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aerynoakenshield · 6 months ago

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[Thorin Oakenshield] - Until The End

♫ - Falling - Harry Styles

Middle Earth was a sight. There were so many different landscapes, so much flora and fauna surrounding you each moment. You discovered things in the wild areas that you otherwise may not have known existed if you kept to your own home, or at the very least never seen with your own eyes. The grounds of this world were made for exploration, but admittedly, in small doses.

It had been a grueling trip to get to Rivendell, and still you had yet to arrive. Long nights paired with exhausting walks meant that tensions had run high in the company. Petty arguments that were over by sundown sprung between members of the party, even those who otherwise had no business being angry with each other. It was simply exhaustion taking over.

On Thorin's recommendation, which was more of an order, you had all stopped for the night in a cave, well out of the sight and smell of any orc packs that may be lurking above ground. Going against Gandalf's better judgement due to Thorin's inability to listen to the wizard, and anyone else for that matter, a fire had been started and food was on its way.

Taking some time away from the bustle of camp being set up, you sat away from everyone else and closed your eyes, entering a small state of meditation in order to try and relax. Despite your love for adventure and being very used to always being on the move, this journey thus far had even started to get to you.

"You alright there, hey?" A familiar voice broke you out of your rest, and you turned to see Bofur, stood with a bowl of food in his hand. "Here, get this down ya."

"Thanks, Bofur. I'm alright."

Lies. Bofur knew it. You hadn't been fine for some time. When this journey had started, when you had all met at Bilbo's home, you were excited and spry. You couldn't wait for the adventure that lay outside the door. Now, it was different. Now, you were not even sure if you wanted to continue.

"Aye, you'll excuse me if I don't believe ya, right?"

You chuckled, a look of defeat on your face. You had become close to Bofur on this trip, him and Balin had become almost father figures to you. They were always trying their best to keep your spirits high as you did for everyone else. Much to your dismay, Bofur could now read you like a open book.

"I will," you sighed, shaking your head and beginning to eat as the dwarf joined you with his own food. "Sometimes I fear you know me better than I know myself."

Bofur bumped arms with you and laughed. "Go on, tell me what's wrong."

You thought for a second, pondering whether or not to lie again or just talk to him. Realising that he was actually there to help you, and lying to him seemed futile, you began to talk.

"Thorin."

Bofur nodded, not wanting to interrupt whatever flow you may get into, but acknowledging what you had said. He knew how tense things were between you and Thorin.

"I just don't know why he hates me so much, Bofur. I have been nothing but kind to him and I get his temper and anger in return. I cannot help who I am, but I harbour no ill-will to any of you. I do want to see you all finally have a home."

Your voice had cracked at the end, a sign of high emotion from you. Bofur placed a hand on your knee, he had not been blind to Thorin and his attitude towards you.

It had been like that from the start, and you knew it was because you were an Elf. As a child, you grew up surrounded by those of your own kind, but as you studied and read texts from other kingdoms, adventure had called to you. Gandalf came to you with the opportunity of helping the dwarves reclaim their homeland, and you were all too quick to join him. What you hadn't expected, was for the head of the company to seemingly want you to disappear.

Nobody else had ill feelings towards you, and you got along with everyone; even Dwalin, who was grumpy most of the time, but after he had saved your life a few days back, it seemed as though his heart had opened up to you more. It was just Thorin.

Balin took you aside two nights back, after he saw you crying as you rode through the forest. That day, Thorin had shouted at you, telling you that 'an Elf does not belong on a trip to reclaim a home that they helped destroy.' For some reason, that stung you deep down. You were not there that day, nor was it your kin on that battlefield either. You were not to blame, and Balin had told you that. He brought you a drink and sat with you, explaining why Thorin acted the way he did and of his past.

From that night until present moment, you had been kinder to the dwarf than ever before, and it still hadn't been enough. That's what had led to you sitting here with Bofur now, silent contemplation and comforting words filling the air.

"Listen here," Bofur began, collecting your bowl from you and taking your hands in his own. "You are an asset to this company, believe me. I've never seen someone fight so well with sword and bow. You and Kili work like a charm with those arrows. You've saved our lives multiple times, you keep us cheery when you can. We appreciate ya, we really do. And deep down, I think Thorin does, too."

"He certainly has a funny way of showing it."

"Aye, he does," Bofur agreed. "He certainly does. But, I think you should just talk to him. As I came down, he was on his watch, so if you're lucky maybe you can take him his food and sort this out?"

You shuddered thinking about it. The last thing you needed tonight was to be barked at for merely existing from him. It had been a long day, but as you looked at Bofur before you, you nodded.

"Alright, I'll do that."

Giving you a hug, Bofur placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Standing, you both made your way back to the party and you met Balin by the fire.

"Can I take a bowl for Thorin, Balin?" you asked, voice low so only he could hear. The last thing you wanted was for anyone, namely Fili or Kili, to make any jokes or remarks right now. Balin's eyebrows raised, but he smiled kindly, handing you a bowl with the spoon.

"Here you go, thank you for taking it." Balin always had been kind to you. Before you could leave, he leaned in to your ear and whispered.

"And good luck." Balin pulled back with a friendly wink, and you could feel that he was trying to calm your nerves. You shook your head with a smile and left.

You had reached the outskirts of the camp and peered around the trees covering the entrance of the cave your company were in, wondering where the young dwarf was for his watch. Normally, he walked up and down, but this time you found him leaning on a rock, gazing out into the planes before him.

You took a second to look at him, face aglow in the pale moonlight. He looked like a King. He looked beautiful. This wasn't a new thought for you, you had realised that when he turned up at Bilbo's door. There was something different about him to the others. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, or the way his face was a perfect balanced of harsh and soft. Either way, the view before you was something to behold.

"I know you're there, you know?" Thorin's deep voice pulled you from your thoughts, and his head turned, bright blue eyes meeting yours as you swiftly pulled your away. You couldn't hold eye contact at the best of times, let alone now.

"My apologies, Thorin, I did not want to make you jump. I thought you might want some food, you need to eat."

Thorin continued to look at you, and if you were looking back you may have noticed his gaze had softened. Taking some steps aside, he made room for you to lean with him on the rock, inviting you over with a wave of his hand.

"Thank you, if you wish to join me, you can."

You couldn't process that for a second. He wants me to stay? you thought.

Taking a seat on the grass, you handed him the food and drew your weapon, resting your bow across the length of his sword. Thorin spoke before he had started to eat, looking at you with care.

"Have you eaten something?" the dwarf asked, concern hinting in his voice.

"I have, thank you. Bofur brought me something not too long ago. I just wanted to make sure you had eaten, too."

Thorin nodded, and began eating his food. Silence fell around you, but it wasn't uncomfortable for the first time. It was soothing. You were in each others company and not fighting, which was a first. As you both sat, Thorin let his mind wander as his eyes roamed the fields.

In his heart, the dwarf knew he had been unfair to you, that his actions had been irredeemable, and overall he had been less than pleasant with you. Truly, he had no bad feeling toward you. It was quite the contrary.

When Thorin had entered Bilbo's home, he saw his kin before him, but off to the side something else had caught his eye. The last thing he was expecting was an elf to be present, considering the longstanding history between your races. His eyes met yours, and Thorin couldn't deny the feeling he got. He couldn't deny to himself, he thought you were very pretty. A thought Thorin never assumed he would have towards an elf, having had nothing but disdain for them since the incident with King Thranduil. Still, his heart could not deny no matter how hard his brain may try.

Through the meeting, his eyes darted to you often, finding himself unable to keep them from you. Somewhere inside, there was a small part of himself angry that he would allow such thoughts, especially because the whole reason they were there was partly down to elvish actions.

Thorin never wanted to be harsh with you, and he never meant for it to go so far. But, in his mind he was battling those feelings that conflicted each other and it was weighing down upon him. He wanted to feel worthy of his ancestors, and perhaps he thought harboring any form of love or admiration for an elf was the worst thing he could do.

Bringing himself back to the present, he placed his bowl aside, and took a small glance at you. In the night's low light, your features lit up and you appeared more ethereal than normal. In the day to day, you always had an air of grace about you, and you always seemed to glow with a natural beauty. But the moon enhanced that, and Thorin found it hard to tear his gaze away.

"Look," the dwarf began, and you hummed but kept yourself still, unmoving. "You know I don't think of you harshly. I know my actions haven't made that clear, but I do mean it."

You sighed. "I don't know what I did to deserve that treatment, Thorin."

Mahal, he loved the way you said his name. Never had it been so soft. But now was not the time for those thoughts, as he replied to you as honest and open as he could.

"You did nothing, I was acting out of grudge. There are elves I have a right to hate, but I know you are not one of them. I let my worst side take charge with you, and I hope you can forgive that. I am sorry for how I have treated. You have shown nothing but kindness, you have saved lives in this company, and I have still treated you horrendously. If you couldn't see past that, I would understand. But, I just wanted to let you know."

Now, your eyes fell upon the dwarf, and he seemed sorrowful. It seemed so genuine, a very rare glimpse into the vulnerable and unguarded side of Thorin Oakenshield.

"If I could not see past that, I would have been gone long ago."

Thorin's eyes met yours, and you had a kind glint in them. Your smiled, only half way, and glanced at your hands as you fiddled with your knife holster, idly playing with the loose leather pieces. You talked again, low and personal, making sure he knew every word was for him and hoping you could be as transparent as he just was.

"I want to see you on that throne, you know? I do wish to see you all reclaim your home. I cannot imagine what such a thing must feel like, as I have always had a home. But, you had yours taken away, and I took this task before I had met any of you. I think your company are a wonderful set of people, I have become very fond of all of them."

Thorin smiled too, thinking of his party back in the cave.

"And," you finished off, slightly hesitantly. "I think they have the best leader they could in you. You are the rightful king under the mountain, and I will not stop at anything until I know you sit where you should."

"You really think that?" Thorin sounded almost unsure.

"I would not have said it if I meant otherwise."

For a moment, you both sat without talking, simply taking in the ambience around you. For the first time ever, there was no malice in the air when you were in each other's company. As your hands looped and twisted the leather still, a bigger hand took one of yours and rested in your lap. Shocked at the gesture, you looked over to Thorin, whose eyes were firmly ahead. Taking a step of your own, you shuffled into him closer, your legs and bodies touching. You could swear you felt him relax.

"I must confess something," Thorin's voice broke the air. "I thought you were beautiful when I first saw you."

"Oh?" you replied, seemingly surprised. "Me?"

"Yes, you. I could not take my eyes off you for that entire meeting. You have been in my thoughts ever since we left The Shire. It would seem I cannot get you out of my mind."

Your hand tightened around his, turning to entwine your fingers in with his own. It was then you noticed just how big his hands really were; they were almost twice the size of your own. Your other hand traced the rings he wore, your gentle touch sending a feeling through his whole body that he failed to describe.

"I have thought of you often, too. Even after all the fights, all of the arguments. I have thought about the dwarf that may be hidden under all of that, the kind Thorin that I am convinced is in there."

He let out a hearty chuckle, one that seemed less of humour and more of a tension relief. Finally, he was cleared of this weight on his shoulders.

"Then perhaps you should find that out for yourself."

Before you had a chance to answer his playful remark, Thorin's hand lifted to hold your face, rubbing his thumb across your cheek. His hand came to rest on your jaw, and as he leaned in he stopped just before your lips, waiting for your permission to carry on. Without hesitation, you closed your eyes and pressed your lips to his. Knowing you were fine with it, Thorin pulled you closer and deepened the kiss, though still remaining soft.

You both knew your guards being dropped like this was not good, but in the moment, neither of you cared. It was only a minute or so, and the company were safe. Pulling back, Thorin rested his forehead against your own as you regained your breath. Say what you will, he is an excellent kisser.

"Thorin," you breathed out, not wanting to ruin the tender moment.

"Are we friends now then?" he asked, a smug tone lacing his words as he smirked at you.

"I think we are a little more than friends right now."

You had laughed and Thorin followed suit, and as you continued watch with him, his arm came to rest around your shoulders, occasionally playing with a loose strand of your hair. Your head leaned onto his shoulder.

"What do you think the future holds, Thorin? After you reclaim Erebor, what then?"

You heard him sigh, and his gaze fell upon the sky as he rested his head against the rock.

"I would think a focus on building back homes, creating a safe place for people to work and live among each other. Once word is sent to the other dwarves, perhaps then we can create the community that once was there. But in truth, I do not know."

Thorin was uncertain, mostly of the future just ahead, never mind the future that far in front.

"But," he began, now looking down at you as your eyes met. "I do know that I would quite like you by my side through it all."

You said nothing in reply, choosing instead to lean into him and capture his lips in a gentle kiss. Thorin's hand wound itself into your hair as he deepened the kiss. Without thought, you pulled him closer and you both got lost in each other for those few moments. Right here, nothing else mattered, nothing else was real. It was you and him, in each other's embrace and for the first time in so long, at ease.

You spent the rest of the night with each other on guard, allowing the company some decent rest, and from that day on you had vowed to always be there with Thorin Oakenshield until the very end.

Thank you for reading! <3

#thorin oakenshield #thorin #thorin x reader #thorin imagine #thorin oakenshield x reader #thorin oakenshield imagine #the hobbit #the hobbit imagines #the hobbit x reader #x reader #imagine #one shot

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queereads-bracket · 3 months ago

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Queer Fiction Free-for-All Book Bracket Tournament: Round 1B

*poll was supposed to say (author unknown). thank you typo for implying that I secretly know who wrote The Epic of Gilgamesh but I'm just not telling

Book summaries and submitted endorsements below:

The Epic of Gilgamesh (author unknown)

Endorsement from submitter: "Enkidu, my friend, who chased wild asses in the mountain, the panther of the wilderness, we joined together, and went up into the mountain. We grappled with and killed the Bull of Heaven, we destroyed Humbaba who dwelled in the Cedar Forest, we slew lions in the mountain passes! My friend, whom I love deeply, who went through every hard- ship with me, Enkidu, my friend, whom I love deeply, who went through every hardship with me, the fate of mankind has overtaken him. Six days and seven nights I mourned over him and would not allow him to be buried"

Miraculously preserved on clay tablets dating back as much as four thousand years, the poem of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, is the world’s oldest epic, predating Homer by many centuries. The story tells of Gilgamesh’s adventures with the wild man Enkidu, and of his arduous journey to the ends of the earth in quest of the Babylonian Noah and the secret of immortality. Alongside its themes of family, friendship and the duties of kings, the Epic of Gilgamesh is, above all, about mankind’s eternal struggle with the fear of death. The Babylonian version has been known for over a century, but linguists are still deciphering new fragments in Akkadian and Sumerian.

Classics, poetry, epic, adult

Yesterday Is History by Kosoko Jackson

Endorsement from submitter: "Black, gay teen recovering from a liver transplant discovers that he can time travel. One of my favorite fictional MCs!"

Weeks ago, Andre Cobb received a much-needed liver transplant. He's ready for his life to finally begin, until one night, when he passes out and wakes up somewhere totally unexpected...in 1969, where he connects with a magnetic boy named Michael. And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he slips back to present-day Boston, where the family of his donor is waiting to explain that his new liver came with a side effect—the ability to time travel. And they've tasked their youngest son, Blake, with teaching Andre how to use his unexpected new gift. Andre splits his time bouncing between the past and future. Between Michael and Blake. Michael is everything Andre wishes he could be, and Blake, still reeling from the death of his brother, Andre's donor, keeps him at arm's length despite their obvious attraction to each other. Torn between two boys, one in the past and one in the present, Andre has to figure out where he belongs—and more importantly who he wants to be—before the consequences of jumping in time catch up to him and change his future for good.

Science fiction, time travel, romance, historical fiction, 1960s, young adult

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emperor-kumquat · 7 months ago

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Hello there!!! How’s your day going so far emperor?

Old time fan here! I’ve been catching up on Some of my old transformers fandoms ever since I watched transformers one, and I remember about this awesome project you and many other creators made (btw your work is outstanding, Keep it up!!!) and I’m amazed at how much has changed and it makes me feel incredibly happy that my favorite transformers prime fan-storyline is still here! I remembered finding your videos when it was back in 2020 during quarantine. I always played through the beta version of “mercy” when it first came out and I remember feeling so excited for it; and I’d always wanted to best path for starscream be at least a good guy since he was my favorite character (and still is today)

And now seeing that the game is still in the works and seeing so many new bots is so exciting and happy to see the dedication to this!!! I know I have to catch up on the lore and stuff but it’ll be a fun experience for me, though I just wanted to ask a few questions before I end my first ever question that wasn’t anonymous,

Question 1: is there a discord server where I could possibly join? I want to make sure I could keep up with the latest updates for this project!

Question 2: I know I’ll need to read the Ao3 storyline for mercy but how does predaking and starscreams relationship grow over time during one of the paths? (I can’t remember but I think it was the one where predaking spears him and just keeps an eye on him— along with the predacons going to live in the wild or something? Can’t remember much lol)

And for my last question;

Question 3: Hows the process of “Mercy” going so far? Seeing all the art being made its absolutely stunning and beautifully done!

And that’s all the questions I have for now; until then I’ll be catching up on all the transformers lore that I’ve missed for so many years! I hope you’re having an amazing day Emperor!

————-J

Thank you so much for being a fan of Mercy! I still work on it almost every day! Editing the stories to improve quality, writing new content, drawing, instructing artists, etc.

Have you seen all the art on the Ko-Fi page? I post the commissions there, so there are hundreds of images to see!

For all the latest updates, here is the Discord server. Just so you know, there is a glitch when you enter that doesn't let you interact right away. Stay in the server until I can fix that for you, then you can write your introduction to unlock the whole server. Please read the rules too.

For the storyline you are referring to, I have fully written the story where the Predacons live in the wild of Cybertron with Starscream as their guide. It is THE Starscream story of Mercy and is a tale of friendship. Your adventure gets dangerous later on, so it turns into a fun survival game too! This is the written version of the choose your own adventure story. It's called "Discovery".

The main paths of Transformers: Mercy are on AO3. There are three full length story games available right now and the fourth is in progress. Check out my complete list of works and you may be surprised just how much has been completed since the beta part 1!

Mercy Part 1 (2020): A collection of the various starts to the game. A bit under construction right now to adapt to new plans. Quality is being improved (and the videos will be redone)

Space Adventure (2021): the choice to work with the Autobots on the landing site/spaceport at the end of Part 1. Travel to other worlds!

Reformed Predator (2022): the choice to eat Starscream in Part 1. Become a carnivorous monster then get therapy.

Discovery (2023): the choice to live in the wilderness at the end of Part 1. Explore beautiful lands and befriend Starscream.

Monstrous Heart (2024): the choice to work with the Autobots in the city at the end of Part 1. Discover the dark secrets of the Autobots and Decepticons, thwart the Vehicon mafia.

Right now I'm trying to do a lot of editing for my older content to improve it. I'm also doing a massive effort to prepare Part 2 videos for the Mercy stories so far. And doing my own Mercy art, annd I really need to write Monstrous Heart to completion this year! One novel-length game every year is the goal.

#tf mercy #transformers #transformers prime #starscream #predaking #predacons

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justporo · 1 year ago

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Revelations

A Night of Fake Smiles and Hidden Lies: Chapter 10

As the joy and their love still echo through each other, Astarion sweeps up Tav for another dance - that makes them reminisce about all the things that might have been and be thankful for all the things that are.

Author's Note: Three months... It took me three months to get back to this - I am deeply sorry but life - you know. I have however this and four more chapters already drafted ready for you - and there's still more to come so I hope you're ready to jump back into this adventurous night with Astarion and Tav, start the night anew or maybe get lost in it for the first time? Anyways, I hope really hope you enjoy a chapter of a lot of emotions and banter - there's quite some more stuff to come!

Songs: Serenade for Strings in E Major - Antonín Dvořák (and also that's their second waltz)

Pairing: Astarion/Fem!Tav (You)

Warnings: none

CHAPTER LIST | PREVIOUS CHAPTER |NEXT CHAPTER

~~~

You could have just stayed like this for the rest of your days: Astarion’s arms firmly holding you while the world blurred around you completely with your head thrown back and you dancing together until the world would fall down.

Your vampire being your single focal point, the one thing to always return to, the only thing you really ever needed – while the rush of the dance and the prickling sensation of having drunk just a tad too much gave you a feeling of pleasant light-headedness. Life could be so easy, so beautiful.

The waltz went on forever with you and Astarion beaming broadly, drunk on love, champagne and each other. And yet the dance ended all too quickly.

When an enormous crescendo began announcing the end of the waltz you lifted your head up again and grinned broadly at Astarion who was still rushing with you over the dancefloor as if he’d never done anything else in his life.

His red eyes were so open, the smile on his face as genuine as you had ever seen. A look that could almost make you believe that it had truly always been like that: no two hundred years of torture, just this perfect, gilded vision of a happy life.

You both knew it wasn’t true – but for this moment it was more than enough.

Horns in the orchestra rose up for a grand finale. Astarion turned you even more eagerly for these last couple of rounds, an almost feral grin splitting his face. Just the pure joy of the speed with which you were almost tossed around, made you throw your head back once more. A joyous, wild, almost feral laughter escaped from your lips – caused by the simple but deep delight of feeling so, so alive. You saw it on your vampire’s face too: a power so strong his undead self might’ve been more alive in this moment than others were in their whole existence.

Astarion’s hand let go of yours and joined his other at your waist and you leaned back even more to enjoy the dizzying rush, your hands quickly moving to cover your lover’s while you were sure you had never felt this free in your life. Flying couldn’t have felt any better than this.

And the vampire couldn’t rip his eyes from his beloved, the corners of his mouth curled up so far it made his face ache as he beheld his soulmate experiencing some of the rawest, purest joy, he’d ever seen in anyone. It seemed one of the divine entities he’d prayed to had eventually answered his pleas by putting you in his way after all. Finally blessing him with a piece of paradise.

But not a single god could have even competed with you in this very moment as Astarion could barely believe the beauty of the love of his life. His feeling of wonder and glee not second to yours in this moment that felt almost detached from anything – your surroundings, your past, your future.

Truly a night and a moment to never forget.

With a beat of the drum the orchestra ended on a high note. Couples all around you broke into cheering and clapping while the other guests joined in. The volume quickly rising levels over what the musicians had just ended with.

But Astarion and you didn’t join in. His hands were still on your hips and his eyes on your flushed face full of happiness. Your chest was heaving heavily. Who could have predicted that dancing could be just as exhausting as going into battle (or indulging in other physical activities). Your earlier assessment had been quite right you felt like. Although of course the aftermath felt much more delightful and much less dreadful.

It did nothing to bother you though because wild, unbound happiness was still flooding through you. And you saw it mirrored on Astarion’s face as well in the way his eyes sparkled like garnets and you felt his hands restlessly squeeze and tap on your hips, his vigour barely contained.

He opened his mouth wanting to say something while around you people were still in a frenzy. But before he could get a word out you stepped forward, dragged him down by his face and crushed his lips to yours in a way you had never kissed him before. The urge to show him how your heart was flowing over with love for him in this very moment was just too strong to resist. You needed an outlet for the overflowing in your chest – your whole body!

The vampire let it happen, arms raising almost helplessly before he wrapped them around you and pulled you in closer, kissing you back with just as much force and emotion. And when you released him, detangling from his arms, his crimson eyes were wide with surprise. He almost stumbled back being released from your passionate embrace.

Astarion was flustered and obviously speechless.

It must’ve been an illusion of the low lights, but it almost looked like a slither of pink blush crossed over his face up to the tips of his pointy ears. He blinked several times while his mouth was slightly agape, and his eyes were still on you: as if he had perceived a miracle right in front of his own eyes. And maybe that was exactly what you were to him.

Well, that surely was a first.

Your giggle felt almost a little hysterical as you rode off the last waves of this incredible emotional high and wrapped your arms around Astarion as your vampire was still staring off into space in surprised but delighted bliss. Meanwhile around you the dancefloor emptied slightly while the thundering applause had drizzled out already.

“We need to do this again some time, love, if that’s your reaction”, Astarion murmured as he regained his wits slowly and reciprocated the hug slowly. You buried your face at his chest, still grinning almost maniacally, not ready to let the moment pass.

Some of the guests passing around you, leaving the dancefloor threw the two of you glances. Everyone had seen your display of heartfelt affection and that seemingly had warmed up the crowd to you. One or two people went as far as touching your or Astarion’s shoulder as you kept standing there: the very illustration of a happy, young fairytale couple.

As that thought crossed your mind you almost started to giggle again – your little ironic roleplay had maybe become just a little tad too convincing.

You lifted your face off Astarion’s chest who had let his thumbs wander softly over your arms. “Now, my prince, are you ready to get your white stallion and steal me away for our first night of passion before we get married, and I have no other task in life than bear your children and raise them while you go off to some war from which you’ll never return?” you asked him, rambling on and on with the newly found energy and placed the back of your hand on your forehead in a dramatic gesture.

The vampire’s eyebrow in the meantime had arched higher and higher the more you added to the cliché imagery of your fairytale. He grinned at you, eyebrow still raised, giving him the expression of seriously questioning your sanity in this moment. “Darling, I honestly think you’re getting just a tad too much into this,” he whispered while the party, the drinking, the chatter rose up around you again.

“Also you do know my stance on horses, sweetheart.”

You laughed and pinched one of his cheeks. You were definitely still feeling high of everything and were in a silly mood. Thankfully Astarion didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he could barely contain his own laughter as he answered you.

“But at least you put the night of passion before the marriage, at least it’s not a prude tale,” he continued, his voice taking on a sultry note while he inclined his head to you.

“But scrap the terrible, stereotypical ending, my love, I’ll happily stay right here with you for as long as we both want to,” Astarion closed, his tone now a lot more genuine again. You could only answer with a big happy smile, placing your head against his chest again.

The orchestra in the meantime had taken a short break, some of the musicians allowing themselves to indulge in a singular glass of offered champagne before they continued playing for what would surely be a very long night still.

You pulled back from Astarion a little with a sigh: “You’re right, I guess this is all going straight to my head more even than the alcohol. I guess once we’re back home I will have to spend a week in the Lower City and get shit-faced every night at Maeve’s until they let me sleep under the big bench on the floor. You know to ground myself again.”

“Ah see, there’s my little feral street cat that I love so much again”, the Astarion replied in a haughty tone – with a tinge of disapproval and teasing disgust.

You kicked him – but only slightly as you stood too close to him to get him properly. “Be nice, you prick!”

The vampire only laughed and while holding onto your slim shoulders pressed a quick kiss to your lips. The orchestra was now getting ready to start playing again. The conductor tapping his baton against his stand again to gain everyone’s attention. Another waltz was announced while you tried to kick Astarion again for being a meanie.

“You could give me just one deeply romantic moment once in a while, you know that, Astarion? Without ruining it with your sass!”

“I didn’t bring up getting drunk at this piss poor establishment someone even dared to call a tavern,” Astarion replied. You simply tried to swat his arm but the rogue took a half step back, dodging just out of your reach

“Did you really get so drunk at this forlorn tavern that they let you sleep it off on the floor?” he asked with mock worry on his face

“I won’t answer this question right now, Astarion,” you replied and let go of him to take a step back yourself while pursing your lips.

“Well then, darling,” he said and grabbed hold of your wrist before you could step away from him further. “Allow me another question then: will you join me for another dance?” The low, golden light of the chandeliers sparkled in Astarion’s eyes as he said that with his head slightly bowed to you. He was all of a sudden on his best behaviour again as you heard the musicians in the orchestra readying themselves for another piece.

In this in between moment you took a second to take your partner in again. You had been with him all night. You had seen him get dressed even but with how he looked at you right now you were just wholly smitten by him again. He looked like sin in a suit – and you were so ready to indulge again. Forgotten was the short insolent quarrel. But how could you stay mad at him for long when the look on his face and wide red puppy eyes spoke of nothing but adoration and deep affection for you.

So, when his smile and his offered hand promised you another round of exhilarating joy should you accept his offer, you didn’t even think before agreeing and grabbing his hand.

His fingers wrapped around yours as Astarion smiled happily at you and swung you around once more while the strings softly began playing a new piece.

Your vampire made you take one – or two – extra turns before he pulled you back in, arm wrapping firmly around you once more and then starting to twirl around the room again. It was a slower waltz now that fit well with how the mood seemed to have shifted from electrifying frenzy to something a bit calmer now. The dancefloor had emptied quite a bit. Many of the guests, as you noticed while turning your head around while Astarion made you glide over the polished wooden floors, were back to drinking, chatting, showing off and gossiping. And another thing you noticed: if everything had been highly polished at first, just like the gold buttons on most everyone’s doublets or the silver of amulets around necks, there was a slight general disarray noticeable. Some cravats and scarfs had been loosened, buttons opened up, lipstick smeared, and headpieces started to slide dangerously off people’s heads. All which was going hand in hand with a general air of tipsiness and derailment. At this point in the night, it might’ve been impossible to find just about one person not slightly stumbling from maybe having had one or two glasses of champagne too many.

And you were pretty sure you even spotted at least one hysterically laughing tiefling lady sipping directly from a huge, heavy-looking bottle – having to use her other hand to even get it lifted. When another turn took you around again, you spotted her once more – and realised that it was the woman who’d been involved in the group from earlier. Apparently, she had dodged her cheating husband for a good bottle in hopes of something less treacherous – good for her.

Your gaze snapped back to Astarion, trying to find out if he had spotted her as well. And you knew he had when you saw his wicked, almost vicious smirk as he pulled you in a little closer with his hand on the small of your back. He sighed abruptly and dramatically while his face formed to a mocking expression mimicking disappointment and compassion: “Seems not everyone can be as lucky, loving and harmonious as the two of us, my love.”

Apparently just for the timing of the punchline did your feet choose this moment to make you stumble and almost fall onto Astarion. He hissed at you.

Only his roguish quick reflexes grabbing you by the shoulders and counterbalancing you stopped you both from toppling over. He lost not a moment before picking up the pace of the waltz again while you were still recovering from the shock.

Astarion clicked his tongue in disapproval, lips pursed: “I stand corrected.”

You snarled at him and were just about to show him how ‘harmonious’ you could be when you noticed something out of the corner of your eye. Someone else that was familiar.

You craned your neck in hopes of catching another glimpse while Astarion kept scolding you for not paying attention and how you would cause the two of you to lose the image of the imposing, perfect couple if you tumbled over each other while dancing. But you were indeed barely paying attention and therefore ignored what your partner was blabbering about.

Another turn and then you saw them again: another couple enjoying the dance together. Maybe a tad slower than the two of you and a bit less fluently. And in one half of the couple, you recognised your lovely elderly lady neighbour. She was dancing with a man much taller than her small frame, elegantly clothed with long black hair, tied together at his back in a low ponytail. While they slowly and a bit sluggishly turned, you saw how young and devilishly handsome her partner was. She was beaming up at him. And just the huge, genuine smile took years off her aged face.

You couldn’t help yourself, your mouth fell open. Your gaze snapped back to Astarion once more, hoping again that he had observed what you had just seen. And surely, he had, because there was at least slight surprise and even a bit of admiration on his face – his downturned corners of his mouth and lifted eyebrows giving him away.

“Old lady still got it within her, it seems”, Astarion commented and hummed approvingly. You had to agree.

“I hope it’s not for her money or estate,” you replied. You felt how the vampire just shrugged under your hand on his shoulder. You craned your neck again to look at them. But when you saw how he as well looked at her as if she was the most precious thing, he’d ever come across you knew it wasn’t.

“I do wonder though. When they go to bed how well she’s taking it with the age differ-“, Astarion began with a wicked glint and a grin that made him look almost fiendish.

This time you stumbled fully on purpose. Causing Astarion to hiss at you angrily again.

“You’re one to talk about age difference, grandpa!” you hissed back and stuck out your tongue when he began twirling you around with more force as if he was trying to work the insolent attitude right out of you by force.

Had he called the two of you harmonious just moments ago? Apparently only if the harmony was accounted for by the way you both violently bickered with each other like an old married couple.

“Why am I even taking this from someone barely older than a child,” Astarion snapped angrily while his grip on you got a little firmer, trying to show you there would be no more slip-ups, not under his watch.

“Be happy, I’ve decided to take care of an elderly citizen, love,” you spat back but barely hiding a grin.

Astarion huffed. “You’re not simply after my money, are you?”

You snorted. “There’s barely any notable amount to speak of, is there?”

The pale elf sighed in mocking disappointment: “So you’re only in it for the love – how sentimental and very unbusinesslike of you, my dear.”

“Guess, we’ll have to do with the feelings we have for each other,” you sighed back. Astarion too gave you another dramatic sigh as well while you shared a deep look into each other’s eyes. Then you both started to laugh softly before the strings of the waltz became slower still and more melancholic, the bittersweet music making a feeling of yearning rise up in your chest.

You were focused wholly on each other again with only the music lulling you. The room, the party, the other guests swirled by in colourful but easily ignorable billows. With steady moves again now you let yourself be taken away by the feelings rising up within your chest and your vampire’s tender expression while you moved over the dancefloor once more with the elegance of water in motion.

“Have you,” Astarion began in a much more sombre and genuine tone now after a while of just gazing at each other, “have you ever wondered how it would have been? If we’d met under different circumstances? Happier ones, I mean.”

“You mean, if you hadn’t become-“ you awkwardly gesticulated around with your hand wrapped with his. He simply nodded. And you immediately understood what he was trying to say: would there have been a version of events where you had found each other without all the pain and the turmoil in between?

The way he looked at you in such a vulnerable manner now made your heart ache. You saw the cracks within him he usually did his best to cover up and hide – and that he only trusted you with to only ever see. If only there was a way to relieve him of this weight he felt.

A pained smile swept over your face: “I have.” You sighed. You had to look away for a single second.

“Although in every version I’ve come up with so far we would have crossed ways and probably would have only spared each other a spiteful glance – with me having grown up homeless on the streets and you being a magistrate with noble upbringing and everything”, you continued. And then you remembered something you had spoken about earlier that evening, your gaze snapped back to his. “And I would have probably left with your purse and laughed about how stupid you were.” A weak smile played on your lips with the weak attempt of lightening the mood again.

You saw some of the pain you felt mirrored on the vampire’s face. His gaze shortly slipped from yours as well as he seemed taken by his own imagination of an alternate meeting, another ending to your story. Then he offered you a small, slightly sad smile when he looked into your eyes again: “If only you were an actual princess, things might have turned out differently, my heart.”

“That’s a lot of ifs, isn’t it?”

Astarion shrugged and was prepared to move on from the topic, but now that he said it, there was something about it.

“Although,” you began, catching the vampire’s fleeting attention once more. He cocked his head slightly. “This might have not even the biggest ‘if’.”

Astarion’s interest was caught, his full lips forming a questioning “oh” while his eyebrows jumped up. Frankly, he seemed thankful for an opportunity to leave the territory of hurtful memories and regrets behind.

You cleared your throat, getting yourself ready to reveal something about your past you didn’t like to dwell on – at all.

“Well, I might have told you that my father was a pretty high-up elven noble, right?” Astarion bowed his head to you, waiting for the new piece of information in this, narrowing his eyes.

“Turns out, he’s actually the king of a small, mostly secluded living elven enclave in some Faerun forest – all this being part of the reason why my mother dropped me on the steps of some cloister after birth. A bastard child is one thing, but the bastard child of a king – unimaginable, not tolerable”, you burst out all at once like ripping the knife out of a wound. And just like a blade viciously pulled from flesh made blood gush from the cut, making it hurt more, you felt how a whole lot of emotions of long hidden away memories were about to wash over you.

You couldn’t hold the vampire’s gaze for a few long moments while you fought to not get swept away by hurtful, long stowed away memories. Astarion’s gaze at you softened, his thumb wandering over your entwined fingers. He didn’t fully understand what all this meant for you. But he surely knew and realised when someone was not willing to share further details about pain of the past.

If you wanted there would come a time and a place to talk more about this and what I meant for you. But the middle of a dancefloor during a big ball was neither for that.

You remained in silence for long heartbeats while you asked yourself why you had so randomly offered up this piece of information about yourself – something that you had neither thought about in a long time nor wanted to pay any mind to in the future. Where you came from meant nothing to you, only the present and the man that held you was important for you now.

After a while you had caught yourself again and you lifted your head to meet his gaze again.

“I guess that’s just what we are right now, Astarion, a vampire only having broken free from his master after two centuries and a former street kid that also barely made it as a thief”, you said with a small bitter laugh.

Astarion let his thumb wander over your entwined hands again while he pulled you in closer once more, both his hands on your back now as he still made you both turn around lazily, another waltz nearing his end.

“For what it’s worth, darling,” he murmured and offered you a genuine smile with wide, open eyes, “I’m sure you agree we would have both been happy if we hadn’t gone through everything we did to get here. But I am still very happy that I’m here now and that I get to share it with you, my heart. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His crimson eyes conveyed his love for you as he cupped your cheek and the strings drew out a single last mournful note. Slowly your lips curled into a smile and saw it spread over Astarion’s face too – two partners in crime.

What was it even worth to mourn something that could have never been?

And you had to agree with him. You were incredibly happy for the time since you had met him, if not for the circumstances. But luckily, from there on out, things had been looking up tremendously.

Your future, you thought, looked quite golden, and with a fair share of garnets strewn across.

Taglist (DM if you want to be added please):

@spacebarbarianweird @sunfire-ancunin @tragedybunny @dependsonthedream @tallymonster @magazzne @micropoe10 @aoirohi @my-bunny-prince @lumienyx @fayeriess @aurasyn @margoteve @usuallyunlikelyfox @hollowmasque @worryknotdear @wraithmaine @darlingxdragon @hereliesblackdragon @ayselluna @ajokeformur-ray @i-cant-get-into-my-other-account @rikuyrk06 @marina-and-the-memes @somewhatclear @davenswitcher

#astarion #astarion x tav #baldurs gate #baldurs gate 3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #astarion x reader #astarion x mc #baldurs gate astarion #astarion x oc #astarion x you #fanfic #fanfiction #astarion ancunin #bg3 spoilers #a night of fake smiles and hidden lies #tav #bg3

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reinasfavesfanfic · 7 days ago

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1923 - Sheridan

Alexandra’s hand wrapped around Paul’s forearm, covered in his heavy coat.

“Stop…” Alexandra said - because the cashier’s words were already ominous as the grave in her chest, she had to stop everything.

“Paul, I need you to stop at the Sheridan station. I need you both to just leave me there.”

“And have you travel alone again? When we can accompany you to Bozeman?” He shook his head and escorted her outside.

“No… listen Paul…” She looked back to the cashier, who was shaking her head with those haunting eyes and Alex would not bend to Paul’s chivalrous good intentions. “She just told me there is no other gas station after this, and this storm will not let up. You both need to be by a fire and I need to board that train.” Her voice felt choked up in her throat with a strange desperation. “You could spare me money for the trip, couldn’t you?”

Paul didn’t know why he felt as if a ghost was passing through him, as if a prophecy was traveling nearby. Hillary would probably put a protest to this idea, but the chains were going over the tires and the chill of the snow was digging into his bones already. As wild as the adventure had been, with many stories to tell back home in England - he could not afford putting them in danger. Even Alex could be in danger if they did not make it to a gas station, pregnant and with this cold. Better to have her inside a train cart.

They both met with Hillary in the car.

“Darling. We can’t take Alex to Bozeman. We have to buy her a train ticket.”

“Nonsense, after all we’ve been through! Leave her alone on the train?”

Alex shook her head, “Hill…it’s for the best. I thank you so much. Both of you.” She gave a squeeze to Hillary’s shoulder. Hillary met Alex gaze full of fear. She did not want to put her in some cart to God knows what fate. And with her magnificent bad luck! But something in Alex’ eyes made her give in. It made her feel the cold all the way into her soul and its perilous pull towards the unknown.

To the train station in Sheridan they went, and Alex sighed in relief for not revisiting the cashier’s words in her mind over and over. They bought the ticket for Alex. Hillary and Paul insisted on not leaving her side until she was boarded. Paul the consummate gentleman making sure she had enough to eat.

Thinking of the Crow encampment on the side of the road and their incredible horses, Hillary squeezed Alex's hand. She had seen part of this world that her privileged life had not permitted her to do. She had seen an America they hardly spoke about in books. She had felt more alive with Paul and Alex on the wide open road than she had in years of dazzling cocktail parties and gilded halls, and in the country houses in England where she had stayed, travelled and joined society. A part of her wanted to tell Paul - ~to hell with the car! Let's just sell it darling. Let's just live this fully until the end and board the train!~ but she felt the fate of the Dutton’s on the other side was another unknown tempest Alex would not see her in. Would she want to see Alex there?

“Alex dear, why don’t we meet you in Bozeman later on. You could wire us when all is settled and maybe we will spend a few days in Sheridan or anywhere else really. We will leave you an address.” The idea of seeing the Yellowstone ranch house had her on a choke hold. The idea of meeting the war hero who had made all their lives easier in Europe just by fighting alongside the Brits. She could not just surrender this wish. She met Paul’s eyes with that coquettish glimmer in her eyes that had him wrapped around her little finger and had him drive across country to deliver a new friend safety to her new home - to deliver her child into his father’s arms (his…as Alex insisted they should refer to the Baby)

Paul had no choice: “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Capital. Indeed.” Paul gave Alex a very cheery smile to assure both her and Hillary that the three of them would not be separated for too long. “You let us know as soon as you arrive Alex and maybe the storm passess and we can still drive or take a train there while I find a suitable place to park this car.”

Alex went to board the train with her few belongings, a few dollars Paul could spare and a train with her meals paid this time. Alex grabbed their hands together and somehow gathered them in the warmest group hug she could muster. Very Un-British and still in this land of Western America they seemed to be other new people who could give group hugs and feel Alex's new maternal warmth transformed into a friendship embrace.

Alex boarded and sat by the window to wave one last time at Paul and Hillary - both of them were the bridge between her old life and this new one. How could she not hold them close who in other circumstances could have been her schoolmates. They could have known with her that glow of ballrooms, high dining rooms, the lavish circles of the peerage of England and glasses of champagne with her in the old society. Paul and Hillary gave her some comfort of the familiarity during this leg of her journey. Both of them would not just disappear into the wind of time because there was another page to the story. How could they look worldly, dazzling and yet grounded in this reality she had brought them into -of this country they were introduced to through her eyes. She waved until they moved away from the frame of the window as a silent motion picture, some piece of her being left in the platform as it happened when she saw the beautiful beach off the African coast becoming tinier in the horizon along with her newfound liberation.

Alexandra looks away from the window and to her own hands, all her digits, their fair skin - the tiny ring Spencer gave her that once belonged to the Captain’s wife. She did not know why she was looking at her hands like so intently; only that from somewhere inside of her she was saying - “...thank you for these hands that will touch him again…” …their warm digits that will know his skin, the stubble of his beard and very soon the soft fuzz of his baby’s hair as he latches on to her. Her son. Her fingers will know the feel of their son.”

“Alex?”

That voice shattered all thought from her. That voice could wake her up from the dead. There he was - Spencer - on the train. First frozen in place and then dashing towards her and picking her up in his arms. He half spun her in the air, and it was a miracle that glasses did not go flying about. A sound came out of her that was like a strangled cry held by her for weeks inside her room. That sound was swallowed up in his mouth, by his kiss. It was unreal that he was kissing her. But there they were on the train after so many trials as she had promised.

The threat of a near death dissolving again. The threat of another looming in Livingston.

#1923 fanfic #yellowstone 1923 #1923 spoilers #1923 series #my fanfiction #my fanfic tumblr #these are my feelings #spencer x alex #spencer dutton #alexandra dutton #Hillary and Paul

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chaotic-and-autistic · 4 months ago

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Beautiful eyes. || Linked Universe.

He was home.

Author notes: I just wanted to do some Sky thing. Enjoy it :]

Another portal appeared right when they were eating breakfast. Sky laughed a bit when Wind let out an exaggerated sigh, and he could hear someone cursing under his breath.

"Not in the middle of my breakfast..." - Hyrule said, making him smile. Well, he was also annoyed with the portal, but the reaction of his brothers was sure funny.

"Waif a bidh stubif boftal, lemme eaf" - Four spoke as they munched their sandwich, clearly annoyed.

"Don't speak with your mouth full." - Time let out a little laughter, yet Four ignored him as they bit the sandwich.

Some time later, they were ready. Twilight was the first to enter with Legend and Wind, Four held Time's hand and crossed, Sky and Warriors next and finally Hyrule and Wild.

The first thing Sky felt was the nice wind and a familiar smell in the air. He quickly looked around and let out a happy shout.

"Where in Skyloft!!" - everyone looked at him, smiling. It was not the first time they were here, so he could just leave them alone without fearing it to be weird for the people. He walked next to Time, who was holding Four in his arms. With a small nod, he gives the smith to Sky, and they let a small noise of surprise for the sudden movement. - "I'll take 'em to the Academy, you can explore."

"Uughhh that'sss great... might use a bedd..." - Four muttered, resting their head in Sky chest.

Sky smiled, and everyone went their own path.

Sky hummed a song as he walked across the dirt path, enjoying the nice breeze. The walk to the Academy was easy, but opening the door wasn't. Yet he managed, and entered.

Pipit was talking to Owlan in the hallway, both noticing quite fast that Sky was there. Owlan smiled, walking calmly while Pipit almost ran to be next to Sky.

"Shh, they got a headache." - Sky whispered fast, cutting whatever Pipit was about to say. He knows Pipit, he knows his voice is loud.

"Oh shoot, sorry." - he whispered back, taking two steps back to give Sky and Four space. - "Want me to take 'em to your room?" - Sky shook his head.

"I'm good, thanks bud." -

Owlan looked at him, doing a small gesture with his head. He surely wanted to know later how his student was going, yet said nothing while the three of them went to Sky's room, the professor kindly opening the door for them.

Sky gave Four some of his sleep clothes, just for them to be more comfy in the bed. He helped them to change clothes and all, putting all of their things in his desk.

"Mmmh thankss budd, i'll be finne now..." - they said, closing their eyes, muttering something else Sky didn't understand. They're drifting off, he thinks. They give a small smile, and he smiled at Four, quietly leaving the room.

Owlan and Pipit were still there.

"Your buddy is good?" - Pipit ask, worried. He nods.

"Yeah, it happens every time they cross a portal." - he said, and with the look of Owlan face he quickly added: "Don't worry tho, we never appear near a fight, so they can rest 'till they're feeling better."

Owlan smiled, sighing on relief.

"Well, if you said so." - he put one hand in Sky's shoulder. - "Now tell me, how are you doing?"

And they started to chat, Sky telling about his new brothers and adventures, as they moved to the kitchen to be more comfortable talking.

Fledge was there, probably ending eating breakfast. He quickly joined the conversation.

After some time chatting, Sky heard a loud "bang!", as the door opened. He jumped off his seat, turning over to the door.

"I KNEW YOU WERE HERE!!" - she said, a big smile on her face. Sky also let a big smile, letting a happy sound as both of them run to meet in a tight hug. It's been a long time since they hugged, they clearly missed it.

Sun started to move her hand in Sky's back, and Sky kissed softly her head.

Long and nice seconds passed, until Sun broke the hug. She grabbed kindly Sky's hands, as she looked at his eyes. Oh, Sun eyes were beautiful. Sky could get lost in them and still feel like home.

Then, Sun looked behind Sky, and just said:

"I'm borrowing him, bye!" - and, with one hand still in Sky's hold, they walked out of the Academy. Sky just heard Pipit say before the door closed:

"Have fun, love birds!" -

Once they were outside, they just looked at each other, their eyes telling all the they needed to know. No words were spoken when they walked down the stairs, enjoying the breeze.

Sun dragged him to the closest platform. She let go of Sky hand, walked a bit, turned, and smiled. She jumped into the sky.

Sky runs and jumps too, calling his loftwing. His friend catches him, letting a happy squeak as they fly. Sky feels the wind in his face, his lungs being filled with the nice air. He opened his arms, closing his eyes to just feel the wind.

Oh how he missed this.

He hears Sun laughter, and he looks around. Sun is close to him, laughing as her beautiful blonde hair flowed with the wind. Sky wished to stay like this forever.

"Let's go! I race you!!" - she said before speeding, leaving him behind. He smiles playfully, accepting the challenge. His loftwing lets out a noise as they speed to catch up with Sun.

Sun wins, it's obvious.

She is waiting on their "special island", a little island they found when they were little, and they always go there for some time alone.

Sun smiles as the crimson loftwing lands on the island, watching Sky jump to the ground. The loftwing went with Sun's, as they do a little dance and happy sounds, then sitting next to each other.

The two lovers smiled at that.

In a comfortable silence, they lay down very closely, as they hold hands. They enjoyed the wind, the soft sun in their bodies, and the company of each other.

"I love you." - Sun said softly, making Sky turn his head to look at her.

She really had some beautiful eyes.

"I love you too." -

#biscuit's books #tloz #linked universe #linked universe fanfic #lu fic #linked universe sky #lu sky #linked universe sun #lu sun #fluff #I LOVE THEMMM

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gerrydelano · 1 year ago

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Hi i would. Looove to hear about this fantasy au (bonus points for gerrys fucked up origins thanks for the food)

scrambles to sit up and falls out of my desk chair in the process. Bless You, Anon. Bless You. i will limit this to the first side quest because even that is long as fuck but it Is gerry centric which means it's food for Me.

okay So. the key tenets here are:

tim is the pov character

the stokers knew sasha and martin as kids until martin moved away with his dad after his mom's passing (wild!)

danny was taken by the fey at like 18. BAD.

after two years of training and study, tim and sasha are about to set off to find him or get revenge (it's a death wish) just as martin swaggers back into town a new man (he spent a decent chunk of his money on glamors that are tantamount to HRT while traveling back to their hometown after he super left his shitty dad's house) and he elects to come with them because It's A Death Wish and he doesn't want tim to get into trouble, and also he has like... nowhere to go anyway. might as well keep adventuring, but this time with friends.

they go to a coastal city to ask adelard dekker for some advice, and he sends his apprentice along with them. hi jon!

and then once they're on their adventure........ we meet a mysterious figure.

they do a lot of little bounty hunts and side quests for money and whatever obviously and so at one point they get enlisted to find some heirloom for some guy and right as they're about to get it, oops! insert Guy In A Featureless Silver Mask Riding On A Black Dire Wolf, Who Then Swoops In And Takes The Heirloom First.

What.

they hate this guy. they can't stand this guy. they wanna beat this guy up for doing that. he was so scary though so what do you even do. they ask around town and find out he's The Black Rider™ and he has a habit of doing this shit and they should stay out of his way.

they find melanie in a tavern and jon recognizes her from their childhoods because surprise! THEY grew up together. and she's been Away for a while after she ran away with josephine, her first love, who ended up dying about a year later. she's been too ashamed to return home alone. she is begrudging about reconnecting with jon, but she does end up hugging him and crying about this. i love them. bad weather friends.

she joins their party in time to run into the Black Rider again, who once more is trying to get something before they get it.

this time they get some awkward banter out of him though so they figure there is some kind of person under there.

and the Third time they encounter him, tim tries to cut to the chase and offer an olive branch of friendship, only for the black rider to attack them with his big scary halberd and it's like DUDE! WHAT THE FUCK!!!!

the fight is pretty intense but they do outnumber him, so tim gets him on the ground with his sword under his chin and he can feel the dog breathing down his neck but she isn't biting - because the black rider has held up a hand to stop her.

tense! and kinda sexy.

they agree to lower the weapon/call off the dog on the count of three from sasha, but tim hesitates longer than the black rider does. intriguing.

he leaves and they realize he still took the bounty they were after. G-d DAMMIT!!!!

then a few weeks later they meet some guy named gerry in a dungeon and he helps them fight off some zombies or whatever and they vibe for a few days, he seems nice if not a little weird, and they get along well. he dips after a bit and it's just a standard interaction pretty much. neither here nor there.

then they're fighting a cockatrice at some point and the Black Rider comes in to help them! odd, but accepted.

oops! his mask gets knocked off.

martin, being the nice guy he is, goes to return it to him and sees his face - gasp! it's gerry! who EVER could have guessed!

after they defeat the cockatrice they really have to have a whole ass conversation about this because Seriously Dude What The Fuck.

he ends up talking to them a little bit but not much, he's cagey and now seems kind of... nervous? what gives, right.

after a bit though they offer to let him come with them because tim is like "oh my g-d. you're LONELY 😆"

and he'd be right.

but there's a lot more to it than that.

eventually he caves and tells them, "we're being watched." by who? his patron, he says, after taking his time deciding on the wording.

he's never told anyone this before. he didn't even know she couldn't Hear him too, only just found that out.

then after a little while he fucks off for a bit without an explanation, and they're like. wtf.

when he comes back to find them, he explains that he nearly stabbed tim in his sleep one day because he's not only being spied upon, but his body is able to be controlled by his patron.

they are understandably upset about this and have to put in some protective measures to prevent that from happening again. he's no longer allowed on night watch.

but he's clearly distraught with guilt and like... they can SEE the humanity in him, they can SEE that he hates this and he needs help.

martin is a Redemption paladin by now and he wants to help him really badly.

tim needs... some time.

jon suggests they put a blindfold on him now and then to help him feel more at ease talking about things without fear of being spied on and it helps sometimes.

they travel for like 9 months before gerry trusts tim enough to show him what's really going on, while they're bathing in a lake after a battle that left them covered in blood.

he moves his hair aside to show tim a sigil branded on his back.

mary did that to him when he was 12.

so, basically, this guy hasn't had a shred of bodily autonomy or privacy in half his life. it's disgusting honestly like literally if you think for two seconds about the logistics of this it just gets more and more upsetting. bad!!!!

so they've already wanted to break his curse but it's just. tim can't stand this knowledge. he still doesn't know it's his mother yet, though. that stays on lock.

the group goes on to meet with mikaele salesa for some help, and gerry refuses to go anywhere near him. fucks off again with no explanation.

but they take the opportunity to ask salesa if he knows anything about the black rider etc and he says BOY DO I KNOW HIM. HE'S WHY I HAVE SO MUCH PROTECTION AROUND MY HOUSE LOL.

gerry has stolen so much from him and killed some of his guys and it's like YIKES. but salesa Also knows about mary.

she's been collecting super powerful artifacts for ages now trying to give herself more power so she can become a lich. uh oh!

and tim, who has made a Paladin Oath with Death by now, is now assigned by HIS patron to go and kill her before her transformation takes place, because she would be defying the natural order.

so, they go find her scary tower and are intent on fighting her, only to find - gerry?

and boy does he look rough. he looks Bad right now he hasn't been having a good time while he's been gone.

mary is in the middle of her ritual and she halves her focus in order to control gerry into fighting for her and eventually the fight is looking bad enough that she switches tactics.

she has him point the knife at his own throat.

because she did spy a little bit of the tiny intimate moments between gerry and tim, try as gerry might have to keep his eyes averted or up at the sky or just anywhere But tim, and she knows the group has come to care about him. so, clearly this is a better threat.

sasha calls her bluff BIGTIME and says hell no are you gonna kill him, you put too much work into him, he's your only heir, you need him, you'd never go that far, blablabla.

and that much is actually true. but it looks pretty close when she actually has him break skin a little bit.

tim is very upset at sasha for potentially making it worse lol But

it does work

they manage to kill her and free gerry and it's a very complicated moment because like... dude that's his mom. she's all he's ever known, save the wolf she "got" for him when he was a kid that is now his closest companion, and the dryad who guards the forest outside (hi tazia!)

so it takes gerry and tim a while to like. recover from that. but they do.

meanwhile, before they leave mary's tower, they totally pilfer her magical objects and jon finds a peculiar glass orb... that looks like it's got spider webbing inside it.

and that's all i'll say for now! obviously this is the Side Quest i am most invested in, but the plot of this filled 15 pages of a timeline and it goes on until gerrytim die in their 70s lmao so like. Big Big AU. it takes like 5 years after this all happens to find danny and That is a huge mess, too. boy howdy!!!!

now i realize i can't surprise anyone with this plot if i did write it but like. chances of that are slim. this is still so niche. jdhdjdhfk. gtcu brand classes, not canon based at all.

#asks #anon #dah tag #gtcu

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ask-the-royal-absol · 2 years ago

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(Hi everyone! Mod Goomy here! So, 300 followers. That is absolutely wild to me. I know I still had my 200 follower event but I’m gonna be honest with you, I kinda ran outta steam on that one. I’m really sorry but it was just a lot for me to draw. I feel bad because when I first began it, I wanted to do it. I really did. But, things kept happening and that meant I couldn’t draw for it and I’ve just kinda lost interest. Sorry. I’m definitely not very good when it comes to big continuous events like that.

Anyway. 300 followers. Hi hello. That’s is a lot of followers. I’m genuinely just incredibly thankful that so many of you want to follow me. I'll go over just some bits on how I started this blog and some things I want to say.

This blog started out because I needed a creative outlet for my story telling. Especially with the stories I was listening to, there were some that were very character-driven and I loved all of their interactions and how they would react to the world around them. I used to run a dnd campaign and I was still missing doing that.

So, that’s when I started planning my own ask blog. The main event that inspired me to do it in this style was the giant event that @/askthetraveller did with their rayquaza and what @/asksavel did with fighting Dravol. I’d been following the traveller since the beginning of their blog and when savel was a gastly, before the mod decided to have a break in their story. Those events just seemed like so much fun. And I loved the fact that they brought the community together where everyone could join in and be a part of it.

It was wonderful to see and it inspired me to want to be a part of this community. This wonderful community filled with so many incredible and kind people. You all inspire me and encourage me to keep going. You all fill me with that excitement of wanting to continue. The reactions I have gotten to Destino have been so much fun.

The wild variation of relationships Destino has been able to build with some of your characters has been great. From being enemies with Snow and Galadriel hating Destino's guts, to Gizmo and Indigo playing along and sharing in the banter too. I love how each character has such a different reaction to Destino.

And my other characters too. Felix, Hope, Mistress Mirage, King Nox and Queen Karma, the Bisharp brothers Roy and Hershel. I have so much fun showing them all to you and how they interact with you all.

Speaking of that Absol, Destino was originally inspired by my dnd character Xave. Xave was a rich, stuck-up and egotistical bastard who only cared for himself. He was inspired by the bastard characters I'd seen and liked in media. So, I wanted another bastard character.

At first, Destino started as just an absol drawing. And then I drew them with more personality. And it began to fall in place. What was this character's name? Backstory? What adventure would I want them to go on? And then the cogs started turning. A story started being made with story beats being planned out. Other kingdoms stared to fall into place and suddenly I had this whole world where I knew I wanted to turn it into an ask blog. I was excited. I was talking to my partner about it and they were asking world-building questions I'd never think of.

This was in October last year. Destino character has definitely changed a bit since I first created them. Still an ass back then but was definitely a bit more friendly and a huge nerd. I'm glad I changed that because of how well you've taken Destino. I took a pause from my world and the creation of it until the end of December. I looked at it again and all of the stuff I had done for it and said to myself, "I wish I had turned this into an ask blog."

And then it clicked that I could still do that. What was stopping me? Anxiety. That was what. I asked my partner if they thought I should start it. And they said, "Yes. If that's what you want to do. I'll even push the button for you to make it if that's what will get you going." And then it was made. And I was busy drawing my very first post.

And it took off from there. I met loads of people, enjoyed the interactions I was having and started to really enjoy myself. It was nice just to be able to get my ideas down.

And I still am. I still am enjoying each and every moment. This is the longest I have consistently enjoyed a project like this. So, thank you all. Thank you to each and every one of you who like, reblog, comment, send an ask or even just look at my posts. I truly do appreciate you all.

And I truly appreciate the people I speak with in this community too. This community has definitely changed my life for the better. I'm so happy to be a part of it. I feel the community is in a really good place at the moment. I'm aware that in the past, it has had its troubles. But, as someone who's only joined this year, it has been a fantastic and kind place to be. And seeing apparent veterans of the community also coming back, this truly is a good year for ask blogging. I mean, you've all definitely been a good influence on myself as a newbie.

And with how this is going, I hope I can continue to be a part of it for years to come. I've got a huge story planned (three arcs (with arc one split into two parts) with stuff in between (kinda filler and kinda character development)) and hope I can take you on a fun (and perhaps sometimes emotional) journey with you all. You are all truly special to me. Thank you.)

#300 followers #it really is incredible #just that you all want to join me on this journey #i just appreciate each and every one of you #this community is truly something special to me

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ash-and-books · 10 months ago

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Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken is back with the electrifying sequel to SILVER IN THE BONE, in which fresh betrayal ignites ancient magic to wake the dead, and a cursed girl with no magic of her own must put the past to rest.

With the dream of Avalon in ruins, Tamsin and her friends are all that stands in the way of Lord Death's plans to unleash the horrors of Anwnn on the world of the living. As the Wild Hunt carves a bloody path across continents, Tamsin is mustering allies, tracking down powerful artifacts, and traversing into new otherlands in search of a way to stop him.

Legend tells of a “Mirror of Beasts,” powerful enough to trap even Lord Death in its accursed glass, but the mirror is not all that it seems. Tamsin must confront her own darkest secrets if she hopes to tap the mirror's strength to defeat her enemies.

Arthurian legend bleeds into contemporary action, and scars of the past are torn open anew by a starcrossed love that refuses to go quietly. This riveting conclusion to the Silver in the Bone duology will hold you in its thrall until the very last page.

Review:

The finale in the magical story filled with betrayal, ancient magic, curses, and romance. This is a sequel in the duology and picks up right where the first book left off, Tamsin is freshly betrayed by the one boy she loves and now has unleashed the Lord Death's plans onto the world. Tamsin and her friends have to find a way to stop him before it's too late and Tamsin is still trying to find a way to save her brother... who just happened to have joined Lord Death's side and left her, oh and did I mention her previously thought to have been dead father is very much alive (he resurrected) and is younger and is telling her he came back for her to break a curse that is on her??? Not to mention said boy who broke her heart and betrayed her and left her and her friends for dead in a terrifying world is now back and determined to make amends? Saving the world isn't going to be easy but dealing with feelings might be even harder. Tamsin just wants to save her friends, save her brother, and stop the evil she's unleashed... she does not want to deal with her now returned father, she definitely does not want to deal with Emrys who has returned and is sticking by her side trying to make amends, and she definitely does not want to face the fact that she still is very much in love with him. Trust is broken and mended, an adventure of a lifetime awaits, and the fate of the world rests in the hands of Tamsin and her friends. This series was an absolute blast to read, it's got a touch of Arthurian legend and a whole fresh take on the classic elements of the story. I absolutely adored the characters and the complex relationships. Seeing Tamsin grow from who she was in the first book to who she ends up being in this book was fantastic. I loved how the story wrapped up and would absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Arthurian stories with a fresh take!

Release Date: July 30,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Book purchase: Amazon

Author Info: Author Website

Book Tour: TBR and Beyond

*Thanks Netgalley and TBR Beyond Tours and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review and to be part of the book tour*

#book review #silver in the bone #the mirror of beasts #arthurian #tbr beyond tours #alexandra bracken

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seatrisa · 9 months ago

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I'm probably going to regret posting this in the morning, but whatever.

This could probably use more editing, so sorry.

Lullaby Did it First

(Time)

A new Link dubbed Hero has joined the Chain. He looks and acts like Time did as a kid.

Yet their memories don't seem to line up.

Time led the group through the castle. He wasn't sure how the meeting with Lyllaby would go with the new member of the team there. She'd probably have a lot of questions. Time sure did.

He still didn't understand who Hero was. Warriors agreed that he looked like Time when he was a kid. Time hadn't asked Wind, but from his expressions the last week or so, Wind would probably agree with Warriors. Hero acted like Time when he was that age: carefree, curious and still open because the world hadn't scared it out of him. Time envied that in him.

Hero knew all the people Time did. At the very least, he knew of a Malon and a Talin that lived on Lon Lon Ranch. There was a lot of similarities between the chain's homes, but not to this extent. And Hero knew his way around Castle Town. He had to be Time as a kid. It was the only thing that made sense.

And yet...

His memories were so different. Hero insisted that Lullaby had traveled with him on his adventures. Sheik was always nearby, but she hadn't traveled with Time. She taught Time about the master sword and the Ocarina of Time, but she hadn't gone into the temples with him. Hero acted like she had. Hero said Impa had died early in his adventure. Hero said Gannon killed Navi. But that hadn't happened. Time racked his brain and he couldn't remember any of that.

The worse part was, he knew Legend and Hyrule knew something. They wouldn't stop lying. First they'd kept the boy's existence a secret. Then they lied about what happened when the found the boy. They wouldn't even tell the truth to Hero. Time only knew that Hero had been fighting Ganon before they met because Hero said it himself. The duo insisted Hero was Legends predecessor. How was that even possible? Time already had 2 successors: Wind and Twilight. He couldn't possibly have another. Legend had acted like he hadn't heard of any other heroes, up to this point. How could he suddenly act like Hero was his idol? That Hero inspired him during his adventures. And Hyrule was no better. He'd never said anything about another predecessor up until now. It was frustrating to no end.

They finally made it to the throne room. Lullaby was there, looked as regal as always. Her blonde hair was pulled back, with only 2 piece hanging out to frame her face. Her eyes lite up slightly when she saw him. Why did that always happen? They'd never gotten close.

“Your Highness. You asked to see us?” Time said.

Lullaby's eyes dimmed. They always seemed to when he called her by her title. He didn't like upsetting her, but it felt wrong to call her anything else.

“Yes, thank you for coming, General” Lullaby always put a strange emphasis on Time's honorary title. Like she was trying to remind herself of it.

“You're a general!” Hero asked excitedly.

“It's more of an honorary title for all the things he's done for the kingdom. Link, or Time as you call him, is retired. Or he's supposed to be, until the black bloods started appearing that is.” Lullaby didn't seem to register that they'd had this conversation before or that she'd answered exactly the same as previously. Time had seen that sort of thing so many times during the time loop that he couldn't help but notice it.

“We had another Link join us. We've been calling him Hero.”

Lullaby's mouth twitched. “He's the Hero of Heroes?”

Hero spoke up. “No. I never got a Hero name. Probably because I'm not a hero. I failed.”

Wild flinched and Twilight put an arm around him. Why did the kid have to be so tactless in the way he spoke? Hero continued without noticing how he effected his companions. "Legend says I'm the Hero spoken of in legends, but he already took that name. Hyrule says they only referred to me the hero before the Hero of Legend but I think he's lying. Legend might be too. They've been keeping secrets from everyone.”

Wow that kid was blunt. Had he been like that when he was that age? Hyrule had the decency to look guilty. Legend just scowled.

“Who are you?” Hero stepped around Sky to look at Lullaby. Lullaby gasped. “Are you Time's Zelda? Hyrule was right. This must not be my time, even though it looks like it. You're too old to be Zelda”

“Hero.” Warriors reprimanded.

“But it's true. Zelda is my age. She still a princess, not some old queen.” Time almost groaned aloud. At least Lullaby didn't seem to mind. She was too busy glancing between Hero and Time.

Lullaby eye widened and then she stood. “Time.” Time didn't have to be told what to do. He stepped forward and offered his arm. They walked into the hall. She waited until they were in a side room to speak. Time looked around the space. There were a few chairs, a little table and a tempting pot Time was not going to smash. He'd out grown that sort of thing. The room wasn't really that small, but it was practically a closet by castle standards, without even a window.

“Is that who I think it is?” Lullaby asked. She was trying and failing to school her expression. She used to be a lot better at that.

“I don't know.” Time said.

Lullaby only raised a eyebrow. Time wasn't surprised. He'd learned the expression from her after all.

“He acts like I did. He recognizes places and knows names only I would.” Time didn't say that Hero looked like him. It was obvious.

Time looked around the room again, wishing for a window to gaze out of.

“His memories aren't the same though. He says Ganondorf killed Impa outside the Temple of Time.” Time said. Lullaby gasped. Time had expected that. It was shocking. “That you traveled with him during his whole adventures. He called you Sheik so people wouldn't know who you were.” Time grinned wryly at how close that was to the past he remembered. “He said the sages weren't able to seal Ganon away because there was only six sages.”

He glanced at her then and frowned. Lullaby had a haunted look in her eyes. He paused. “Are you alright?”

“What else does he remember?” Lullaby asked softly..

Time tried to study her, to find what was bothering her. But he couldn't. He'd never been able to understand her. She was always so aloof, until today that is.

“What else does he remember?” She said again, a little louder this time. Tears started to run down her cheeks.

“I don't think that's important right now. Just tell me what's wrong.”

“Please Link. Please.” She begged.

Time hesitated. Lullaby had started to sob. Had he ever seen her this upset? He didn't think so. It was almost frightening to see the usually stoic woman break down like that.

Lullaby spun toward the door and moved to open it.

Time stopped her. “Zelda,” He said gently as he closed the door.

Lullaby took several shuttering breaths before she said. “Does he remember how I let him to die?”

Time's eyes widened. “What?”

“We needed a seventh sage but we couldn't both leave. Not with Ganon reforming. So I left him to die in the temple of time.”

The silence between them stretched long. “Zelda,” Even in this situation it felt weird to call her that. “How do you-” He stopped, not sure how to continue.

“It's what he said isn't it?”

“Yes, but...” Time let the unasked question linger in the air. He was starting to wonder if he even wanted to know the answer to the question.

Lullaby sighed and turned around. She had regained her composer somewhat. “Let's sit and I'll explain.”

He nodded, a pit forming in his stomach. He led Zelda to a chair and helped her sit. She didn't seem unsteady, but you couldn't be too careful.

Lullaby closed her eyes once before beginning. “Link, you weren't the first person to use the Ocarina of Time.” Time flinched, but didn't interupt. It seemed he was finally going to get answers. He wouldn't jeopardize that to ask question that would be answered if he waited a few minutes. Lullaby said. “I probably wasn't either but that's besides the point.”

“When you first came out of the woods with the Kokiri's Emerald and came to Hyrule Castle, we didn't just send you out to get the other stones by yourself. You were 9! You shouldn't be adventuring alone. I know I was young too, but Impa came with us and it was fine. At least until we came back from getting the other stones.”

Lullaby paused, a tear running down her cheek. “We took too long. Ganondorf was waiting for us. Impa fought him while you and I snuck in. We got the master sword but Ganondorf got a hold of the triforce.” Lullaby sighed. “And Impa died.” All Time could do was stare at her. He didn't want to believe her, but the proof was in the throne room. Hero had said the exact same thing just days before.

“Rauru found us shortly after that and told us we needed to find six sages to help us stop Ganon. We found five. Rauru, Sage of Light, Saria, Sage of Forest, Darunia, Sage of Fire, Princess Ruto, Sage of Water, and Nabooru, Sage of Spirit.”

Time listened as Lullaby listed the friends he'd made on his adventure; the sages that help him. The only one she hadn't mentioned was Impa, who had apparently died protecting them. That knowledge made his chest tighten uncomfortably. It felt silly to mourn her, when Time knew she still worked at the castle. Yet Time knew from experience that the pain didn't go away just because magic had brought them back to life. He could see that pain in Lullaby's eyes now. How had he never noticed before?

“On the way, we found out I could act as one of the sages so we didn't worry. We were so naive.” Lullaby said bitterly. “We came back to the temple of time to fight Ganon, as the power of the triforce had already corrupted him. We tried, we really did. But he kept reforming, the triforce's power keeping him alive somehow. And the seal wouldn't hold without a seventh sages power.”

“Link of that timeline told me to go. I didn't want to but as I said before, there wasn't much of a choice. I left to him to die.” She looked down, more tears falling. “I left you to die.”

Time swallowed hard. He didn't know what to say. Her story certainly explained a lot. But He didn't want to believe it.

Finally Lullaby spoke again. “It took me far to long to to find and unlock the Temple of Shadow. The temple was much harder then the others had been. You weren't there to help. After the temple, I still had to find someone with the magical capacity to be the seventh sage. I eventually found her, and we sealed Ganon away.”

Time frowned slightly. “You still haven't anything about the ocarina of time.”

“I know.” Lullaby said. “I tried to accept what happened. We rebuilt the Castle town and the rest of destroyed villages. I tried to be happy. But I couldn't. You were my best friend. I loved you like a brother.” It hurt to hear Lullaby say that. He'd never gotten the impression at all. The Sheik of his past had been a reliable companion, but a distant one. “I couldn't accept that you had been killed. So I started researching. Rauru tried to dissuade me, but two of the other sages on my side, and the other two sages indifferent, he was overruled.”

“We found so many magic items, learned so many songs on the ocarina, but it turned out to be the one song I already knew. The song of time.” Lullaby sounded annoyed.

“I played that stupid song so many times. It seemed no matter what I did you would always die to Ganon's hand. We tried getting all seven sages before facing him, but Malon -”

Times jaw dropped. “Malon was a sage?”

Lullaby nodded sadly. “Yes, but it was a hard task for her. It usually took her losing her father, her village or seeing you die to gain access to her magic” Time's heart ached at the thought of what his wife had lost in another timeline.

Lullaby continued her story. “I tried going to get the other stones while you were on the way, but Impa and took too long and you were killed before you journey even began. I tried sending Impa to get the other stones. She didn't come back in time and the you died protecting me. I tired recruiting the sages in different orders but that didn't seem make a difference. I tried warning people what Ganondorf was going to do several times, but people either didn't believe me, Ganondorf would enact his plan earlier, or he would target you before you even got the master sword. I tried so many things but it was like you were doomed to die.”

Lullaby shook her head in disgust. “In the end, I don't even know what worked. One time loop you just showed up, knowing the future and saving everyone before anything could start.”

Time waited to be sure she was done before speaking. “Why didn't you tell me?”

“I didn't know how.” lullaby looked down. “ We had to deal with Ganondorf first and you left without a second glance then. You just wanted to go home and I couldn't bring myself to keep you. The next time I saw you was after whatever happened with the masks. You would hardly speak to anyone and you were so sick of time travel I didn't have the heart to tell you. And eventually, it felt like it didn't matter. The Link I knew and loved felt like a different person. You were alive and happy with Malon. It was the best I could hope for.”

Time understood all too well why Lullaby felt that way. It was the same reason he had closed himself off for so long. And yet it felt unfair. It would helped him to know he wasn't the only one dealing with a loss no one else could understand.

Time realized that was a lie as soon as he thought it. He'd always known Lullaby had retained some of her memories of the other time, if a bit hazy and a little jumbled. (Or maybe she hadn't, that was confusing to think about) It hadn't made him want to get close to her. Lullaby hadn't felt like the Sheik he had started to befriend as an adult and he had barely met her as a child. Time inwardly winced. Zelda must have felt the same way about him.

It didn't matter. What did matter is that Hero was here now. Zelda had tried so hard to save her hero. Time could tell that Lullaby felt she had failed to do so. But she was wrong. Somehow, Hero was in the other room, waiting for her to be the family the boy needed.

#lu time #lu lullaby #downfall timeline #seatrisawrites

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aberooski · 11 months ago

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Here ye, here ye!

THE VOTES ARE IN AND THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

On this day, Saturday the 22nd of June, the people hath declared with their voices raised in glorious democracy that I, Abby, ruler on high of this: her blog aberooski, shall document her at least 5th or 6th (she can't remember which) I was a lair before clearly rewatch of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: ~The Dub~ until we hit season 4 of course

LIVE!

The rewatching will commence tomorrow, Sunday June 23rd at whatever time she feels like. At which time a chaotic live blog will be set to torment you all with random thoughts, observations, ramblings and ravings, and a lot of pausing episodes on her end to scream into the void about card game high school and the students therewithin.

You are all cordially invited to take part in this journey. Rare cards and golden eggwiches be upon ye all!

-------

In all seriousness though, WOOOO!!! This is exciting!!

I don't have any sort of schedule in mind like I'm going to start tomorrow and watch at least the first 5 episodes or so, we'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow. But otherwise yeah it'll be pretty sporadic especially with working and stuff, but hey! We'll have fun! 😄

Thanks to everyone who voted and to everyone who will be joining me on this wild adventure,

LET'S GET OUR GAME ON!!

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thinkatoryprocess · 2 years ago

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Can I interest you in a politics au where Roman is the Roy sibling who flees Waystar completely and goes into politics instead of Shiv and thrives there and ends up fucking Nate and then eventually Jeryd?

That is truly lovely, thank you, how have I never thought of this.

Roman has a moment in college where he realizes he'll never get Logan's approval - maybe he does shrooms, I don't know, that kind of thing happens to some people, it didn't happen to me - and he totally shifts gears to put all of his extraordinary amount of energy into starting to understand politics... maybe part of him is hoping it'll parlay into something in ATN, but by and large he knows that Logan thinks very little of people who actually play in the political sphere when they could be making real money. Like, what's Logan gonna do? Slap him? Oh no.

So Rome has a wild adventure fighting with his own cynicism, and he eventually meets Nate through Kendall. They have an incredible night drunk and arguing politics until Roman has to restrain himself from proposing marriage, and they wind up dating for a while - not exactly publicly, but not under the kind of deep closet cover that Roman would have if he was still in good with Logan. He's still worried about Logan's approval, but he also knows he'll never really get it, so... Roman's sexuality is kind of an open secret.

Which is why when it gets to be the midterm election prior to canon, Mencken's heard literally everything about Roman's reputation and he's very, very, very interested. He's kind of pathetic, honestly, but doing his best to play it cool. Roman doesn't have any idea, though, and has a great dinner where Mencken finally takes a break from mooning over him to ask him to join him on his campaign.

They proceed to have an excruciating year and a half of sexual tension before the presidential election comes along and everything explodes.

#asks #roman x mencken

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juljanimuhaimeen · 1 year ago

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Hey there, readers! Today, I'm throwing it back and sharing a sneak peek into the rollercoaster ride that is my life. Strap in for a journey filled with anime marathons, online gaming conquests, and the chaos of being a 17-year-old about to graduate high school.

Anime Bliss:

Let's kick things off with my number one passion – anime. From the classics that started it all to the latest mind-bending series, I'm the proud captain of the anime hype train. Join me in dissecting plot twists, debating favorite characters, and shedding a tear or two over the emotional rollercoasters anime serves up.

Gaming Glory:

When I'm not immersed in animated worlds, you can catch me slaying dragons, conquering galaxies, and maybe accidentally forgetting to eat because of an intense gaming session. Online gaming isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. Guilds, raids, and epic loot – I've been there, done that, and probably have the virtual battle scars to prove it.

High School:

Now, let's talk about the real-world quest – high school. As a graduating senior, life is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. But hey, I've survived exams, navigated the drama, and made memories that will probably haunt me at reunions.

Friends, Foes, and Fandoms:

My life isn't just pixels and anime tears; it's also about the incredible people who've joined me on this wild ride. Shoutout to my gaming squad and fellow anime enthusiasts who've laughed, cried, and debated the best waifus/husbandos with me. You guys rock!

Future Fantasies:

As the high school chapter nears its end, I'm staring into the abyss of the future. What lies beyond graduation? No cheat codes here, just the excitement and nerves of the unknown. Dreams of conquering new gaming realms and maybe even finding my own anime-worthy adventure.

Life Lessons:

In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm still figuring out this thing called life. Lessons? Sure, I've learned a few. Like, always have snacks for anime marathons, and never challenge a boss battle on an empty stomach. Solid life advice, right?

Closing Credits:

And there you have it – a glimpse into my world, where anime and gaming collide with the chaos of high school. Thanks for joining me on this unfiltered, informal journey. Life's messy, but it's the messy bits that make the best stories.

Until next time, stay epic!

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jakubthetraveler · 4 months ago

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The Grand Finale: Conquering the High Tatras & Celebrating Slovak Traditions

Good morning travelers,

Our incredible journey through Slovakia is coming to an end, but we’re saving one of the most breathtaking adventures for last. Today, we’ll return to the High Tatras for an unforgettable hiking experience, followed by a celebration of Slovakia’s rich folklore traditions. Get ready for a day filled with towering peaks, alpine huts, and a spectacular cultural festival to wrap up our adventure!

Are you ready for one last time? Let’s begin!

Conquering the High Tatras: An Epic Hiking Circuit to Finish Our Journey

We’ll start our day at Hrebienok, the gateway to many Tatras hikes. As we begin our ascent, we’ll make sure to grab a Horalky, Slovakia’s iconic wafer snack, to fuel up for the challenging hike ahead.

Our first stop will be Téryho Chata, one of the highest mountain huts in Slovakia surrounded by magnificent alpine tarns. Here, we’ll take a break and enjoy a hot cup of mountain herb tea, made from locally picked wild herbs, a must-try when hiking in High Tatras.

From Téryho Chata, we’ll take on the thrilling Priečne Sedlo, one of the most adventurous parts of the hike, requiring the use of chains to overcome the steep rocky terrain. But the reward? Breathtaking panoramic views that make every step worth it.

Descending from Priečne Sedlo, we’ll reach Zbojnícka Chata, another iconic mountain hut located in the stunning Velká Studená Dolina (Great Cold Valley). After such an intense hike, there’s nothing better than refueling with a Parená Buchta, a steamed dumpling filled with jam, chocolate, or poppy seeds. With renewed energy, we’ll complete our circuit and make our way back to Hrebienok. On our descent to Hrebienok, we might even be lucky enough to spot chamois (wild mountain goats) just a few meters away from us, making for the perfect ending to our adventure in these majestic Slovak mountains.

📌 More About the Circuit Hike Via Priečne Sedlo: https://www.tatry.sk/en/loop-hike-via-priecne-sedlo/

📌 Horalky: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horalky

🎥 Preparation of Parená Buchta: https://youtu.be/3eZZ5PgrHzw?si=pB8UvzA1rbWM9wa9

🎥 YouTube Video of the Trail: https://youtu.be/-JvzOnsBq98?feature=shared

(Photo of Chamois with Téryho Chata in background by: https://www.tatry.sk/en/loop-hike-via-priecne-sedlo/)

Wrapping Up with a Celebration of Tradition: Východná Folklore Festival

After our challenging hike, we’ll travel to Východná, home to Slovakia’s largest and most famous folklore festival. This annual event is a true celebration of Slovak culture, featuring traditional music, dancing, and beautifully embroidered folk costumes. The energy, vibrant performances, and centuries-old traditions will provide the perfect finale to our journey through Slovakia.

📌 More About the Festival: https://slovakia.travel/en/the-vychodna-folklore-festival  🎥 Video of What the Festival Is About: https://youtu.be/AQ6IuSMVG34?si=pgq0-cP6AynWQUJ2

(Photo of Performances in Vychodná by: https://slovakia.travel/en/the-vychodna-folklore-festival)

A Journey to Remember

And with that, our adventure comes to an end. From the majestic castles and ruins through the magical caves of Liptov and the breathtaking peaks of the High Tatras to the rich folklore of Slovakia, we’ve explored the very best of this incredible small country.

Thank you very much for joining me on this journey! Which moment from our trip was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

This may be the end of our adventure, but Slovakia will always be waiting to be explored again. Until next time!

Best, Jakub The Traveler

(Photo of me in Terchová taken on my phone)

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reinasfavesfanfic · 7 days ago

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-As requested-(have not done this in a while lol)

1923 - Sheridan.

Alexandra’s hand wrapped around Paul’s forearm, covered in his heavy coat.

“Stop…” Alexandra said - because the cashier’s words were already ominous as the grave in her chest, she had to stop everything.

“Paul, I need you to stop at the Sheridan station. I need you both to just leave me there.”

“And have you travel alone again? When we can accompany you to Bozeman?” He shook his head and escorted her outside.

“No… listen Paul…” She looked back to the cashier, who was shaking her head with those haunting eyes and Alex would not bend to Paul’s chivalrous good intentions. “She just told me there is no gas station, and this storm will not let up. You both need to be by a fire and I need to board that train.” Her voice felt choked up in her throat with a strange desperation. “You could spare me money for the trip, couldn’t you?”

They both met with Hillary in the car.

“Darling. We can’t take Alex to Bozeman. We have to buy her a train ticket.”

“Nonsense, after all we’ve been through! Leave her alone on the train?”

Alex boarded and sat by the window to wave one last time at Paul and Hillary - both of them were the bridge between her old life and this new one. How could she not hold them close who in other circumstances could have been her schoolmates. They could have known with her that glow of ballrooms, high dining rooms, the lavish circles of the peerage of England and glasses of champagne with her in the old society - and gave her some comfort of the familiarity during this leg of her journey. Both of them would not just disappear into the wind of time because there was another page to the story. How could they look worldly, dazzling and yet grounded in this reality she had brought them into -of this country they were introduced through her eyes. She waved until they moved away from the frame of the window as a silent motion picture, some piece of her being left in the platform as it happened when she saw the beautiful beach off the African coast becoming tinier along with her newfound liberation.

Alexandra looks away from the window and to her own hands, all her digits, their fair skin - the tiny ring Spencer gave her, that once belonged to the Captain’s wife. She did not know why she was looking at her hands like this only that from somewhere inside of her she was saying - “...thank you for these hands that will touch him again…” …their warm digits that will know his skin, the stubble of his beard and very soon the soft fuzz of his baby’s hair as he latched on to her. Her son. These fingers will know the feel of their son.”

“Alex?”

That voice shattered all thought from her. That voice could wake her up from the dead. There he was - Spencer - on the train. First frozen in place and then dashing towards her and picking her up in his arms. He half spun her in the air, and it was a miracle that glasses did not go flying about. A sound came out of her that was like a strangled cry held in her for weeks inside her room. That sound was swallowed up by him, in his mouth, by his kiss. It was unreal that it was happening. But there they were on the train after so many trials as she had promised.

The threat of a near death dissolving again. The threat of another looming in Livingston.

I was half-watching 1923 with my parents, and THAT NICE COUPLE DIED???? THE NICE COUPLE THAT HELPED THE PREGNANT BLONDE WOMAN??? WTF???

They were so lovely and nice (and for some reason the husband kind of reminded me of Rosie Rosenthal). Would someone write me a fanfic where they don't freeze to death (and maybe pregnant blonde girl doesn't get herself killed either)

#1923 series #1923 spoilers #yellowstone 1923 #yellowstone #alexandra #Hillary and Paul #spencer dutton #alexandra dutton #spencer x alex #fluff #fanfic #my fanfic tumblr #these are my feelings #my fanfiction #1923 fanfic

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