#So excited to see our new heir and her banner now :')

[natolesims]

Talia Marchetti | Lookbook

[cherriecove]

Fine Line Between Duty and Oaths (Part 10)

Gwayne Hightower x Targ!Reader

Summary: The second born daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma is just as brave, beautiful and stubborn as her older sister but cannot deny her growing love for a certain red haired knight who just so happens to be a dear friend's brother.

Cherrie's Note: Hi everyone, I am pretty sure that this is the longest thing I've written so far so I hope you enjoy! Please feel free to message me about feedback or even requests!

Masterlist | Previous Part |

The days leading up to the royal wedding passed in a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety. The Red Keep was bustling with preparations: tailors from all over the Seven Kingdoms had arrived, vying for the royal family to honour them with their patronage. Banners were being hung, and the kitchens were filled with the sweet smells of honey cakes and roasted meats. Despite all the joy of the impending union, there lay an undercurrent of tension. It was no secret that the small council was urging your father to remarry, and the matter seemed to grow more urgent with each passing day. As you walked through the halls, the main topic of court appeared to be about who would become your new stepmother, rather than your wedding to Gwayne.

The uncertainty and the constant presence of this topic felt like a weight upon both you and Rhaenyra. The already anxiety-inducing thought of leaving your dear sister to start your life as a married woman gnawed at your heart, as if you were leaving a part of yourself behind. This heartache was worsened by the knowledge that another woman would soon replace your mother in the eyes of the people. The marriage would most likely be political rather than one of love; this was the one thing you were most certain of. The encouragement to remarry stemmed from the small council's dislike of Rhaenyra being named heir—they favoured the possibility that this new bride might provide your father with sons. The preference for following patriarchal ideals had already taken your mother’s life, but it seemed the gods were not satisfied with that alone and now wished to replace her legacy. The loss of the queen was still felt deeply within your family, but neither you nor Rhaenyra could ignore the fear of losing the closeness your grief had forged with your father.

One evening, as you sat in your chambers with Rhaenyra, the reality of your departure felt all the more inevitable. Your elder sister was uncharacteristically silent, something you found unsettling. It wasn’t like her to be so withdrawn. As you sat at your vanity, you studied her face while she focused on brushing your hair—a habit you often shared when you both needed to be close. Her eyes were fixed on her task, and her usual smile had been replaced with a slight frown. Rhaenyra paused, her hand stilling in your hair, and tension radiated off her in waves. Just as you were about to ask if she was alright, she broke the silence.

"I don’t want you to leave me, hāedar," she said quietly, her voice tight with emotion.

You met her eyes in the mirror, and an aching tug filled your heart.

"I don’t want to leave you either, Nyra," you replied softly. "But I have to. Gwayne and I are to make our vows, and I want to be with him."

Rhaenyra pressed her lips together, her brows furrowing as she resumed brushing your hair, though her strokes were slower and more hesitant.

"It feels like everything is changing," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "First it was Mother and the baby, and now you. It feels like we’re losing something or someone every day. I haven’t been alone since you were born. How will I manage when you’ve been taken away?"

Her words struck a chord within you, her feelings mirroring your own. You reached up and gently grasped her hand.

"You will always have me, mandia. Regardless of where I am. And we will see each other—I’ll make sure of it."

Rhaenyra smiled at your words, but it didn’t reach her eyes, which were filled with unshed tears.

"I know. But it will never be the same. And with Father… I don’t know how I feel about him choosing a new wife."

You nodded in understanding. The idea of someone else stepping into your mother’s place felt like another loss.

"It won’t be easy," you admitted. "But we’ll face it together. Whoever he chooses, we’ll make sure she knows who we are—that you are our future queen, regardless of any children she may provide."

Rhaenyra’s eyes softened as she squeezed your hand.

"Promise me you won’t change. That you’ll still be the sister who sneaks lemon cakes with me, that you won’t let Oldtown turn you into a pious, boring courtly lady."

You laughed, a pure, genuine sound that lightened the air.

"I promise you, no distance will ever change that."

The morning of your wedding was quite possibly the busiest you had ever seen the Keep. The clatter of maids and seamstresses rushing about the halls mingled with the hum of excitement as the final preparations were being made. You stood in your chambers, surrounded by Rhaenyra, Alicent, and your handmaiden. Rhaenyra and Alicent had been constant presences in the last few days, ensuring they spent as much time as possible with you before the separation. They had even arranged for the three of you to have baths together, with lots of warm water and scented oils often becoming the main feature of Rhaenyra’s chambers. Despite the tension between your father and Otto Hightower, Alicent had remained steadfast in her friendship; her quiet support had been a source of comfort. The bond between you now felt more like that of sisters than mere friends.

As Rhaenyra worked on securing the last intricate braid of your hair, Alicent helped you slip into your wedding gown, her movements careful and delicate. The gown itself was a masterpiece—your father had spared no expense. The dress was woven with Valyrian silver threads, with the Targaryen dragon embroidered subtly across the bodice. The long, flowing sleeves echoed the ancient gowns of Old Valyria, a nod to your roots and your father’s passions.

"You look beautiful," Alicent whispered, her voice soft with admiration.

You glanced at the red-haired girl, smiling warmly.

"I feel like I’m floating."

Rhaenyra, having finished with your hair, stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"As you should," she teased lightly. "You’re marrying a knight and flying off to Oldtown. Just don’t forget us when you’re there."

You turned to face both of them, taking a deep breath.

"I could never. I have two sisters close to my heart now. You and Alicent—you’re both part of me."

Rhaenyra’s lips quirked into a small, bittersweet smile, while Alicent’s eyes grew glassy with emotion.

"How dare you make me feel things," Rhaenyra jested, attempting to lighten the mood.

The Great Hall was filled with nobles from all corners of the realm, their finery on full display. The banners of House Targaryen and House Hightower hung side by side, symbolising the union of two powerful families. At the head of the hall, King Viserys sat on the Iron Throne, his expression a mixture of pride and lingering sadness as he prepared to watch his daughter take this significant step in her life.

The ceremony was a mesmerising fusion of Targaryen and Faith of the Seven customs, each tradition seamlessly woven into the fabric of the day. The Septon stood tall before the gathered crowd, his hands raised in solemn prayer as he called upon the blessings of the Seven to watch over you and Gwayne. His voice echoed through the grand hall, invoking the Maiden for purity, the Warrior for strength, the Father for protection, and the Mother for guidance. Yet, while the blessings of the Seven were important, it was the Targaryen rites that truly resonated with you, their significance running deep within your bloodline. As the moment approached for the Valyrian vows, your heart raced with anticipation, swelling with emotion and history.

Before you stood Gwayne, the man who would soon be your husband. Clad in the green and white of House Hightower, the colours were striking against the backdrop of the ancient hall. His hand reached out toward you, fingers steady yet tender. His gaze was unwavering, his eyes locked onto yours, filled with an unspoken promise. Despite the grandeur of the occasion—the regal banners that hung from the walls, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow, and the countless eyes upon you—everything else seemed to fade. In that moment, it felt as if the world had narrowed to just the two of you, standing together, united in purpose and love.

You were the first to speak, your voice soft yet strong, carrying the weight of generations. The ancient words of your ancestors flowed from your lips like a melody, each syllable steeped in tradition and meaning.

"Nyke rūvēbagon ao, issa jorrāelagon. Ēlīrion ziry arlī. Naejot nūmāzma, nyke pāsagon bē naejot ziry rūsīr." I bind myself to you, my love. From this day until the end of days, I will walk with you.

The Valyrian words, so familiar yet sacred, hung in the air between you, like an invisible thread tying you both to the past and to the future. You could feel the weight of their meaning settle in your heart, binding you to Gwayne in a way that transcended time and place.

Gwayne met your gaze, his eyes shining with both love and determination. You knew how hard he had worked to master the unfamiliar Valyrian tongue, spending days—perhaps weeks—practising these very words. When he spoke, there was a slight tremor in his voice, not of fear, but of the significance of the moment. His pronunciation stumbled ever so slightly, but his sincerity was undeniable.

"Nyke rūvēbagon ao... issa jorrāelagon. Ēlīrion ziry arlī. Naejot nūmāzma... nyke pāsagon bē naejot ziry rūsīr."

Your heart softened as you listened to him. Though the words were foreign to his tongue, their meaning was not. In his voice, you heard the depth of his love, his willingness to embrace not only you but the traditions that were so deeply a part of who you were. His love for you, and his commitment to your shared future, radiated from him like a beacon, stronger than any stumble over the ancient language.

A soft smile played on your lips, the intimacy of the moment enveloping you despite the opulence of the hall and the presence of so many witnesses. It felt as though time had stilled, and in that suspended breath, the two of you stood at the precipice of a new beginning. Your worlds—Targaryen and Hightower—were being brought together, not only by this union but by the promises you had just made to one another.

The ceremony continued with the exchange of rings, the smooth metal sliding onto your finger, a tangible symbol of the vows you had spoken. The Septon offered final blessings, his voice rising once more in prayer, but you barely heard him. All you could focus on was Gwayne, standing there, as bound to you as you were to him—by vows both ancient and new, by fire and faith.

When the final blessing was given and the hall erupted into applause, you felt a wave of joy surge through you. Gwayne turned toward you, his face lit up with warmth and joy, his smile wide and unguarded. Without hesitation, he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss that felt both tender and triumphant. Around you, the crowd’s cheers rose, their voices blending together into a sound like the distant roar of dragons.

The Great Hall was alight with celebration after the wedding ceremony, its high vaulted ceilings echoing with laughter, music, and the clink of goblets filled with the finest wine from across the realm. Long tables were laden with platters of roasted meats, sweet fruits, and delicacies meant to honour the union of House Targaryen and House Hightower. Banners bearing both houses' sigils fluttered overhead, the Targaryen dragon and Hightower beacon intertwined in a show of unity.

You sat at the head table beside Gwayne, your hand resting comfortably in his, fingers interlaced as if you couldn’t bear to be separated even for a moment. He smiled at you, a soft, adoring expression that warmed your heart. The hall was loud and vibrant, but the world felt quiet and intimate in the small bubble you both created. You couldn’t stop stealing glances at him, the reality of your marriage still sinking in. Gwayne was yours now—your husband—and you, his wife. The weight of that truth was thrilling.

Across the hall, Rhaenyra and Alicent exchanged looks, both beaming at you with obvious joy. The tension that had shadowed your lives since your mother’s passing seemed to lift, if only for this night. Rhaenyra caught your eye, a mischievous glint in her gaze, and you knew exactly what was coming next. She stood abruptly, waving a hand to the musicians, and the hall quietened for a moment before erupting into cheerful applause as the first notes of a lively dance filled the air.

“Come on, dear sister,” Rhaenyra called from her place, grinning widely. “No wedding is complete without a dance!”

Gwayne chuckled softly, squeezing your hand as he stood and extended it to you. “Shall we?”

You felt your cheeks warm as you took his hand, allowing him to lead you to the centre of the hall, where couples were already gathering. The music swelled, and soon you were twirling under the twinkling lights of the Great Hall, Gwayne’s hand steady on your waist, guiding you effortlessly through the steps. His laughter was infectious as you spun together, his eyes never leaving yours.

“You dance far better than I expected for a knight,” you teased, breathless from the movement.

“And you, my princess, dance with all the grace of a dragon taking flight,” Gwayne replied with a smirk, his tone playful.

You laughed, the sound bright and carefree, and for a moment, the whole room felt distant. It was just you and Gwayne, your hearts beating in time with the rhythm of the music, a perfect match.

As the song drew to a close, Rhaenyra pulled you away from Gwayne, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You’ve had enough of your husband for now," she teased. "It’s time for the sisters to share a dance."

You twirled with Rhaenyra next, your hands entwined as the two of you moved effortlessly through the dance floor. Her smile was genuine, full of love and happiness for you. “I’ll miss you,” she said softly as you spun together, her voice barely audible over the music.

“I’ll miss you more,” you replied, your chest tightening at the thought of leaving her behind in King’s Landing. But for now, there was no sadness—only joy, only this moment.

Alicent soon joined the fray, pulling you both into a playful circle, the three of you laughing together as you danced. The bond between the three of you felt stronger than ever, and though there had been difficult times, it was clear that the friendship and love you shared could endure anything.

As the lively reception continued, the sounds of music and laughter filled the hall. You had been swept into the rhythm of the evening, dancing and speaking with guests, but as you stepped away for a moment of air, you found your father standing near the edge of the courtyard. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated his familiar face, making the silver strands in his hair catch the light. He smiled when he saw you approaching, his eyes filled with pride.

“You look radiant tonight,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, but steady as always. "Just as beautiful as your mother was on our wedding day."

His words made your heart tighten with affection. You reached out and took his hand, feeling the callouses that had been there for as long as you could remember.

“I wish she could be here,” you whispered, your voice softer now, filled with a longing that had been quietly sitting in the back of your mind.

“She is here, my sweet girl, in the love we carry forward,” he said, squeezing your hand gently, a quiet reminder of the legacy you had inherited. “And I can see so much of her in you, especially tonight.”

You leaned into him, finding comfort in the familiar embrace of your father. It felt good to share this moment with him. “Thank you, Father. For everything.”

He looked down at you, his gaze serious. “This is only the beginning, my daughter. You and Gwayne will face challenges, but always remember that family comes first. Lean on each other, trust each other, and never forget the strength that comes from unity.”

As the music played on, you looked back toward the hall, where Gwayne was chatting animatedly with Rhaenyra and Alicent, laughter bubbling around them. Your heart swelled with affection for him. He was your partner, your equal, and together, you would navigate whatever lay ahead.

After several more dances and rounds of wine, the energy of the hall began to feel overwhelming; the excitement was almost too much to bear. You exchanged a knowing look with Gwayne, who seemed to read your thoughts immediately. His hand found yours again, and with a small, playful smile, he leaned down to whisper in your ear.

“Shall we sneak away, my love?” he murmured, his voice low and full of mischief.

You grinned, feeling a rush of exhilaration. “Lead the way, husband.” With careful steps, you slipped away from the throngs of people, unnoticed as the revelry continued in full swing. Gwayne guided you through the familiar stone corridors of the Keep, your hand tucked securely in his as you moved swiftly past guards and courtiers. The cool, quiet halls felt like a world apart from the boisterous celebrations, and your heart raced with anticipation.

Finally, Gwayne stopped, pulling you into a secluded alcove near one of the grand windows overlooking the city. The moonlight bathed the room in a soft, silvery glow, and for a moment, the two of you stood there, catching your breath, laughing at the thrill of your escape.

“I think we’ve officially abandoned our own wedding feast,” Gwayne said with a grin, his eyes dancing with amusement.

“I think they’ll manage without us for a little while,” you replied, stepping closer to him. The playful atmosphere shifted as the space between you disappeared, the weight of the moment settling in. You were married now, bound to each other for life, and the realisation sent a shiver of excitement down your spine.

Gwayne’s hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against your skin. “You know, I never imagined this,” he said softly, his voice filled with awe. “Marrying you, being here like this. It feels... unreal.”

You smiled, your heart swelling with love for him. “It feels perfect.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. You simply stood there, gazing at each other, the magnitude of the day sinking in. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, Gwayne leaned down and kissed you, his lips soft and warm against yours. The kiss was slow, tender, full of the promise of everything yet to come. Your hand grasped his tunic, your senses focused solely on him.

When you finally pulled apart, you were both breathless, but your smiles spoke volumes that words couldn’t convey. “Well,” Gwayne said with a playful smirk, “I suppose we should return to our guests before they notice our absence. Though I wouldn’t mind staying here a little longer.”

You laughed, tugging him toward the hall again. “Come on, husband, let’s not give the courtiers something to gossip about on our first night as husband and wife.”

Gwayne groaned dramatically but followed, his hand still clasped in yours. “As my wife commands.”

Hand in hand, you returned to the feast, your hearts full and your souls bound, ready to face whatever life had in store for you together.

The Great Hall gradually quietened as the feast drew to an end. Guests trickled out, content with food, wine, and revelry, while the musicians played the final soft notes of a ballad. You and Gwayne remained at the head of the hall, but you could already feel the subtle glances cast your way, the unspoken expectation that the bedding ceremony should commence soon.

But that moment never came.

King Viserys, seated beside his daughters, had made it clear to the courtiers: there would be no bedding ceremony. No raucous crowd of drunken nobles tearing at your clothes, no jeering chants echoing through the castle halls. Instead, the King rose to his feet, silencing the last whispers, and raised his goblet in a final toast to the newlyweds.

"Tonight," Viserys declared, his voice steady yet warm, "my daughter and her husband shall have their privacy. I trust them to find their own way together, with no interference from us. Let this be the start of their journey, not only as husband and wife but as partners, as equals."

A murmur of approval swept through the hall, though some lords seemed disappointed by the lack of spectacle. Gwayne stood beside you, his hand once again finding yours and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Relief washed over you, grateful for your father’s understanding.

After the final goodbyes were said, the two of you were quietly escorted to your chambers. The flickering candlelight cast soft, golden shadows on the stone walls as the door to your room closed behind you, leaving you and Gwayne alone.

For a moment, there was a brief, almost shy silence. Both of you had been caught up in the whirl of the day—the ceremony, the feast, the dances—that now, in the stillness, the enormity of it all began to settle in. You were married. You had chosen each other, not just for duty but for love, and that realisation filled the space between you with a new kind of energy.

Gwayne turned to you, his expression soft, his smile gentle. “Are you as nervous as I am?” he asked, his voice laced with tenderness and a hint of vulnerability.

You couldn’t help but laugh, the sound light and warm. “Perhaps a little,” you admitted, stepping closer to him. “But mostly... I’m just happy. So very happy.”

His hands found your waist, pulling you gently toward him, and you felt the warmth of his body seep into yours. “I am too,” he whispered, his lips brushing your forehead. “I never thought I would marry someone as captivating as you.” There were no words needed after that. The tenderness between you both, the love you shared, was enough. The night passed in quiet, stolen kisses and whispered promises of forever. There was no rush, no pressure, just the sweet unfolding of two hearts finally joined, fully and completely.

Afterward, you lay together in the quiet of your chambers, Gwayne’s arm draped protectively over you as you rested your head on his chest. The warmth of the hearth, the soft rustle of the sheets, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat created a cocoon of peace around you both.

“I was thinking,” Gwayne murmured, his fingers tracing idle patterns on your skin. You smiled and pushed yourself up, looking at the red-haired young man. “A dangerous pastime for you, no?”

Gwayne laughed and shook his head. “Yes, indeed. My brain is about to implode at the effort of my princess.” You laughed and settled back down to your earlier position, encouraging your husband to continue. “Anyway, before I was rudely interrupted, I was thinking about what our life will be like in Oldtown. Do you think they’d allow us to build a dragonpit there?”

You looked up at him, your eyes twinkling with amusement. “A dragonpit in Oldtown? Surely the septons would have a heart attack.”

“Well,” Gwayne said, grinning, “we’ll need somewhere to house Vermithor and Silverwing, won’t we?” You smiled, the thought of your dragons resting in Oldtown sparking excitement. “It’ll have to be large enough, though. Not just for them.”

Gwayne raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner. “Well, we need a place for all their future clutches. Our children will be part dragon after all.” He chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to your hair. “Of course. We’ll need to plan for a whole brood of dragons. Oldtown might not know what to do with itself when we arrive.”

The idea of building a future together—not just a home but a legacy—filled you with joy. You could see it clearly: the two of you in Oldtown, your dragons soaring over the city, your life filled with love and adventure. It was a future you hadn’t dared to dream of, and now it was within your grasp.

The morning of your departure arrived all too soon. The excitement of the wedding had faded into a bittersweet calm, and the reality of leaving King’s Landing—and Rhaenyra—was heavy on your heart.

Rhaenyra stood by the stables, her face tight with emotion as you approached. You knew this was hard for her. The two of you had been through so much together, and now, the idea of being separated felt like a deep, aching wound.

“You’ll visit,” she said, her voice soft but firm, as though she were willing it to be true.

“Of course I will,” you replied, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’ll fly over whenever I can, and you’ll always have a place with us in Oldtown.”

Rhaenyra squeezed you tightly, her breath catching as she held back tears. “It’s not fair,” she whispered. “Emā ōños lantra syt tolī... Nyke daor ivestragī iā ao nūmāzma.” We’ve already lost so much... I can’t bear to lose you too.

“Ao daor ivestragī nyke,” You’re not losing me, you reassured her, your own tears threatening to spill. “Īlva mandia iksi. Daorun ivestragon ziry.” We’re sisters. Nothing will change that. Rhaenyra pulled back slightly, her violet eyes glistening with emotion. “Nyke jorrāelagon ao,” she said softly, her voice breaking. I love you.

“Se nyke jorrāelagon ao,” you whispered back. And I love you. “Va moriot.” Always.

Alicent appeared beside you, her own eyes watery, though she managed to keep her composure. “Don’t be a stranger,” she said, giving you a small smile before wrapping you in a warm hug. “Oldtown isn’t so far, you know.”

You smiled through your tears. “I’ll write, and you can visit too. There’s plenty of room for all of us.”

When it was time to say your final goodbye to your father, King Viserys, you could see the sadness etched into his face. He pulled you into a long embrace, holding you tighter than he had in a long time.

“I’ll miss you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve always been the rational one, the one who tempered Rhaenyra’s fire.”

You smiled softly, feeling the lump in your throat grow. “She’ll be fine, Father. She’s strong. But I’ll miss you too.”

Viserys pulled back, his hands resting on your shoulders as he looked at you, his eyes full of pride and sadness. “You’ve made me proud,” he said quietly. “Go and build the life you deserve. And know that you’ll always have a place here.”

With that, the final goodbyes were said. Gwayne helped you into the carriage as you saw Vermithor and Silverwing circle overhead. Your heart was a mixture of excitement and sorrow as you waved to Rhaenyra and Alicent until they were no longer in sight.

[hobeemin]

Grimm Event 2021

▪ Check out our exciting new fics coming later this year!

▪ Thorns of Beauty by @hobeemin

pairing: fae!park jimin x oc x vamp!kim seokjin rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: fantasy, supernatural, f2l, s2l, royalty au, romance, smut, angst fairytale(s): sleeping beauty + the pied piper of hamelin

a Gothic romance based on the timeless tale of sleeping beauty. what happens when the princess aurora awakes almost a 110 years into the future? a tale where the supernatural creatures meet to win the heart of the princess.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ The Siren's Call by @hobiandsprite

pairing: jung hoseok x reader rating: pg15 genre(s)/au: angst, fluff, h/c, supernatural/occult fairytale(s): the little mermaid + the pied piper of hamelin

Sirens, along with dragons and fae, are fantastical creatures; rumoured to exist but never confirmed. Legend says that when you come across one, it marks the end of your life and the beginning of theirs, but you were the sole exception, having met the prince when you were but a child. Now that you've grown into an adult, things have changed. Drastically.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Big Bad Wolf by @honeyj00ns

credit to @lavienjin​ for the banner

pairing: werewolf!kim namjoon x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: supernatural, s2l, romance, smut fairytale: little red riding hood

Your mother has always warned you not to venture too deep into the forest, for legend has it, in it lives vicious, man eating werewolves. You’ve always listened to her words until one day when your curiosity gets the better of you and you end up in the woods after chasing after a wounded cat. When you stumble across a secluded cottage in the middle of the forest and meet the infamous “Big Bad Wolf,” you learn that maybe not everything is always as it seems.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ High Blood Moon by @kookdiaries

pairing: min yoongi x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: angst, romance, smut, supernatural, werewolf/hybrid, royalty, e2l fairytale(s): little red riding hood + cinderella

legend has it that if you walk into the northern woods during high moon when she is bleeding red, you will never return. for those woods are full of horrors a human wouldn’t dare to withstand. particularly horrors with green eyes and razor-sharp teeth who are all searching for a bride for their crowned beast.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Little Wolf  by @hoebii

credit to @casuallyimagining​ for the banner

pairing: wolf!kim seokjin x reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: fluff, angst, smut, hybrid fairytale(s): cinderella + little red riding hood

Y/N always hoped her prince charming would come rescue her from the eternal hell she lived in but he never did. Tired of waiting, she decides to be her own saviour and while doing so, she meets the big bad wolf everyone feared. Will she get her fairytale ending after all?

teaser ▪ read here

▪ The Five Hunstman  by @kithtaehyung

pairing: prince!park jimin x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: angst, smut, fantasy, royalty, s2l fairytale: the twelve hunstmen

you and prince jimin have promised to marry, but his father in a neighboring kingdom falls deathly ill, so he ventures back home to see him one last time. news of your lover fulfilling the king’s dying wish for him to wed another princess leaves you thoroughly distraught - until your mother tells you there’s fight in you yet. besides, isn’t the handsome heir to that throne in need of elite guards for protection? perhaps the likes of hooded, masked huntsmen you had secretly been training with ever since you could run?

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Over Jeweled Hills  by @taegularities

credit to @kookdiaries​ for the banner

pairing: min yoongi x reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: angst, fluff, smut, fantasy, f2l fairytale(s): the pied piper of hamelin + snow white

alone in the woods and waiting for the queen to hunt you down, the last thing you expect is to be lured in by an enchanting tune; one that has you following the trail of the melody until - you're met with your best friend's eyes who, to your misery, turns out to be the hunter by your mother's command.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Reap What You Sow by @sugasbabiie

pairing: hades!min yoongi x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: horror, greek myth, e2l, s2l, smut angst, fluff fairytale(s): the peasant and the devil

Hades is the lord of the Underworld. One of the most feared Greek Gods, but for all the wrong reasons. He’s been neglected, betrayed, heartbroken, and abandoned. He is tired of getting fucked over; he wants to make someone else feel empty inside. And it might as well be you—a poor lonely girl with nothing but the land she stands on. He may be the Keeper of Souls, but he’s also a God of riches and wealth. Surely, there must be something he can do for you. For a small price of course. So, will you make a deal with the King of Death, or will this plan like many other things, crumble in the palms of his hands...

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Antidotum by @sugasbabiie

credit to @mochi-molala for the banner

pairing: kim taehyung x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: fantasy, magic, e2l, smut, angst, fluff fairytale(s): touches of cinderella

“Hell has no fury like a woman scorned.”  After a desperate act of revenge on your ex, Kim Taehyung backfires, you are left cursed and heartbroken—forced to live life as a shunned enchantress. - You opened Antidotum to help people fulfill their deepest and darkest desires. But where does a young witch like yourself find her antidote when nothing else seems to do the trick? Is it in the book that caused all your problems initially—or is it the arms of the man who still holds your shattered heart?

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Crumbs of Trust by @mimikookie

pairing: fox!park jimin x cat!reader rating: nc17 genre(s)/au: e2l, hybrid, angst fairytale(s): the fox and the cat + hansel and gretel

Being lost in the Veiled Quarter of the forest was grim; however, being lost in the Veiled Quarter with an arrogant fox was dreadful. After an unfortunate event, you and the fox form a temporary truce to escape the forest together. It’s not until you stumble upon an eerie house with looks oddly too welcoming that you realize you may have to end the truce earlier than expected.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Unexpected Crossroads by @ressjeon

credit to @kookdiaries for the banner

pairing: prince!kim seokjin x reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: magical realism, royalty, s2l, smut, fluff, angst, historical fairytale(s): cinderella + the little mermaid

You have always been the adventurous type with your curious nature. But with both your parents gone, you have no choice but to serve your Father's second wife along with her daughters, ceasing your dream to travel the world and explore what those places can offer. However, you didn't mean to encounter a strange boy along the way after having a chance to escape. Could he stop you from leaving just like your Mother once did?

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Quixotic by @flurrys-creativity

pairing: prince!jung hoseok x royal!(gn)reader rating: pg15 genre(s)/au: fairytale, royalty, action, romance, humour fairytale(s): the six servants + rapunzel

Hoseok heard of the impossible challenges given by the queen to whoever wanted to marry her child. He heard from his father that every person trying to win those challenges, already failed at the first one. Hoseok didn't feel intimidated by that fact, determined to save the kid, and made his way to the neighbouring kingdom. On his way he met some interesting folks, deciding to befriend them with his bubbly nature. He never expected them to help him free the imprisoned child. Though the challenges and his new comrades weren't the only unexpected thing.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ Straw into Gold by @xiaokoo

credit to @dee-ehn​ for the banner

pairing: jeon jungkook x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: fluff, angst, smut, demon/devil, fantasy, fairytale: rumpelstiltskin

Spin straw into gold or face death. You're just a common village girl but when the King picks you to pass the trial of being his wife, you have no choice but to accept. Then a mysterious demon appears, not giving his name but leaving you with your heart racing and a deal you cannot reject. Your innocence or your life?

teaser ▪ read here

▪ I Still Want You by @pars-ley

pairing: prisoner!kim taehyung x (f) reader rating: 18+ genre(s)/au: fluff, angst, prisoner, smut, s2l fairytale(s): rapunzel + rumpelstiltskin

When you accidentally stumble across an enchanted garden full of unusual flowers you can't help but fall in love with the peace there but returning again and again was more to do with the strange, masked man who you discover is being held captive in the tower on the grounds.

teaser ▪ read here

▪ True Love’s Kiss by @clouditae

pairing: park jimin x reader rating: pg15 genre(s)/au: fluff, angst, s2l, soulmates, fairytale, royalty fairytale(s): sleeping beauty + the four skillful brothers

You prick your finger on the needle, cursed to sleep forever until your soulmate wakes you with a true love's kiss. When you awaken, you're greeted by four brothers, but who is the one who kissed you?

teaser ▪ read here

[avengerscompound]

The Tower: Family - 2

The Tower: Family An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Pairing:  Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 2319

Warnings:  Sex talk and pregnancy, light angst

Synopsis: With new powers, Thor now living on Earth full time, a wedding to plan, and Natasha and Wanda expecting, a lot is changing for Elly and her large and rather unconventional family.  When Elise’s parents try to reestablish connections, Elly questions what being a family actually means.

Chapter 2: Envy and Guilt

“I’m sorry, but I’m what?”  Natasha asked, and all at once, it hit me exactly what Wanda and Natasha being pregnant meant, and I felt my heart sink.

Wanda wouldn’t be so bad.  She’d worry about her powers, but she had always liked them, and I knew that one day she’d want to carry her own.  She loved being a mother.  She was a mother right down to her core, and while this was an accident, she would never think it was anything but a happy one.

Natasha was a whole other story.  The Red Room had messed with Natasha’s reproductive system.  She could get pregnant naturally; it was just improbable.  However, she could never carry a baby to term.  I could see the faint thread starting to form with the embryo growing inside her, letting me know what this little pseudo-life form would one day be part of our family.  I felt like that must mean something.  Those threads didn’t connect to everyone.  But if I was wrong, there was going to be a day in the next few months where we were all left grieving if there was no way to counteract what they’d done to her.

There was also the dumbfounded look of shock on everyone’s face.  I’d hoped and believed that we were in a different place now.  We had children.  We were parents.  We were good at it.  Having more children would be an exciting thing, and they all looked panicked.  I had visions of this playing out just like it did last time - everyone running and leaving Natasha to just deal with this alone.

I also had this selfish melancholy coming from this place of loss.  Tony had just asked if I’d have his baby, and now I wasn’t going to get that.  I couldn’t get pregnant now that we were expecting other babies.  I had let myself get excited about going through a pregnancy where everyone was there and onboard and taking care of me, and just like that, it was taken away.

“You and Wanda are both expecting,” Thor repeated.  “I’m sorry, did I ruin the surprise again?”

Clint got up and moved to Natasha’s side, wrapping his arms around her protectively.

“Thor?”  Steve asked gently.  “Was this you again?  I mean… did your powers slip?”

Thor shook his head.  “I swear, after the last time, I have been extra careful holding them at bay.  I had assumed you must have planned for this to happen.”

Wanda shook her head quickly and ran her hands over her stomach.  “I was taking the pill.”

“And we’ve all been using the injection,” Bruce added.  “Which with Natasha’s…”  he trailed off and furrowed his brow.  “...condition.  Should have meant no accidents.”

“I’m sorry,” Thor said.  “I didn’t mean to be the bearer of bad news.  I truly thought this was planned.”

“Maybe… maybe there was something about the bonding?”  Sam suggested.  “There were a lot of strange things that happened.  Perhaps there was some magic involving conceiving heirs?”

“Then why aren’t I pregnant too?” I asked in a small voice.

Clint took a seat and pulled Natasha down in his lap as Tony moved beside me and wrapped his arm around me.

“I don’t know,”  Thor said.  “Truly.  I can perhaps work out when it happened and who are the fathers?  If you’ll allow it?”

“Yes,” Natasha said quickly.  “Do that.  Because… because I can’t…  I can’t lose …”

Clint pulled her close, and Natasha melted into him, squeezing her eyes shut like she was trying really hard not to cry.  It broke my heart to see her so fragile.

“I’d like to know too.  Steve, are you alright with knowing who the biological parents are?”  Wanda asked.

Steve nodded.  “With Elise, I was worried it might create friction knowing.  We know now that’s not the case.  If knowing helps get to the bottom of this, then we should know.”

Thor put the kids down on the ground and approached Natasha first.  He knelt on the ground in front of her, putting his head on her stomach and his hand on her side.  There was a slight crackle of light, different to his lightning power but similar.  “It is new,” Thor said in a low rumble.  “Barely the size of a seed.  A month?” He paused and closed his eyes, tilting his head to the side.  “I believe this child was conceived after the bonding ceremony.  The father is Barnes.”

“Me?”  Bucky said softly.  “Really?”

“I’m sorry, James,” Natasha said quietly.  “I didn’t mean…”

Bucky moved quickly to her side and held up his hand like he was going to touch her before dropping his hands again.  “Don’t be sorry, Tasha.  I know we have things to worry about, but I’m here.  So we have a little super-soldier.  We already have a god.  We can handle it.”

Just then, I felt something that I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.  I was jealous.  Natasha was going to get everything I hadn’t, and even if she did end up losing this baby, everyone was going to be here for her.  They were going to dote on her and reassure her and let her know how much they loved her, and despite the fact it was over four years ago since I had gone through my pregnancy, the trauma of it reared its head like an angry snake and bit me.  I felt guilty for it too.  Natasha had been one of three people who had been with me from the very start, and she deserved to have everyone there for her.  I just wanted to have had that too.

As Clint, Natasha, and Bucky sat cuddling on the couch, Thor moved to Wanda and crouched in front of her.  He put his forehead against her stomach and hand on her side, and that soft glow happened again.  “Yes.  At the same time.  After the bonding,” he said.

“So, it was something to do with that?”  Sam asked.

Thor pulled back and looked up at the sky.  “Heimdall, I require the assistance of my brother.”

“Maybe if it was Asgardian magic, you don’t have anything to worry about, Nat?”  Clint suggested, sounding a little hopeful.

“If it was Asgardian magic, why is Elise not pregnant?  She was the one that had sex with Thor,” Natasha asked, almost accusatorily.

“Well,” Bruce reasoned.  “You weren’t on birth control, and Wanda’s was hormonal only.  Elise has an IUD in.  Perhaps she did have an egg fertilized, and it just was unable to implant because of the obstruction.”

The theory added to that upset, guilty, jealous feeling I had.  The thought that I could be where Wanda and Natasha were now, getting the attention and love while expecting, just how Tony wanted, but instead, I was sitting on the outside looking in while the trauma of my past kept bubbling up, made me angry at myself.

“I can’t… I can’t go through another miscarriage,” Natasha said.  “It’ll kill me.”

“We’re all here, Tasha,” Bucky said.  “Last time, you were practically alone.  Now you have all of us.”

Loki shimmered into the room and looked around in distaste; his eyes lit up when he saw the twins, and they ran at him, going straight through the hologram of his body.  He crouched down, chuckling softly. “I’m sorry, my darlings,” he said.  “I’m not really here.  Just a projection.”

“Uncew Woki,” Pietro pouted.  “I wanna hug you.”

“I know,” he soothed.  “I want to hug you both very badly, but I’m needed on Asgard for now.  I promise I’ll visit properly as soon as I can.”

Pietro pouted and folded his arms over his chest, and Loki looked over at Thor.  “You requested my assistance, brother?”

“I was hoping if you could find out whether there was anything to do with the bonding that had to do with … fertility.  Or conceiving an heir,” Thor explained.

Loki turned and looked at me with his eyebrow raised.  “Another accident, Elise?”

“Not me,” I said, and gestured to Wanda and Natasha.

“Well, well, well,” Loki jeered.  “Even more children.  How exciting.  I will see what I can find.”  He crouched back down and looked at the twins.  “New brothers or sisters for you.  Aren’t you lucky?”

“Weely?”  Riley asked.

“Oh, yes.  You’ll be sure to be very kind to them, won’t you?”  Loki said.  “Even if they stab you.”

Pietro’s eyes went large, and Riley started giggling.  “We wiwl,” she said nodding.

“Then I shall see you two soon, my lovelies,” he said and gave them a wave before turning and promptly vanishing.

While they had been talking, I had noticed that while the threads to Natasha split into two, there now seemed to be three connecting me to Wanda.  “Thor?”  I said, quietly.

Thor looked over at me with concern etched on his features.  “Yes, my queen?”

“Is Wanda having twins?”  I asked.

He smiled and ran a large hand over Wand’s tiny waist.  “Oh, yes,” he said.  “Identical twins.”

Wanda blinked at us both.  “I’m having twins?”  She asked.  “Really?”

He smiled and nodded.  “Oh, yes.  Three new lives will be joining us.  It’s good news, isn’t it?”

There was almost a ripple through the room while people decided if they were allowed to be excited or not.  I could feel the mixed emotions.  Fear was there.  I didn’t know whether it was because of being worried about Natasha or just the idea of more kids.  Mostly though, they were excited.

“You never said who was the biological dad with Wanda,” Sam said, sounding a little hopeful.

Thor grinned and patted Sam’s thigh.  “Why, it is you, my bird.”

Sam wrapped his arms around Wanda and peppered kisses on her face.  “You hear that?”  He asked as Wanda started giggling.

“Wow,” Steve said, shaking his head.  “I guess we have some things we need to organize.”

Tony brought up a screen on the coffee table and started typing up a message.  “I’ll call in Doctor Schroeder again.  She’s an expert on the genetics stuff.  Maybe if you do still need help, she can do some kind of gene therapy, Red.  We’ll make sure it all goes okay.  And the new place has more rooms for kids.  I … well we… I had wanted… hoped…”

Steve smiled and rubbed Tony’s shoulder.  “I know what you mean,” he said.  “It’ll be nice having a few more of them around.”

It started to feel like I couldn’t breathe.  The jealousy I was feeling was starting to get oppressive.  The stronger that feeling of envy over not being able to get that from these people who were all so excited right now, the guiltier I felt because Natasha and Wanda had been there for me the whole time when I was pregnant. They deserved to have everyone be there for them.  I started feeling sick to my stomach and hating myself for these thoughts I  was having.

Wanda looked at me and tilted her head, and I knew she had seen it all, which only made it worse.

“Elly, sweetie. Come here,” she said gently.

I shook my head and got up.  “I just… I just need to use the bathroom. I’ll come back and snuggle with you both in a minute, okay?” I said, trying to make myself seem extra cheery.

I walked out of the room, trying not to rush, and as soon as I was in the hall, I ran to the bathroom, closing the door behind me and sinking to the floor sobbing.

A moment later, there was a gentle knock on the door.  “El, sweetheart.  Let me in,” Steve said quietly.

I got up slowly and opened the door, and he stepped inside.  “I just - I didn’t want Nat to feel worse,” I said, the tears streaming down my face.

He pulled me into a hug and held me against his chest. “It’s okay, honey.  You’re allowed to feel your feelings.”

“I want more kids.  I do.  And I’m happy.  I can see the threads to those babies, and I just… I think it’s going to be fine, Steve.  And they deserve that.  Nat deserves that,” I sobbed, burying my face in his chest.

“But you wanted that too,” he said softly.  “I know, sweetheart.  And if I could go back in time and do it all differently, I would.  You did nothing to deserve how we treated you back then.”

I started crying harder, and I clung to him.  “I thought I was over it.  I thought I’d moved past it.  We were happy.  But Bucky just moved to Natasha.  He was so happy.  And… he couldn’t even… look at me…”

“I know.  I know,” he soothed.  “I don’t know if it’s any consolation, but he wouldn’t have been able to do that if it wasn’t for the fact we’d already been through this.  And El, as strong as Nat is, if she were the one that got pregnant first, it probably would have killed her.  She couldn’t do it alone.  Not with everything else.”

“I know.  And that’s why I feel so bad right now,” I sobbed.  “And today… Tony asked me if I’d have another.”

He pulled back and looked down at me, cradling my jaw. “Oh, honey, maybe you still can?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head.  “I can’t take this from them.  And there’s three coming.  I can’t… I can’t.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead and pulled me back into a hug.  “It’s okay.  It’ll be okay.  You feel as sad as you need to.  We’ll be here for you with that too.  No one thinks you don’t want those babies.”

I relaxed against him and let myself cry myself out.  I knew I’d have to go back in there again, but at least I knew that I wasn’t alone when I did.

// NEXT

[aipilosse]

Darkness Inescapable

Written for @fortuitousraven; I hope you enjoy! Also on AO3.

Summary: Elrond dreams of Númenor.

Darkness Inescapable

Elrond gazed down at his feet. The road he was walking on was perfectly even, each stone fit exactly the edge of its neighbor. A cart that was pulled along this road would feel as smooth as a boat rowed out in a placid pond. 

As he walked, he lifted his eyes to the magnificence around him. Marble buildings rose around him, pillars supporting lofty roofs, and domes built upon domes. The stone was gleaming white, swirling pink, and cloudbursts of green and blue.

His feet were drawn inexorably forward, up the hill that rose before him. Around him men, women, and children thronged, going about their daily business, laughing, arguing, and gesturing in the warm sunlit streets. It was utterly silent. 

The roof of the temple ahead gleamed silver, and smoke issued from its peak. The wind was picking up, scattering the thick smoke from the temple. The banners and flags hanging from the buildings around began to snap in the wind, unfurling to show silver stars on a black background. 

At the top of the steps, Elrond stopped to study the tomb in front of him. For a reason he couldn’t put his finger on, he didn’t think the tomb belonged there. The star carved upon it was a different style than those on the flags around them, and the stonework seemed more ancient than the unworn edges on the temple before him. He became aware of a distant roaring somewhere to the west. 

I have heard that sound before, he thought, but he couldn’t place it, nor could he answer why it filled him with fear. 

He remained standing, one hand on the tomb, trying to decide if he wanted to enter. Someone was waiting for him inside, someone he knew very well. 

“Have we not had enough of each other?” Elrond said aloud.

Delaying the decision, he turned and looked out from the hill he was standing on. The magnificent city stretched before him, and rolling green fields beyond the bounds of the city. In the distance, the gleaming sea beat upon the shore. Towering dark clouds were speeding towards him, born on the ever rising wind. 

He glanced back at the temple; He was still waiting inside. The roof looked black under the darkening skies. When Elrond turned back towards the city, the sea was closer, rushing towards him like the storm. Or was the land running into the sea? 

“This was not how it was supposed to go.” The towering figure stood on the other side of the tomb, His black robes whipping in the wind. 

“No, it wasn’t.”

“Is this how it ends?” The figure was shrinking, now shorter than Elrond. 

“It’s ended already,” Elrond said. “And the end was set in motion long before you came here. They were my brother’s people, and so, in a way, my own. Now again they are my people through my daughter. Will their ending be the same?”

The dark figure next to him was shrinking further. He was saying something, but his voice was lost in the roar of the mountainous sea.

The sea was very close now, swallowing the city below him. The ocean was not rising; rather everything in its path was being sucked below. The rift opened below, blue into black into depths beyond what the mind could comprehend. 

Elrond staggered back, gripping the stone next to him. He thought he had escaped this doom. Foolish. The sea would cover all eventually, the water rising and the bottom falling out of the world. He turned to run into the temple, but it was too late. The sea was sucking at his legs, his feet lifted from the ground, and he was pulled under to join all the other remnants of the First Age and his brother’s people.

He awoke slowly, the black of the cabin around him taking shape, and the inky frozen darkness of the sea receding. His blanket was on the ground. 

Elrond sat up, not wanting to stay in the small room, but knowing that nothing but ocean awaited him outside. He went outside anyway.

The sea stretched out for miles in every direction, but it was not the dark abyss that haunted his dreams. It glittered in the starlight, even waves hitting the ship as they cut through the night. 

A small figure stood along the starboard side, not looking out across the waves, but instead looking down. Elrond joined Frodo at the railing, staring at the dancing water next to the ship.

“Do you ever wonder what’s down there?” Frodo asked.

“Yes,” Elrond answered, thinking about the sunken city that might be below them even now and a sealed tomb that surely was now empty, even of dust. 

“I was just thinking, we travel to Valinor, where the people of legend live. Heroes from before the sun, whose deeds are made into a thousand songs.” Frodo, himself already the hero of many songs, looked up from the water and craned his neck to gaze at Eärendil as the star made its way across the heavens.

“But it seems to me the sea could tell just as many stories. More lies beneath these waves than ever was brought back to the Blessed Realm.”

“It lives on still among those who witnessed the deeds,” Elrond said, thinking of the many dead that he was witness to.

“Right, sometimes it's easy to forget that we have eye witnesses!” Frodo said. He was beginning to sound excited, the pensive air that had held him for years already beginning to dispel. 

“‘Our great talent is in memory,” Elrond said, as much a reassurance to himself as it was a fact for Frodo.

“In some ways, that sounds lovely. I needed to leave Middle-Earth, but thinking how the memories of the Shire will fade along with the faces and voices of those dear to me brings me great sadness.” For a moment, Elrond was pulled out of his grief as he thought of all Frodo was losing. “But it seems to me that a great talent for memory could also be a heavy burden,” Frodo continued. 

“I think those of us Eldar in Middle Earth tend to regret rather than to joy. I do not know if it is the same in Valinor.”

“It shall be a new adventure for both of us,” said Frodo. He didn’t try to cheer Elrond any further, but remained by his side, looking out over the water. 

The sea stretched out before him, the unfathomable depths hidden by the foam, but Elrond could not stop thinking about great distances. Time marched ever forward, separating him from Elros, his life a ribbon that started and ended and now was being pulled farther and farther away from him as they left the circles of the world. And now the same would happen for Arwen; just as he sped away from her over the sea, the time that held her existence would spin away from him.

He righted his heart away from the pull of the Deep and the tug of the West reemerged, the old mix of fear and longing taking hold again. If Arwen was now the foremother of a dynasty that would turn to shadow again, that was not for him to see. The patterns of rising and falling had worn him down, and though the world still required healing, Aragorn was more than capable of teaching that skill. 

More was waiting for him in Valinor than old heroes and dusty history; Celebrían was waiting for him, and many other friends who had tired of Middle-Earth through the long defeat. Elrond took a deep breath and released it, letting go of the remnants of his dream. It was time for him to be one and whole again after many years split asunder by separation and holding what he could for the last heirs of Númenor. As Eärendil set, Elrond began to think of the reunions to come.

He chose immortality for a reason, the memory of the Eldar and hope for the future.

[fanficwriter013]

The Tower: The Queen of Asgard - 30

The Tower: The Queen of Asgard An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Pairing:  Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 1908

Warnings: None

Synopsis: The twins are now three and while the Avengers know that Clint and Thor are the biological father’s none of them know or care which blond, blue-eyed baby is related to which man.  When Riley gets the power to control wind and it becomes evident that she is the heir to the Asgardian throne, Elly, Steve, Thor, and Tony take the twins to Asgard to train her.

Not every Asgardian is happy with their king’s choice of consort, nor the impurity of the heir’s blood.  While others expect Thor to make things more official.  What’s clear is, the role of Queen of Asgard is not easily filled.

Author’s Note:  Written with @avengerscompound​

Chapter 30: Preparations

Loki burst into my room early the next morning to wake me up.  I had been curled up tightly into Clarke’s side overnight, apparently, I’d started conditioning to move in close to warm bodies in my bed.  I jumped at the sound of Loki shouting at me and sat up quickly while Clarke just blinked around the room bemused.

“You need to get up!”  She barked.  “You!”  She pointed at Clarke.  “There is breakfast out at the dining room.”

“I don’t get to eat?”  I asked.

“You are being cleansed.�� You shall eat after the bonding.  At the feast.  When you have been bathed you will be given a soup made of herbs.”  Loki explained, impatiently.  “Now hurry up.  I have too many things to do to be babysitting you.  Get up and go to your bathroom.  Now!”

I scrambled out of bed as Loki swept back out of the room.  Clarke got out of bed slowly and stretched.  “You think they’ll give your scalp a good scrub?  Get rid of those impure thoughts?”

“If they get rid of those, there won’t be any of me left,” I joked and we both started laughing.

“Okay, you go get cleansed.  I’m gonna eat.  I’ll meet you back here to dress,” Clarke said.

I should have guessed by the fact that Loki kept saying cleansed that it wasn’t a simple bath.  I was painted in thick, warm mud from head to toe and then wrapped in leaves and left for around half an hour.  After that, I was hosed off and given an enema.  They did hair removal everywhere except my eyebrows (which they shaped) and scalp.  Something I normally didn’t really do.  I was then taken into the large tub with four attendants and they started to scrub me down.

The water was hot and pungent.  I couldn’t quite place the scent of the soaps they were using, but they were floral and slightly woody.  They used large scrubbing brushes on my body and scrubbed my skin to the point that any part of my skin that wasn’t covered in the henhalda artwork, turned bright pink.  They washed my hair.  First with a soap.  Then with hot oil that they left in for a while, before scrubbing it with soap again and finally a cream-like substance I assumed was the Asgardian equivalent of conditioner.

When they seemed happy with how clean I was, I was led out of the bath and dried off and oil was rubbed into my skin.  By the time they were done, my skin glowed and my hair was as soft and shiny as it had ever been.  The cleaning had done something to the Henhalda too.  It was brighter and slightly reflective, and there were parts that now shimmered like they were alive.

I was given a thin robe and allowed to return to my room.  Clarke was already in there, along with Katveil and another 4 women.  Two were older, while two were around Katveil’s age.

Clarke was sitting on a large, comfortable-looking chair that had not been there before and three of the women were working on her.  One doing her hair, one her nails and one giving her a pedicure.  “Wow, they sure did clean you, huh?”  Clarke said.

“Oh, yeah.  Inside and out.”  I said, making Clarke pull a face.  “Morning, Kat,” I added smiling at her.

“Good morning, Elly,” Katveil said.  “I’ve come to do any touch-ups on the art.”

I nodded and the two of us moved behind a screen that had been set up for dressing.  “Are you excited?”  She asked as I dropped my robe and she began to look me over closely, touching up any spot she wasn’t happy with.

“Oh yeah.  A little freaking out.  It’s a big deal.”  I answered.  “You know, the big ceremony.  Living longer.  New powers.  Being cleansed.”

“I’d be nervous too,” Katveil said.

“You’ll be pleased to know that Hulk did great with the Henhalda,” Clarke said.  “I saw Jax at breakfast.  Well everyone really.  Loki is going to have the kids with her all day.  They’ll get ready with her and Thor.  They have no idea what’s going on but they’re super excited about all the things that are happening.”

“Oh, that’s good.  I’m glad they’re with one of their parents,” I said.

“Yeah.  They’re good.  Hulk has been in control since yesterday.  He fell asleep at one point while they were doing Henhalda.  Jax said he plans to stay in control until after the bath.  So it’s probably Bruce now, or Bruce soon,” Clarke said.

“Oh good.  There were definitely parts of the cleansing Bruce would not have enjoyed.” I said as Katveil turned me around.

“So I guess you get the nails and hair done next and then we dress,” Clarke said.

“Elly also has to drink the broth that was made for her. But that is essentially correct.”  Katveil said.  She stood back up and picked up my robe, holding it open for me.  “I am done.  Just stay standing for a little while.”

I nodded and slipped the robe back on.  “Thank you again.  You made the whole process very enjoyable.”

She hugged me and wished me good luck before leaving me with Clarke and the other women.  Just after she left Loki came into the room, carrying a bowl with the twins marching after her.

“Mommy!”  The twins, cried, breaking formation and running at me.  I crouched down and hugged them both.

“Hello, my little terrors.  Are you being good for Auntie Loki?”  I asked.

“Yes,” they both said in unison.

“D’joo know dat everyone has dis on dem?”  Pietro asked, scrunching his fingers on my arm where he could see the Henhalda.

“I know.  It’s pretty isn’t it?”  I asked.  The twins had both been fascinated by the artwork when they had seen me last night and they both had made up a story to go along with the bits they could see.

“Wiwl it go away?”  He asked.

“Eventually.  It’s just a special thing for today,” I explained.

“Okay, my darlings.  We have to take breakfast to all your parents.  Say goodbye to your mother.”  Loki said, with much more patience in her voice than when she’d come to wake me up.

“Otay,” they both said and hugged me again.

I stood when they let me go and Loki handed me the bowl.  “Drink all of it.  When it is time for the ceremony I shall return to take you personally with the twins.  Do not go with anyone else.” 

“Thank you, Loki,” I said.

“I shall be glad when this is over.  I need a vacation,” she said, playfully.  It made me chuckle and she shook her head and left the room followed by the twins.

“Did Loki…?”  Clarke asked looking from the door back to me.

“I think she did.  I’m her favorite,” I joked.

Clarke snorted.  “Don’t let her hear you say that.”

I drank the soup.  It was pungent and tasted really medicinal and did nothing for the fact I was ravenous.  I was then bustled into the chair where my hair was cut and styled.  My nails were painted and my makeup was done.

When it was done my nails were painted with the same iridescent oil slick style the fabric of my dress was and decorated with Celtic style knotwork in gold.  My eyeliner was done in a cat-eye style with gold and purple eyeshadow, and my lips were painted a deep red.  I had my hair braided in a thick, loose braid with a gold and silver hair vine adorned with crystals wound through it.

The women left and the tailors bustled in immediately helping both myself and Clarke into our dresses.  Clarke's was a shade of lavender to offset her eyes, in satin with ornate silver armor that sat on her hips, chest, and shoulders.  The skirt ended at her knees and she wore knee-high black boots with the same silver plating on the sides and toes.

“Wow, Clarke,”  I said as the women helped me into my dress.  “You going to be my bridesmaid or security detail?”

“I can be both,” she teased.

They did a last few adjustments on the dress and then moved me in front of the mirror while they fit the gold diadem and veil in place.  I couldn’t even believe I was looking at myself.  I looked like a queen from a fantasy novel, dressed in shimmering liquid color and lace and painted in ornate detail.  At my forehead sat a dark opal that shimmered with blue, red, and green and matched the rest of my outfit.

“God damn, Elise.  You are a queen,” Clarke cursed.  “Look at you.”

I smiled.  “Well, at least I look the part.”

“Good luck to you, my lady,” one of the tailors said bowing slightly.  “I shall fetch the lady Loki.”

The tailors left and Clarke came over and rubbed my arm.  “Ready to become Mrs. Odinson?”  She teased.

“That’s not how it works here,” I deadpanned.

She started laughing just as Loki came in followed by the children.  She had a floor-length gown in her usual dark green and gold.  The gold mostly forming panels around the bust but also running down her arms in elaborate scrollwork.  She had smokey eyes and black lips, and on her head, she wore her horned crown.

Riley was wearing a white dress with a gold sash around the middle, while Pietro had white leggings and a gold tunic.  They both had flowers in their hair.  “Wow, mommy, you wook so beudifuwl,” Pietro said, awestruck.

“Thank you, honey.  You look very pretty too.  So does your sister.”  When I said that, Riley pulled a face.

“Are you ready?”  Loki asked.

I nodded and our small group made its way down towards the main hall.  Though we took a less direct path than we normally would take.  “I’m taking you to the front entrance,”  Loki explained as we walked.  “Thor will be waiting at the throne with the High Priest.  I shall go and stand with him.  When you hear the crowd quiet and the music start-up you will proceed down the main aisle to the throne.  Do you think you can handle that?”  She asked.

“I think I can do that.”  I agreed.  “What about the others?”

“They will be entering from different doors.  You will take the main one because you are the mother of the heir, and you will be accompanied by your children,” Loki explained.  “You should attempt to time your procession that you and the others all arrive at the same time.”  She stopped when you reached the doors and turned to look at me, her face set in deadly seriousness.  “Elise, when you go on your journey, remember who you are and what they mean to you.  Do not get lost in the fear of the unknown.”

I nodded.  “I will.”

“Good,” she said and reached to touch my arm before pulling her hand away and saying something in Asgardian to the guards by the door.  When she turned back she addressed the children.  “Alright, my darlings.  Take care of your mother.  I shall see you very soon.”

“We wiwl Aundie Woki,” they both echoed.  Loki nodded and slipped through a small side door.

I took a deep breath and looked over at Clarke and waited for the signal.

//NEXT

[strangeratthewindow]

Arianne Week Day 7: Free Choice

Here’s my meager contribution for Arianne Week. It’s written in Arianne’s POV and is part of a story I have planned set in my American Civil War ISOT ‘verse, just after Robert’s Rebellion. It alludes to plot points and stories that have been written (or are still WIPs) but remain unpublished. And it also features quite a few OCs.

Since I know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it’ll be left under the cut for those of you who are still curious.

It’s also a first draft, so I hope you’ll be merciful.

ARIANNE I

Arianne hated reading.

It was not that she failed to understand the importance of the activity as a whole. Rather, it was that she found the books that the maester had deemed important for her lessons to be unbearably dull. “The lessons in these ‘dusty old tomes’, as you so eloquently put it, will service you well once you inherit your father’s seat.” Maester Caleotte had said. But she could only tolerate the grim, unrelenting march of history for so long.

As far as she was concerned, it was the people who wrote the histories that were lacking. Daeron’s Conquest, the uprising of the first Vulture King, the court of Myriah, all histories that were chalk full to the brim with romance, adventure, intrigue, and passion. And yet, they were written as if they were no more exciting than a trip to the marketplace.

“Arianne, you must pay attention.” Maester Caleotte had scolded.

But her attention had drifted off back to the stories, only this time told through her imagination. Her mind produced images of Nymeria’s conquest of the Yronwood Royals, of Rhaenys and Meraxes burning a swath through Dorne until they fell in the skies above Hellholt, of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Prince Aegon’s adventures through her country.

She even fantasized about her auntie’s rescue from King’s Landing. She still remembered hearing the story from her father. How the American officer, Hal Celliers, had defied the orders of his commanders and the rebel lords and rescued her aunt Elia and her children, all as a promise to his love and Elia’s friend, the Lady Ashara Dayne. How after his chastisement from his superiors, he was berated and knighted by the Usurper himself and was finally suitable in status to ask for the hand of Lady Ashara. And how after their betrothal, he was appointed by Lord Alaric as the castellan of the new city he had founded beneath Starfall, Stillhaven, and thus was known throughout Dorne and all Westeros by the name his people had called him: the Azure Angel.

It was all terribly romantic and the thought of it managed to swell Arianne’s heart every time.

She cherished the book that the Major Celliers had given her for her last nameday. It was a collection of stories from his world translated into the Common Tongue, all about kings and queens and knights and princesses from his world. The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, her book was called. It was as large as the histories she was forced to read, but endlessly more interesting.

This was the excitement that she craved from reading.

Arianne had found that the Americans were very generous in their stories. She knew that they would have to have some boring books as well. After all – every country seemed to have too much history. But in their stories, they seemed more wondrous than anything that was available in Westeros.

And when her parents had told her one day that they would be receiving ambassadors from that far-away land, she almost leapt from her seat in joy.

She wanted to know everything about these new people from the world beyond Rickard’s Gate.

When the maester announced that their lessons were finished, she all but rushed out the door, her two cousins laughing and trailing behind.

“Slow down, Ari!” Tyene called to her, her golden hair billowing as she ran.

“I can’t! The new guests are coming today!” She called back.

It was a miracle that she didn’t run into any of the servants as they went about their routines. Entering her room, she quickly washed her face, and put on the clothes that her mama had lain out for her. The red and orange silks felt cool against her skin, as she dressed herself. Looking in the mirror, she couldn’t help but frown at what she saw.

The redspots she had contracted last year had mostly gone away, but they left scarring on her skin that did little to flatter her appearance. She had never given much thought about her appearance until she had gotten the redspots. But ever since, it was like a veil was lifted and she was never comfortable with how she looked ever since. In the mirror, she saw a fat and ugly girl as opposed to the beauties that her cousins had been.

Of course, Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene never considered her as such, but she knew the truth. She would pray to the Seven each day and night to make her beautiful.

Would the Yankees think the same? She had thought, her excitement dwindling slightly.

“They would be foolish to think as such.” Her mother had told her when Arianne asked.

Her mama’s answer made her feel somewhat better, but she still held concerns. She knew that the Americans cared not about the difference between noble and commoner, but she didn’t know if the same held true for the beautiful and ugly.

The thought of such an end made her grateful that the clothes her mama had chosen for her had concealed her baby fat. The last thing she needed was for their new guests to think she was pudgy.

From her room in the Sun Tower, she could see the wheelhouse carrying their new guests approaching, accompanied by riders under two banners. One showing a golden spear piercing a red sun on an orange field, and the other – a roundel of white stars on a field of blue leading out to alternating red and white stripes. She could hear the cheers of the people from high atop in her rooms, each one praising her father and the Americans.

They’re here!

Tying up her hair, she walked out to the courtroom with her septa and made her way to the courtroom where the rest of the household had assembled. Seeing Tyene and Nymeria already there added some nerves to her excitement. They looked far more beautiful than she, but Arianne would not let her envy get to her. She was a Princess of Dorne and heir to the Sunspear.

I will not let them see me falter.

The last of the Threefold Gates were opened, the adulations of the people of the Shadow City echoing from outside, and in came the yellow-clad honor guard for her father’s men followed closely by the blue-coated honor guard of their new guests.

She stared in awe at the blue-coated soldiers. Everything about them seemed like they came out of the pages of a song. Their brass buttons and high boots along with their fabled magic staves seemed to hide a hundred wondrous stories from their world.

The doors of the wheelhouse opening, she saw her father step out followed closely by her mother. And from behind them, an old, balding man in a grey coat and a skirt? It was a queer choice, but she would not judge the man yet. He at least appeared to be somewhat nice, for he didn’t seem to stop smiling since he exited the wheelhouse. Although that could have been explained by who followed him.

From behind the man, he saw two young boys. They both seemed a little older than her and Tyene, perhaps closer to Nym’s age. The one in the straw hat seemed just as shocked as the older man, his eyes wide and his mouth in an O – shape. The other boy, with the woolen cap, seemed to be a bit sterner, his eyes no less curious though. And it was to be expected. She remembered her father telling her that there were no castles in America.

Guiding the three forward to their household, her father was greeted by her uncle, Ser Manfrey.

“My prince.” Her uncle greeted with a bow.

“Manfrey,” Her father acknowledged in return. “These are our guests, all the way from the United States.”

Stepping forward, her father introduced the three. “This is Minister Montgomery Munro, his son Michael, and nephew Concord.”

“It’s an honor, my lord.” Her uncle bowed. “Ser Manfrey Martell, I am the castellan of Sunspear.”

“Och, none of this ‘my lord’ nonsense, good ser.” He waived his response out with an air of casualness. “Just ‘Minister’ is enough. And might I say, ser, you’ve done a bloody good job at keeping this place together.”

“My thanks, Minister.” Her uncle nodded with a smile, as he shook the man’s hand.

“And this is my daughter, Arianne.” Her father introduced her.

“My aren’t you a pretty one.” He said in his strange, foreign accent. It was enough to make her blush. She didn’t often receive such complements from strangers. “Aye, the boys will definitely take to you.”

He turned to the two boys who were looking straight at her now. “Well, lads? Where’s ye’re manners? Aren’t ye gaun tae say hello?”

The one with the straw hat – Michael – stepped forward and grabbed her hand, placing a kiss on it. “Hello, my princess.”

His smile was something else, and she could feel herself grow more flushed as he looked at her. His eyes were a light blue, bluer than even Tyene’s, and his hair was a series of dark brown waves. To her mind, the boy was definitely pretty. He looked as if he held something of a mischievous streak.

The one with the wool cap – Concord – followed close behind and did the same, only his expression was more nervous. “Greetings, my princess.”

His smile was subtle, but there. She couldn’t seem to read him, his face keeping that serious stern look that reminded her so often of her father. His eyes were an odd blue-gray that seemed almost supernatural in his presence, and his hair was a strong reddish-auburn color. But what caught her attention was the odd rash on his face. It seemed to cover most of his right eye, going down to his lower cheek. She would feel bad to admit as such, but it made her feel better about the scarring on her cheeks that the redspots had left.

Overall, she regarded both boys as quite attractive.

After the proper introductions were held, she asked her mother if she and her cousins could show the two young boys around the castle.

“Ari, I’m sure Michael and Concord will be quite tired from their journey and would like to take some time to recover.”

“My love, perhaps we should ask the boys what they want to do?” Her father had proffered.

“Oh, alright. Minister?” Her mother’s gaze shifted to the bald man who only turned to the boys.

“What say you, lads?”

“We wanna go! We wanna explore the castle! Right Concord?” He asked his cousin.

A simple nod, with a small smile was enough of a response from him to satisfy the grown-ups.

“Oh, alright then. You may show them the keep, but just remember to be back before dinner.”

Her face broke out into a huge smile as she turned to Tyene and Nym who held the same bright smiles on their faces. “Thank you! Thank you!”

And with out hesitation, she grabbed one of the boy’s hands, while her cousins each grabbed the other boy’s hands and sped off to show them Sunspear. She could only just hear the minister’s laugh at her and her cousins’ antics as they dragged the two boys off to show them around the keep.

Gods, what will we show them first? The Sandship? The Golden Arches? Maybe we can take them to the Sun Tower so they can see the thrones!

“Ari! Where are we going?” Tyene asked, still tugging Michael along.

“We’re going to show them the Twin Thrones!” She answered back, as they entered the stairwell that would lead them there.

The commotion they caused would’ve earned her a scolding from her septa, but she figured she could take the risk just this once. Besides, she was a Princess of Dorne. She was allowed certain liberties.

The trek up the Tower of the Sun, is filled with questions from the boys, rather one boy.

“How far up is it?”

“Why is it called the Sun Tower?”

“Who is Nymeria?”

“How come she left the Rhoyne?”

“Did she really conquer all of Dorne?”

Michael’s excitement was infectious. From the bottom of the stairs, up until they reached the door to the main hall, he asked endless questions about Dorne and its history. Arianne and her cousins were only happy to oblige. But the other boy, Concord, remained silent throughout their ascent. Right up until he asked, “Why did Nymeria burn all ten thousand of her ships?”

The suddenness of the question was enough to make Arianne pause. Didn’t I already tell him why?

“Because she wanted to send a message to the world that her people had found their new home.”

“I know that, but why did she burn all ten thousand of her ships?”

It was a strange question to ask, and one she didn’t entirely understand.

“What do you mean?”

“A ship is very useful but costs a lot of money.” He started, still staring up at the golden sun motifs. “If Nymeria was planning to help Mors Martell conquer the rest of Dorne, wouldn’t it have been more useful for her to keep some of those ships around?”

Arianne frowned at Concord’s question. Of course, she had heard the stories about the Rhoynar Exodus and how Nymeria brought the petty kings of Dorne to heel, but she never wondered about this. After all, who would care so much about ships?

“Oh, don’t mind him.” Michael interrupted. “Connie’s always asking about boats and ships and sailing. He wants to be a pirate when he’s all grown up.”

“I do not.” Concord shot back, scowling at his cousin’s teasing.

“Yeah, you do.” Michael said, crossing his arms in that way she would often see her uncle do. “On the trip here, you wouldn’t stop talking to the other sailors. You even wanted to climb up the lookout’s nest too.”

Nymeria and Tyene laughed freely as they watched the two cousins bickering, as if they hadn’t shared the same kind of arguments with her. It was only when Arianne realized that their eyes were on her rather than the American boys that she realized. Looking down, she noted that she was still holding Concord’s hand.

Thankfully neither boy had noticed the fact, nor did they see how flushed Arianne’s cheeks had become. Rolling her eyes at her cousins’ amused smiles, she pushed the doors open and led the group into the Hall of the Twin Thrones.

She watched in amusement as the two boys gawked at the high seats of Dorne. To the left, the Sun Throne, emblazoned with a copper edifice of the Rhoynar sun. And to the right, the Spear Throne, carved in gold with the emblem of the spear of Martell. Both were a sight to behold to any who visited Sunspear.

“Wow!” Michael exclaimed, as he ran ahead of the others. “I’ve never seen a throne before.”

“They’re beautiful.” Concord said, plainly.

Arianne couldn’t help but smile in victory. She was worried that the American boys wouldn’t be impressed with her family’s keep, but their words and awestruck faces soothed her concerns.

“Can we sit on them?” Michael asked.

Her smile turned into a smirk as she huffed and answered, “Not without my permission.”

“You would be wise to gain the favor of the princess before asking for such things.” Tyene supplied, giggling at her cousin’s answer. “She will rule Dorne one day.”

Before the boys could speak, she walked over to the Sun Throne with the same regal poise that she had seen her mother do, and promptly sat down. “You may sit down on the Spear Throne, Michael. That is if you agree to be my consort.”

“Consort? Is that like a prince?”

“In a way,” Nymeria answered, “but you would not rule Dorne. You would have to answer to Ari.”

“Never mind, then.” Michael replied, his disappointment clear. “I wanted to be a prince.”

Arianne’s unladylike huff brought out more laughter from her cousins, and whilst she knew that it was all just pretend and play, a part of her couldn’t help but feel angered that another boy wouldn’t want to have to answer to her.

“What about you Connie?” Tyene asked, using the newly revealed nickname. “Would you like to sit on the Spear Throne?”

“Or do you not want to submit to a girl?” Nymeria teased, her smirk prodding at the older boy.

“May I?” Concord asked, looking straight in Arianne’s eyes.

“If you do not object to only being consort.” She tested, a single brow arched and ready to deal with any defiance.

“I don’t mind. Besides, I’d rather not be a prince.” Concord answered plainly, stepping forward and sitting down on the throne.

Whatever answer she expected, it certainly wasn’t that. Her cousins also appeared to be of the same mind if their shocked expressions conveyed anything. Michael seemed unsurprised by his cousin’s answer, but then they seemed close enough as family where one could correctly guess the actions of the other.

“Strange.” She remarked as she looked over to him. “I had thought all boys would want nothing more than to be a dashing prince.”

“Not me,” He answered absently as he set his hands on the armrests. “I don’t think I’d like that kind of life.”

For a brief moment, she recalled something of interest that her father once told her. He had said that the Americans’ realm had no nobility of any kind, and that they choose their leaders from the people. She was curious and wanted to press him further but was hesitant. So, she chose instead to ask, “So, your cousin is correct? You’d rather be a pirate?”

“Not a pirate.”

“A sailor, then?” She ventured.

“No, I – ”

“Oh, don’t lie Connie.” Michael interrupted. “It’s not proper to do so to a princess.”

Concord only rolled his eyes at him, as Nymeria and Tyene ran up to her and asked her if they could show them the hidden chambers in the Sandship. Arianne conceded, the two grabbing Michael’s hand once more, and running back into the maze of halls. Looking back over to Concord, she noted how shy he had become, left alone in the throne room with no one but her.

His blushing face was a comfort to Arianne.

It gave her enough confidence to ask, “There are no kings in America, right? Or queens?”

“That’s right.”

“Or princes and princesses?”

By his crestfallen look, a stranger to their conversation would have assumed that he had said the insulting words and nor her.

“I’m not offended.” She explained with a giggle, “I just…”

“Just…?”

“I just wanted to know what it’s like living in a place like that.”

Concord paused for a moment as he scratched his red hair, himself looking quite unsure about the question.

“If I had to say, it’s for sure a lot less exciting than Dorne.”

Arianne gave a barking laugh, the kind of unladylike laugh that would’ve gotten her chastised by her mother and septa. She didn’t think much of the red headed boy at first, but she had to admit that he would certainly prove to be interesting. Sliding off the copper colored throne, she reached her hand out to Concord.

“Will you be my escort then, seeing as you’re my loyal consort?”

With a soft smile, he slid off the throne and bowed fancily, removing his hat in respect. “My princess, it would be an honor.”

“You can call me Ari, if you’d like.” She smiled, as he took her hand. “But only if I can call you Connie.”

“Oh, fine.” He muttered. “But only because you asked.”

“I did not ask. I commanded, as is my right as a Princess of Dorne.” Arianne replied. “But I will ask this: what were you going to say earlier before your cousin interrupted?”

“Oh?” He paused briefly, recalling the moment. “Oh! I was going to say that I didn’t want to be just a sailor. I want to be a captain of my own ship.”

Arianne couldn’t help but laugh at the boy’s nautical interests, not that she found them to be foolish. Rather, she was amused that he would rather be content to rule over a floating hunk of hammered wood than a whole kingdom.

“Well, then.” She started, looking up straight into his eyes. “We should make haste to the Sandship! Our cousins will already be there, and there is no better place in Dorne to learn the art of captaining.”

“Very well, my pri – …Ari.”

“You learn fast... Connie.”

Hand in hand, they ran off through the halls of the castle.

I guess he’s not so bad.

[ddagent]

best friends jaime and brienne meet up at their fav diner after they've both been on terrible dates

This is not at *all* what you intended, and I apologise for that. But, honestly, I’m just excited to be able to finish a prompt after recent events. 

The ship docked at Tarth. Jaime disembarked with the crew, nodding to Ser Gerold, the harbourmaster. He’d grown to recognise a lot of the men and women working on Tarth in the past year, so often did he visit the future Evenstar. At first, there were whispers, stares; blatant looks at his golden hand and sharp hisses about his sister, the former Queen. Over time, however, Kingslayer had been replaced by Ser Jaime, a friend of Lady Brienne’s from the war.

“She’ll be glad to see you,” Ser Gerold said, clapping Jaime on the back. “A Ser Hyle Hunt departed this morning.”

Jaime grinned, calling back as he began the familiar walk to Evenfall Hall. “How many ribs did she break?”

“No ribs, but a couple of teeth!”

His smile remained fixed upon his face as he travelled to Brienne’s ancestral home. Lord Selwyn was in King’s Landing with Tyrion, making up two of the seven seats on the Council of Westeros. As such, certain rules had gone by the wayside. Jaime could enter through the servant’s entrance rather than be greeted at the main door. He could snag a lemon tart that the cook had made as he passed through. Jaime barely knocked before entering Brienne’s bedchambers. He just pushed aside the door and reached for the wine. 

Brienne barely concealed her smile as she ignored the papers in front of her. “I thought I saw a Lannister banner in the harbour. Who was it this time?” 

“A daughter of one of my father’s bannermen.”

“Your bannermen,” Brienne reminded as she took the wine he offered. Although Tyrion sat on the council, it was Jaime who was lord of Casterly Rock. A lord without a wife, or heirs. “What was wrong with this one?”

“I didn’t wear the hand over dinner. She looked positively ill until I offered to put it on.” Jaime took a sip. “This isn’t half bad. Dornish?” 

“Arrived last week just as you left. How long do you plan to stay this time?”

“Plotting to get rid of me already, Ser?” Brienne faltered; far too honourable to truly play this game of teasing. He took pity on his dear friend. “A couple of days. Just long enough for us to spar and you to work out any aggression Ser Hyle has awakened in you.” 

Brienne made a face. She took herself to the door, and called for one of the servants. Wine, bread, cheese and fruit were summoned, and Jaime removed his cloak before they headed for the balcony. As was their custom, they each took one of the chairs and looked out over Shipbreaker Bay. It seemed a lifetime – two lifetimes – since he had set sail for Dorne and caught sight of Brienne’s island. He had thought he would never see her again. Now Jaime saw her as often as he could. 

When the servants brought them their wine and food, Brienne dismissed them for the day. She had little use for servants, like squires, and both relished being able to talk more openly than their new positions allowed. 

“We had dinner twice. On the second night, he offered his hand in marriage. Said he was not put off by my appearance.” Her thumb traced the edge of the goblet. “’All women look the same in the dark’. I think that’s what he said. I couldn’t quite hear what he said afterwards through all the blood.”

Jaime smirked. “I should have used my golden hand.”

“I wish you’d have been there.”

“Maybe next time, I will. We can scare off your suitors together, Ser.”

His words coaxed a smile upon her face. It was as bright as the sun that had risen over the sea that very morn. Then, as all suns do, it began to fade. “Isn’t it strange: everything we went through, everything we fought for, and we are back where we started. I’m a knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and all I do is fend off marriage requests.”

“What you need is a quest.” 

“And a companion for said quest, of course.”

Jaime grinned. You think I’d let you go alone? Pfft. Our swords were forged together, they fight together. Those are the rules.”

The sun returned. 

[nerdy-bookworm-1998]

The Arranged Marriage: The Heir part 5: All Hail Prince James

Pairing: King!Steve Rogers x Queen!Reader Summary: A year after Steve and Y/N have started trying for a family and she is still not pregnant. Will they ever have a family of their own is the question both monarchs are now asking themselves. Words: 555 Warnings: None A/N: This takes place between chapter 9 and the epilogue of the arranged marriage. If you want to be tagged in future works please send me an ask. Feedback and reblogs are always appreciated.

It has been three weeks since James was born and I couldn't be happier. He is my sweet little angel with his father's hair and my eyes. As I sit by the fire nursing James I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown by, it feels like only yesterday we found out I was pregnant.

James gurgles happily as he finishes drinking. I place a soft kiss on his forehead as I shift him around to fix my dress. I'm just reaching for his burping cloth when Steve enters the room looking positively regal in a navy blue jacket with rich golden embroidery, black slacks and matching black boots. "How's our little prince doing?" he asks sweetly as he takes both James and the burping cloth from my hands, throwing the cloth over his shoulder, laying James against it and gently patting his back to burp him.

"He was very hungry this morning, but that doesn't surprise me, he does have his father's appetite," I grin teasingly at Steve as I run my hand through James' hair.

"Now this would make a beautiful family portrait," Bucky says from where he is grinning at the door as he admires our matching color schemes of navy blue and gold. "We're ready whenever you are."

"Shall we introduce our little prince to his kingdom, my queen?" Steve asks playfully as he tosses the burp cloth into the hamper and offers his free arm to me.

"Yes, we shall, my king," I giggle as I wind my arm through his.

"Presenting their Royal Majesties, King Steven Rogers, Queen Y/N Rogers, and His Royal Highness, Prince James Samuel Rogers," Bucky announces as we enter the throne room to raucous applause.

A long line of nobles, dignitaries, and friends form to greet their new crown prince. Everything is going smoothly until lord and lady Ross approach, simpering smiles fixed firmly on their faces, although Thaddeus' eyes hold only contempt while his wife is so smug she could squeal.

"Congratulations your majesties, may our new prince bring you only joy and grow to be the great monarch our people deserve," Thaddeus says stifly with his wife nodding in fervent agreement before fixing her beady eyes on me.

"Your majesty, I know we only have a few moments so I'll keep this brief. Do you know which remedy aided in the conceiving of your heir?" she asks, clearly hoping I would say her poison did the trick.

I fix her with a polite smile before answering, "None of them aided in anything, lady Ross. You see the reason why the king and I cut our trip short was because we had an idea that I had already fallen pregnant. Suspicions which were confirmed by doctor Banner upon our return." It takes every ounce of my self-control not to start giggling at the look of pure shock and outrage on her face.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of happy faces and many well-wishes for our family. Before I know it James has been laid down in his crib for the night and I'm lying in bed in Steve's arms. The last thought in my mind before I drift into restful slumber is how excited I am for the rest of our lives and the adventures it might hold.

Tags:

@mcdesij @spiderrrling @arrow-guy @interestedbystanderwrites @murdocksmartinis @gwendelerynan @here2have-fun @bookscoffeeandracoons @bambamwolf87 @loricameback @rockrchick51 @love-nakamura @baebeepeach @timelordy-fangirl2 @jewelofwinter @caramell0w @jewels2876 @ladysergeantbarnes @notawritergettingtherethough @patzammit @fanfictionjunkie1112 @lumar014 @kirstie-evans-writes @robertdowneyhiddleston @lil-lex1 @dragonrosegardens @bookgirlunicorn @shadymidge @kaithezaftig @that-place-called-middle-earth @marshyrebelcloud

[madsmikkelsenschesthair]

Blood of the Dragon ch. 10

Summary: Freyja spends time with Rhaegar and they get a very surprising letter from a long lost enemy regarding the one and only Ragnar Lothbrok.

A/n: I love you guys. Anotha one. Short, but I promise it will get better. Thank you guys for all your love and support even those who don’t heart it or comment I know damn well you like it lmao thats why you follow me ;) Comments, questions, concerns, send me an inbox but please keep it nice.

Warnings: violence, fluff

Freyja’s eyes followed her father as he went about his study looking for a book about dragons that he wanted her to read. Lately, she wanted to know more about dragons and her father, instead of laughing at her like Maester Luwin, agreed to help. Freyja took a sip of her rose tea and sat up straight like her stepmother taught her.

Rhaegar rummaged through an old trunk coughing up from the dust that had formed; old family portraits, knickknacks, old scrolls until he reached the bottom of the trunk did he find what he was looking for. A large red leather-bound book passed on from generation to generation of Targaryens: A History of Dragons and Dragonlords. He pushed the items to the side and with a grunt, carried it to his desk. Freyja was so excited she put her cup of tea down and set it aside. Her father took a seat in his great leather chair. The book was so old her father had to take great precautions opening it, his gentle fingers shook as he opened the cover of the book turning it’s pages until he stopped at the very first page. 

“Dragons were born from the Fourteen Flames, volcanoes around the Valyrian peninsula,” Rhaegar watched his daughter’s eyes grow wide as he explained, “Valyrians used them as weapons of war. To conquer and build empires just like Aegon the First and his sister-wives”

“They all had dragons?” Freyja stared at the drawing of a dragon roaring at a group of knights. “What were the names of the dragons?”

“Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. Before that, we weren’t so sure if they were still alive. Many eggs were destroyed in the Doom of Valyria”

There was a pounding on the door, startling Freyja. Her King Father put a hand on his sword and bid them to come in. The door opened and two handsome knights walked in. 

“Your Grace, we have an important message from Renly Baratheon” one of them answered and handed him a scroll. Freyja stared at her father, his father went several shades whiter making look like a ghost. Who was Renly Baratheon? Rhaegar turned away to read it. 

“After so many years they finally came out of hiding and now I understand why they were away for so long” Rhaegar rolled the piece of paper and told the knights, “Prepare the horses and the men. We must leave soon”

“Wait go where?” Freyja looked at her father’s anxious face, “Who’s Renly Baratheon?”

“After I defeated Robert Baratheon and hung his and his brother’s heads on spikes, his little brother Renly went missing along with Ragnar” Freyja’s heart skipped a beat and edged closer to her father, her blood ran cold. 

“Is he...is he still alive, Father?” Freyja wanted answers and even if it took her father seconds to open his mouth it made her impatient. “I must know, my King”

“He is alive and held hostage by Renly. He wants to discuss his fate and I must go to save my friend” 

Freyja jumped to her feet, “I have to go with you! I have to go with you!” Rhaegar put his hands on her shoulders, shaking her. “No Y/n you cannot come with me/ You are the heir to the Iron Throne. They will try to kill you and I cannot lose my child”

“But Ragnar is my family too! I want to help. His sons’ will want to avenge him if he does and I am not his child but I would avenge him too.” Freyja took his hands, “I will accompany you. The Gods are on my our side. Odin will protect us”

“Little dragon, when a high lord wants to play the Game of Thrones. There is no middle ground; you win or you die”

Freyja pushed herself away from her father her face fierce like a dragon ought to look. “What Queen will I be if I can’t command my own army? When my men are fighting a war I don’t want to sit by the fire, knitting and pretending everything is fine” She held her chin high, she sort of reminded Rhaegar of his mother. When she made a decision, everyone else be damned. “I will go with you. I’m not afraid of anything.”

____________________________________________________

Cersei and little Rob watched Freyja mount her horse with little difficulty. The Queen Mother grew anxious with each passing second, her brother Jaime was going with her husband and daughter. Her Father, Tywin, had been against the idea but the little princess was stern about her decision and in the end, Rhaegar was the one to agree and he was king.

Freyja felt like a princess in her new leathers and furs. They were not like her Norse leathers but more feminine. Her father placed a golden tiara with red rubies on her head to let the world know who she was. A princess. If Bjorn and his brothers could see her now, she would be unrecognizable. 

More than two hundred men were accompanying them. Her Uncle Jaime and Uncle Viserys were right behind them, Viserys was not happy about his position though. He should be the one riding beside his brother, not his stupid little daughter. Even with all the silks and jewels, she still reeked of Norse and he hated her voice as well. The accent hard like gravel.

“Open the gates!” The metal gates hinged loudly, somewhere a bell rang and people moved to the side to let their royal family through. They galloped through the streets of Kingslanding and out to the roads leading to Ragnar. Freyja would be seeing him for the first time in many years.

After what seemed like many hours of riding the countryside, Freyja saw different banners in the distance. It was yellow with a stag on it. They had fewer men than they did but Freyja could already feel her stomach twist. The field was mostly empty and a great place for battle.

Battle. Freyja shivered.

Trotting closer to the men, she saw that their banners were weathered and old just like the men and their leader. He looked far older than he should be; his hair was oiled with greys sticking out, stringy, clothes once so fine were now ragged and dirty. His eyes were a vivid blue almost like Ivar’s. The man himself had to be around Bjorn’s age yet his wrinkles and bags under his eyes said otherwise. His small army looked hungry and frail, they were holding chains that lead to something. Or someone. She couldn’t tell, their horses were blocking the way.

“King Rhaegar Targaryen,” the blue-eyed man said rather proudly for someone who looked like shit, “Good to see you again after so many years”

“I’d say the same, Lord Renly but I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have someone that belonged to me” King Father answered.

Lord Renly smirked. “I never knew Ragnar Lothbrok was a kept man but I’m grateful for him though. He brought you here” He moved his horse. Freyja was very confused at first, the man in chains could not possibly be Ragnar Lothbrok. The same beautiful man with a long braid that would toss her in the air or sat her on his knee to tell the old stories of the Gods. The same man who once led his army across the sea. Beautiful Ragnar. Ubbe reminded her of him sometimes. This man was old with a long white beard, the bags under his eyes baggy and dark, bald, barefoot and his clothes looked to be made out of a potato sack. Yet when he rose his gaze blue eyes met purple ones and a smile she knew all too well. Her mouth went dry.

“Hello, little Freyja” Ragnar chuckled “So good to finally see you again”

Renly Baratheon shook with anger. The little dragon had returned and he wasn’t going to let another Targaryen sit on the Iron Throne. No, not after so many years of hiding. 

“You brought your daughter, Your Grace,” he said through his teeth, “she is so lovely. Welcome home, my Princess”

“Save the false courtesies, My Lord, what do you want?” Freyja showed him no fear instead she began to reach for her ax, very very slowly.

Renly smirked once again, “Oh that’s easy Your Grace. Your crown. Give me the crown or you will see your father’s and Ragnar’s head on a spike”

“Watch your tongue!” She snapped, her face already getting red. No one spoke that way about her family. No one.

“Or what? Your whore stepmother couldn’t wait to sleep with your father. No wonder she married so fast.”

“I would think very carefully about your next words if I were you, my Lord” Uncle Jaime said, “That is my sister you are talking about”

“And my wife” Rhaegar was losing his patience already, his hand going to his sword getting ready to take it out.

“Your real wife is dead, Your Grace. Dead. Killed by the little wench beside you” Renly giggled, “She was so pretty wasn’t she? Lyanna the wolf-bitch”

Laughter erupted from his crowd, his laughter the loudest of them all. He imprisoned Ragnar and probably killed all his men. He insulted her. But most of all he insulted her family. She was blinded by rage that she didn’t realize the laughter had died down until Freyja heard her father scream for her.

Renly Baratheon’s forehead was cracked open and blood poured out of his wound. An ax right in the middle. Her ax. They all watched his body hit the floor with a sickening thud, it twitched for a few seconds then it stopped. All eyes were on her now. 

@lettersofwrittencollective @blonddnamedhandz @mellxander1993 @faeeiiry @-thatgirloverthere- @whatwhyc-c @wanderlustimagines @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction @colie87

[starksinthenorth]

A Room with a Red Door

Pairing: Sansa/Dany Rating: T Part: 1/1

Read it on AO3.

Summary:

Sansa Stark’s first kiss with Daenerys Targaryen happens before Dany even knows her real name, and they make love long before they have a deep conversation. Somewhere along the line, they relax with each other, becoming just Dany and Sansa. And even though there are not many words between them, there is much and more in the way of feelings, emotions, and love.

Excerpt:

Four days into the queen’s diplomatic visit to claim the Eyrie’s loyalty, Daenerys presses her lips lightly to Alayne’s. The next night, Sansa kisses Daenerys first and wraps her arms around the small queen while they fall asleep together. So intrigued by her witty banter and stories is the queen that when she leaves the Gates of the Moon after just one week, she takes Alayne along as one of her handmaidens.

[murasaki-murasame]

A whole buncha shit went down in Chapter 12 today and we got a new Chimera fight to begin shaking up the shadow meta in preparation for the new mana spiral batch and the new Agito fight, but like 90% of my brainpower is currently being spent thinking about how the new influx of wyrmite rewards let me do another tenfold on the Valentine’s banner, which finally got me Epimetheus.

But I still have some thoughts on the new chapter so I’m gonna put them under a cut because of spoilers

I’m feeling extremely vindicated in my choice to dream summon Laranoa, since chapter 12 ended up having flame enemies, and she even showed up in the story, which is like the last thing I saw coming.

Even though my water team is probably my weakest one overall, I didn’t actually have too much difficulty with anything up until the last couple of Very Hard battles, which I wasn’t able to do, and probably won’t be able to for a while.

I still think that the higher difficulty main campaign maps are really fun and well-balanced, though. It’s pretty rare to get challenging content based around dealing with waves of mob enemies. It really forces you to play differently, especially in Very Hard where every enemy hits super hard.

And on the note of the main bosses in the chapter, I’m still wondering if the whole deal with the cube bosses is actually gonna lead somewhere. Thus far they’re just this giant question-mark with no real in-universe explanation or acknowledgement, and their whole sci-fi vibe and the cryptic references to space probes just feels like the exact opposite of how the rest of the game is. It’s possible that they’re just there to be challenging boss fights with no real context behind them, but I kinda hope something happens with them. Maybe once we’ve gotten one for each element.

Story-wise this chapter was shorter and a bit less eventful than I expected, but it was still really fun. It really feels like things are heating up now. Especially with how it ended, it really feels like the first half of a two-chapter story arc, so that’s probably why it felt kinda brief. It definitely raised a lot of interesting questions that’ll probably get addressed in the next chapter.

First of all, the big elephant in the room is the reveal that apparently we’re going to see the fifth heir in the next chapter, which just kinda came out of nowhere, lol. I really thought they’d be a mystery for longer than this.

It’s not like there’s anything to go on one way or another, but I kinda hope that the fifth heir is that wyrmclan leader we saw that looks a whole lot like Euden. But who knows.

They’re still a huge mystery, but the stuff with Phares in this chapter makes me think that the fifth heir is somehow involved in the whole concept of black mana and how it corrupts dragons, if we’re meant to assume that Phares showing up with the void dragons at the end of the chapter was related to him getting help from the fifth heir. Which might explain why Chelle and Leonidas seemed genuinely freaked out at the idea of Phares working with their mystery sibling. I don’t think the idea of black mana has been introduced or explored at all outside of the descriptions of the void bosses, so it’ll be cool if it gets properly explored soon.

And on that note, I really wasn’t expecting this chapter to provide an actual in-universe explanation for stuff like the void dragons and the IO bosses. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s nice that the void dragons aren’t just in their own little weird pocket of ambiguous canon.

It’s kinda weird to see the main story basically introduce the concept of void battles when those have been in the game forever, but it’s nice to see them finally addressing it, lol.

The whole deal with Leonidas talking about ‘dracoshifting’ is also totally a hint at a future game mechanic, isn’t it? People have been wondering for a while now if there’s going to be some sort of revamp to dragons as a mechanic to basically rebalance them according to the current needs of the endgame meta, and I could totally see some variation of what Leonidas did to Mars being used to explain a new mechanic about buffing existing dragons. I imagine that if we get to do it, we’d do it in a more humane way than Leonidas, but still.

I’ve been thinking ever since they introduced mana spirals for adventurers that dragons should probably get something like that to make them better, and I could see this basically being how they do it. I dunno exactly how they’d do it, but maybe it’ll be like promoting dragons to make them stronger and giving them a new sci-fi design like Mars has. There’s definitely a lot of old dragons that need some sort of buff to make them more relevant. I’d want it to be slowly rolled out for specific dragons that need it, though, like with mana spirals.

Mainly I think that the 60% strength dragons probably need a buff since we’re starting to get conditional 80% strength dragons, but there’s also other relatively weak 5-star dragons like Prometheus, Takemikazuchi, Nidhogg, etc, that could use a buff.

This also might be a good way for them to make it worthwhile to actually be shapeshifted for a while, instead of just using the dragon to use a single skill or to tank a hit. At the moment they’re basically all weaker than if you weren’t shapeshifted, but maybe this sort of buff would also lead to their shapeshifted forms being way better. Which would at least be great for characters like Xainfried, Mym, Lathna, etc.

I’m also kinda wondering now if this chapter might be setting up for Leonidas joining us and being playable eventually. It kinda feels like that’s what they’re setting up, but honestly I kinda hate all of Euden’s siblings and I don’t really want to see any of them become our allies, lol. Also Leonidas would probably just be a flame sword, and we really don’t need more of them.

On a similar note I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’re probably getting Gala Alex next month. I dunno if I’ll go out of my way to save for her, but we’ll see. I’m curious to see what her gala alt would play like, though, especially if she’s still a shadow unit. There’s just a whole lot of competition in shadow at the moment. Either way, I think she’ll probably end up being a sword. Shadow doesn’t really have any noteworthy sword units at the moment, so that’d be nice.

Once we get into March I might start saving for her, but for now I’m probably gonna put some resources into the new dragon banner, since all of the featured ones really interest me [especially Apollo since I don’t have him yet], and I just got Epimetheus so now I’m done with the Valentine’s banner.

That also reminds me that at this point it’s basically confirmed that both Epimetheus and the three old Valentine’s adventurers are permanent now, which is really interesting. I guess this means that later this year they’ll make the old Halloween and Christmas units permanent, too. That’d be a nice way to keep introducing new holiday units without it getting bloated and hard to manage. And honestly most of the older holiday units aren’t particularly good anymore, so there’s no real harm in making them permanent. RIP in pieces to all the people who whaled for V-Hilde, though, lol. Maybe now that she’s permanent she has a chance of getting a mana spiral to make her better.

Anyway, I’ve felt a little let down by some of the recent story chapters, but I ended up really liking this one. Now I’m excited to see what reveals and developments the next chapter brings.

I’m also still extremely hyped about the upcoming shadow mana spiral batch, and the new Agito fight. I’m still clinging onto my pipe dream wish of them improving Norwin by making him more like V-Addis or Natalie. I’ve actually been thinking some more about the different ways that could go [even after I made a whole post about it lmao], and I think it’d be interesting if in addition to adding an enmity effect to his S1, they added an effect to his S2 where he takes non-lethal damage relative to the amount of damage he does to the enemy with the skill, as a way to manually get him down to low health. So I guess in that case he’d be more like a shadow version of Chelsea, which could be fun. I also think there’s a lot of interesting things they could do with him by, say, adding a team health regen effect to his Blind = Team Strength ability. But who knows. I just want him to get some special attention and become genuinely good because I really love him, lol. Though in general I like the idea of them using mana spiral upgrades to basically give certain characters a whole different play-style. Sorta like how Karl can now be used more or less as a buffer, but that has more to do with D-Rathalos than Karl’s mana spiral. It’s still an interesting way to give older units a niche in the meta.

[flibbertigiblet]

Episode 1: FORESHADOWING GALORE

Was it a perfect episode? No. The pacing is still a bit iffy, the dialogue bland, and important scenes felt rushed/undeveloped. But did it give me hope and/or satisfaction? Yes. Light on action, but heavy on foreshadowing, this episode lays the groundwork for three of our favorite theories – Dark!Dany, Political!Jon, and Jonsa.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I never thought that we would get all our theories openly confirmed in the first episode. The showrunners are giving us the last moments of calm before the storm, and it makes sense that they allow the viewers to enjoy Jon’s homecoming and the various reunions between several beloved characters before they hit us with the major twists those theories entail. What they do instead is pepper the episode with strong hints of these outcomes. In this post, I’ll be highlighting the plot points and dialogue that support these theories, rather than going through the premiere scene by scene.

Let’s jump right into it. This is a long one.

Arrival at Winterfell

After a heartfelt hug with Bran (and thank the gods that we finally get a semblance of humanity from the Three-Eyed Raven in this), Jon turns to Sansa, who had been watching their reunion with a small but fond smile on her face. As Jon rears up to embrace his “sister”, the camera makes sure to cut away from them to focus on Daenerys and Jorah, watching them from a distance. Bran is kept in frame, observing their reactions. Sansa too, turns her gaze on the newcomers, even as she wraps her arms around Jon.

I will admit to being disappointed that the reunion hug between Jon and Sansa was much briefer and less intense than what we got in the HBO trailer, but in retrospect, that fact makes me go “hmm”. After all, they chose that particular sequence to be the first and only snippet from S8 to show in that trailer, despite the episode’s truncated version of the hug (or any other scene from the season, really) being a possible option. A photo of this scene shot from yet another angle from a Spanish(?) publication was circulating the internet only days ago. D&D want us to pay special attention to the relationship between Jon and Sansa.

Podrick Dany certainly is.

Dany and Sansa eye each other from across the courtyard, before the former approaches the Starks. As Lyanna Mormont and Lord Royce stare at her with suspicion, Jon makes introductions.

“My sister, Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell.”

“Thank you for inviting us into your home, Lady Stark,” Daenerys says with a fixed smile. “The North is as beautiful as your brother claimed, as are you.” (You know, one way of interpreting this line was that it was Jon who told Dany that Sansa is beautiful. Because, well. She is.)

Sansa is not impressed by the transparent attempt at flattery. She looks Dany up and down and leans back slightly in thinly-veiled disdain, but her words and voice are perfectly civil. “Winterfell is yours, your Grace.” Take note: neither she nor anyone else in the courtyard bends the knee to their would-be queen.

Daenerys doesn’t buy Sansa’s act for a second, but Bran doesn’t have time for this catfight and tells everyone what’s what. The Wall has fallen, and the Army of the Dead (+ dragon) are marching to Winterfell. That sobers them up quickly.

Meeting the Lords

Everyone is gathered in the Great Hall. Pay attention to the framing. At the head table, Sansa has been relegated to Jon’s right, where Davos, as the Hand of the King, used to sit. Daenerys has taken up Sansa’s former seat to his left, where the Lady of Winterfell typically sits. In this first shot, however, Dany is standing by the fireplace, leaving a visual and metaphorical gap between the Northern pair and Team Dany, represented by Tyrion, who is seated at the far end of the table.

As acting leader of Winterfell, Sansa is the one running the meeting. She establishes the fact that she has called on all the banners to retreat to Winterfell, and asks for an update from Lord Umber, last of that once-mighty House. A young boy no older than Bran was in season 1 pops his head out from behind one of the nameless Lords. He is small, and cute, and has been singled out by the script, so clearly he is doomed.

He addresses first Sansa - “We need more horses and wagons, my Lady,” – then Jon – “and my Lord,” – who flashes him a quick smile – “and my Queen.” – and only then Daenerys, who does not love being third on this list. “Sorry,” apologizes awkwardly. His business is sorted out, and he is sent off.

Jon instructs Maester Wolkan to send ravens to the Night’s Watch to summon them to Winterfell. “At once, Your Grace,” says the man, out of habit, probably, but it’s all the excuse Lyanna Mormont needs to stand up to sass Jon for renouncing his crown (mostly because D&D have designated her the improbable mouthpiece of the North and have not bothered to introduce us to any of the other lords).

Jon tries to make his case, but nobody is convinced, not even when Tyrion tags himself in. As he tries to sway the Northern lords, the camera cuts to the other three – Jon in between the two women, Stark and Targaryen, black and white. They really couldn’t be more obvious about the symbolism here, but in case you missed it, the showrunners give us more evidence that we’re not about to get The Hair Braiding That Was Promised.

Sansa is facing the lords, addressing Tyrion, but is clearly speaking to Daenerys when she asks just how Winterfell is supposed to feed Team Dany’s massive armies and the dragons. Like the responsible leader that she is – take notes, kiddos – Sansa had spent the past few months stockpiling supplies to help her people through winter. Was the North expected to support these newcomers too? “What do dragons eat, anyway?”

“Whatever they want,” says Dany.

The two women look at each other with no further pretense at friendliness. Battle lines have been drawn.

(Jon sits there, pretending not to notice.)

A Proposed Proposal

Davos, Varys and Tyrion are discussing how to salvage the alliance between their respective sides. Davos tells the others that Northerners do not trust easily, that this trust needs to be earned. But he is hopeful that it can happen. “On the off chance that we survive the Night King, what if the Seven Kingdoms, for once in their whole shit history, were ruled by a just woman and an honorable man?”

He is talking about a possible marriage between Jon and Dany, but at this point the audience knows the truth of their relationship, and by the end of the episode – spoiler – Jon does too. Whether or not the GA realizes it yet, this makes the conversation equally applicable to the Jonsa side of the triangle.

Plus, le gasp! A Stark-Targaryen marriage? How dreadfully romantic.*

*Okay, I am actually strongly anti-Rhaegar, but the show plays them as some kind of grand romantic pairing so I will try to contain my antipathy for the purposes of this review.

A Darker Turn

Down at the courtyard, Daenerys is feeling somewhat put upon.

“Your sister doesn’t like me.”

Jon tries to mollify her. “She doesn’t know you. If it makes you feel any better, she didn’t like me either when we were growing up.”

“She doesn’t need to be my friend. But I am her queen. If she can’t respect me…”

WHAT, DANY? IF SANSA CAN’T RESPECT YOU, WHAT WILL YOU DO?

We’ve been saying it for a long while now, but guys. Dark!Dany is coming. While certain elements of the fandom persist in denying the obvious trajectory of her character arc, the foreboding undertone of this line is hard to ignore. What made this even more chilling was that she said this to Jon, a member of her family, who doesn’t yet know at this point in the episode what Dany’s extreme reaction tends to be for insubordination.

(Oh, but we know.)

When Sam learns of what Daenerys did to his father and brother, he could barely hold it together long enough to excuse himself from her presence before falling apart. Despite what Dany stans would have you think, this is a perfectly human and normal reaction to hearing such dreadful news. Also human and understandable? Mistrusting the kind of ruler who would execute a man for not bending the knee. Especially since Sam has personally seen a more humane sort of leadership before in Jon, who he later urges to take up his birthright as the true heir to the Iron Throne.

Other metas have discussed Dany’s approach to leadership and her increasingly draconian (an apt word, no?) attitude towards what she feels is her rightful position as Queen of the 7K. That she can and will take what is hers. A sense of entitlement not dissimilar to that which she attributed to her dragons earlier in that public display which did not endear her to her Northern subjects…

Side note: We’ve seen the indiscriminate destruction that an unchecked dragon can reap before when one of them – then only half-grown – killed the young daughter of a goatherd in Meereen. We even received a handy reminder of this straight from the mouth of Dany’s staunchest supporter and ally only in the episode before this one: “Dragons don’t understand the difference between what is theirs and what isn’t. Land, livestock, children…letting them roam free around the city was a problem.” – Jorah Mormont, S07E07.

And because it hasn’t been hammered into our heads enough, we are reminded of this again later on, when her Dothraki riders list exactly how much her dragons had consumed just that same day (“only eighteen goats and eleven sheep”, which apparently means “the dragons are barely eating”). This is followed by a powerful shot of said dragons surrounded by the charred bones of the livestock that could have fed dozens of people.

The same people who cowered as the dragons flew over Mole’s Town, and whose fear she appeared to relish.

Foreshadowing much?

That Dragon Flying Scene

Oh boy. I’ll be honest. I wasn’t excited to see this one at all. In the end it was both more and less awful than I imagined it would be. The dragon riding scene is bound to be controversial. Thrilling to some, pandering of the worst kind to others. To me, it smacks of fanservice, but let’s give the show the benefit of the doubt and try to parse its storytelling purpose in the greater scheme of things.

Despite Daenerys’ unsubtle threat towards Sansa in the previous scene – which Jon was conveniently prevented from addressing due to the interruption of the Dothraki – and the sight of Drogon and Rhaegal apparently sulking whilst surrounded by the remains of the food they are “barely eating”, the showrunners made the odd decision to play this scene with a note of levity.

Out of nowhere, Dany oh-so-casually encourages her lover to try riding her dragon, a foolhardy decision based on what, exactly? The one time Jon had a moment with one of her “gorgeous beast(s)”? Dany teases him about his initial reluctance, and laughs at his ungraceful attempts to hang on as the two dragons freewheel over the snow-covered lands of the North before landing in front of a beautiful waterfall for a “romantic” moment.

In dialogue calling back to Jon and Ygritte’s famous cave scene (listen, are D&D just going to troll us by recycling  all of Jon’s best hits?):

“We could stay a thousand years, says Daenerys, looking back at Jon. “No one would find us.”

“We’d be pretty old,” says Jon with uncharacteristic humor.

I believe Jon’s lightheartedness stems as much from his being home with his family at long last as the thrill of dragonriding with a pretty girl by his side. The two flirt using cheesy lines straight out of bad fanfiction before sharing a kiss which I suppose will please the stans.

Not me, though. Romantic music playing in the background or not, like in boatbang, the supposed passion of the moment is interrupted by a third party which makes the whole thing awkward. The final shot of Jon’s eyes widening as he sees Rhaegal staring directly at him as he kisses the Dragon Queen made me snort, but it is unclear whether it was played for a laugh, is meant to underline the awkwardness of this romance, or be an ominous portent of the revelations to come.

And Now For the Good Stuff

That terrible unnecessary Disneyfied brightly lit, panoramic, even mildly comedic sequence contrasted sharply with the scene between Jon and Sansa only minutes later. We are treated to a Jonsa staple: a warm, candlelit scene full of tension, fluttering eyelashes, and heaving bosoms. This time, the air is shimmering with a new emotion – jealousy.

The two start off by discussing a message from Lord Glover, who “wishes (them) good fortune but he’s staying in Deepwood Motte with his men.” This immediately sparks an argument between them about Jon having bent the knee. They’ve had variations of this fight before, and to be honest, it’s a little tired. While I fully understand Sansa’s reservations about the presence of Dany and her armies in the North in terms of logistics, I tend to be more sympathetic to Jon’s insistence that the discussion on Northern independence needs to take a back seat for the moment given the gravity of the threats they are facing. But Sansa clings stubbornly to this old argument, and she (rather unfairly) lays the blame for Lord Glover’s desertion at Jon’s feet (let’s blame who is really at fault here, Sansa – the disloyal lord himself).

But of course, that’s not really what they’re fighting about.

“You didn’t tell me you were going to abandon your crown,” she says, voice shaking with anger as she turns her back on Jon.

Jon, frustrated, moves several steps closer. “I never wanted a crown. All I wanted was to protect the North. I brought two armies home with me, two dragons.”

Sansa spins around. “And a Targaryen queen?” she spits out.

Ah, and here we come to what appears to be the true cause of her wrath. Jon reminds Sansa that without Daenerys (and her martial strength), they don’t stand a chance against the Army of the Dead. Sansa is silent. She cannot argue the need for the armies and the dragons, but she takes particular exception to the woman who leads them. Why, Sansa? TELL US WHY.

It’s in their eyes as much as their words.

Jon heaves a deep sigh, closes his eyes. “Do you have any faith in me at all?” (Y’all, this line just about broke my heart cause he just wants her to love trust him.)

Sansa’s eyes are soft and slightly glassy. “You know I do.”

Jon takes another step or two towards Sansa, never breaking their gaze. “She’ll be a good queen. For all of us.” His eyes move away briefly. “She’s not her father.”

Sansa looks down, gathering herself with a deep breath. “No, she’s much prettier.”

Jon gives a pained smile of acknowledgment. It is his turn to avoid her stare.

“Did you bend the knee to save the North?” Sansa asks him, her eyes unfocused. “Or because you love her?”

Jon glances up at Sansa, but doesn’t respond.

END SCENE.

(Let’s give a standing ovation to Sophie and Kit for acting the hell out of this scene. I want a hundred gifs of this, people. Please get on it.)

The subtext is rich, rich, rich, my Jonsas. The dream is still alive.

One Last Thought - The Importance of Sansa Stark

Nothing made me happier than seeing our Queen in the North Lady of Winterfell given all the credit and respect that is her due after seasons of anti bullshit. See:

The people’s deference to her position and the role that she plays in the North

Tyrion’s acknowledgment of her survival skills - “Many underestimated you. Most of them are dead now.”

Arya’s steadfast defense of her - “She’s the smartest person I ever met.” - when Jon (Jon???) himself was expressing frustration towards her (check out @athimbleful 's recent ask for an explanation for Jon’s behavior in this scene)

Even Dany’s behaviour towards Sansa (first with that cringey introduction), and later when she singles her out for not “respecting” her, despite the fact that none of the Northern lords were showing her any warmth is an indication of her awareness of Sansa’s alpha status, which is right and just and exactly as it should be.

As recent promo materials, cast interviews, etc. seem be strongly pro-Sansa, I am reasonably optimistic that this all bodes well for our girl. For that alone, I will breathe a little easier...

...at least for one more week.

[avengerscompound]

The Tower: The Queen of Asgard - 27

The Tower: The Queen of Asgard An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Pairing:  Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 2990

Warnings: Being naked, sex talk

Synopsis: The twins are now three and while the Avengers know that Clint and Thor are the biological father’s none of them know or care which blond, blue-eyed baby is related to which man.  When Riley gets the power to control wind and it becomes evident that she is the heir to the Asgardian throne, Elly, Steve, Thor, and Tony take the twins to Asgard to train her.

Not every Asgardian is happy with their king’s choice of consort, nor the impurity of the heir’s blood.  While others expect Thor to make things more official.  What’s clear is, the role of Queen of Asgard is not easily filled.

Author’s Note:  Written with my very sleepy daughter @fanficwriter013​

Chapter 27: Friends and Loved Ones

The following week and a half passed with little incident.  Since the Fenestare things had settled a lot.  The threat of some sibling taking the crown seemed to pass by forgotten completely and everyone had just fallen in line with Thor’s leadership.  For most of us, it had become like the vacation none of us had ever taken.  We were relaxed and enjoying the planet and each other.  Tony had made his little bots that followed us around but aside from the fact I would need mine to tell me where I was, no one ever used it.

It was only really Thor that was kept busy and he was kept very busy.  Between the Bonding and training Riley and running Asgard he was out from early in the morning until late at night when he would come back exhausted.  We had started talking about one or two of us staying with him on Asgard at a time but we didn’t know how to organize that system.  There was already so much time that got taken from us as a family, to add weeks on Asgard to that too meant that we’d always be in a state of flux.  Not to mention deciding who would stay.

Being in a long-distance relationship with a king wasn’t easy.

The day we had set to have our joint bachelor party I woke up engulfed in Bucky and Steve’s arms.  I stretched like a cat and they didn’t stir at all.  It had only taken a week for them to completely enter a relaxed holiday mode.  It was probably a little concerning, but I was still impressed.  It was nice seeing them like that.

When I opened my eyes that wasn’t the only thing I saw though.  Phil Coulson was standing near the bed looking at us.

“Phil!”  I yelped covering myself with a sheet.

Bucky and Steve both sat bolt upright and looked around startled and on alert.  “Phil?”  Steve said confused.

“What the hell?”  Bucky added a little angrier sounding.

“Sorry!”  Phil said raising his hands in surrender.  “I was told you were in here, so I came to see and you were sleep and… I’m sorry.”

“Does that mean everyone is here?”  I asked.

“Yeah, we arrived this morning,” Phil answered.  “You’re getting married?”

“Bonding,” Steve said.  “But essentially.  Now if you don’t mind…”

“Right.  I’ll go back to the others.”  Phil said apologetically, retreating from the room.

When the door closed I leaned my forehead on Bucky’s shoulder.  “I think I just aged 5 years.”

Steve chuckled softly and kissed my neck.  “Well, in good news, you’re about to get 4,900 extra years.  So you can afford them.”

I turned and kissed him gently.  “Two days.”

He made a soft sound and his hand flexed on my hip.

“Okay,”  I said pulling back.  “I’m gonna get dressed and go say hello.”

“That’s a good idea,” Bucky said stretching.

I dressed and headed out into the living room.  It was at capacity, with almost everyone else up and eating as well as our friends, some of the Dora Milaje and even Carol Danvers who we saw once in a blue moon.

“Gurl!”  Clark said, jumping to her feet, her violet eyes twinking.  “We gonna hafta talk. This is fucking Asgard!”

“Right?”  I said coming over and hugging her.

“Everyone is so pretty.  How are they all so pretty?”  She asked as she pulled back from me.

“They’re gods?”  I said.  “But it’s much more open here if you and Jax want to get busy.”

“Mmm… we’ve already decided on a competition.  I’ve got my eyes on a few people.”  She teased.  “So come on, explain to me what’s going on.”

I came and sat next to her and Jax and ran through the whole series of events from the day Riley’s powers come in, coming here, being attacked and the bonding ceremony.  Around me, a similar conversation was had by small groups of the others in the room.

“You sure you want this?”  Jax said.  “We always spoke about what your parents wanted for you…”

“Yes, what they wanted for me was marry rich have kids.  Which I guess I am doing, but I don’t think they envisioned this.  There are things that scare me, and I’m sure you’re going to have your work cut out for you when I get back.  Living for 5000 years is scary.  But...”  I said.  “I’m so happy.”

“Well, then I’m happy for you.”  He said.

“Sweetie, you’re not at work now,” Clarke said in a playfully patronizing tone, letting Jax know to stop analyzing things.  He held up his hands in surrender and she turned back to me.  “So bachelorette?”

“It’s a group thing because we don’t really have a lot of people otherwise,” I said.

“Alcohol?  Strippers?”  She asked.

“Yes to both.  But go easy on the mead.”  I said.  “I had to take Sam to the healers.”

“Yikes.  Okay.  I’ll try and remember that.”  She said.  “I’m excited to try the food.”

“Well, it should be here soon.  I’m sure there will be enough for everyone.”  I said.

“Oh, nice.  I bet it’s super weird and decadent.”  She sat up straight all of a sudden and looked around the room.  “Wait, where are my kiddos?”

“Asleep I guess.  They sleep like the dead here.  I think it’s the air.”  I said.  “Do you want to go get them.”

She raised an eyebrow at me.  “Of course.”

“Before you do,”  Loki said, appearing behind me and making me jump.

“Jesus, Loki!”  I gasped holding my chest.  “How many times can you do that and find it funny?”

“Every time, Elise,”  She snarked.  “There is a tight schedule today.  You have about an hour and a half for breakfast and to … socialize.  Then final fittings for your garments.  Then there will be initial preparations for Henhalda.  That’s the body painting.  You will be bathed and then your artists will do the outlines on your arms and legs.  You will have lunch during that time because it will take you until dinner and then this party of yours tonight.”

“Thank you, sister.”  I teased.

“Do not make me break the truce and stab you, Elise.”  She snarked.

“Fine.  No, that’s all good.  I’ll go and get the kids then?”  I said.  “Will you be taking care of them?”

“Myself and the Lady Sif shall take turns.  I assure you they will be fine.”  She said.

I nodded and got up and headed into the kids’ rooms with Clarke trailing behind me.  As we came into the room we found Riley already climbing out of the bed.  She squealed and ran over to Clarke.  “Aunnie Cwarke!”

“Hi, baby!”  Clarke said scooping her up.  “Tell me all about Asgard.”

I went over to Pietro and start to rub his back to wake him.

“Umm… dey calls me a pwincess.”  Riley said, thinking hard.  “And uhh… daddy’s been teaching me to do da wind.”

“And are you getting good at controlling the wind?”  Clarke asked.

She nodded vigorously as Pietro groaned and sat up.  “Aunnie Cwarke?”  He said in a sleepy voice.

“Hey, baby,” Clarke said gently.

“You came to Asgawd?”  He asked.

“Yeah, buddy.  Lots of people are here.  Uncle Phil and Auntie Maria.  Uncle Scott.  Uncle Rhodey.  Uncle Jax.”  I said and he started bouncing on his bed.

“Come on, kiddo,”  Clarke said.  “Come out and see everyone.”

Pietro ran out and stopped dead looking at the room full of all the people he loved best.  The food had arrived and Riley pointed at Magnus.  Meanwhile, Pietro had started dancing on the spot like he didn’t know where to go first.  Wanda looked around at him and smiled.  “Hey, little one.  How are you doing?”

“Good, daj,” he said, happily.  “Deys all here.”

“Are you happier now that family is all here?”  Wanda asked.

“Dis Cwistmas?”  Pietro asked.

Wanda squeaked and her hand went to her mouth.  “El.  El!  That was adorable!”

“Not quite Christmas, kiddo,” I said ruffling his hair.  “How about you go say hello to everyone though.”

He ran over to Rhodey first and gave him a huge hug.  I went and got a plate of breakfast for me and the kids and sat.  The room was completely alive with talk and excitement.  It was good.  Everything felt like it was falling into place.  There were just a few more pieces to go.

My final fitting was done under the supervision of Loki, who was very particular about where things still needed to be taken in or up.  She’d hiss things in Asgardian to the tailors and then swept out of the room to do the same with the next person.  It looked beautiful though.  Everything I never imagined a wedding dress could be.  Not that it was a wedding really, but there was no way that whatever dress I chose to wear when I married Tony would be able to match the way this shimmered in the light and looked like it contained magic itself in it.  I decided then and there, whatever Tony and I did would be small, and more casual.  A little celebration just to make what we were doing here as a group, as legally recognized as we’d be able to back on Earth.

When I was done and back into my regular clothes I came out to the living room.  A moment later a group of people of varying ages came in and they were directed by Loki to each of our bedrooms.  She turned back to face us.

“Now is Henhalda.  You will need to follow the directions of your artists.  They may ask you to stand, lie down, sit.  Or they might be happy for you to decide.  Each artist has been chosen to deal with you specifically.  Whether you need a firm hand, someone to work in silence, a reassuring presence, a gentle touch, or someone who is less attached to rank and tradition.”  Loki said looking from Clint, Natasha, Wanda, Bruce and I in turn.  “They have briefed about who you each are and who they are working with specifically so they understand what reservations you might each have.  Particularly when it comes to the nudity required for Henhalda.  Those fine with nudity will most likely be asked to strip off right away so that the artwork can be carried out from the inside out.  Those that need time to become comfortable will have their arms and legs worked on first.

“Voice your reservations so they can put them at ease.  But this must be done apart from each other.  You may take a friend with you but it can not be one you are to bond with.”

Steve looked a little uncomfortable but gave a small nod, while Bruce looked from Loki to me with panic in his eyes.  “I don’t think I can do this, El.”

I moved over to him and caressed his jaw.  “Yes, you can,” I said firmly.  “The big guy knows how important this is.  You just have to get out of your own head.”

“I can come with you if you like,” Jax offered.  “Go through your relaxation techniques.”

Bruce nodded a little.  “If you’re sure.”

“I’d be honored,” Jax assured him.

“Bruce, if you really can’t handle it, let Hulk out.  Just… let him out before he takes over on his own.   You know that he’s always calmer when you do that, and I think he’d quite enjoy being painted on.  Besides, it will let him be a real part of this.”

Bruce winced and gave a nod.  “El,” he whispered.  “I might need a buffer for the party.  I mean, after this.”

I leaned in and kissed his cheek gently.  “Of course, honey.  You’ve got me.”

We separated into pairs.  Coulson went with Clint.  Hill with Natasha.  Jax went with Bruce, Wanda with Vision.  Scott got super lucky when Steve agreed to let him go with him.  Bucky had the honor of T’Challa agreeing to go with him.  Sam took Rhodey with him after Tony agreed to share his best friend and took Happy with him instead, and Thor took Sif.  Clarke was coming with me and everyone else was going to either see the sights of Asgard or take turns looking after the twins.

I went into my bedroom to find a young woman, who looked around 18 in Earth years but could have been any age really, set up with a table, brushes, and inks.

“Where would you like me?”  I asked.

“Where ever you feel comfortable.”  The girl replied.  “We’ll be here for a while so I’d suggest lying but I can work however you like.”

“Do you want me naked right away?”  I asked her.

She nodded.  “If you’re comfortable doing that.  You can go face down first too if that helps.”

“Alright,” I said taking off my clothes.  “It’s okay to tell me what to do, you know?  I don’t want to make this difficult for you.”

“So, it is true what they say.”  She said as I lay down on the bed face down and Clarke went to my wardrobe and began looking through it.

“What’s that?”  I asked.

“That you are like us,” she said.  “You don’t see yourself as Royalty.  Or better than us.”

I chuckled.  “Yeah, well I don’t think I’m better than you, that’s for sure.”

“Some of the elders don’t understand.”  She said.  “I like it though.  It’s nice.”

She began to wash my back down with a warm cloth that smelled like roses and Clarke came back and sat down beside me, leaning on the bedhead.  “I’m gonna steal some of your clothes.”

“Go for it,” I said as the girl began to trace a pattern out on my back with her finger.

“Awesome.  Gonna look like a princess at your party.”  Clarke said.  “What’re you doing there?”

“Oh, I uh - I’ve never done a Henhalda before.  I just want to get a picture of it in my head before I start.”  She said.  She kneeled on the bed beside me and pulled her little table over closer and began to paint.

The ink was cool on my skin and she was painting such fine intricate lines that it put me into an almost trance-like state of relaxation, my skin tingling.

“You should see this, blue,” Clarke said.  “This girl is crazy talented.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“Will the others be the same?  Or is this unique per person?”  I asked.

“Some of it will be identical.  It’s supposed to represent your lives together.  And some of that is shared.  Some is individual.”  She explained.

I hummed.  “I can’t wait to see everyone’s.”

“And of course the private paintings meant only for each other.”  She said.

“What will they be?”  I asked.

“You will have symbolic images, representing your lovers, painted in your most intimate places.”  She said.

“Oh wow.  That’s going to be so fun to explore with each other.”  I said.  “What will the one that represents me look like?  Do you know?”

“It is a flower made of blue flame, that’s roots run out and join with the other’s symbols and one to the heart of each person it is painted on.  Worked into the flower is the rune Gebo.”

“What does Gebo mean?” I asked.

“It means, gifts and relationships.  Sacrifice and exchange.”  She said.

I liked that and wondered if the others had runes in their symbols too and if they did what they stood for.  “Who designed them.”

“We did as a team using psychics who mapped out your futures.”  She answered.   She moved down to my legs and then seemed to change her mind and came back up to my shoulders.  “Sorry, the way I paint is more unconventional.  This is why they assigned me to you.  The others are more stuffy.”

I chuckled.  “Oh no.  I’m the difficult one.”

“Just untraditional.  But I am the youngest.  So I don’t care for tradition.”  She said.  “I like working with you.  I think we could be friends.”

“That would be nice.  I could always use more friends.”  I said.  “What’s your name?”

She almost squeaked in excitement.  “Katveil.  Can I call you Elise?”

“Or Elly.  My friends call me Elly.”  I said.

“I don’t.  I call her blue.”  Clarke said.

“Why do you call her that?”  Katveil asked.

“I don’t know.  She’s just … blue.”  Clarke said.

“What is your name?”  Katveil asked.

“Clarke,”  Clarke said giving Katveil a nod.  “Here to share in naked time.”

Katveil started laughing.  “It is a little odd, even for here.”

“Feels nice though.  Soothing.  I could probably fall to sleep.”  I said.

“You are welcome to if the urge comes.  Go with your feelings.”  Katveil said.

We stayed talking until lunch where I ate lying on my stomach while the ink dried on my back.  When Katveil was satisfied with the ink being dry enough she had me roll over and started painting my front.  I watched her for a while as the design got smaller and more intricate and eventually I did doze off and was awoken abruptly by Katveil shaking me.

“You’re finished.”  She said when my eyes snapped open.  “I have not painted the special symbols yet.  They are to wait until tomorrow.”

I looked down at myself.  I looked like I’d become one giant mandala.  “Holy shit.”  I gasped.

Katveil smiled.  “Just wait until it’s colored.  You won’t believe your eyes.”

“I’m really excited,” I said.

Katveil gave a little bow.  “I shall see you tomorrow.  Enjoy your party, Elly.”

“Thank you, Katveil.  I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said.

“Please, call me Kat.”  She said.

“Kat is is.”  I agreed.

Katveil left the room and Clarke shoved me.  “Come on, lady.”  She said.  “We gotsta get ready.  It’s time to party.”

 // NEXT

[jadeswritinggarden]

The Stars Where You Are - Chapter 2

Prologue | Ch.1 Pt.1 | Ch.1 Pt.2 | Ch.2

you can also read it here

(3365 words)

...

Enna’grad Leaip

Achalla

…

It’s a peaceful night tonight. The moon sits high in the sky, dodging clouds as it makes its way through the heavens. Happy people stroll through the streets, slowly filing into their homes. Banners not yet being celebrated are being hung in the streets. Candles floating in the air beside the men and women who work on ladders to hang the banners. The forest was just teeming with life. Its soft hum of life brought a smile to my face. 

I walk on the dirt path leading to the forest with my brother, Ezrag’endi. Our feet march in beat as we make our way to the edge of the forest. Fruits fill our baskets, ready to be snacked on at any moment. We spend our time picking fruits and veggies tonight as tomorrow Ezra will be crowned king. Many elves would gather tomorrow night to watch as Ezra’endi, the rightful heir to the throne finally took to the crown. Ever since Dad died, many have been awaiting my brother’s twenty-seventh birthday. Now that it was all happening, I couldn’t be more terrified. 

Sure, we were in a time of peace. The humans don’t know of us, we are content with each other, but the fact that Ezra would soon be king scared me above all else. 

Dad had been king once. Now he is dead. 

I can tell Ezra is nervous too. So when he asked if I would join him for one last stroll to the forest to pick fruits and vegetables before his coronation, I couldn’t say no. Ezra tried to play it off as us collecting last-minute food for the grand feast tomorrow. To get some quiet time before the excitement of the crowning overtook the palace. I understood what he meant. 

Ezra has always been a good brother. He loves me, I love him. He likes spending time with me, I like spending time with him. We’ve been close for as long as I can remember. Sometimes that is your only option. When you never knew your mother and your father has spent most of his life on the verge of death, whether due to war or famine, you learn to become close to your sibling. 

I hold a basket of various fruits and vegetables. Purple sphere fruits with pink lines were all piled up together, while the green ones with yellow dots were piled up on the other side of the basket. Beside them were red berries. All fruits ready for eating. 

"Where do you think the sapidus are?" Ezra asks, placing his elbow on my head. I’m not much younger than Ezra, but I am shorter than the average elf. That means Ezra likes to take any chance he can get to show that he’s taller. And I hate it. 

I’m quick to shrug off his elbow from my head.

“Get off me, demon,” I grumble. “It’s just up here.” I know where all the wild fruits are. I’ve spent many years on this dirt path, exploring the flora and fauna around it. Sapidus aren’t a sweet fruit but you can’t have a feast without a sapidus pie. We come upon the small patch of them, right off the trail. 

I grab some of the yellow fruit and start placing them in my basket. Ezra doesn’t even try to be sneaky when taking one to eat right now. I even debate taking and eating one for myself. They are a delicious savory flavor that isn’t the most refreshing but can’t be beaten. 

While leaning over to pick some more, I hear a quiet sound. A thumping sound. Almost quiet enough to be non-existent. But it very much exists. And Ezra heard it too. 

“Something is coming,” Ezra says in a low voice. I quickly rise from my spot and face the path we had already walked. That’s where the sound comes from. The path winds up to the palace and town. I hastily prepare to fight off any attackers, allowing the magic to flow through my veins. The electric sensation makes the hairs on my arms rise. The electric blood means it’s working. A dim green light radiates from my hands which sit cautiously at my side. 

The magic I call upon is a defense spell. It would stop any shots from hitting us, magic or arrow. 

Ezra also was ready to fight with a soft red light. A magic more fit for fighting. Ezra is better at fighting than me. He was prepared to take the offensive and I the defensive. We waited for an attacker. 

"Your majesty!" A young voice called out. It was the kingdom messenger, Eriladar. He ran as quick as possible, head bobbing up and down as he pounded towards us. I drop all magic from my veins, relieved I don’t have to be fighting anyone. Most people who’d dare attack the two princes would be stronger than me anyway. I watch as Ezra’s magic disappears, leaving only the natural moonlight. 

When the messenger reached us, he stopped to catch his breath. With blue skin tinged purple at the cheeks, I could tell he had run all the way from the palace. 

Eriladar? What are you here for?" Ezra asked, walking closer to the boy who was out of breath. 

"The guards, they- found- humans!" The boy was out of breath and couldn't talk easily, but he got out the gist of it. Ezra’s muscles tensed. There hadn’t been a human in Achalla that we didn’t know about ever. Humans equaled danger. 

“What? Where?” His words were rushed and full of terror. I know what that means. Anger was sure to come next. 

"The cave of Venustas. They are being brought to the palace now." 

"I'm sorry Enna but I have to deal with this," Ezra said, handing me his basket. I thought every human who had somehow stumbled upon our cave had their memory wiped before even getting near the entrance? How did someone slip through? Our guards are thorough and don’t forget anything. So how did this happen? 

“I understand. Let’s go.” 

The castle was abuzz. News of humans had gotten out already. And gossip spread like fire. Servants ran around wildly to search for anything to do to get a glimpse of the humans that would arrive at the throne room soon. Nobles hurried through doors to gather in the room that the council was in. I follow Ezra helplessly through the back entrance of the palace.

Almost immediately the sisters find us. 

With golden skin that was sun-kissed even without sun and carnelian eyes, the sisters followed. Three of the only sun elves left in the entire world. Curiosity filled their eyes and I could see it. 

“What is happening, Ezrag’endi?” The youngest sister Kilikani spoke up. Her youthful face was laced with worry. She was far too young to remember the raids. And the fear. And the humans. She was younger than me.

“I am going to find out.” He told the girl. Though acting confident, I could see the fear in him. Humans always send us into a panic. Ezra most of all. 

It’s probably just some lost travelers who were looking for shelter and found the cave, I try to convince myself. It doesn’t work. 

The sisters follow my brother at a hurried pace, walking faster than me. Eireann’resa, Nainsi’gral, and Kilikani’sea were part of the council that served Dad and now serve Ezra. Being the granddaughters of the final queen of the sun elves, that’s what Dad had decided they deserved. 

Naturally, we don’t call them by their full formal titles. They’re just Eireann, Nainsi, and Kilikani to us. 

We push into the throne room, which has erupted into chaos. 

“Prince Ezrag’endi!” An older man rushed up to us. He was another part of the council. The weight of the wars he has witnessed weighed down on his skin. Wrinkles graced nearly every inch of his face. A wild fear filled his face. 

“Sir Min’kala! What’s wrong?” I question, pushing through the three sisters to stand next to Ezra. I wasn’t an official part of the council but my words should matter. 

“Humans were found in the cave of Venutas-”

“We know that already!” Ezra’s mood had changed completely from when we were alone. Now anger coursed through his veins, appearing even in the little twitches of his eyes. We’ve never had to deal with humans without Dad. “Tell me something I can actually use! Who are they? How many? What kingdom have they come from?” He shouted at the poor man.

“Ezra…” Eireann, the eldest of the sisters took a step forward. She was graceful, even in a situation like this. Her warning, though quiet, was rather effective. It reached my brother surprisingly fast. I could see the edge of his anger slowly disappear. He was still angry but would no longer yell. I could tell. 

“I apologize, your Highness. There are only three. And we do not know anything yet. The guards are bringing them in momentarily. We were waiting until you arrived.” Sir Min’kala lowered his head in shame. 

“You have done nothing wrong, Sir Min’kala. Please inform the guards we are ready.” Eireann spoke with her arms clasped in front of her. How can she be so calm? This is terrifying. Out of all the people here, she should be the one freaking out. Surely she has been dealing with war and humans ever since she was little. The amount of shit she has gone through in her life would be enough to drive any normal elf crazy. I know I’d go crazy. 

Eireann places a hand on Ezra’s shoulder and guides him to the throne. His throne, come tomorrow. His throne come today. With no current monarch, he is the acting king. He has truly been king ever since Dad fell ill. 

Ezra and Eireann standing together were the perfect image of what war causes. They were around the same age. Still youthful. Too young. There was not a soul in Achalla that didn’t pity them for their young age. 

Sir Min’kala scurried away out the main door, to gather the guards and humans I suppose. Beside the throne that looked to be made of iron and vines was a smaller, less impressive throne. It was to belong to the next of kin to the king. And in this case, that would be me. I take my seat beside Ezrag’endi. That was his official name. 

The sisters took their spot standing on Ezra’s left. The other members of the council sat below the steps up to the throne. Each sat on their knees awaiting the humans that they had heard of. Each more tired than the next.

I wait impatiently, tapping my foot as we wait for Sir Min’kala. It felt like forever before he came back, guards in tow. 

A dozen guards walked in to protect three hidden figures. They held on tight to the near lifeless bodies. The humans stumbled along being half dragged down the carpet towards the throne. They each had different skin tones, not unlike moon elves. However, their skin colors were similar to those of the sun elves. Not nearly as vivid though. One-by-one they were dropped in front of us. 

Two boys, one girl. The girl was short and small, but I spot strong muscles under her cloak. The taller boy, sitting to the left of the boy in the middle, looked the weakest. 

The boy in the middle is the only one with enough power to attempt to stand up, but he fails and falls to his knees. His disheveled hair fell in front of his eyes. None of them could be much older than eighteen. Their clothes did not give off the impression of wealth. Dirty old tunics covered the three different chests. Mud caked the bottom of the cloaks they wore. There was no way that they weren’t lost travelers. No king is going to send champions without armor and weaponry. 

I may not know much about humans but I know enough to recognize royalty trying to steal their land and riches. 

“Names.” Ezra hissed at the humans. The tallest boy looked up with weary eyes. Guards surrounded them with weapons at the ready. The humans did not make an effort to attack so neither did the guards. 

“Moon elves…” Was all he managed to mumble. His head lolled to the side. 

“What are your names?” Ezra spoke louder. His anger must be fighting to come out. 

“Finnian.” The human boy in the middle spoke. I can tell it takes all he has to hold his head up and keep his eyes open. Every blink seemed to be luring him back sleep. Every breath seemed to be painful. 

That is what the guards did. They used sleeping magic powerful enough to sedate the enemy long enough to tie their hands and drag them here. Here the king would decide their fate. The other two humans seemed to be breathing fine though. I don’t know why the boy known as Finnian was struggling to breathe. 

Finnian looked up at with shock. He must be surprised he found moon elves right where we have been for decades. These humans are definitely not harmful. A sigh of relief floats out of my mouth upon the realization. We are safe. For now at least. 

The council seems more curious than the humans. But their curiosity is intertwined with their disgust. The council peers at the humans from their spots. Not only had the council gathered but also many castle staff and other nobility. Whispers filled the air surrounding the humans. 

“Finnian, what are your friends’ names?” Not only had the council gathered but also many castle staff and other nobility. Whispers filled the air surrounding the humans. 

“Finnian, what are your friends’ names?” I ask, bringing the attention to me. 

“Why?” The human girl spoke before Finnian had a chance. She looked straight at Ezra. Was she confused about who spoke? Her face wasn’t clear. It was contorted in determination or pain. I couldn’t tell which it was but there was a good chance it was both. 

“You come to our kingdom, disrespect our king, then expect us to answer your questions? No. Names, right now.” Nainsi was just as angry as Ezra. I could hear it in her voice. She was not as good at hiding her feelings as her older sister. When I look over at my brother and the three sisters, I see a range of emotions. Ezra and Nainsi were fuming, eyes stuck to the human girl. Eireann as always was calm, scanning the humans for emotions. Kilikina, the youngest, looked terrified. Only fifteen, her eyes searched the throne room for what I assume will be her escape plan. She was born here in Achalla. She has reason to fear the humans and the terrifying tales our parents and siblings have told us about them. 

“We aren’t here to hurt you! We promise!” The human boy in the middle became more alert. My eyes flicker over to him. Just as scared as Kilikina, he rapidly looked around the room. Something about his friend’s anger must’ve awoken him. Or the magic was starting to fully wear off. I keep my eyes on the autumn-skinned boy. Not many elves could stay awake for very long after being hit with sleeping magic, let alone humans. He’s strong. 

“Names!” Ezra demanded yet again. “Or I’ll have the guards take you to the wolves!”

“Ashley! Keaton!” The autumn-skinned boy shouted, fear building up. From this far away I could almost swear I saw some tears forming. Emotions poured off the two of the three humans. The girl I now know as Ashley appears to be sizing us up. Angered but calculating. 

The anger from within now showed on her face. It was clearer than the day. Clenched jaw, furrowed eyebrows, pursed lips. 

“Thank you,” Eireann spoke from beside Ezra. 

Finnian, Ashley, and Keaton. What odd names. The humans have very different name cultures from us. But how can the names sound so different? The shock, fear, and awe in Finnian’s eyes told me all I needed to know. They were not royals looking for land to claim as their own. They were travelers. Probably searching for a place to wait out the night and just ended up here. The scouts must’ve been looking the other way or preoccupied when they slipped in. 

“I am Prince Ezrag’endi Leaip of Achalla. Why have you three come to my home? Land? Riches? To spill more blood than you humans have already? Are you champions from Caspevano or Atlora?” Ezra rose and now stood in front of his throne. To appear intimidating I suppose.

“Champions? Please.” The boy I suppose is Keaton spoke from his dazed state. His head still hung on his chest. “Finnian couldn’t hurt anyone.” He appeared to think he was dreaming. The slurred voice he used and amusement lacing his words made that obvious. 

“We aren’t here for anything besides curiosity, sir.” Finnian truly looked like he was about to die. Amazed but scared. “All three of us grew up hearing of the beautiful kingdom where the moon elves hid from the cruel kings of the massacres. Please, we do not intend to inflict harm to any of you.” 

“Likely.” Ezra hissed. “Guards, take them to their cells. We’ll decide what happens to them in two days time. After the coronation. I do not want to ruin the festivities because of a few-”

“Wait! We have traveled from the outskirts of Caspevano. Keaton is a chef. Ashley is the daughter of a baker. I am but a humble woodworker. We have searched for this place for our entire lives! Please allow us to explore! We will never tell another soul,” Finnian pleaded. His words were genuine, I decided. 

“Do not lie to me! What king sent you here? Who has sent you here to become our doom?” Ezra roared. This time more out of pain than anger. I rose to meet him, to calm him down. My hand meets his shoulder the same time Eireann’s does. We both stand on either side of the soon-to-be king, trying to calm him down. 

“A king sending us? What do you take us for, sir? If we had listened to the king I do not think the three of us would be friends.” Keaton mumbled. “I doubt Ashley and I would be alive.” 

“No one sent us! I swear on my mother’s life!” Finnian exclaimed. His voice was hoarse. “Please, sir!”

“Guards, take them to their cells!” Ezra demanded. The purple and blue guards took the arms of the humans without hesitation, picking them up and dragging them to their cells. “We shall hold their trial after my coronation.” He announced. I couldn’t help but watch as the humans were dragged out of the room. Now I was sure that the autumn-skinned boy was crying. Tears fell from his face, spilling over his cheeks. 

He twisted with all his might, which wasn’t a lot, to get out of the guards grasped. They kept a tight grip. There was no escaping. His eyes flickered around the room, searching for anything or anyone to help him. I meet the eyes of the boy. A striking fern color stares into my soul. The dark circles around his eyes show weariness. Even from way up here I can see the scar running down the boy’s chin and cheek. 

“Please your highness! We are not ill-intended-” The guard beside Finnian allowed his magic to put the loud boy to rest. He tried to fight it but eventually lost. The human boy’s body went limp. Keaton had given in to the previous magic. Ashley was the only of the three humans to leave the room conscious. She did not push and pull against the guard’s grip, but instead stumbled along as she was pulled away. 

Whispers broke out as the door slammed shut. 

What would we do with three human travelers once Ezra is king? 

The answer could possibly be terrifying. 

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Seventy-Five: Direct Opposites ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Shisui ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Healing Waters and Scorching Flames ] [ AO3 Link ]

In their world, there could hardly be a pair more directly opposite.

True, Sakura and Naruto - earthbender and airbender - are just as curious in regards to their elements. But at least their temperaments had always been vaguely similar. Loud, boisterous, and uncensored.

But when they first met, Hinata and Sasuke couldn’t be more different.

She had been meek, quiet, afraid...and yet determined to save the boy she’d only just helped break free of his icebound prison.

He was driven, assertive...and full of anger, just as determined to take that boy and help ensure victory of a one-hundred year long war to place all beneath the Fire Nation banner.

But, like seasons...as time passed, they both changed. Hinata grew bolder, more confident, and lost her fear as she came into her own. A true natural, she mastered water quickly alongside her Avatar companion, and with her mastery came assurity in herself.

And with every clash he had with the Avatar - alongside gentle, unnoticed prodding from his cousin - Sasuke, too, began to shift. While his was...slower, and more painful after a lifetime of expectations and bias, change still came. He lost his edge, his anger, and his determination found new focus: aid the Avatar, stop his father, and bring peace to a world he’d remained largely ignorant of.

And part of his ignorance was indeed shattered by a once-shy waterbender novice...now a master, and able to stand up to all he’d been.

He respected that growth. And she, in time, came to appreciate his own...though her trust was slow to earn. In the end, she recognized the necessity...and through their shared battles, now facing the same foes, Hinata realized he truly had changed.

And so, they fought side by side in the decisive battles that - at last - put an end to a century of war, occupation, and suffering.

It was then they knew that no longer were they opposites - fire and water may stand across from one another in the elemental balance...but so too could they work side by side. Over the course of their journeys, both had metamorphosed.

And then the real work began. Reintegration, peace talks, new laws and new governments. They all had their hands full, and over the next several years only saw each other briefly.

But when they did, Sasuke...realized something. Hinata had grown, certainly...but their continued efforts only saw her blossom further. She became a leader, a doer, and a strong voice for her people. In any political sense, he saw her as his equal, if not - in some ways - above him. Second born to the new Fire Lord, he would never lead...nor did he want to. That temptation of power was too great, and he would never take that chance again.

But Hinata was a natural. Gracious, but firm. Kind, but resolute. Under her guidance (and with help of all of her people), the South began to grow...and prosper.

...and so did she.

The more they were able to talk - at summits, at galas, and even little meetings in Shisui’s tea shop - the more Sasuke realized how much she’d matured.

How...beautiful she was, inside and out.

The realization was a little off-putting. Even then, the knee-jerk reaction to their elements couldn’t be avoided. Him, a firebender, in love with a waterbender? What would his father -?

...it no longer mattered what his father thought. His father was no longer Fire Lord - no longer a firebender. And no longer a part of his life. Nor was Sasuke heir to the throne. It wasn’t his responsibility to marry for bloodlines.

...not that his brother had done so, either.

He almost wanted to see the look on his father’s face when he saw both of his sons hand their hearts to waterbenders.

...in a way, Sasuke found it...fitting. To have water there to temper the heat and hunger of fire. Maybe that was exactly what their nation needed.

...but was it what Hinata wanted…?

It’s now we find out.

He’s waited to ask her back to the teahouse. For some reason, it just feels...right to meet her there. In the shop his cousin has found peace in. In a place they’ve spent time together, and where he labored honestly for the first time, no longer a prince. Something about it seems to suit his intentions.

Standing outside, he waits almost anxiously, too engrossed in his worrying to note the occasional stare he gets. After all, he’s wearing traditional Fire Nation garb. It’s been about ten years, but...well, memories go back further than that. And there’s little mistaking who he is. Arms crossed, he resists the urge to shove one back in his pocket, make sure it’s still there -

“Sasuke?”

Face snapping up from his staring at his boots in thought, his expression alights at her voice. Like him, she wears clothes of her homeland, though slightly lighter in style than typical. It’s warm in the Earth Kingdom this time of year, after all. Hardly a time for parkas and furred boots. “...Hinata!”

“Sorry I’m late - there was a little trouble with the tram,” she explains with a small smile. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long?”

In truth, he was here half an hour before they were arranged to meet, talking with Shisui and sharing his intentions. With his cousin in on the plot, things will hopefully go smoothly. “No, not long. I’m fine - don’t worry about me.”

A dark brow perks over pale eyes. “Well...all right then. Should we get inside?”

“Sure - Shisui knows we’re coming, so I’m sure he’ll be ready for us.”

“Oh! Good!”

One of the servers leads them to a rear table for two, flanked on both sides in the corner by windows. Doing his best not to look stiff or nervous, Sasuke mirrors her menu-studying, ordering before they’re left to their devices.

“...so, how are things in the South?”

��Very good. The port city is growing rapidly, and all of the displaced waterbenders have either been returned home, or found new homes in the city. We’re finally starting to flourish after all of our hard work.”

He gives a soft smile - a few years back, he got to see the changes for himself during a trip South with his brother.

It had been a...bittersweet visit.

“What about you? Still busy in the Fire Nation?”

“Honestly, not so much. Most of the greatest difficulties were handled fairly quickly after the war. It’s mostly just typical upkeep of diplomacy, and working with Naruto on that city in the Earth Kingdom he’s so excited about.”

“Republic City?”

“Yeah. We’re almost out of the planning phases and ready to start building.”

“That’s so amazing...I think it’s a wonderful idea. A neutral area for anyone of any nation to live...I’ll have to drop by sometime!”

“Well, there’s nothing to see yet, but I hope you will once there is.”

...silence falls. And their tea has yet to arrive.

“Any, uh...anything else exciting happen lately?”

“Mm...no, not really,” Hinata admits. “Like you say, things have mostly leveled off into maintaining the new normal.”

“Ah…”

Another pause, and Sasuke hesitates. Should he…? Reaching into his pocket stealthily, he makes to grab -

But then their orders arrive, each with their own small teapot. He whips his hand back to the table, earning a glance from his companion, to which he gives a twitching smile.

“...are you...all right?”

“Fine! Fine.”

Hinata’s expression deadpans slightly. “...Sasuke, you know you can’t lie to me.”

“I’m not...lying, I’m just -”

“What’s on your mind?”

You. “...er…”

Her brows lift, and...well, he might as well admit the jig is up.

Sighing, he fishes around in his pocket, and grasps something in his hand. “...I know this isn’t how things usually go for your people, and uh...I hope it isn’t offensive that I - that I’m trying it, but -”

Nearby, Shisui perks up, seeing his cousin fumbling.

“...obviously you don’t have to take it. I just -” His other hand runs back through his hair with another exhale. “...Hinata...you and I, we...we started off on the wrong foot. The...worst foot, really. And...I know you hated me for a time. I don’t blame you.”

“Sasuke -”

“But, then...we changed. I changed, especially. And...we got to get to know each other up until the war. And then things got so busy, we hardly got to see each other, but...but you? You grew so much. And every time I’ve gotten to see you since the war ended, I...I realized that everything you were becoming - strong, and wise, and...and beautiful - were things that I...I…” A pause to take a shaking breath, swallowing harshly. “...that I was falling in love with.”

Expression slackening, Hinata’s pale eyes go round.

“At first, I...I refuted it. Because surely you still blamed me in some capacity. Surely one of the most famous waterbenders wouldn’t want anything to do with a disgraced firebending prince. Two direct opposites couldn’t ever mesh like that...could they?

“...but I saw glimmers of hope in it. I thought - I hoped - that I read a similar, if not maybe...more muted feeling in you. I felt torn between what I assumed, and...what I thought I knew. So…”

Unclenching his fist, Sasuke reveals a traditional betrothal necklace. But rather than the typical stone, it’s carved from obsidian: round, with wave-like patterns. “This is a volcanic rock that I found in my homeland. I thought it might serve to...to unite two opposing forces. This isn’t a water tribe arranged marriage, and...I’m not a waterbender. But -”

Hinata raises a hand, cutting him off before plucking the choker from his palm. Studying it for a long moment, she then lifts it to her throat, careful fingers clasping it.

...is she…?

“...you’re right,” she murmurs. “This isn’t something preordained. And...maybe we could spend a little time...adjusting first. But…” Letting fingers press the stone to her throat, Hinata looks up, expression aglow with happiness. “...I think, given that that plan goes well...then I would have no qualms about marrying you. Because you read me right - I’ve come to respect and admire you, too.”

“Y-you…?”

“I know we’ve known each other for almost a decade, now. But...this is...different. I’d just like to let ourselves ease into it, maybe…?”

“Of...of course! I...you’re right. I just thought it’d be...er…”

“It’s a lovely gesture. And not at all offensive - in fact, I’m flattered you went so far to follow our traditions, even though they aren’t your own.” Delicately, Hinata rests her hand atop his own, feeling him grasp it. “You’re right...this is quite the clashing of cultures. But...we fought side by side, fire and water. Surely we can do just the opposite too.”

Softening (and doing his absolute best not to cry), Sasuke leans in to rest his brow to hers. “...I’m sure we can.”

It’s then applause breaks out, and the pair of them jolt. Shisui leads the entire teahouse in clapping, flushing both their faces bright red.

“It’s about time!” the elder cousin teases, grinning from ear to ear. “Your chemistry was so bright when you were in here before, it was blinding.”

“Shisui,” Sasuke growls in warning, the tips of his ears hot.

“Tea’s on the house today for the lovely couple,” the ex-general finishes, winking and slinking back into the rear to give them a moment.

Sasuke heaves a gusting sigh, still pink as Hinata giggles.

“Don’t worry - I’m sure we’ll hear worse for a while. Just wait until Sakura and Naruto hear the news.”

Sasuke just groans.

     It's v late and I'm v tired so I'll be brief ='D      A proposal scene, woo! I...dunno if this is how this would actually go, but we'll roll with it for the sake of the challenge entry. I can see Sasuke being pretty nervous. They don't get to interact much post-war, but there's always a kind of...tension when they do. So he's wagering he read that tension right!      Apparently, he did xD Still, Hinata's probably right: better try dating properly for a while first, but...it's clear they've pretty much made up their minds.      And uh...yeah. That's it xD I'm gonna go crash now, haha - thanks for reading!