#Sir Gwyn

[diioonysus]

baroque art + women

[queer-ragnelle]

The Quest For Olwen by Gwyn Thomas & Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Margaret Jones PDF available to read. Enjoy!

ID: "We must go and rescue him," said Arthur. Arthur and his warriors went with Culhwch and the other knights to the river. This time it was Cai and Bedwyr who traveled up the river to Gloucester on the Salmon's back. The rest went by another route. [image of Cai and Bedwyr riding the giant salmon]

Find more Arthurian retellings to read on my blog.

[midyearflowers]

viren: it hurts to see you like this!

viren: ....k bye 🚶‍♂️

[floatyflowers]

Platonic Dark! Prince x Child Reader

𝕿he people saw him as a monster because of the fact that he has pale skin and white hair. He also can't see well due to his purple irises.

But no one dared to call him a 'monster', but instead, he was nicknamed 'the strange'.

Prince Gwyn doesn't like to indulge himself in balls, even though he is the crown prince.

Instead, he likes to stay in his chamber all day, avoiding the eyes of many onlookers.

Gwyn loves to read many books; he finds comfort in learning, especially if they are books about mysticism.

One day, the twenty-year-old prince was sitting on his windowsill reading a book.

The weather is not sunny, which is perfect for him to also enjoy the sight of the outside world for a while.

Yet, the sight of the servants caught his eyes.

Down in the garden, two female servants are placing the clothes on the drying line.

What caught his attention is the small child running around the garden joyfully.

This small child is you, a servant's daughter probably.

You suddenly stop and look up at him.

Gwyn expected to see you scream and run away upon seeing his appearance, but instead, you smiled and waved at him.

He wanted to wave back at you, but you runaway to go and speak with your mother.

A child? This is the first time he sees a child in his life.

He continued to observe you from his window as you played outside, and he was intrigued by your innocence and joy.

Gwyn couldn't help but smile to himself, feeling a sense of warmth and connection to the child despite you being a stranger.

The prince wants you to be his platonic companion.

°°°

Gwyn had never felt this way towards anyone before. It was a new and unfamiliar feeling, but he found himself wanting more.

Maybe if he clears up his mind, he can forget about you.

He put down his book and decided to take a walk around the palace grounds after midnight, like he usually does when everyone sleeps.

Except for the guards who are always on the watch.

While walking through the castle, he finds a small figure sneaking around.

So, the prince decides to follow the figure, believing that it is you.

Gwyn cautiously approached the small figure, careful not to frighten them. As he got closer, he saw that it was indeed you.

You went to the kitchen and he followed inside after you, noticing that you were eating food.

He sighed in relief, realizing that you were the only person in the castle who didn't seem afraid of him.

"So, it's you," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "I take it you don't follow the rules?"

You looked at him in surprise, your eyes wide with curiosity. "What rules?" you asked.

Gwyn chuckled, amused by your innocence. "The rules that say we can't be out after midnight," he explained. "But I see that doesn't bother you."

You giggled, your small hands covering your mouth.

"No, it doesn't," you said.

"I come out here all the time to eat."

Gwyn nodded, acknowledging the fact that you probably didn't have much to eat during the day.

It made sense; you were a servant's child, after all.

He took a step closer to you, noticing that you were quite short in height.

"What's your name, child?" he asked softly, his eyes fixed on you.

You hesitated for a moment before answering, your mind trying to process the situation.

"My name is (Y/n), Sir Angel" you replied cheerfully.

"Sir Angel?"

Gwyn inquires, surprised at your nickname for him.

"Yes, because you are beautiful like an angel"

Your words was enough to make him finally burst into tears.

People always saw him as a cursed monster, but here you, a child, calling him an 'Angel'

"That's such a sweet thing to say," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'm not an angel. I'm what they call a 'monster.'"

He sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his words, as gets down on his knees.

Gwyn paused for a moment, looking at you with a mix of sadness and hope in his eyes.

"But you, you accept me for who I am. You don't care about my appearance or my curse. You just see me as a person."

He smiled warmly at you, grateful for your kindness and understanding.

You pat his head, curious to touch his hair, your fingers touching his strands.

Gwyn thought you were comforting him, but in reality, you just liked his hair color.

"Would you like to be my companion?"

Your eyes brighten up in happiness.

"Does that mean mommy can come too"

Gwyn's mood sours at the mention of your mother, and smiles bitterly about someone sharing you with him.

"Yes...she can"

°°°

The prince murdered your mother in cold blood right in front of your eyes, and hid the evidence in the same garden you used to play in when you were younger.

Now, at fifteen, you stand, in front of your mother's grave weeping.

Weeping for the fact that you are now a prisoner, with no way out of this castle.

The prince did indeed look angelic on the outside.

But, he truly was a monster all along.

[glossamerfaerie]

I have this headcanon that Nesta’s pegasus** DOES NOT like Cassian. Her pegasus is definitely a black stallion and super aggressive with Fae men, but absolutely adores Nesta and her friends. He’ll allow mane braiding, petting, spoiling with apples and sugar cubes, etc. He’s an absolute sweetheart with the Valkyries, Priestesses, Nyx, and the Archeron sisters.

But Cassian? No, sir. The Pegasus will not let Cassian *breathe* safely. Lots of growling and snorting whenever Cassian is within ten feet. He WILL bite if Cassian attempts to stroke his mane. Even the delicious sugar cubes won’t help Cassian; the Pegasus simply glowers disdainfully and ignores until someone else offers the treat. Cassian is very sad about this.

Nesta does not improve matters by being EXTRA affectionate toward her Pegasus whenever Cassian is around. Or by going on long flights without Cassian whenever Nesta wants alone time. Or by saying things like “you’re my favorite black-haired winged-creature to ride.” This last one is Cassian’s breaking point; he storms out of training while Gwyn, Azriel, and Emerie collapse with laughter. Cassian is especially bitter that the Pegasus has warmed up to Azriel, so he can’t even pretend that the Pegasus has a problem with Illyrians. To rub salt in the wound, Gwyn’s Pegasus *loves* Az (shadow-petting is extremely useful when Gwyn is busy).

Things do change eventually. There’s some battle or conflict (idk just imagine something bloody). And of course Cassian, the overprotective brute, sees a sneak attack from behind and lunges to protect his mate mid-air. The attacker plummets and dies in a very painful manner.

After watching Cassian’s actions, the Pegasus decides that perhaps Cassian deserves Some Rights after all. He still won’t allow prolonged petting or Cassian to sit on him (in his defense, do you want a large Illyrian brute to sit on you? Don’t answer that). But the Pegasus will allow occasional pets and sugary tweets.

Nesta has been publicly amused by this saga for a while but also secretly worried that her two males can’t get along. So the new peace is a big relief to her. She also doesn’t *want* to always fly without company. Alone time is nice, but do you know what’s nicer? Racing with Cassian to see who can reach their destination faster. Nesta loves flying with her two favorite males.

(However, Nesta still maintains that Cassian is her *second* favorite black-haired winged-creature to ride. The man’s ego is dangerous if left unchecked)

______

** The Pegasus colors are inspired by this amazing artwork that lives rent-free in my brain. I’m sure that Nesta is black, Gwyn is white, and Emerie is brown/gold. Not sure about the genders of the other Pegasus — I think Gwyn has a mare but I’m unsure about Emerie.

[sickfreaksirkay]

Sir Kay, Seneschal of King Arthur's Court, Harold J. Herman / Illustration from the Mabinogion / The Quest for Olwen, trans. Gwyn Thomas and Kevin Crossley-Holland / The Story of Merlin, trans. Rupert T. Pickens / Illustration from The Quest for Olwen, Margaret Jones / Wace's Roman de Brut, trans. Eugene Mason / The Mabinogion, trans. Lady Charlotte Guest

a collection of sir kay and sir bedivere: companions/lovers/worse, for @queer-ragnelle's may day parade

[winecovered]

HAII ^_^ can you make short names for nb people with masc pronouns plss?? :3

Short nonbinary names && masc prns . . .

Berry, Aeon, Gwyn, Soda, Clay, Koda, Bliss, Aaron, Dior, Eden, Moon, Arlo, Dion, Sky, Gale, Dixie, Quin, Ezra, Paris, Salem, Eve, Jay, Val, Lennon, Jace, Mars, Juno, Noa, Lyric, River, Sage, Ash, Riley, Sammy, Casey, Rain, Pearl, Rune, Blair, Nash, Cass, Pidge, Sunny, Sketch

He / him, Hy / hym, Ey / em, H!! / h!!m, Xe / xim, h☆ / h☆m, Ki / kier, Ma / masc, Boy / boys, Sir / sirs, Mr / mr, He / hem, Ve / vem, hymn / hymns, hy / hymn

[unhealthyfanobsession]

This is a rant. Proceed only if you're in the mood to. You do not have to agree with me.

Cassian had Nesta's six every time except for when she was up against Rhys.

Why's he acting like such a Chad ?! Sarah?? What are you doing??

I always thought that The One for me would be someone like him but I'm seriously questioning it now.

Erm, Sir? THAT IS YOUR MATE ?!

The one you wanted to unalive King of Hybern for??The one you were trying to save from destroying herself (however erroneously) ??

Honestly, HoFaS is ruining it for me. I don't know what can justify this. Nesta would have rained hellfire at Rhys in her killer, lethal Nesta way if their roles were switched. Even if she didn't agree with his decision, she would understand why he did it.

I agree it was a bad gamble. But it wasn't evil or cruel or out of ill will

LOVE Ember. I wish she had some words for Cassian, too.

I don't get this. I don't like it at all.

It feels like the only person Nesta has is herself.

*clears throat*

A human woman from another world had Nesta’s back more in 2 minutes of knowing her than Cassian. It infuriates me to no end and is exactly what we all feared. Nesta is pretty much the only reason I still read this series and watching her get berated and even kind of succumb to it herself just broke my heart.

I think for my own sanity I need to picture Nesta off living in a cabin somewhere with Gwyn and Emerie and no one else. Or maybe I’ll become a Neris shipper.

and the most wild part is that Cassian USED to stand up for Nesta!!! In ACOWAR he understood and defended her and spoke out against Rhys on many things then all of a sudden he just changes into this little lap dog

Disappointing and I can confidently say I’m done with canon. I was basically hingeing whether I’d read the next ACOTAR book on how this crossover went in regards to Nesta and idk I think I’m done reading the same narrative over and over again.

[lovemyromance]

"It's not about what a character wants its about what they need!! Elain may want Azriel but she needs Lucien, and Azriel might want Elain but he needs Gwyn!"

Mmhm.

Ok.

And y'all decided they need this based on what, exactly...?

Because it certainly wasn't the books. Nowhere in the books does it say Elain needs Lucien or Azriel needs Gwyn.

"Well they are suited for each other-"

Based on what? Your own opinion? Because sunshine and ribbon?

What if I think Azriel needs Elain, Elain needs Azriel? Now what? Which one of us is right?

I think Elriel needs each other. I think Gwyn needs therapy and I think Lucien needs Vassa. Now what? Now where do we stand ?

I mean, they're fictional characters after all. Lucien won't die if he doesn't get his mate. Azriel and Gwyn aren't even proven to be mates. They don't need each other.

This is such a silly argument of "a characters needs matter more than their wants" like no sir. At one point needs and wants converge and it's up to the author to decide when that is. It's up to the author to determine what that means.

Not a handful of loud people on tumblr simply deciding they know what a fictional character they did not create needs and what's best for them.

[thevalkyriesshadow]

Heyyyyy <3

do you think Az and Gwyn would be into edging? If so, who gives and who receives? How long do they go for?

First of all, Heyyyy back <3 🤗

Second *cracks knuckles*

Yes. Absolutely they're into edging.

Gwyn loves edging. She loves that feeling of pent up desire and heat, knowing she can't release it until Sir - I mean - Azriel, says so.

Azriel enjoys it too, but only participates when he and Gwyn have a contest to see who can be edged the longest without either of them using their "release" word (I just had this headcanon that they have their usual safe words for 'yes thats good' or 'no stop' but because they like edging so much they have a release word for when they give in)

They can go for hoursssss. Sometimes they even spread it out over days. They're kinky little beings.

[bibliophiliaxvignette]

I am so so excited to be posting this right now! Being a part of @acotargiftexchange this year has been such a blessing! It has challenged me and allowed me to be creative in a way that I haven't been in a long time. Thank you so much to everyone that put it on this year!

🤍 But the true pleasure has been getting to know @harperbrynne along the way and creating this fic with her in mind! I hope that you love it as much as I have come to! Happy Holidays, Holiday Bestie!

Summary: Gwyn feels safe with Azriel in a way she hasn't experienced since that horrible night in Sangravah and she realizes that he may be the only male that she'll ever be comfortable being intimate with, so she decides to ask him to train her in a new arena… if you know what I mean.

Snippet below the cut! Read on AO3!

Gwyn is pulled from her dark musings when she spies a cheeky shadow skitter between her feet before slithering it’s way up her ankle and calf to settle wrapped around the hilt of the dagger strapped to her thigh. Smirking, she spins to the archway at the top of the stairs leading down to the house.

“Shadowsinger.” 

Azriel’s eyebrows pull together in a scowl dosed with a heavy amount of pout. 

“My shadows are supposed to conceal me and alert me to the presence of others, not alert others to my presence,” he grumbles. Gwyn tries and fails to hide her chuckle. 

“Their allegiance is shifting, Shadowsinger. Not sure how much longer you’ll hold that title,” she teases, deepening his scowl.

He stalks towards the sword rack, ignoring her, a hilariously stormy expression on his face. 

“Sparring, Berdara. Less talking.”

“Yes, sir,” she replies sarcastically. Azriel’s eyes flash, his hand tightening on the sword he grabs. 

They spar, each pushing hard until they’re both dripping in sweat despite the cold bite of the wind. Gwyn’s chest heaves as Azriel slowly but surely pushes her towards the edge of the ring. In a sudden move that demonstrates that he’s just been biding his time, Azriel disarms her and has her on her back in half a second. He hovers over her, chest heaving as much as hers. Gwyn huffs, blowing a strand of copper hair out of her eyes. 

“Alright, alright, we get it. You’re still the great, all powerful, terrifying Shadowsinger.” 

Azriel lets loose a rare laugh, his hazel eyes lighting up and his shy dimple showing itself. Gwyn’s breath catches and she glances away, over his shoulder, at the shadows dancing and undulating happily. He leans down closer and Gwyn’s eyes shoot back to his, widening. His eyes are heavy lidded and this close, she can see the gold and green swimming lazily through the honey brown. He bumps his nose lightly against hers.

“Don’t forget it, Berdara.”

[queer-ragnelle]

Hi-Lo Arthuriana

Have a high interest in Arthurian Legend but low readability?

Here's a collection of adapted or abridged books to help ease you into the literary tradition. This list is ordered from simplest to most complex, beginning with picture books and ending with "translations" of Middle English texts into modern English or abridged versions of longer texts such as the Vulgate. Books in a series are numbered.

As always, if the book is still in print, I link to where you can legally purchase the book. Supporting living authors is very important! Otherwise, enjoy a PDF, on me, to keep the legacy of these authors alive.

Picture Books

Young Merlin (Young Series #1) by Robert D San Souci & Jamichael Henterly (1989)

Tales From the Mabinogion Gwyn Thomas, Kevin Crossley-Holland, & Margaret Jones (1992)

Sir Gawain and The Loathly Lady by Selina Hastings & Juan Wijngaard (1985)

The Quest for Olwen by Gwyn Thomas, Kevin Crossley-Holland, & Margaret Jones (1988)

The Kitchen Knight by Margaret Hodges & Trina Schart Hyman (1990)

Sir Gawain and The Green Knight by Selina Hastings & Juan Wijngaard (1991)

The Tale of Taliesin by Gwyn Thomas, Kevin Crossley-Holland, & Margaret Jones (1992)

Young Guinevere (Young Series #2) by Robert D San Souci & Jamichael Henterly (1992)

The Knight with The Lion by John Howe (1996)

Young Lancelot (Young Series #3) by Robert D San Souci & Jamichael Henterly (1996)

Young Arthur (Young Series #4) by Robert D San Souci & Jamichael Henterly (1997)

Sir Gawain and The Green Knight by Michael Morpurgo & Michael Foreman (2004)

Perceval: King Arthur's Knight of The Holy Grail by John Perkins & Gennady Spirin (2007)

Comics

Prince Valiant by Hal Foster & many others (1937-present)

Camelot 3000 by Brian Bolland and Mike W. Barr (1982-1985)

Arthur, King of Time and Space by Paul Gadzikowski (2004-2014)

Tristan & Isolde: The Warrior and The Princess by Jeff Limke (2008)

Muppets King Arthur by Paul Benjamin & Patrick Storick (2010)

Gradalis WEBTOON [carrd] by @kochei0 (2021-present)

Chivalry by Neil Gaiman & Colleen Doran (2022)

Children's Chapter Books

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great (The Knights' Tales #1) by Gerald Morris (2009)

The Adventures of Sir Givret the Short (The Knights' Tales #2) by Gerald Morris (2009)

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True (The Knights' Tales #3) by Gerald Morris (2013)

The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated (The Knights' Tales #4) by Gerald Morris (2013)

The Legends of King Arthur: Merlin, Magic, and Dragons (#1-#10) by Tracey Mayhew (2020)

Intermediate Retellings

The Idylls of The King by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1859)

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights (#1) by Howard Pyle (1903)

The Story of the Champions of The Round Table (#2) by Howard Pyle (1905)

The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions (#3) by Howard Pyle (1907)

The Story of The Grail and The Passing of Arthur (#4) by Howard Pyle (1910)

Hero Myths & Legends of the British Race by M. I. Ebbutts (1910)

The Squire’s Tale (The Squire’s Tales #1) by Gerald Morris (1998)

The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady (The Squire’s Tales #2) by Gerald Morris (1999)

The Savage Damsel and The Dwarf (The Squire’s Tales #3) by Gerald Morris (2000)

Parsifal’s Page (The Squire’s Tales #4) by Gerald Morris (2001)

The Ballad of Sir Dinadan (The Squire’s Tales #5) by Gerald Morris (2003)

The Princess, The Crone, and The Dung-Cart Knight (The Squire’s Tales #6) by Gerald Morris (2004)

The Lioness and Her Knight (The Squire’s Tales #7) by Gerald Morris (2005)

The Quest of The Fair Unknown (The Squire’s Tales #8) by Gerald Morris (2006)

The Squire’s Quest (The Squire’s Tales #9) by Gerald Morris (2009)

The Legend of The King (The Squire’s Tales #10) by Gerald Morris (2010)

Abridged Medieval Literature Translations

Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (Unrepresented #1) by Jessie Weston (1889)

Tristan & Iseult (Unrepresented #2) by Jessie Weston (1899)

Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret (Unrepresented #3) by Jessie Weston (1900)

Moriaen (Unrepresented #4) by Jessie Weston (1901)

Sir Cleges, Sir Libeaus Desconus (Unrepresented #5) by Jessie Weston (1902)

Sir Gawain At The Grail Castle (Unrepresented #6) by Jessie Weston (1903)

Sir Gawain & The Lady of Lys (Unrepresented #7) by Jessie Weston (1907)

The Story of Sir Galahad by Mary Blackwell Sterling & William Ernest Chapman (1908)

The Romance of King Arthur and His Knights of The Round Table by Alfred W Pollard & Arthur Rackham (1917)

Le Morte d'Arthur by Keith Baines (1962)

The Lancelot-Grail Reader by Norris J. Lacy (2000)

Lancelot and The Lord of The Distant Isles by Patricia Terry, Samuel N. Rosenberg, & Judith Jaidinger (2007)

The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell by David Breeden (????)

Informational Resources

Warriors of Arthur by John Matthews, Bob Stewart, & Richard Hook (1987)

The New Arthurian Encyclopedia by Norris J. Lacy (1991)

The Arthurian Companion by Phyllis Ann Karr (1997)

The Arthurian Name Dictionary by Christopher W. Bruce (1999)

[iocaisaint]

Azriel BC

Decided to come back to this (only doing the second half for my sanity)

"He aimed for the training pit, giving in to the need to work off the temptation, the rage and frustration and writhing need.

He found it already occupied. His shadows had not warned him.

It was too late to bank without appearing like he was running"

Why is this man rizzless, maybe he'd be less bitchless (gender neutral) if he interacted with people outside of the incestuous ass friend group! Also love the shadows being sentient and just doing whatever they feel like.

His shadows peered over his wings at her

The young priestess smiled--and Azriel thought it might have been directed at his curious shadows. But she just hooked her coppery-brown hair behind an arched ear."

Az's shadows doing the heavy lifting is... Azriel my brother in Christ maybe it's time to resort to poetry.

Also I'm gonna bet exactly 2 cents that smile was directed at Az (and I say this with love because he's just...yeah) because there's no reason to have it questioned?

"Her head ducked, as if remembering it too. That he'd been the one who'd found her that day at Sangravah. "Happy Solstice," she said, as much a dismissal as it was a holiday blessing.

He snorted. "Are you kicking me out?"

Az is so....sir you wanted to be alone 5 paragraphs ago? You were genuinely bemoaning the fact that you couldn't run, the power of the mere presence of Gwyneth Bedara I guess.

"Gwyn's teal eyes flashed with alarm. "No! I mean, I don't mind sharing the ring. I just...I know you like to be alone." Her mouth quirked to the side, crinkling the freckles on her nose. "Is that why you came up here?"

Sort of. "I forgot something," he reminded her.

The amount of times in which Gwyn gives Az an out to leave in this conversation alone....take it!

Fine,"he said, and realized a heartbeat later that it wasn’t a socially acceptable answer. "It was nice."

Not much better. So he asked, "Did you and the priestesses have a celebration?"

LOSERRRRR (affectionate)

They call you shadowsinger. Is it because you sing?"

“I am a shadowsinger--it's not a title that someone just made.”

She shrugged again, irreverently. Az narrowed his eyes, studying her. "Do you, though?" she pressed. "Sing?

This genuinely got a chuckle out of me, gonna touch on this later.

"Azriel entered the warmth of the stairwell, and as he descended, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer"

I wonder if Azriel's shadows hold a conference about being attached to an idiot. You are a spy master, where are those skills of deduction???

"Then he flew to the House of Wind, knowing that if he slept in the riverside manor, he'd do something he regretted....He aimed for the training pit, giving in to the need to work off the temptation, the rage and frustration and writhing need"

VS

"Azriel dipped his head in a sketch of a bow, something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch"

Lowkey hate the "she's his peace" trope but I'm also not gonna ignore the writing on the wall.

"Something sparked in Azriel's chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason... he could see it.

But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly."

Wouldn't consider Gwyn a friend (fair) but the thought of her reaction to the necklace brings a smile your face which you have to consciously erase AND you have to bury that image you 🫵🏾 conjured up deep down 🧐

Not going to touch the most notable comparison "secret thing of lovely beauty" because it does not move me and when necklacegate happens I hope Gwyn throws that fuckass necklace into the Sidra a la Cassian and Nesta jumps Az for 3 chapters straight.

Also Gwyn light singer theories do not move me, I'd actually just end up loving her more 🤷🏾‍♀️

[readychilledwine]

A Simple Favor

Summary -

Warnings - 3 some, mentions of a 4way, anal, oral, overstimulation, dominant sub dynamics, boarding pet play

A/n - I too wish I could be the middle of an Illyrian Sandwich. If you haven't read Early Mornings or Training Tensions, peep them here 💜 Irelina, the OC, isn't mentioned much, but she is a catalyst.

Irelina rested her forehead against Nesta's, "It's only a couple nights tops, my love. Azriel and Cassian will be here with you, and Emerie and Gwyn are here, too."

Nesta held a tight grip behind her elbows still, "We haven't been apart since Windhaven."

"I know, Ness. I promise when I am back the we will have a book night just the two of us. I'll even bring you home a few new books if you're a good girl."

Nesta nodded. "We will need 3 copies."

Irelina smiled, her heart warming as she played with that friendship bracelet adorning her mate's wrist. "Anything for you, Ness. Let me say goodbye to our idiots." Nesta kissed her with a soft goodbye before moving to where Azriel and Cassian stood. 

Azriel moved to Irelina first, taking her chin gently in-between his two fingers. "You will call for Rhysand if I need to come help you. You will not fight your way out of a camp again. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir. Take care of our loves for me?"

Azriel nodded, kissing Irelina quickly before moving to rub a hand up and down Nesta's back and placing a kiss on her temple. He whispered gently into her ear words of comfort, of how Irelina has been sent to countless camps alone, and how she always comes back.

Cassian took his wife's hand, pulling her out of the door and grabbing her bag. he held her tightly the second they were alone outside, cradling her head to his chest. "I love you," Irelina told him. "I love you so much."

"I love you more, baby." He pulled her into a passionate kiss. Pouring every second of love, longing, and feeling into it and the bond. "Ness will be okay, I promise."

Irelina smirked, as a couple shadows weaved their way into her hair. "Speaking of Ness, I need a favor from you and Azriel."

Azriel was hiding the growing anticipation as he looked at Cassian. The male has been rubbing Nesta's neck and shoulders as she read. It was one of her smutty novels, they could tell from the twitch in her brow, her bated breath, her flushing cheeks.  

"What are you reading, Ness?" Azriel leaned forward as he asked, gently taking the novel from her hands. The scene in the book was explicit to say the least, but juvenile compared to what the two males had in store for her. "Sounds boring," he handed the book to Cassian. 

The general shook his head. "Ness, I feel like you, Irelina, and I have better nights than this."

The made sister's cheeks were flushed red, "This is different. It's-"

Cassian interrupted. "Two males with one female. I noticed. Did you want to try that, Ness?"

They watched as her blue eyes went wide, her breath hitching in her throat. "Irelina isn't here."

Azriel smirked, taking Nesta's chin in his hands like he had done to Irelina earlier. "Do you not remember she isn't in charge, sweetness? Answer his question."

Nesta nodded, almost eagerly. "Yes." 

Azriel ran a scarred thumb down her lips, "Is it something you want to try with us?"

Her voice was breathless, lips still slightly parted, "Yes"

That was how Nesta found herself on her knees in front of Cassian, Azriel's hand tangled into her hair as he dictated her movements based on Cassian's good or bad behaviors. "Eyes up here, soldier," Nesta shivered at the dominance radiating from Azriel as he pulled her off of Cassian making the male whine in the process. "Eyes stay on me, or I take our pretty little Nesta to bed and force you to stare at a corner while I fuck her. This is your last warning. Understood?"

Cassian swallowed hard, looking back up to Azriel as the grip in his hair grew tighter. "Yes sir." 

"Good boy," Nesta was guided back to Cassian's cock, taking it back in her mouth eagerly. She moaned around it, causing Cassian's mouth to part. "Look at my pretty obedient pets." 

Azriel allowed Nesta a little more control, letting her use the skills he knew she had to suck and lick every inch of Cassian down until the male was whimpering and groaning for release. 

Azriel ripped her away again, causing Cassian's eyes to open and go wide with frustration. "Pick her up," Azriel demanded. 

Cassian obeyed immediately, lifting Nesta so her long smooth legs went around his waist and her wet aching core hovered above his cock. Azriel moved behind her, releasing her from the shadows binding her hands, and then gently brushed her hair over to one shoulder. "Fuck her."

He didn't have to be told twice, lowering Nesta onto his cock and watching as her head fell back and she moaned in bliss. 

He had grown to love her independence, her rage, her fire, but he loved her like this more than anything. Walls completely down, vulnerable, truly happy. 

He began pumping into her slowly as Azriel ran his hands down her back. They had prepped Irelina for weeks to do this, gentle was their only option since they had not given Ness the same courtesy. 

She leaned back up, walls clenching around Cassian as he hit impossibly deep inside of her. His cock hit every nerve inside of her, lighting her on fire and causing a tight coil to begin. 

She hardly heard Azriel opening a bottle behind her over the sounds of her open moans and whines pleasure. 

She felt her breath hitching in excitement as one of Azriel's fingers swirled her other hole before gently pushing in. Azriel chuckled behind her, immediately knowing something Cassian didn't. "Little dove," he whispered into Nesta's ear, "Has my little bat been getting play back here?"

Cassian groaned at the idea of Irelina dominating Nesta, of his normally submissive beautiful wide fucking her with one of the straps Nesta normally used on her. He gave a hard thrust as Nesta nodded with a whimper, the bond instantly reaching for the missing member. "That changed things," Azriel kissed her shoulder, pulling his finger out and reusing the lubricant on himself. "Relax into Cassian, Ness. This is still going to be different." As if that missing link knew, a gentle wave of calm hit Nesta, allowing tension to leave her body as it wrapped her heart and soul in a comforting embrace. 

Azriel pushed into her ass slowly, and Nesta felt like her body was about to go out. "Good little dove," he praised her. His own hands found her plush thighs, helping Cassian support her. "Want us to move?"

"Please," she pleaded. "Gods please?"

She had watched Irelina take both of them once as a punishment. She had fallen into this mess of slick, drool, and incoherent thoughts so quickly, and now Nesta understood why. 

They set their own paces, chasing their own highs as they used her like their own personal cock sleeve. Nesta leaned her head into Azriel's neck, whining and moaning at the almost painful stretch of how full she was and the way this bordered on too much but not enough. 

She could feel their cocks rubbing together against her gummy walls, that coil tightening more and more as her mind went completely blank, drunk on nothing but pleasure. 

Azriel moved one of his hands, finding the front of her core and that swollen bundle of nerves. He knew Cassian was close as he watched the general become a mess of growls, moans, and his head fall back while his wings fluttered. He gave Nesta one last stimulation, circling her clit with his scarred finger. "Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck! Gods please?" Nesta became even more pliant, her breathing turning into rapid pants. 

They both felt it when it came, Nesta went silent, her nails digging so tightly into Cassian's shoulders he hissed in a mix of pain and pleasure. Then she screamed. She screamed as her walls milked them, slick coming out of her and soaking both of them. She screamed as the force of her orgasm was continued by their unstopping thrusts. Then she went limp, allowing them to fully and truly use her. 

Cassian went next, causing Azriel to tip over at the same time from the change in his movements. They both spilled into her, triggering another small orgasm from the female that was all whimpers and babbling. 

Azriel pulled out first. Grabbing the rag he had brought in and cleaning himself and Nesta before waiting for Cassian to pull out to do the same. "She needs a bath and food," Cassian said gently. "I think we've earned that, too." Azriel nodded as they moved her into the already waiting oversized tub. Cassian handled her to Azriel, watching as she placed her chest tight against the shadowsinger and he walked them into the tub. They let her fall into a false sense of comfort, relaxing a little until they were both hard again. 

And then they began. 

"She's been talking about it for 12 nights," Irelina's voice played in Cassian's mind. "Saying she could handle both of you better than I can, saying she could go round after round with both of you inside of her. I want her fucked to stupidity, I want her a babbling mess while I watch from the bond. I want her fucked so throughly she never questions how hard pleasing both of you is again," she had kissed Cassian then, the scent of his and her arousal mixing. "Make our little mate's fantasies come true, and I'll let you two watch me fuck her." 

That next morning, Nesta could hardly walk. She was carried down the stairs by Cassian, her mind still blank as the three of them sat down for breakfast. The males had fucked her all night, and already twice this morning. She was exhausted, wondering how Irelina managed all three of them dominating her, and frankly, the thought of going one more round had her almost cringing.

12 times. They had fucked her 12 times in ways she had never read about or imagined. She had been fucked with Azriel in her cunt, her head hanging off the bed as Cassian made her choke on his cock and fucked her throat. She had been suspended from shadows, Azriel eating her out as Cassian took her sore asshole. She had been laid on the bed, fucked by Cassian as Azriel took him forcing each thrust to be harder and harder, deeper and deeper.

Azriel paused a brow raised at her, "I thought you were too sore to keep going, little dove?" Cassian had also paused, his fork half way to his mouth as he began to smirk. "Should I let Cassian fuck you on the table? I'm enjoying my breakfast, but I'll never say no to a show."

They all perked up as the door opened, Cassian standing instantly and rushing to the threshold where the living room met the dining room. He picked up a familiar smaller figure, hugging it tightly before setting them back down. "You're back early."

"False report. Every single female there is intact and trains anywhere from 2 to 4 hours a day, as I set it up to be. Rhys should have known better. It was my homecamp." Irelina paused as she walked into the room and sniffed. "Smells like sex in here." Irelina walked over to Nesta, taking in how tired she was and the scent of Azriel and Cassian cum clinging to her skin like a lifeline. "Did you handle them better than I do dove?"

Nesta's eyes snapped to her, going wide. "No. I- I don't know how you do it."

Irelina shrugged, crossing her tan toned arms. "Well, you better learn and get some rest today. I bought new toy, and you're going to choke on it when they fuck you again later." 

Nesta swallowed hard at the thought and began eating her breakfast, a slow realization hitting her as she did. 

Nesta had bit off more than she could chew, but she regretted nothing.

[sunshinebingo]

@gwynweekofficial Day 6 - Alternate Universe

An "attempt" at a Regency AU

Synopsis: Gwyneth attempts to find her way out of the woods in which she has gotten lost after being separated from her horse. Frustrated and muddy from the fall she has lamentably taken, she crosses path with someone who offers to help her; a Lord who also seems intent on toying with her patience. Word Count: 1.7k

Read on Ao3 or below the cut

“Bloody horse in this bloody wood with this bloody weather and the bl-“

“Hey –”

“AAAAH”

Gwyn turned around and threw her riding boot at her assaulter.

“OW!”

At least her aim was one thing she had not yet lost in these woods. She lifted her white day dress, now brown and heavy from the mud she had fallen into after her left foot had gotten deeply stuck, and readied herself to run for her life.

“Don’t even try to touch me, you brute.”

“For Christ’s sake, I do not wish to touch you, you psycho,” the man groaned as he rubbed the spot where her boot had hit his forehead. “I was just wondering if you were in need of help.”

Gwyn crossed her arms in front of her and puffed her chest. The pine green corset around her waist felt tighter from the water and mud that had seeped through the fabric.

If only she had been wearing her cloak when she had dismounted the horse. She would not have had the need to suppress how shivery she was. If only the grey clouds could part just enough for a ray of sunlight to warm her bare arms. She should have listened to her cousin’s warnings about the changing weather before she set off on this ride.

“Why would you assume that I need a man’s help?”

The man let go of his head with a sigh.

“Because you are covered in mud, walking alone and barefoot in a forest with a single shoe in hand, now none since you threw it at my head,” he pointed at the bump that was starting to form near his right temple, “and, you were cursing so loudly that I am convinced you have frightened all the surrounding animals away.”

Gwyn stared at him with an unimpressed look. She huffed, causing the few curls that had escaped her half ruined updo flying in front of her face. “Fair enough. But you didn’t have to attack me so.”

“I did not throw myself on you, miss. All I said was Hey.” His face and tone projected equal measures of incredulity and exasperation.

Gwyn stared at him, from head to toe this time. His skin was of a stunning shade of golden-brown.  He was dressed in a white shirt and black vest, black breeches and grey boots that rose up to his shin. The sleeves of his shirt was slightly rolled up, exposing strong arms that she could have guessed from his built alone. His attire was simple yet she could tell from the way he stood that he was not of the working class. But Gwyn knew not to be fooled by someone’s rank when it came to their intention.

The man also crossed his arms and matched her posture. His bright hazel eyes bore into hers as he tilted his head to the side.

“Forgive me miss but if I wished to harm you, I would have done so in the time it is taking you to make an opinion of me.”

He had a point, she reluctantly admitted to herself. Besides, considering the circumstances that she found herself in, it would be best to be kind to the only chance she currently had at being saved from this nightmare.

Gwyn had lost track of time while she had been riding around the unfamiliar area. She had already been in these woods for some time when she had realised that she could not find her way out. Needing a minute to stretch her legs, Gwyn had dismounted the black horse, unsuspecting that the first thunder would wait for this exact moment to make itself heard and scare the animal away.

“I apologise, sir. It is simply that,” Gwyn sighed and let her arms fall at her sides.  “I have lost my way through these woods. And my horse. And my boot. And my manners as well apparently.”

A few unkempt strands of his onyx hair fell in front of his eyes as he assessed her.

“Your way can be quickly recovered. Horses and boots are not so rare to acquire around here either. As for the last one...”

Gwyn raised an eyebrow. If she had not lost her other boot in that pool of mud, she would have been tempted to give him a matching bump near his left temple.

“It remains to be seen,” he continued, his lips tugging ever so slightly at the corners.

Gwyn rolled her eyes. She lifted her dress and made to turn around. “Good day, sir.”

Perhaps she would walk until she found her way out. Or until she passed out and got eaten by the bugs.

“Wait, miss. It was a jest. Forgive me.” The leaves beneath his feet crunched as he took a few steps towards her.

It was only desperation that made her stop and turn to him once again.

“Shall we start over?” he proposed.

He began to extend a hand to her, then, seeming to remember the rules of propriety, stopped himself and placed it behind his back.

“Very well.” Gwyn bobbed a small curtsy. The man did the same, bowing at the waist like any respectable gentlemen would.

“I apologise for interfering with your...promenade, miss. But I noticed that you seemed quite distressed. Are you perhaps in need of assistance?”

“Well, sir...,” she looked at him inquisitively.

“Lord Singer,” he said with a dip of his head.

Gwyn found herself surprised at having come across a Lord in the middle of a forest. Although she had not expected to find herself lost and soiled in this place but here she stood.

“Miss Berdara,” she introduced herself in turn.

“I do not know what about my appearance is indicating distress,” she said with a false air of nonchalance as she lightly swished her muddy dress around. This earned her a raised brow from Lord Singer that made her subdue a smile.

“But since you so kindly ask with your so good manners, I will take your offer of assistance.”

He chuckled, the sound as heavy as the current weather.

“How may I assist you?”

Gwyn thought about what she wanted most in this moment. A warm bath, a change of clothes, standing on a surface that wasn’t mushy and damp.

“Could you point me in the direction of the Forest House?” she settled on asking instead. Her family, especially her sister, would be worried sick if she did not return soon.

Lord Singer squinted his eyes and looked as though he was only now taking note of her.

“Ah,” he said after a moment. “It makes sense now.”

“What does?”

“The loss of manners,” he replied as though pointing out the obvious worsening weather.

Gwyn scowled. “I beg your pardon?”

“The attitude is also alike,” he said in contemplation.

Gwyn looked at him incredulously. If he was no assaulter, then perhaps this Lord was simply presumptuous and she needed to get away from him just as fast before he could insult her and her family further.

“You’re a Vanserra then,” he stated.

Gwyn stomped her bare feet petulantly on the ground as she walked closer to him. Only this close did she realise how much taller he was compared to her.

“I am a Berdara.”

“But you are related to them,” he said matter-of-factly.

The nerves of this man made Gwyn scoff.

“Cousins,” she admitted with a frown. “Does that not make me eligible for your assistance, my Lord?”

He smirked. Gwyn realised as she noticed the exact colour of his eyes and the dimple on his cheeks that she had never before stood this close to a man who was not a member of her family

“You have clearly inherited the Vanserra’s fire, miss Berdara.”

Gwyn did not know what to make of this statement. His eyes seemed to find her cheeks. The heat she had felt gathering there increased as his gaze roamed her face. Her own eyes travelled from his eyes, to his cheeks, then his nose and lips. Seeing him this close, she could safely admit that he was undeniably the most beautiful man she had ever laid her eyes on.

The sudden rumble of the thunder made Gwyn jump back in surprise. The Lord also took a hurried step back, his cheeks darkening with a flush.

“Well?”

“Pardon?”

“The directions to the Forest House.”

“Oh. Right,” he exclaimed.

Lord Singer looked towards the sky. Gwyn could not even guess the time that it presently was with the dark clouds concealing the sun.

“If you were to go on foot, I’m afraid it would take two good hours before you reach their land,” he explained.

Gwyn gaped. How far exactly had that bloody horse taken her? Well, she could not blame the horse when she had been the one to insist on exploring a place she had just set foot in the day before.

“My home however,” the lord continued, “is but a few minutes away. You can make yourself comfortable there for a while. I shall arrange a carriage for you once the weather gets better.”

As though he was some sort of weather God, a fat droplet of water landed on Gwyn’s nose just when the last word left his mouth. It was followed by a million more as it started to heavily rain.

“Oh shite.”

The lord froze at her curse then erupted in laughter. Gwyn could not help her own laughter from bursting out of her.

“Well then, my Lord. Are you going to assist a lady in distress or not?”

“Since you ask with such manners.” He bowed and extended his hand like he was asking her for a dance.

Gwyn rolled her eyes and took his offered hand, but not before she boldly swatted a hand on his shoulder. The sound of his deep laugh graced her ears again.

“Thank God you do not have more shoes at your disposal for I fear my body would have been found in these woods by nightfall.”

“I could always throw rocks, my Lord,” she said with a shrug.

She pushed aside a curl that stuck to the side of her face thanks to the rain.

“Azriel.”

Gwyn cocked her head with a silent question. More strands of hair fell in front of his face as well, curlier than they were when dry.

“You may call me Azriel,” he said.

She smiled. “And you may call me Gwyneth.”

Then, hand in hand, they started running in the direction of his home.

[earlgraytay]

For the Reverse Unpopular Opinion Meme, give me Dark Souls.

Gwyndolin and the Witch of Izalith are both fascinating characters, and I really wish they got more fandom exploration.

Specifically, I wish fandom would explore the villainous/vengeance-focused side of Gwyndolin's character more often, and I wish that fandom would explore the Byronic/Prometheus/hero side of the Witch's character more often.

Gwyndolin's carrying on his family's monstrous legacy, mostly out of inertia. He's sending so many humans- "heroes" all- to kindle the flame and die in the process. And for what? Gwyn's dead, the Nameless King isn't coming back, Gwynevere is somewhere far away, and Velka fucked right off.

(Velka's another character I wish fandom would explore more. The concept of a goddess of sin is fascinating, especially given what little we know about the concept of 'sin' in Dark Souls... and the implication that she's the mother of Gwyn's children. But that's a whole nother kettle of fish.)

Point is, Gwyndolin is doing some truly monstrous things, in the name of propping up the old order. The old order that's never been particularly sustainable, and is becoming less and less so with time. The old order that full well half the playerbase wants to see torn down. His personal world's basically as over as the Age of Fire is, and keeping things The Same As They Always Were isn't making anyone happy.

Out of all the people left alive in the setting, Gwyndolin is probably the person best equipped to try to find a new way to keep the world running. But he's not even trying! He's just keeping things the same, and meteing out vengeance to anyone who gets in the way of that. For gods' sakes, the Blades of the Darkmoon cut off sinners' ears and bring them back to him.

I find Gwyndolin a deeply tragic and sympathetic figure, but I wish people would engage with this side of him, rather than just "oh, he's got a soft voice and is some kind of trans, let's assume he's never done anything wrong in his life." I'd love to see more people explore just how much of a miserable monster Gwyndolin is. How much fuckery he's doing, while not even seeming to enjoy it. How much agency he's given up to (his interpretation of) the whims of dead people, and how the nature of godhood means that giving up that agency is the worst thing he could possibly do. And how giving up that agency is honestly the politically savvy thing to do! Except that politics is dead and he should know that by now.

Similarly? I'd love to see people explore the Witch of Izalith as a tragic hero. Because, like, fandom doesn't do shit with her, but she's the one person in the setting who even tried to do (what most of us think is) the 'right' thing.

The Witch of Izalith is the one person in this goddamn world who tried to solve the trolley problem by derailing the train. The world depends on the First Flame for everything that humans need to thrive? The First Flame's going out? Okay, let's make a new fucking Flame, then, what are we waiting for?

She sacrificed everything- her followers, her daughters, her son, her husband, even her own physical form! - to try to make this work. She gave everything she had to save the world, making way more sacrifices than Gwyn or any of his children made, trying desperately to save the world-- and it was all for nothing. Her creation of demons made everything worse for everyone. But she kept going anyway, because what other choice did she have?

The Witch of Izalith's like a much more sympathetic Laurence. Sketchy, conniving, yet incredibly idealistic and passionate? Incredibly learned, but in ways that let her do more dangerously stupid stuff faster and more efficiently? Crazy enough to think this just might work?

I love her. I would love to see more fandom love for her, and her daughters, and the witches of this series in general. I get not seeing it from Tumblr fandom- we ship twinks here, sir- but honestly, I don't even see it from the reddit side of fandom that likes to ship the fromsoft waifs, and that makes me really sad.

But yeah. More love for the fucked up parts of Gwyndolin's character. More love for the Witch of Izalith and her passionate intensity.

(ETA: I realized while writing this that this turned into more salt than gushing, because my unpopular opinions about Dark Souls get salty- buuuuuut I do love me some evil Gwyndolin and some Witch of Izalith, so this stands.)