#Reblogging this to celebrate the new kingdom update

[fawniswriting]

Fire and Blood

Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

This is Chapter 01 of the Faithfully Yours series.

The above image does not indicate the reader's physical appearance.

Summary: As the princess of your kingdom, marriage has always been a mere duty to fulfill. You’re well aware of your impending matrimony to the King of Asgard, so why does the rumor of Sir James Barnes’ betrothal trouble you so?

Word Count: 5000-ish

Warning(s): historical royal AU. forbidden love (princess x knight/royal guard). slowburn. mention of arranged marriage. jealousy. panic attack. depictions of battle, explosion, and violence. angst

Hi everyone, my name is Fawn! This is the first chapter of a royal!AU series I'm writing. I used to loveee royal!AU and haven't read any in a while, so I decided to write one myself. I'm planning to update the series at least once a week, but since I just landed a new job (yay!), we will see if the schedule would work on my end. Don't forget to comment, like, and reblog if you like this story!

The barren stonewalls flutter against the unusually loud chatters inside the castle hallways. Murmurs of the long-awaited spring festival and the seasonal price of crops fill the air, although above them, talks of the impending royal wedding have seemingly taken precedence. You play impervious to their eagerness as you walk down the corridors with your maids-in-waiting by your sides, giving the people an agreeable nod while acting oblivious to the subtle sly smiles thrown in your wake.

“It seems that my upcoming wedding has truly become the talk of the town,” you remark.

“Can you blame them, Your Highness? Our beloved princess is soon to be the Queen of Asgard. It’s set to be our country’s strongest alliance in history! The people ought to celebrate,” Yelena responds.

“Moreover,” Natasha adds, “everyone is excited to finally see the King of Asgard himself in the flesh. His Majesty’s reputation surely precedes him.”

“Speaking of His Majesty,” Yelena hums cheerily, “will Your Highness truly not tell us anything about him at all?”

“I told you, Yelena. You will have plenty of time to get to know His Majesty once he arrives for the wedding.”

“But that is not for at least another month!”

You fix a sharp glare at Yelena’s direction, silencing the woman while earning a soft laughter from Natasha.

“If His Majesty takes even longer than that, we could very well have another wedding here before his arrival,” says Natasha.

The corner of your mouth tilts. “Do you already have a prospective groom in mind, Natasha?”

“I was not talking about me, Your Highness.” Rounding up a corner, you are met with a group of workers carrying ancient artworks and sculptures. They bow in respect at the sight of you, and you give them a dismissive wave to send them all on their way. “I was talking about Sir Barnes.”

At the mention of that one specific name, your steps falter.

In the tiniest bit of seconds your composure is lost, the train of your dress has somehow caught between the stone floors and the sole of your shoes. Yelena grabs hold of you before your face could plummet against the ground, helping you back to your still unsteady feet. When your head lifts, both Natasha and Yelena are appraising you in an equal mixture of confusion and worry.

“What happened, Princess?” Natasha asks.

“Forgive me. I was a little distracted, I reckon.” You brush the dust off your dress and continue on your way. “What was it about Sir Barnes you were saying, Natasha?”

Natasha eyes you in a slight skepticism but proceeds to answer, “Sir  Smith was looking for him. Have you not noticed his absence today?”

You refrain from replying. You cannot possibly admit in front of your whole entourage that not only did you notice Sir James Barnes' absence, your head has also been preoccupied with the thoughts of his whereabouts ever since you left your chamber this morning. His presence as your royal guard is hard to miss, for you have grown accustomed to having his face being one of the first you see at the start of your day. It's a constant you greatly cherish.

“What did Sir Smith want with him?” you inquire, unable to quell your soaring curiosity.

Natasha's voice drops to a whisper, “The housekeepers claim that Sir Smith is looking for a potential match for his youngest daughter!”

Yelena gasps. “Miss Dolores?”

Your skin prickles. You know the young Miss Dolores. Or at least, you know of her. Although she is not a member of the court, her father's position within the royal guard, along with her elder sister's recent nuptials with a renowned baron, have resulted in an exceptional boost to her prestige. She is young and beautiful, with an impeccable reputation to go with it. The perfect woman of every man's dream.

“I must say, they do make quite a good pair together, do they not?” Yelena notes.

You try to fight off the sinking feeling in your stomach, alongside the image of Sir James Barnes—valiant and tall—next to a dainty Dolores Smith. Yelena's observation is correct: the two do make quite a good pair. It's a knowledge that leaves a bitter aftertaste in your mouth.

Soon, the gloomy castle walls give way to a blue sky and a tapestry of half-finished grandeur. In the heart of the castle garden, stone fountains stand dry, awaiting water from nearby springs. Marble statues, veiled in white sheets to protect them from the weather, loom like silent ghosts among freshly turned soil. The air smells of damp earth and fragrant flowers, all evidence of the lavish restoration set to complete just in time for the King of Asgard’s arrival in your kingdom.

You step gingerly over a pile of bricks, spotting your older brother, the Crown Prince, leaning against a wheelbarrow as though he were a commoner. His own entourage stands not too far behind. 

“Tell me, Brother,” you begin, “is this your grand contribution to Mother’s vision? Supervising that pile of gravel?”

The Crown Prince straightens with faux offense. “Supervising is an art, Dear Sister. Someone has to ensure the gravel does not rebel and pose a threat to the kingdom.”

You laugh heartily, bumping his shoulder with yours as you claim a place next to him. “You are doing a fine job, truly. That gravel has not moved an inch.”

“Your mockery wounds me.” 

The two of you stand in silence as you watch the bustling scene before your eyes. Gardeners and laborers alike scamper to set up flower beds and plant various shades of gardenias, roses, and hyacinths. The garden is a long way from what your mother, the Queen, has surely envisioned, but you know without a doubt that by the time the Asgardian royal court arrives at the castle, this garden would rival even the legendary courtyards of far-off kingdoms.

A moment passes before the Crown Prince speaks, “I heard chatter from the servant quarters. Is it true? About Sir Barnes and Sir Smith’s daughter?”

“Words do travel fast in this place,” you ponder. “And yet, I always seem to be the last one to come upon them.”

“I am afraid that is entirely on you, Sister. If only you would accept my invitation to visit the kitchen every once in a while.”

“And watch you make eyes with every young scullery maid on the staff? I would rather surrender my soul to the Gods.”

“I shall let you know, they are wonderful companies, perhaps even better than the Gods.” You chastise your brother with a roll of your eyes. “But earnestly, how are you feeling?”

“About what?”

“Sir Barnes. The engagement rumors.”

Your chest burns. “I fail to understand what the correlation between the rumors and my feelings is, Brother.”

“You know very well what the correlation is!” your brother exclaims incredulously. “You may be able to fool everyone else, Sister, but you cannot fool me. I was there. I have watched you and Sir Barnes since we were all children. Back when he was still Jamie to you, and you were—”

“Stop.” The edge of your voice shatters like ceramics on stones. It takes every part of your being to stop your hands from trembling, to keep your limbs upright when all your body desires is to crumble into pieces above the damp soil under your feet. “What are you doing?”

“Sister—”

“I am to be married in a month, Brother. The King of Asgard himself is preparing to journey to our kingdom as we speak. You know what this matrimony means for us, for the future of our people. I have a responsibility to ensure this union, or have you forgotten?”

The line on your brother's jaw tenses. He casts his eyes on a faraway speckle beyond the clouds. “You chastise me of responsibilities, Sister, when I know all too well about it. It is my whole life. Our whole lives. I am not asking you to escape your duties. We are not the sort of people who possess such luxury. I am merely asking you to be honest with yourself, to listen to your heart for once.” The Crown Prince turns to you and takes a deep breath. “You have the rest of your life to be the Queen of Asgard. You do not have to live it full of regrets.”

Your brother gives a comforting squeeze around your shoulder before leaving the castle garden with his entourage. In his absence, his words echo louder in your head, forcing you to ponder whether his advice actually holds any avail.

Lady Brunhilde moves leisurely throughout the library, perusing the towering shelves filled with rare books and ancient scriptures. You sit at the head of the long table in the center of the room, pen in hand, working through the list of questions on Asgardian political affairs that she has prepared. Across the way, she plucks a tome from the Astronomy section, idly flipping through the pages before settling against one of the window nooks, where the sunlight catches the metal plates of her armor, sending fleeting glimmers all across the room.

You were first introduced to Lady Brunhilde two winters past, several weeks after the wedding date was ordained. She is an apprentice of the Valkyrie—Asgard’s elite order of warrior-maidens—stationed in your kingdom alongside her instructor at the residence of the Asgardian ambassador. It was King Thor himself—your betrothed—who appointed her four months ago to school you in the knowledge of Asgardian laws and politics. Before Lady Brunhilde, a governess was sent to teach the subject of Asgardian science and health, while the previous one was responsible for handling the subject of Asgardian history, culture, and arts.

Moments pass, and you find yourself staring out of the window as Lady Brunhilde examines your work. From this vantage in the library, you have an unobstructed view of the field just outside the castle walls. The distance has rendered people into the size of grains, but you can still make out the shapes of children playing and running on the grass, their laughter lost to the wind. The sight tugs at both your lips and your heartstrings.

“Twenty for twenty,” Lady Brunhilde announces at last, closing your work parchment with a satisfied nod. “Not too bad, Your Highness. At this rate, we may well have our final lesson by week’s end.”

“You speak nonsense, Lady Brunhilde.” You shake your head, though the teasing lilt in your voice stammers. “I still need you here, at least until His Majesty himself sets foot in our humble kingdom.”

“Not too long from now, then.”

You bite your bottom lip and look away, refocusing on the children playing a ball game on the distant field. The reminder that your wedding is fast approaching has your heart galloping faster than your beloved horse, Sparrow. You pray to the Gods in heaven that Lady Brunhilde does not notice your unease.

“I shall take my leave, then,” Lady Brunhilde declares. “I will see you tomorrow, Your Highness.”

“Thank you for today, Lady Brunhilde.”

The guards at the entrance push open the heavy doors, allowing Lady Brunhilde to pass through. One of them follows to escort her out of the castle, leaving you alone with the remaining knight. You recognize the young man beneath the armor—Peter Parker is his name. Knighted only last month, he spent years as a squire under Sir Anthony Stark, a general within your father’s army. 

“You.” Arising from your seat, you surround the long table to approach the young knight. “Sir Parker, is it?”

“It is, Your Highness.”

“Relay a message to everyone—I will not be dining with my family tonight. I shall remain here, in the library, and I am not to be disturbed,” you proclaim. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The doors close softly behind him, and at last, you breathe a sigh of relief. Your shoulders are ten pounds lighter, and the hush that settles over the library is a balm to the searing pain in your temples. Moments of solitude are very few and far between in your world, and the rare times they do come, you make sure to use it to your full advantage.

Accompanied by one book after another, you let time slip away until the sky outside dims into a dark abyss cluttered with stars. Your nose remains buried in a tale of forbidden love—of a sailor entranced by a mythical siren—when a sudden knock shatters the silence in the room. Before you can instruct them to come in, the doors swing open, revealing the tall, handsome figure that has been clouding your mind for the better part of the day.

“Your Highness.” Sir Barnes inclines his head in greeting.

It has been no more than a day since you last saw him, and yet, the sight of James Barnes right in front of your eyes—so near yet so unreachable—arouses something in the depth of your chest. Your heart calls out to him. Your fingers, as if possessed by their own will, ache to trace the lines of his face, the freckles scattered like constellations across his skin. In a perfect world, you would have taken him straight into your arms the moment he stepped into the library. In a perfect world, you would tell him that you missed him, that you are glad he has returned to your side.

Unfortunately, this is not one of those perfect worlds.

“I have not seen you today,” you murmur.

“I had personal matters to attend to, Your Highness. My sincerest apologies.”

The book in your lap closes with a dull thud. You set it atop the towering pile on the table, rising to your feet to snuff out the candles you lit up earlier. 

“Is it true, then? About you and Sir Smith’s daughter?” Without the candles’ flame, half of the room is now encompassed in darkness. You angle your face towards the moon outside, chasing for its light. “Are you going to marry her?”

A silence stretches between the two of you, ponderous and unyielding. You brace yourself as you turn back, staring at the statuesque man whose face is now swallowed by the darkness. There is no way of discerning what emotions he is wearing on his countenance—what he is thinking. Then again, James Barnes is not exactly a man who wears his heart proudly out of his sleeves.

“Princess—” his voice is thick, heavy, “—I have come to escort you to the dining room.”

“I informed Sir Parker that I would not be dining tonight.”

“Your family is expecting you.”

A humorless laugh escapes your chest. With every echo of your step, you erase the distance between you and Sir Barnes, close enough until you can make out his sculpted jawline despite the darkness. “I shall be retiring to my chambers. Do not follow me. That is an order.”

The castle hallways fly in a blur as you rush out of the library. The spring wind flickers against your skin, guiding you through the maze of corridors that forge your home. You take the grand staircase in a careless sprint, each step barely landing beneath you, until at last, your foot misses one altogether.

You have fallen down these stairs once before, when you were but fifteen. The injury kept you in bed for half of summer. It was easily the longest, most agonizing several weeks you ever spent in your entire life.

As your body tenses, you prepare yourself to suffer the same fate once more—only to find the impact never comes. Instead, your feet remain planted on solid ground, your hands hanging onto something sturdy, clutching for dear life. Your breath catches as your eyes lock with another pair in blue, dark in the center but light as the ocean as they expand. Sir Barnes is gazing at you in fervent, his arms tightly secured around your waist, studying your face in an unreadable intensity that sets your pulse ablaze.

You wrench yourself from Sir Barnes’ embrace with a firm shove towards his chest. “What do you think you are doing?” He stumbles back two paces, drawing that maddening distance between the two of you once more. “I ordered you not to follow me.”

“Apologies, Your Highness, but I cannot do that,” he mutters, eyes fixed upon the ground. “My duty is to ensure your safety. In order to do that, I must remain by your side. Always.”

A scathing scoff escapes your lips, cutting through the stillness of the night. "Duty? Is that what you call it?” 

Sir Barnes stiffens, but you press forward, unwilling to let him slip away behind his armor of stoicism. "You speak of duty as if it binds you to me, as if it dictates your every move. And yet, you were gone for the better part of the day. Absent. Unaccounted for." He remains silent, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps I should ask again. Were you truly occupied with personal matters, or were you simply tending to more pressing obligations? Such as, say, securing a future with Sir Smith’s daughter?"

You regret the accusation the moment it flees your lips. It tastes sharp and acrid, laced with something bitter and dangerous. Fingers curl into your palms, sharp nails branding crescent moons into your skin. You struggle to understand this anger—where it stemmed from, why it was there in the first place. It froths inside you at the sight of James Barnes, at the image of him together with the young and beautiful Dolores Smith.

The weight of Sir Barnes’ stare anchors you in place, his silence louder than any retort he could have given. The tension between you thickens, stretching taut like a bowstring on the verge of snapping.

And yet, he does not snap.

Instead, after a long, unbearable pause, he exhales. "What would you have me do? Tell me, Your Highness. How can I make amends?" His gaze never wavers, piercing through the darkness and the venomous red consuming your thoughts. "Tell me what I must do, so that you might find it within yourself to forgive me."

Your breath stutters, but before you can summon a reply, he adds, "I will do anything, Your Highness. Anything, save for leaving you. Not today, not tomorrow. Not ever."

He takes a step closer. Not enough to touch, but enough for you to feel the gravity of his presence, to sense the warmth radiating from him despite the chill of the evening. “I swore an oath to protect you. Not only to the King and to the kingdom, but also to myself,” he utters, soft and careful, as if reciting a sacred vow. “I will always keep you safe, even if it means standing where I am not wanted.”

The silence that follows is nearly suffocating. But underneath the thickness, it conveys a great deal of unspoken admissions. Things you do not dare name, things that sparkle in the profound blue of his eyes. His oath lingers in the air, tethering you to a truth that you never asked to bear. And despite the frustration and the confusion, you feel the formidable wall around your heart beginning to wane, its sharp edges softening.

Your lips part, the beginnings of a response forming. “James—”

A crash. A resounding, erupting boom.

Somewhere in the distance, people are screaming.

You blink.

The distant shouting is increasing in magnitude, although their cries have mangled with the shrieks of something eerily similar to metals being torn apart. It doesn't register immediately. It’s too far and too foreign. Something that does not belong here, in the safe haven you call home.

Then, the walls tremble.

Your stomach plunges as a low, daunting vibration rattles through the stone beneath your feet. Chandeliers sway above your head. A tremor jolts through the castle’s bones following a faraway explosion, deafening and shuddering, as real as if it has originated inside your own bloodstreams.

The realization hits you like a lightning strike. 

This is not some misheard noise or some late-night disturbance that will be dealt with by the guards. This is real.

The castle is under attack.

Before you can form a single word on the tip of your tongue, Sir Barnes is already moving. His expression has darkened, his stance shifting instantly into something solid and unrelenting. He grabs your wrist, not harshly, but with unshakable purpose.

"Stay close,” he adjures.

You do not resist, not because you understand, but because your body is moving without your mind’s consent. You stumble after him as he navigates the halls with urgent precision. Shouts ring from left and right, north and south, somewhere beyond and inside the corridors. Footsteps, too many of them, thunder against the ground. The pungent scent of smoke slithers into the air, creeping into your lungs like a deadly poison eager to take claim of your life.

Your mind struggles to catch up.

This is home. These halls, these walls—they were the silent witnesses of your journey since birth. You know every crevice, every nook and cranny, every secret alcove where you once hid from your governess as a child. This place has always been a sanctuary, a fortress untouchable by the outside world.

And yet, there is fire.

Yet, there are screams.

Yet, your feet are racing over the stone floor, the thumping of your heart loud and erratic as your body shrivels under the clutches of fear.

A gasp tears from your throat, and suddenly, the simple act of breathing has become a chore. The walls are closing in. The corridors are too long. The air reeks of fumes and the rotting smell of death. A phantom shackle wreaths itself around your ankles, locking your body and halting your steps. Sir Barnes notices your lack of movement and stops, so abruptly that you nearly collide into him.

"Breathe," he orders, his voice as stern as it is calm. "We do not have time for this. Look at me."

You try to follow his command, but the world around you is tilting and morphing into something entirely incomprehensible. You claw at the curve of your neck, yanking at the invisible garrote that seems to have expelled the air straight out of your lungs. The voice inside your head is screaming, crying out for help, begging to be let out of this heinous nightmare.

Before your legs can give out, you finally feel it—warmth.

Sir Barnes’ hands are pressed against each side of your face. They offer solace to your icy cold skin, sturdy and rough from years of labor and exertion.

"Listen to me," he says, pinning you in place with the resolute look in his eyes. "You are safe. I am right here, and I will not let anything happen to you. But you need to breathe, and you need to move. Do you understand?”

You squeeze your eyes shut, silently giving him a meek nod.

"Good. Now follow me. In," he instructs, taking a long breath before exhaling, "and out."

You force yourself to comply. In and out. Breathe in, and then breathe out. It’s not perfect, not nearly enough to settle the storm raging inside you, but it’s enough to finally make you move. 

Sir Barnes does not waste another second. He guides you towards a particular section on the wall where he presses a specific stone before twisting one of the wall lanterns to an angle, triggering the hidden mechanism. The wall splits with a groan, revealing a narrow passageway devoured in a total state of darkness.

"Inside," he commands.

The secret passageway smells of dust and humidity. Something brushes your arm as you enter, possibly a cobweb or a bug, but you are too distracted by the ringing in your skull to care. It is quieter here once Sir Barnes seals the entrance, even if the rumble persists throughout the walls and the ground. With his sword drawn at his side, he leads you deeper into the hidden passage, traversing the path with only the help of the small lantern in his hand. 

Eternity seemingly passes before the exit finally appears. Sir Barnes pushes the concealed door ajar using his shoulder, just enough for you to slip through. You hurriedly sprint past him to chase the outside air, only to regret it soon enough when the horrific scene that greets you promptly stops you dead in your tracks.

Flames lick at the edges of the courtyard, lighting up against the night sky in streaks of gold and red. Soldiers clash, the clang of metal against metal as their swords strike one another. Shadows weave between the chaos—some friend, some foe, all indistinguishable amidst the madness.

"We have to keep moving,” Sir Barnes avers. His strong fingers around your wrist are the only thing keeping you from slipping into another bout of panic.

The two of you glide along the edge of the battle, tethering yourself to the shadows where every inch of movement is shrouded by the night. A few paces ahead, you see the stable looming through the thick haze. You dart inside without thinking, every part of your body trembling as you gravely reach for support around a wooden beam. Behind you, Sir Barnes is locking the entrance, keeping the stench of blood and combat safely out of the perimeter.

“Sister?”

The familiar sound of your name echoes throughout the vicinity. You whip your head, seeing your brother emerge from the dark corner of the stable with Sir Steve Rogers, his royal guard, standing by his side. 

“Brother,” you croak out.

The Crown Prince wastes no time to pull you into his embrace. He scans your entire body once he withdraws, shoulders deflating in relief when he ensures that every part of you is unharmed.

“We don’t have much time,” Sir Roger interjects. “The northern gate is compromised. We need to take the southern course through the woods.”

“The woods?” you repeat. Immediately, worry gnaws at you. The woods are not for the faint of heart, with its treacherous terrain full of thick undergrowth and uneven paths. There is a reason why they have become the setting of many spooky fables in your kingdom.

“It is our only option,” your brother affirms. “The main roads will be crawling with enemies. We will not stand a chance.”

As you nod, Sir Barnes works quickly. He leads Sparrow and his own horse out of their stalls, tightening the saddles and securing the reins on each of them. “We ride fast and keep to the shadows,” he proclaims, grazing his fingertips with yours as he hands you the reins.

“Wait.” You stop in your tracks and turn to your brother. “Mother and Father?”

Your brother stills. 

The stable is eerily quiet save for the distant screams beyond the castle walls. You watch your brother’s throat bob as he swallows hard, his grip tightening around his sword.

“I don’t know,” he admits, voice thick with restraint. “We were separated in the Great Hall. I tried to go back, but the enemy was closing in. I don't even know if they—”

He stops himself.

The ground beneath you sways as a rush of horror and disbelief surges through you. As much as you want to bury yourself hiding from it, you know that you cannot afford to do so right now. Instead, you take a deep breath, mount your horse, and turn to your brother, “We will find them. I will look for them myself.”

The Crown Prince nods, placing his reassuring hand on top of yours. “We will find them,” he repeats, squeezing your hand with determination. “But first, you must get yourself to safety.”

Moments later, you find yourself riding into the night, plunging into the depth and darkness of the forest. The sounds of battle keep fading behind as the surrounding trees extend higher, their skeletal branches scratching at the sky. The four of you ride in silence, every passing hoofbeat a reminder of the urgency pressing against your ribs. Sir Barnes leads, your brother close behind, with Sir Rogers taking up the rear.

Just as you are about to let out a relieved breath, something suddenly catches your attention.

A snap.

The sound of a branch breaking underneath deliberate footsteps.

Sir Barnes pulls his horse to a sudden halt. Your pulse hammers uncontrollably in your throat as you follow behind, trying to listen for something beneath the eerie stretch of silence that surrounds the group.

Right in front of you, the Crown Prince curses under his breath. “We’re being followed.”

Sir Rogers draws his sword. “What do you want us to do, Your Highness?”

Your brother stops to think. When he finally makes a decision, it’s one that makes your heart drop in horror. “I will stay behind,” he declares. “Sir Rogers and I will hold them off.”

“What?” You twist in your saddle to face him. “No! Absolutely not!”

“Listen to me,” he instructs, reaching for your hand. “If they catch us now, none of us will make it out alive. But if we split up, you will have a chance.”

“I’m not leaving you!”

“You must.” He squeezes your hand, and for the first time since this night began, his expression softens around a rueful smile. “I’ll come find you, Sister. I promise.”

“Please—”

Your voice is lost around a stifled sob, but your brother is already releasing his grip around your hand, not giving you a chance to protest, to persuade him to rethink his decision. You watch helplessly as he angles his horse towards the direction of the castle, his sword drawn and ready at his side. 

Before he rides off, he casts one final look at Sir Barnes. “Take care of her,” your brother commands.

“With my life,” Sir Barnes avows.

The next thing you know, you are being spurred forward, further away from your brother and the battle that will decide his fate. All you can do is look back, watching as his figure grows smaller in the darkness, until the thick cover of the forest finally swallows him whole.

[galvanizedfriend]

Klaroline Fic: The Wolf IV [4/13]

Summary: Five years after the downfall of the Mikaelson family, Caroline returns to New Orleans to fulfill the promise she made to Marcel: one day, she would be back for the man he has been keeping prisoner in the bowels of the old compound, and she would not be leaving without him. But the plans to abandon the city's eternal loop of tragedy behind once and for all are thwarted when a new enemy with unexpected old ties resurfaces, threatening not just Eve's life, but Caroline's as well.

--

S04E04 Keepers of the House 🎁

Klaus didn't expect to be back in New Orleans so soon. In fact, he was ready not to step foot in the city again for decades. This time, he was even glad for it. For the last eight years, New Orleans has been a selfish lover, taking from him much more than it has given.

He realizes now, with much belated clarity, that he had been holding on to some misguided sentimental attachment to a New Orleans that no longer exists, afraid of letting it go as though the city had been the very source of all his happiness. The only grounds where anything meaningful and lasting could ever grow. The city he built. His fortress. His kingdom. The only place that ever felt like home.

It's a belief that only solidified in his chest after Mikael took it from him. The decades that followed were a blur of misery and rage, where paranoia nearly drove him insane and the loneliness of being separated from his family ate him alive. He had to disappear like a coward, make himself a ghost, a name whispered in fear like a curse in the bowels of the underworld. New Orleans became a distant memory of joyful, thriving times.

He waged wars and shed blood and made new formidable enemies because he was chasing a dream, hoping to replicate those bountiful days. Klaus couldn't envision his family settling down anywhere else, couldn't picture his daughter growing up anywhere else but at the compound that carried her family's proud name.

He sees what a load of bollocks that was now. It was never about the city. His happiness didn't come from those sodden streets or that wretched house. It was about the people. About the moments of peace he'd managed to find with his family after hundreds of years running from Mikael. About finally being allowed to put down roots, forge alliances, build a legacy, live without restraint. He got to be as reckless and impulsive and expansive as he wished without the fear of attracting the Destroyer's attention with every breath he took.

It was... Liberating. The first time he ever truly tasted freedom.

Read the full chapter here on AO3

--

Happy Holidays, everyone! To celebrate the season, here's an update for you! 😃✨ What does that edit have to do with the contents of the chapter, you ask? Nothing. There is absolutely nothing festive in this update. It just suits my mood. Sadly, I do not have enough money to pay for someone to make me beautiful art for my shit, so this is what I've got. You can deal.

Anyway, hope you enjoy! And if you do, as always, know that your comments and reblogs and messages are very much appreciated and go straight into my little jar of motivation to keep pushing toward the finish line with this one ✨

[smashinghalloween]

𝕭𝖔𝖎𝖑𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕲𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖆𝖌𝖊 . . .

A familiar chill is sweeping through the Smash Mansion-- with it a cacophony of ghoulish giggling echoing along every hall. The source of the frightful uproar were hoards of ghastly ghosts. This year they weren't simply here to deliver a message. Residents and visitors alike would find themselves plagued by the nightmarish apparitions as they delivered merely a taste of the horrors they would soon experience in the town of Halloween...

No wall or door was a barrier to the haunting ghouls and everyone would find themselves personally accosted by a gruesome spectre and left with an invitation in their posession. The envelope resembled the iconic Smash Invite, except the paper was more withered and the symbol upon the orange seal bore a glowing jack-o-lantern.

The invite was a request for your presence by the one and only Pumpkin King himself. Included was a torn map of both Halloween Town and the renowned Hotel Transylvania. It contained directions on how to reach the hotel via the connecting graveyards for your stay, including a booking and room number with a signature by Count Dracula himself.

        EVENT DETAILS:

This special Halloween event is for the Smash / General Nintendo community! If your muse chooses to attend, they will transform into a Halloween creature upon arrival to Halloween Town ( like Kingdom Hearts ). It’s up to you what sort of Halloween entity your muse will become! Of course, if your muse is already scary, they needn’t change. Duplicate muses are welcome!

You may find non-mutuals participating in the event, you are not required to interact with everyone, but please be respectful and open to everyone.

You don’t have to be following this blog, but it makes life easier since all updates will be posted here. Jack Skellington and Count Dracula will be the main hosts of this event.

Your muses will be staying at Hotel Transylvania during the event, which Count Dracula runs. He is an old friend of Jack. The graveyards at each location offer a quick portal to and fro.

I wanna stress that this event is open to everyone in the RPC. Smash is about celebrating crossovers and Sora being in Smash makes everything canon. Don’t be afraid to get involved! Canon characters, OCs or otherwise, you’re all welcome to have some spooky fun in Halloween Town!

It will take place the throughout all of October with special events, ect every week. This means everyone gets a chance to take part, but you’re not locked into the event, you can RP outside of it normally of course! Your muses will be helping Jack and the rest of the town make Halloween happen! They will also get to experience many different activities such as pumpkin carving and finding a prize through a haunted maze. Parties will also take place at the Hotel and live music events. Again, the community tag for this event will be: ‘#event: spooky smashing fun’

The events aren’t time sensitive and can overlap, so don’t worry if a new one starts and you’re still having fun with another one. For example, your muse can carry on pumpkin carving, while a masquerade party is also happening. You can take part in as many or as few events as you like. The point is to have some Halloween fun all through October! Even when the event ends, you're free to continue threads.

Please reblog this promotion post if you’re interested / your muse is joining the fun! It helps gauge interest. Please feel free to join the Smash/Nintendo RPC Discord server for more discussion and to share your ideas for this event, meet other participants and more! https://discord.gg/SETxJyv

Needless to say, anti-LGBTQ+, TERFs, MAPs, incest shippers/supporters, racists, exclusionists, ect are not welcome to participate in this event.

[artficlly]

lady of the ghosts [chapter 4]

After a great plague ravages your city, you are looking to marry to secure safety for your people. With a war finally ending, the nearby kingdoms are looking to celebrate. King James "Bucky" Barnes decides to continue his family's tradition of hosting a courting season. A medieval courting marvel AU.

Pairing: king!bucky x lady!reader

Warnings: violence, blood, religious worship, mention of war, mention of death, sexism, swearing, yelling, lmk if i've missed anything

Word Count: 8.1k

A/N: oh my gosh this chapter got so big for what!! i had an entire extra section planned for the end of this chapter but it will have to go into the next chapter because i'm already 2k over my goal length. i watched a knights tale and had to add in the jousting drama because that movie is great. if you check out the chapter masterlist linked below there is some concept art i made (should i make some of the temple? idk if people actually like the art or just want to read lmk) as well as a map! i'm gonna be updating the map with new locations as the story progresses. thank you for reading as well as all of the likes/reblogs. as always, not proof read - sorry for any typos!

chapter masterlist | main masterlist

You had never found violence disturbing. Combat and fighting were a large portion of Faliene’s tradition; grievances and arguments were often solved with a fist or blade. In order to survive the arctic conditions, one had to be strong. The men of Faliene crafted themselves like a blade in a forge, one made with salt and snow. They constructed themselves to be as massive and colossal as the Stormfall Mountains and as strong and ferocious as the waves of salt water that pounded the shore. As a child, you never found value in a sharp tongue; instead, you watched as the sailors pulled in the cargo, deciding that their rippling muscles were the epitome of power. It was only as you grew older that you realized that words could be just as violent as a fist. 

The Lady next to you flinched as splinters of wood exploded across the lists field, the crowd roaring as a knight slumped from his horse onto the muddy ground below. You had watched jousting before, but never at an event this size. Previously, you had observed the Haiford knights training while strutting and winking in front of the ladies watching from the balconies. Jousting had never been much of a sport in Faliene, with your people preferring to go straight to steel. 

For the third time that afternoon, Steve paraded down the lists victorious. He had never mentioned to you his proficiency with a lance, but it seemed there were many things he hadn’t mentioned. Catching glances at Peggy all afternoon, you watched the way she blushed every time he won or covered her eyes with nerves as he galloped beside the tilt. From the way he looked back at her, searching the crowd after every strike, it seemed her feelings weren’t one-sided. Even if you were silently happy for the pair, you couldn’t help but let worry gnaw at your stomach. It was hard to predict how their flirtations might be perceived, especially by King Harrison, who seemed to still be in active negotiations with James. 

It had been a few days since the dreaded encounter with Rumlow. A few rainy days had left the guests stuck inside Cala’s Keep for endless social teas and tours around every inch of the Keep. Thankfully, the rain had cleared, leaving the weather agreeable enough for the ladies, lords, and royalty to parade their way down for the tournament. Though dark clouds still hung in the sky, threatening to spill at any moment. While watching the rain thunder down the last few days, you came to realize why they called it the wet season rather than winter. You were grateful to get some space away from Lord Rumlow and King Harrison, even if they hadn’t spoken to you in days. You had watched them circle you like southern vultures. Often, you would find them whispering away to each other in corners, conspiring about your eventual marriage, no doubt. 

The lists had been split into two sides. Your side featured a long wooden stand that traveled the length of the lists, divided into several boxes in which different groupings sat. The royal families attending the Galanta Season each had their own box to themselves near the center. You were seated with the lords and ladies of Haiford in one of the boxes further away from the central action. King James had a box in the very center, filled with his advisors and the higher-ranking aristocrats of his court. Running parallel to the aristocrat stands were the commoners' stands – men, women, and children all packed into the small space. You watched as they practically crawled over one another in excitement to catch a glimpse of Steve as he marched past on his chestnut stallion. 

Steve was wearing heavier armor than usual, the steel thick and covering every inch of his body. You were surprised he could move in all of it, but you had read that heavy armor was often flexible and made specifically for the wearer. You had also noted how he was wearing his family's sigil – a bull's head – rather than his usual knight's armor of the Barnes’ shield. His stallion’s caparison and barding had been similarly styled to Galanta colors, the caparison being emerald green in color with silver and red accents. Across the sides of the fabric, a rearing bull had been embroidered. The barding had been designed with similar steel and leather as Steve’s armor, sporting two bullhorns that curled near the stallion's ears. 

Steve’s blond locks disappeared beneath the steel helmet, latching the leather strap as he settled his horse in place. Steve had won all of his heats so far, leaving the final match of the day between him and Sir Wilson. Steve’s squire, Peter, nervously dashed around making final adjustments to the Knight’s armor before the match started. 

The rules of jousting were simple: the opponents would race down each side of the tilt and try to knock the other off their horse by smashing the tip of their lance into the other's chest. The two would then decide whether to draw or continue the contest with a brief sword fight to decide the winner if both were simultaneously knocked off the horse. If you had any knowledge of jousting, you would know that Steve was skilled at it because he was brave. There was no real technique or skill that he possessed that was better than any of the other knights – only that he didn’t seem to fear being injured. The helmet Steve sported was an armet helmet, meaning his entire face was covered except for a small slit cut out for the eyes. The armet helmet had its benefits; in comparison to other designs, it gave the wearer a reasonably clear view of the target. Its drawback was that many of the wearers would suddenly raise their heads to shield their eyes from the lance when the wood splintered; otherwise, they ran the risk of getting the splinters in their eyes and becoming blinded. However, when they reared their heads, they lost sight of their target in the crucial seconds before the strike, running the risk of completely missing them. Steve though… Steve never reared his head. As the wood exploded across his armor, he kept his eyes on the target the entire run, gambling with fate. 

The crowd exploded into cheers as Steve’s lance shattered across Sir Wilson’s chest, causing him to jolt backwards in his saddle. After a few strides of his horse continuing to gallop, Sir Wilson lost his seat and fell to the mud. Your lips curve into a smile, your eyes finding Peggy as she audibly gasps with a beaming smile. Steve abandons the remainder of his lance with Peter, making a short victory lap around the lists. With his helmet successfully placed in his lap, he grins at the crowd with the wave of his armored hand. As he passes by your box, you lock eyes. His blond strands are slick with sweat against the back of his neck and forehead. He gives you a toothy beam along with a curt nod as he passes by, only halting his stallion in front of James’ stand. 

“Congratulations, Sir Rogers!” James exclaims with a grin. You watch his profile as he stands at the railing of his stand, hands lazily slung over the wood as he looks down at Steve. 

“I was hoping to challenge you to a round, Your Majesty.” Steve shouts up in return, a smirk forming over his face as he braces his forearms atop the helmet in his lap. It was unfamiliar to hear Steve refer to James as Your Majesty. It was always Bucky, Jamie, or just James. It seemed that in the public eye, they conformed to formalities. 

“You tempt me.” James chuckles. The lists have gone quiet as everyone watches the interaction with interest.

James had a reputation for being a laid-back and informal king ever since he was crowned. When you arrived in Galanta, you discovered that it would not only be with his knights and advisors as you had initially assumed. James was said to be a social king who was open to discussing how to improve his rule with all citizens of the kingdom, regardless of their status. You had heard how he had single-handedly won back his people after his parents blunder with Hydrina. In addition to winning a war, acknowledging and assisting bordering villages with Hydrina when raids were imminent, he also increased many of his subjects' economies and general well-being. You believed that he was King Harrison's opposite in many ways. 

“I will send my squire to retrieve your horse and armor.” Steve calls to James, who nods his head at the knight. 

“Very well.” James responds. The crowd burst into excited cheers. You watch as they push forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of their king as he descends the wooden stairs to the lists. 

Your row of stands is alive with muttering and chatter as James disappears to suit up. Kings weren’t normally the type to enter tournaments; they were too dangerous, even if every precaution was taken. You expected that James had jousted with Steve before; it seemed like the type of activity that the two would have undertaken in their youth. You had heard Steve mention all the sword-fighting training they had completed in the muddy courtyard of Cala’s Keep as boys. Considering that James had led a siege on the capital of Hydrina and come out victorious, you doubted that a length of hollow wood would unseat him easily. 

The field erupted into cheers once more as the two men emerged back into the lists upon the backs of their horses. They looked like a pair of warriors, near godlike. In stark contrast to Steve, James rode a heavy, pale-coated stallion. The stallion was a cross-breed of some type, sleek enough for speed and agility but drafty enough to be a descendant of a plow horse. The pale stallion's muscles trembled; you couldn’t imagine the pure force the animal must hold. Its caparison and barding were similar to Steve’s stallion, emerald green with the embroidered gold shield and plated steel to protect the horse from the lance's shards. James was covered shoulder to toe in steel armor, the starred shield engraved into the chest. His helmet sat in his lap, leaving only his face bare. You watched his brunet tendrils shift and curl in the breeze, a ragged smirk crossing his lips as he caught your eye. 

His azure eyes consume you; you swear they are as blue as the glacier waters that flowed in Faliene. Sucking in a sharp breath, you watch with interest as James pulls his stallion to a halt in front of your stand, the animal shifting on his feet impatiently. The lords and ladies around you break out into whispers between each other. You ignore them, muttering turning to white noise as you study James with an inquisitive tilt of your head. He smirks at you cockily, his posture relaxed as he braces the heel of his palm against the pommel of his saddle. 

“Lady Y/N,” James calls up to you as the crowd grows still and silent around you. It appeared that even the common people understood that what was happening wasn’t proper. Even if it was unspoken, everyone knew that James was entangled with Peggy; everyone knew you weren’t a prize but rather a burden. You can’t help yourself, unhurriedly rising from your seat. From the way he smirks at you, you know he can’t help himself either. Your walk towards the wooden railing was purposeful and graceful, aware of the thousands of burning eyes watching your every movement. You pause in front of the railing, hands delicately placed upon the wood.

“Dare I ask for a token of your favor?” James asks, the metal of his armor clinking as he raises his lance. A sweet smile graces your face, your hand reaching to steady the tip of the lance against the railing. 

“Of course, Your Majesty.” You answer, much to the delight of James. Your fingers find the back of your neck, unhooking the clasp of your trident necklace. You wrap the silver chain around the end of the lance three times, clasping it back together tightly. The silver trident pendant dangles from the end of the lance, with the chain securing it in place. “May you strike hard and true.” 

“With your favor, I am sure I will.” James replies, carefully withdrawing the lance from the railing. As you sit down, ignoring the whispers and stares from the lords and ladies around you. James’ voice echoes in your mind, a small smile forming as you clasp your hands in your lap. For just that moment, you decided to ignore the obvious reason why you shouldn’t be happy. James had practically announced to the world his interest in you; the backlash you would receive would be immense. But you didn’t care. You would live in ignorant bliss for that moment. 

As James finds his position at the end of the tilt, you pry your eyes away towards Steve. It seemed that while you were distracted, Steve had asked for his own favor. A handkerchief was tied to the end of his lance, made of white cotton with gold embroidery around the edges. Even from a distance, you knew who it belonged to; you wouldn’t even need to read the initials that read P.C. While James had dared to ask for your favor, directly opposing King Harrison, Steve had asked for Princess Peggy’s favor, which she had given. 

As the two horses dance in place, you watch as the silver pedant swings from the end of the lance. You doubted you would ever see it again, but you didn’t care. When the lance would break across Steve’s chest, it would be lost to the mud. You wondered if you failed your purpose – became one with the ghosts of Faliene – if they would find that trident in the mud centuries later. A piece of history, a piece of Faliene, sealed away forever. 

A flag was waved, and the horses were off. You watched, breath held, as they charged towards each other. Even beneath all the armor, you could tell the strength the horses held, the intensity, and the pure muscle behind each stride. As they grew closer within seconds, neither horse nor rider shied away. Like Steve, James did not lift his head to avoid the splinters. Instead, he charged directly into them. 

Bits of painted wood exploded, littering the muddy earth. Upon impact, James was thrown backwards in his saddle, slumping briefly as he gripped the reins with one hand, the other abandoning the remainder of his lance. Both men had struck true, yet they still held on. You watched as they readjusted themselves into their saddles, easing their horses to a stop. You could hear Steve roar with excited laughter beneath his helmet as Peter rushed forward to hand him another lance. You could imagine the smirk that would be across James face as he gripped the new lance that was handed to him. There was a cool ease to the way he held himself, like this was just child's play to him. 

The crowd exploded into cheers and hollers as the two men lined up once more. Their horses' hooves ate up the earth with ease as they stormed forward. The second strike was more violent than the first, with the impact of the lance upon each other's chest sending them both flying from the saddle. The crowd hums with excitement, watching as James gets to his feet with a wheezing laugh. 

If Steve was winded, he didn’t show it for long. Staggering to his feet, he pulls the helmet from his head, chucking it to the ground beside him. His hair is messy, an excited smirk across his face as he pulls his sword. James copies his actions, swirling his sword as Steve climbs over the tilt. The two circle each other for a moment, crowds pushing forward to the railing to watch the fight unfold. 

Like Steve’s Ravensclaw, James' blade is similarly made from an Asgardian forge. You can’t make out the fine details from so far away, but you can make out the swirling black patterns that decorate the metal. The two men are quick and agile on their feet, despite the heavy armor. You can hardly process their movements; each strike and dodge is a blur as they flit around each other. 

As the metal clangs together, you stand from your seat. You join a few of the lords and ladies by the railing, watching as Steve slowly weakens. You can tell they are both tired, their movements becoming sloppier as they sink deeper into the mud. The blades meet once more; Steve’s face strains as they brace their swords in a battle of strength. The crowds are teeming with excitement, and a roar comes over the people as Steve slides in the mud and falls to his knees. He goes to block, but James is too fast, driving his blade forward so the tip rests under Steve’s chin. There is a pause between the two, with Steve silently acknowledging James’ win with a grin. The two laugh, with James helping the knight to his feet and clapping him on the shoulder. You watch with a smile, joining the clapping that consumes the arena. 

—

The tournament had ended with all the knights and James doing a final victory lap around the lists. The celebrations were short-lived as the skies opened up and ​​torrential rain engulfed the arena, drenching all of those inside. The crowds scattered, returning to the shelter of their homes or taverns to celebrate. The knights used the colorful banners of their house sigil to cover themselves from the rain, retreating to the stables and courtyard while the aristocrats returned to Cala’s Keep. 

You stood by the railing for a few minutes, hoping to catch a last glimpse of James. When the rain grew heavier and your hair became slick against your scalp, you finally gave in. You could tell yourself it was because you wanted an update on Rumlow after your conversation in the gardens, but you knew it was untrue. You hadn’t spoken in a few days, and yet you were craving to speak to him once more. As unusual as it was, you enjoyed talking to the king. You liked how you could be at ease around him and how he would laugh at your judgmental comments and speak his mind. It reminded you of how lonely you had been in Haiford until Steve came along. You found yourself subconsciously seeking their company because you enjoyed their presence. It would make marrying all the more isolated, knowing that you would likely never see them again. 

By the time you returned to Cala’s Keep, you were half-drowned by the rain. Your hair had come loose in places, and strands stuck to your face and neck. Your dress was soaked; the light fabric turned heavy and clung against your skin. The main entrance was full of activity, with maids and footmen rushing around with clothes to be dried and fresh towels. Some lords and ladies still lingered, their hair and clothes damp, as they chatted excitedly about the day's events. They didn’t pay you much attention; your shoes were clicking against the hardwood floor. Dodging a panicked-looking ladies maid, you make your way to the grand staircase. 

“You!” A scathing voice shouts over the babble of the room, causing it to fall silent. A few bewildered looks are shared, with footmen pausing in their place as a seething Prince Micheal marches across the room. You are stunned into speechlessness, taking a step back as Prince Micheal closes the distance between the two of you. Behind him, an aggravated King Harrison follows along with an amused Lord Rumlow. 

“You really don’t know your place, do you?” Micheal snarls, his face barely inches from your own as you back into the railing of the stairs. 

“I’m sorry?” You splutter, your hand bracing against the smooth stone. King Harrison watches with narrowed eyes, his crow's feet prominent, as he motions for Micheal to step out of the way. 

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, girl.” King Harrison hisses; his hands are shaking with rage, his knuckles white as he clenches his fists. “You’re not worthy of a knight, yet you think yourself worthy of a king?”

This was the backlash you had anticipated. You just hadn’t expected it to be so public and immediate. A few of the ladies flash you a sympathetic look, while others sneer in delight. Ladies maids rush past, trying to make themselves invisible as the situation unfolds. Setting your jaw with a sharp exhale, you stand your ground.

“Apologies, Your Majesty. Was I supposed to deny him in front of all of his subjects?” 

Blinding white rage flashes over King Harrison’s features, his lip curling in a snarl. You barely have time to register his movements before he has struck you, the blow of his palm against your cheek leaving you to stumble further into the railing with a gasp. 

“I am sick of your words and your presence, girl. You should have known better than to have been put in that situation. I have seen you slinking around him like a bitch in heat.” King Harrison snaps, his voice loud in comparison to the deadly silence that has swept over the room. 

You are silent, a palm raised to your cheek to cradle the tender flesh as pain blossoms. Prince Michael chuckles, eyeing you with an amused glare. “Who knew that a slap was all it took to silence the bitch?” 

“You will apologize to Lord Rumlow.” King Harrison speaks, his voice low and deadly. Your eyes flash upwards to meet him, a dark glare settling over your features. Your mind is empty, only pounding behind your ears as an icy rage settles in your bones. You don’t shake or go red in the face, instead running a tongue over your bottom lip with a challenging smirk. 

“Why should I? I am not going to marry him.”

Fury flashes over King Harrison’s features once more, and you watch his shoulders shift as he raises his hand once more. You anticipate the strike and the pain that will bloom across your smooth skin. 

“Father! That is enough!” Princess Peggy cries, dashing between you and King Harrison, who quickly drops his hand. “There has been a misunderstanding, I assure you. Please allow Lady Y/N to return to her rooms, and I will explain?” 

Prince Micheal grunts in annoyance, arms crossed over his chest in annoyance. King Harrison swallows slowly, noticing the curious gazes that watch the interaction and nods. His expression has softened with confusion as he watches his daughter's concerned features. Peggy sends you a large smile, though there is a hint of panic laced into her expression. You graciously nod your head at her, your eyes sweeping over the three men who watch you with distaste. 

“Your Majesties, Lord Rumlow.” You mutter, quickly ascending the stairs before any of them can change their minds. 

—

The temple within the walls of Cala’s Keep was bigger than you expected. It stood on the other side of the castle gardens, its cobbled stone barely visible through layers of moss and ivy. The structure was huge and looming, with a high ceiling thatched with reed. There were numerous rooms in the temple, each honoring a different deity. Although the people of the Northern Continent were not strict about religious worship, many prayed in temples throughout the land. 

Inside, the temperature was humid, with a foggy wetness clinging to the walls and the statues within. The entrance room was filled with plants, droplets dripping from their leaves onto the worn stone floor. You could make out strands of grass and groupings of moss within the cracks, left undisturbed to grow in the darkness. 

Candles flickered in the dim room, barely igniting the curved stone doorways that lined the room. Your eyes flickered between each doorway, making note of the symbols carved above each. Wheat, symbolizing Dima, God of Harvest, and a sword for Bele the Headless, God of War and Chaos. Countless rooms and countless symbols paraded your vision; baskets with fresh food, precious stones, and wooden effigies were left as offerings in front of each. A familiar symbol greets you – a trident for Nemue, Goddess of the Sea. The basket outside her door is empty, with a few strands of grass poking through the woven twine. You linger there for a moment, feeling her call. The hem of your skirt is wet from the walk over, the grass of the gardens is still wet from the earlier rain. Your hair is loose, cascading down your back, and damp from the humidity. Despite being days away from the ocean, you can taste the salt. You can feel the crash of the waves beneath your skin, churning with a primordial power. 

Your eyes snap away from the trident doorway you had meant to visit, instead turning to another familiar symbol – The Wolf Mother, Rieka. Goddess of Fertility and Motherhood. The symbol carved above the door frame is her snarling teeth. The basket contains one gift, a sheet of linen that has been carefully folded. You could recognize the red and gold embroidery anywhere, Peggy. 

The room is brighter as you step in, and the floor is lined with hundreds of candles. A path is cleared for you to walk down; the stone floor curves where thousands of feet have previously walked the same path. At the center of the room stands a large bronze statue, towering nearly as high as the ceiling itself. The bronze shows the likeness of a woman, naked, with two children held to her breast. Her head is that of a wolf, teeth bared and snarling as she stares down the path. The candles cast light across the bronze, filling the room with an orange hue. Peggy stands before the statue, hands clasped in front of her. The light hits her skin with a glow, and the humidity makes loose strands of her hair curl. 

“Does she call to you?” You ask quietly, pausing a few paces away. Peggy looks over her shoulder at you, a sad smile playing across her pink lips. 

“No. She never has. Does she call you?” She asks, her own voice low. You are quiet in thought for a moment, the thumping in your heart more reminiscent of waves than flowing blood. You feel an itch under your skin and the piercing sting of salt water spraying across your face. A reminder. 

“No.” You breathe, watching as Peggy outstretches her hand to stroke the shin of the statue. “The way of the wolf has never called me.”

“And you call yourself a Haifordian?” Peggy snorts.

“A Falienean, yes, never a Haifordian. I fear I was born from saltwater, and I am destined for a saltwater grave.” You reply, stepping forward so you are shoulder-to-shoulder with the Princess. 

“You Falieneans are always so dramatic.” Peggy jokes before her smile slips into a frown. “I am sorry about my father earlier. He shouldn’t have struck you like that.” Withdrawing her hand from the bronze as she turns to face you. You subconsciously reach for your face, fingers trailing across the forming bruise along your cheekbone. 

“It wasn’t your fault.” You reassured her.

“It feels like it is. Hiding these past few years…everything is my fault. I should have told my father earlier to avoid this mess and his expectations.” Peggy explains, and you give her a surprised look. 

“Years? How long have you and Steve...?” You trail off your question as you see Peggy blush at the mention of Steve. 

“Since the war. He was so strong and kind when everything seemed so…bleak. I knew my father expected me to marry, but I never anticipated him continuing his discussion of joining Haiford and Galanta.” You are silent as Peggy speaks, your mind churning. You had yet to process how Steve managed to keep this from you. He was a good knight and a kind soul, but at times he wasn’t the brightest. You were the bright one; how had you not seen this? Were you too caught up in your own life to notice the looks shared between them? 

“Do you love him?” You ask, and Peggy sucks in a sharp breath.

“I think I do.”

“Marry him. I’m sure James will grant him land and maybe even a higher title for his contributions during the war. It will secure a connection between Galanta and Haiford like your father wanted; Steve is one of James’ most trusted advisors–” You start turning to face the princess, but she cuts you off. 

“I can’t.” Peggy laments with a sigh. “I have a duty to my father, my brother, and my people. If my father wants me to marry a king, then I will have to marry a king. Micheal is too brash with decisions, he will find himself in need of help when he is king, and only a blood connection with Galanta royalty could provide it.”

“You are a Princess. You have every right to marry whomever you want. Galanta is in Haiford’s debt, Steve has James’ ear... The only allegiance you need is the one to your heart.” You express, hand reaching to stroke her shoulder comfortingly. 

“It isn’t that simple. I don’t have a choice like you do.” She snaps, and you pause your movements. 

“You think I have a choice?” You laugh bitterly. Peggy’s lips set into a fine line as she presses them together, her gaze refusing to meet yours. 

“My father would kill Steve if I married him.” She murmurs. 

“He wouldn’t. It would cause a war, you must know how close Steve and James are. The way they talk of each other, one would think they were blood brothers.” You comment, and Peggy glances sideways at you. 

“You seem to know James well.” You catch her backhanded comment, biting your tongue with narrowed eyes. You know she doesn’t mean it maliciously, but you can’t help but feel defensive after King Harrison’s attack on you earlier. 

“No. Not really, I just know all the things Steve has told me.” You start with words that are slow and purposeful. “And considering it seems I don’t know Steve at all, you two have managed to keep this a secret for so long. I fear I don’t know anything anymore.”

“Steve wanted to tell you, but we couldn’t for our own safety.” Peggy says, sighing through her nose. “But I think you know James better than you give yourself credit.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous. We have known each other, what? A week? How can you know such things–?” You protest, only to be cut off.

“You are a better match for him than I! You have similar interests and similar life experiences. He has lost his entire family and nearly his kingdom because of Hydrina. I don’t think anyone other than you could truly understand that.” Peggy explains, her voice raised to get her point across. You shake your head in disbelief, watching as grief crosses her face. You understood her pain. She wanted so desperately to love James, to understand his pain, and to please her father. But she had fallen for another man.

“Marrying someone like James is a dream – a happy one, but nevertheless a dream. I can’t afford to dream, I too have a duty like you.” You sigh, your expression softening. “He has a kingdom to run, he won’t bother himself with the politics of another kingdom's dying city.” You mutter, and Peggy gives you a hard look before continuing. 

“There is a darkness inside of you because of all that has happened in Faliene. You are angry, I can tell. The way you looked at my father today when he struck you...” Peggy trails off. “James has had that same darkness ever since Rebecca and the war. Steve has seen it too, and it scares him. He is restless and unhappy. I think you and Faliene would be a welcome distraction. I think you could help each other.” She looks at you with a smile spreading across her face. You reluctantly oblige as she reaches out, taking her hands in yours.

“I fear we are overstepping boundaries by assuming things we do not know to be true.” You say, wanting to change the subject. You don’t feel like filling your head with fantasies. 

“It seems we are both too stubborn to take what we truly want. I only want you to find happiness.” She speaks softly, her hands squeezing yours. 

“And happiness is all I want for you also, but you are running out of time by allowing your father to believe you are truly invested in James. Marry Steve, then we will talk of my happiness.” You reply dismissively.

“Maybe I will hold you to that.” She replies with a giggle. Your heart aches, wishing you could also giggle happily about the prospects of marriage. Instead, it filled you with dread. There is a twitch in your chest – a knowing one. That feeling told you that the both of you may never marry the people you truly dreamed of. 

—

Standing in front of the doorframe, you could feel a thrumming in your ears once more. It sounded like waves crashing against the rocks in the port. The stone doorframe was slick with droplets of water and moss hanging from the cracks. The sound, the smell... It reminded you of the crypt that lay beneath the ground on the island of Tilla, which sat off the shore of Faliene’s port. 

Peggy was long gone, disappearing from The Wolf Mother’s room back into the gardens. She had invited you to join her and come to her rooms in Cala’s Keep for tea. You had declined, instead deciding to answer the call that haunted the temple halls. So you stood, hesitating, outside the room of Nemue. You could hear the crashing of waves, despite knowing they were not there. You could feel the rush of water as the tide pulled the salt water between your legs, yet there was no tide to be found in the humid temple. 

After a shuddering breath, you lean down, placing your bracelet into the twine basket beside the door frame. The bracelet was one that would be made by girls down on the shores of Faliene and sold to travelers and traders as tokens of luck while crossing the Northern Ocean. Strands of black seaweed had been dried and braided, looping carefully through small seashells that had washed up onto the beach. 

The room of Nemue was cast in a blue glow. A large blue stained-glass window stood at the back of the room, the last of the afternoon rays streaming through. The light bounced against the water that filled the entire room, reflecting strands of blue and white light across the ceiling and walls. You carefully step onto the stepping stones, which form a path to the statue, being careful to avoid dipping the hems of your skirts into the water below. 

The statue of Neume towered above you, made from carved white marble. Her form was naked below the waist; the only covering she had were lines of pearl necklaces that covered her neck, chest, and breasts. Her hair flowed out to her waist, braids entwined between them, and her face was obscured by a net that covered her features like a veil. She stood proudly and powerfully, one cupped hand outstretched downward to meet your eye level. At her feet lay a marble basin of salt water with a wooden ladle inside. 

Your movements are slow as you scoop salt water into the ladle, pouring it into the statue's cupped hand. The water overflows, dripping down the back of her hand and back into the basin. You watch, mesmerized for a moment, despite having done these exact motions multiple times during your life. 

“Show me what to do, Mother Neume. I fight hard for Faliene and for your sons and daughters. Yet I am lost. Lend me your strength and your wisdom. I am your daughter, one of the saltwater. Help me find my way, help me know how to fix this.” You whisper to the statue, watching as the water's reflection dances across the statue's obscured face. 

Your finger dips into the pool of water held within her cupped hand. Using the moisture, you draw the symbol of the trident on your forehead, letting your muscles trace the familiar pattern without much thought. In silence, you feel a bead of water form, sliding down your nose before you capture it on your tongue. The taste of salt spreads across your tongue, the similarity and nostalgia of the taste almost making a sob rise in your chest. How many years have you been away from the sea? How many years had it been since you swam and tasted the salt waters of the Northern Ocean? 

The sound of rushing water grows louder, and your stare locks onto a droplet of water that hangs from the statue's fingertips. The crashing is near deafening as you stare, like a tidal wave has swept through the temple and is smashing against the stone walls. You could see the spray of salt water silencing the candles in The Mother Wolf’s room, the way the water would swirl around the statue of Bele the Headless. For a moment, you swear the saltwater in Neume’s cupped palm is blood, sticky, and crimson as it stains her white marble. A ragged gasp rises in your throat as panic sets in, and the taste of salt in your mouth turns coppery and metallic–

“Y/N.” A voice calls, a short gasp leaving your throat as you clutch your chest. Halfway down the stepping stones stands James, the blue reflection of the water shimmering across his body. Blades of grass stick to the leather of his shoe, and the hem of his pants is damp. Had he followed you through the gardens? How long had he been standing there? The room itself was darker than you remembered; the afternoon sun was no longer streaming through the stained glass window. 

“You have a habit of startling me.” You reply, your hand finding the edge of the marble basin as you compose yourself. 

James is silent, his face set into a frown. He strides forward, easily clearing the stepping stones. His eyes examine your face, breath catching in your throat as he stands in front of you with an intense stare. His hand reaches out, gently lifting your chin. You oblige wordlessly, allowing him to guide you to tilt your head so he can examine the forming bruise across your cheek. 

“If I had known King Harrison would do such a thing, I would have never asked for your favor like that.” His thumb strokes over the bruise, the touch light and feather-like. You draw in a sharp breath, your eyelids fluttering closed for a moment.

“It isn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known.” You murmur to him, swallowing hard as you feel his hand withdraw. 

“Yes, but I should have known. It was careless of me not to think of the consequences.” He replies quietly, and you open your eyes fully with a frown. 

“It is over now, do not worry yourself.”

“I should have the hand he struck you with cut off.” James replies with a grumble, his tattooed hand raising to rub the stubble across his jaw. 

“You are angry.” You observe, head tilted. 

“And you aren’t?” He replies sharply, nostrils flaring in annoyance. 

“Of course I am, I am just not in a position where I can so openly express it.” You reply, your voice soft, as you turn around to face the statue once more. The marble is clean and white; the salt water is no longer blood. You frown slightly, your fingers tracing over the lip of the marble basin. 

“Then let me be angry on your behalf.” You inhale a sharp breath at his words, freezing your movements. You have to remind yourself of your words to Peggy, men like James were a dream, not reality. As much as you wanted to lose yourself in such a fantasy, you had to stay focused.

“No.” 

“No?” James responds, his voice laced with confusion and maybe a bit of disappointment. 

“You are in debt to Haiford, it is best to keep them as an ally. You never know when Hydrina may rise again.” You explain, slowly turning to face him with a sad smile. His dark lashes flutter as he looks you up and down, eyes as blue as the stained glass window behind you. He stews in contemplation over your words, as if knowing you are right. 

“I should have wiped out Hydrina when I had the chance.” He sighs. “That way I wouldn’t have to play these games with Harrison.” His tongue rolls over his bottom lip, and tattooed fingers are now running through his brunet hair. Some of the strands have curled due to the humidity, tangling around his skin. 

“You still have a chance to get rid of Hydrina.” You reassure him, twisting the silver rings around your fingers. You hesitate over your next words for a moment, unsure, before deciding to take the plunge. “Peggy said you have a darkness inside of you because of all that Hydrina did. I don’t think she is wrong, but I don’t think you should be afraid of it. I think you should embrace it.”

“Are you afraid of that darkness? Like Steve and Peggy are?” Bucky asks, his voice low. His eyes dip to your fidgeting fingers, then to your face as you tilt your head in thought.

“No,” you state. “I think that kind of darkness, that kind of anger... I think it is powerful. If you truly wish Hydrina dead, then why not just do it?”

“Because my people are tired of war and tired of fighting. I want to be known for being a prosperous king, not a warmonger.” He explains with a sigh, and you shake your head at him. 

“And how are you supposed to be prosperous with the threat of Hydrina raiding your bordering villages year after year? How will your people truly be at peace with the threat of death looming at their door? In order to be successful, you must take it.”

“You are saying that I should go to war?” He asks, his voice amused as a ghost of a smile graces his lips. 

“No. I am saying that you shouldn’t feel guilty if you decide to give into this anger. You shouldn’t be guilty if a time comes when you must act. Hydrina has taken everything from you, why shouldn’t you return the favor? You are capable of greatness if you are willing to take risks.” You respond, daring to take a step closer to him. The stone around the statue is limited; your bodies are so close that you swear you can feel his breath fanning across your skin. His smile remains, his shoulders relaxing as he listens. 

“Is it selfish that I am glad you are not marrying Rumlow? You would be wasted on him.”

“And who would you have me marry instead?” You reply breathlessly, keeping your gaze steady as one of James’ hands closes the distance between you, resting lightly on the curve of your waist. 

“Someone you want to marry, not someone who has been chosen for you. Someone who will allow you to reach the greatness you are capable of.” 

He is so close that a senseless part of you wishes to reach out and hold him. You couldn’t help but feel sour that Peggy was right in some ways. He understood you, your situation, and your dreams in a way that no one else had. You wanted to whisper to him right there in that temple that you would marry him. He could help you, and he could help Faliene. But you knew it would never work. There were other other circumstances: King Harrison, Peggy... you were two separate kingdoms apart and he far out-ranked you. 

“I wish King Harrison understood my perspective as well as you do.” You choke out, your tongue feeling thick and bitter. If only society were not so strict and both your situations weren’t so complicated. If only you were a princess of a flourishing kingdom, or he was not in debt to Haiford because of the war. 

“He has not lost everything. Everything he has is because it has been handed to him. He will never understand what we understand.” Bucky replies quietly, though you can see the disappointment in his eyes and the reluctance to move his hand or gaze. 

“Why are you here, James?” You ask, eyes casting across the room. You had been so caught up in his presence and the vision you had received that you hadn’t thought to question why he was here. Or how he had found you. 

“Your maid said you came here. I came to return this.” His hand leaves your waist as he reaches into a pocket, pulling your trident necklace from within. You are silent in surprise, watching the chain slide over his finger as he holds it out towards you. 

“How did you find it? I thought it would be lost forever in the lists.” You breathe, hand outstretched, as he drops it in your palm. You watch as the chain pools against your skin, the metal still clean and shiny, like it hadn’t been lost to the mud mere hours ago. 

“I spent an hour searching the mud in the rain. I think Steve’s squire thought I was insane.” He chuckles, and you beam up at him, a warmth spreading up your neck. “Here, turn around.”

You oblige, turning to face Neume’s statue. The room is darker now, with barely any light reflecting from the water. James’ carefully pushes some loose strands of hair away from the back of your neck, looping the silver chain around. The metal is cool against your sternum as he carefully clasps it in place. 

“Now tell me, why are you hiding away in the temple?” James asks, breath warm against the back of your neck. 

“I came here to pray to Neume and ask for guidance with the situation in Faliene.” You admit, fingers stroking over the cool metal of the trident pedant as you turn to face him.

“And what did she show you?” He asks, and he has to look down to view your face as the two of you are so close. You chew your lip momentarily, wondering if you should tell him the truth or not.

“Blood. The salt water turned into blood, and waves consumed the temple, swallowing the other statues whole.” You divulge, your gaze moving to look over his shoulder with a wince. You were unsure of his position on magic and deities; if it were like most Galantian’s he would think you were speaking nonsense. 

“Sounds like a battle is ahead of you. Maybe greatness lies behind a series of battles for both of us? The more we talk, the more I find similarities in our destiny.” James hums in thought. 

“Do not worry yourself trying to please me by decoding this madness. You probably think I am unsound, I know that most Galantians don’t believe in gods and magic.” You keep your gaze averted, shaking your head with a worried laugh. 

“You would be surprised, I have witnessed some things that have changed my mind.”

Your eyes snap to him, blinking in surprise. “Like what?” 

“Asgardian magic healed my arm during the war when all of the medics thought I was moments away from my last breath. It changed something in me, and I felt... a calling.” He confesses, and you eye him with intrigue. 

“A calling to who?” 

“Vitharn.” 

You are silent. Vitharn, The Wraith, God of Vengeance and Death. One of the most feared gods, said to drive men to madness and bloodlust. His basket, you recall, was brimming full of gifts. It seemed that even in the fields of Galanta, the people feared Vitharn and his powers. One would pray to him and give him offerings in the hope that his cruel attention would sway elsewhere when battle came. The people who responded to Vitharn's call were brutal in battle, driven by rage and a desire to annihilate. They were called many names throughout the continent: bloodhounds, berserkers, reavers – you knew them as Korpr, Crows of Death. As you stare at him, stories and questions click into place. The siege on Hydrina’s capital – no normal man could have slaughtered all of those men as well as King Alexander without injury.

“The Wraith?” You whisper the question, watching as a dark look comes over his features. 

“Are you afraid?” He asks, his voice husky. Your eyelashes drop in a slow blink.

“No.” You breathe; a smile forming. “I think vengeance called you for a reason.” 

taglist|@kimomoraba @gostodosopa @sweetwritingfanficfriend @loonilupin

[romirola]

Bound Together: A Redactedverse Tangled AU

It’s here! The long-awaited (often-teased) RedactedASMR Tangled AU fanfic I’ve been working on for the last two months is here! I cannot tell you how absolutely ecstatic I am to share this one with you. It is my hope that you will have as much fun reading as I did writing. A big thank you to @witchbinchstories for her initial post floating the possibility of a Redactedverse Tangled AU at this blog post and allowing me to rethink her original idea so that Milo could fill Rapunzel’s role and Sweetheart could fill Flynn/Eugene’s. Additionally, I’d like to thank @dominimoonbeamn for being so very supportive as I drafted the fic and graciously contributing an idea that appears in Chapter 9 of this story. Follow these talented creators for more fun Redacted content!

CLICK HERE TO READ CHAPTER 1 OF BOUND TOGETHER ON A03!

Find more details about the story below the cut. 

Rating: T

WC: ~45K over 11 chapters

Characters: Milo, Sweetheart, Aggro, Vega, David, Asher, Marie, Blake, Gavin, Vincent, Lovely, Sam, Darling, Damien, Huxley, Lasko, Avior, Starlight, Camelopardalis, Freelancer, Caelum, Angel, Babe, Kody, Warden, Elliott, Sunshine, Adam, Geordi, Cutie, Christian

Pairings: Milo/Sweetheart, David/Angel, Asher/Babe, Gavin/Freelancer, Vincent/Lovely, Sam/Darling, Damien/Huxley, Avior/Starlight, Elliott/Sunshine, Geordi/Cutie

Summary: Milo longs to leave his hidden tower for just one day to celebrate the upcoming solstice festival in the Kingdom of Dahlia, even if, according to his father, Vega, the only place Milo is safe is inside his tower and away from the society that hates him. When a fugitive stealth finds their way into Milo’s home, he realizes that this is finally his opportunity to sneak out of the tower for a day to attend Dahlia’s solstice festival. The last thing the stealth wants to do is play tour guide to Milo and his annoying cat, but once Milo holds their knapsack and its precious contents hostage, they reluctantly agree. Anything to appease Milo, retrieve their knapsack, and be on their way. During the adventure, Milo and Sweetheart meet a cast of friends and foes, uncover dark but magical secrets, and begin to see each other in a new light. Soon enough, they realize that if they want to make their respective dreams a reality (or just to survive), they need each other more than they ever thought possible. 

Tags: AU, Fairytale, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Romance, Love, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Suspense, Adventure, Fluff, Friendship, Humor, Banter, Trust, Trigger Warning: Emotional Manipulation, Fainting, Panic Attack, Support, Trigger Warning: Nonconsensual Magical Paralysis and Control, Betrayal,  Rescues, Found Family, Justice, Bravery, Kidnapping, CloseKnit, Bigotry, Wolf Hunt, Grief, Healing Magic, Hope, Happy Ending, All Listener Characters are Gender-Neutral

Thanks to everyone who encouraged this fic as I teased and talked about it here on tumblr! As requested, I am tagging @sri-rachaa for all Tangled AU-related posts and updates. I plan to reblog this post as I post chapters. (If you would like to be tagged, too, please let me know and I will!)

[juletheghoul]

Burning Hour (Part 1)

So.

Ya girl is back on her bullshit.

I am once again - starting another AU series. I cannot even give you guys a timeline for any updates on any of my other works because I don't even know at this point. What I can tell you, is that I am really excited for this one. Hope you are too.

For context, I'm imagining this as GOT's adjacent. Not taking place in that world but very heavily influenced by it.

Din Djarin x F!Reader (Virgin reader)

Pairing: Din x F!Reader

Word Count: 6.7K

Warnings: Angst, pining, slow-burn, talk of virginity, implied arranged marriage, talk of sexual acts, language, age-gap (about 10-11 years, legal, reader is of age) Yearning, jealousy, (slightly possessive)

Let me know if I missed anything!

reblogs are appreciated

Masterlist Series Masterlist Part 2

--

“Now now, you know that’s not correct, what do we do at table your highness?” The tutor was speaking, her frustration coming through and it was hard to concentrate on her lessons. There was such commotion and the noise from the sword play outside was calling your name.

“Do I have your leave to go?” You smiled your biggest smile, knowing that technically, she couldn’t deny you. She sighed big, a defeated little smirk on her face and you knew she wasn’t truly angry.

“Very well. Go on, but remember we will pick this up tomorrow!” her voice faded in the background as you ran out the door. Your heels kicked up your skirts as you ran down the corridor that led to the courtyard.

Your father was standing there, shaking hands with the young knight that protected your family - the helmet held against his hip as he bowed to your father. You didn’t hear what he said but you imagined it was good news - all the other knights in your father’s guard cheered loudly for him and he had a small smile on his face. He noticed you watching and walked over to escort you back inside.

“Hello little princess, have you finished your lessons?” He was smiling down at you and you smiled back, as in love with him as a little girl of ten could be.

“Hello Sir, yes I am. Why is everyone celebrating?” You walked with him back into your home.

“I have been named Mandalore, the captain of the royal guard. I will be in charge of protecting your mother and father, you as well.” He was digging for something in his pocket and you smiled, knowing what it would be. He put the little sweet in your hand and winked. “Run along, little princess.” He said the words softly as he guided you back towards your mother, bowing slightly before he left.

---

It was an honour, everyone knew it. The youngest captain in a century - barely twenty and he had a whole army of Mandalorians at his command. Barely twenty and he was The Mandalore. His head was still spinning as the little princess ran towards him. He was tasked with the whole family’s safety, which of course included her as the future queen.

He always kept a sweet in his pocket for her, knowing she was fond of them.

When he was her age, her father had taken him in, given him a purpose and he was eternally grateful. He supposed that was why he doted on her, he wanted her to know he was there to protect her. He wanted her to feel safe.

As he watched her run happily towards her mother, he vowed she would be for as long as he lived.

---

Four years later (age 14)

You knew there was something going on. Your mother was in your bed chamber, helping you dress with her own hands.

“What is it mother?” You were staring at her through the silver looking glass on your dressing table. She seemed a little nervous, a little sad despite her effortless elegance.

“Your father and I feel it is time that you travelled. You will be leaving us for a time, just as I did as a girl. You will leave here and move throughout the kingdom, learning the layout of the land and learning all of the customs and traditions of our people.” She was tying the strings that held your gown together as she spoke. “It will help a great deal when it is your time to be Queen.”

You sighed, the time has come as you knew it would. Part of you wanted to decline, to simply tell her you didn’t want to go but that wouldn’t matter. It was tradition and no one ever got out of it. Anyone who did wasn’t in the throne for long and it was now considered ill luck to slip out of this duty.

“Yes mother.” You replied a little sadly, she understood - but she didn’t offer any consolation. There was none to be had.

When you sat at the large dinner table your father informed you much the same as your mother had. You did your best to smile as he spoke.

“Din, I will expect my daughter to be protected while away. I leave her safety in your capable hands.” His voice was imperious and you saw The knight nod briefly.

“I will accompany her.” He was quick to volunteer but your father shook his head.

“No Djarin, you are needed here.” A cup of wine at his mouth and you sagged. You knew you’d be away from your home and your family but you secretly hoped he would come with you. A familiar face would have been a great comfort.

“Then I will send ten of my best in my stead. She will be protected at all costs.” Din was bowing slightly and your father agreed.

“It’s settled then.” He smiled at you. ”You leave in three days my darling, and you will be safe.” Your father drank to your safety, and your mother smiled softly.

I will be safe, but will I be happy?

—-

He would have preferred to accompany her himself. It would have been the only way to know for sure that she’d be safe, but ten of his best would have to do. Logically it made sense that he would stay behind and oversee the safety of the King and Queen, but he didn’t like her being out there without him to protect her.

He gathered his ten chosen soldiers and had made it plain that they were to protect her with their lives which went without saying. They would send him reports of her well-being and any and all threats every fortnight and despite his misgivings, this would have to be enough.

On the day she left he personally helped her pack her things into the royal wheelhouse. He could see her wan expression, noting the slight droop in her posture. He could see the smile on the King's face from the courtyard, smiling down on his daughter from the balcony. The Queen however mirrored his own expression behind the helmet, a worried frown.

“You will be safe little princess, I have made sure.” It was the only comfort he could offer her.

“Yes, I trust that I will.” She smiled sadly as she turned to take a last look at her home. “I wish you were coming with me Sir, it would have been nice to have a familiar face accompanying me” She took his offered hand as she climbed into the carriage.

“For the road.” He dropped the sweet into her palm, and returned to his post.

---

Six years later (19 years old)

“Are you excited to return home, Your Highness?” Your handmaiden - Mila - was bubbly, the excitement was heavy in the air with your upcoming name-day.

“Yes of course, I have not seen my family in so long - happy to finally return.” She was helping you bathe, her hands making quick work of washing the dirt out of your hair. The water was cloudy with the salts and oils she usually added to make your skin and hair smell like wildflowers.

“I am praying your suitors are handsome, that they are chivalrous and grant you many healthy children.” She was smiling and you couldn’t help but match her enthusiasm.

“There will be enough time to think about that once I am home. Be a dear and fetch me my dressing gown.” You rose from the steamy water once she had returned and wrapped yourself up, taking her hand as you stepped out of the tub.

In less than a month you’d be turning twenty. Far past the age for a princess to be presented with suitors for marriage and if you were honest, it was a big source of worry. Not only was it terrifying to think of all of the responsibility you’d have as Queen, but you were as of yet, inexperienced with the opposite sex.

You knew what to expect, your mother had insisted you be sent a handmaiden that explained the goings-on in the bedchamber and what man and wife did together. How children are made, and secretly, how it could be enjoyable.

You had witnessed your parents marriage before you’d left and it was, for lack of a better word, cordial. Up until you were exposed to other families and couples you thought that it was normal, this was how it was. You were paired to strengthen the kingdom, to form alliances and to benefit the land you ruled but it was not so everywhere. On your travels you witnessed love, real love. Affection; lust and attraction.

You had witnessed husbands doting on their wives, kisses and touches given freely and happily. At first it had been a shock, such a thing between your mother and father was unheard of. At first you’d thought it too strange and rejected it in your mind, but as time went on, and you saw the happiness that could come with it - you vowed that your marriage would be the same.

You thought about it later on when you were alone in your bed. The gauzy drapery that hung from the four poster bed was floating in the light breeze coming from the balcony. The soft snores of your handmaiden filled the room and you smiled softly.

What would it be like to kiss a man? What would it be like to lay beside him?

You fell asleep dreaming about a faceless lover who held you and whispered sweet nothings into your ear. The velvet voice was familiar despite not seeing his face, and in the morning - you’d forgotten about the helmet he wore.

---

He was polishing his armour when the knock sounded. The soldier on the order side wasn’t surprised to find The Mandalore up so early.

“Good morning Sir - I am to inform you that the Princess is on her way home. The King requests that you accompany her into the city.” He saw the royal seal on the note from the King.

“Thank you, see to your duties. I will come find you soon.” He nodded at the other man and closed the door. It had been years since the little princess left and finally she would be home. Thankfully there had been no major issues while she’d been away but he’d finally be able to sleep peacefully knowing she was safe at home. He’d obsessed over her safety since the day she left - had to convince himself nightly that nothing would happen to her.

He was setting off an hour later to wait at the edge of the city, eager to bring her home to her parents. The feeling didn’t abate when he saw the wheelhouse cresting the hill, he knew it wouldn’t until he had gotten her safely within the palace walls.

He nodded at the soldiers surrounding the carriage when they were close enough, he brought his horse around to be at a level with the little window. He saw her eyes poking out through her thick hood she wore to keep the cold out.

“Hello little princess, it’s great to have you home.” He was smiling, although she couldn’t see it.

“Hello Sir, it’s lovely to hear your voice.” She sounded happy, her voice had changed, a woman's voice now. Her hand extended out through the opening and he had the sweet ready for her. She squealed in delight and thanked him, he felt much better than he had when he’d left the castle - and he’d feel better still when they got back.

---

It was a little jarring to realize how much you’d missed seeing him every day. You hadn’t noticed how safe he made you feel, how much of a constant he’d been until you heard his voice again. Until the sweet melted in your mouth.

The reunion with your parents had been pleasant, if a little cold. They both embraced you, but it was demure, reserved; always keeping up appearances. Your mother whispered how much she’d missed you in your ear however and you smiled, knowing that if she could - she would have crushed you even with the heavy coats engulfing your body.

“You’ve grown tall!” Your father bellowed, happy to see you looking strong. “Keep this up and you will be taller than me.” You were smiling at him, but your eyes found Din standing in the background. He was taller than your father, and so broad - his body language looked pained. He worried too much, you thought.

“And lovely, you are beautiful my darling.” Your mother added softly. You came up to your father’s nose now, a hair taller than your mother and it was strange. You remembered them towering over you before you left. Your father barely let you get a word out before he was clapping his hands.

“Well sweetling, we are certainly happy to have you home - and happy that Djarin can stop worrying-” He clapped Din on the back as he made his way over to the plush chairs in front of the hearth.”-We have been busy while you were away. A whole retinue of suitors is heading towards us for your name-day. It will be a big celebration of you coming home, coming of age, and you picking out your future husband.” He was smiling big, you supposed this news should thrill you but in reality it made you anxious. You smiled though, knowing any protests would be ignored. This was your role, and you had to embrace it.

“Thank you Father, I can’t wait.” You smiled, but it never reached your eyes.

---

He felt strange.

He knew she was technically an adult. The same age he was when he was appointed the office of Mandalore, give or take a few weeks but somehow he’d expected her to come back the same as she’d left. A child.

He watched as she spoke with her mother, watched as she listened to her father and noticed that she was not happy; despite the smile.

She is the most beautiful girl- no, woman, I have ever seen.

He chastened himself. She is the princess, the little princess and you are an old man compared to her. He was lost in thought as she was led to her apartments and he barely heard the king entrust her safety to him.

“I know the way of young men, eager for power and influence, they can get… improper. I trust you will protect her as she makes her choice.” The king was giving him a hard look. Din nodded, it didn’t need to be said.

“Of course your highness, she is safe with me.” He bowed slightly.

“Good man Djarin, knew I could count on you.” He was dismissed, and left alone with his thoughts.

---

They had moved your things into a bigger room, a more lavish and grown up space for you and it was nice. It felt a little strange though, this was not the bed you thought you’d be coming home to - this was not your space. So much had changed and you supposed you had to change with it.

I am not a child anymore.

“These rooms are lovely!” Mila set some of your things down and surveyed the space. Your sleeping quarters were separate from your own dining area where you could receive guests. There was also a little private sleeping area for her.

“Yes - they are something indeed.” You made your way over to the balcony beside your bed and opened up the doors - the cold air rushed in but it felt good. You went out and watched the courtyard with a smile. The household guard was training. Their swordplay filled the air, there were dogs barking, you could hear the blacksmith at his forge. All the familiar sounds of home and you welcomed them.

All of the Mandalorians in your fathers army wore helmets, their whole bodies covered and protected from harm. All of them blending in with each other and making it impossible for enemies to know who was who in battle. It took getting used to and people usually couldn’t tell them apart.

You knew though, you knew him anywhere.

You knew the shape of him, the gait and the stance. Even after being away for years, your eyes found him instantly and you watched him for a time. You watched the way he moved, almost catlike. He would be about thirty now but he moved like a man much younger.

He felt your eyes after a few minutes and it made you smile to watch him try to find the source and when he did you smiled big. He tilted his head up at you before you made your way inside.

-------

The seamstress was taking your measurements, she had a couple of apprentice girls with her as she did so. She flitted around you and made quick work of it, calling out different numbers to one of the girls.

“Do you have a preference of colour, Your Highness?” The woman was smiling as she brought over bolts of fabric. You studied the material, the rich colours and the slip of it between your fingers.

“You do look lovely in red, Your Highness.” Mila said it shyly. You smiled at her.

Since you didn’t yet have a suitor, you couldn’t dress to match - but it wouldn't have mattered if you did. There was only one person you cared about matching with.

“Silvery grey.” You said it confidently and she nodded.

“That would definitely favour you, Your Highness.” She bowed. “I will make you a lovely gown of silver and grey, with silver beading and the finest lace. You will look lovely.” She was smiling as she gathered her things and you smiled to yourself, wondering if he’d notice.

---

He was tormenting himself.

It was as if he could feel her eyes on him at all times and it was maddening. He teetered between craving her gaze and shying away from it. When he met her eyes his chest puffed out, he felt himself trying to look bigger and as ashamed as he was after his masculine displays after she’d looked away he couldn’t stop himself.

He stood at the edge of the room, watching as the family ate. Their conversations were all centered on her upcoming name-day, about her engagement and her future role as the Queen. The King and Queen only allowed Din within the private dining room, and it seemed to him like they either forgot he was there, or didn’t think they had to keep their conversations private in his audience.

Most of the time he tuned it out - nothing they spoke about was any of his business but since she’d come back, he couldn’t pay attention to anything but her.

“The seamstress has informed me that your dress should be ready within the next two days, she will then bring it here and have the final fitting before the celebration.” Her mother was excited, and she smiled at the mention of her dress.

“Yes mother.” She smiled and looked over at him, if she could see his face she’d know that he flushed.

Get it together Djarin.

“Have you given thought to the list of suitors I provided sweetling?” The King was in a good mood and his attention perked up.

“I looked over it father, I confess I haven’t really settled on anyone just yet.” She smiled shyly.

“Well my darling, you shall have your pick, especially since you are still a maiden.” The Queen commented offhandedly and Din’s heart threatened to burst out of his chest. A feeling he hadn’t expected came over him at the look on her face. He saw the widening of her eyes, the light sheen of sweat beading on her brow and he knew it was true.

He suddenly felt possessive over her, he wanted her. He wanted her virtue and her love. He was no virgin, he’d taken lovers in the past and he was confident he could make it so good, he could make her wet, make her moan underneath him.

He was reeling.

This is wrong, she is too young - too well born and you’ve known her all her life. She’ll never see you that way.

She was looking at him when he glanced over and he flushed again, feeling almost as though he’d been caught, the helmet thankfully hid the thoughts that were no doubt written across his face. He had to focus, their safety was his responsibility.

It’s not going to happen, so just put it out of your mind.

---

The days leading up to the festivities trickled by and your parents kept you busy.

Your father had always made it plain that you would inherit the throne, whoever married you would be the King only in name and the whole Kingdom knew it. He had taken to having you sit it in on the proceedings and the audience’s he held. You spent your afternoons at court, watching how your father behaved.

You watched how people treated him, how they approached him and how they respected him. It was a lot to live up to.

There were so many things to keep track of, but most of all, you watched him. He had the unique gift of making himself almost invisible, which was a feat since he was covered in shiny armour. At first you didn’t understand how no one noticed him and after a few days you realized what it was.

It was his stillness.

Most people walked right past him without a second glance and you realized it was because they probably assumed he was just an empty suit of armour, until he moved; people took notice when he moved.

He stood close to you as new guests entered the great hall for an audience with your father.

“Hello little princess.” His voice was low and you felt it send a shiver down your spine.

“Am I still so little? I am a grown woman now Sir.” You chastised him not unkindly.

“Yes - you are, but it’s what I’ve always called you.” He spoke plainly, you wished he would take the helmet off and laugh with you, but that was impossible right now. You let out a sad sigh.

“It will be little Queen soon I suppose.” You responded without looking and he was quiet for a moment before responding.

“Yes, I imagine so.” You both stayed quiet after that.

——-

His movements were almost feline.

He has remarkable control over his body.

His hands were quick and he seemed to anticipate his opponent’s attacks before they made them. It was mesmerizing and you flushed at the thought of what his body would look like under all that armour.

You were just out of his line of sight, you didn’t want him to catch you staring.

The serving girls were hidden just behind a hedge to your right and by the subject matter of their discussion, you could tell they were unaware you could hear them. You made no noise and tried to focus on Din so as not to eavesdrop, but when one of the girls mentioned his name your attention could focus on nothing else. You had to know what she was saying; you inched closer.

“He hasn’t sent for me in weeks, I am afraid he’s grown tired of me.” One of them spoke, you thought you might know who it was. She was one of the household staff, a girl who was a few years older than you and she sounded sad.

“Surely he’s just occupied. The Princess has returned and he trains endlessly.” The other girl was younger, and her tone was meant to be soothing.

“I pray he sends for me soon, he’s the most skilled lover I’ve ever taken into my bed. I miss his…appetites.” You could almost hear the flush on her face and you were intrigued.

“What do you mean? What appetites does he have?” The younger girl was just as curious.

“He is attentive, and generous with his love-making, If one could call it that-“ She sighed almost dreamily. “-he chases your pleasure almost more than his own. Lord his tongue, he does the sweetest things with it.” They were walking back into the palace but you’d heard enough.

You had to find out what she meant.

——————

“Princess-“ He bowed as you walked towards him in the yard a few days later. “You sent for me?”

“I am going for a long ride, I wish for you to accompany me. The horses are being saddled, escort me out if you would.” You smiled at him and he quickly offered you his arm.

“Yes Princess.” He obeyed implicitly.

-

It’s lovely out here.

He was silent as you made your way outside the city gates, you knew he was constantly scanning for danger. His mission in life was to keep you safe, and you felt a thrill as you rode off quicker than he expected, leaving the road and winding through the forest.

“Princess!” You heard him calling but you spurred your horse faster, making him chase you through the trees. Your skirts blowing in the wind and quicker than you would have liked - he caught up with you. You could feel the flush crawling up your neck and heating your face at the exertion. Knew he must be flushed as well with the way he reached you so quickly. His big hand reached over and grabbed the reins to slow down your horse. You heard the soft woah girl through the helmet - his arm pressed against your chest.

“I would ask you not to do that again.” His voice wasn’t angry, more upset with himself that you’d gotten the better of him.

“Why not?” You challenged him, a big smile on your face - showing him you were in a playful mood.

“It could be dangerous and I would be unable to forgive myself if anything happened to you.” He stopped both of the horses and you could feel his eyes on you.

“Why?” The question came out of your mouth before you could think and he seemed taken aback. Without thinking you reached over and pulled the helmet off him and he let you. His face was beautiful and you could see the little frown at your question. “Why would you not be able to forgive yourself Sir?” He watched as you spoke, the frown deepening.

“Princess, I-” He sighed and made to take his helmet out of your hands but you pulled back and slipped off the horse - he followed. “Princess, I don’t understand your meaning. I am your protector. I am in charge of your safety and I took a vow.” He towered over you despite how tall you’d grown.

“Yes but is that the only reason?” You stepped closer to him, looking up into his honey-brown eyes and he seemed slightly shocked; disbelieving. “Do you have no other reason to want to keep me safe Sir?” You stepped closer still.

“Princess, what are you asking me?” He watched your mouth as you spoke and you bit your lip slightly.

“Do you desire me Din?” Your heart was in your throat, pounding as you asked the question you longed to hear the answer to and his reaction was immediate. His eyes widening, his eyebrows moving up into his hairline.

“I-Princess, you are - so young-” You cut him off.

“I am the same age you were when you were named Mandalore, I am a woman grown...” You were embarrassed now, the end of your sentence trailing off in uncertainty.

Maybe he doesn’t feel the way I feel.

He could see the realization on your face and he tentatively placed his hands on your shoulders. You felt the warmth of them seeping into your skin and it was thrilling, your blood singing in your veins at the small contact.

“You are a woman grown, but I am still much older than you and it would be improper for me to think of you in that way-” He brushed the hair away from your face and you shuddered, his lips looked so soft and you watched them as he spoke. “Even though you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, it would be wrong.” He watched your mouth and you felt the excitement in your stomach at his admission.

He said the words, told you it was improper, but his body didn’t separate from yours. His hands stayed at your shoulders. They seemed to pull you closer and your body responded by pressing your lips to his. It was a clumsy thing and despite the tightening of his grip, he pulled away.

You felt your ears get hot in embarrassment, suddenly, you couldn’t be there. A clumsy little-girls-kiss to the man who brought immense pleasure to women, surely his thoughts that you were too young must have then been reinforced.

“No Princess, we cannot-” You cut him off.

“My apologies Sir, you were my first.” He looked pained at your confession and before he could keep speaking you shoved the helmet back and quickly got back onto your horse. “Take me home.” Your voice was clipped, and he didn’t argue.

“At once Princess.” You rode back in silence.

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

The day of the celebration had finally come.

Your name day, and although it seemed as though the whole city was buzzing with nervous excitement, you were staring at your dress. It had come in the night before last and was laid neatly on your bed, waiting for you.

It was structured beautifully, a revealing neckline that would showcase your chest. The cut of it accentuating your figure and your hips, you supposed this would be to showcase that you were fit to carry children.

The colour was perfect. You knew it would match Dins suit perfectly and it made your heart race to imagine him realizing. It was hard to know what he was thinking - he wore the helmet most of the time but you thought you could feel something between the two of you and even though you couldn’t be sure. Hopefully the clumsy kiss hadn’t dampened any feelings he might have had, might still have.

I can still feel it. Your fingers pressing softly against your mouth at the thought of the kiss.

“The bath is ready, your highness-” Mila guided you over to the steaming tub near the fireplace. “-allow me.” She helped you shrug off your dressing gown. The water was perfect, almost too hot and it filled the air with the sweet smell of flowers and amber. She helped you wash in silence and you let your thoughts drift endlessly to him.

Will he like the perfumed oil I’m wearing? Will he even notice?

“I confess I am excited to see all of the handsome suitors in attendance today.” She was giddy, smiling conspiratorially as she wrapped you up in a plush towel once you’d finished. You hadn’t even thought about them.

“Same as I.” You lied, smiling back at her.

Your mother walked in as your hair was being coaxed away from your face.

“You must look perfect my darling, I suspect a lot of young men will be fighting for your attention tonight.” She was smiling.

“A lot of older men too.” Your handmaiden whispered into your ear and you playfully slapped her leg. There was only one older man you were interested in and you didn’t even know how he’d react. You thought about the kiss again and shuddered in embarrassment.

“Yes I imagine so.” Your mother said it breezily and you wondered briefly what she’d think of your feelings towards Din. Your own father was a few years older than your mother, but the match had been brokered by your grandparents, a strategic union.

You were lost in thought as she adorned you with jewelry. Bracelets and rings, opals dangling from your ears and at your throat, hoping he would like what he saw.

----

He thought about her as he dressed, there would be so many young, wealthy, high-born men vying for her attention tonight and it was up to him to keep them in line. He was sharpening his sword, his thoughts focused on which of his soldiers would be with him guarding the ball but they quickly shifted to her kiss.

It had been quick and innocent, but it had made him harder than a rock. Her eagerness, her question and the implications had dumbstruck him. She desired him.

It was intoxicating, the thought that she wanted him - if only she knew. He had imagined so many things as he accompanied her back to the palace. His lips tingled the whole time, her lips so plush and soft pressed up against his.

He imagined pulling her off her horse. Imagined the lovely gasp she’d reward him with as he pushed her up against a tree, when he cut her clothes off her body. Could imagine the feel of her nails in his scalp as he licked at her nipples.

Stop it, this can never be and you need to focus.

His cock was half-hard at the thoughts running through his mind and it shamed him. She was so innocent, so sweet; royal and virginal. Whereas he was a grown man, far too old for her. Perhaps he should send for the servant girl - Gisela - she was older than the princess and she liked the things he did to her. She was always willing, always ready for him and for a while he’d really enjoyed his time with her, but when the Princess had come back it didn’t feel the same. Her moans were all wrong, her smile wasn’t the same, her voice wasn’t right and he couldn’t pretend.

He tried to think about fucking Gisela, but all he could think of was the Princess kissing him.

---

He’d made sure the guards he’d chosen knew what to do in case anything went wrong. Then and only then did he inform the King and Queen that the ball could commence. They trickled in as he took his preferred place behind the throne. It was the best vantage point in the great hall and he could have his eyes on everything and everyone at once, including his soldiers.

It didn’t take long for the hall to fill with guests and servants. Gisela was serving and he tried to ignore her gaze; her eyes kept flicking towards him and not for the first time he was thankful for the helmet. He was distracted when he heard the King introducing his daughter and when she walked into the hall it was as if someone had knocked the breath out of him. He couldn’t stop his hands from curling into tight fists as she floated into the hall.

Her face was beautiful, the delicate crown on her head was a golden halo and for a moment he thought that she must be some sort of angel. The bodice of her dress was laced up tight, accentuating her curves and for a moment he was startled to notice the colour. It was almost identical to his armour.

Did you do this on purpose Princess? Is this a message for me?

Her eyes found him and she smiled shyly, her delicate hands smoothing out her skirts, almost in response to his thoughts.

For the second time within the span of a few minutes, he was thankful for the helmet, thankful that no one could see the open desire on his face for the Princess, especially Gisela.

---

It was easy to spot him when he was all you were looking for, and you did so now.

Your heart was in your throat as you made your way through the great hall. Your fathers voice was ringing out, people were clapping and there was soft music playing from the balcony.

“A toast to my darling daughter on her name-day. May you live long, and rule over this kingdom wisely when I am gone.” Your fathers voice bellowed out as glasses of wine were raised to your health. “To the Princess!”

The guests repeated his words and they all drank before the music turned more lively, signalling that the celebration could truly begin.

They attacked from all sides.

All of the guests wanting to get a piece of you as you made your way through the room and you had no choice but to oblige them. There were young ladies-in-waiting being introduced to you. Pretty things curtsying and complimenting you on your dress; wishing you many happy returns. Some of the bolder ones pointed out suitors they found handsome.

The men weren’t far behind and soon they were in front of you, bowing and kissing the back of your hand politely. Young strapping men who’d just come into their own and were looking to align with your house. There were a few who were older as well, reserved and well-mannered who waited to corner you just when you’d thought you’d spoken to everyone.

It was overwhelming.

They were handsome, some truly gorgeous. Eyes of all colours looking at you hopefully, lips of every shape and size forming words of flattery and praise; speaking an array of different names, pressing against the skin on the back of your hand. Their hands in turn, were of every degree of strength and softness holding onto yours lightly.

None of them made an impression. None of them compared.

None of them mattered.

None of those hands were anywhere close to those that held your shoulders softly. The hands that dropped sweets into yours.

None of those lips would feel like his.

None of those eyes were that particular shade of honey-brown that could make your knees weak as reeds; the eyes you could feel burning into your skin even now, despite the helmet.

“Your highness, I would be honoured if you favoured me with a dance.” He had surprised you, pulling you away from your thoughts of Din, away from seeking out his form.

He was older, closer to Din's age and you knew of him.

“It would be my pleasure.” You gave him a polite smile as he held out his arm, the crowd parting as he led you to where everyone was dancing and his smile was big as you started. You couldn’t help but notice the expressions on some of the faces around you, nervous excitement, open disdain; jealousy.

“I must confess, you look radiant, your highness.” He said the words in your ear as he held you close.

“You are too kind.” You responded politely. “You look very handsome.” You returned the compliment, and you weren’t lying. He was handsome, in a rugged way. His eyes were sharp, you knew instantly that this was a man that didn’t miss a thing. His hair was curly, streaked with bits of grey but it suited him.

“I am glad you find me handsome, should make it easier for me to woo and marry you.” He smirked and you flushed slightly, taken aback by his boldness. That all too familiar heat licking up your neck at the way he studied you. It made you think of a cat playing with a mouse.

“You are a bold one, why should I pick you above all others?” Your voice was steady even though your nerves were not.

He laughed, amused and confident.

“I have faith.” He spun you around, his big warm hand landing back onto your waist. “I believe that you’ll see that we are a good match. I have quite a bit to offer.” He didn’t elaborate and his tone made you think inappropriate thoughts. You brushed them away.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” You smiled a venomous smile and he laughed good-naturedly. When the dance ended he made a show of bowing deeply as he kissed your hand.

“Your highness, I thank you for the dance, and I beg of you to grant me another before the night is over.” He was looking at your mouth, his eyes travelling your form boldly when he rose and you nodded.

“It would be my pleasure Mr. Dameron.” You had no choice but to acquiesce.

—-

Tag list: @frannyzooey @foli-vora @danniburgh @sambucky21 @greeneyedblondie44 @lola4pedro @ezrasbirdie @221bshrlocked @artsymaddie @supernaturalgirl20 @sleep-tight1 @softdindjxrin @wheresarizona @sherala007 @marydjarin @cannedsoupsucks @thirstworldproblemss @ilikechocolatemilkh @lori-tovar @freeshavocadoooo @hrk-fic-recs @greeneyedblondie44 @maxwell--lord @princessxkenobi @the-feckless-wonder @kirsteng42 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @thisshipwillsail316 @feministfanboi @dihra-vesa @gaiuswrites @stevie75 @sweet-creature98 @readsalot73 @pedrostories @tobealostwanderer @elegantduckturtle @diogodxlot @alczysz17 @evyiione @absurdthirst @beskarboobs @andruxx @littlemissoblivious @1800-fight-me @goldielocks2004 @maievdenoir @gracie7209 @omlwhatamidoinghere @bellaorisa @hellovanessax @magikfanatic @frankiecatfish @mrs-ghuleh @pedritoispunk @librariantothejedi @studythoreauly @missswriter @prostitute-robot-from-the-future @pintsizemama @mswarriorbabe80 @a-trial-run-on-paper @giizhkens-cedar @la-le-lu @chickadee-djarin @dobbyjen @rosiefridayrogersunday @ajeff855 @anaaaispunk @johnsrevelation @the-witty-pen-name @zombiesnips-blog @quica-quica-quica @sarahjkl82-blog @fan-of-encouragement @queenofthecloudss @mandosmistress @deadhumourist @felicisimor @tuskens-mando @no-droids-on-sunday @sophiefatale2495 @toomanystoriessolittletime @what-iwish-you-knew @pedrostories @athalien @bi-thewayy @literallydontlook @pedrosbrat

[captainelliecomb]

I posted 8,265 times in 2022

68 posts created (1%)

8,197 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@museiums

@dwellordream

@undercoverkernel

@nobodysuspectsthebutterfly

@it-may-be-dull-but-im-determined

I tagged 8,255 of my posts in 2022

#gorgeous things - 4,899 posts

#art - 4,470 posts

#asoiaf - 2,136 posts

#did i laugh i did i did - 1,821 posts

#do want to write - 1,602 posts

#jaime x brienne - 1,110 posts

#do want to read - 989 posts

#starklings - 608 posts

#lannisters are a mess of beautiful things - 597 posts

#brienne of tarth makes my heart sing - 525 posts

Longest Tag: 140 characters

#what i wouldn't give for more stories about tommen and myrcella ending up with jaime and brienne and brienne's growing collection of orphans

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

GOT Fic Jaime x Brienne

Here We Go to War

Written for @kiraziwrites for the JB Festive Festival Exchange 2021

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Mature

Tags: Jaime/Brienne, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Sandor Clegane, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Divergence After Season Six, Westerosi Politics, Political Marriage, Marriage of Convenience, Pining, The Long Night, Sparring as Foreplay, Hurt/Comfort, Woundcare, Cunnilingus, Not Quite A Bath But Close Enough For Jaime, Daenerys Targaryen Is Not a Mad Queen, Angst With a Happy Ending

Summary: War to the east, the Dragon queen and her foreign armies come to take back the Seven Kingdoms with fire and blood and demand the North bend the knee.

War to the south, the Lannister queen took her throne in wildfire and the blood of innocents and demands the head of Sansa Stark.

War to the north, beyond the Wall, the Night King and his army of the dead demand nothing but death.

War comes for them all.

In the middle, two tired knights try to protect the ones they love and the ones to whom they're sworn.

28 notes - Posted February 9, 2022

#4

ASOIAF/GOT fic rec, Jaime/Brienne, canon divergence, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, reluctant royalty

Protector of the Realm by greenmtwoman @greenmtwoman (written for @jaime-brienne-fic-exchange 2022) Rating: Mature No Archive Warnings Apply Tags: Queen Brienne, AU-Arranged Marriage, After All the Wars Word count: 22,641

Summary: "Your brother is free to remain at Casterly Rock, and to eat his gold. We will allow him no other use for it.”

“Unless?” He regarded her with a kind of wonder. She was shrewder and more implacable than he had expected.

“Unless you and I are wed.”

He laughed, though her face was entirely serious. “Was this Tyrion’s idea or yours?” It was a preposterous idea, and it made a preposterous kind of sense.“

Call it a mutual realization of need. I need to marry for the stability of the crown. There are few candidates left. I require a consort with wealth, and I’d prefer not to wed a fool or a weakling.”

“Lucky for you that I’m neither. I’m merely a monster, which is much more agreeable.”

Rec: Beautiful canon divergence arranged marriage enemies to lovers romance between Queen Brienne and Jaime that cuts straight to the emotional core of each of them, has excellent rhythm in the writing, and is warm, funny, biting, and sweet all at once.

31 notes - Posted August 21, 2022

#3

WIP Wishlist Update

Posted eight different WIP Wishlists during 2021. Several stories have been updated since they were posted, including some that had not been updated in awhile. Celebrate these updates!

almost a beauty, almost a knight by ifancymyselfawriter  Mentioned in Round Three as updated 26 July 2021. Current Last Updated 30 July 2021!

The Arrangement by tarthiana @bussdowntarthiana Mentioned in Round Four. Now complete!

At Your Side by miera @mierac Mentioned in Round Four. Now complete!

Beware Your Dreams by Zeta_Mei @zetaaa Mentioned in Round One as updated October 2020. Current Last Updated 25 May 2021!

Brave New World by suffolkgirl Mentioned in Round Eight. Now complete!

The Broken Jaw of Our Lost Kingdoms by Vera (Vera_DragonMuse)   Mentioned in Round Eight as updated November 2021. Current Last Updated 01 January 2022!

Constant as the Northern Star by PrettyThief @pretty--thief Mentioned in Round Two as updated April 2021. Current Last Updated 9 September 2021!

Crowned With Flowers by BecauseBraime  Mentioned in Round One. Now complete!

Heart That Matters More by dancinginthecenteroftheworld @dancinginthecenteroftheworld Mentioned in Round Six as updated August 2021. Current Last Updated 11 October 2021!

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by CatelynTsukino  Mentioned in Round Four as updated July 2021. Current Last Updated 10 January 2022!

it’s not much (but my money’s on you) by jellyb34n  Mentioned in Round Six as updated September 2021. Current Last Updated 21 November 2021!

The Keeper by PalyGirl  Mentioned in Round Two as updated March 2021. Current Last Updated 28 November 2021!

No One Mourns the Wicked by boywholivednotdied  Mentioned in Round One as updated June 2020. Current Last Updated 25 June 2021!

An Old Lion Amongst Young Wolves by Angelic_Temptress  Mentioned in Round Three as updated December 2020. Current Last Updated 3 August 2021!

Three years, no more by Zeta_Mei @zetaaa Mentioned in Round Two as updated April 2021. Current Last Updated 16 May 2021!

turn up the stage lights by potato_writes @potatothecat Mentioned in Round One as updated March 2021. Current Last Updated 1 June 2021!

35 notes - Posted January 14, 2022

#2

WIP Wishlist Mid-year 2022 Updates

WIP Wishlist

All the fic updated after the end of 2021 WIP Wishlist Update

almost a beauty, almost a knight by ifancymyselfawriter

From round four, last updated 01 May 2022

Things I love: Tommen, Tommen and Jaime, Tommen and Brienne; begrudging respect between Brienne and Cersei even among everything else between them; the intrigue of dragons fighting dragons and lions and suns and Evenstars caught between them; the Rock, which is unusual for me; twisting, manipulative, dangerous relationships of all sorts.

The Blue Knight vs. The Kingslayer by SeeThemFlying

From round eight, last updated 02 March 2022

Things I love: Brienne and Pod’s friendship and teamwork, the sheer silliness and threat of the Kingslayer, Imp, and Evil Queen, the Honor League, the sweetness and softness between Brienne and Jaime while their alteregos wage war on each other, how over-the-top and joyful and perfect this is as a comic book story.

Break the Shape We Take by ClasseySpanks

From round eight, last updated 12 April 2022

Things I love: Intriguing worldbuilding, particularly around the Evenstar prophecy, Jaime needling at Brienne because he loves to see her eyes and her blush and to argue with her, something dangerous lurking in the trees and impaling deer on branches, Brienne brave and fearless when she’s doing what she’s been born to do and awkward and withdrawn otherwise, Jaime and Brienne teaming up.

The Broken Jaw of Our Lost Kingdoms by Vera ( Vera_DragonMuse)

From round eight, now complete

Things I love: Interesting, engaging worldbuilding, how Sansa and Brienne work together, Brienne and Pod’s friendship across lines, shapeshifting, the sharp-edged history between Brienne and Jaime.

everything you see (is all for your taking) by EllisJay

From round nine, last updated 09 April 2022

Things I love: Brienne confident, experienced, and gentle with the people who need her to be gentle, Brienne’s amazing students and how she interacts with them, Oberyn’s work with Brienne and his flirtations, the double entendres, Brienne’s masturbation lesson blowing Jaime’s mind when he puts it into practice, flirtation on top of flirtation.

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by CatelynTsukino

From round four, now complete

Things I love: Brienne and Aerys; how different it is for Jaime to interact with Ned (and others, but particularly Ned) when he’s not Kingsguard; Brienne’s friendship with women (I’d name them, but I don’t want to get too spoilery on who lives, who dies, and why they become friends); the pain Brienne and Jaime each carry; what Westeros looks like when Robert’s Rebellion is a very different thing.

it’s not much (but my money’s on you) by jellyb34n @nossbean

From round six, last updated 6 May 2022

Things I love: Behind the scenes for politics, the friendships, particularly Jaime, Elia, and Rhaenys, Brienne’s characterisation and voice, Jaime’s sharp humour and intelligence set against his soft heart (he is made for love), the incredible sexual and romantic tension between Jaime and Brienne, Lyanna Mormont in all her glory, Missandei’s intelligence and wit and competence, Pia’s role – everything, pretty much everything.

The Kingsguard by LadyRhiyana

From round nine, last updated 22 May 2022

Things I love: Modern AUs with Brienne as a princess, why Selwyn joins the rebels, Jaime the undercover Kingsguard, the way they annoy each other to no end, Brienne’s friendships, the way they protect each other, the history of Evenfall Hall, Lannister sibling dynamics, and spring break shenanigans.

No One Mourns the Wicked by boywholivednotdied

From round one, last updated 20 April 2022

Things I love: Jaime’s time in Riverrun with Brienne, Brienne’s friendship with Catelyn, the complicated political mess in King’s’ Landing, Brienne’s fierceness and loyalty and love.

See the full post

43 notes - Posted July 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Belated Jaime x Brienne Week Speed Fic Recs

Late to the party because work interrupted, but I had this half put together before travel started and wanted to share what I had done, even late and incomplete. Possibly more later, I had at least another five authors ready to discuss.

You can always find more fic talk under my WIP Wishlist and Fic Rec tags.

Combination of days, here are five authors who make me happy and three of their fics that I love.

Crowned With Flowers by BecauseBraime: Pre-canon canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through political machinations, royal Tarths, Brienne growing up with the love and support of Genna Lannister, friendships, secrets and lies, and warrior princess Brienne.

Game of Secrets by BecauseBraime: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through secret Targaryens, royal bastards, sparring, Stark and Tarth friendships, Stark and Lannister friendships, and secrets for everyone.

The Gathering Storm by BecauseBraime: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through more secret Targaryens, Selwyn Tarth playing the game, Stark and Tarth friendships, battles and traps, and a glorious Daenerys.

The Lion, the Wench and the Wardrobe Trailer by GilShalos1: Modern AU, slow burn Jaime x Brienne through acting, politics, tournaments, therapy, and friendships.

To Look On Tempests: Or, How to Find Yourself Without GPS by GilShalos1: WIP, Modern AU, Jaime x Brienne through trauma recovery, forced proximity, the good and bad that comes along with a fuller Tarth family, flirting and seduction via romance novels and flowery language, and complicated, painful emotions.

Dragonfire and Sapphires by GilShalos1: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through arranged marriage, Queen Daenerys and her respect for Brienne, trauma recovery, the Long Night, misunderstandings, and beautiful, warm Tarth.

Falling Is Like This by @kiraziwrites: Modern AU, Jaime x Brienne through Stark influence, climbing gyms, Brienne’s beautiful rope bondage, and the freedom of safe falling.

Ring Them Bells by @kiraziwrites: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through Jaime surviving the fall of the Red Keep, suicidal tendencies, broken bodies and hearts, Brienne taking care of Starks and Starks taking care of Brienne, queer dads on Tarth, and rebuilding trust.

Sharp Objects by @kiraziwrites: Modern AU, Jaime x Brienne through archaeology, axe-throwing, fieldwork, shared secrets, and discoveries that will shake up historical beliefs.

And Counting by nubbins_for_all: GOT canon divergence, trauma recovery, learning intimacy, Brienne and friends, Sansa ruling Winterfell, the ways love hurts and heals, and soft, sexy domesticity. 

the crime deserves the punishment by nubbins_for_all: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through rape/sexual assault, Jaime’s instincts to attack those who harm Brienne and Brienne’s response to it, Brienne glorious in her anger, disgust, and fear, and the different ways to recover.

something different and second verse (same as the first) by nubbins_for_all: GOT canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through gender nonconformity, crossdressing, learning intimacy, complicated relationships, interesting Westerosi politics, and violence as foreplay.

Beware your dreams by @zetaaa: ASOIAF canon divergence, Jaime x Brienne through secret Targaryens, poisonings, angry and awkward flirtations, Brienne making friends and having adventures, and all sorts of fun POV characters.

Go and kiss her by @zetaaa: Modern AU, Jaime x Brienne through misunderstandings, surprise kisses, parental fisticuffs, idiotic friendships, and awkward flirtations.

Let it snow! by @zetaaa: Modern AU, Jaime x Brienne through adorable university shenanigans, mistletoe, Jaime being both annoying and charming, and, of course, snow.

47 notes - Posted October 12, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

Not even a little surprised how often Jaime x Brienne appears on here.

[kuriboo]

anyway i haven’t introduced myself to recent followers lately

hello! i’m tungle user kuriboo, the artist formerly known as datanamines. i go by many names. sam, tater, ryou... call me what you like! i am an adult with a college degree and a job. you’ll find me reblogging a wide variety of things, but the biggest things i am into currently are yugioh and kingdom hearts! 

you can also find me on ao3 as rainbowkuriboh (the artist formerly known as tatersalad5001). these days i am mostly a yugioh writer. i write a big ol yugioh au that encompasses most of the series in the franchise, known as Miracle Synchro Fusion, which just recently became five years old! i’m also very proud of my gx/arc v au called Righteous Justice, which will soon celebrate it’s five year anniversary as well! i’ve been busy and not feeling well recently, so i haven’t done a lot of independent writing... however, a very miniscule amount of work is being put towards the next update for Miracle Synchro Fusion as well as towards a new fic, White Salvation!

i’m your local genderqueer ace! while i’m a gay nerd, i’m also an extremely shy nerd, so i promise there’s no need to be intimidated by me. i’m probably more intimidated by you, honestly. so, uh, thanks for stopping by, thanks for being here! i appreciate that all of yall think my blog is worth following.

[wonderswritings]

Alice | 23 | she/her | libra | requests are open

Please DO NOT ask me when I am going to update a series. They will get updated when- and if- inspiration strikes. I will not answer asks asking for an update.

Please be aware that I'm slowly returning to writing. I took a long, really long break from it due to my mental health (something I talk about on here) And it's taking me some time to get back into the hang of things.

♠︎ Masterlist

♣︎ Request Guidelines

♥︎ Writing Schedule 

♦︎ Upcoming Works

♠︎ Tag list

♣︎ Stories Only

♥︎ Ao3: capsheadquaters

♦︎ Wattpad: Marvel_base001

♠︎ Ask me stuff 💙

Current Event:

♣︎ 3K Follower Celebration

I jump from one story to the next so if something hasn’t been updated in a while, don’t worry! It'll probably be updated soon!

Blank blogs DO NOT interact. Minors DO NOT interact!

While I may not write frequent smut, some pieces do have smut in them, thus making This an 18/+ blog!

If you can’t respect that, there’s the door. Either see yourself out or get blocked.

Main Current Story Focus:

Any story listed here is my top priority. No matter what, this story will get updated.

Starless Lovers S3 The 100 Rewrite, Bellamy Blake x Sister!Lexa!Fem!Reader

The Reapers Call Simon Riley x Fem!OC

When Worlds Collide Book 2 TASM!Peter Parker x Fem!Reader

The Devils Detective Lucifer Morningstar x Fem!Reader

Other Current Story Focus:

Stories listed here will get updated between updates for my mcsf. They're the ones that have a higher chance of getting updated. Sometimes a story from this list will get bumped to mcsf. These stories will get updated regularly.

Collision Bellamy Blake x Fem!Reader

Armageddon Bellamy Blake x Fem!Reader

The Soldier's Princess Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Grounded Love Bellamy Blake x Fem!Reader

Fighting For... S7 The 100 Rewrite, Bellamy Blake x Twin!Griffin!Fem!Reader

Blue Moon Story Focus

These stories are stories that will get updated- but slowly- once in a while. While I do plan on updating them- they're not at the top of my list to update unfortunately. While they do hold a special place in my heart, and I wish to finish them- it's not a priority so they get updated when they get updated.

Devils Angel Rick Flag x Fem!Reader

Nyx Din Djarin x Fem!Reader

Space Lovers Lexa x Fem!Reader

OC:

Arabella Kent (modern warfare ii)

Esmeray kom Trikru (the 100)

Frequently asked Questions:

What sort of content do you write?

I write for a variety of fandoms, mainly being Marvel, DC Arrowverse, and The 100. I also write for Supernatural, The Walking Dead, DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Vampire Diaries, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, The Originals, Witcher, Grey's Anatomy, Fast & Furious, and The Last Kingdom. All of my writing is character x reader, most often than not, f!reader. Though there may be one or two fics that are gn!reader. Most of my genres for writing are the common genres, fluff, angst, with the occasional smut thrown in the mix.

Is there anything that you don't/won't write?

I will not write anything that involves abusive relationships, rape, dark tropes, kinks (mainly because I don't really write much smut) You can find out more about my do's and dont's here

Can you read my fic?

Of course! I have beta’d some works before that weren’t mine and I gave feedback to them privately. If I had their permission, I would correct any mistakes I found but I would let them know what those were. If they didn’t want me correcting anything I would just let them know of the mistakes I found, if any. Any works I beta I reblog to my main with feedback or I give feedback privately, depending on the writer's preference

I sent you an ask and you didn’t respond, why?

I either 1, didn’t get it or 2, it got lost in all my other asks. I have a lot of asks, ranging from people asking me to write them something, or things I sent myself to remember to do so if I didn’t answer, send me another! I’ll answer them as soon as I can!

How long does it take you to upload another story chapter or a new story?

I don’t actually have a time frame for when I post an update to a series or a new story. For my series, it’s mainly whenever I have the next part written, or whenever I actually remember to post it. Sometimes I’ll post after I’ve written a part and sometimes, I’ll post after I’ve finished the entire series. Though I am trying to stick to the writing schedule I have listed above.

Will you ever update your old unfinished series?

Honestly, probably not. I started those series because I wanted to write it and then after a while, notes started to go down and I lost motivation to actually continue to write it. Maybe one day I’ll post another part to it, as inspiration does strike at odd times.

[juuls]

Hi Reylo community!

Latest edit: First of all! —I am more than happy to help people who want to give podficcing a try, just send me a message and we can work out details, figure out answers to your questions, etc. I would just love to see more people recording podfics!

It’s easy to be a podficcer; nothing special is needed and I’m happy to provide tips for simple podficcing! In fact I sorta ramble about my process here in this Answered Ask and include 3 basic tutorials.

To the Reylo community at large (writers, artists, readers, lurkers, everyone!): If you could pick one of your, preferably, complete (or at least a fair number of chapters in and being updated) fanfics that you would like to have a podfic made out of... which would it be?

I’d love to create a list of works where authors have given permission to podfic their fics, whether short or long, and to contribute to the new Reylo Podfic Collection!

But I’d love to use this tumblr thread as a.... thought exercises, I suppose, and permission, too, for people to podfic your work.

While I do do podficcing for Marvel... it just makes me want to do so much more Reylo stuff! There’s so few pieces out there compared to the bevy of Marvel stuff, but honestly, every time there’s a new (Reylo) podfic—it breathes new life back into the fic, the author, the ship, the fandom..... plus you personally feel awesome for the performance high and for bringing a smile to the writer’s face. That’s the best thing ever and I adore doing it, no matter how ‘simple’ the podfic may be.

So, AUTHORS, which of your fics would you like to see podficced? Blanket permission for any?

And READERS!!!—which of your favourite fics, short or long, G or T or M or E... would you love to listen to, or think deserves the verbal treatment? :D

Old, new. Canon-Compliant, Modern AU. Canon-Adjacent or Post-Canon. Post-movie Fix-It or forget-the-movie Fix-It. Gen, Teen, Unrated, Mature, or Explicit. A/B/O or Soulmates. Bendemption or Renperor. Senator Ben or Jedi Ben. Fuck-Jakku Rey or Must-Return Rey. Hopeful Rey or Antagonistic Rey. Blocked Force Bond or Open. Good or evil. Take his hand or don’t. Pre-Canon, post-TFA, post-TLJ, or TroS—I don’t know her.

Come one, come any, come all! What would you pick to podfic?

Pod together with us!

I’ll keep the list of approved fics updated if we get enough replies! I do so hope we do! I love Reylo, you love Reylo, who doesn’t want their fic put to voice? And also, let’s breathe some new forms of life into this fandom! Celebrate it with me!

(Sometimes there are already podfics done for a particular fic but you can always 1, welcome another for your own fic, and 2, request of an author to see if you can perform an additional reading of their fic—each podfic is different and special in their own way.)

Do you feel how awesome this could be?

They do.

Blanket permission for any of these user’s fics: *

Nymja

TheOriginalSuki [[“Maybe skip the Welsh epitaphs, ha!”]]

Politicalmamaduck [[Tall Tales of the Western Wilds has previously been podficced by @luminoustico and @quickficradio 🧡!]]

Perry_Downing [[Devotion has already been podficced, and Powerless, Thwarted, He Knows, and Unbidden claimed.]]

Crossingwinter

EllieCarina [[In My Bloodstream has been claimed.]]

DragonWhiskers [[any completed works]]

PalenDrome (nerdherderette) [[any and all fics, ships, fandoms]]

🌟

Podfics welcome for specific fics (permission given): *

Delicious Ambiguity by Juulna (~24.8k)

Shadowed by Juulna (~5.6k)

Little Earthquakes by LochTayBoatSong (~5.3k)

the breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you by LochTayBoatSong (~36.1k)

Asking Price by SouthsideStory and ReyloTrashCompactor (~33.2k, 13/15 chapters)

Things Not Seen by SouthSideStory (~13.8k)

Chains by Veggieheist @veggieheist (~295.5k, 67/? chapters) [[contact author as they wish to re-edit the beginning of the fic]]

Dream House by sleepyowlet @sleepyowlet (~11k) [[“I read it out loud to myself and because I wrote it with the Dreamlands cycle as background noise, it has the same kind of feel to it. You just need to find a podficcer who can read consentacles without cracking up.”]]

Camera Shy by Sophia Ravencrest @sophiaravencrest (~23.8k)

Blades Crossed by the-reylo-void @the-reylo-void (~27.1k)

enemies-to-lovers by the-reylo-void (~59.6k) **

Within Monsters by AnonymousMink (~132.6k)

Hiraeth by TheOriginalSuki @theoriginalsuki (~47.9k)

Blood is Thicker Than Whatever This Is... by DragonWhiskers @belovedunderwing (~1.5k)

Siren’s Song by DragonWhiskers (~22.5k)

✨

Specific fics we’d love to see in podfic form and currently awaiting permission from their authors: [[fics granted permission moved to ‘Podfics Welcome’ list]]

Ashes of the Empire by Skyelo_Ren @dancingpenguin57 (~128.4k)

The Moon, the Sun, and the Star Inbetween. by Silvershine @silvershiner (~120.1k)

can’t turn off what turns me on by audreyii_fic @audreyii-fic (~26.1k)

Tactical Surrender by destinies @destiniesfic (~155.8k)

🌙

Claimed with permission:

landscape with a blur of conquerors by diasterisms @kylorenvevo (~362.9k) and To Kingdom Come (~145.7k) [[claimed by @isitcoolthatisaidallthat18]]

In My Bloodstream by EllieCarina @jackpotgirl (~103k) [[Claimed by @juuls — awaiting pre-production edits, recording will begin, soon followed by posting, in a handful of months]]

connected in the deep and Split Soul by Juulna (~2.5k and ~1.3k each) [[short ficlets currently claimed for practice by @lochtayboatsong]]

Powerless by Perry_Downing @perrydowning (~213k) [[claimed by @juuls and will begin work on it in early- to mid-January]]

Sky Marked Souls by AnonymousMink @anonymousmink (~22.3k) [[claimed by @isitcoolthatisaidallthat18]]

Thwarted (~358k), He Knows He Needs To Stop (~140.5k) and Unbidden by Perry_Downing (~183.8k) @perrydowning [[claimed by @isitcoolthatisaidallthat18]]

* “Please claim” even if just replying to this post or sending me an Ask or DM so I can edit the post. Mutiple podfics are flattering to the author but some podficcers really don’t like to be ‘one of many’. Absolutely valid. You can even create a placeholder AO3 ‘podfic’ and link it as inspired by said fic, so people can see that it’s being worked on... as long as permission has been granted first, or course, sillies! :)

** Although an unconventional fic format, this fic can certainly be podficced by using (1) different tones of voice for thoughts, fic summaries, different sorts of text, and/or (2) different tones of pings/chimes/whatever for the text messages from different characters, and/or (3) adding in an extra line of, for example: *ping* “text message from thekyloren reads as follows…” OR (4), if you want to get fancy, you could have some friends assist you by recording any of the messages from ‘their’ character. That would be a lot of fun, in fact! Another option is (5) where you would split your recordings and give an audible indication to read the message, followed again by a new audio file, etc. Only problem with this approach is if there are too many breaks in the audio and you end up going from one to the other too many times in a row.

💫

And please, reblog and spread the word for this project! No project can operate by its lonesome; it needs help from the community it belongs to. ❤️ Here’s another link to the Reylo Podfics Collection!

Thank you so much!

[thecrownrp]

HAPPY MONTHAVERSARY, THE CROWN! we have officially been open for a month now - which honestly, is quite crazy for us to think about because we didn’t even realize until today that we had reached this milestone! of course, we wouldn’t have opened in the first place were it not for all of you who joined us at the beginning but we also couldn’t remain open without everyone who stuck with us since then and those of you who joined along the way!! we’re truly thankful and appreciative of every member we’ve had so far, whether they’re still here with us now or not - thank you so so much for showing interest in our little group! ❤️

to celebrate, we will finally start using THE SEER NPC ( @thecrownseer​ ) today so if you’re following that side blog (like you should be!!) then you may have already seen THIS POST. to participate in our first batch of prompts, please reblog it as we’ll only send prompts to those who do - likes will NOT count as participation! more information about the prompts will be included on that post as well.

with the seer now active, this also means members will be able to earn FAVOR POINTS from completing a prompt should they choose to participate! as an added note, if a member has multiple muses, they can earn favor points on each and it would be added to the same “points bank” for that member to use.

for example: if someone completed a prompt on Muse A they would get 2 favor points from that, and if they also completed a prompt on Muse B then they would get another 2 favor points as well! together, that means that member would have earned 4 favor points total which is then added to any existing favor points they may have already accumulated from previous tasks, events, activity, etc.

we would also like to add a quick update that we’ve finally created a MAP WITH VISUAL for the entire land that THE CROWN takes place in to give you guys a rough idea on the placement of kingdoms, villages, towns, and all that! there’s also some general information and other details about things that have been asked before. the aesthetics of the page itself are still a wip and we may revise or add new information to it over time but there is already stuff up to read so please feel free to check that out if you haven’t already!

[artemiseamoon]

Welcome! I’m Arte.

Treat me to a Ko-fi  🎁 | Moi ☀️ | A03

Writing occasionally and ONLY on A03 as of 2023

Just some stuff and thangs:

This is an adult 18+ blog, minors go away, you will be blocked. So will haters, racists, and assholes.

Requests and taglists CLOSED permanently as of 2023!

Anon closed as of March 2025. Not sure when or if I will open it again.

No one has permission not copy, repost, or post my work anywhere!!!

My update news blog is: @artemiseamoon-updates (I don't use it all the time)

Reblogs: I mainly use RB accounts for my reading list and to support others. Depending on what I’m sharing, it goes to at least one of these: @artesreadinglist @arte-is-now-reading

Older stuff needs work and editing! Ignore the madness. New & improved edits of works will ONLY go to A03

Some things are ONLY on A03 and will not be added here.

My A03 is also under some construction with goals of getting it all organized better by the end of this year.

Shows, Fandoms, Movies

Main

Triple Frontier

Prospect film

Pedro Pascal CHARACTERS

Vikings

On The Road (movie)

Moon Knight

Narcos & Narcos Mx

The Punisher

The Mandalorian

Star Wars | Rogue One | Andor

SOA (Sons of Anarchy FX)

Mayans MC (Fx)

Black Sails

Interview with the vampire

Other / Side advendutes

Pitch Black (movie) - Stay in the light

Prisoners (movie) - Det. David Loki

House of The Dragon

The Sandman

The Bear

The Gray Man

The Last Kingdom

Peaky Blinders

MCU

TWD: Negan, Shane & Rick

TVD/TO: Bonnie X Klaus

Actors

Everyone won't be here, check the above lists too.

Pedro Pascal

Oscar Isaac

Garrett Hedlund

Charlie Hunnam

Boyd Holbrook

Ben Barnes

Chris Hemsworth

Aaron Taylor Johnson

Ryan Corr

Chris Evans

Keanu Reeves

Jon Bernthal

Manny Montana

Maurice Compte

Mads Mikkelsen

Joel Kinnaman

Mashups & combos

Roman Godfrey (Hemlock Grove) and Ivar (Vikings)

Roman and Ivar list

Skarsgard Brothers list

Challenges

Melanin May 2025

2023 Bingo writing challenge

Whumpril 2024

The moon in May

Arte’s year of whump 2023 (with fluff)

Writer Wednesday

Writers Iron Chef

Artes 2022 Frightfest

My other lists

What can be found there? (⬆️)

Past writing requests, Writing celebrations, My writer Wednesday pieces, Prompt lists, Specified reader lists (plus size, woc/black, Gn) and more!

Sideblog fics @amaryllisfoxglove

Reblog accounts & sideblogs

*Reblogs accounts is how I share others work.@artesreadinglist @arte-is-now-reading , @narcos-narcosmx and sometimes @astra-estelle-luna

All are multi fandom so won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. No pressure to follow those but if ya want, go ahead. Filter out the things that aren’t for you. I’m a multi fandom reader and writer with varying tastes.

About this blog

Created and run by a queer brown over 39 gal

Me: Bipoc, Creole, Afro-indigenous & Afro-Caribbean

Sometimes nsfw, sometimes dark fic, lots of things happening here!

I’m not your mom, curate your own online experience, use the filter option to avoid things that bother or upset you.

Don’t be an ass or a bully, I will block you

No longer writing new reader inserts as of 2023 - moving fully to ocs - see why here

My ocs

I mainly write bipoc, mixed ethnicity, black and woc ocs

These can be read & enjoyed by anyone

I write my AUs in a way you can read w/o watching the show or following the fandom

🛑What I don’t write

RPF

Underage

Big Age gaps

Incest

Hardcore Non-con

About fic warnings

YES reblogs matter, don’t kill tumblr

No, I don’t do mass tagforms anymore

The future of reader inserts

✨As of now my A03 is only viewable to register users , here is why, here is a a03 user guide to those who need some help ✨

New here? Check this out…PSA

🎉Blog bday as a reader only (before this name) 9/1/2016 (my second go at tumblr)

🎉Blog bday as a writer and reader 11/2/19

✨ I noticed a mistake I made in some of my very early posts, I used the word repost instead of reblog 😕😕😕 I plan to fix that and comb thru all old works. Please know that’s a mistake, please do not repost my work. Reblogs are very welcome! Reposts are not and not cool to do.

[smashinghalloween]

𝕯𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖋𝖊𝖊𝖑 𝖎𝖙? 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 ��𝖎𝖗... 𝕳 𝖆 𝖑 𝖑 𝖔 𝖜 𝖊 𝖊 𝖓 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖗...

Dark greetings and welcome to the official informational hub blog for the yearly Halloween event for the Nintendo RPC and beyond. This event takes place from October 1st to 31st and involves your muse getting sent to Halloween Town and becoming a monster for the duration of their time there.

The aim of this blog is to keep all the relevant event information in one place for easy access. Feel free to direct all inquires to our haunting hosts---

Mod Jack Mod Oogie

Promo post || Event opener || Meme tag

        EVENT DETAILS:

This special Halloween event is for the Smash / General Nintendo community! If your muse chooses to attend, they will transform into a Halloween creature upon arrival to Halloween Town ( like Kingdom Hearts ). It’s up to you what sort of Halloween entity your muse will become! Of course, if your muse is already scary, they needn’t change. Duplicate muses are welcome!

You may find non-mutuals participating in the event, you are not required to interact with everyone, but please be respectful and open to everyone.

You don’t have to be following this blog, but it makes life easier since all updates will be posted here. Jack Skellington and Count Dracula will be the main hosts of this event.

Your muses will be staying at Hotel Transylvania during the event, which Count Dracula runs. He is an old friend of Jack. The graveyards at each location offer a quick portal to and fro.

I wanna stress that this event is open to everyone in the RPC. Smash is about celebrating crossovers and Sora being in Smash makes everything canon. Don’t be afraid to get involved! Canon characters, OCs or otherwise, you’re all welcome to have some spooky fun in Halloween Town!

It will take place the throughout all of October with special events every week. This means everyone gets a chance to take part, but you’re not locked into the event, you can RP outside of it normally of course! Your muses will be helping Jack and the rest of the town make Halloween happen! They will also get to experience many different activities such as pumpkin carving and finding a prize through a haunted maze. Parties will also take place at the Hotel and live music events. Again, the community tag for this event will be: ‘#event: spooky smashing fun’

The events aren’t time sensitive and can overlap, so don’t worry if a new one starts and you’re still having fun with another one. For example, your muse can carry on pumpkin carving, while a masquerade party is also happening. You can take part in as many or as few events as you like. The point is to have some Halloween fun all through October! Even when the event ends, you're free to continue threads.

Please reblog the promotion post if you’re interested / your muse is joining the fun! It helps gauge interest. Please feel free to join the Smash/Nintendo RPC Discord server for more discussion and to share your ideas for this event, discuss it, meet other participants and more! https://discord.gg/SETxJyv

Needless to say, anti-LGBTQ+, TERFs, MAPs, incest shippers/supporters, racists, exclusionists, ect are not welcome to participate in this event.

[nerdstreak]

Chapter 3: World of Colors

Summary: The Heartart Kingdom has a colorful celebration of art, though is this a calm before a storm?

new free time finally means fic updates!! and updates at 3am at that

reblogs and feedback appreciated!

[glambitions-a]

this is part one of my fifty follower mini celebration! it’s a writing event called ‘unhappily ever after’ 

taking place after descendants three.  the horrid villains that were once entrapped upon an isle are now on the loose.  and sure, most of them were caught, but the problem is some of them are still seeking revenge for their past failures.  which, if you think about it, will be all too easy considering most of their past victims have naive little children of their own.

our story starts after the daughter of maleficent had spelled the daughter of sleeping beauty with a curse similar to one that had been cast many years ago to the princess’ own mother.  although the circumstances were very different, the population of auradon can’t help but hide their children from the incoming villains and even their seemingly innocent descendants.

most people had brushed it off as a queer little coincident, considering the princess herself had pretty much transformed into the other girl’s mother.  and, it was pure accident that it happened to be that curse was the one to stop the girl from destroying auradon.

however, the young, freshly turned fourteen year old daughter of snow white perishes later that month from, ironically, a poison apple.  of course, this arises more suspicions and fears about the new inhabitants of the royal kingdom.  

delilah white had perished the same age as her mother did, only this time there were no princes to awake her.  the people had noticed this and began to separate themselves from the children of the villains.

unfortunately, more instances began happening to the children of auradon, and the vks felt themselves being alienated from society.

if you’re interested, more information is under the cut including the (very small) list of rules for entering a piece of your own, the links to the stories that i will update every time somebody submits a story, and how to submit.

how to submit -

once you write your story, please tag me and use the hashtag #unhappily ever after collection i will reblog your story, add it liked to this post and tag you as the author.  

rules -

reblog and like this post 

follow me

(optional) feel free to check out my fanfictions here

your stories will have to take place after the death of delilah, and you can either write an original ak character or a canon ak going though a similar peril to their parents.  you could also write an original vk character or a canon vk being present for the event.

works -

delilah’s story by me

mutuals -

@saturn-satin

@hoodpane

@divinedlegacies

@go-sullivan

@andthatsonceliastophat

[phoenix1966sbottom]

Big Bang 2019 Honorable Mentions

So this is going to be the list for this year’s 2019 Big Bang entries that had no explicit sex or mostly bottom!Sam/Jared or equal switching and I’ll label them accordingly! I’ll be updating and reblogging this at the end of each day, give or take. No postings on weekends. Please consider leaving a comment if you read any of these stories, as it is the only payment the author ever receives. And, as always, head the warnings where the story is posted.

June 17th - Homecoming by runedgirl on LiveJournal. Sam/Dean. Wincest AU. Summary:   John Winchester likes to say that his son Sam is the epitome of an Alpha, a chip off the old block. Together they hunt the monsters that killed Sam’s mother and older brother, leaving Sam with only fragmented memories of his lost family. John has taught Sam to mistrust Omegas, who are relegated to the lowest rung of society, stigmatized and marginalized as lacking in both strength and intelligence. That doesn’t stop Sam from falling for a sex worker named Dean, a man as strong and smart as Sam who he’s surprised to find is an Omega – but that’s not the only thing Dean is hiding. There’s a much bigger surprise in store for Sam and the beautiful stranger. (this has switching, but it is more bottom!Dean)

June 18th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

June 19th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

June 20th - Beast Master by junkerin on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU. Jensen is a special agent working now for the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) after a dramatic event killed his partner. Now he is investigating a case of illegal toxic waste dumping.Jared is a ranger in Yellow Stone Park. He lives with his dog Sammy up alone in the park and his main social contacts are his friends and colleges Chad and Gen. He discovered that some one is dumping toxic waste in the park (he found several dead animals). Oh and there is the thing that he can talk to animals.The two are now working together to stop the pollution of an untouched nature. As the two walk through Yellow Stone they both discover there is more to each other than what is visible at the first sight. (equal switching)

Keep This Secret by ellerkay on Ao3. Sam/Dean. Wincest.  Sam and Dean travel to the fairy realm hoping to make a deal to get Adam released from the Cage. The price: their shared secret. (no penetrative sex, but Sam comes off as toppy)

June 21st - Like a wave crashing over me by @soy-em on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Jensen’s happy with his life. He lives by the sea, spends his days taking photos of the landscape around him and doesn’t really talk to his neighbours. He’s content in the world he’s created for himself. Until Jared shows up on his beach, and for the first time in years, Jensen wants to find a way to overcome his shyness and let someone in. (no penetrative sex)

No posting on weekends. See you on Monday!

June 24th - Nothing that fits the criteria. 

June 25th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

June 26th - The Sceptre and the Stone by zubeneschamali on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU. Jared has been making a living as a smuggler while his city and country have been under occupation by the Iron Lord. It's dangerous work, but it keeps his mind off the way things used to be, and how unlikely it is that they can ever go back. Unlikely, that is, until he gets a package to the one man who could change the world—if they don't both get caught first.Prince Jensen has been in hiding for five years, the last of the rightful rulers of his kingdom. The plans he's been painstakingly making for recovering the throne and restoring magic to his people are brought to a head when an uncommonly skilled smuggler delivers him what he most needs. As he puts his plan into motion, though, he's going to have to figure out how to deal with said smuggler—including the way he makes Jensen want things that have nothing to do with regaining his kingdom. (no penetrative sex, dominant!Jensen).

June 27th - First We’ll Take Manhattan by candygramme and spoonlessone on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU. Jensen is a fashion designer looking for a model to be the ‘face’ of his line. Enter Jared, an aspiring Broadway actor who hasn't ever modeled, but Jensen believes he's perfect for the part. Jared has no idea what he's getting into. There's glitz and drama. There's the excitement he craves, but there's also heartbreak and misery lurking just under the surface.In the rush to get everything ready for fashion week, things get complicated. Jared joins Adrianne Palicki and Aisha Taylor, his other models, and Jensen, along with his staff, get busy putting outfits together for him. (no penetrative sex)

You’ve Got to be Kitten Me by dugindeep on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU. Jensen lives a routine, solitary life with little to no interaction and he likes it just fine. He’d rather not deal with the fuss and rejection of making and keeping connections, so when a stray cat shows up at his apartment building and begs for attention every time they cross paths, Jensen does what he can to ignore it. Of course, that doesn’t last long and he finds himself carving out a space in his world to make it feel at home. Along the road of pet ownership, Jensen meets the very nice and very handsome Dr. Jared Padalecki. The veterinarian's open, warm personality gets to Jensen the same way his new cat has, and Jensen fights against his own hang-ups to get to know him. (warning: no penetrative sex but Jensen wants to bottom)

June 28th - The Road To Come What May by roxymissrose on Ao3. Sam/Dean. Wincest.  A few years back, Dean grabbed his brother and declared to the world, enough! They’d needed to take a breath, and thanks to an unexpected gift from their father, they were able to settle down, act like civilians, at least for a bit. Now, it was time to go back to their only real home, maybe this time for good. What the hell—let some younger, fresher guys handle the world and its problems. Sure, he’d screwed up a lot in the intervening years, but Dean hoped settling down in a new home, and with the promise of normal, he could make it up to Sam. (no penetrative sex)

No posting on weekends. See you on Monday!

July 1st - Nothing that fits the criteria.

July 2nd - Nothing that fits the criteria.

Also, as this Thursday is a national holiday in the U.S., Wendy only has stories scheduled for today and tomorrow  for this week. 

Happy 4th of July to those in the U.S. that celebrate it!

July 8th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

July 9th - Island in the Sun by Mangacat on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  It’s not your typical meet-cute: Jensen, a nano-cybernetics specialist, saved Jared - mortally injured Afghan war veteran - by replacing and rebuilding several of his limbs and organs with cybernetic nano-technology. After struggling with trauma, the otherness of his body, his new extra-human abilities and a very ambiguous relationship with his saviour, Jared has to go on the run from the US government to keep his life and sanity with only Jensen at his side. Now, still fugitives, they’re trying to carve out a life for themselves without tripping any nets of the military and intelligence, when the greatest threat they’ll be facing actually comes from a wholly unexpected direction… (no penetrative sex - I was very tired reading this, so I do not think there was anything mentioned at all, but be aware this is a sequel to a top!Jared story and I might have missed a reference to past events)

July 10th - The Nobleman and the Sword by winterwolke on LiveJournal. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Every noble gets to choose their Sword. They use them ti fight, empowered by their very own magic. Jared lost his Sword. He couldn't control his magic and accidentally killed his trusted one. He live a reclusive life in a secluded keep, far away form the arduous intrigues the other nobles play to gain power and wealth. He has sworn to never pick a Sword again, no matter how direly his kingdom might need him. But there is a prophey, and Jared doesn't know yet that prophecies somtimes come true. (no sex of any kind)

July 11th - It's Just a Dimension Jump (to the Left) by Disneymagics on Livejournal. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Jensen has had a rough life with all the scars, physical, mental, and emotional, to prove it.  He keeps them all hidden because he learned from an early age what telling the truth will get him, a room in a home for troubled teens and antipsychotic meds.  But no matter what anyone else says, he knows monsters do exisit.  From the time he was fifteen years old, he's been on a quest that has consumed his whole life.  Maybe, when he reaches the end of his quest, he can lead a normal life again.  Maybe, he can even reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Jared.  Nah, that's just a fairy tale and fairy tales don't come true.  Not for Jensen. (no penetrative sex; Jensen-centric)

July 12th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

No posting on weekends. See you on Monday for the last week of stories!

July 15th - Breathless by SamanthaNovak on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Jensen is a lonely English professor with an allergy to nuts. Jared is a paramedic haunted by a college tragedy. When the two meet, they're immediately attracted to one another and form a relationship, navigating through busy schedules, Jared's fears brought on by his past, and meeting each others' friends and family. (no penetrative sex)

July 16th - Nothing that fits the criteria.

July 17th - Love Is A Natural Disaster by Alltheshrinks on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU. Jared Padalecki, Eagle Scout and science teacher, spends his days in the mountains of a quiet little corner of the state of Washington. It’s an idyllic paradise, the Cascade Mountain Range are some of the most beautiful and some of the deadliest volcanoes in The United States, But Jared is content leading his scouts and being alone.Dr. Jensen Ackles, is one of the leadings volcanologists around, second only to his mentor Dr. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, volcanoes are his passion, his one love. But that wasn’t always the case.When Jared notices all the signs that their active volcano is getting ready to erupt, he calls the USGS, who sends in his former boyfriend and the man he walked out, Jensen, to investigate.Can they put their feelings behind them long enough to save the town, or will everything be destroyed in one catastrophe or the other?  (equal switching)

July 18th - The Stillness of Wind by TwoBoys2Love on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Jared is weeks away from his 17 birthday and out publically when he meets his brother's best friend, Jensen Ackles. A summer romance blossoms... but Jensen's life is a lot more complicated than Jared knows and soon there are secrets and untold truths tearing them apart.  (no penetrative sex)

July 19th - The Seven Warriors by crimsonepitaph on Ao3. Jared/Jensen. J2 AU.  Jensen is a normal guy. Not terribly social, but he's fine going at it alone. At least until the afternoon his boss - 6'4, long hair, determined to save the world one software app at a time - calls him in for a meeting. Suddenly, Jensen finds himself inexplicably connected to an ancient legend - the myth of the Seven Warriors - by a mysteriously appearing tattoo. He struggles to figure out what the tattoo, the nuclear bomb exploding in his chest every time he gets close to his boss, and the motley crew of almost-strangers they gather have in common. Maybe that they all change Jensen's life forever... (no penetrative sex)

Please leave comments, support the authors/artists and give Wendy a pat on the back for running this challenge so that we might still have years to come of it!