#I'll draw him in actual armour one day....maybe

[sulfies]

If I Lead (pt 4)

Part 3 here

Ezio wanted a warm bath, a good wine and a soft bed… then maybe a visit from a courtesan once he was rested.

His ass was hurting from the long horseback ride from Venice to Monterriggioni but he was glad to be back home. 

Things were not done with the thieves yet and Rosa still had a few more tricks she wanted to teach him, but he had to visit home every now and then to ease Claudia's worries and top up the funds the village needed.

He had found some more riches hidden around while looking for more of those discs that went into the sanctuary. So far he had two counting the one on him.

He rode his horse through the market street nodding and throwing small pleasantries to the people trying to gain his attention. It felt weird to come back sometimes and… be known by many after months of hiding in crowds, not drawing any attention. 

But he did miss being able to just walk openly and not worry if the guards were going to come after him.

He looked around the buildings as he passed them by. More people were coming into the town each day and Monterrigioni was finding his footing once more. From what Claudia has yelled about to him, Mario had messed up the finances of the village in a way that should not have been possible.

Thank god one of them took their father's banker genes…

He rolled his shoulders and came closer to the stairs leading to the villa. Mercenaries were doing their regular stuff. Some in the ring that stood in the middle and some were scattered around the clearing on the upper sides. 

He would check the barracks tomorrow, he had ordered it to be fixed before he left and he hoped they had actually listened to him or he was going to send their half of this month's wages into the repairs of the church.

He hopped down from his horse giving the reins to the stablehand nearby who was waiting for him.

“Welcome back, Ser Ezio, hope the road treated you well.”

He hummed in response, the road was always the same. He had to deal with some bandits but they were far enough from Monteriggioni. Still, maybe he would talk to the mercenaries later about them expanding their patrol zones. The last thing they needed was for the traders to get discouraged from coming in due to the roads.

He started climbing the stairs, the nearby soldiers said their welcome as he passed by and he waved his hand to them out of courtesy and not much else.

Bed, wine and bed… then he would act like a civilized human to the people.

He walked in through the doors of his home as Claudia was making his way down the stairs.

“It's good to see you back Ezio”

“Claudia” Ezio walked to his sister with open arms.

Claudia made a face as she was drawn into his arms “Can't you wait till you wash this disgusting smell out of you first.” yet put up no real fight to get out of the embrace.

Ezio laughed and let her go. “Shame that you would insult your dear brother, you wound me with your harsh words, Claudia.”

“Mhm, I'll take pity once you smell like a human being again. Go now, the maids have already prepared a bath for you, we will catch up after, with dinner.”

Ezio smiled and climbed the stairs with a spring in his step. He had missed home and its luxuries.

Opening the door to his room he sighed blissfully once his eyes landed on the tub. He couldn't get the armour off him faster.

Once his limbs hit the warm water his muscles melted their aches like butter. Looking at the stool nearby he saw a goblet filled with wine sitting pretty for him and his smile widened. 

“It's the simple things really…”

He grabbed his cup and just sat in the tub as he sipped it, savouring every drop. 

He spent longer than he usually did, the water was almost lukewarm when he decided to start washing himself fully.

What he wouldn't give for a massage right this very moment… 

By the time he got out of the tub, the water was on its way to become cold. He dried himself off and put on his fresh clothes. 

Also laid out on his bed for ease; he could kiss the maids.

He put on his bracers and made his way down to his sister’s office, a small chest filled with their new funds by his side.

“Do I have the permission to enter the premises, my lady?” he mocked with two taps on the doorframe, drawing Claudia's attention from the papers on her desk.

“Since I didn't smell you coming in… yes, you do.”

Ezio walked to the desk dropping the chest on it slowly, Claudia's eyes sparkled as she got up to open it up. 

Eyeing the coins inside she smiled back at him.

“Good work, brother! Do you know how much is inside?”

Ezio shook his head “No, that's your job” and received a pout for his answer. 

“One day your face is going to get stuck like that”

“And I'll blame you for it ’till you die.”

He drew her in for another hug, a longer one and this time Claudia was happy to return it fully.

“How is Madre…” He felt Claudia's shoulders rise in a sigh. “Same as always, but she eats and drinks. Some days I can get her to walk around the garden, which is something, but still not a word has fallen from her lips.”

Ezip nodded and planted a small kiss into his sister's hair as he let her go. “I'll go check up on her after dinner, got some more feathers for her.”

“That would be nice, somedays I find her in front of the box gazing… at least it is a reaction of some kind”

“Indeed.”

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

The dinner passed with laughter and the latest gossip from both sides, what Ezio did, how the town fared while he was gone…

“The repairs on the barracks are almost complete”

“That's good, I was thinking about getting the church fixed next.”

Claudia smiled. “Venice has changed you huh…” Ezio laughed. “It's not that. Truthfully, I could not care less about it, but since the brothel and the barracks, I fear if I don't actually fix it soon people are going to get annoyed.”

“Glad to see you use your head for once.” Ezio rolled his eyes at the comment. “But yes that would put some people at ease, maybe draw some more people in. The shops have been faring well, but there are still many empty ones.”

“The market looked pretty full to me…”

“That's because everyone knew you were on your way, some of our merchants have been sending their better wares away to bigger cities via traders.”

Ezio raised an eyebrow “You want me to do a little bit of inspection don't you…”

“Yes, go around and show yourself so they have a reason to not hide them”

She took a bite from her meal. “And maybe stay longer than a week this time hm? I know you have much to do back in Venice, but as a young woman I can only throw my weight around so much in this place Ezio”

Ezio scoffed, “You basically run this town better than I would, all the bookings are done by you.” 

“I do run it better than you, I'm not saying I don't. I am saying that annoying people like the mercenaries and the merchants respond better to an authority they fear…Which would be, you.”

“So you want me on guard dog duty.” 

“Yes, I'm sure Venice can handle a couple of weeks without their local vigilante.”

“Whatever you say, my liege.”

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

After dinner, Ezio visited his mother's chambers. 

As Claudia had said she didn't look any better… but she didn't look any worse, either.

He walked in with soft steps and his shoulders down. She felt like a scared feral animal some days, if he moved quickly she might try to fly in fright.

She was sitting by her bedside chair facing the balcony watching the sky, hands still in a prayer.

“Madre, I'm back” He didn't really wait for a reply, used to the silence by now but it still hurt his heart.

He came close to her side and kneeled by her, placing his hand on top of hers.

“I'm not done yet in Venice… don't know when I will be but thought it was time I came back for a visit. Claudia thinks I should stay for a while.” 

Smiling up at her sadly he continued “I think she is tricking me into taking a break”

He stood by her side for a while embracing the silence. 

“I brought you some more feathers, Claudia let me know that sometimes you look at the box. Glad to know you enjoy them.” 

He leaned down and kissed her hands, his thumb rubbed over the back of them. 

“I'll bring even more the next time, hm?”

He got up and walked over to the box. Eyes still stuck on her form he placed the white feathers in it and locked the box after.

“I'll come again tomorrow, Madre…”

He walked out of the room with the same silent steps. 

It hurt a lot.

Each time he went to see her he had a small hope that it would be different but he left with grief filling his heart each time.

It was weird, could you still feel grief over someone who was still alive? 

If not, he didn't know what else to name the hurt he felt beneath his lungs.

He made his way to his room again, the sun had just started setting down and the weight of the road was pulling him to bed.

He walked into his room and faceplanted onto the sheets, throwing his boots to the side and unlacing his hose halfway. Too lazy to change his clothes, he was clean anyway.

Closing his eyes he welcomed the wave of sleep that washed over him….

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

When he woke up the next day the sun was up quite high, he overslept. The road had taken out of him more than he had anticipated.

Maybe Claudia was right, some downtime would do him good.

He cleaned himself up with a fresh set of clothes, putting only bracers on from his daily uniform. He would get the maids to wash that today as well, tho he knew his enjoyment of his clean capes would only last half a week.

Making his way downstairs he stretched his arms above his head and yawned. He could probably sleep a bit more if he stayed in the bed but Claudia would give him a face about it.

Stopping by her door again he knocked twice on the frame. “Buongiorno!”

Claudia looked up to him, her desk had some coins lying around it and the chest he brought yesterday was open on her side. 

“It's almost mid-day… but good morning to you too”

Ezio smiled fondly “So, did I bring enough back or do I need to make another trip…”

“I haven't been able to go through all of it but… Yes, we will be cushioned for a while.”

She looked back at her pages to check the numbers.

“There will be a lot of leftovers even after the repairs which is a nice safety net.”

“Good to hear.” Ezio watched his sister focus back on her work again and took it as a cue for him to get going.

“I am going to go down and see how the barracks are coming along. Then maybe visit the blacksmith. Lost some daggers here and there that I want to replace.”

Claudia just hummed in response and waved her quill without lifting his eyes away from her desk.

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

Once out of the Villa, Ezio gazed down at the town. Feeling the sun hit his face was a rare luxury he got to enjoy only here. 

At the top of the stairs, he just watched the people go about their day for a bit. Things were coming along, he noticed yesterday but now with his full attention, he realized Claudia had repaired some more buildings outside of the main street. Some houses were still getting work done with workers outside. 

He noticed some more ropes going in between the buildings as well. He chuckled, that was nice of her to do…

He made his way down into the street, nodding at the pleasantries people threw his way, stopping now and then to hear people's troubles. 

They were mostly crying about leaking roofs and general upkeep troubles.

He took the street that led to the barracks.

The renovation was still going on but from what he could see they were almost done with maybe a month or so of work left to do.

He walked into the building, most of the chatter stopped for a beat and then continued but he could feel the side glances coming his way.

He paid no mind and went further in, towards the back room. He could hear Mario’s voice boom even through the closed doors.

So that's where his uncle was… with each step the mumblings of Mario’s voice got more clear.

“...I said I would try to talk about a raise but don't push my hand Marsillio. You and I both know I take the defence of this place very se-”

“What's this talk about a raise?”

Mario turned around to face Ezio standing by the open door.

“Ezio! How swell is it to see you” His frown chanced the moment his eyes landed on his nephew.

Approaching him, Mario clasped his forearm in a greeting and patted his back strongly. A big smile was plastered on his face. “I missed you coming back yesterday.”

“Don't worry about it Zio, I went to bed pretty early.” He nodded back in sympathy then looked back at the other person. “Now, what were you guys just talking about?” He tried to keep his tone even.

“Nothing for you to worry about yet, Nipote.” Ezio raised an eyebrow and kept looking at the other mercenary who was doing his best to not avert his eyes. 

“We…were just talking to Ser Mario about additional budgeting for the upkeep of our weapons.”

Ah… still after their old payout before he got his hands on the ledger and let his sister make some cuts. 

“Why? Don't your men know how to polish their own swords?”

Marsillio smiled sheepishly “They do but you can only polish a dull sword so many times before It will break, sir.”

“Well, are any of them broken?”

“No… not yet but would you rather them break in the heat of the battle and leave our men defenseless?”

Ezio put a hand on his hip. “If Monteriggioni ever has to go into battle, I assure you no funds will be spared for its aid.”

Before the other could get a word in he continued. “I have already factored in the upkeep of your armoury into the budget you were dealt for this year. You will make do with what you are given till I see a reason to allocate more with my own eyes.”

Marsilio looked like he was trying very hard to keep his face straight, Ezio found it quite funny. Answering to a younger man, when you used to be able to get what you wanted with ease would put a chip on any man's shoulder.

He crossed his arms with a smug look he couldn't hide “Well, now that we all have agreed on the budget problem… I had actually come here for a different reason.”

Mario looked at him with slight worry, Ezio shot him a smile to calm his nerves “Nothing pressing or such but I’d like the outside patrols to expand their search area.”

“We already cover plenty of grounds, Ser Ezio. My men have yet to find even tracks of passing bandits.” Marsillio retaliated.

“Then they won't mind having to go a bit further on their search to keep the good people of our town safe, hm?” 

He stared at him for a while, seeing the other man's conviction crumble by the second, he clearly wanted to argue against it.

“As.. as you wish sir.”

Really, this was starting to bore him.

Paying these guys for them to complain like young maidens who didn't get enough pocket money for their dresses… but Monteriggioni needed its defences and this was the best they got thanks to Mario, bless his heart.

“That's good to hear, I'm sure the citizens of Monteriggioni will be thankful for your services.” He turned his attention to Mario “It is lovely to see you again Uncle Mario, I’ll try to visit your office later today.”

Mario gave him his signature grin and clasped his shoulder, shaking him with it. “Yes of course! I wanted to hear about your latest doings anyway.”

Ezio gave a nod and left the room. Feeling the pointed stares of others behind his back as he crossed the main room. He knew the mercenaries were not too happy to see him back. 

No one would be happy to see their boss back.

He stepped outside of the building, letting himself breathe a bit. He rolled his shoulders to ease his tension… this was such a chore but Claudia was right, these types of men only responded to an authority they feared.

“Once again hiding to the side Domenico? You have been at these swords for three days now…”

A man talked out of the corner of his eye. He was leaning over against the railing that surraunded the Stable. The mention of swords caught his attention.

“Come on, take a break and join me for at least a cup.”

Another man, older than the one who just talked, was inside the open area of the stable with a pile of swords next to him. Sharpening the one in his hand on the whetstone on his lap.

“I told you, I don't like drinking during the day…” “Then come play dice!”

The man sighed. “Don't sigh at me, I am your senior and I order you to come inside. I have yet to see you rest after today's rounds.”

“Angelo, I am resting. See, this is me sitting… which means I am resting”

The older man raised his head to give a look of disappointment to Angelo when his eyes met with Ezio for a second then quickly went back to the other man.

“Yea sure, and laying with your wife is called falling asleep” 

“Angelo!”

The man raised his arms in a sheepish defence “I'm joking, I'm joking...” With an impatient huff, he pointed his fingers at Domenico. “Don’t look at me like that, I'll leave you to your rest, but you are ordered to come to the tavern with us tonight. No excuses!”

Ezio chuckled to himself quietly and started walking towards the market, leaving the two men to their bickering. Unlike what Marsilio said, the swords looked fine after all.

[rozeliyawashereyall]

My sir knight? More likely than you think.

Random rambling about this lad +another drawing at the end

-HEAVYYYY saviour's complex

-Has an insane amount of nicknames from friends and family—the most common one is 'Taj'

-a raging bisexual I fear.

-like...6'6, dude is TALL.

-aboutttttt 22 years old?

-Has a twin sister! Unfortunately she's pretty sick :((

-Very caring and kind parents, they love their kids dearly.

-Looks intimidating but is actually SO soft spoken—he calls everyone darling it's actually crazy.

-actually pretty shy around strangers, used to hide behind his sister when talking with others before she fell ill.

-Kind of an ambivert?? Pretty introverted at first but give him a good topic and he'll ramble on for hours.

-Has a pet dog :3 had to leave him home so he won't get hurt, he misses his dog :(

-Has no cooking skills whatsoever, do NOT let him near a kitchen, it will be burned down.

-Catches feelings way too easily but is very good at hiding them.

-His sword is named Tejasvi ! An old friend picked it out for him.

-Has a surprisingly huge flower garden back home?? He just really loves flowers.

-and speaking of flowers.

Homosexuals jumpscare /aff

[deacblues]

In your opinion, what makes a good spider-variant design? I'm trying to avoid the pitfall of "bunch of normal ass clothes over the suit" I typically see, but also struggling to come up with anything that's clearly a spider-man when you look at it and doesn't confuse with peter parker's spider-man

That's a good question! So good that I'm going to bust out the proper capitalization and everything.

I'll give you a freebie right off the bat, because this is probably going to be a long post: one easy way to distinguish your character from Peter Parker is to draw them with a different body type. That way, even if their costume was similar to Peter's, it would obviously not be him.

Now, before getting into what I think makes a good Spider-Man design, I feel obligated to speak on what makes a good superhero design. Namely: Keep it simple, stupid! The best superhero costumes are pretty easy to draw, probably because they were designed to be drawn a million times by a million different artists. These costumes are simple enough that they can reduced to bands of colour and stay recognizable.

I promise that keeping your design simple will undoubtedly make it better-- or at least more superheroic, because this applies to Spider-Man, too!

Onto making a Spider-Man costume that is recognizably Spider-Man, but clearly not Peter Parker's. Obviously this costume is going to look different than Peter's classic costume, so we could start by figuring out what about that costume we can change. Thankfully, they already stripped Spider-Man down to the essentials in 1984.

Mike Zeck's black costume identifies these necessary elements of Spider-Man's costume:

Those luchador eyes

The front and back spider emblem

Form-fitting tights

The rest of the costume (the segmented colours, the web pattern, etc.) are basically fine for you to ignore or change at your leisure. Okay, maybe not... you could just draw Green Lantern and put a spider on his chest and back, and that probably wouldn't make for a great Spider-Man. But it's a place to start, at least. As long as you're putting serious thought into this costume, though, you should be able to ignore pitfalls like that.

Hey, speaking of thought, I thought I should cover some of those extraneous details Ditko included in his iconic Spider-Man design! Namely the way he chose to segment the reds and blues, he actually put loads of thought into it:

Namely, the high-rise gloves and boots help Peter's costume remain invisible beneath his civvies. I actually think these logistics are important to consider when designing a Spider-Man costume (or really any costume).

Anon mentions the "bunch of normal ass clothes over the suit" trend in spider-design in their ask, which I was happy to see because it means I can talk about something that really bugs me about recent Spider-Man stuff: How does Spider-Man stick to walls through regular shoes? No, seriously? Think about it for a second! When Miles wears Jordans over his Spider-Man costume and tries to stick his feet to a wall, wouldn't his feet just stick to his shoes instead?

Ditko rationalized this by deciding that Spider-Man can stick to walls through thin fabrics, but that rule has basically been forgotten. Despite how I sound, I'm mostly fine with this change (this is a textbook 'rule of cool' case), but these kinds of things are worth thinking about.

In that vein, keep in mind that Spider-Man's superpowers really lend themselves to acrobatics. Your spider-character probably shouldn't be wearing a suit of armour, or something that would greatly restrict their movement or sticking ability. That's why I labelled "Form-fitting tights" as a necessary characteristic of a Spider-Man costume earlier on in this post.

Before I wrap this up, one more thing you can try doing if you're stumped is looking at real life for inspiration. Whether that's going back to the old strongman outfits that gave way to the original superhero costumes, looking at modern day equivalent athletic wear, or even looking at actual fashion (as long as you're not just putting that fashion over the suit), there's bound to be something that could give you ideas.

[buildarocketboys]

Some Team Castle shenanigans for @mygangtome day 2024. Written in an hour on my lunch break, unedited, Allan, Marian and Guy go out to the tavern, semi-crackish

"Allan," Marian hisses from the end of the corridor. "You need to help me sneak out of the castle."

Allan sighs and rolls his eyes. "You know I can't do that, Marian. Giz banned the Nightwatchman."

Marian huffs. "I wasn't going to sneak out to be the Nightwatchman."

Allan eyes her dubiously.

"Well, all right, maybe I was. But I just want to get out! Take me to a tavern or something, I don't care! I just need to get out of this damn castle."

Allan raises his eyebrows. He doesn't think he's ever heard Marian swear before. "All right," he says, hands on hips. "But I'll have to ask Giz for his permission. And you never know, he might want to come too."

"I don't care," says Marian. "I'll go to the tavern with the Sheriff if it'll get me out of here for five minutes!"

"Fine, I'll ask him," says Allan. "No promises, mind." He looks at her sceptically. "Have you even been to a tavern before?"

"I can hold my wine, thank you very much," Marian says, which means no.

Allan smirks. "We'll see," he says.

Gisborne is horrified at first.

"A tavern? Lady Marian?"

Allan pleads her case pretty well, especially since he's not quite sure he believes it himself. He's not convinced that Marian won't run off to the forest or start giving alms to the poor the minute Guy's back is turned.

He can see Guy starting to waver.

"Very well," he says eventually. "Under one condition."

"Yeah?" says Allan. "What's that?"

"I will accompany Lady Marian to the...tavern," he says, as if the word is an unpleasant bite of food.

"Yeah, great," says Allan. "I might head down too."

Guy looks strained. "Allan, you don't have to-"

"Yeah, but I want to. What, are you gonna ban me from going down the pub?"

Guy bears his teeth at him. "I should do." He sighs. "Fine. You may come."

"Didn't actually need your permission, but thanks Giz," Allan chirps, then leaves before Guy starts throwing things at him.

The company isn't exactly diverting to start with. Guy buys the first round of drinks, looking suspiciously over his shoulder at Marian and Allan the whole time. He sets them on the table and they sit in silence.

"So, Gisborne," Allan says. "How's the leather working out for you? Look still in?"

Marian hides an undignified snort of laughter in her hands. Guy looks at her sharply before turning to Allan. "It's comfortable," he says.

Marian raises her eyebrows. "Is it?"

"Yes, actually," Guy says, drawing himself up in a dignified manner. "And protective. Much less cumbersome than actual armour, but it does the job."

Marian looks surprised. "Well, I never knew that."

"Me neither," says Allan.

They lapse back into silence.

By the second round of drinks, however, everyone starts to loosen up. Allan plonks them on the table.

"Cheers, Giz, Maz," Allan says, raising his tankard, and neither of them tell him off for the nickname.

"What should we call you?" Marian says. "Al? Az?"

She lets out a snort and Guy joins her in laughter, to all of their surprises. 

"I'm gonna use that from now on," he says, gesturing towards Allan.

He sets his tankard down. "I shouldn't drink anymore, the Sheriff wants me up at the crack of dawn tomorrow."

"C'mon, live a little, Giz," Allan says.

"Yes, Guy, you need to loosen up," Marian says, bursting into giggles for no apparent reason. Allan had known she'd be a total lightweight.

Guy rolls his eyes and sighs, then drains half the tankard in one. Allan cheers while Marian laughs in delight, attempting to copy him and spilling half the pint down her dress.

"Oh drat!" she says.

Guy shakes his head fondly and offers her a handkerchief.

"Thanks Guy."

By the third round, both Marian and Guy are well and truly drunk, and Allan's well on his way to tipsy.

"Sure you don't wanna go home already?" Marian teases Guy.

"Nah," he says, taking a big gulp and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Fuck the Sheriff."

Marian howls with laughter and Allan can't help but join her. People are starting to look in their direction, but Guy and Marian don't seem to notice.

"Fuck the Sheriff!" says Marian, raising her tankard and clinking it against Guy's, then Allan's. 

"To drinking!" says Allan.

"To ale!" says Guy.

"To friends," says Marian, catching them both in her little smile. Allan feels pleasantly numb, happy in the company of two people who have been enemies, allies and superiors to him, but who right now are friends.

"To friends," he repeats.

"To friends," Guy says. He's wearing an odd look on his face, one Allan can't quite read.

"On that note, I need to visit the privy," Marian says. "Where is it?"

"Outside." Allan gestures vaguely, noting the distasteful look on Marian's face as she gets up.

Once she's left, Gisborne rests a hand on his shoulder. Allan turns to him and is surprised to see his eyes filled with tears.

"Guy?" Allan asks tentatively.

"Allan," Guy says miserably. "Allan, what can I do to make her love me?"

Allan takes a deep breath. He should have known Gisborne would be a weepy drunk. "Well, she's your friend. That's a start, right?"

And then Guy is weeping into his chest. "Why won't she love me, Allan? I just want her to love me."

Allan pats the back of Guy's head awkwardly. "There, there," he says. Guy continues sobbing into his shoulder, but luckily doesn't say anything else.

"Allan, I can't walk straight," Marian says, tottering back to their table. Allan's almost surprised that she's come back - he'd half expected her to run off. 

Then she notices Guy weeping into Allan's shoulder. "Guy? What's wrong?"

Guy lets out another wracking sob and doesn't answer, which Allan is secretly grateful for. He came out for a relaxing night of drinking - the last thing he needs is for Marian and Guy to have it out here and now.

"He's just a bit drunk," Allan says, answering for him. "C'mon, help me get him back to the castle. We don't want the Sheriff to see him like this."

Marian nods, trying to look more sober than she is, and helps Allan get Guy up.

"Not the Sheriff, no, no, nooo," he moans. "Allan, you can't let the Sheriff see me like this, OK?"

"On it, boss," Allan says. Marian sniggers.

"Or Marian," Guy says. "She can't see me like this."

"Um," says Marian, her arm already around his shoulders.

"ALLAN!" Guy yells, giving him an earful about letting Marian near him in this state as they wrangle him out of the tavern.

"Jeez, a little gratitude would be nice," he says as Guy lapses into tears again.

They manage to make it back to the castle without being spotted. Marian helps Allan lay Guy down on the bed.

"Well," she says, looking awkward (and a lot more sober than she was half an hour ago). "Goodnight Allan."

"G'night Marian," Allan says.

"Goodnight, Guy," she calls, but Guy doesn't respond.

"Don't worry," Allan says confidently. "He'll have forgotten this by the morning."

"I hope so," says Marian. She smiles. "Thank you for arranging tonight," she says. "I had a good time."

Then she's gone. Allan is astonished. She really did just want to go out and spend time with them.

Maybe that'll be a comfort to Guy later, he thinks, as he helps the man undress and get into bed.

"Stay," Guy begs as Allan is about to head for the door. He pauses.

"Are- are you sure?" he says. "I don't want you to wake up tomorrow morning screaming like a little girl about me being in your bed."

Guy snorts, the tears apparently over for now. "It'd take a lot more for you to make me scream, Allan."

Allan wonders if he realises how dirty that sounds.

Guy sighs. "I need you to wake me up in time to meet with the Sheriff," he says. "So I need you to stay. That's all."

"That's all," Allan repeats.

"Yes." Guy eyes him narrowly, then pulls back the covers. "Get in."

Trying not to smirk, Allan gets into bed next to Guy. "You had better not throw up on me, Giz, that's all I'm saying. Otherwise, you and me are through."

Allan expects some kind of response to that, an elbow in the ribs at the very least. He twists round to look at Guy and realises he's fallen asleep, gently snoring, pressed up against Allan.

Allan sighs and resigns himself for a restless night.

[melanie-ohara]

Take Yourself Apart For Me - Chapter 2

Whumpuary2024, Day 08 - Prompt: "Help Me"

Shin confronts her deepest fear: asking for help

I'll level with you: I cried a bit writing this one

AO3 Here

Shin spent the next two days in the Mandalorian's bed. Despite her escape attempt, they never attempted to put her back in the restraints - maybe they thought her injury would keep her captive. Or maybe they trusted her not to kill them in their sleep. Ahsoka Tano had given her back her lightsaber and from the weight of it Shin knew she hadn't removed the power pack, and she wondered what Baylan would have expected of her now. Tano was a war hero, he had told her, and she had no chance against her. She would sense her intentions even in the deepest of sleep and cut her down in seconds. But Sabine was weak: barely able to use the Force unless her life depended on it, unbalanced, and with aggression that rivalled Marrok. Shin had bested her in every contest they'd had, and she could kill her without breaking a sweat. 

Her eyes shifted down to the drawings on the wall. Did she want to kill her?

Baylan had sent her to Lothal. Morgan Elsbeth sent her on Seatos. Thrawn sent her on Peridea. Not once had she decided for herself. 

The door opened and Shin rolled onto her side to face the wall before Wren could see her face. Murley's portrait looked up at her, and Shin felt that its stare was a little accusatory.

"Brought you food," Sabine said, with cheer that didn't sound forced, no matter how much Shin wished otherwise. She lifted her hand and Sabine pressed the carton into her fingers without complaint. As always, she'd already put the straw in for her.

At Huyang's insistence, Shin was on a liquid diet of blended protein infusion until she was fully healed, and the thick, flavourless gruel she had to suck down through a straw sometimes made her wish Feldspar had actually killed her. She could hear Sabine beside her, unwrapping a protein bar for her own breakfast, and wished her presence didn't comfort her so much. She was sick of eating alone.

"Your armour," she said, after a long silence broken only by Sabine's chewing. "I heard the droid saying."

"It's wrecked," Sabine said, trying and failing to sound flippant. 

Shin remembered Sabine kneeling under a barrage of blaster fire from the bandits that had once been her allies. "Why did you save me?" she asked abruptly.

She didn't need to look to know Sabine had shrugged before she answered. "Ahsoka saw something in you," she said. Neither of them spoke for a moment. "Why didn't you go back to Thrawn?" Sabine finally asked.

Shin closed her eyes. She wanted to reach out for her lightsaber, sitting on Sabine's desk on the other side of the room - not to attack, just to feel the weight of it in her hand for a while. Instead, she pictured it: the orange crystal sitting at the centre of the emitter matrix, the delicate twists and curls of the cables that ran along the core to the power cells, the thick insulation sheath and the metal hilt that sealed it away. 

"I don't know," she lied.

"Right," Sabine said, scrunching up the wrapper of her protein bar and getting to her feet. "Good talk."

She sounded annoyed, and it reminded Shin uncomfortably of the way Baylan had spoken when she was younger, and failed one of his drills or didn't put her all into an exercise.

"Wait," Shin said, before she could stop herself. She rolled onto her back to check that Sabine hadn't left, and saw her standing with her head cocked slightly and her hand on her hips as she looked at her. 

"Go on," Sabine prompted. Gently this time. 

Shin swallowed hard, and then nodded. "Baylan left me," she said. The words caught in her throat, but she got them out. She had barely admitted it to herself before now. "I… couldn't leave him."

Sabine sat down again. "He's family."

Shin shook her head. "We're not related. But I've never known anyone else."

Sabine moved her hand, and for a frightening moment Shin thought she might touch her. Instead, she just laid her fingertips gently on the edge of the mattress, an inch away from Shin's arm. Her nails were painted deep red.

"I lost my family too," Sabine said quietly. "My planet. And Ezra, twice now."

Shin looked away from her eyes. "I never had any of that," she said to the ceiling. 

Sabine tilted her head. "Well, not many people have an Ezra to lose."

Shin thought it might have been a joke, but she didn't feel like laughing. It would hurt too much anyway. Sabine sighed and Shin felt her weight shift like she was about to get up, and she opened her mouth just to stop her.

"I haven't felt anything since that day." 

Shin couldn't tell which of them was more surprised by what she'd said, but it was true so she didn't try and take it back. She did try to stop the tears welling in her eyes and the tightness constricting her throat, but it didn't work. Slowly, Sabine leaned forwards.

"I've been there," she said softly. Shin felt a tear breach the corner of her eye and roll down the edge of her cheek into her hair. 

"Then… can you help me?" she asked.

This time Sabine did reach out to her, and Shin tried not to flinch too obviously when her palm came to rest on her forearm. She could feel the warmth of her touch even through the sleeve of her shirt. 

"What do you need?"

*

Sabine took her weight as she guided her across the common room to the cockpit access, one of Shin's arms over her shoulders. Her instinct was to loop her own arm around Shin's waist, but she had noticed how little she liked to be touched without warning and instead left it pressed awkwardly between their bodies as they walked. She kept an eye on the white surgical patch Huyang had pressed over Shin's wound once the skin had healed enough, looking for signs that she'd torn her stitches again, but they made it to the cockpit without incident. She lowered Shin carefully into the pilot's chair and then took her usual seat once she was settled. 

Sabine flipped the intercom switch. Ahsoka had left early to scout the mountain path ahead, but Huyang had stayed aboard with them. "Huyang, I'm taking us for a ride," she said.

"For what purpose?" the droid asked.

"Uh… We've been hovering for a week now, I want to run the engines for a bit. Make sure they don't dry out," she said, shooting a glance over at Shin. She was too busy familiarising herself with the cockpit to return it.

"This is a T6 Jedi Transport," Huyang complained. "The engines do not 'dry out'." 

"Ignore him," Sabine said. Shin was already ignoring both of them.

"Taking us out," she said, and tugged the yoke towards her. The ship rose gracefully into the sky and Shin accelerated a little as they climbed towards the clouds. Sabine watched her hands move over the controls with the ease of an experienced pilot and the care of someone who dearly loved to fly, and was reminded strangely of the way Hera flew the Ghost. She felt a pang of sadness then - Hera and Zeb and her old life were so far away now, and she would probably never see them again. Kanan was further away still.

"This suits you," Sabine told Shin, more to get out of her own head than anything else. It was true though: the other woman was sitting up straight with a look of calm concentration Sabine had never seen on her. When they fought, she looked feral - blistering focus and a vicious will to win - but now she looked in control.

"Baylan didn't like flying the ship," Shin said without taking her eyes off the wisps of cloud starting to break apart on the screen. "I taught myself."

She banked the ship a little faster than necessary and Sabine saw her relish the brief rush of G-force pressing them sideways into their seats. She didn't smile, exactly, but her wide unblinking eyes softened and the tension in her jaw eased for a moment. It returned quickly, though, and Sabine noticed her knuckles tense a little against the yoke.

"What is it?" she asked, and immediately regretted it. Shin hated her prying, but she couldn't help it.

Shin's lip twitched, but she answered the question. "The last time I flew, I was trying to kill you."

"That was you?" 

"You didn't know?"

Sabine thought for a moment, remembering the one-man fighter craft diving and twisting out of her gunsights every time she thought she had them locked. "The gold one," she said, and Shin nodded. "No wonder I couldn't hit you."

The tiniest hint of a smile tugged at Shin's lips, and Sabine let herself grin openly at the victory of finally cheering her up as Shin took one hand off the yoke to adjust the thrust vector of one of the engines, and then instead of putting it back on the controls she laid her hand, almost casually, on the console between them. 

Sabine stared, slackjawed and stunned, for several seconds. Then she looked up at Shin, who was looking very intently the other way. It was obvious, overt even, in a way she would never have expected from the woman who communicated in angry glares and five-word sentences. She almost didn't believe it, especially when Shin shied away from any attempt to touch her. Cautiously, Sabine moved her own hand - not close enough to touch Shin, but near enough that she would know she had noticed. She was reminded of facing off against her on Seatos, and the way she had read Sabine's guard and taken a counter-stance to match her. Sabine's heart was racing the same way, too. She looked over at Shin to see what she was going to do next. A barely perceptible blush rose on her cheeks under her gaze, and slowly, without taking her eyes off a point on the distant horizon, Shin moved her fingers out until they brushed against Sabine's own. 

Sabine couldn't help the gasp that slipped her lips, and she worried for a second that the sound made scare Shin off. Instead, when she looked over, she saw Shin looking back. She hadn't turned her head much, just enough that Sabine could see both of her pale, blue-green eyes. Her usual wide-eyed stare had softened, and now there was a definite smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

"Thank you, for this," Shin said. 

Sabine nodded slowly, and flicked out her tongue to moisten her lips. Cautiously, she lifted her little finger and let it drift gently across Shin's until she could curl it into the space between her third and fourth digit. Shin took her counter-stance: her little finger closed around Sabine's.

"So what happens now?" Sabine asked. 

"I don't know." This time she was telling the truth.

[just-kit-ink]

I promise I'll answer your asks as soon as I can, but I offer a fashion ask for the Dragon AU.

Fleur, as one can imagine, wore royal clothes when she was abducted. And as the days went by, her dress (the only one she had might I add. It's not like Smartaz took some clothes for her 😅) became more dirty and torn. I can imagine her wearing this kind of dress, with the long flowing sleeves and skirt- that would be very inconvenient to wear in a jagged, nearly destroyed castle 😅 I think maybe the dress could be ivory like the first image. But I Associate Ben with blue, so maybe she would wear blue to point to her binding to him?

But, after she becomes an official member of the Dragon family, or just when Smartaz starts to care about her more and even brings her back things from raides- regardless if she asked or not- thats when Fleur gains a new wardrobe. She exchanges the royal garb for something more simple, now. Like what Aurora wore in Sleeping Beauty. I can see it being mainly white or ivory, now. To signify Fleur's independence from her husband now and gaining her own color.

However, I've also been thinking about the room that Smartaz gives her possibly being an old bedroom. With a wardrobe with dusty clothes that she could wear. And since this is a ccastle, they could be clothes of the former queen or princess too. So maybe Fleur would still wear high-class clothes. Before Smartaz brought her clothes and she had nothing else to wear other than her old dress, or maybe even when her current wardrobe needs washing. What do you think?

Now, Katherine! We need to talk about her in this AU more. She's your character so I can't say for certain what she'd wear, but I can see her in these dresses (except maybe the shoulders aren't exposed in the second picture)! More simple/lower class than Poppy's old dress, but it allows Katherine more movement. And besides, it's just perfect for an adventurous fantasy heroine ^^

//Ooooh you have her colour scheme and style down so well!

I love your use of colour symbolism for Fleur's dresses she goes from a rich blue (having rank) to a white/ivory (having no ties to anyone) it's really clever!

It's funny I've actually been drawing Kitty in medieval clothing recently!

Personally I see Kitty in mostly peasant dresses of the time that she's able to work/do leisure in. When the dragons capture her they probably get singed or torn at the corners. I can only imagine Poppy being picked up like a ragdoll by dragon teeth 😆

Katherine grew up in the court and didn't have to want for much but I can see her wearing clothes that keep a low profile when she's out so she isn't followed or bothered. She also keeps a dagger for protection but doesn't want to have to use it. She would wear these clothes at the start of the story, then offhand make a comment that she doesn't wear much finery and then after they grow closer the dragons steal a dress for her on one of their raids.

It's either wine red, deep purple or ocean blue. Something that brings out Katherine's hair and eyes and matches her personality. Needless to say as an aspiring scholar who's trying to prove herself just as good as any high class lady, she's less than pleased with the thievary...but the gowns are gorgeous and it was thoughtful of them. Besides, she's no stranger to foraging for food when out of the grounds of the house, this is their strange way of doing the same.

I can also see her wearing styles similar to Princess Eilonwy from The Black Cauldron or Princess Merida from Brave. Sonething nice, but free for movement which allows her to run if needed.

Also, towards the end of her arc when she needs to fight the dark sorcerer I can see her wearing armour like this.

[ostianshadow]

'i'll do my best to be useful next round, a'ight?'

famous last words, he hopes they are not,

and yet, as matthew scrutinizes their new lineup of opponents, he can but wonder. two of them look more familiar than he care for, in truth. one is reminiscent of a certain sacaen he knows - they go way back! far enough back for matthew to know she's a threat with both blade and bow - and the other...

teach?

what was celica doing over there? at least, he's pretty sure that's celica, despite the lack of an actual face. kinda creepy, if you stop to think too long about it. but between these guys and nergal's morphs... it's no contest which takes the cake when it comes to standing the hair at the nape of his neck on end.

fine then. with not-lyn and not-celica here (and whoever these other blokes happen to be), matthew supposes he'll have to try his best if he wants to make it out alive one 'a these days.

Matthew 5/10 barely hits Lady of the Plains with Valaura [Roll: 5 ; -0HP Lady of the Plains 15/15*]

his best is not what he manages to eke out, unfortunately, in his approach toward lyn - his target strictly because she has yet to grasp her bow (even if he knows bloody well how quick a draw she can be) ...

well.

maybe he'll blame it on getting adjusted to his new mount, a sleek black steed eager to bear his weight. how did people manage to fight on these things? and in armour no less? the spy feels constricted. ugh.

all the same, he takes the opportunity the enemies have granted as solemnly, ominously, they await their next attacks as though they are scarcely aware or care that the battle has already begun,

and somehow nudges mr. horse over to eos, who's... seen better days, really. for all that she had the gall to poke him awake... he feels in better shape than she looks after his little 'nap.'

"stay sharp, friend. i reckon we'll need all of us hale and whole if we wish to stand any semblance of a chance."

Knight Ring activates. Matthew uses Recover on Dawn Dragon 3/10 [Roll: 20 ; +8HP Dawn Dragon 10/10]

this time, his training in faith magic actually shows its face. sure, he's never really been able to touch the healing side of things before, and it feels nice to be able to help out like this, putting what theory he's studied to use.

(sure, maybe he's a smidge jealous she's now looking to be in much better shape than him, haha. but them's the breaks, one supposed.)

rise and fall / team 7 steel round

[rococospade]

Hello! I have a question regarding the design of your Tarnished character, Letho, and his friend Ambrosia from your fic.

Have you used pre existing armor sets/armor pieces that you find in game for their design, or did you give them different clothes that you yourself made? Just curious, cause it seems like there's a lot of people making new armors for their Tarnished ocs to fit a certain character or aesthetic, just as there's a lot of people using pre existing sets in their drawings of them.

Have a good day!

Hi! Uh, honestly for me it's a little of both.

I'll break the answer into two parts, the fic answer and the art answer.

So, fic wise, Letho is usually in the Confessor Set by default, and either has the base Confessor weapons (Lemosyne) or the Bloodhound Fang and more throwables than god (Mare's Nest.)

Ambrosia's costume I've been vague about because I haven't actually sat down and concretely decided what they're wearing, though in chapter 10 it's probably something like the page set and a hood armour for plot-reasons.

On the art side of things:

So, I've drawn Letho in the Confessor outfit of course, but the costume he's wearing in my pinned post is based on a mix of one of the mage sets (Alberich's) and the Confessor set, plus Rennala's gauntlets because I really like them (and a wrap that he got as a gift, not based on a game item). I've drawn him in the deathbed companion dress a few times, and I've commissioned art of him in a combination of Maliketh's armour + the Depraved Perfumer robes, too. There's also an armour I did based on a design class I'm taking, but I haven't uploaded that yet.

Ambrosia's costume in my head is like a patchwork forest-coloured hedgewitch looking set, I really need to make them an Elden file just so I can look for costume ideas though! I'd love to have them with a game armour look. (Maybe the page set and one of the hood items? Hmm.)

When I do design original armour I try to use game sets as a jump off point, but I'm not good at folding in a convincing amount of detail yet.

Combo of Confessor, Alberich, and Rennala's sets + a shawl

Based on the same as above but with different colours. Hairstyle changed because the idea of him wearing a crystal dart as a hairpin appealed to me -- originally he had the default braided hair, which, beloved <3

aaaand the armour set that's still in development, and not based on anything in the game:

This will show up in fic and art at some point. I didn't plan for it to be gold, but it kind of works conceptually and colours-wise, so why not.

aaand I went digging for the art I had of Ambrosia:

These sketches are from a few months ago. Their costume's really too similar to Letho's, here. I'll need to do something else. But it's hard to picture them in long skirts, so even if I do that, I'll probably draw the skirt as girded.

And this is a pen sketch I did in like 2 minutes to try and figure out what they're wearing in chapter 10. "Oooh I'm just a helpless old person, stop looking at me, I definitely won't hit you with this stick" vibes

Thanks for the ask!

[c-ones-adults-only-club]

Chapter 3- Enter the Brothers Opress…

Summary: The Brothers arrive…

TW: no real warnings for this one, just Ola’s wondering and Maul being Maul.

Link to chapter 2

The transport shuddered slightly as it came to a stop at the docking bay of the mining facility. The access hatch hissed as it opened, permitting the exit of it's only passengers. A black robed figure descended the ramp silently, each step casual yet calculated. The cold breeze flapped the loose fabric of his clothing, but he paid it no mind. He waited at the foot of the ramp, blazing yellow eyes staring at the dark facility before him. They narrowed minutely.

Something was… amiss. He felt it keenly, but couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

Behind him, his larger counterpart stepped onto the ramp. His heavy footfalls rattled the metal slightly, his steps casual in their confidence. He stopped by his brother's side.

"Something feels… off." He looked down at the crimson and black Zabrak, waiting for confirmation that what he felt was right.

"Yes, my brother. I feel it. There's too much… apprehension." He turned to his brother. "Come, Savage. Let us see how successful our friend has been in his folly. Perhaps we can gain insight as to why there is such tension permeating the Force." Savage nodded, following Maul as they entered the building.

—————————————-

Hours seemed to pass since Ola’s dreams of release had been crushed. She sat curled in a corner, knees hugged to her chest and head buried into the pale folds of her costume. She sobbed quietly, soaking the fabric with her tears. She didn’t care that the dirty floor would ruin the chiffon and stain the cotton. She didn’t care that she herself would end up filthy from sitting on the floor.

She just wanted to go home. She wanted to wake up and discover that this was all just a bad dream. That she was actually at home in her tiny apartment, in her single bed, waking up to start yet another mundane day filled with waitressing and fending off the unwanted leering from some of the males, and the odd female, she encountered in her job.

She almost wished that she’d taken that sleazy guest up on his offer. Maybe then this would never have happened.

‘No,’ she thought to herself. ‘You’d just end up being some plaything for a too-rich playboy and his friends.’

‘But what if that’s what’s going to happen here?’ She argued internally.

The thought made her sick to her stomach.

She shuddered, tightening her hold on her legs, drawing them further into her body. She rocked herself gently, trying to find some comfort. Images of slimy people with wandering hands, lecherous eyes and oily words flashed before her eyes, raising bile up her throat. A ragged sob escaped with her next breath, loud and echoey in the too-quiet cell.

That was the sound that welcomed her guard.

Ola startled as the ray shield was deactivated, permitting the man entrance to the tiny room.

He was carrying something.

She watched him fearfully as he approached her, yelping and hiding her face in her knees when he threw the whatever-it-was at her. It clattered against the floor.

“Put that on.” She looked up at him, and then down at the familiar bit of gold plastoid. The mask stared back up at her. She blinked in confusion, looking up at the armoured man. He heaved an irritated sigh.

“Put it on, or I'll put it on for you.” With a shaking hand, she reached forward and picked up the mask, brushing a thumb over the smooth surface.

“W-why?” A threatening step forward was her only answer, startling her into action. She hurriedly fixed the mask over her eyes. She looked back up at the man, expecting him to do something else.

He simply nodded once, and then left. The ray shield reactivated, blocking her exit once again.

Ola sat, confused and bewildered. Why did they want her to wear the mask again? What kind of sick game were they playing with her?

She had no other choice than to wait and find out.

—————————————————————-

The lingering feelings of fear and hopelessness seemed to cling to the very walls as Maul and Savage calmly made their way towards the meeting room. That was unusual, even if their associate had been successful. If there was one thing Maul knew about the targeted Senator, it was that she was forever hopeful.

And, indeed, she could afford to be when she had close friendships with Jedi such as Skywalker and Kenobi.

After all, as had been proven time and again: if she was in danger, they were never far behind. Always ready to rescue their dear friend.

Not that she was a fragile flower. She was more than capable, and willing, to defend herself. He would admit that she impressed him, even if it was slight.

And the fact that she was not afraid to voice her opinion to his former Master, regardless of his disguise, humoured him.

Which begged the question- who had been captured? Who did this fear and hopelessness belong to?

Vizsla's idea had been foolish from the start. Holding the Senator until the Republic heard his demands? Pathetic. Maul had only agreed to it to satisfy his own amusement. It would appear, if his senses were correct, that the plan had fallen at the first hurdle.

And his senses were very rarely wrong.

Upon entering the room, the former Sith apprentice's keen awareness fell immediately on the head of the Death Watch. There was a certain… anxiety that came off the silver-haired man in waves, though he tried to hide it behind a mask of calm aloofness.

He was trying to hide something.

“Ah, my friends. A pleasure to see you.” Pre Vizsla stood from his chair, circling the table to stand before them.

“Vizsla.” Maul delighted in the sliver of fear he elicited from the man, but kept his expression carefully neutral. He felt the slight shift of movement as Savage clenched and relaxed a fist. He cast him a negating glance, and turned his attention back to the man before him. "I expected the Senator to join us for our meeting. There was no… trouble, I hope." A slight tremble in the self-proclaimed Heir of Mandalore's hand as he smoothed his hair back was the only outward sign of the building nerves Maul could feel permeating the Force.

"Ah, yes. Well, it would seem that we have stumbled into a slight complication." Maul and Savage shared a secretly amused look.

"Complications, Vizsla? At so early a stage?" He watched the man swallow, though his face was set in a stoic mask.

"Sadly, yes. It would appear that our dear Senator was not herself present at the gathering." Maul calmly and carefully stepped forward, his hands loosely clasped behind his back. He felt like a predator closing in on his prey, a feeling he had always enjoyed.

"Oh? But you quite clearly stated that you had acquired our guest. I do hope you weren't lying to me, Vizsla." The very air around the man shivered at his quietly threatening tone. Behind him, Savage held back the snicker at the fear in the human's eyes.

"No, my friend. Not a lie. It would seem that y… the Black Sun apprehended a decoy, instead." Maul slowly paced, with all the grace of a nexu poised to strike. Vizsla’s correction didn’t escape his notice.

"I see. And where is this… decoy now?" The first glint of anger finally shone in the man's eyes.

"You don't believe me?" he growled. One look from the Zabrak quelled that anger. He took a deep breath through his nose before continuing. "She's in the detention block, awaiting your judgement." Maul turned fully to him, studying him closely. He caught the small tremor of fear that emanated from the man. He hummed.

"Very well. Come, Savage. Let us go and greet our friend's decoy.”

Upon exiting the room, Maul grinned wickedly at the sudden up-welling of concern and dread that the man finally allowed himself to feel. Next to him, Savage grumbled.

"Why do we continue to do business with that worm? Why don't we just kill him and be done with it?"

"Patience, Savage. All in due time. We would have nothing to gain from his demise. Yet." Maul stopped in their trek towards the cells. Savage stopped beside him. "His underling is currently on Mandalore, making preparations for his official introduction as the new leader. We will let him have his moment in the light, let him get established."

"And then kill him?"

"Yes, Apprentice. And then we will kill him. But it will require a certain finesse, a certain amount of ritual, if we want the people to fall in line. I shall be the one to do it, and claim the Darksaber. With it, I shall inherit the throne of Mandalore, with you as my right hand, and together with the might of the Mandalorian warriors, we can at last have our revenge against those that have wronged us." The larger Zabrak nodded.

"I like the sound of that," he rumbled with a wicked smile. They continued on their walk, the fearful feelings they’d sensed upon their arrival gaining strength the closer they got to the cells.

"But, as I say. All in due time. Let us first see to our… unwilling guest."

@eloquentmoon @rubytotherebellion @grinningnexu @kaminocasey @nxctuaryninetythree @botherbother-blog @stardustbee @writercels

Link to chapter 4

[ampedupkaon]

A present for Galand

Melascula said she had something for me. I hope it's good booze. The last place… ugh! I'm sure I could find nicer tasting liquid in one of the nearby ponds! Galand thought, looking for Melascula. Who had disappeared somewhere after telling him she had something for him. It was getting to the point now where he was tempted to just curl up on his bed and daydream. Or, more likely these days, snooze. That… actually sounded pretty good right now. So off he went. He got a bit of a surprise when he made his way back to his room. Melascula was waiting for him. Covered only by darkness it seemed. It was tempting; he wanted to find out if she was or not. "Hey old man, got you something." Galand growled softly. Just because he was old; didn't mean he needed to be reminded of it frequently! "Well, where is it?" He glanced around, eyes trailing her form. "You keep trailing your eyes over it." She answered, a smirk crossing her face. He realised then that she meant herself. And he smirked too. "And do I get to unwrap this… present you got for me?" He made his way over, taking one end of the darkness wrapped around her… protecting her modesty… and if that thought didn't make him swallow and push down desire. It had been… a while since he'd got attention from the fairer sex… and she was a pretty thing. "On my time, old man." She smirked. Galand dragged the end of the darkness ribbon he'd grabbed up above her head. "And what's to stop me just yanking it off? And getting the vision I'm sure you are." "Careful. That sounded like a compliment." She grinned. "Maybe I meant it as one. If I keep giving you them, will you give me that show?" Melascula giggled softly. "I'll drop my darkness if you do. Show me what you look like under that armour." No. I'm not exactly the looker I once was. "And if I refuse?" "I might give you a peek. If you beg me." She smirked. "You'd like that wouldn't you? Me on my knees, pleading for something you know you're going to give me anyway…" Her jaw dropped, so he knew he'd caught her. He wasn't made the Commandment of Truth for nothing; he was good at seeing through liars before he had it too! "Say you want to see me naked." Alright. It's the truth after all. He thought with a smirk. "I want you naked, Melascula." Her cheeks flushed, apparently not expecting him to say it! She didn't think it was true, then. She wriggled a little, wanting him to step back. "Fine. Don't blink, or you might miss it." Galand swore to himself he wouldn't. And suddenly the darkness covering her body vanished. She put her hands on her hips, as though daring him to look. To admire her. To… damn it! Can't be thinking like that; she… wouldn't want to bed him. Even if he did want to take her to his bed. "Bet you'd like to admire me all over, wouldn't you?" Galand bit his lip so he didn't moan. Damn… all of her? Does she even know what that means? Because I'm not sure she'd like me looking between her legs and pondering how I'm going to pleasure her there. "Go on. Take a look." She smirked before flying over and around him, seemingly shameless now. Galand didn't quite manage to suppress that moan this time. "You alright?" Galand jolted awake, Melascula looking a little concerned. Galand couldn't recall being asleep, but also knew that Melascula would only bare herself to him like that in his wildest fantasies. "Why do you ask?" "You were moaning in your sleep. It woke me up." She grumbled. Wait… she heard that? Damn. Galand knew he'd waited too long to answer by the smirk on her face. "Was it a nice dream? Get up to anything… sexual?" She asked, looking like she wanted to laugh. Galand also knew he was never going to tell her what he was dreaming about. Her completely naked was for his fantasies only; and like hell was he going to be teased by her because of them! "None of your damn business." He answered instead.

(Wanted to draw a birthday picture for my favourite commandment, and I drew a pretty picture of Escanor as a present for Merlin for her birthday. So I drew Melascula all tied up in her darkness with a tag for him on for his birthday.)