#Tbh those were WILD AF-

[lowkeyclueless5137]

Day 6- Bed Time Story

Pair:Malleus x Idia x Azul

Prompt: -

Au: Medieval au

Notes: not moi fulfilling my medieval folklore wants, no sir, Def not! :3

Additional note: You can read this for some context.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a King and Queen.

And they wanted a baby so bad, but it was futile. The Queen simply couldn't conceive a child. Soon, the kingdom lost all hope of having a heir. And the couple were falling into more dispair, their hope of having, at least 1 child, seemingly a distant dream.

One day, the Queen was walking through the garden. It was gloomy, never a flower blooming in it. The leaves rustled under her shoes as she weeped for, yet again, she couldn't have a child of her own.

"Why are you crying, my queen?" An old woman asked, her beady eyes framed by various wrinkles. "Why shouldn't I? I can bear no child." She weeped, crystaly tears falling onto her round cheeks as the old woman wiped them with a hankerchief. "Don't cry my dear..." She said with a warm smile, putting in the queen's hands 2 seeds. "You are a beautiful woman... To bear a child just as beautiful as you, I gave you this 2 seeds. Put them in a pot and keep them at your window. If one sprouts, you'll have a child. If both do so, you'll have 2. If it's a poppy, you'll have a boy, but if it's a rose, you'll have a girl." She explained.

"But beware... Your first child will have to leave your palace at a given time... They will fall into the devil's whims and doom us all if you don't teach him." She warned, before leaving as a small dove, flying into the sunset.

The queen hastily put the 2 seeds in a pot, by the window. She watered it with the purest water the kingdom could offer and set them by the window of her chamber. She slept by her husband's side that night, promising him that finally, they'll have a chance at a child.

In the morning, the rooster bearly could sing his morning ballad that the queen went to her window, her husband close behind. Both were anxious as they peered over, to see the pots.

The sun was raising, showing with its light 2 small plants, growing. One was taller than the latter, it's small scrawny leaves trying to cover the smaller one's head. The royal couple looked at each other in awe.

In a year, the queen gave birth. And on the day she birthed, the first flower bloomed into a beautiful poppy. A small boy came to the world and the whole kingdom was celebrating it. They had a little prince!

And they named him Idia.

Still, in the pot, another flower was growing, as the poppy remained bloomed, it's blood red petals not once flattering at all. And Idia grew into a small boy, with curios golden eyes like his father and pale skin like his mother. On his head, his hair was made of fire, which scared the servants for years. Yet the blue flames, oh so loving and inviting, only brushed by like a warm blanket when the child would rest in his mother's lap as she told him stories about fairies and monsters.

Yet the 2nd flower in the pot, came to also bloom. Another poppy, smaller, yet still beautiful, made the queen to bring to the world a 2nd child, whom was named Ortho.

Idia was small, young, bearly as tall as the king's knees, when Ortho was sleeping in his crib. A small, peaceful face, with round cheeks and coal like hair, curly like his mothers. Idia looked to the side, tilting his head. He still couldn't understand what was wrong with it. Something was wrong. His mother, by his side, smiled and told him that nothing was wrong with the sleeping child, but Idia insisted that something was wrong.

And years later, the smaller poppy started to wilt.

And Ortho grew ill with it.

Doctors were running, people were panicking, the king and queen were crying. Everyone said the same: 'there's no cure! That's a sickness of the devil!', they cried.

And Idia, now a fine man, stood by the bed of the boy, his blue flames licking at the younger's hand as Idia sobbed, begging the latter to get better.

"Tell me... What can I do to find a cure?" the older brother cried out to no one but himself, but the younger was long gone to his illness. He was alive still, but in pain, in useless pain as people were still trying to find some cure, like some headless chickens trying to eat.

"You are in pain... In so much pain... Let me soothe you..." A voice responded, smooth and alluring as Idia perked up at the sound. Ortho was fully asleep, his chest raising up and descending just as slow. "Whose there?!" the older prince rose up on his feet, drawing out his sword. He was shaking on his feet, bearly holding the weapon still as he looked around.

"Foolish prince... To think some mere metal could slay me..." The voice rolled out as a man stepped out from behind Idia. "To think you could actually harm me..." he smiled devilishly as his hand grabbed gently on Idia's chin, forcing him to look at the bed of his I'll brother.

"But if you truly want to save this dying flower... Do as I wish... Leave the regal garments when I will ask and be my servant." he whispered. Idia closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Fine... I'll... Serve you..." He breathed out.

The next day, a fine man presented at the castle, on a big black stallion, as his horns imposed an air of authority. Everyone bowed down at the sight of him, yet the king stood tall and proud. "What do you wish out of my kingdom?" He demanded. The man simply made a short bow, before facing the monarch with a smile. "I want your eldest, sire. In exchange, I can offer the cure to heal your youngest." He offered.

The king, hesitant, summoned Idia forward and asked him. "My son... This man says he has the cure for your brother... But he wants to take you away." "And I'll do as he says, father..." Idia looked down at the floor, head low and flames dim, as if ashamed of himself. "I plead you, father... Let me go... Ortho needs to be healed..." He begged.

And the king finally indulged, accepting Malleus's offer.

The said man gave to the king a pot of water, pure and clear like no one has ever seen. He told him: 'half of the pot goes to the poppy and half to the ill' and the king did as told. Half in the pot of poppies and half to the bedridden prince.

As the sun dawned over a new day, Ortho was just like new. His rosy cheeks and big doe eyes radiating with health. It was a miracle and the family couldn't be more happier.

Yet Malleus still demanded to take the eldest away with him.

"My son... My beautiful boy... That man is the devil we were warned about..." The king sat down Idia for a last talk. "Whatever you do... Kill him in his weakest and run away as far as you could... You're in your life's height, find a good spouse and come back home healthy..." He advised. Idia took a deep breath. "I can't... I promised to serve him... I'm afraid I cannot do anything anymore..." He breathed out.

And so, the Queen weeped, the young prince cried and the king was so sadned when they had to watch their eldest leave behind the one they saw as pure evil.

"Where do you want to go?" Idia warily asked Malleus. "I want to find a beautiful spouse for my kingdom to rejoyce." he puffed proudly. "I want the child of the red empress." he mused.

And for 3 days and 3 nights, the 2 had to venture through the unknown, until the palace of the red empress was seen. Tall towers to pierce the skies, roofs made of silver and golden doorframes. And Malleus, with no shame on this world, knocked on the doors to be welcomed inside.

"You came for my son's hand?!" The empress was outraged at Malleus's request. "Well aren't you bold? I'll give you 3 days and 3 tasks... If you do all of them... My son's hand is yours..." She mused and Malleus accepted this challenge.

"But if you don't... I'll have your head on a pike! And so will be your servant!" She warned.

For the night, the 2 newcomers were urged to sleep in a guest chamber, with a not so wide bed. "What are we going to do?" Idia asked, sleep hardly finding him. "Sleep... And then we'll see what it is asked of us." Malleus mumbled, hand hugging the firehead as he got almost engulfed in the fire hair, oh so warm and inviting.

The next day, in the morning, the empress gave them their first task: bring for his son gems, but not just any gems! Gems so beautiful and clear that one can forget their Woes by just looking at them.

"We don't even know where to look at for a beginning!" Idia mumbled as he and Malleus walked among the halls, contemplating their 1st task.

"I can help you..." A voice piped in as a man dressed in rags mused. He holded a mop and his white hair had a cloth covering most of it from the back. "A servant?" "I merely wash the halls... But I saw many like you go and fail... The empress put their heads on pikes and their bodies were turned into mud for the pigs." Idia trembled a bit at the description. "Then... Please aid us..." Malleus asked.

"I will... But everything has a price..."

Both Malleus and Idia looked at each other before at the 3rd. "What do you wish for? Riches? A better house? Some noble position?" He insisted. "What I want... Is to not say my name to the empress unless she demands it. She can't know I'm helping you at all!" The servant insisted. "Consider it done." Malleus puffed. "But what is your name that you fear so much?" Idia tilted his head.

"My name? Azul. My name is Azul."

And the servant helped the 2. In a few hours, Malleus and Idia presented to the empress the most beautiful gems, sparkling like stars and so clear one could see their face in. Her majesty was pleased for the day, so she indulged for the 2 to sleep here another night.

"You have a kind heart, Azul..." Malleus spoke with the servant that night. "Maybe you should come with us... Malleus isn't that scary as he looks..." Idia mumbled. The latter seemed bashful, looking in another part with a blush dusting his cheeks. "I am merely a servant... I cannot offer you anything..." "I beg to differ..." The tallest of the 3 insisted. "But that is something we should talk about later... We can't let guards catch us in the middle of the night..." Idia reasoned.

The next day, the empress demanded to be brought to her a golden goose who makes golden eggs. And again, Azul helped the 2 get the bird and present it to the empress. She indulged for a final night spent in here, before the final task.

"I... Can't help you anymore..." Azul spoke at night, on the dark hall. "And we won't ask for more. You've done more than enough... I wish we could properly repay you." Malleus mused. "Run away with us, Azul! We... I don't know... We could go to Malleus's kingdom... Or mine! It doesn't matter... You won't have to clean halls all day long." Idia insisted.

"I... Can't... As I told you... Keep my name a secret until the empress demands for it... Tomorrow... Tomorrow is your last day... That's where most perished..." He grabbed the 2's hands in his. "Please... I plead to you... Be careful... I don't want to see your heads on pikes..." He begged.

Malleus hugged gently the 2 as Idia ran his hand through the puffy white hair. "Promise us... You'll come with us after all this..." Idia whispered. "I-" "Azul... You begged of us... So we beg of you as well..." Malleus insisted.

That night, 3 people slept in a chamber meant for only 2.

But in the morning, Azul was nowhere to be found. He usually appeared to greet the 2 in the morning, even going as far to steal a sweet gaze from the 2. But today, it was like the earth swallowed him whole!

The empress called the 2 forth today. And both boys presented on one knee each before her Majesty. "For your 3rd and last task..." She made a pause as 3 people entered the room, all 3 dressed like royalty. "If you wish to have my son's hand, tell me who he is..." She gestured towards the 3 males.

The first one had shiny ebony hair, their piercing green eyes just like emeralds. He was dressed in garments that could, alone, cost a fortune, beautiful and fitting for their tall and proud stance.

The second one was a man with long golden hair, tied by how it was fit. Their garments were even more elegant, as their face was radiant and carefree. Delicate, poise, with a perfect posture and alluring blue eyes.

And the 3rd one, was none other than Azul. The garments were draping over his body, as the once cinder smeared face was now clean and beautiful. The white hair neatly combed, blue eyes greedily taking glances towards the 2, when one wouldn't be looking.

"I'll let you advise with your servant and tell me your final Verdict." She mused, taking a seat on her lavish throne.

"If... He is a servant... Then we must decide in between the other 2... That is what he would want..." Malleus whispered to himself. Idia looked at him in horror. "He set us up! Don't you see?!" He whispered back. The taller nodded. "I am aware... Then... I'm ready to give my Verdict!" He declared, taking by surprise the empress.

Malleus proudly made his way towards the 3rd of the options, taking Azul's hands in his. "You asked of me to not speak your name unless its demanded... So we choose you..." he declared, Idia behind him with a soft smile. "And even if we are wrong... We wouldn't mind be executed for you..." the firehead added.

"And what is his name?" The empress asked. "My name is Azul... Mama... I decided..." The white haired boy replied, turning towards the throne and bowing before he resumed speaking. "I wish to be taken by them... For both shall get my hand in marriage..." He declared. The woman on the throne smiled, visibly pleased. "If that's what you wish for, dear, then we shall have a big celebration!

In 3 days, the invitations were sent and the wedding was prepared. Idia's family attended as well, happy to see their eldest ready to marry whoever his heart dictated.

Everyone celebrated, danced, ate and drunk for 3 days and 3 nights!

And so, our 3 lovers lived happily ever after! The end!

.

.

.

"And they had a big palace?" Ortho asked as Azul exhaled with a small smile, tucking the young fairy into the bed. "I believe yes..." he mused, raising from the side of the bed. "Now you have to sleep, alright? Your brother will be upset if you don't rest." The latter nodded. "Goodnight, Ortho..." He mused, leaving the said room and going on the deck.

"What kind of story did you tell him this time?" Idia piped in, hugging the mer from behind. "Ah... Just how we meet... But I took the liberty to omit that it was all in secret..." He responded with a small kiss on the cheek.

"And I believe the little Shroud enjoyed it?" Malleus came forth, hugging the mer from the side as well, Azul responding with a soft nuzzle. "It's pretty late... Maybe you 2 should sleep... I'll handle the sailing for now..." He mumbled. "No way... We stay with you..." the firehead puffed. "You are so petty..." the mer pinched Idia's cheek in a playful manner, where he previously kissed him.

"And I assume, your heroes lived happily ever after in a big castle?" Idia piped in. "Like always... But I know you don't like them that much..." Azul mumbled. "A castle is pretty restrictive... Personally I prefer this ship..." Malleus hummed. "You like it because it's ours..." Idia refuted, which gained a giggle out of Azul.

"Well... Maybe the story wasn't a 1 to 1 replica... But this is definitely better..."

[munsonshire]

Eddie Munson as your boyfriend

Pairing: Eddie Munson x reader (gender Neutral)

Disclaimer: Eventhough this are some headcanons I might warn you that this is long af

Warning: Use this freely on your fics but pls give credit

Masterlist

He gives the most obvious side eyes ever, You sometimes have to call him out because they are too obvious and he could get in trouble

He will get out of bed quietly when he can't sleep, take his guitar and get out of the bedroom then start playing music loudly

He makes a lot of sarcastic jokes

Will ask you for help when planning his next campaign, and will let you co-lead said campaign as you have also helped

He has this weird obsession with your ass where he will try to grab and squeeze whenever he can (consensual of course)

Contrary to popular belief I don't think that Eddie doesn't care about his hair, I think he does and that those curls aren't as wild as they seem, he makes them look that way, If he didn't then his hair would look even more wild.

When he gets bored he likes to draw on your arms with a marker (erasable).

He always ends up with random scratches, he never knows how but it happens, Sometimes you have to take care of those scratches.

He likes to cuddle with you, and NEEDS to cuddle with you, The poor boy is touch-starved but at the same time, when you touch him too much he can get overstimulated, so he'll tell you when it's enough

All the dice and little figures he has are because he finds them in the floor or somewhere, repaints, and heeps them, he has gifted you so many dice that you now have them all in a jar.

You gifted him a Polaroid camera, and you still don't know if it was a good or bad idea, he will pull that camera whenever he can and take the most horrible pictures of you, like sleeping or similar.

Has struggled with eating disorders in the past, you try to keep an eye on him and make sure that he's eating well but at the same time try not to force him so it doesn't feel like an obligation.

- Okay, so, generally we tend to think of Eddie as this metal guy and so badass, but tbh I see him as the guy that would crouch down and tie your shoelaces if you ask him to or if he sees that they are untied because he doesn't want you to get hurt. Or, if he's in more of a goofy mood he will crouch down and tie your shoelaces together so that you fall, and he obviously has a laughing fit before even thinking of helping you but then he asks you if you're okay and kisses you.

- He's the kind that will surprise you with gifts, those are usually things that you've said you wanted but didn't get because they were too expensive. He's very attentive of your especial interests and wants to get you something with meaning

He gives you his jacket whenever it's cold

He likes to stay in and watch movies and cuddle

Tries his best to comfort you

Likes to play around in the rain with you, you both usually get soaking wet in the rain and end up covered in mud.

When it rains or he just took a shower and his hair is all wet he likes to shake his hair and soak you, he thinks its extremely fun

he holds your face with both hands

likes to kiss the top of your head

After spending so much time together he starts picking up your gestures, habits, and tics even without noticing. But if you pick up one of his habits/tics, like sticking out your tongue when concentrated, he notices it and teases you about it

Likes to get way too close to your face/ear to say something

Very curious about you and your past, he wants to know a lot about you to understand you better

Constantly tells you everything he likes about you

Moves a lot while talking

Lots of LOTR and metal references that he will explain if you don't get them, he never wants you to feel stupid when you two are talking.

Makes you a dnd character in case you ever want to join, which you probably will, considering the amount of time that he's made you sit and watch one of his campaigns and that sometimes you too get too invested in the storylines. This character will appear in the dnd campaigns, even if you don't play, at first the hellfire club members didn't know who this mysterious character was but after meeting you it was so damn obvious

will take you to all the Corroded Coffin rehearsals and little concerts, he likes to dedicate one or two songs to you

likes to mark his territory so if you're talking to someone in the hallway his mf will appear out of nowhere and hug you from behind, leaving a little kiss on your neck, and then leave again, During that interaction he will glare at whoever you're talking to.

if he sits behind you in class, he will spend it kicking your chair to get your attention

he loves making you laugh at his silly jokes

Sneaks through your window whenever he wants, he's hungry? you better have something to eat. Can't sleep? You're gonna be his personal teddy bear. Needs to talk? Now you have a career in psychology, congratulations. Better listen to him when he gets there or he's gonna be throwing rocks at your window all night/day

explains all of dnd to you

Finds hair ties on the floor and gives them to you even if you told him thousands of times that that is not hygienic at all but he ignores you - you still thank him anyway

Likes it when you do his hair

He loves to braid your hair, doesn't really know how but at least he tries

Hugs you from behind, sometimes giving you heart attacks

Sloopy neck kisses, he loves it because it makes you giggle

Likes to hum and sing to you when you can't sleep

He likes to take your hand and trace all the lines in it, then he gives it a little squeeze

Always holds your thigh while driving

Makes you laugh when you're mad at him, that makes you even more mad

He makes a confused face whenever you talk to him about something that he doesn't know about or something he doesn't understand

Has no filter, because he trusts you

If you say you like one of his rings he'd probably give it to you and laugh when he sees that it doesn't fit your fingers. Then he will find some kind of lace to put the ring through it so that you can wear it as a necklace.

Likes to stargaze with you

likes to run his fingers along your skin, especially your back because it makes you shiver

He keeps flirting with you even if you've been dating for the longest time

Loves to pick little fights with you, never serious, just for fun

Would get a tattoo of something that reminds him of you

Asks you to tutor him when he doesn't understand a class, usually math or something like that. Tutoring lessons usually end up with one of you on top of the other while making out

Loves to pull pranks on you and scare you. But he usually gets slapped or something, because idk you but I get aggressive when someone scares me

Will try to teach you how to play guitar

He has the messiest bedhead ever

Hand-holding while sleeping

Puts his hand in your back pocket when you go out together

Comforting each other after nightmares

holds your hand and swings your arms obnoxiously together, he loves to see you laugh and stumble around

He loves your smile and makes you smile at every chance he gets

Venting to each other, asking first obviously.

He puts his hand on your thigh when he drives

He insists on you sitting on his lap, even if there are other chairs to sit

If you ask for one of his shirts and he's in the mood to annoy you he will tell you to take the one he's wearing

- "Eddie, can I have one of your shirts?"

- "Yeah, come and get it"

- "Where is it?"

- "It's on me sweetheart"

- *you look at him confused* "What do you mean?"

- "I mean, take it off me"

- "Eddie..."

- "What? You wanted my shirt"

- "Okay okay, fine, ill take it"

If you have trust issues he's always reassuring you that he loves you. He has abandonment issues so better remind and reassure him that you still love him

Going out dressed up in Halloween. Scaring kids till they pee their pants

He made you a matching guitar pick necklace like the one he has

Hugs you when you're sad

Likes to play fight but if you fight back, he will lose it

Has an irrational fear of doctors/dentists and will throw a tantrum if you take him to one

Bites as a form of showing affection

When it's raining heavily he loves to take you to this one spot in the woods that he calls "his spot" so you both can scream about whatever it is that has been bothering you, Once you feel better you will dance under the rain

He blinks like 100 times before a staring contest and he gets so competitive, he NEEDS to win

If his eyeliner runs and he smears it he will come up with the excuse that it's his new metal way to wear it, just because he's too lazy to take it off and put it on again

Smirks and shrugs when you ask him how he's able to stay up all night and still have energy the rest of the day, he just teases you about not being able to do it yourself

After the attack, whenever you ask to see his scars to know if they are healing he will lift his shirt and hold it between his teeth, mumbling something about how the bruising is fading. And the MF will smirk because he knows that you're having a hard time trying to focus on the scars and not stare at his shirtless torso

Reads his favorite books aloud for you to fall asleep. He LOVES when you fall asleep with him near you because it shows how comfortable and safe you feel around him.

Puts your hair behind your ears and brushes your hair out of your face whenever you're talking with him because he wants to see your face

Likes to ask you for outfit advice, but he just shows up with two almost identical band T-shirts

He loves it when you mess with his hands, like, if you're anxious and take his hand and start playing with his fingers, he loves that shit, and also if you take his rings and put them in your fingers

[orbital-obvious]

Anylasis of possible Jace interactions at the Vale/North (WARNING: long af)

I wish we had seen more of Jace at the Vale/North , and part of it is definetly self indulgent (I love the North and I always wish to see more of the Vale) but I've been thinking and it's like... This is both really important to the plot, overall themes, and characterization.

We've seen last season that noble houses wouldn't necessarily come for Rheanyra's cause for the sake of one vow they took 20+ years ago, so Jace DOES have some convincing to do. Also, it would be interesting to see Jace handling cultures not centered around his family and their dragons. AND Jeyne Arryn and Cregan Stark happen to be really interesting as characters.

There's a few points, and I'll probably forget most of them, so I'll just have a subject and see how both the Vale and the North would have approached the subject.

Why Rheanyra?

Choosing Rhaenyra is the more honorable option - maintaining the vows taken either by themselves (Jeyne) or by those who came before them (Cregan). But there are other concerns aside from one's own honor, other pros and cons, and I would expect a ruler to consider the good of their people before their own honor. With that-

Jeyne is an Arryn, who's motto is "As High As Honor", AND Rheanyra is her niece while she has no familial bonds to the greens, so, yeah, I'd say it's "in the bag" and it's really a question of what that support would entail.

As for the Starks, this show has this canon that they are also a very honor bound family which I don't really like, partly because it's really based on Ned (who must have gotten his ideas of honor, at least in part, from being fostered by Jon Arryn) and partly because it erases ideas like "the wolf's blood", the wild nature of the Starks, and more general cultural differences between the North and the South. Though, tbh, I don't think Cregan Stark would care to swear to the Greens - just because it will require him more involvement with Southren politics which I think that, at least at this point of the plot, is none of his business and none of his interest. I think actual loyalty to Rhaenyra could be fostered by his personal loyalty to Jace via the time they spent together.

What is the personal reaction?

How does Jeyne "as high as honor" Arryn would feel about treating with a bastard? Well, he is her blood, so how would other lords of the Vale, bound by Southern honor and virtue but not by the crown tight lip policy about Rhaenyra's children? You could even add a snide remark from the Royce, as siding with Rhaenyra is siding with Daemon, who they are certain killed their beloved Rhea.

Cregan and Jace are close of age and I think the show tried to echo somewhat the very strong connection they were said to have in the books. Weather you want it to be a romantic relationship or a brotherly one (leaning towards the second option myself but it's a matter of personal opinion) there are a lot to build and explore there. Also, I don't think the North heard the "rumors" about Jace being a bastard, let alone give a shit (due to cultural differences). Would Jace feel relief there? Would Jace connect to his father's First Men heritage - that he was never allowed to even acknowledge - in First Men majority North?

The Details - political gain:

Just becasue one is loyal to Rhaenyra does not mean this loyalty would come for free (and assuming so is a mistake, as we've seen with Luke in Storm's End). What is there to gain from this alliance?

As far as the Vale goes, I think we got a pretty good answer to that - they want a dragon. I doubt Jace would have given one so willy nilly, It would have been an interesting scene to see the give and take that led to that conclusion.

The North is more tricky. I know in the books there was the Pact of Ice and Fire which could have been connected to the whack prophecy storyline they try to push since season 1. Then again, considering the support the North currently dished out, I think "taking those men off your hands and let them die in battle before winter comes" is, in the mind of North culture, a good deal in itself.

The Details - army movement:

I know, I know, Rhaenyra is doing her best going to undercover missions to do peace gossip sessions with Alicent or whatever, but one should at least PREPARE to the option of war - including dragon war.

We sort of get that with Jeyne, requesting a dragon to protect the Eyrie (which is strong against ground attacks, but not against dragons). But what about the rest of the Vale? What are the main threats? I believe Jeyne's motive would be to keep war out of the Vale itself. How do you plan around that? Rhaenyra ended sending her youngest children (aka, potential heirs) there, which would make the Eyrie a target. Was this part of the negotiations? Was the inclusion of Rhaena?

The North, on the other hand, is probably not as concerned. It's not a worthy target for dragons - the North is big, but poor and faraway from location of importance (The Riverlands is the opposite btw and that's why I'm glad it was the focus of the season, more or less), so the Greens, without dragons to spare, would probably not send dragonriders to capture a difficult yet unworthy target. As far as more traditional means go, the North is also in a very good position: For an army to enter on foot they have to go past the Neck that has one entry point for armies which can easily be guarded, and any other entry point will require traversing the bogs and be at the mercy of the danger there, and either way the Crannogmen would bleed you dry (if you are lucky). Attack from the sea is not favorable as well, because the North is GIANT and would require transporting a lot of army on the ships and that is a waste of a good fleet if I've ever seen one, ESPECIALLY If the Vale is loyal to the Blacks and the Greens only option is to either pass the blockade + possibly the vale navy from the east or pass the ironborn from the west. All that for a bunch of frozen ground and trees with faces? fat chance. Which good for the North but a little bit bad for the Blacks, because "Rhaenyra will protect you from danger" is an important barging chip when gathering armies.

The Details - Other concerns:

The Dance is the main conflict of the show and what the Narrative should be centered about, but there are other concerns for both the Vale and the North that can be taken into account as the wardens of the East/North can use the treaty to secure help from the crown for their issues in the future, and Jace himself can talk about possible future solutions as a way to not only win their loyalty, but to prove his worth as the future ruler after his mother to both them and us, the audience.

I think the Vale's main concern is the upcoming war and weather or not an army or a dragon will come and ravage their lands, but aside from that there are other issues of clansman raidings, or maybe things related to trading with Essos (is Rhaenyra's blockade effecting this at alll?)

The North is in the opposite position: low chance of suffering from the Dance, but there are other, bigger problem. Same as it always was and always will be: Winter Is Coming. They actually touched that a bit in the show itself - more in the sense, I feel, of winter causing a higher activity of the white walkers and other matter of supernatural monstrosities; but there is also the very real issue of winter is death, as in - less food, harder weather conditions, etc etc. Cregan's concern should be first getting the North through Winter, and then whatever hissy fit the dragon family is having downstairs. I think bringing this up would cause an interesting challenge to Jace's worldview - for him and the south at large, the most dangerous thing in the world are dragons; for the North, it's winter.

Setting up other characters that would be important when the war will break out:

Not much to say about that, other than there are other characters very important to the Dance that could've been introduced in Vale and North segments. I know the show changes a lot from the books but I would hope they will at least keep their options open while mentioning certain characters and not just pull them out of thin air come season 3.

Reaction to the Green offer:

We know the Vale + North are taking the Black, so to say (not that kind of taking the black, Cregan, lower your swors none of us are deserters), but the Greens also sent for them. The Blacks have many riders so they sent their crown prince there, while the Greens only sent letters (I suspect also because they didn't really expect the Vale and the North to ralley to the cause). The show tells us those letters were left unanswered, but what was inside them? What would the Greens say to try and persuade them to their cause, and what would be the reaction?

Would Jeyne be angry at the Greens request to abandon her own niece?? and as a woman ruler, I'm sure she'll take offense in casting Rhaenyra aside for Aegon.

I kind of need a scene of a public reading and mockery of the Greens request in the North. Seems like something they would do.

Character foils and different points of leadership:

Jeyne Arryn is the head of house Arryn, Wardness of the East, and a WOMAN who does not live by the conventions of her time - she's a lesbian (well, in the book she was and I would hope the show won't erase that) who never married. She is, in many ways, what Rhaenyra aspires to be. How does she maintain her position? Rhaenyra, I feel, is too naive about people's support of her and the work she has to put in as a ruler - what about Jeyne, who probably clawed her way to the position? What is Jeyne, as woman ruler, opinion on the impact of Rhaenyra changing inherentce rules3 What can Jace learn from his great aunt?

Cregan Stark is much like Jace - forced to shoulder great responsibility at a young age. There are other parallels if you look at the book version - Cregan lost his younger brother and had a claim dispute with his uncle's side of the family. If you don't want to get into all o' that, you can also claim that if Jeyne is Rhaenyra's foil, Cregan is Aegon's - a very young man put as the head of a kingdom and forced to handle its issues at a difficult time. If we go by Wolf Blood ideology - how does Cregan's wildness compare to Aegon's? and, again, what can Jace learn from understanding the way Cregan handles his rule?

There's so much they could've done, and I don't think they could've (or even should've) looked into all of these, but touching on SOME points via Jace and character elaboration would have been nice.

[cookie-de-baunilha]

I love how John firmly and wholeheartedly believes that Jamie is the only person that knows about his relationship with Percy, when in reality there’s about 1% chance of that being the case.

There were a lot of people who probably suspected/knew about them. Maybe not before Percy’s exposure, but after that situation? Oh boy. They would look at their close friendship in hindsight + John being miserable after everything that happened and just put 2 and 2 together.

Especially the ones closer to John, but other people in his social circle too. People talk. The gossip would be wild. Before going on campaign those two were going out and about in London together, having dinners, attending plays, going to gaming clubs etc. At the time, no one would pay much attention to it. But that would drastically change after the incident with Percy.

Let’s not forget about the “near scandal” John was involved in with George Everett that had him exiled to Ardsmuir.

So… everyone kinda knew about them?? Ok not everyone, but a bunch of people. And it’s funny how John is delulu about it. Let’s see:

Hal

First of all, Hal knows John is gay. They just don’t talk about it openly.

Hal would notice John’s behavior after Percy was caught. He knew John would be a witness in Percy’s trial and was afraid of what could happen in that case. He knew John felt betrayed and tried to manipulate John’s anger towards Percy to get Percy killed. John couldn’t do it — if Hal still had any doubts, they ceased to exist the moment John came back from his conversation with Percy with that gun.

Not to mention the fact that Hal read the letter that Percy sent to John. The very first paragraph of that letter is basically Percy using pretty words to say that he would die for John. And at some point in the letter Percy writes that John told him about his father’s murder. Like??? It took 17 years for John and Hal to talk about it, and suddenly John would be openly discussing his family’s secrets with his new stepbrother? And you expect me to believe that somehow Hal thought that it was a normal friendship?? Nope.

Also, Hal’s advice to John in MOBY:

Hal merely snorted. "Men like that never die so conveniently. Why the bloody hell is he telling you this, do you think?"

Grey suppressed the vivid memory of bergamot, red wine, and petitgrain.

"I don't know. But I do know he's deeply involved with French interests, and-"

"Wainwright's never been involved with any interests other than his own," Hal interrupted brusquely. He gave John a sharp look. "You'd do well to remember that."

"I doubt I shall ever see the fellow again," John replied, overlooking the implication that his brother considered him gullible — or worse.

It’s impossible that he doesn’t know.

Benedicta

Mothers just know ok?

But seriously, Benedicta is really smart and she definitely knows that John is gay. In fact, if anyone suspected anything before the incident, I would bet on her.

Minnie

She knows.

Olivia?

I’m not sure about her, tbh. Maybe she was clueless. But then we have this conversation between her and John and it’s kinda sus (mind you, John is depressed af at this point):

Lucinda Joffrey and her husband

Firstly, both John and Percy running away from Lucinda’s arranged marriage plans like the plague might have made her a little suspicious. She might have suspected about John way before Percy came into the picture, in fact.

And she notices how bad John is after everything. She gets really concerned with him:

She goes as far as tricking John to see a doctor for his mental health, with the help of Horace Walpole:

Ally queen!!

Her husband not so much though, side eyeing John like Whitney Chewston, the homophobic dog:

Sir Richard be like 🤨🏳️‍🌈?

Horace Walpole

This is the funniest one to me, but also the sweetest.

First of all, Horace sees how shitty John is and works in cahoots with Lucinda Joffrey to trick John into going to the 18th century version of a therapist.

And then:

What I love about this interaction is the way that John knows that Horace is queer, but refuses to admit that Horace would know about him too.

The way Horace hesitates because HE DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO REFER TO PERCY. He wants to say lover (or ex-lover) but he knows that he isn’t that close to John and that it would be weird to be so open about it — and he also doesn’t know how John would react. Even if he is 100% sure that John is gay, he can’t be sure that John wouldn’t feel offended or react in a violent way.

But he also doesn’t want to say “friend” or “stepbrother” because he KNOWS THEY WERE SO MUCH MORE TO EACH OTHER. He knows those are not the right words to use. So he hesitates until John makes it simple.

HOWEVER. He knows that Percy being caught with another man must mean that John was betrayed. He knows John is hurting, not just because of the betrayal, but because of the brutality of it all — after all, betrayal notwithstanding, Percy got arrested and could get executed for being gay; for being just like them. That’s something that affects all of them as queer people.

So even though he can’t be open about it, you can feel that he wants to bring that comfort to John, because he knows how bad the whole thing is and how lonely John must be feeling. He wants John to know that he will do whatever he can to save Percy’s life. He wants John to have hope.

It’s sad, but also so sweet?? That silent solidarity.

AND JOHN “DOUBTS” WALPOLE KNOWS!!! MY DUDE!!! YOU. ARE. NOT. THAT. DISCREET.

A bunch of people in Hal’s regiment would be suspicious of John just because of their family connection — due to, you know, homophobia (and John being unmarried, unlike Hal)

TL;DR: John and Percy weren’t that much of a secret tbh, everyone close to them (or not that close) kinda knew. Everyone except General Stanley. That dude was clueless.

[lexygabe]

northquido headcanons

disclaimer: i was bored af lately so i decided to write down all of my thought about this stupid assholes

tw: use of slurs (it's fucking liquido and north come on you know they would) and nsfw content but this is under a cut

• this one is for the veterans that followed me on wattpad, the 🎀💋🤩💌👯‍♀️bread 💌❤️‍🔥❤️❤️, to be more specific brioche bread is liquido's equivalent of giving someone chocolate box,

• their relationship doesn't get in the way when it comes to their rivalry,

• their love language is using the most fucked-up insults you've ever heard of. liquido calls north 'dirty dumb blonde fag' and north tells liquido that he is the biggest stupid cunt he ever dated. they love each other 🥰🥰,

• to everybody's surprise this relationship is good for them. since they are dating, both north and liquido spend more time on training,

• liquido is much of an attention seeker so it's very hard to see them being apart,

• when they are in the same room with other people and liquido starts to acting up, north is like: "oh my god, sit the fuck down🙄🙄". at first liquido haven't listen to what north was telling him but over time as north was telling liquido, for example, to shut up: liquido shut up. "hold it": liquido holds it. "tell him": liquido tells him,

• when it comes to north, liquido always mocks him. when something happens liquido says things like that to north: "say you are sorry", "thank me now", "😜😜say: please liquido😵‍💫 i can't live 🥺🤭 without you". unfortunately, north knows he needs to say all of these things because otherwise liquido will be offended at him a whole day,

• type of couple that was shipped by fans long before they started dating,

• when it comes to being romantic, they are romantic on the level of a third grade student. north gives liquido some 'awesome, diabolical, fun as hell rocks' he found on the beach and liquido sends him pictures of drawings that he made on some documents or nda's (del aqua was pissed off) (those drawing looked like if they were made by preschooler),

• the most romantic thing they've done was placing receipt with written love confession into an empty alcohol bottle and they throw it to the ocean. soon after that beach guard reported them to police and they have to pay a fine💀💀,

• north sends liquido every "blue haired girl" meme,

• another easter egg for my wattpad followers: north teaches liquido how to ice skate (it ended up horrible),

• liquido is the master of making the scene in public. he is sitting on north's lap in the most random moments and places, he gives north a slap on the ass when there are cameras everywhere, etc.,

• north on the other hand, hits liquido in the shoulder, elbows him in the stomach or pokes him between the ribs with his fingers.

"it wasn't funny😐😐😦😬"

"good😠😤"

• north is crocs and liquido is flip-flops,

• they don't care about privacy in the bathroom. when one of them is washing their teeth - the other is peeing, etc.,

• don't let them play uno or monopoly,

• btw they are playing a lot of traditional games when they have lazy days,

• the couple that wouldn't marry each other til their 60s

• they are drawing dicks on a cast if one of them broke any bone.

nsfw:

• when they are making out there is a lot of saliva, teeth and blood (because they bite each others lips every time),

• if you see them during a quickie, you didn't predict. just go away,

• someone already mentioned it but breath play, liquido likes it especially. yeah it also applies to swallowing,

• dirty talk and i mean a lot,

• tbh liquido is the one that is doing blow jobs and giving hand jobs to north, this is my man's cup of tea,

• north is one wild mf, my man is searching for that g spot inside those hydra cheeks (im sorry, pls forgive me),

• THEY ARE LOUD AS FUCK, OMG SHUT THE FUCK UP,

• hickeys💋💋💋.

[youremyheaven]

'They just look at you and decide that this is it and you're kind of put in a position where you have no choice but to feel bad for treating someone who's so completely devoted to you like an afterthought. Idk if they do that on purpose to make us feel guilty and give them what they want 😭'

EXACTLY man, and it kinda feels bad because look, in my case we're in a relationship now and we have commitments together and I do care for him, but I'll never know how I would've felt if I were given that time to mull it over. Like maybe I would've developed a proper crush on him overtime instead of just waking up one day and being like 'welp, I guess I'm with this guy now' lmao

but the guilt is so real, like I know if I'd have turned him down in the first place (again, I wasn't even disinterested but it happened so fast I honestly don't even know what I am), I would've felt a lot of guilt and like a cold ice queen of a person which is worlds away from who I am. Yet I feel guilty for being with him and never being sure how I feel.

If you ask me I think Venus men can be very primal like that- it's almost animalistic. Like they feel they have to 'get in' with the woman they desire before anyone else does and claim her. Ironically I find it not particularly romantic, because it's passionate but only on their side- ideally romance is patient and slow. It's sort of like in old times how elite/well off people used to just 'claim' their woman. It could be a thing especially with the Brahmin Venusians (P.Phalguni and P.Ashadha)

I don't hate my partner or anything though but yeah, the origin story isn't my favourite. Plus; I later learnt he has very dark moods and can really attack the people closest to him when he feels bad about himself. It's tough out here 😂💓

BIG MOOD

In those initial days of love bombing, I felt so horrible about not feeling the same type of way in return??? I felt like "he's everything I've ever wanted, he adores me completely and wants to give me the world but I feel nothing at all so I must be the bad guy" 🥲😭💀🤡 and if he hadn't fcked up and we'd be in a relationship and I'd probably feel the same way. I felt so awful for ignoring his texts for hours because I knew if I replied, he'd text me back in 5 seconds and then ask me about my day and we'd keep talking 😭😭😭 (I felt like someone's toxic avoidant boyfriend ngl cause this man was acting like a clingy lover girl)

GIRL I FEEL YOU, i don't find this romantic either. I think relationships are build over time and it's possible to build something with someone WITHOUT love bombing them??? Like HE just decided he liked me, he actually never even asked me if I liked him lmfao (idk if this is his handsome man arrogance of assuming I'd feel the same way just because but wild af tbh)

Girl, even the Bharanis are this way , it's a Venus thing overall I'd say

I hope your relationship improves for the better ✨and I hope you never have to be at the receiving end of your Venusian's dark moods 🥲

[gravemakamura]

Let Me Tell Ya Something: Artists and Writers of the Aestheticism Movement

(Note: I've gone bonkers at the end of it)

The art movement called ‘Aestheticism” is both interesting and weird.

The movement originally started back in 1860 and ended in 1900 (At least according to articles and Youtube videos).

There are two sections or categories that Aestheticism is found in (or at least I'm interested in). Art and Literature. But first…

What Is Aestheticism?

Aestheticism is basically the embodiment of “Art for the sake of art”

As Aestheticism was uninspired by the natural world, and instead only showed the shallow beauty of things. As the article that I read wrote; Beauty escapism. Or something along those lines. The movement chose beauty over sharing political and/or social ideas. Aestheticism showcased the beauty of manly or female beauty and created a new fashion trend as it influenced public consciousness. Aestheticism was also associated with the Decadent movement. Aestheticism looks back to the art of the past, similar to the Renaissance, but with no substance other than being food for the eyes. (You can correct me if I'm wrong)

Aestheticism is also a philosophy. The study and nature of beauty.

Artists During The Aestheticism Movement

(Note that information about these artists and writers in this blog may be insufficient, and I will shorten the description of each individual as much as possible)

- Dante Gabriel Rossetti (I am unsure how his surname is spelled, as it kept changing between sources)

- Lord Leighton

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Born in London, England on May 12, 1828. He was the most celebrated member of the Rossetti family. Rossetti was an English artist and poet. He helped found the Pre-raphaelites Brotherhood, painters who were just haters of Raphael’s and Michelangelo’s works to put it simply and lightly. But, by the 1860s, he moved on from the pre-raphaelites and was searching for something new to paint.

Rossetti was known for painting his muse (and wife, which is cute) Elizabeth Siddal, who had pale skin and bright red hair. A trait considered to be ‘undesirable’ back then (and also they associate them with witches if I’m correct?) But, because Rossetti continued to paint Elizabeth, the beauty standard between people with red hair began to change, he made red hair socially acceptable.

He eventually died in 1882 on Easter Sunday. His health withered due to Chloral, while his wife died due to Laudanum (a drug made of 10% opium). Rossetti died of Bright’s disease, which he was suffering from for quite some time now.

This is unfortunately the only information that I wrote down about him. I do not have the time to do further research about him. For I have a group activity to do ;-;

Lord Fredric Leighton

Born in Scarborough, United Kingdom on December 3, 1830.

Now, let me tell you this. HE IS RICH AF. His dad paid his allowance for his whole life. Like, are you fr????

Anyways. Based on my notes he:

Became the President of the Royal Academy in 1878 and lasted until he died in 1896.

He was the most famous artist of his day and won many honours and national awards. He also worked on a house till his death, he lived inside that house for 30 years and worked on it around the mid-1860s. The house had multiple styles (And looks rad af). The sources came from Italian Renaissance and the architecture from the near east. The house is often described to as a “Private palace of art”

Leighton would travel around Europe and often come back to Florence and Rome until his death. And, up to this day, it is debated whether he had an illegitimate child with one of his models, or if he was a homosexual. (tbh, I think he’s the latter)

Lord Leighton died on January 25, 1896. Due to Angina Pectoris. A symptom of heart disease, but could be a sign of a heart attack.

Writers During The Aestheticism Movement

- Oscar Wilde

- Algernon Charles Swinburne (will forever remember such a badassatron surname)

- Ernest Dowson

Oscar Wilde

(As his surname implies, dude’s a wildin’)

The most famous artist and writer during the Aestheticism movement. Born on October 16, 1854, in Westland Row, Dublin, Ireland. Wilde was both a poet and a playwrite. Wilde attended Trinity College and Oxford University. His works were often flamboyant and witty. He won the Newdigate prize back in 1878. He was first inspired by aestheticism through what Walter Pater taught.

And just like a peacock, he LOVED attention, good or bad he would GOBBLE IT UP. He got married in 1884 and had two kids with his wife. And since a peacock is a bird and birds can be gay (not peacocks though, which ruins this analogy), Oscar Wilde was imprisoned due to his gayness, to say the least. He had a relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, and he (Oscar Wilde) was accused to be a ‘Sodomite” aka; he likes hot butt sex. (iyyk)

When he was finally freed from prison, he went to France. But he went bankrupt and died broke. He died due to meningitis and a condition called “I’m Broke Bruh” (IBB) in Paris in 1900.

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Born in London, 5th of April 1837. Swinburne was a famous lyric poem of his time. Mostly a poet, but he also wrote novels, plays and critics. Swinburne contributed to the Encyclopedia Brittanica,

Swinburne’s works tackled subjects such as atheism and cannibalism, subjects not often read in books, poetry or of any kind. He went to Eton and Oxford University. There, he met Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

And according to my notes, he liked scaring people. His works that were often tackling sadomasochism shocked people, so much so their heads must’ve split open, an image I wish I didn’t imagined while writing this. One of his famous work was called “Poems and Ballads” a collection of… well.. poems and ballads.

Swinburne eventually died on April 10, 1909, due to flu. Bro had a badassatron name but died in a not do badassatron way (I'm not saying dying due to flu is boring, I just didn't expect him to die that way)

Ernest Dowson

Born in Kent, England back in 1867. He was a novelist and a poet (like me, but he was successful). He was considered a Decadent writer due to his age and reputation. He also followed the ideals of the Aestheticism movement. And his most famous work came to fruition because of an unrequited love. And just like most authors, he died broke. (That’s my future right there) He died of tuberculosis at the age of 32, on February 23, 1900.

Moral of the Story

If you're a writer, you're going to die broke, and maybe young.

If you're an artist, and have not been born in a wealthy family. You're going to die broke.

[newtwithinternet]

Cringe tIC wyrm

needed to start talking about my ocs one day and this one was mentioned recently, so, i guess,

here is Jafar the wyrm - the lad, created by throwing trauma at the wall and looking what sticks (and definitely not by copypasting murtagh). His lore is very inconsistent tbh (due to him initially being an isekai si's dragon and me not being strong enough to cut remaining parts of this backstory off even for the sake of better rounded character). His current canon-ish version is set during the order's restoration era.

It's hard to recall any personal facts about the Nameless ones for sure, including family relations, but with Jafar the eldunarya and scholars are quite sure both of his parents were dragons of the Forsworn, even if this is hard to tell, which ones in particular (Kialandi's dragon is the best guess to be his father, but even this assumption is made by him and his ebrithilar based on scale color). This confidence, though confirmed eventually by remains of the accounts from Vroengard, initially comes from his inheritance.

You see, Jafar is completely cut off from the ancient shared memory of the dragons.

In my shaky headcanon system, this memory is formed by minds of ancient dragons, blending with magic, filling the land of Alagaesia, as the dragons pass away. The access to the memory is granted to those, who the remnants of ancient dragons perceive as akin to them - usually determined by species, blood and long lines of continual succession. And Jafar? Despite being very clearly a dragon, he is perceived by this magic as completely alien. It doesn't recognize him as a dragon, part of the land's living blood, because it'can't trace, where - who - he comes from, and therefore it doesn't grant him the dragon heritage. Due to this he actually struggles to connect to his own kind, especially the Unbound (aka Wild) ones, as he doesn't understand wtf they're talking about and struggles to read their body language, while they find his mannerisms and his way of thinking annoyingly biped-like (sinse he's got them from his Shur'tugal's mind, rather than his dragon memory) and his thoughts shallow. His identity as flesn and blood of oathbreakers being a common knowledge certainly doesn't help with building profound relationships either (in fact, him being a bonded dragon under Saphira and Eragon's protection is probably what keeps him alive and whole more, than his own fire and talons). The lack of memory also makes it hard for him to get a grasp on some of his more basic instincts (e.g. hunting).

With all the troubles he sometimes regrets he hasn't hatched when his parents were alive, so he could take part in their deaths. (Very rarely, very deeply he also regrets he hadn't hatched when they still had names, so he could look them in the eye and ask why the fuck they did what they did. He would do anything to belong in the land and the sky, to be a part of a thunder - they had all this and yet ripped it until there was nothing left. Just how are they blood). (His Shur'tugal has some ideas - let's say that it's good that traits Jafar's got from his parents haven't got a chance to flourish so far).

Other stuff about him:

named himself after a character from an epic poem he projects onto HARD*

he and his Shur'tugal have a strong mutual dislike that started due to a misuderstanding both were traumatized by the consequences of. Neither really is to blame, both understand it, but they still can't stand each other.

over time gets surprisingly good (re: manages to catch the right mood in approximately 20% of attempts) with wonderwork** - the art of the dragons dedicated to controlling their wild magic (comes from his attempts to understand, how the ancient memory magic works)

has an analytical mind and enjoys human and dwarven engineering a weird normal amount

he, actually, definitely doesn't have any self-doubt due to his bloodline. bad luck, injustice (the elders should have thought, how the banishment of names would affect the children of the Nameless!), he didn't deserve this and definitely is nothing like them he totally wouldn't have burned the world for the sake of fame and standing out if he didn't manage to get those in more constructive ways and if his current status didn't force the bar to get lower

most theoretical lessons for young dragons that aren't run by Saphira are run by Glaedr. Jafar has personal mentor for these. Leg chopping reasons. (Glaedr, being ancient and therefore calmer and wiser than young dragons, actually tries to be fair to him, but it's hard when touching minds for long).

at one point as a hatchling got lost in a steppe near his Shur'tugal's home settlement (the misunderstanding consequence), had a few fights with local predators (his fighting instincts being shit), has a mild agoraphobia since then (as nowhere to hide=disaster). It's about as easy to manage as a huge adult dragon as you may think. (Would he and Thorn be best buddies or sworn rivals due to this factor?..)

*irl said character is from an actual book i've read

**i like making up extra names for things that exist in canon and don't need extra names

[azsazz]

Will you please please give us your thoughts on Iron Flame?!?!

Fourth Wing/Iron Flame Spoilers below cut!

So...

First off, there was so much world building that I was kind of confused. I just kind of gave up at some point and read it for the characters lol. maybe it's because i didn't re-read fourth wing before.

the names of everything was a little annoying because they were all so unique i spent like two minutes trying to figure out how to pronounce everything. like she has four basic names (liam, sloane, violet, jack) and the rest I'm like ?!?!?!? WHO?

Speaking of Jack...I'm not sure I liked that whole thing. There wasn't any alluding to the fact that he'd be back in the first book, and I feel like he basically appeared out of nowhere in the second. Yes, we knew the healer was helping mend his soul (which is interesting af to me because how many others could they have helped? or is it just because he was a venin?) but the man literally had a fucking mountain dropped on him?! No way he would've survived I'm sorry.

I thought all of the fighting between her and Xaden was kind of annoying...like come on. And we learned so much about xaden but not at all at the same time?! like, now he can read minds, which means violet misinterpreted the sage/venin dreams because I'm assuming they came from xaden now, he was probably projecting them on her subconsciously.

chapter 48 was hot tho, the throne sex stuff, always a banger in my book.

why the hell was everyone keeping so many secrets from violet. like xaden, the dragons, her family...they keep saying how smart she is and stuff but like, that doesn't mean she should have to figure out everyones secrets for themselves?! betrayal.

also, how the fuck does someone become venin? was that explained in the first book or this one because now xaden is somehow one and idk how that happened?!

low-key i'm happy dain and her are getting closer again, but also your childhood's best friend's dad trying to kill you? i feel like that was unwarranted tbh. then he got sent away because of it and i wonder if he's going to make a reappearance.

also, andarna...she was hardly in the damn book. and i didn't think her lines were anything really special. i feel like she's basically only in the book for one specific plot point and the rest she's just off sleeping or with the elders or doing something else so ry doesnt have to write her?

omg the part where nadine said she was violet and that guy immediately snapped her neck was fucking WILD.

and the whole thing with cat was like petty as fuck but her power seems interesting. i enjoyed reading the challenge violet had when she was messing with her emotions.

let's see...i wonder what violet's second signet is going to be. she kept mentioning how well andarna could blend into her surroundings so im wondering if invisibility is one that could happen...or maybe the transportation one that they said hadn't been a thing for a long time. i feel like why mention that if she isn't going to bring that back too.

also, the headers before each chapter scare me. RECOVERED letters from xaden to violet....recovered from where and why whats going to happen 😭

wow, this was a lot of thoughts lol...i also want a bonus chapter from tairn or another dragons pov because i feel like him and sgayl were fighting a lot this book but i want to know what they're saying to each other.

overall, i enjoyed the read and the midnight release experience was so much fun and cute and clever and i def think they should bring those back. maybe for cc3 they'll do that!

[destinyc1020]

For 2024 I have a few wishes for the Jacob Elordi fans:

1. Create your OWN blogs. Yall pop into Austin, Z, and Tom focused blogs, say your insults and leave. If you have your own blog focused on JE you can say whatever (inults and all), quite simple tbh.

2. Im aware Jacob and Olivia have a private relationship but the way almost NONE of his fans mention her name (even casualy) and still focus on his past relationships is wild lol he is with her and him being with a woman with her background is very telling to how he is as well.

3. Z doesnt want Jacob now, I REPEAT Z doesnt want that man lol Jacob doesnt want Z either. If they wanted to be together they couldve lasted or got back together by now but havent. They didnt even last a year lol goes back to point #2 where they dont even mention his current gf bt love to ship him with Z. I guess cuz Joey is officially married they feel lik that shipped has sailed and nobody gave af about him/Kaia, but just cuz Z is THE it girl dont mean she gotta b shipped with him. She has her own mind as does he.

4. People dont care for Jacob becuase of some of his cheating "antics" but more about some of the things he said in interviews-he can come across as pretentious, ungrateful and just arrogant. Im aware he is a multideminsional person, like the rest of us, so that may not be what he is like 24/7. Again goes back to #2 where his fans ignore Olivia or just dont get why hes with her- Jacob is probably ALOT more similar to Olivia than his fans think. People can not care for his personality because a lot of the main headlines where his name is included dont paint him out to b the best, due to his own words.

5. There are enough white men in the industry that can succeed at the same time. Like folks been saying Jacob is a colead, and has seemingly been doing well in those roles tbh. But a lot of the actors his fans are comparing him to- Austin, Timmy or Tom- have done more lead roles. It dont even make sense to compare him to them cuz if they were all nominated for something they would be leads and Jacob would be a supporting. Again, dont even make sense for his fans to pit him against them.

ALL of this... 👏🏾

TOTALLY agree w/Point #1. It's a very easy solution honestly.

Can you repeat Point #3 LOUDER for those in the back?? And ewww...I had no idea some people were still shipping Z with JE. 🤢 Umm....he's 2 gfs removed from Z already soooooo..... Like, let's get real.

The fact that she left him and went BACK to her ex is actually very telling.

TOTALLY agree w/Point #4.

And AMEN to Point #5! 👏🏾 JE stans are punching above their weight class right now, trying to compare JE to other actors who've actually done LEAD roles, and have had good box-office films, or have actually been nominated for prestigious awards. Like, seriously.... Maybe one day you all will be able to fairly compare JE to Tom, Timmy, Austin, Barry, Paul, etc... But as of right now?? Ummm....Yea, NO. You can't even compare JE to Michael B. Jordan, Jeremy Allen White, Daniel Kaluuya, or even John Boyega and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

ALL of those other actors have either:

Done lead roles

Been in a huge blockbuster film (in a lead or co-lead role)

Won or been nominated for serious acting awards

Been a box-office draw (as lead)

Right now, JE has done NEITHER of that. So, until he does at least ONE of those aforementioned things, I can't (with a STRAIGHT face) be comparing him to ANY of the actors above.

I'm sure JE will get there one day (he certainly seems hungry enough for it), but that day is not today. 🤷🏾‍♀️ And until then, his stans need to chill....cuz they're looking a little dumb rn.

[mcalhenwrites]

hmm...

So I'm kind of in love with Coral Island, and I wish I could play it more... (But I need to edit Geckos and finish my library books first.) It has some quality of life stuff that I so wish games like Animal Crossing took into consideration. Like, crafting isn't perfect, but even though my seaweed is in my storage box at the farm, I can craft it while I'm diving or in the cavern. Buuut if I want to get a remodel or update equipment, I have to have those items on hand/in my bag. (And I don't really love that they keep the tools for 1+ days. So far I've never waited more than 2 days, but... well, we'll see. I'm hard pressed to part with my net for a couple of days when I use it religiously lmao) Another one I really like is that it tells me if I've donated or offered items when I glance at them in my inventory, and it'll even show that something can be donated/offered. This is super fucking helpful for me. I love bulking up my museum, but it's nice to just drop it in the donation box after checking that I haven't donated it already. No ten fucking dialogue boxes from Blathers. (I love Blathers, but goddamn, AC is really bad about characters not shutting the fuck up over little things. GULLIVER.) This game is massive and gorgeous and the music for diving especially gets me so wrapped up. I gotta thank a game that lets me dive without being terrifying for me. I freaked out about some of the aquatic stuff about the cloud sea in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, especially the tunnels through the cloud sea that had the fish swimming above my head. For the record, I have a rather bad phobia of fish that sucks bc fish are pretty! It's irrational af, it's a phobia duh, but it bums me out that I can't appreciate fish IRL or in most games. But in Coral Island, I find it really calming and diving is one of my favorite things to do. Catching sea critters and exploring and cleaning up the trash is all very soothing. (Did I mention the music?) I don't seem to be keeping up with the farming much bc I'm so busy trying to dive and catch things and forage and break rocks and I love the little sea dragon Naga and omfg the spirits are so cute, I could squish 'em. Oh, and the merfolk designs? A+ Love the diversity of the farming aspects, love the wild seeds tbh (they're so fun and nice little suprises come out of them!), and I just... I'm in love with everyone, including people who are not marriagable. Oof. It's unusual for me. In Rune Factory and Story of Seasons and other farming games, I usually don't really go, "I want to date you!" I just pick a favorite character. (Okay, lies. In RF4, I wanted to fucking marry Ventuswill, and it wouldn't fucking let me. And yes I wanted her dragon form, we're not gonna talk about the loli form.) (I might date Raj, I'm super into them and got a scene where they were talking about barely staying afloat, so now I keep trying to buy something daily whenever I remember, even though I'm sure it doesn't make a difference. I want them to be happy, also they are so hot. ;A; ) I could ramble forever about the cute little sea critters... I suck at fishing in this game, I updated my fishing rod finally (didn't realize where I needed to go, I'm really bad about socializing and checking out the shops on the regular) so hopefully that makes it less painful... XD; Okay, time to go work on my library books so I can return them asap (esp since I may have treated myself to some indie spanking erotica books with my Trans Lives Fest money...) :')

[summerwritesfics]

🎇📖The Sky Is Falling On Me, Chapter 1 - Where The Veil Came Crumbling Down

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 6577 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Magic/Fantasy AU, Mages, Anxiety, Isolation, Codependency, Elemental Magic, Mentions of onesided Sektor/Kuai Liang, Panic Attacks, Threats of Violence, Referenced Kidnapping 10 Prompts Tropes: Magic AU

The Sky Is Falling On Me Masterlist - 10 Prompts Masterlist

Notes: It’s been a hot minute since I last posted, and I don’t even have one of those wild AF stories to put in these author’s notes. Sad times. I have some requests from a giveaway to work on, but I had this first chapter almost complete and I figured I’d bang it out before starting the requests and actually make a start on at least one of the many many fanfic challenges I’ve signed myself up for lol. Fic title is from “A Rose For Epona” by Eluveitie, and the chapter title is from “Inis Mona” also by Eluveitie (one of my favourite bands so y’know lmao, amazed I haven’t used their lyrics before tbh.)

Kuai did not like coming into town.

He didn’t particularly get along with many of the townsfolk, they found how quiet and awkward he was off-putting, apparently. He preferred to stay on the farm, tending to the animals and staying far away from other humans. Usually he let Bi-Han deal with people, the only ones Kuai had regular interactions with outside of his brother were Tomas, Cyrax and Sektor. Even they didn’t know the truth about him, believing Kuai was just extremely anxious as the result of his sheltered upbringing.

It’d been drilled into him at a young age that no one could ever know about his magic.

Kuai had trouble regulating himself, it was part of why he was still so isolated as an adult. One wrong move and it was all over for him. So when Bi-Han requested Kuai take some apples to Cyrax, he had immediately declined. But Bi-Han had been insistent, and now Kuai was walking into the centre of town with a backpack full of ripe apples.

He kept his head low, trying to avoid people as much as possible. Although thankfully, everyone seemed to be distracted by something other than the rare appearance of the towns recluse. He was curious, gaze following where others landed.

Sektor was walking down the street with a man Kuai didn’t recognise. Whoever he was, he was wearing a very fancy looking robe, so it was likely he was one of Sektor’s high class contacts. That didn’t explain why people were stopping to crowd around them. It wasn’t uncommon to have a visiting Lord or Lady, however it never usually caused a commotion, especially not one like this.

Still, whatever the reason, Kuai wanted to keep out of Sektor’s way. He unfortunately had no choice in most of his interactions with him, given Sektor’s family did technically own the land the town was on. Still there was something about the way Sektor looked at Kuai that made his skin crawl, like a wolf staring down a rabbit.

He turned away to make his way over to Cyrax’s little store, hoping to drop the apples off and get out of town as quickly as possible. When Cyrax spotted him, he immediately broke into a large grin, and Kuai couldn’t help but return it.

“Well, well, well, it’s rare to see you out and about,” Cyrax teased, only laughing when Kuai groaned. “I take it Bi-Han didn’t wish to grace me with his presence hm?”

“No, he was weirdly insistent on me giving you the apples,” Kuai replied, slipping the backpack off his shoulders and handing it to Cyrax.

“Probably because he owes me money.” Cyrax took the backpack off Kuai and placed it on his table, opening it up and taking a look at the goods.

“Again?” It wasn’t unusual for Bi-Han to owe various people money, but it seemed to be happening more often as of late. “Are we having money troubles? He doesn’t tell me anything about these sorts of things.”

Cyrax smiled at him, but it had such an air of sadness to it. He didn’t say anything, or explain his expression. He didn’t even answer Kuai’s question.

No one ever seemed to answer Kuai’s questions.

“Anyway, what’s going on today? Why is everyone so enchanted by that man with Sektor?” Maybe his queries on his brother’s finances wouldn’t be answered, but he might get one regarding the mysterious stranger visiting the town.

“From what I hear he’s an Archmage,” Cyrax explained and Kuai felt his heart stop at that. An Archmage? Here? What could an Archmage possibly want from this town? “Apparently Sektor’s family is trying to do a deal with him.”

Kuai felt himself relax a little at that. If he was here for a deal with Sektor it was unlikely he was here because of Kuai’s secret. His cover hadn’t been blown, and he was safe. Presumably. Kuai couldn’t let his guard down, he had to make sure to keep everything contained, now it was more important than ever.

“Speaking of,” Cyrax quietly muttered and Kuai looked over his shoulder just in time to see Sektor and the Archmage. Kuai felt himself shrink slightly. He’d wanted to avoid Sektor in the first place, but he would definitely preferred to to avoid the Archmage too.

“Cyrax, Kuai Liang,” Sektor greeted to each of them. Kuai instinctively put his hands behind his back, he often did that to hide when he lost control. “This is Archmage Hasashi, he will be in town for a couple of weeks, and I expect everyone to show him the heights of our hospitality.”

“Of course,” Cyrax replied cooly, before bowing to Archmage Hasashi. “It is a honour.”

Kuai kept his hands behind his back as he also bowed, quietly adding “welcome, Archmage Hasashi.”

When he straightened out, he realised Hasashi was staring at him. He had a single eyebrow raised, but the look in his eye was scarily intense. It felt like he was trying to look straight into Kuai’s soul. Kuai could feel his hands grow colder and he swallowed thickly. Need to keep control. Need to keep control.

“I-Is there something wrong, Archmage Hasashi?” Kuai asked, clenching his fists and trying to stop anything from accidentally erupting from them.

“Kuai Liang, was it?” Hasashi asked, his eyes sweeping Kuai up and down. Kuai swallowed, completely unable to decipher what Hasashi was thinking while looking at him. It was really putting him on edge.

“Yes, Sir,” Kuai replied, resisting the urge to look away from Hasashi’s gaze. Kuai bit his lip, it was like Hasashi was searching for an answer to a question that hadn’t been asked. Does he know? Kuai had never met an Archmage before, or even just another Mage, he wasn’t sure if they had ways of knowing those with magic in their veins.

“And you live in the town?” Hasashi’s brow knitted together as his eyes narrowed and his head tilted. Kuai could feel his hands growing colder. Need to keep control. Need to keep control.

“Yes. Uh, well the outskirts,” Kuai explained, flexing his fingers, desperate to warm his hands up. “My brother and I run the farm.”

“I see.” Hasashi seemed to stand a little straighter, and Kuai hadn’t realised he was leaning forward. “Interesting,” he muttered, so quiet Kuai was sure he hadn’t intended anyone to hear it. What does that mean? Interesting? Why does he think our farm is interesting?

“I- uh-“ One of his fingers began to ice over and he began flexing his fingers again to break it. No. No. I need to keep control. No one can know. That’s what Father always said. No one. “I’m- You-“

“Archmage Hasashi, Kuai Liang is an anxious person,” Cyrax suddenly cut in, walking around the table to where Kuai was. As he got close, he placed a hand on Kuai’s shoulder. Kuai kept moving his fingers, desperate to keep anymore ice from forming. “Your line of questioning is causing him distress.”

That comment seemed to take Hasashi aback, as his eyes widened and his mouth dropped. Beside him, Sektor looked like he was barely holding back his anger at Cyrax stepping in like that. Kuai actually could understand why. It was a statement, not an accusation, and one towards someone Sektor was hoping to do business with.

“My apologies.” Hasashi bowed to Kuai, an action that actually made Kuai pause a little. “It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable.”

No one had ever really apologised for making him uncomfortable before. Smoke and Cyrax both had an unspoken understanding for when Kuai was overwhelmed, resulting in them leaving him to his own devices until he’d calmed down. They never needed to apologise, because Kuai knew already they didn’t mean it. Hasashi however? Who hadn’t known and who Kuai didn’t know if that was his intention? That was new.

“I-I- Well- Um.” Kuai didn’t know what to say, glancing at Cyrax and hoping maybe he’d be able to translate his desperate stuttering.

“It’s okay, you weren’t to know,” Cyrax filled in, patting Kuai on the back a couple of times. Kuai felt the tension in his shoulders begin to relax. “Just, try to be a bit more gentle with him.”

“Right,” Hasashi agreed, slowly nodding his head, though still looking a little shocked. “Of course, again, my apologies.” He quickly turned to Sektor and added, “maybe it would be best we move on.”

“Maybe,” Sektor replied, as he gave both Kuai and Cyrax a scathing look. Kuai flinched despite himself. “Let us go to the next stall.”

Hasashi turned to follow Sektor, though not before giving Kuai one last lingering look. When his eyes were finally torn away, Kuai felt a shudder down his spine. There was something about him that had caught Hasashi’s attention, and Kuai really didn’t want to know what it was.

“That was weird,” Cyrax said under his breath and Kuai chuckled, relieved that the odd behaviour was apparent to someone else as well.

“It was weird, wasn’t it?” Kuai finally moved his hands from behind his back. Without Hasashi in his vicinity he felt a lot more at ease, and less likely to loose control of himself. “What do you think it was about?”

“No idea.” Cyrax shook his head, finally moving from Kuai to go back around to his stall. “Maybe it’s best you stay on the farm for a few days regardless. His behaviour was… Concerning.”

“Wish I could.” Kuai gave a half hearted smile. “If Bi-Han owes you money, it’s likely he owes others too. Meaning he’s going to send me as the buffer for the next few days.”

Cyrax grimaced and added, “good point.” His gaze went over to one of the other stalls, and when Kuai followed it he saw it was where Hasashi and Sektor now were. “Still, I’d try and stay away from him if I were you.” Kuai turned back to Cyrax, his face was tight as he continued to look on. “If I’m reading the way he was looking at you right, I think him and Sektor are going to find making a deal extremely hard.”

Kuai paused at that. He understood the implication, just wasn’t sure he agreed with it. Hasashi was definitely looking at him strangely, but it was nowhere near the same way Sektor looked at him. Sektor looked at him with hunger in his eyes, a possessive wanting, knowing that as long as Bi-Han lived, he’d never get to get what he longed for. Hasashi was looking at him more with curiosity and knowing, like he’d looked straight through Kuai and saw all his deepest and darkest secret’s he’d tried so hard to hide.

By the God’s, Kuai hoped he hadn’t.

“Anyway,” Cyrax continued, reaching to grab a small bag, “here’s the coin for the apples, tell Bi-Han he can deduct it from his debt.”

“Thank you.” Kuai smiled and accepted the bag, although internally he was struggling. This many apples would be about 200 coins, how much does Bi-Han owe if this is just a deduction? “I’ll make sure Bi-Han repays what he owes you.”

“You have my thanks for even trying.” Cyrax bowed to him. “Have a good day, Kuai Liang.”

“You too.”

And with that Kuai turned to leave, money in hand. He didn’t care to stick around longer, lest he run into Hasashi again. He weaved through the whispering crowds, although for once those hushed tones were not about him. As he approached the street he would need to go down to get back to the farm, he looked over his shoulder and surveyed the town square.

From the opposite end, he could see Hasashi staring straight at him.

He almost choked as he began to sprint away, feeling his fingertips begin to ice over. Whatever Hasashi thought he saw, there was no way in hell Kuai could let him get to the truth.

I need to keep control, no one can know, that’s what Father said.

That’s what Father said.

No one can ever know.

Sektor had been extremely adamant that this town had no Mages.

Hanzo was always interested in meeting with fellow Mages when he visited neighbouring towns. His status as an Archmage meant that many Lesser Mages saw him as guide, someone who’s wisdom would be of uttermost importance, and although it felt egotistical, Hanzo enjoyed being viewed that way. He liked the questions, the need for advice, being seen as a figure to be revered.

Thus he had been extremely disappointed when he had been informed that the small town of Lin Kuei had none.

Not as disappointed as he was when he realised he’d been lied to.

Lesser Mages were generally not as at one with the magic inside themselves and others. Two Mages could walk down the street without knowing the other was one of them. Archmages however, were specifically taught to be able to sense magic. It helped to identify Mages, and if the magic was particularly strong, find candidates to join the Archmages.

So the second he sensed magic, he knew that Sektor had lied to him.

It had been faint at first, making him believe it was a child. But as the feeling got stronger, he realised how wrong he was. The magic was fully formed, and not just that, it was strong. As it grew, he knew he had to find the source.

He did not realise just how strong the magic was until he was face to face with Kuai Liang.

The magic within Kuai Liang was easily equal to the majority of Archmages that Hanzo had spent his life around. In fact, if he were to be honest and not care for a bruised ego, he’d say Kuai was stronger than even him. But it was also wild, and completely untrained. That made Kuai extremely dangerous. Hanzo had barely even confronted Kuai, and he could feel that magic loosing control. It was ready to seep through the seams, and if Kuai didn’t have enough control, people could be hurt.

Which brought him to his most pressing question; why had he been lied to?

Given the deal the Zhou family was trying to strike with the Archmage of the Shirai Ryu, it would make sense to be completely truthful about any Mages living within the town. Unless, of course, they were not aware themselves. How Kuai would have been able to keep this secret for so long, Hanzo didn’t know. The mention of living on the outskirts might explain it if he didn’t come into the centre that often. And him having a brother? Was the brother also a Mage in hiding or was he just trying to hide Kuai?

He needed to do more investigation.

The day after their fateful meeting, Hanzo found the chance to start doing just that. The Zhou family had other things to attend to, so Hanzo could roam the town as he pleased. He tried to not ask anyone directly about Kuai, he knew that would seem suspect. Instead he asked about the town, and rumours or outliers that might potentially effect his deal with the Zhou’s.

It took some time, and a lot of listening to gossip he didn’t really care for, that someone finally gave him info he wanted.

“Well, there is Bi-Han and Kuai Liang,” a woman said, her brow furrowing as she looked around like she didn’t wish for anyone to overhear her.

“I believe I met Kuai Liang yesterday,” Hanzo replied, trying to not sound as eager for information on him as he was. “I do not know who Bi-Han is.”

“He’s Kuai Liang’s elder brother.” Ah, so Bi-Han was the brother’s name. Interesting. “They live on and run the farm on the outskirts of town and they’re…” The woman paused, mouth open as she took a deep breath. “They’re very strange.”

“I noticed Kuai Liang seemed extremely anxious.” And that was an understatement. He had looked terrified of Hanzo.

“To be honest, most of us didn’t even know Kuai Liang existed until he was an adult.” What? “It was only after the brother’s father died that we became aware of him. For some reason, his father almost completely isolated him. Bi-Han is a lot less strict, but he is still um… I guess controlling is the best way to put it. He rarely let’s Kuai leave the farm, and even when he does, it’s like there is some sort of invisible leash meaning he can’t stray for too long.”

That all seemed incredibly concerning. The only thing that sprung to Hanzo’s mind was that Kuai’s father did not know how to handle a Mage, so kept Kuai isolated to hide him away. His brother was just following suite. That felt off though, usually Mages with magic as strong as Kuai’s were born of Mage parents. If that were the case, his father would know to teach Kuai at least the basics of control. He couldn’t imagine any Mage to be so careless as to not do that, but he couldn’t rule it out just yet.

“Then there is Sektor’s, uh, affections for Kuai Liang,” the lady continued, her voice dropping like she was scared the man in question would come up behind her. “He thinks he has hidden his desires, but it’s clear to everyone that he… Well… Wants Kuai Liang.”

“As a spouse?” Hanzo wanted to make sure he was getting the information right, and the woman nodded. “If his family are so powerful, what is stopping him from taking what he desires?”

“Bi-Han.” This was stated with such certainty that it almost took Hanzo off guard. “That man would never allow anyone to take his brother like that, even if they technically own this town.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “To be honest, I think Sektor is just biding his time, hoping and waiting for Bi-Han to die so there’s no one left between Kuai and him.”

“And what exactly does Kuai Liang want in all this?” Most people wouldn’t say no to marrying someone of such money and standing, but most people didn’t make all. And in all this conversation, it seemed to focus on Sektor and Bi-Han’s wants, and nothing on what Kuai would like.

“I don’t know to be honest, his skittish nature makes him very hard to read.” Well, that was definitely true. “I think he just goes along with what Bi-Han wants. If Bi-Han died, I could see him latching onto Sektor just so he has someone to tell him how to think and feel.”

“Could you give me directions to the farm? I think I’d like to visit, if I can.” His initial confusion at Kuai hiding his powers was now replaced with concern. With someone so isolated, nothing good could be happening on that farm.

“If you follow that street, you’ll find a path through the woods.” The woman pointed towards the street in question. “Just keep going down that path and you will eventually come to the farm.” She snorted and paused, “although good luck, Bi-Han is not exactly fond of visitors.”

“That is fine, I’m sure I can find some common ground.” The woman did not look convinced, but bowed respectfully and turned to be on her way.

Hanzo, on the other hand, had a farm to find.

Kuai hummed as he picked a mushroom and put it in the basket. Mushroom picking was about the closest he got to leaving the farm as a child. The people of the town rarely came into the woods, so he wasn’t at risk of awkwardly running into people.

So when he heard a twig snap, he figured it was probably just an animal. He ignored it, deciding he’d throughly gathered all the mushrooms he could find. As he stood up to return back to the path, he jumped when he realised he saw a humanoid figure in his way.

He felt panic well in his throat when he realised it was Archmage Hasashi.

“Hello again,” Hasashi greeted, a strange lopsided smile on his face. “Sorry, I did not mean to scare you, I appear to be making a habit of that.”

“I- It’s okay?” Kuai didn’t mean that to sound like a question. His hands gripped the basket tightly. What is he doing here? Why is he so far out of the town?

“I’m glad I ran into you actually,” Hasashi continued, either oblivious to Kuai’s discomfort or disregarding it entirely. “I’ve had a day to myself, so I thought I’d familiarise myself with the surrounding area, including your family’s farm.”

Why? This was suspicious, no one except Sektor, Tomas and Cyrax ever came out to the farm. Bi-Han chased most people off. Kuai had no doubt there would be no exception for Hasashi, regardless of who he was. Still Kuai couldn’t find it in him to argue, that got stuck in his throat unable to escape.

“Oh,” was all he managed to get out. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt to guide Hasashi to the farm. Then once they got their Bi-Han would chase him off. “Um. I was just heading back.”

“May I accompany you?” The question was strange to Kuai, because it was clear Hasashi was going to do that regardless of his answer.

“Of course, Archmage Hasashi,” Kuai replied. Gingerly he approached the other man, feeling strange when he realised Hasashi’s gaze never left him. As he headed back towards the path, Hasashi turned to follow beside him. Kuai felt awkward, not sure what exactly he should do or say. Small talk was not something he did a lot, but he supposed he could try. “So… How are you finding the town?”

“Delightful,” Hasashi answered brightly, almost like he was glad that Kuai would ask such a question. “The locals have been so helpful.”

The emphasis on helpful was strange, but again, Kuai found he couldn’t call Hasashi out on it.

“Kuai Liang, how much do you know about the Archmages?” Was this small talk still? This felt very specific.

“I… Do not know much I’m afraid, Archmage Hasashi,” Kuai admitted. He really didn’t know a lot about them, except that if they knew about him, they would take him away. His Father had made sure that Kuai would never have any involvement with them. It was unfortunate he was no longer here to keep Hasashi away.

“I see,” Hasashi muttered, taking a deep breath, like what he was going to say next was the hardest thing he was ever going to say. “Then you are not aware that we are trained to be able to sense the magic of others?”

Kuai stopped walking. He stopped breathing. Everything just stopped. All he could do was stare at Hasashi. The other man was extremely calm, just looking at Kuai expectantly. But Kuai could do nothing. He almost thought he’d lost control and frozen himself, but a glance down told him he was ice free.

No one can know, that’s what Father said.

“With that in mind,” Hasashi continued, tilting his head as he folded his arms in front of his chest, “is there anything you wish to tell me?”

No, no, no, no, this can’t be happening.

“No one can know, that’s what Father said,” Kuai automatically blurted out, watching how Hasashi blinked and did a double take at that.

“Kuai Liang.” Hasashi took a step forward, reaching his hand out.

“No one can know, that’s what Father said,” Kuai repeated, beginning to back away, hiccuping as he felt his face growing hot. “No one can know.”

“Please, calm down, I don’t-“

“No one can know!” Kuai screeched, stomping his foot down and watching as several shards of ice erupted out of the ground below it. The loud gasp from Hasashi was drowned out by the blood pulsing in Kuai’s ears. “No, no, no.” He tried to take another step back, but stumbled down onto the floor. “No one can know.”

“Ice,” Hasashi whispered, staring at the shard pointed towards his face. He reached to touch it, looking at it in both wonder and shock. “Cryomancy.” He shook his head like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “You’re a Cryomancer.”

“P-Please,” Kuai sobbed. He’d messed up badly. Not only had he revealed himself, he’d revealed himself to an Archmage. Hasashi was going to whisk him away and he’d never see Bi-Han, Tomas or Cyrax again. “Please, n-no one can know…”

That’s what Father said.

“Kuai Liang, it’s okay, calm down.” Hasashi crouched down in front of Kuai, placing a hand on Kuai’s shoulder while the other cupped Kuai’s chin. Kuai resisted the urge to tear his head away. “I’m not going to tell anyone about this.” Kuai wasn’t sure he believed that, but Hasashi said it with such conviction it was hard to not just trust his word. “But I do need to talk to you about this.”

“I- I- No one…” Kuai trailed off, because no one was supposed to know, but now someone did.

“I know. No one was supposed to know.” The hand that hand been on Kuai’s shoulder was next on Kuai’s head, fingers carding through his hair as Hasashi stroked him. “But I do know now, and that’s not your fault. You tried, your family can not be angry at you for this.” Hasashi didn’t know Bi-Han. Big Brother was going to be fuming over this. “We need to talk. Let’s get back to your farm, okay?”

Kuai blinked, tears rolling down his cheeks. He had no choice now did he? At least if Hasashi did take him, it seemed he might let Kuai have the chance to say goodbye to Bi-Han. Hasashi reached for Kuai’s hands, and Kuai realised his fingers were icing over. Fire came from Hasashi’s hands and Kuai flinched. The flames did not hurt him however, just melted the ice forming on his hands.

“Come, please.” Hasashi pulled Kuai up to his feet. He reached down to pick up Kuai’s basket, before gently leading Kuai down the path.

All Kuai could do was let himself be pulled over to the farm, while internally he agonised on how the hell he was going to explain himself.

It seemed Kuai’s brother was off tending to something when they got to the farm.

In a way, Hanzo was glad about that. It meant he had a bit of time to talk to Kuai alone. He realised how he’d brought things up was not the best way. He hadn’t anticipated Kuai’s reaction to be so strong, or for him to be quite that afraid of someone finding out. What the hell has his family told him to make him so terrified like that?

Despite this not being his house, Hanzo found himself in the kitchen, fixing up a cup of tea for himself and Kuai. His host was still shaken however, occasionally muttering about how no one could know and about his father. With the tea in his hand, Hanzo placed one cup in front of Kuai, while he took a seat opposite. Kuai stared down at the cup, rather than making eye contact with Hanzo.

“I need to ask you some questions now. Please answer them truthfully,” Hanzo began, watching Kuai clench his fist. The magic inside him was raging, and Hanzo could see flakes begin to form around Kuai’s knuckles. How little control he had was growing more concerning, but that could wait. “You are a Mage, are you not?”

Kuai was silent, looking like he was debating how to actually reply, before he miserably just said “yes.”

“Were either your mother or father Mages?” He asked. Magic generally was passed down through families, although it was entirely possible for non-Mages to give birth to mage’s and vice visa. Generally Mages who were born of two Mage parents were the ones powerful enough to be Archmages. Hence he needed to know if that was the case with Kuai Liang.

“No,” Kuai replied, finally moving his hand to grip the cup. Not to drink, Hanzo had a feeling he was trying to use it to heat up his hands and deal with the ice.

“I asked you to be honest with me,” Hanzo warned lowly, watching the way Kuai flinched at the tone being used with him.

“I am,” he croaked. “Neither of my parents had magic.”

Then, maybe Hanzo’s initial suspicion of Kuai’s Father not knowing how to handle him was right. It would have been even worse with a mage of Kuai’s magnitude.

“What about your brother? Is he a Mage?” This situation was unusual already, Hanzo figured he might as well cover all his bases.

“No. It’s just me.” Kuai sounded so dejected, and Hanzo’s heart broke for him. He should have been amongst other Mages, learning to harness his powers for the good of everyone. He shouldn’t have been alone and left to deal with this thing he didn’t understand.

“Why did your Father tell you no one could ever know about your magic?” He needed to know what excuse the man gave.

“He said the Archmages would take me away.” Kuai’s eyes lifted slightly, looking at Hanzo with very thinly veiled contempt. He was clearly still expecting this to happen. “He said they’d take me, and I’d never see my family again.”

Hanzo wanted to refute that point. The Archmages hadn’t forcefully taken children in a long time. Granted, it was something that used to happen, back in the days of old, but they had stopped many years ago.

But… Kuai Liang is a Cryomancer.

That single fact gave Hanzo a sinking feeling that the Archmages would indeed have taken Kuai away from his family.

“Cryomancy has long believed to be extinct,” Hanzo began to explain. He wasn’t sure if confirming Kuai’s fears was the best idea, but he couldn’t lie to the poor man either. “While the Archmages have long since stopped the abduction of Mage children, in your case, I will concede your Father’s fears were valid.” Kuai’s head snapped up, his teeth bared and eyes wide. “No new Cryomancer has been born in several generations. You are the first in a long long time. The Archmages would have wanted to ensure your survival and skill.”

And, most likely, would have hoped Kuai would eventually reintroduce Cryomancy into Mage bloodlines. That concept made Hanzo’s skin crawl. The Archmages had come a long way since the old days, but there were still ways they needed to improve.

“I- I don’t understand,” Kuai whispered, ice now snaking from his hands and onto the cup he was holding. The heat seemed to be doing nothing for it. “Are you saying I’m…”

Kuai stopped talking as his face screwed up.

“I’m saying you are the only one of your kind, yes,” Hanzo finished for him. He watched Kuai’s reaction closely. His breathing was growing heavier, and his lip was quivering slightly. “On top of that, the strength of your magic. It is enough that you could be an Archmage yourself.”

“No.” Kuai shook his head firmly, his mouth tight. “No, that’s not possible. I don’t have any control, I’m not that powerful.”

“Having control and how powerful your magic is are not the same thing,” Hanzo explained. Kuai shook his head again. “Kuai Liang, the reason you always feel so overwhelmed by your powers is because they are so immense.” It had taken Hanzo years of intense training to get his powers under control. The fact Kuai had any control at all was nothing short of a miracle. “If you had been raised amongst other Mages rather than being kept in isolation, you would not have as much trouble as you do.”

“So you think they should have taken me?” Kuai spat, and the amount of vitriol made Hanzo do a double take. “My Father was right. The Archmages are just pompous know-it-all’s who think they know what’s best when they know nothing at all.”

Hanzo watched as the ice spread across the table, and he quickly realised if he did not want this to escalate into a physical fight he was going to have to try and calm him down.

“That isn’t what I meant,” Hanzo tried to say as softly as he could. He could feel Kuai’s magic threatening to break through, engulfing everything unfortunate to be too close. “I just meant if you had been allowed to be more open about your powers, you would have had access to help and companionship.” The ice slowly cracked as it spread further. “You wouldn’t have had to be alone.”

“I wasn’t alone,” Kuai hissed, a loud snap as he clenched his fist and broke the ice surrounding it. “I had my father and brother. I had Tomas and Cyrax. I was not on my own.”

“But none of them are Mages.” He wasn’t sure how to explain that the companionship between Mages would always be different than between a Mage and Non-Mage. “None of them understand what you are going through.” He attempted to reach a hand over to place one on Kuai’s, but the other man yanked his arm back so hard Hanzo actually flinched back in his seat. “I do though, Kuai Liang. And I want to help you.”

“You don’t understand anything!” Kuai slammed his fist down on the table, and as he did a large burst of energy emerged from him.

Hanzo engulfed himself in flame, hoping maybe it would prevent him getting encased in ice. He stilled for a moment, other than the rush of the fire surrounding him, all he could hear where the ragged sobs of Kuai. He extinguished the fire, looking around, the entire room was encased in a thick layer of ice. Disturbingly, the ice facing Hanzo was jagged, and while the ones closest to him had the tips melted off, it was clear they had been sharp and would have easily pierced through his flesh. His fire shield had been his saviour from having an icicle through his skull.

Hanzo needed to get Kuai to trust him, because like this?

Kuai was a risk to both himself and everyone around him.

“Kuai Liang, I-“

He was cut off when he heard a door slam open and a pair of footsteps rush towards the room.

“What the fuck just hap-“ a man stopped in the doorway to the kitchen, his face dropping as he surveyed the room before him. It was obvious this was Bi-Han, given how eerily similar to Kuai Liang he looked. At least he now had no doubt Kuai wasn’t lying about his brother not having magic, he could feel absolutely nothing from the other man.

Bi-Han’s eyes landed on Kuai Liang, who was still crying into his hands.

And like that he snapped into action.

He was across the room and pulling Kuai close to him within the time it took Hanzo to blink. Kuai was still too upset to coherently explain what was going on. His buried his head into Bi-Han’s side, as if to hide his face. Then Bi-Han’s attention was on Hanzo.

By the Gods, Hanzo had never seen someone look at him with such pure hatred before.

“Who the fuck are you and what did you do to him?” Bi-Han demanded, his grip on Kuai tightening.

“My name is Archmage Hanzo Hasashi and-“

He had no way to finish that sentence before Bi-Han was pulling out a knife strapped to his thigh and pointing it in Hanzo’s direction.

“You will not take him,” Bi-Han snarled, clutching the knife so hard his knuckles were going white. “I will not let you.”

“I do not wish to take him,” Hanzo tried, pushing himself to stand up. Bi-Han kept the knife trained on him the entire time.

“Like hell you don’t.” It was no wonder Kuai had so much fear of being taken away, if this was how his family had always reacted.

“I only wish to help him.”

The reply he received was Bi-Han spitting in his general direction. He wasn’t going to get anywhere like this. Maybe if he called it a day, allowed the brothers to calm down, he’d have a better chance at getting through to them how much Kuai needed help.

“I can see that this has caused a great deal of distress to you both,” Hanzo claimed, holding his hands up in front of him. He had hoped it would show he was surrendering, but given that Bi-Han manoeuvred so he was now shielding Kuai with his entire body, it clearly hadn’t come across that way. “While I do still need to talk more, I can see that for now, conversation is not an option.”

“What is there to talk about?” Bi-Han growled. “You are not taking him from me, end of discussion. There is nothing more to be said.” He slashed the knife at the air, before pointing it back at Hanzo. “And know, Archmage, if you dare try, I will fight until my last breath, and slit the throats of every one of your infernal order whose foolish enough to attempt it.”

The reality was, Bi-Han would be long dead before he could get close to any Archmage to slit their throat. Somehow, pointing this fact out seemed counterproductive.

“I will allow you both to calm down, and then maybe we can have a more civil discussion.” He moved around the table to head towards the doorway. He glanced back at the brothers. Kuai was peering around his elder brother, eyes full of a hazy mix of emotions, between contempt, terror and relief. Hanzo sighed and added, “I am sorry, Kuai Liang, I know this is upsetting for you, but this is not something I can just walk away from.”

Kuai did not reply, just bowed his head and pushed into Bi-Han’s side again. Speaking of, the look in the elder’s eyes, told Hanzo if he didn’t get out now, he was going to end up with that knife in his head.

He turned, walking away and letting himself out of the farmhouse’s front door. He didn’t stop to contemplate anything, just continued to walk down to path and back to the town.

This was going to be far harder than he could of ever anticipated, and he needed to consider his next actions carefully if he hoped to get any positive results. Most importantly, he could not alert the other Archmages to the situation just yet. Knowing them, they’d go in with little thought and make Kuai leave by force. Given how intermeshed the two brother’s appeared, suddenly separating Kuai from Bi-Han would cause him to shut down completely. At the same time, Bi-Han’s possessive attitude was going to be a major obstacle in all of this. “You are not taking him from me”, that’s what Bi-Han said, wasn’t it? Like a child being threatened with having his favourite toy confiscated from him. He was sure if it were not for Bi-Han’s influence over his brother, gentle persuasion would eventually work on Kuai, but it was getting him away long enough to cut the threads that kept them tied together.

And if he cut the wrong thread, he ran the risk of completely destroying any chance Kuai Liang had at living a more normal life.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

[sydsaint]

Below you will find my run-down and thoughts on the AEW All-In card. Before you read, I'd just like to remind everyone that these are MY opinions. If you don't like or agree with them then that's fine. But I don't want to see anyone give me hate or anything negative for what I'm about to say. If you disagree with something that's fine with me. And if you'd like to discuss said difference of opinions in a polite manner then please feel free to reply or DM me with your opposed opinions. I'm always down to talk about wrestling with other people. Thank you for your time, now let's proceeded with the run-down.

ZERO HOUR -

(Adamjf v Aussie Open)

MAX AND ADAM BEAT AUSSIE OPEN!! THE BOYFRIENDS ARE TAG CHAMPS

The whole match was great.

Max hitting the kangaroo kick and just the general shenanigans were a great way to prelude to main event of All-In.

Adam getting to be his goofy self was wonderful.

Mark and Kyle looked great as always. They are a great tag team.

Good match 7/10⭐

(Jack Perry V HOOK)

Another zero hour banger

That limo spot into the windshield was great

Jack is so dramatic, truly Christians child

HOOK looked phenomenal as always

Jack having the belt for a bit was cool, but I'm glad that Tyler got it back

I'm looking forward to seeing what Jack does next with this heel solo run

Great match! 8/10⭐

Main Card-

(CM Punk V Samoa Joe)

The Punk pop was insane. Cult of Personality is ingrained in my brain

Punk in his slutty little trunks was ❤️

Joe also looked fine as hell 😩

Match was good for what it was

I really don't care for the whole separate title that Punk has but eh

That spot where Joe slammed Punk into the bottom of the announce table was great

Plus the classic Joe walk-away spot was good

Punk supporting Trans rights with that girl in the crowd after the match was wonderful king shit

Joe should have won in my opinion but eh

Good opener match 6/10⭐

(Golden Elite V Bullet Club Gold and Konosuke Takeshita)

Juice Robinson is a little gremlin and I love him for it

Jay looked fire in the white tho 🥵

Heel Konosuke is gonna be the death of me tbh.

Ken, Adam, and Kota also looked great

Jay activated no-sell Ibushi with those chops which delighted me

Ken hit a nasty knee at one point

Juice was on some gremlin shit the whole time as he should be

Takeshita looked phenomenal the whole match I'm loving his heel run

Great match! 7/10⭐

(Best Friends with Eddie Kingston and Penta V Blackpool Combat Club with Santana and Ortiz)

Eddie being on-sight with Claudio was great

Yuta was being an evil little gremlin and I love him

Santana and Ortiz looked great and I can't wait to see them back in tag action

Jon was being mean as usual. Great stuff

Penta scared the fuck outta me when he got taken out only for him to come back all evil and hitting one hell of a ladder spot

All the chaos was great

That ending with Jon and Eddie all covered in blood next to one another. Truly two divorced husbands trying to salvage their marriage 🥺🥺

Stadium Stampede was so fun! 9/10⭐

(Young Bucks V FTR)

Kinda a lackluster match for me tbh

Matt and Nick looked great in yellow

Dax Harwood is eww

We love Cash tho

The action was pretty good tho

Bucks should have won!!

Okay match overall 6/10⭐

(Jericho v Ospreay)

Will was looking mad good

They made me listen to a live Judas performance which was ew

Props to Jericho for still cooking in the ring tho. He hit some good spots

Will was way better tho. That mfer was hitting some wild moves in the ring

Truly the Aerial Assassin

The pop for Will was so nice to hear. Tony Khan better sign him when he's done in New Japan

Plus Jericho lost so yay!

Solid match. Good spots. 7/10⭐

(Darby Allin and Sting V Swerve Strickland and Christian Cage)

Coffin matches are always fun

Joker Sting was dope AF

Darby hit that coffin drop into the coffin TWICE!!! The madman

Poor Nick Wayne got bullied again. Tony Khan leave that little boy alone!

DILF CHRISTIAN LOOKING GOOD 😍

Swerve Strickland is also mad fine 🥵.

The ending with Darby hitting the coffin drop while Swerve was in there was great

Sting you are old. Please stop making me worry about you in every match with all the insane shit you do

Great match! 8/10⭐

(Hikaru Shida V Saraya V Toni Storm V Britt Baker)

All the ladies were looking good 😍 (minus Saraya cuz no)

The disrespect of letting that despicable women Saraya not only come out to we will rock you when Emi is RIGHT THERE and letting her win??? Tony Khan will pay for his crimes.

Toni, Britt, and Shida all we're great in the match.

Saraya can't wrestle for shit and her and her racist, sexist, transphobic boyfriend are disgusting. Tony Khan you can do better

I feel bad for Shida because Tony basically used her as a placeholder for two weeks and she deserves so much more than that.

Worst match of the night but still okay I guess 🫠 4/10⭐

(The Acclaimed ✂️ V House of Black)

Casters rap was 🔥🔥 as usual

Bowens looked so happy to have Daddy Ass back

The whole place scissoring was great

HOB looked great in white. Especially my queen Julia Hart

The action was great and Billy looked good

The Acclaimed winning and the speech after was great. I'm so glad that Billy isn't retiring like we all thought

Great match! New champs! 8/10⭐

(MJF V Adam Cole)

THE DRAMA!

THE CINEMA!

Oh my gosh that match was so good

The draw had me out of my seat!!

Then Max gave Adam five more minutes this time!

Roddy came out but Adam ultimately decided that he'd rather have Max as a friend. My heart 😭

This match was so dramatic and I was eating it up lemme tell you

Adam's Panama Sunrise is a thing of beauty tbh

I can't wait to see what's next for these two boyfriends now that they're tag champs

Match of the night! 10/10⭐

Overall- Great PPV 9/10 rating ⭐

[henrytalks2024]

I know what I want,I know who I want to be,I know where I'm going,it's just where I am rn sucks,I'm 25 and getting older,I don't regret the last couple years,they were beautiful and fun,but that hoe shit and crazy wild lifestyle I had ain't fun no more,I don't want it,I'm over it,I don't regret it but I know it's not what I want,porn,drugs,lust,vanity,rage,greed, gluttony,I've experienced all those sins,I don't want it,it brings me no true happiness,all this time I'm still lonely AF,but because I've seen so much,I've experienced so much bad and I've witnessed so much corruption,I fear the worst,I hate men and I hate what we can do to women,I've seen the most beautiful girls get corrupted and for what,just out of pain and trauma,it hurts to be apart of it,I don't wish it upon any females,i wish i could help them,i wish i could change them,but we are all human,thats why im so scared of YVONNE,I fear for her so much,i dont deserve her or anyone tbh,I just dont wanna be another reason why a good girl turns bad,im sorry god

[unveiledkinarchive]

ezrah. • bodyclaim. • headcanons. • isms. 

BASIC INFO

full name — Ezrah Ryder age — ninety-four (looks 40ish) gender — cis male, (he/ him/ his pronouns) orientation — homosexual occupation — sheriff species — fairy (fire magic) clothing style — usually his uniform, though if not ...plain t's and jeans tbh. comfy and well, lame.

PHYSICAL INFO

face claim — Pedro Pascal hair — brown / eyes — brown height — five foot & eleven inches build — kinda like a T, broad af shoulders, semi-muscled torso, slutty waist (it be thin ok), everything else is yum scars — a faint one across the bridge of his nose, underneath his right eye, bullet wound scar on his thigh tattoos — when he was a sixteen, his friends talked him into getting an elvish tattoo inspired by the lord of the rings done behind his ear... so there's that. piercings — ears special characteristics — generally quiet, not very talktative, comes off a little distracted sometimes (and he often is), will grump without reason, some dare calling him grumpy, but he will definitely shut them down (he is tho) sexual preference— bottom sub (he thinks he's a switch but he's really not)

PERSONALITY

alignment — lawful good positive traits — protective, caring, calm, strong-willed negative traits — indecisive, short-tempered, stubborn, grumpy hobbies — trekking, camping, survival challenges, work.. horse riding

MEDICAL INFO

mental — ptsd physical — he got shot in the leg and the bullet got stuck very very close to the kneecap. when they tried to remove it, they did quite some damage, so he has a subtle limp on him and in cold weather, it throbs quite a bit phobias — claustrophobia,pisantrophia eyesight — 14/20 dominant hand — left hand drug use — nop alcohol use — sometimes diet — healthy, but balanced. like, he will sin every now and then, or drink etc.

BACKGROUND

birthplace — austin, TX parents — n/a siblings — n/a education — high school drop-out notable skills — street cred, packs mean punches, could be watching a pack of puppies and still look grumpy

BIO

Ezrah never met his parents. He had no name, no pictures - photographs or hints as to who they were, other than that at least one of them must've not been human, although he wouldn't find out about that until much, much later. He also didn't know why he hadn't been allowed to grow up in the care of those who supposedly unconditionally loved him and for the longest time he wondered, but at some point in time ... he just stopped. Sure, that little nagging voice in the back of his mind never quite went away, but ... he learned to live with it and ignore it most of the time.

Back when Ezrah was born, life ... was different. Orphanages were less optimized than they are now and the system - believe it or not, was even worse. Adoption never was part of the plan for him. He grew up among dozens like him - not Fairies, but orphans. They were all trying to survive, really, survival of the fittest. Fifty little boys cramped into a big, rented hall - voila. Orphanage.

The caretakers were overwhelmed, or simply didn't care. Or maybe they had their own issues and worries that kept them up at night and they didn't have the capability to care for these wild little human beings in their care. So, the wildlings care for each other, or for themselves - or for nobody at all. Ezrah himself just wanted to make it out alive. Not being even close to the top 10 in strength or skill, he had to fight twice as hard to keep what he had.

Which wasn't much, really.

But it was all he had, and then there was the food. They spent the days scouting the streets, looking for where to strike - where to acquire even just the smallest bit of food. Every piece mattered, but never bring it back to home. Ezrah was ... of decent height, but ... not exactly built to fight. A twig in the wind compared to a bunch of the other kids there, but regardless of that - disadvantage or not, he made due with stubbornness and resilience.

Bruises, black eyes, purple cheeks ... he always took down at least two of the enemy when he went, so he called that a win. And he'd managed to hold onto his treasures still. In fact, he kept them all until the day he escaped that hellhole. Street cred got you far even then and word got around that Ezrah could hold his own in the ring. Not an actual ring, but a proverbial one. Until then.

Fifteen and unsure what to do with this newfound freedom, he let himself be talked into jumping in the ring of a local gym to prove what he could do. It was far from good, but he had potential - they said. And he was young, too. A perfect little piece of clay. With a big mouth, though they got that stuffed far too soon.

The deal came with a roof over his head, regular meals and a lot of training. It wasn't like Ezrah had job offers lined up for him and the gym sounded better than to curl up on some bench in the park, so he agreed. Turned out he was a great study, so he picked up the basics quick and even the more advanced techniques before his first fight, which.. still was bit of a mess. Nerves.

But Ezrah wouldn't be where he was if he gave up after a defeat, would he? So he got up. Again and again. A few months later, everything was different. He was good at this.Raw violence.

Twenty years later, it was becoming a little too obvious he was aging ... much slower. He was nearing his 40s and still looked like he just hit puberty, so ... he packed the few things he owned and dipped. He'd saved most of his earnings, so ... sky's the limit, right? He got himself a bus ticket to LA and poked his head into the fighting scene there. To avoid the age talk again, he .. had to start fresh - all the way down in the food chain, but it was fine. He didn't mind.

Smart as he could be sometimes, he earned himself another ten years in safe solitude, only he wouldn't get to spend that money, because right on payday, the gym got robbed - some were shot, some not, but it changed something in Ezrah. Life .. had almost been a dream for so long and sure, yes - the pain had stung, but.. it'd almost been too good to be true. He was back on the ground now, fully aware and striving to change up his game.

Due to his looks, he was the perfect candidate for the next step. Law enforcement. LAPD - LA's finest. Stupid-ass motto, but it was what it was. A few years at the academy and Ezrah was a p1. His ... skills from before sure made him every criminal's nightmare and he .. did okay, he felt. Rookie to P3 in 18 months.

He found routine and satisfaction in his work, but ... LA never quite... felt like him to him and honestly, he often wondered where his roots were. The first decade or two he .. ignored it, again, but sooner or later he just couldn't anymore. Research on himself, he'd get in trouble if that got out, but it wouldn't - he was good at what he did.

That was how he found out about the Chateau. And he set out to find it pretty much almost instantly. Bags packed and eager to go. Ten years ago today, Ezrah moved into the Chateau in Alexandria, but soon found his own place and resumed his work at the police station, but ... he never quite stopped looking for hints about his family.

[detectivesus]

Steps in for a tale of the absolutely unhinged evening I had with my friends last night. We all got to the house we were staying at and had a pre game beveragino. Walked to the place (because we are safe girlies in this house and do not drink and drive) one friend supposedly made a reservation at only to find out she did not in fact make a reservation and the hostess was being weird and wouldn’t actually give us a time for when they could seat us but was like I mean y’all can go sit at the bar so obvi we did just that. Everyone got another drink. Food was banging but certainly not enough for how much alcohol we were about to consume. Little did we know. We then Ubered to the first dive bar of the evening and everyone got another round. Some of us got a few more than others but I digress. This place had good vibes and was on the water but there was this gaggle of older ladies who were so very drunk they kept bumping into us so it was very annoying. Then we went to the next place that had 99 beers on tap. It was so dark in there I’m not even sure there were actual lights or just light from the moon tbh. Bitch was dark af. Beer was mid but like to be expected. We were there for the experience not the beverages. My friend stole one of the glasses tho because it was a very nice glass. We don’t condone stealing but at this point it is what it is. We then have to walk 10 minutes to the final place of the evening during which we found a giant board with someone’s very pixelated picture on it that one of the guys picked up and brought with him for some reason. Two of the girls found a cat on the sidewalk and were petting it. The other dude was ordering wings to the house for when we finished at the 3rd bar. We get to the third bar and they buy two pitchers of the worst beer I’ve ever had. Then buy two more. We powered through 3 but had to give the 4th to the bros next to us. We then stumble home to a mass of like 50 wings and fries. Those were actually very good but did I need them at 1am? Probably not. Either way. A wild evening tbh

HAHAHAHAHAHA all the components of a good night then!!!! hope the hangover wasn’t too cruel <3 glad you had a good one