true. The royal family is kind hearted.”

“Yes, they are. They are kind people”, Hoseok says and smiles, “that brings me to something to give me”, he says and stands up, “the princess insisted that I bring presents for my new chamber mates. She must have feared that I would be hated here, so she gave me something to bribe your hearts”, Hoseok explains, making his chamber mates laugh.

He feels good about it. People only laugh at jokes when they like the person telling it. The princess’ worries were useless. He still wants to give them their presents however.

“It isn’t much, but I hope that you will enjoy it nonetheless”, Hoseok says and hands each of his chamber mates a hand woven basket filled with oranges from the castle garden, chocolate from the castle’s kitchen and sweet wine from the royal vineyards.

“These are expensive things. I couldn’t take them”, you refuse, shaking your head.

“No please, the princess insisted that you each get something. It will rot otherwise, so please enjoy it.”

They each accept the gift with shy gleams in their eyes.

“And what about you? What have you done before coming here?” Hoseok asks.

“I worked in the mountains”, Ash says, “I never thought of coming here, but then I discovered my magic by accidentally lifting a stone and my mother encouraged me to seek education so that perhaps one day I can return to the village as a sorceress.”

“I also discovered my magic by sheer luck”, Becca says, “I live by the sea not far from here. One day I helped a fish come to life again. That is when I knew I had to seek help from sorceress Selen and now I am here.”

“Oh your stories are both wonderful, I discovered my magic through stubbornness”, you say with a chuckle on your lips, “each day after waking up, I tried to move my candle until one day I finally did. I told my family and days later sorceress Selen’s letter arrived. I knew I had to take the chance and here I am.”

The girls giggle, but Hoseok can’t find it in himself to laugh. They all know how to do magic already? He believed that all of them are like him, that this school is supposed to awake the magical powers within them.

“What about you? How did you discover your magic?” you ask him.

Hoseok gulps nervously, “I…uh….”

“You have discovered it, haven’t you?”

“Uh..I..uh..”

“You haven’t”, you gasp, exchanging a shocked look with Becca and Ash.

“But how do you know if you even have powers inside you?” Becca asks.

Hoseok touches the side of his neck in soothing. He never thought of that.

“What if you aren’t meant for magic? Not everyone is”, Ash gasps.

Hoseok feels his stomach twist. He never thought of that either. He believed that everyone can learn magic through hard work. He believed that magic slumbers in every person and that through hard work and proper education, they will awake.

“I thought that”, he begins, gulping down the nervous lump in his throat, “I thought that…that it would awake once I am at this school.”

“But how did you get through the application process?”

“What do you speak?”

“How did you manage to perform the spell without magic?”

“What spell?”

“The spell we had to perform to prove that we have magical abilities.”

“I, I didn’t have to perform a spell”, Hoseok stutters.

“So how did you get in?”

“M-maybe she saw something in me?” Hoseok says shyly.

“Alright”, Becca says and scrunches her nose.

Hoseok can see it in her eyes, her once friendly nature is gone. She looks at Ash and you. Ash’s face is cold as well.

“Shall we see if we can meet other people?” Becca asks.

“Yes we shall”, Ash says and stands up.

“That sounds like a good idea”, Hoseok says and stands up as well.

“Not you”, Becca says and drags Ash away from him.

“Oh”, Hoseok stops, feeling his chest sting.

They leave the room without looking back.

Hoseok lowers his head sadly, feeling a deep, deep pain in his heart.

“Well, that was just mean.”

Hoseok turns, studying you. You are frowning at the closed door.

“Are you feeling fine?” you ask him.

Hoseok shrugs his shoulders, pouting sadly.

“I am sorry they treated you this way. I’ve also only met them today, so this surprised me quite a lot.”

“You don’t have to be friendly with me if you don’t want to. I know I’m wrong here and that it seems as if sorceress Selen made a mistake.”

You furrow your brows, “but I want to be kind to you.”

“Oh.”

You pat the spot next to you. Hoseok hesitates at first, but takes it in the end. You turn your knees to him, giving him a sweet smile.

“The trick with magic is that you have to visualise it”, you say and lift one of the oranges Hoseok gifted you, “take this orange for example. Visualise how it floats from my palm”, you explain and demonstrate.

Hoseok gasps, staring at the floating orange in awe.

“It is floating”, he says, meeting your eyes. They changed to a purple colour, “your eyes”, he gasps.

“That means that I am using my magic”, you explain and drop the orange again. The purple glow fades away, revealing your natural eye colour.

“The glow stopped”, Hoseok says, “how did you do this?”

“I practiced a lot. I didn’t always have my magic either, so don’t beat yourself up too much. Not everyone discovers their magic as easily.”

“But how did you manage to discover it? You made an orange float, that is beyond impressive.”

You laugh softly, “it is barely a proper spell.”

“Well, it is more than I can do”, Hoseok says and huffs out air in impatience.

“Try it. Visualise how the orange floats.”

“Alright, alright I will try”, Hoseok says and focuses on the orange in your hand. He tries so very hard. He really, really does but the orange stays unmoving. He gives up after a few tries, sagging his shoulders in defeat, “I cannot do it.”

“Don’t give up already, practice each morning until it finally works”, you encourage him and peel the orange, “come, let us eat oranges for now. I have always wondered how royal oranges taste.”

You break it in the middle as best as possible, handing him the second half. You bite into your own half as if it was an apple, spilling juice down your hands. You slurp it up, humming loudly at the sweet taste.

“So sweet”, you exclaim, giving him a smile, “I love oranges so much. My mother grows an orange tree in our garden. I would like to argue that our oranges taste just as sweet.”

Hoseok feels good in his chest upon receiving your smile. It feels genuine.

“Do you like oranges?”

“Yes”, he says and finally bites into his orange as well, “I love them as well. We don’t have them on the Snow Isles.”

“I can imagine. Your home must be so cold.”

“It is, but I must confess that I miss it a lot.”

“Oh, I can imagine that as well. It must be hard to leave your home and your family.”

“Taehyung is my family, so it wasn’t that hard”, Hoseok says and sighs sadly, “I did leave him now however. I hope he is fine.”

“I am sure that he is. He is the prince, he must have everything that he wishes.”

“Yes, I do believe you are right”, Hoseok says and smiles, “thank you for being so kind to me.”

“Please, don’t thank me for that. Here, do you want to share the chocolate as well?”

The next day starts early, but Hoseok doesn’t mind. He is used to waking up earlier than other people. Work at the castle was always endless and it is the servants’ duties to prepare breakfast before the royal family wakes. Hoseok is used to early mornings, enjoying the calm morning hours. He washes himself in the washing chambers, then uses the hours before class to practice on an orange. Becca and Ash come out of their rooms as he practices.

“Why are you here?” Becca asks.

“Because this is my room as much as it is yours, so we can either make this comfortable for all of us by being grown-up enough to attempt to get along or make it uncomfortable by being childishly hostile. I know what I want to choose”, Hoseok throws back.

She doesn’t know what to say to that and so she drags Ash away to the washing chamber. Hoseok concentrates back on his orange. Visualise it. Visualise it. Come now Hoseok, visualise it.

Becca and Ash leave for breakfast soon, paying Hoseok no mind. Good. Complete neutrality to each other’s existence works for him as well.

“Good morrow.”

Hoseok looks over his shoulder, bowing his head at you.

“Good morrow.”

“You are practicing already? Oh, it is too early”, you grumble and drag your sleepy feet to the washing chambers.

Hoseok concentrates on his orange again, but with no results. You come out of the washing chambers before he could make it float.

“And?”

“I have been practicing for so long, but nothing”, Hoseok says, sighing defeated, “I think it won’t work today.”

“Then you will try again tomorrow”, you say and point at the door, “shall we leave for class?”

“Ah yes, the class”, Hoseok’s eyes light up, “can you believe that we will be taught magic?”

“No, it sounds surreal.”

“It truly does.”

Hoseok and you take the seats you took yesterday. Becca and Ash aren’t by their seats, spreading gossip with some girls in the front. Their chatter dies down when Hoseok enters the classroom and soon one of them walks up to him.

Hoseok lifts his head to look at her.

“I heard that you haven’t found your magic yet”, she says.

Hoseok sends a glare to Becca and Ash. They don’t dare to meet it, seeming oh so innocently shy all of a sudden. Gossiping wenches, Hoseok thinks and looks back at the girl in front of him. It is her. The rude girl from the application day.

“And if I haven’t?” he challenges her.

“Then you are wrong here.”

“Settle down, will you?” you warn, but the girl doesn’t listen.

“This is a school for women who know how to do magic, not spoiled boys who had the queen buy his way into it.”

Hoseok is a peaceful person and a slightly nervous person who doesn’t enjoy confrontation. Which is why it is quite surprising that he also cannot stand to be disrespected. He gets up from his chair, stepping closer to the rude girl until he towers over her.

“How about you tell me your name first before you go around insulting me for no reason whatsoever”, he hisses.

“Caria”, she says with confidence in her eyes.

“Caria”, Hoseok repeats calmly, “thank you, I will make sure to include it in my next letter to the Queen.”

Caria falters, “w-wait.”

“I jest”, Hoseok says and shows her an icy smile, “go back to your seat. Caria.”

Caria scurries off with panic in her eyes. Hoseok sends Becca and Ash a glare until they understand what he is implying, then sits back down again.

This is starting to properly anger him. He knows that he is the first boy attempting to learn magic, but these jealous girls are going too far.

“Don’t let them bring you down”, you whisper to him.

“I am not”, Hoseok says and shifts his eyes to the movement by the door.

He straightens up in shock, gawking at her with widened eyes. It is her. The old woman he helped outside the tower walls.

“Good morrow, class”, she says, dragging her old feet to the middle of the room, “go to your seats now, hop hop.”

Confused chatter goes through the room. Some seem to recognise the woman, while others are asking themselves who she could be. Hoseok is confused as well. Why is the old woman here? Why is she acting as if she was the one to teach?

She scans her eyes over the class, lingering on Hoseok just a little longer. She gives him a nod of her head and a knowing smile. It speaks to him, “I told you that we would see each other again.”

Hoseok feels himself bowing his head at her.

“Now very well, you are all seated”, she says, “how have you accommodated in your chambers? Is all well?”

Hesitant nods let her know the answer.

“That is good to hear. Ah yes, that is good”, she says and touches her lower back, “oh my old bones. Can one of you be so kind and get me a chair?”

Hoseok stands up instantly and hurries to get an empty chair. He carries it to her, helping her sit down by holding her hand gently.

“Oh thank you, dear Hoseok. Thank you.”

More whispering. He knows her? How does she know his name? She notices the whispers as well.

“I see that there is great confusion present in this room”, she says, “some may wonder where they have seen me before, some may wonder why I am here and some may wonder why I have addressed one of our worthy students by their name.”

She straightens her back. She seems healthier by the second.

“The secret is dear students, not all is always as the eyes tell us.”

Her spindly fingers age backwards, her once grey hair gains dark colour again.

“Not every person is simply a person one meets.”

Her once wrinkled face smoothes out. Her clothes, once of poor condition, change into that of obvious wealth.

“And not every test of worth is always based on skill.”

The once old, weak woman has morphed into sorceress Selen. Strong, healthy and with magical youth surrounding her. The girls, who noticed the old woman outside the castle walls gasp in horrid realisation that the old woman had been a test they all failed to pass. The girls, who didn’t notice her, gasp at the wonder of transformation unfolding in front of him. Hoseok doesn’t gasp. Hoseok gawks with widened eyes, unable to accept that this truly happened. This is why sorceress Selen’s words were familiar to him. It is because she said the words back to him he told her mere hours before as he helped her in her disguise. That is why the old woman’s eyes gleamed purple for but a moment. That is why he is here and why she didn’t ask him any questions. He had already passed the test without knowing that there was a test to pass.

“Now that the truth is out there, I assume that it is obvious to all why I kept you waiting for so long during the applications”, she chuckles mischievously, “I must apologise dear students, but I had to wait for the person worthy to pass my test and that person, my dear students, was Hoseok”, she says, pointing at him.

Hoseok gulps under the attention, feeling his cheeks heat up. 

“Congratulations, Hoseok”, she says and gives him a nod of her head.

He bows his head shyly, keeping his eyes lowered because otherwise his cheeks would have been red as cherries.

“And as I have gathered from some of your shocked whispers”, she continues, “some have not passed my test. Caria, Becca, Heva and Toph I ask of you to go back to your chambers and pack your belongings.”

“What?!”

“Yes you have heard me. This was but a lesson for you. A lesson in kindness for I do not accept cruelty in my school.”

“But…what does this mean?”

“It means that you are not worthy of this school.”

“So why did we get in? Why did you send us this joke of a letter?”

“Why I told you. This was but a lesson for you”, sorceress Selene says, “take from it that you need to grow and work on yourselves. As for the rest of my students, take from it that your position in this school is not set in stone. Many have the potential to harbour magic, but not many are worthy of having it. And that this worth is not solely based on skill. Remember this, my young apprentices.”

“So why is Hoseok here? He doesn’t even know if he has magic inside”, Caria spits, making his heart race in panic.

Sorceress Selen’s features darken.

“Have you no functioning ears to listen? I just told you that worth is not only based on skill. Oh you disappoint me, child.”

Caria closes her mouth.

Sorceress Selen clears her throat and continues, “I get the feeling that Hoseok isn’t the only one who still needs to discover his magic. A barking dog often intimidates those more timid to silence”, she says and she looks at a few girls who seem incredibly shy all of a sudden. Almost as if they were scared to be found out that they neither know how to access their magic. Sorceress Selene looks at Caria and Becca, “wouldn’t you agree?”

“Sorceress Selene, I would like to apologise”, Becca says.

“Oh there is no need. Come back again once you are worthy”, Sorceress Selene says and with a snap of her fingers, makes the four girls she called out disappear.

Loud uproar goes through the room.

“Have no fear, they are just fine. I merely helped them with returning to their rooms. They will have all the time in the world to pack their belongings”, she says and stands up from the chair, “now let us truly begin the lesson. Who of you hasn’t mastered their access to magic yet?”

Hoseok lifts his hand, looking around the room. He is the only one. A deep pit of despair begins to open in his stomach until suddenly, very timidly a girl lifts her hand as well. Ash. She lied in fear of being found out. Another soon lifts her hand after her. Then a third and a fourth until six people including Hoseok and Ash have their hands raised.

“As I have figured”, Sorceress Selene says, “well done, my dear students. Honesty will bring you further than deception. Now, can any of you tell me what gives us our magical abilities?”

“The planets?”

“That is a good answer. Any other ideas?”

“The ocean?”

“Oh most definitely. The ocean can be a powerful source.”

“So many things can be used as a source?”

“Now you are asking the right questions. Indeed they can. However there is one thing which combines them all, which infuses them with magic so we could harbour it”, she says and lifts a purple crystal.

Whispering again.

“Yes, yes indeed. You recognise these crystals, they grow all over these grounds and are often found on our beaches. Glintstone. It is found all over this continent and has been here long before we came.”

You lift your hand.

“Yes dear ___?”

“Where does it come from? Did time form it?”

“Oh no. No, time merely preserved it and allowed the magic in it to become more potent. Long before the age of life, there were the dragons. Not dragons as we know these days, but dragons as big as entire continents. They were beings outside time and created the lands we walk on today. One of these dragons, Razula, was sick. While other dragons breathed ice, fire and molten earth, she breathed glintstone. With each breath she passed, new crystals formed and allowed her magical essence to crystallise. Her illness killed her in the end as the glintstone solidified her flesh. She died where, these days, our Glass Mountains range.”

Ash raises her hand.

“Yes, dear Ash?”

“Does this mean that the Glass Mountains are made out of her corpse?”

“Yes, indeed it does.”

Shared gasps of wonder go through the room.

“She must have been so big.”

“Indeed she was. Our very own mountain, the one catching the ocean and holding this very city secure is part of Razula. The very end of her tail to be more exact.”

Another round of shared gasps.

Hoseok lifts his hand.

“Yes, dear Hoseok?”

“Does that mean that the glintstone she breathed soaked our continent with magic, so we could harbour different elements for magic these days?”

“Very good, indeed it does.”

“So why can we harbour the planets?”

“That is a very good question. You see, our planet isn’t the only one formed by the dragons. Many more are children of them, which is why we have access to their powers.”

“So there were more dragons like Razula?”

“Why would you wonder this?”

“Because glintstone is what gives a source its magic. There must have been more dragons like Razula, otherwise we couldn’t harbour the planets.”

Sorceress Selen smiles proudly. She nods her head.

“It is not with certain proof, but yes it is said that there were more dragons like Razula, who infused the planets with their glintstone and who made it possible so that we can harbour them these days.”

You ask the next question, “why is it not with certain proof?”

“Because travelling between planets or even universes has not been achieved yet.”

Agreeable nods go through the room. This answer sounds logical to all. Sorceress Ciri, the teacher for magical history, enters the room then. She carries a flat wooden box.

“Oh, Ciri! The perfect time! Now dear students, I have a small present for each of you”, sorceress Selen says as sorceress Ciri begins handing out small glintstones, “your very own glintstone. Take great care of it, practice with it and feel its magical properties. That is my task for you.”

Ash lifts her hand.

“Yes, dear Ash?”

“How do we feel its magical property?”

“Oh that is a complicated question. How does one feel anything? Feelings must be felt, they cannot be conceptualised. But very well, to make it easier for you, my young students, magic gives the very tips of your fingers a warm tingle to it. Try to find this tingle and you will have taken yet another step into the right direction.”

A warm tingle. Hoseok looks down at the purple glintstone in his palm. He closes his finger around it. A warm tingle. That is what he needs to look out for. A warm tingle and then he will finally feel worthy of being here.

The weeks are spent practicing with the glintstone sorceress Selen gave each student. During the early hours, the students learn about magic, its history and what can be achieved with it and during the later hours, the students are meant to practice and study in the grande library. Hoseok enjoys his time. He wakes up excited each day, he pays utter attention in the lessons and practices until late into the night. The other students stopped avoiding him now that Caria and Becca weren’t present anymore. Ash and two other students even practice with him each day, exchanging frustrations when the warm tingle never comes.

Hoseok lifts his head upon hearing yet another cheerful exclaim of one his fellow students.

“Sorceress Selen! It is floating!”

“Very good, dear Ainar. Continue this connection”, the sorceress praises and continues her rounds through the classroom.

Hoseok looks at his fellow students. Ainar was one of the people who always practiced with him. Three other people also already learned how to connect to their inner magic. Only he and Ash are still struggling.

“Sorceress Selen! I am doing it!”

Hoseok looks at Ash and the floating glintstone before her.

“Very good, dear Ash. Keep practicing.”

“Good job Ash, you’re finally doing it”, Ainar encourages her with excitement in her eyes.

“You’re doing so well”, Hoseok tells her, earning himself a proud grin.

“Thank you, oh look at me.”

“You are like a proper sorceress now.”

“Yes, yes I am”, Ash giggles.

Hoseok breaks his eyes away from her, trying to hide his disappointment. He is happy for his fellow students for finally finding their powers, but he also can’t deny that he feels like an utter failure himself.

“Hoseok?”

He lifts his head upon being called, meeting sorceress Selen’s eyes.

“Yes?”

“Why are you not practicing?”

“Forgive me, I just took a quick break”, he says and looks at the stone.

“Don’t give up. Yes?”

Hoseok nods his head and takes a deep breath, lifting his hands to continue practicing. He will not be able to lift the stone during the lesson.

They have the weekend free this week and most students use it to finally visit their homes again. Hoseok does as well. He leaves in the early hours of the morning, cradling the glintstone in his pocket and with an orange from the tower gardens to give him energy. He feels happy at the thought of finally seeing Taehyung again, but also a sense of tread because he won’t return as a sorcerer already. He feels like a failure. Why is it so easy for anyone but him to find their magic? Was Caria right? Is he truly not meant to be a sorcerer?

“Hoseok!”

He stops in front the tower walls upon being called, looking over his shoulder. You are running to him, waving your hands.

“Wait up!”

He does. He waits until you reach his side.

“Are you visiting prince Taehyung?”

“I am. Are you visiting your family?”

“Indeed I am”, you say and point at the road, “do you have to walk this way as well?”

“I do.”

“Do you want to walk together?”

“Yes, I would like that”, he says and gives you a smile.

One you retort.

So you and he wander down the road side by side. You pull out two oranges from your pocket.

“I have oranges. Do you want one?”

“Oh?” Hoseok pulls out his own orange, “me too.”

“Oh? Look at us”, you say, having to laugh.

Hoseok laughs as well.

“These oranges are just too delicious.”

“Indeed they are.”

“Ah”, you sigh happily, lifting your head to look at the golden roofs above your head. The sun reflects off the colourful houses and paints the streets in lively colours. It will be a very hot day today, the air smells of it.

“I think I might swim in the ocean later”, you say.

“Yes, that sounds like a good time”, Hoseok says.

“And you? Are you going to practice even during your free time?”

“I am.”

“Oh, Hoseok you work too hard.”

“I am not. You have it easy, you even found your worth in magic already. I still haven’t found my connection to it. I am two steps behind”, Hoseok says and sighs in defeat.

“It will come one day. I promise.”

“Maybe”, he says and sighs again, “can we talk about something else?”

“Of course. What are your favourite beaches to go to?”

“The blue lagoons by the castle.”

“I should have figured. They must very beautiful.”

“They indeed are.”

“You know my brother really likes to swim.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, I am most certain that he will ask me the moment I come home. We always go swimming together.”

“That sounds like a special time for you and your brother.” 

“Oh yes it is. He is already ten and three of age, but knows how to swim since only three of age.

“Truly?”

“Yes, I was the one who taught him. I was the age he is now when I taught him. I think that is why it is such a special time for us these days.”

“It sounds very special. I am glad that you have such a deep connection with your brother. I could never form such a deep bond with my sister.”

“You have a sister?” 

“Yes, she is older than me by ten years. Just like you and your brother”, Hoseok says with a grin.

You retort it.

“We played a lot when we were younger but when she grew of marriage age, she wanted to spend her time socialising, instead of playing with her childish brother. She is already married and has children these days and I am happy for her. We write a lot of letters to each other, but I never had such special moments with my sister when I was in adolescence. Thank you for being such an older sister to your brother, he might not show it all the time, but those moments mean the world to him.” 

“Thank you for saying this”, you say, feeling incredibly warm in your chest, “I truly love my brother. You know, he dreams of being a sorcerer.”

“I know.” 

“How do you know?” 

“You told me.” 

“I did?” 

Hoseok nods his head, “the day of the applications. You witnessed Caria slap my arm and then asked if I was hurt. You offered me your water skin and told me about your brother and his dreams.” 

“I did, now I remember again. You remembered all this time?” 

“I did. If I may be blunt, I remember you quite vividly from this day. You ran late as well and were sweating just as much as I did.”

You laugh. 

“It is because of you that the guards even allowed me entrance.” 

“Truly?”

“Yes, they refused at first because I am a boy.” 

“No. Truly?” 

“Yes, sadly.”

"Oh, how rude. This wasn’t their right to do.” 

“Worry not, I already paid them back.” 

“You did?” 

“I pretended to be royalty on the first day because they saw the royal carriage I came in.” 

“And they believed you?.” 

“They even apologised.”

“Oh”, you let out and laugh loudly. 

Hoseok laughs with you. 

“Serves them right. Nobody should be refused access just because they are a boy.”

“Yes, I agree.” 

You and Hoseok converse until the conjuncture where you have to go your separate ways.

“I have to go this way”, you tell him.

“I have to go this way”, Hoseok says and points in the opposite direction.

“So I believe that this is where we have to say our goodbyes.”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“Do you want to come with me for a bit? I would love to introduce you to my family.”

“I feel beyond honoured, but I truly have to go. Knowing Taehyung, he is already waiting impatiently.”

“I see”, you sag your shoulders in defeat but shake it off quickly, giving him a smile, “there will be a next time.” 

“I believe so. I will bring chocolates then.”

“Oh, they would love them so much”, you say with sparkling eyes. 

“Very well then. I will see you again next week”, Hoseok bows his head at you, “have a good weekend.”

“You too. See you soon”, you say and leave with a wave of your hand.

Hoseok watches you skip down the street. You turn when some distance is between you and him, searching for him. Your face lights up when you see him. You lift your arm to wave at him one last time, doing so until Hoseok finally waves back. You turn with a big smile on your face, skipping happily until the crowd swallows you and Hoseok cannot see you anymore. He smiles to himself and turns to take on the road to the castle. It isn’t far anymore.

Taehyung is waiting by the gates, jumping into a sprint the moment he notices Hoseok. He calls his best friend’s name, falling around his neck with such vigour that Hoseok stumbles from the impact. He even wraps his legs around his waist, knocking a belting laugh out of Hoseok, who is destined to carry his weight.

“You are such a rascal”, he laughs.

“I missed you. I missed you terribly!” Taehyung tells him in excited yelps.

“I missed you as well”, Hoseok says and drops him gently. He hugs him back as tightly as he can, “I was so excited for today.”

“Me too, oh me too.”

They hug for some time, breaking apart only because hugging for an entire day is rather frowned upon by the public for a prince and his servant to do. 

“How have you been?”

“Good. You?”

“Good, just so incredibly bored without you. I keep rereading the letters you sent me and everything you describe sounds so interesting”, Taehyung babbles as the two men walk to Taehyung’s leisure room. 

“The school is wonderful. I keep finding myself pinching my own skin because I cannot believe that it is real.”

“I can imagine. Is it really true that there is glintstone everywhere?” 

“Yes, it is everywhere. Look”, Hoseok says and shows Taehyung the small glintstone. 

Taehyung gasps, widening his eyes in curiosity. 

“Sorceress Selen gave each of us a glintstone to practice magic on. It grows everywhere.”

“Is it true that it makes the faintest sound when you brush your hand against it?”

“It does. Even air makes it sing.”

“How wonderful”, Taehyung gasps, “can I touch it? Please?” 

“Yes, once we are sitting down. I do not want to lose it.”

“I understand. It must be very precious, mustn’t it?” 

“Yes. It is supposed to help me find my connection to magic.” 

Taehyung and Hoseok have reached his room, sitting down by Taehyung’s painting table.

“Are still having troubles with it?”

“Sadly I do”, Hoseok says, “I do not know why it is so terribly hard for me, but it is.”

“Do not lose hope yet. I am certain that it will come to you very soon.”

Hoseok gives him a smile before lifting the stone into his vision.

“Do you want to hold the stone now?”

“Yes. May I truly?” 

“Yes. Open your palm.”

Taehyung rests his hand palm side up on the table, watching with curious eyes as Hoseok places the stone into his palm carefully.

“It is cold.”

“It is. I have been carrying it in my pocket all day.”

“How is that possible? You should have warmed it.”

“Indeed, but glintstone never warms up unless its magic is channeled. Isn’t it wonderful? It stays cold no matter how much you warm it.” 

“This is remarkable”, Taehyung whispers, caressing it gently, “and it is truly a dragon’s breath?” 

“Yes. Razula. She existed long before our time with the other dragons.”

“I know. Her body makes up the Glass Mountains these days. Oh Hoseok, you have no idea how often I reread your letters. I learn so much about this continent because of you. It is so fascinating. We are walking on the creation of dragons. Dragons so big they form entire mountain ranges and countries. I cannot believe it, yet it is true.”

“It is beyond fascinating, isn’t it?” 

“Yes. I feel so excited each time a new letter arrives. Your chamber mates sound so wonderful as well.”

“They are. We didn’t get along at first because they were weary of me because I am a boy, but we talk a lot these days.”

“That is so wonderful to hear. The girl you share a chamber with sounds very kind.”

“Yes ___, she is the kindest person. She paid me company when nobody else did. She is very kind”, Hoseok says and blinks his eyes dreamily.

“Beautiful as well?”

“Oh yes, quite beautiful actually”, Hoseok says. He sees no weirdness in Taehyung’s question as the young prince calls many people beautiful. He is an artist after all and sees beauty in all shapes and forms.

“Do I sense a hint of affection in your voice?” Taehyung asks, sending sudden nervousness to Hoseok’s chest. The mischief in Taehyung’s eyes only strengthen Hoseok’s coyness.

“What? No, not like this. Oh, I would never disrespect her in such ways”, Hoseok insists with flushed cheeks.

“You keep mentioning her in your letters.”

“Yes, well. Well, that is because…Taehyung no, I would never. She shows no signs of interest. How disrespectful would it be of me to see her in such a light? She is merely a very good friend.”

Taehyung grins knowingly, “very well, if you say so.”

Hoseok clears his throat loudly, wishing for his pulse to slow down again. 

Taehyung places the glintstone on the table and scoots closer to Hoseok.

“Do you have more stories to tell? I want to know everything you learn and experience”, he ask.

“Mhm”, Hoseok thinks for a moment, “I do”, he exclaims.

“Tell me. I want to know”, Taehyung is practically sitting on the edge of his seat in utter curiosity.

“Long ago there was a sorcerer at this school.”

“A sorcerer? So boys can learn magic?”

“Yes, well”, Hoseok hesitates for a moment, “forget it. I just remembered that this is a rather sad story to tell.”

“No please. Now you must tell me. What happened to the sorcerer?”

“Well”, Hoseok begins with a saddened sigh, “we have entrance to a system of caves. The caves are filled with glintstone, their songs always fill the air.”

“Oh how wonderful.”

“The sorcerer always practiced his spells in these caves and because he was surrounded by their potent magic, his powers grew more and more each day.”

“Oh no, this doesn’t sound good. Did he hurt someone?”

Hoseok shakes his head, “do you know that the glintstone breath was Razula’s curse?”

Taehyung nods his head, “yes, it was a sickness which killed her in the end. She turned to glintstone and died this way.”

“The sorcerer suffered the same fate.”

Taehyung gasps.

“One day, the magic grew too powerful for him and turned him into glintstone. His crystallised body is still in the caves until this day.”

“Oh this terrible. I feel so sad for him”, Taehyung gasps, “what a gruesome way to die.”

“Indeed”, Hoseok agrees.

They share a moment of silence in respect of the cursed sorcerer.

“He is the reason why there aren’t boys allowed at school.”

“What say you?!”

“Yes”, Hoseok nods his head, “Sorceress Ciri, she teaches magical history, told us that because of him, the school decided not to take boys as students. She said that his greed for power would show in other boys as well and they did not want to risk it.”

“This is terribly unjust. This sorcerer was greedy, but it wasn’t because he was a boy.”

“Indeed. Some of my fellow students said the same thing. I felt very welcome when they said it.”

Taehyung smiles, “I think it is very good that they spoke up”, he caresses his friend’s arm, “and that you managed to get in.”

“Yes, me too. Now all I have to do is find my connection to magic. Oh Taehyung, I feel so helpless. Everyone in my class has already found their connection. Some even found their worth already, while still I haven’t found my connection yet.”

“Their worth?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head to the side in question.

“There is magic all around us and everyone can find a connection to it. However, only a few are worthy to truly wield magic. The worthy people are marked by the magic. Some grow purple markings on their skin, for some their eyes change into a purple shade and for others, their hair turns purple. It is a visual sign that the magic deemed this person worthy. It isn’t just enough to connect to it, the magic must accept the person.”

“So it isn’t truly the person’s decision to learn magic, but that of magic itself?”

“Yes”, Hoseok says and sighs in defeat, “and I even struggle to connect to it. How should it ever see me worthy?”

“Well”, Taehyung begins, “Sorceress Selen thinks you worthy and I believe that this must mean something.”

“What if she was wrong about me?”

“I truly do not think that she was. I also think that you are worthy.”

“I know. Thank you. At least one of us needs to believe.”

“Yes, I will continue to believe. I will believe with such passion that it will be enough for both of us.”

Hoseok smiles fondly at his best friend.

“You are truly such a light, Tae”, he says and reaches out to caress his hand, “I am grateful to have you as my best friend.”

[turtlethebean]

Rarepair Week Day 3: Letters

Note: Spoilers ahead for season 3.

AO3 Link: Waiting for your Letter - Turtle_The_Bean - Criminal Case (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

Another day, another empty letterbox.

Rupert checked his calendar. He wasn’t used to waiting this long for a letter. At this point, it had been several weeks since he sent his last letter. He knew it wasn’t an issue with the postal service; his colleagues had been receiving letters from friends and family abroad with no problem. He would usually pass it off as his boyfriend being busy, but that seemed unlikely at this point. He hadn’t taken this long to write before, and it wasn’t like the Bureau had too much work for him. Rupert had even seen his colleagues on the news, though Armand was nowhere to be seen in the photos and videos.

He closed the letterbox and was about to head up to his apartment when a familiar hand was placed on his shoulder.

“Yo, Rupert,” Amir Devani, Rupert’s apprentice, smiled at the older man as he turned around, “One of David and Alex’s old coworkers is here. She used to work for the Bureau; isn’t that awesome? You should join us.”

Once Rupert heard the Bureau being mentioned, he instantly agreed to meet her. He needed answers as to why Armand wasn’t answering his letters. There was no guarantee she would know anything about what was going on with him, but it was worth a shot.

---

The majority of the Grimsborough Police Department was crowded around Grace, asking her a flurry of questions regarding her work at the Bureau. If Rupert wanted to get closer to her, he knew he would have to wait.

However, his patience was growing thin. He needed to know what was going on with Armand. He needed to know if he was still alive or even just busy with work or travel. He silently begged for an opening, a way for him to get close enough to ask her some questions.

“GRACE!” Amir called out, “I GOT A FRIEND HERE WHO WANTS TO MEET YOU!”

Grace got off her seat and walked over to Rupert. He started mentally preparing himself to ask her the question. He just needed a few words. He couldn’t mess this up.

“I hoped you’d be back, Amir.” Grace smiled warmly at the lab assistant.

“Yeah, I just need to get old Rupert here out of his apartment.” Amir nudged his mentor playfully.

“Good afternoon, Miss Delaney,” Rupert extended a hand to shake, “I’d like to ask you a question about a person who works at the Bureau if you don’t mind.”

It was a bit wordier than he had intended, but at least he had gotten his point across.

“Oh, well, out of what I know, I’m the only one from Grimsborough. There was a member from England, but I doubt you’d have any interest in a teenager.” Grace explained, trying to figure out who he was talking about on her own.

“He’s not from England. He’s Swiss, actually. His name is Armand Dupont. Would you happen to know how he’s doing right now? Even where he is at the moment?”

“Armand Dupont…” Grace’s face fell upon hearing the name, “Rupert, I am so sorry.”

Don’t.

“It may be best for us to talk about this in private.”

“No, it’s alright.” Please, don’t say it.

“Alright, if you say so…”

Please, it can’t be.

“I’m sorry, Rupert, but Dupont…Armand…passed away.”

No.

“He was shot in the chest during a confrontation with a criminal. They managed to remove the bullet, but his body couldn’t take the surgery.”

No.

“He died the same night we accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. I wish he could’ve been there with us, but…”

No. No! NO!

“Thank you for the information, Miss Delaney,” Rupert said, brushing past everyone else as he left the room.

Once he left the room, Rupert felt as though the floodgates were about to burst. He rushed himself somewhere private, his laboratory and closed the door before collapsing to the ground. Tears started flooding down his face as he curled up in a ball on the floor.

He couldn’t believe this. It couldn’t be true. His love couldn’t be dead.

Was it wrong that he didn’t want to believe that anything was real anymore?

---

How long had he been on this floor?

Rupert didn’t know how long he had been crying on the floor. For all he knew, it could be anywhere between five minutes and five hours. He couldn’t get up. His legs felt like jelly anytime he tried. Even using the table didn’t help. He just kept falling back down to the floor. It was as though he was trying to climb his way out of a hole, but he kept sliding back down to the bottom.

He still couldn’t believe the news. He still didn’t want to believe the news.

Did he have any choice?

A knock at the laboratory door. He didn’t have the strength to open it himself.

“Come in.” He called out, not bothering to try to get up again.

The creak of the door and then the clicking of heels filled the room as Grace approached him.

“Sorry to bother you.” She began, her face solemn.

“It’s fine; I’ve just been sitting on the floor for…I’ll be honest, I have no clue how long it’s been now.” He sighed, burying his head in his hands.

“I just thought I’d find you to give you this.”

Rupert looked up to see that Grace was handing him a folded-up piece of paper. He took it from her, unsure if he should unfold it.

“I found it when we were clearing out Dupont’s library. I thought the address seemed familiar, so I decided to keep it on me in case. It seemed important.”

“Thank you, Miss Delaney,” Rupert gave her a weak smile, “I mean it. Thank you.”

“Of course. Feel free to call me if you need anything else.”

Rupert nodded as he watched her leave his laboratory. He finally mustered up the strength to pull himself up onto one of the chairs in his lab. He got up, turned on one of the table lamps and took a deep breath before unfolding the letter.

My dearest Rupert,

I’m writing to inform you that I have received your last letter. However, there is more I wish to tell you.

I miss you. I have this horrible feeling that I may never see you again, but given that we will be in America sometime soon, I hope to have the opportunity to see you again. I miss sitting next to you as we read books and occasionally told each other about our interests.

Even if we never meet again, I hope that you know that I love you.

The letter ended there. Incomplete, but even just seeing the handwriting again made Rupert tear up.

He had been so afraid – afraid that Armand had fallen out of love with him, afraid that he had become too busy for him, afraid that losing his love was going to be the same as him losing his life.

In actuality, his love was alive. Sure, he had physically passed away, but his spirit lived on in this letter.

A letter he would cherish for the rest of his life.

[vagueandominousvibes]

Hi @quorou! I'm a little later in posting this than I would've liked to, but here's the rest of the gift exchange from Discord. It may have been a little longer than I expected. Hope you enjoy it :)

(Fanfic under the cut — 1,377 words, contains some light Vio/Red)

You'll Be Brilliant

Books. Old books, forgotten books, abandoned books. They had been Vio’s treasures for as long as he could remember. They had taught him everything he knew of magic, from how to sprout a seed to how to summon rainfalls during summer droughts. The little chest in the back of Town Hall Library had taught him everything his home could need.

Then, one winter night at the end of the year, the mayor had invited his family to share in their Midwinter Feast. There weren’t large gaps between the social layers of their town, but Vio’s mother had been honoured nonetheless, and Vio and his younger twin-brothers were told to dress up nicely and behave themselves. After all, the mayor had a lovely daughter, and maybe one of them could make a good impression. (Vio desperately hoped it wouldn’t be him.)

Wrapped in their nicest capes they trudged through the snow, carefully avoiding the muddy puddles where carts had passed along the road. 

Vio still remembered his mother’s hair before him, carefully braided and pinned in a rose at the nape of her neck, with dried flowers woven into it. He had whispered a spell under his breath as they walked, and the flowers had brightened and grown into a midwinter crown of holly and rosehips.

At the mayor’s they had been kindly greeted and invited into the sitting room, but there were no lovely daughters there. Instead, a tall bearded man, narrow and ageing, warmed his hands on the fireplace. Fine embroideries, brushed furs, velvet, and polished leather caught the firelight, and when he turned towards them, piercing blue eyes landed on Vio’s mother’s midwinter crown.

“A fine spell,” he acknowledged. “This is your work?”

Vio’s mother curtsied. “My oldest son’s, sir.”

The piercing eyes shifted to Vio, who straightened and inclined his head.

“Come here, boy.”

Vio approached.

The man caught Vio’s chin and turned his face this way and that, examining it in the light. Unreadable, he let go and turned to Vio’s hands. 

Vio had never been embarrassed by the callouses — indeed, had been proud to show that he had worked hard to take care of his mother and brothers — but under this man’s gaze he wished he could withdraw his hands and hide them.

Finally, the man said, “You have potential,” and turned to the mayor and Vio’s mother. “I will take him.”

Vio’s mother curtsied deeply, while the mayor bowed. “Thank you, sir. I am certain he will make you as proud as he has made us.”

The man didn’t look at Vio. “That remains to be seen.” He stepped away from the fireplace, and Vio hid his hands in his sleeves. “Red! We are departing.”

Footsteps sounded from the kitchen, and a dark-eyed golden-haired boy, likely a year or so younger than Vio, in a red waistcoat, dark trousers, and polished leather boots, emerged carrying a bundle of sweet pastries. “Ready!” The boy grinned.

The man shook his head, though his gaze softened. “Leave some for the good folk, Red.”

“But they said I could have it!”

The man raised an eyebrow.

“Fine.” Red handed the bundle to one of Vio’s brothers, keeping two pastries only. “They taste amazing. Enjoy them.”

Vio’s brother blinked.

Then Red was at the man’s side. “So?”

“If he has the aptitude for more refined spells is yet to be seen.” The man inclined his head towards the mayor and Vio’s mother, then headed for the door.

Red offered Vio a grin and one of the remaining pastries. “He’s always like that. I’m sure you’ll be brilliant. What’s your name?”

Red, Vio soon learned, had a talent. Where Vio spent long nights memorising words and phrases of power, and poring over ancient tomes in the Royal Library, Red’s magic was instinctual. In all the years Vio spent as an apprentice to the Royal Mage of Hyrule, he never saw Red read a single book on magic theory or spellwork.

Where Vio struggled, Red breezed through. And by all that was holy, Vio envied him. Not that Red made a point of his talents — not at all. Red was sweet, kind, and full of joy. He helped Vio when he could, spent his afternoons working with herbists and helping out in the infirmary, and experimented with new and convoluted spells that, to him, came as easy as breathing.

Which was why it came as a shock to Vio when Red decided to leave.

Vio stared at him across the dining table, his turkey slices and pudding forgotten.

The Royal Mage put his silverware down and folded his hands. “I cannot say I’m surprised.”

“Really?” Red laughed.

“You are a brilliant mage, but you never took to your training as much as I hoped.”

“I just find it a little tedious.”

“So I gather.” The Royal Mage’s eyes twinkled. “Well.” He picked his silverware back up. “Where will you go?”

“I want to see the world. I’ve saved up enough money to keep me comfortable for a year or so — or maybe start a business somewhere. I know a lot about herbs and healing, but I would like to know more.” Red smiled. “I would like to help people.”

When it was polite to do so, Vio excused himself. For ten years, Red had been a fixture in his life. It had seemed inevitable that Red would become the next Royal Mage, and that Vio would become his assistant. Indeed, if anyone left, it would have been Vio. 

He had fantasised about it occasionally: about returning home to his mother and brothers; about settling back into small-town life; about meeting a clever merchant or traveller his own age, who wouldn’t be opposed to settling down.

Of course he had always known it was a fantasy. Going back would be admitting defeat — to himself, to his mother, to his brothers, and to his home. He would not disappoint them.

Still, that tantalising fantasy had made staying feel like a choice — like he could get up and leave anytime, but chose to stay. Chose to learn. Chose to practice. The castle floors felt cold and unfamiliar under his feet, as if he had never truly noticed them until now. The halls felt vast, dark, and frightening. Now, he had no choice.

He hurried through the cold and the dark, up the spiralling staircases to the East Spire, and murmured quiet words to escape the notice of guards and servants until he could close the heavy wooden door behind himself and collapse onto his bed.

Some time later a knock on the door disturbed his darkness. Softly the door opened and closed. Footsteps approached the bed. The magic that always seemed naturally attracted to Red  — that gathered around him like a warm glow — illuminated his face and his hair, and flickered in his eyes.

“Hi.” Red sat next to him.

“Hi.” Vio’s voice cracked.

“Were you sleeping?”

“No.”

Red nodded. The magic around him brightened, creating a bubble of light around the bed. He looked down and fiddled with the edge of the covers. “Remember what I told you that first day when we picked you up?”

“That I’ll be brilliant.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m nothing compared to you.”

“That’s not true,” Red admonished. “You’ll be the next Royal Mage and you know it.”

“It’s not like I have a choice.”

“You always have a choice.”

“Not now. He won’t have time to train someone else.”

“So you don’t want to become the Royal Mage?”

Vio pinched his lips together in a thin line.

“Vio.” Red shuffled closer and leaned over him. Even when Red wasn’t smiling, the crinkles around his eyes and the dimples in his cheeks were never far from the surface. 

Vio looked away.

Red blew a stream of warm tickling air directly into his ear.

“Hey!” Vio shoved him off and sat up, rubbing his ear. 

Red was laughing.

“Rude.”

“Are you done being miserable?”

“I’m not miserable.”

“Sure.”

Vio sighed. “Fine. Yes. I do want to become the Royal Mage. I just don’t know if I’m good enough.”

“You’re everything a future Royal Mage would want to be, and more.” Red took his hands and smiled. “You’ll be brilliant.” Softly, he kissed Vio’s palms.

[bereft-of-frogs]

I have a new crackpot theory that is sure to get proven wrong

under the cut for spoilers and...length...(got out of hand)

I wonder if Torbin's crime was leaving Mae behind.

This is like, the opposite of the other theory I've already commented on (that the conflict sparks because the Jedi also want to take Mae) but idk. Maybe it's not what we think.

Vernestra in this last episode seems particularly upset that Sol never mentioned the possibility that the other girl lived (it seems like Sol never even mentioned that there WAS a sister), maybe because she was afraid exactly what ended up happening would happen (Mae gets scooped up by the Sith) and also neither Torbin nor Indara seem particularly surprised that Mae's still alive. It is possible that Indara thought it was Osha, but she does see the mark and that's when she's like 'what are YOU doing here' so it seems like she knows it's Mae and isn't like 'omg you're alive what' so it definitely seems like she knew Mae survived. And Torbin specifically says he's been waiting for her.

Sol is the only one insisting that she had to be dead, and no one could have survived the fall. So maybe, with his attention on Osha in that chunk of time we're missing between them escaping and her waking up, he doesn't notice Mae surviving, but the others encounter her on their way out and choose deliberately to leave her alone for some reason. (Maybe they're spooked by her power, she definitely seems like the stronger of the twins and obviously she's got some real dark stuff going on already.) And that might be something the Council would get upset about, judging by Vernestra's reaction. And enough to feel profoundly guilty about, leaving behind an 8 year old because you were scared of her power?

Whether Kelnacca knew she was alive or not remains to be seen (or might remain a mystery idk), but judging by all the marks he's drawn all over his walls, it seems like he was investigating something about the coven's power or history?

Anyway, also I'm currently placing all my money on it being Qimir behind the mask lol. I rewatched that monologue and obviously the voice has been altered but I feel like there are a couple lines that suspiciously resemble Manny Jacinto's cadences. Also that tonal switch when he tells Mae 'he'll kill you' (I saw someone else point out there was also a tonal shift when he tells Osha 'you look just like her' that's kind of suspicious), the fact that he knows so much and keeps prodding her on the riddle...it's SO him. I'm not discounting there being another Sith master though (maybe that he's the apprentice and someone else is pulling the strings)...

...I do just wish people would stop theorizing it's Vernestra haha. As I said before, if Vernestra turns out to be Sith it would take Leslye Headland, Justina Ireland, and Tessa Gratton all coming, in person, to my home to explain themselves for me to accept it. Otherwise, I would have to just believe it's two separate characters that happen to share the same name, species, and relative age. Hey, what a coincidence!

Just with three books left in the series, and judging by where we've just left Vernestra, it would take something MASSIVE to get her to the point of 'yeah I'm going full dark side'. And I feel like it would just be an asshole move to hijack that storyline with such an extreme twist this late in the game. Like...idk maybe they would but...it would be an asshole move to take someone else's character and 15+ books into a series be like 'oh surprise twist that undermines everything'. And you cannot say 'well it's been 100 years maybe something happens in between' because that's just shitty storytelling, it hasn't been 100 years for me, it's been four days since I finished Temptations of the Force, you cannot ask me to reconcile the Vernestra Rwoh who confronts the Eye of the Nihil herself and gets them across the stormwall, with a secret Sith manipulating everything from the shadows based on stuff happening off-page/screen. I cannot see it.

I DO however totally see where the cracks could form with her relationship with the Senate. I bet you the Senate accepts Marchion Ro's deal to save them from the blight and the Jedi feel betrayed by that and that's why she's like 'fuck the Senate, we do this on our own'. I think that would make sense for her last big unresolved relationship arc, her issues with Elzar, because Elzar has just committed to being the liaison between the Order and the Senate. (I do think they're going to get over though, Elzar mentions twice that he wants to give her Stellan's lightsaber and he doesn't, I don't think they'd do something that significant off-page, I bet that will close out this arc on a good note.) And it would be some juicy conflict between her and her non-Jedi friends, like I'm sure Cair and Jordanna having seen the effects of the blight, would be on board with doing whatever it takes to stop it, but I can also see some of the Jedi characters feeling betrayed by that, like they've been left to deal with the Nameless on their own for so long and now they feel like they're getting sold out by people they thought they could trust to the exact person who's been killing and torturing them.

Also just practically, it seems like by the time of the show Vernestra is an important enough figure in the Order's hierarchy that people would like....notice if she was fucking off all the time to go secretly be a Sith? Idk, I guess Palpatine had time to multitask but I think he was doing most of his Sith-business while still hanging around Coruscant, it seems like the Sith are out on the Outer Rim a lot, you'd think people would start to get suspicious if Vernestra was gone for long stretches of time. I guess she's done that before lol maybe they're just like 'oh Vernestra's off on another one of her unsanctioned walkabouts', and it is kind of sus that she's so upset Sol didn't tell her about both girls if the theory that the Sith wants both twins is true, but...yeah to get me to accept this they'd have to come explain themselves to me personally. XD

Idk. I almost convinced myself there it's a possibility. But we haven't seen the lightwhip scene yet, and that looks like a forest, it feels more likely she's going to go confront Mae's master herself, and that would just be an unreasonable level of subterfuge for the audience to accept (on the level of 'Indara is the Sith master and faked her own death in the first episode' theory)

Anyway, how did this become novel theorizing and also Star Wars fandom stop theorizing my favorite Jedi ladies are secretly Sith, leave my girls alone--

ETA: I definitely also think there's a reason the Sith (maybe Sith, I guess I should stop assuming) wants the four Jedi dead. They definitely witnessed something that night that they shouldn't have and I think got distracted by their own issues with what went down, but it looks like Kelnacca was close to figuring it out. Proof: after Mae tells Qimir she doesn't care about revenge anymore, she's just going after her sister, the master comes to kill Kelnacca himself, also feels like solid evidence of Qimir being the master...

ETA: wait I talked myself out of the most suspicious thing, why would she be so obviously upset at Sol for not telling her about Mae if she was the Sith master and would have known from the start? Unless she's playing him? But idk that break in frustration appeared genuine. I'm back to being reassured that it's not her. That would be SUCH an asshole move with only three books left to go in the series and none of the dangling threads of Vernestra's storyline having really anything to do with dark side struggles. (She struggles more with despair while she's mourning and being like slightly judgy of Elzar, it doesn't seem that serious. They're definitely going to focus on whatever this mysterious path she got from the ghost of Mari San Tekka and her unresolved issues with Elzar. Ok I'm back.)

[warrior-cats-rewritten]

Changes made to Crowfeather so far:

Deadfoot passed when he was a baby, and he feels a tad of pressure on himself. No one has put this on him.

He has a very strong bond with his mother Ashfoot, sister Downpaw, and brother Hillpaw. Eaglefoot, his older brother, was a bit busy with his own apprentice, but still obviously family.

Losing Downpaw and Eaglefoot to sickness from a poisoned rabbit is what finally makes him listen to Starclan, because he does not want other cats to feel that pain. He does it for the future of Windclan, for his grieving Clanmates.

He had a rivalry with Nightpaw (Nightcloud). She had a habit of outshining him in battle training. His jaw hit the floor when he learned she had been given her name early (and as an Honour Title no less!)

He has a "friendship" with Cranberrypaw. He likes his personal space. She also likes his personal space. He doesn't hate her, but she's so cheerful and bouncy that she is a bit tiring to watch. He is very happy she makes friends with Squirrelpaw.

He does not have a romantic bond with Feathertail. She is much more like a big sister. She cares heavily about the younger cats on the Journey, which now has more apprentices (Crowpaw, Cranberrypaw, Smokepaw, Squirrelpaw, Leafpaw and Shrewpaw).

Traveling with Leafpaw let them build a real bond, and he truly loved her. No more Leafpool hanging off a cliff larping as Feathertail. He is also a HUGE Fire Law supporter.

"The Code is old, and restricting, if the Code is meant to keep cats from LOVING one another.... Then it needs to change."

He faced off against his radicalized brother, Hillfang, during the Battle of Mudclaw. He kills his own brother. Hillfang's body rolls down the hill and his Blood begins to trickle towards the Lake.

He and Leafpool discussed names for kits. It's were they got Lionkit and Jaykit from. He always wanted a big family, and this is a huge trait of his, especially since he loses so many.

He was so prepared to go to Thunderclan to be with Leafpool, but he saw Onewhisker struggling with Mudclaw's Coup and knew he needed to once again think of the future of his own Clan. I cannot stress enough: He Does Not Want To Be In Windclan Anymore.

He and Nightcloud were BOTH in hot water after the Battle of Mudclaw. Girl is a Kitty War Criminal. She killed a guy by somewhat accident (meant to hurt him, did not mean to slit his throat. Don't think "oopsie" is gonna get you off the hook on a murder charge.) and ALL of Windclan is watching them.

"If we start a family, look like we're settling. Maybe we'll be forgiven. They still see both of us as young and irresponsible, we can win back their trust."

When Leafpool told him she was pregnant, he once again tried to leave Windclan, but she was so overwhelmed with emotion (thanks unborn Jaykit) that she ran off. He also realized that with Windclan's changing political atmosphere, if he left now, war would most likely break out. Onestar was cracking under the weight of leadership and the cats of Windclan were demanding that Thunderclan get away from them.

He only trains Heathertail officially. He gives less official training to Featherpelt when Nightcloud goes missing, but Featherpaw goes straight back to her old mentor after.

He does NOT disown the three. He actually really loves them. His relationship with Breezepelt is... strained.

He loves him. He wants to love him. But he doesn't want to be with Nightcloud. He never wanted to be with Nightcloud. Being together was a mistake on both their parts and they were better as just casual rivals when they could easily walk away from each other. He hates that he made that choice and wishes to undo it. But.... does that mean Breezepelt shouldn't exist? What about Smokekit and Dusk-kit? He wants to be close with his son, but his son a living wildfire, and he already never wanted to have kits with Nightcloud, and he still hates being in Windclan... It's hard to think about.

It's complicated. It's frustrating. He doesn't deal with it well, and neither does Breezepelt. They butt heads more than a couple of rams and it doesn't help that Breezepelt is so damn intelligent, light years ahead of "head in the clouds Crowfeather". Their personalities just don't click, and it takes The Great Battle for him to realize how isolated it made Breezepelt feel. Foresight is not this guy's specialty.

He and Nightcloud do agree on one thing though. They love that Whitetail was Breezepaw's mentor. She helped satisfy his need to test and try everything and LEARN things, and had a sarcasm level that matched little Breezey P.

A Broken Crow's Nest is one third Crowfeather's story (the other thirds obviously being Nightcloud and Breezepelt). Crowfeather's ending is that he... Leaves. He finally leaves Windclan behind and congratulates Breezepelt on being made deputy, saying sorry for being a stubborn fart of a father, and he is glad Nightcloud is such a wonderful mom.

He also tells Pickletail a lot of things Breezepelt likes and dislikes, and that Pickletail will be a better father to him than Crowfeather was, and a MUCH better mate flr Nightcloud. (Breezepelt LOVES Pickletail.)

He leaves for Thunderclan, where he finally relaxes for the first time since he ran away so long ago. He gains a lot of weight (Fat Crowfeather SWEEP), and discovers a joy in Camp Keeping and some bird hunting. He connects with his other kits, and gets the chance to mentor... Baypaw!

He is subjected to HEAVY discrimination during TBC, Baypaw is taken from him and given to another cat more loyal to Bramblestar.

"You are a Code Breaker, Lostfeather. And I'm sure Starclan doesn't need a cat like you corrupting the minds of youths."

He joins the rebellion and highly supports Hollyleaf trying to get lives from Starclan.

He is NOT a Light In The Mist. That honour goes to Breezepelt and Leaftail.

In Windclan, he was considered UGLY. Guy was a 1/10. Nightcloud is a 10. No one understood what she "saw in him" and wondered what he must have done to get her attention. In Thunderclan, now that he is fat and more well groomed, he is a more 4 or 5.

As of River, he is now chilling with Leafpool, waiting patiently with her for her other mate Mothwing (Bi Poly Leafpool SWEEP) to cross the border into Thunderclan. It sure is taking a while. Hope Frostpaw's training comes along nicely so she can leave. She's been more high strung lately, more nervous...

[divinekangaroo]

i might be super late to the party but i was lurking in he tags and: i would LOVE some more explanation/in depth study of what was going on with Tommy and Finn, especially in the last season. I am still, not confused per es, but just wondering alot about some of the choices

This is so interesting, isn't it, particularly when you look at it comparing what 30yo Tommy says to 11yo Finn in S1 versus what 43yo Tommy says to 25yo Finn in S6.

I will warn this isn't coherent in ANY WAY as my infant is being grumpy, but here's a lump of things which struck me as worthy of indepth consideration:

-S1 Tommy telling Finn "don't be me" versus S6 where Tommy basically forces Finn to break his promise to his wife and drink, a mimicry of all the things Tommy has done (go abstinent, fall off the wagon, break promises to his wives).

-Finn being present at all the various violences the Shelby brothers commit, including as a child picking out his own machete (!!!) for one of the mob battles (think it was Epsom?); doing this well enough that he had a reputation -- Songbird Lady in S5 knew enough about the Shelbys to name her new Songbirds 'Tommy, Arthur and Finn'.

-Accidentally or deliberately, Tommy having set up Finn to develop Tommy's vices - cigarettes, drinking, drugs, whoring - pretty much all by the time Finn turned 16. But S5 Tommy nevertheless being very opposed to Finn developing Tommy's vice for violence and risk-tasking, albeit framed as 'we're too high in criminal hierarchy to do grunt work now' not 'you of all of us never have to risk yourself'

-Finn being involved in and integrated into all their illegal business but as a sort of free labour, gopher ('go for'/fetch like an apprentice, or a squire to a knight) - manning the door, bringing around the car, etc

-Finn seeming to hero-worship Tommy, but actually having a brotherly emotional relationship with Arthur. Tommy to emulate, Arthur to actually be a brother.

-Finn and Arthur being the only ones willing to entertain a conversation with their father on his return - Finn trusted Arthur not Tommy, Finn had no father figure, and Tommy did not fill this father figure space or Finn never would have gone with Arthur.

- Tommy brokering Arthur, John and Polly's marriages, and endorsing Ada's partnerships before the family accept them (and Tommy doing what he likes with his own marriages). Then, this way S6 Finn asks Tommy about marrying a girl 'who likes the life' and Tommy telling him no, 'find a girl who doesn't like the life'. And then Finn marries Mary with Tommy's endorsement to the family, and Mary tells Finn not to drink until after 6pm. I did wonder if Mary was the first girl, or was Mary a different girl that Tommy found/endorsed? Because Mary doesn't seem like a girl who likes the life if she's setting limitations on drinking time?

- Finn was effectively raised by Polly. The Shelby mother and father were gone by the time he was 1. Arthur and Tommy (and John) were gone to war by the time Finn was 5, and only returned at when he was 10. Finn had no father figure, ever.

---

So there's this odd push-pull where Finn is clearly one of the Bad Shelby Brothers, because at that time, having him integrated and present in their business was likely the best and easiest way to signify he was protected as well as keep an eye on him. They also used him very much like a squire to their knights, doing the labour and supportive chores and shitty jobs in order to learn the higher level jobs. But then those many conflicted occurances where it seems that Tommy wishes Finn wasn't so involved? Tommy wishes in many ways Finn was less invested in the business so Finn could be released from it? But maybe he doesn't, because Tommy in multiple circumstances challenges Finn with presentation of a vice and Finn always, always indulges -- even if that time, Tommy said don't rather than do?

---

Then we have this interesting symbolic thing happening in S6 between Duke and Finn and Tommy, all revolving around watches.

Duke steals Arthur's watch -- 'I can tell the time' - and in S5, Michael's supposed takeover piece has this strong sense of time -- time for the next generation to step up and time for old men like Tommy to step off the stage and Michael fully brings Finn into it (with Finn's consent/support, or unexpectedly??) and the camera focuses on Finn. So, linked to Michael's failed takeover via the motif of time, Duke can also tell it's time for the next generation, demonstrated by getting one over on ol' Arthur?

Then, Duke only believes Tommy is his father after Tommy explains about Duke's mum's watch that actually, Tommy stole in his youth; and Tommy's brought Duke into the fold so preciptiously because Tommy's (due to terminal diagnosis) running out of time to tidy up his family's loose ends and has to do this now. But also, Duke is symbolically returning time to Tommy that Tommy otherwise wouldn't have by bringing back Tommy's decades-old stolen watch?

Then Tommy has that explosion at Finn about drinking when he wants to and uses Finn's watch to make his point: that says Shelby and you're a Shelby so you tell the watch what time it is. Behind all that is this sense that I bet Tommy wishes he could control time, too, because he'd love to wind it back right now that his time is running out, but also, Finn is a young Shelby and could determine it's time for himself to step up if he simply stopped doing what Tommy kept telling him to do?

In a world where Tommy wasn't running out of time and/or Duke didn't appear, I imagine Finn may have been brought to one side for a quiet chat about Billy Grade and his role in Polly's death. I imagine Finn would have been absolutely destroyed that his sole true caretaker figure was dead because of his loose tongue. I imagine he would have killed Billy, or at least supported Billy being executed. But in this world, Tommy is dying and running out of time, and Tommy is delegating many of his painful tasks to others to do because he can't do everything right now, and why not test both Duke and Finn? Test this next generation as to their readiness to take his place? And who's left in the next generation but for Finn and Duke given Michael's proven himself unsuitable and Charlie is far too young? (I'm sure Uncle Charlie probably had some secret remit to re-home Duke if Duke failed in that scenario too)

---

And I also find it a super interesting parallel that Tommy forces Finn to demonstrate Shelby family loyalty by shooting his best friend, an act Tommy himself did with shooting Alfie for Alfie's betrayal that nearly killed Arthur. In this instance Arthur only almost died so Alfie only almost died - whereas Billy had to really fully die.

---

I mean, none of this gets to a satisfactory conclusion, it's just a bunch of conflicted threads/thoughts. I feel Tommy was vaguely treating Finn like a squire in a faint anticipation of one having Finn step up and take over the business from him, there's a near 20-year age gap between them, but Tommy was always conflicted by this because 1) he didn't really want his littlest brother to have to do the same shit he did, and 2) Finn was not leadership material, smart or cunning in any way, he was really just a consumer of the Shelby proceeds and always obeyed and never really acted to assert himself in the hierarchy. This faintest possibility of Finn taking over was then derailed heavily by Michael who was smart so Tommy dropped those vague unformed thoughts about Finn, but after Tommy knew Michael would be out of the picture in some way in S4 when suspicions start to rise? Finn starts to show up again in Tommy's arc in a very different way, and is put under various levels of pressure, right up to this S6 contrived scenario between Finn and Duke.

I get a sense that over time, Tommy challenged Finn repeatedly with situations of vice, corruption, conflict, difficulty, in the hope Finn would demonstrate enough strength to push back against Tommy instead of performing the vice. But Finn never did, and even when he fucked up, it was a silly mistake not worthy of any respect, not even in the way Michael is worthy of the respect of being killed; and so he is always framed in Tommy's mind as the weak one. There's a clannish behaviour (where clans are about constantly fluid status, not granted/earned and static rank) where you only get status if you behave in a way that already is of that status. Finn never, ever did this. Tommy then contrives a situation of extreme pressure as a last ditch effort to see if Finn will stop being that squire, weak one, or will he finally act according to the status he should be able to claim.

It's also this working class thing of dumping shit and abuse on your sons until your sons are strong enough to force you to stop. Finn's not a son, but that mentality...

---

I'm sorry this is so rambly, one of those fun things that it takes more time to be brief and succinct than just word-vomit on a screen XD Post S6, I have only two fic concepts in my to-write list, and one of them is 100% about Finn, trying to reconcile all of the above. I think Finn's actor did an amazing job of packing so much pain into that final scene it'd be a disappointment if any eventual movie doesn't give him a heavy arc.