#Wandering Dragon Verse

[adelha-mathilde]

Continuation of this starter thread with @leviathan-of-envy here:

The maiden chuckles to be sure the food is set out properly on a fold out tray for the hungry gamer to dig in. Her gloved hands soon pouring him a fresh and steaming mug of green tea. The mug being one with little goldfish swimming along it's blue background. Her words warm and holding a lilt to the tones. "I was asked to not tell who it was that placed the order to my kitchen. But I am glad you are so openly enthusiastic about my cooking, Leviathan."

Adelha then turns to look over the room and hum a soft sound of approval. "My word. So many fish. I would think you were saving up to build a new aquarium in the Devildom. It's rare to see such a display of colorful creatures in one place."

The maiden then turns back to Leviathan to give him a cheerful smile. "I know someone that tends to get word of rare and exotic fish. if you ever wish to add to your fish tanks, I wouldn't mind asking ahead for you. But I am much more curious about what game took up all of your attention. Was it that Devil Kart racing game I see many a demon or vampire playing these days?"

[adelha-mathilde]

The three men that spotted the red coated gunman all had the look of desperation. All of them looking like men who had done hard work and made harder choices in life. But the one man in the middle looked to be the actual sheriff. His gaze looking over the blonde to then do the unexpected. Raising his gun back up to tell the other two, "Stand down. This isn't the one we're looking for. Keep searching the other alleyways and side streets. Move it."

The other two men didn't hesitate to holster their guns and hustle off to the next side street. While the sheriff watched the blonde a moment more to then look even more serious. "Best to head inside and avoid the main streets right now, friend. There's been a robbery down the road and the one who did such has already shot up a few walls and one person. No telling where the bastard will show up next. So get gone to a safe place. Like the saloon down the street to my right and stay put. There's a missy who is watching over some of the injured in there and will keep you out of the way."

The sheriff turns to hustle out of sight and to where there's several more shouts and even a gunshot roaring out through the quiet air. Several more men running past where the blonde had been found. With a teenage boy soon stopped to look very scared. While his older sister finally caught up with him to kneel down and lecture him about running off during an emergency. But the teenage boy starts to sniffle and cry to exclaim he needs to find little Wesson. Since the puppy escaped the saloon and might get hurt while all the noise and adults are stomping around. With the sister looking fearful as she tells her brother they need to be smart about finding the puppy.

"Don't be afraid." He was one to talk, checking his gun. Loading bullets much, much more slowly than he was truly capable of, but the danger was only drifting at the edges of his senses. Not breathing down his neck, not yet.

Tap, tap, tap. Bullet, chamber. Over and over, rhythmic. Turn, click. Check again. Ready. Hopefully for nothing. He didn't really like to use the thing, y'know? It was a tool, an implement, it was only a weapon in certain hands but it still felt uncomfortably wrong--

Because it felt so right. Perfect in his hand. The weight, the form. "Fear is the-- Ha, nevermind. It'll be okay." Casual, soft, Calm, confident. The things he did not feel.

Had he learned to be a better liar? Mostly to himself.

Aim. Vash drew a sharp breath and obeyed instinct. Obeyed every hard-learned lesson, every scar, every loss, every regret that was and is and will be and raised his arm with a confidence he did feel. Finger on the trigger guard.

Breathe. Dust. Footsteps.

Who goes there?

Identify yourself!

Don't come any closer.

No. Nope, nope, no.

"Ha ha, I hate to be a bother, but would you kindly turn around and go back where you came from so there won't be any violence today? Thanks!"

It took way to much energy not to sigh at himself.

[glassarrows]

he isn't sure which is louder:  the roar of the distant dragon or his heart ready to burst from his chest.   the grass is a cool tickle against his sweaty cheek,  matthias having collapsed on his back in the meadow.   his body aches from rare exertion but no obvious pains or aches emerge.   that may be the adrenaline running rampant though.   with some effort,  he sits up onto his elbows to survey the party.   luckily all are accounted for,  alas in equally sorry states as matthias.   the battlefield lies a couple hundred yards in front of him,  the greater mistral soaring in laps,  celebrating her victory over her attackers.

@erebius emerges from the grass near him,  his appearance overall crooked and unkempt from the fighting.  if not for their close proximity,  matthias may have missed victor's comment,   ❝   in hindsight, we were waaay too ambitious.   ❞

a small breathy chuckle is all he can manage in response to that in the moment.   they certainly were not the first group to go up against a dragon and fail spectularly,  but he could tell all of them felt a bit sheepish about their performance.   he lets himself fall back down into the vibrant green,  another confident shout from the dragon echoing around him.   ❝   no, certainly not our finest moment.   ❞

[rangers-are-cool-moved]

Response to @shisui-uchiha-anon | original ask: here ::

  No one, not even the Hokage himself, had quite known what to do with the young medic. Putting her in a new team was certainly the more sensible idea in the long run. But both Nara Shikaku and Inuzuka Tsume vehemently vetoed putting her into another team so soon after the fatal C-tank turned A-rank. The two Clan Heads had got used to the quiet heiress, for she often brought her little brother to the play dates set up between the Clans.

  It had been Shikaku who first brought up the option of Shisui and Itachi’s team. As a medic, Ami would be invaluable to both Shinobi, like she would have been on any team. But he also knew that with time, the two Uchihas would pull her out from the detached mask she had hidden behind. Still, there was information about Ami that had been kept from her information file. He had left a note for Shisui, telling him that she was a jinchūriki but not providing anything else.

  After some reassurance from the Hokage, Ami avoided most of the high traffic routes and headed to her apartment. She had visited the civilian market place earlier, having needed to get some new casual clothing and equipment to refill her tailoring kit. But her plans to visit the shops catering for ninjas had been disrupted by the meeting. Not that she minded. It simply meant that she would have to go after meeting up with the other two members of her new team.

  Unlike some others she could think of, the detached soon to be teenager didn't care for flashy jutsus. She preferred sticking to the shadows or observing unnoticed, making her useful for information gathering. Neither Shisui or Itachi had told her where to meet them, so most would have had to search Konoha. That wasn’t the case here. With a bit of guidance from Tatsuya, her partner, she quickly zoned in on her teammates' chakras.

  “Had to find you first, Shisui-san.” She answered quietly, blank silver eyes hiding the wariness and uncertainty she felt at being put on a new team. Itachi, she knew slightly as she sometimes kept an eye on Sasuke for him. Shisui on the other hand was more of a unknown to her. Mostly because she tended to keep to herself a lot since returning from Suna, not really interacting outside of those she knew.

  Ami tilted her head slightly, studying him and adapting to the way that one side of her vision darkened. Although she couldn’t see the colour that her left eye had turned, the younger kunoichi knew that it was pitch black with no iris. It usually happened when the dragon was taking more of an interest than normal. Not that she was surprised as Tatsuya could easily tell if someone was trustworthy or not.

  “Yes I am. Although.. I don’t know how much help I’ll be to you and Itachi-san.” She admitted softly, before side eyeing him with mostly hidden curiosity. “That sounds like a plan.”

[dieverged]

.

[multiverse-swampy]

She's having a relaxing time with Ayato...

[setaripendragon]

So I'm still on this daemon AU kick, and I can't stop thinking.

What are the limits?

It's generally accepted that a daemon is an animal representation of the soul, right? So, you know, we've got birds and mammals and reptiles and insects.

But what about fish?

Obviously there's an issue here of, you know, environment, and if your soul literally can't survive in the air while you literally can't survive in the water, there's a problem.

But, hey, if it's small enough, you could have a little fishbowl for your daemon to live in. Hamster ball, but filled with water, rolling along at your heels. Fishtank on wheels that get tricked out like dudebros soup up their car. And maybe, if you're from a particularly sea-faring culture/lifestyle a water-bound mammal like a dolphin or an orca could make sense. And then there's things like sharks, which have so much symbolism attached to them that it seems a real shame to have to rule them out. (Someone who's particularly driven or ambitious having a daemon that would literally die if it stopped moving is a bit of symbolism I'm going a bit feral for, tbh.)

I think we have to rule out the deep sea creatures, unfortunately. Fishbowls and/or living on a boat wouldn't really solve the problem of pressure, and someone with a blobfish daemon would, uh... be in trouble.

And if we're talking about things that can't survive in the same atmosphere as humans, what about internal parasites? Like flatworms. I think it's safe to say that having your daemon parasitizing your intestine kind of defeats the purpose of having an external manifestation of your soul, but... There are species of flatworm that aren't parasites, so... do we just rule out all flatworms, or are the non-parasitic ones okay?

And speaking of flatworms, what about size? I've read some fun stories that deal with the issues that might come from having, say, an elephant daemon. It's not quite as dramatic as the issues of having an aquatic daemon, but actually, similar adjustments would have to be made to your living situation to cope. But, of course, it could be done and I don't think anyone's trying to rule out animals on account of how big they are, but I think it's safe to say that microscopic daemons are out for the same reason that internal parasites have to be.

There's a nice solid rule I can settle on; a daemon has to be a visible animal.

And, in point of fact, I think it's safe to say it has to be an animal. We can rule out trees and plants and even fungi.

So what about coral?

It's an animal, and if we are allowing for some aquatic daemons, then should coral be an option? Or are its vibes too plant-like to qualify? Do we rule out sessile animals like we ruled out microscopic ones? As much as I find the idea of a coral daemon absolutely hilarious, I am going to come down on the side of animals that are too much like plants are a no.

So a daemon has to be a visible, mobile animal.

But what about the ones that only move very slowly? I don't think we're ruling out sloths, but in the continuing vein of torturing myself considering various aquatic daemons, there's starfish and sea urchins and hell, even most bivalves can move at least a little, right? (Correct me if I'm wrong, I haven't done that research yet.) And there's a lot of fun symbolsim to be had, there, I think.

And what about extinct creatures?

I think it's safe to say that mythical creatures are a no-go, unless this is a 'verse where those animals are real, (oh, boy wouldn't that confuse people in a world like HP where most people think dragons and unicorns aren't real, but people still wander around with dragon and unicorn daemons) so we can ammend our rule to visible, mobile, real animals, but could we go so far as extant?

If yes, that would have interesting world-building implications. Where's the cut-off point? Can we rule out dinosaurs because we don't/didn't have enough information for a daemon to settle into a form that wouldn't be technically mythical? But then, what about animals that go extinct within human history? What about all the people who had mammoth daemons or dodo daemons as those animals were dying out.

Would conservationists study daemon statistics to see if an animal has really gone extinct? Would an animal's extinct status get over-turned when a kid's daemon settled into that form? Honestly, I like this enough that I've convinced myself that, at least barring some very unique circumstances, extinct animals are not allowed.

So, it has to be a visible, mobile, extant animal. That can exist in proximity to humans.

Oh, and should probably add; visible, mobile, extant, and non-sapient.

You can't have a human daemon, or an elf or a dwarf or a fairy daemon even if they exist in that world, and if this is a 'verse with dragons who're more than just exotic magical animals, you can't have a dragon daemon. (Obviously, if your fairies are more like magical bugs than tiny people, then fairies would be a valid daemon.)

...I'm still on the fence about whether a daemon should have to be air-breathing or not. That kind of rule would still leave marine mammals available for the fun world-building of how people adapt to that kind of handicap. (...Do you think people with aquatic daemons would be considered disabled? Oooh, what about people with really big daemons? I mean, presuming such a thing is comparatively rare, people probably wouldn't be building schools with a mind to allowing elephants or giraffes to wander the corridors.)

Disclaimer! This is for my own creative process, and not intended to limit anyone else's creative flair. And, honestly, I'd love to hear other people's takes on what does and doesn't qualify for a daemon.

[lady-quen]

Places this in the sea of "Trahearne survives" AUs. Presenting Trahearne Inmorte, resident seething Firstborn plant bonded to a frankenstein bug. Alternatively, Trahearne if he picked ferocity in the character creator.

Anyway, finally posting about my version of the good ole Marshal, lovingly dubbed Crankhearne - aka Risen Lich Trahearne, revived immediately post-getting to know his sword too closely, courtesy of Morivitae, ( @commanderteag ) the Pact's pet Scion of Zhaitan. Having kept a dragon of dubious morals on a metaphorical leash, Trahy promptly gets UNO reversed. These two start toxic but get better over time, creating a fun contrast to the Commander of the verse, Aestus, who belongs to @mithosis.

Similarly to my own Commander, Mael, he keeps his condition as a lich secret from everyone aside from his closest circle. I swear I'm not collecting undead plants, the Zhaitan Scion Champion opportunity was just far too good to pass up. Have some more screenshots, and more (a lot more) lore ranting below the cut.

The very last thing the Pact Marshal expected when waging war against Zhaitan was to strike a bargain with Zhaitan's child. Information against his master and aid in cleansing Orr - in exchange for freedom once the Elder Dragon was slain. But, still, keeping a beast of that caliber on a leash proved a challenge, even when he could shapeshift more or less into mortal shape. After all, an ancient beast that subsisted on eating life force and grafting foreign body parts to itself did not take to Tyrian morals immediately. It wasn't a partnership by any means - a monster was a monster, but so was a promise. As long as the creature called "Morivitae" behaved, he could prove an asset against the other Dragons. A weapon. A wildcard. But then, awakened Mordremoth. The Maguuma disaster. His greatest failure, and, ultimately, his end. A final request for the Commander to take Caladbolg from his shaking hands and strike. But something within the Death Scion stirred at the sorrow. At the Commander's cries. An inkling of emotion, a faint flicker of something unfathomable. And gold eyes opened again. Welcome, O Champion of Shadow and Death. And now, the Marshal was on a leash of his own.

Trahearne went to the Domain of the Lost when he died, and time flowed differently there. So he spent "days" wandering and fighting the phantoms that took his name and face, just like the Commander. He met the Judge but there was no crisis in the Mists, so no offer to come back like during PoF, just gotta accept death but also have to process it first. Poor Trahearne was dissociated the whole time, thinking he was Mordremoth. He had to be given a second name to latch onto until he found his real one - and then he was ripped out of the Mists by Mori just before he could claim his rightful rest. Needless to say, waking back up a Risen of all things and cut off from the Dream did not do his mental health any favors.

"I don't remember my name but I was something horrible. You mustn't let me into the afterlife. I can't destroy it, too..." "You must find your name before you continue onward, wherever your final destination lies. If you fail, your soul will fade." "Good. I want to fade. I need to." "No, you must find the truth. That is the law of this place. Your spirit is noble, there is no malice in you. But there is suffering, and this isn't your final punishment." "I'm fading. I can't tell how - why - I can't move anymore. I need to... what am I..." "You are.. Inmorte, The Lost Wanderer. This name I give you now so you may continue. Hold onto it tightly and find your purpose. Your real name." "...I... I will."

Following his resurrection, he continues to lead the Pact as its Marshal, and is adamant on never using a mask nor mesmer illusions to cover his face - wearing his disfigurement openly in solidarity with all the other sylvari mutilated by Mordremoth's influence. There are questions as to why the Marshal was torn from the Dream and his glow changed to a necromantic green, but not many dare seek the truth of their own accord. Trahearne becomes a much more fearsome, decisive leader - going from scholar to truly formidable strategic mastermind, wanting nothing more than to ensure the tragedy of Maguuma never repeats.

"It's not mere confidence, it's pathological. As though everything stopped mattering back in that jungle, and yet I am ever more determined to see things through til the end. It's the only reason I can justify existing in this state."

The only instance where he does use illusions (excluding stealth missions, of course) is over his hands - due to an unfortunate incident where Caladbolg completely burned off the flesh from his fingers. As a result, his real hands are skeletal. This is due to his obsession with the sword, practically never letting it go, to the point he once fell asleep holding it. Since he no longer feels pain correctly, the damage was done before he woke back up - and Mori does not seem to possess the ability to mend, only animate that which should already be dead.

Trahearne's obsession with Caladbolg stems from the fact he initially believes the weapon to be the only thing keeping his soul from being fully corrupted by the Dragon he is bound to - clinging to a hope that the Thorn could purify the death magic in him just like it had once purified Orr. Alas, that is not the case, but also he eventually finds he is not as doomed as he had once believed - growing into a Champion of Death and Rebirth under his Scion patron as they both find their greater purpose - a balance to Aestus and Aurene's light. Still, his destiny remains irrevocably tied to the very land that haunted his Dream and cursed him with a seemingly impossible task.

"You're the First of the First, born in the garden of Eden and destined to purify a sunken hell risen from the depths on the other side of the sea. A task thought impossible, especially as your siblings begin to rise around you with destinies that seem more achievable. Compelled, you spend over twenty years studying the land of the walking dead, so much that the stench of it all is all but branded into your flesh. It's all you see when you sleep. The neverending expanse of bleak, gray-brown rock and twisting anemone and tide-torn ruins. Nothing living grows in Orr. It's all absolute desolation. There are none of your siblings there and you're so terribly lonely. ...In all your years, you never thought this could happen. With the Commander at your side and the son of Zhaitan mutinying against his father, Orr blooms again. The Artesian waters run clear, and life wanders slowly back into the land. It will take years, many more years than you'll be alive for, but the weight is lifted. You can leave. It's over. With hope in your heart, you feel like whatever comes next will only be easier. It's not. You die. And you rise. You never left Orr, because Orr never had the intention of leaving you."

Perhaps, just perhaps - one day, when the sunken kingdom heals completely, his soul will be allowed its due rest. Until then, he has some work to do.

[rangers-are-cool-moved]

Ami had never known a time when she wasn't fully aware of her surroundings. Her father's drinking habits, unsettling feelings and the occasional nightmare caused by Tatsuya's memories, often had her sleeping with one eye open. Whether she was being followed by ANBU and Root or simple bandits, little went past her unnoticed.

Silvery black eyes glanced sideways at him briefly, having not missed the sudden sign of tension.

"...It'll be easier to mourn my Clan without memories being everywhere."

Grimness slipped into her blank tone as she spoke. Then something in the distance caught the young woman's attention and her right hand slipped down to rest on the handle of a now visible sword. Silvery black eyes sharpened as she called on the dragon's heightened senses to identify the chakra sources.

"I know. I have been avoiding his grasp ever since I was 9 years old and the lone survivor of a C-Rank that went wrong. You should get out of here; there's a ROOT team three miles out and approaching fast." That last part was a warning, for she didn't want Kakashi getting caught off guard.

She was correct. Kakashi had been sent out numerous times to observe her while he was under ANBU orders. Every time he had fixated his sharingan on her, she had immediately shifted her attention in his direction--something that had always been of interest in itself.

The mention of Danzo brought Kakashi back to the present and he felt a ripple of tension crawl its way up his spine.

"Sounds like you're much better off then."

And it sounded like Danzo was down another object of interest, though, what were the chances he wasn't contemplating removing her out of caution? He tended to destroy things he couldn't control, after all.

"There's a lot of time for Danzo to intercept you between here and the Land of Wind." Kakashi cautioned her.

[adelha-mathilde]

Continuation of surprise cake-bread with @goldendivinewrath here:

The chocolate babka the blonde nibbles on is soft and still warm from the oven. A rich flavor of two kinds of cocoa to mix with the fluffy bread textures to be slightly gooey on the tongue.

The address on the back of the letter would be for the local church. Since many of the townsfolk would comment that the white haired maiden has been staying there. Having stayed in the town the past three weeks to serve the community in various ways. Stories of Adelha doing many kind deeds wafting about the town to the blonde's hearing. From Adelha tending to several construction workers when an accident occurred last week. How a large window had shattered over three workers for Adelha to stitch them up and ensure their cuts didn't get infected. Another story telling of how Adelha had been midwife to a local family to welcome twins into the world a few days ago. The family forever grateful for the help the white haired lady provided.

Today the townsfolk would be going about their day as per usual. Laughter in the local saloon. Kids playing in the town square. The post office looked quiet as the few workers sorted the packages. No troubles in sight or danger looming. Just another ordinary day as locals chatted. One mentions how the church is more lively every Sunday. Since that kind but mysterious lady has been singing for the congregation each Sunday morning.

[kiame-sama]

What kind of other monsters exist in the HAE!verse? Any "human-turned-monsters" like vampires, zombies, banshees, etc.? If so, we're they originally humans or born as monsters?

None that were born Human or are still alive. A Human can only be 'ascended' by a Dragon and the death of that dragon kills the 'ascended' Human as well. Humans can become ghosts/phantoms/poltergeists but usually they are wandering spirits that Hades has to put to rest, and he has done a good job so far in finding all the lost Human souls.

Vampire is a phrase attached to the monsters that primarily feed off of blood or that have a blood diet. (Ie. Lilia is a Vampire Bat because he drinks blood as part of his diet)

There is the undead such as the Undying Ursus Minor where they are considered dead yet refused to actually die. Skeletons do occasionally rise up, but they are usually possessed bodies by magic spirits.

But Humans don't turn into anything other than spirits or the few that were considered 'ascended' by a Dragon.

Sirens are a thing, but they are the sea-faring versions of the land-faring Harpies. Puffin Sirens are quite sociable compared to a Dove Harpy.

There was only one recorded instance of a Human gaining magic and changing form without a Dragon, that was a man who sought to rise above his brothers who bargained for power. Who granted him this power has been lost to time, but in the end he was cursed with the form of a large undying bear (the only Undying Ursus Major) and slaughtered his siblings, driven feral by the magic he was never supposed to wield. Only a Human can kill him or his twisted offspring (The Undying Ursus Minors) because only the creature he once was can end his violent torment. (Mor'du)

[wannaeatramyeon]

Masterlist of Lookism ✨Storylines✨

Multi-parts/chapters

Lookism Masterlist | Part 2 ☞ (multi-character headcanons/dynamics)

Lookism Storylines ☞ (fun shit. mix of x reader and with reader) You're here!

Gun + Goo | Part 2 | Jake + Samuel | Vin + Ryuhei | Everyone else ☞ (single character-centric standalones)

... Even More Lookism Masterlist ☞ (different characters in same scenarios series)

How To Fight/Viral Hit Masterlist | Seong Taehoon

Goo Kim x Reader: School Days with Princess & the Delinquent

Goo, the delinquent waiting to join HNH. You, goody two shoes.

Index: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Epilogue

+ the most delicious art of the first scene by @garden1a

Gun Park x Reader : this is our place (we make the rules)

Gun has a new neighbour - You.

Index: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Epilogue

Unhinged F!Reader

You, the peak of the verse with a list of supposedly strong and powerful men to kill meet.

Gun Park | Goo Kim | Samuel Seo | Samuel Seo Part 2 | James Lee/DG | Jinyoung Park | Eli Jang | Tom Lee | Ryuhei Kuroda | Eugene | Vin Jin | Charles Choi | Daniel Park

SOS Men of Lookism: Emergency Bathhouse Meeting

A request to meet at the bathhouse is sent to all Lookism men.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4: Women of Lookism

Adventures of YOUR part time job in the Lookismverse

G/N. Platonic. You work the graveyard shift in a convenience store. Strange characters like to shop there.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

The Crew Heads (Jake, Eli, Johan, Samuel) with Reader

G/N. Standalone. Platonic. Maybe. You decide. Either way, you have these four men wrapped around your thumb.

Bro Code | Dinner | Shopping | Television | Gacha | Board Games | Suits | The Keeper

Young!Samuel Seo with Young!Reader: Convenience Store AU

G/N. A stray wanders into your family's convenience store

Leave him be | Dinner Guest | Doctors and Patients | Baby | Dragons

Meeting Student!Gun Park for the First Time

G/N. Remember when Gun wanted to get his GED? Well.

Part 1 | Part 2

Being Goo Kim's Secret Friend

G/N. Silly tomfoolery.

An Introduction | Gitae Kim (x Reader) |

[adelha-mathilde]

Alas, the question would be answered when Wesson just starts shaking himself while still in the wooden tub to get water absolutely everywhere. Especially all over the blonde to then yip and wag his tail. Looking highly amused as Adelha chuckles to glance over at the naughty pup. "A truth of life. Never bathe a pet expecting to stay dry, crimson bird. The towels will be on the bathroom counter. So you may fetch one for Wesson and one for yourself."

Aqua looks to the blonde to then go back to chewing on Adelha's hair. Looking like she's seen this before too many times to bother with making a comment. So Adelha finishes with the grilling of the salmon to then add such to the pasta dish. Since the pasta is being ladled out onto plates with lots of asparagus and carrots and even a side of spinach to eat. A fresh lemon sauce soon apparent for Adelha to move and set the table. There's even a fancy cheese grater for them to use. Adelha then picks Aqua up to shower the kitten in face kisses before she sets the kitten on the bed. The little ball of fluff waiting as Adelha fetches a container of soft kitten food to place it on the bed. Aqua digs in with surprisingly good table manners for Adelha to soon be standing at the chair she has pulled out for her guest to smile once he's done getting himself and Wesson dried off. "Hopefully, my prep work and setting the table gave you enough time to dry off. Tea and food are ready when you are, crimson bird."

Wesson gives a low ruff at being too tired to play anymore. But he is more than okay with the blonde picking him up. Soon looking resigned at the fact he is now in the wooden tub to be staying still and not trying to wiggle out of the tub. But he does start to wag his tail again when the new best friend gets to the scrubbing of fur with pet safe shampoo and warm water. Looking up at his best friend to then give a lopsided smile in answer to the question raised.

Adelha chooses to hum as she works at making the tea and food. The kitten all but laying around her neck to be playing with strands of silver white hair. Purrs of delight sounding out as Adelha soon fetches a wrapped package from the mini fridge to then open on the counter. Getting Aqua's attention for Adelha to openly snicker and speak. "No, little Aqua. This is for the seafood pasta. Not for a very spoiled kitten. So I will be adamant you not try and pilfer a nibble."

The lady then takes the contents of the package out to set into a skillet to cook. That being what looks like freshly filleted salmon. A sizzle sounding out as the salmon starts cooking for Adelha to season it with a few rubbed in herbs and a little bit of lemon juice. The scents of brewing tea and cooking salmon soon filling the inn room with tantalizing aromas. But all it does for Wesson is make the puppy sneeze. The pup soon ruffing to look to the blonde as if asking his new best friend, "Why do you odd ones have smelly fish out?"

[rangers-are-cool-moved]

For: Open Muse: Ami Verse: Naruto | Genin Years

  The Third Hokage simply didn't know what to do with the silver haired kunoichi. And she knew it. Sending her back to the Academy was pointless; but putting her on a new Genin team so soon after the fatal mission to Suna wouldn't go down well. No matter what the Firesword Clan Head said. So in the meantime, she was allowed to train alone while they tried to figure something out.

  Her late Genin team; Rinji Nura, Rai Satoshi and Hari Hideki, their Sensei. No one had expected to lose them on a seemingly simple C-Rank mission. She had tried to warn them that something was wrong but her warnings and concerns had been ignored. The two boys had never wanted a third teammate, let alone one who was both younger and had graduated earlier than her year group. The result being that most of her team were taken fatally off guard when the bandits attacked.

  Ami knew that Hiruzen tended to send a Jounin, an new ANBU member or the occasional Chuunin to check up on her. Partly to make sure she was alright and partly to test how good their tracking and stealth skills were. Very few shinobi had managed to get close enough without her knowing, despite being within the Forest of Death when she trained. Although still officially a 'Genin, the hidden Jinchuuriki was beyond that level now.

  Neither the Hokage nor those who had gone through the 'test' said a word though. Leaving it as a surprise, for Ami tended to hide her strength instinctively. Her lips quirked into a rarely seen half smile when she sensed the approaching seemingly hidden shinobi. "Might want to work on hiding your chakra. It's like a beacon to those with enhanced senses." She called out quietly, not even looking up to see who it was.

[itsluckylolita]

Of Winter’s Flame | CHAPTER TWO

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

“Stay safe, make sure Tohrren is with you at all times; no matter what.” Cregan held Y/n’s forehead to his, the girl hugging tightly to his body.

She was ten and seven now, a young Lady of elegant stature who had become the North itself. Her dark hair was thick and long, cascading down past her waist even with half tied up in intricate braids. The girl had grown beautifully into her soft features and delicate disposition — well, as delicate as a Lady of the North could be. Y/n was kind to her people and caring of her community, she was well trained in the sword and bow thanks to Cregan and well versed in the written word thanks to her maesters. Perhaps that charm, the same charm that brought her mother South, was what beckoned her there now.

The King’s final letter to Y/n after a year of correspondence was a summoning to Kingslanding. She was to join his court as a Lady of the Queen and ‘take her rightful place as a Targaryen’ according to the King’s writings.

“I will miss you, uncle.” Y/n barely held back the tears glazing her bright eyes, stepping away from Cregan.

“You are a Stark, your mothers daughter, nobody can change that.” Cregan’s smile was bittersweet as he held Y/n’s face, drinking in the last he would see of her for months — maybe even years.

“I love you, uncle.” Y/n kissed his cheek, his beard fully grown and braided like her hair.

“I love you too , Y/n.”

*

Y/n tried her best to get sleep while in the carriage, yet so far all she could do was stare out of the window as the North slowly but surely turned into the South. Her hand languidly stroked Tohrren, the hound finding better sleep than her on this journey.

One thing would not leave her mind, and that was the realization that she could possibly claim a dragon. A story she was told a few years ago came to her mind, one recounted by her cousin, Rhaenyra.

It was a cool evening, as most in the North were, and Y/n alongside Rhaenyra sat within the library of Winterfell. The Princess had gathered a handful of books and chronicles she desired Y/n to read, both sitting in comfortable silence as the fireplace crackled between them.

“Rhaenyra, why do I not have a dragon?” Y/n looked up from her pages, and Rhaenyra did as well. The woman saw the book the younger girl was reading; Dragons of Westeros: A History.

“All of these dragons were bonded to their riders in the crib, as small hatchlings. Why was an egg not placed within mine?” Y/n furrowed her brow, frustrated with this revelation. Rhaenyra’s lips twitched up, her violet gaze wandering towards the soft flames of the fireplace.

“Your father…he is a complicated man, but I believe I know the reason why. Would you like to hear a story?” Rhaenyra asked and Y/n nodded rapidly, closing her book.

“Back in the time of Aenys Targaryen, when the wise King Jaehaerys was still a babe, the wild dragon of the south was born.” Rhaenyra began, looking towards Y/n.

“She was said to be the product of Balerion and Vhagar, hatched from a dark purple egg with swirls of blue decorating its shell. She was born a beautiful dragon, the most radiant of her time, with wings that blended into the night sky and large icy eyes which froze the strongest of men in their tracks.

She was meant to be the mount of little Jaehaerys, but the beast had other plans. She took off one fateful evening and disappeared for years,” Rhaenyra enjoyed the way Y/n leaned in further to hear her, the girl enamored by the tale.

“Then, on a cool night quite like this, the wildling returned. She was full grown, with sharp talons and wide wings that casted shadows over Kingslanding just as her fathers had. She was smaller than her mother, but not by much. Viserys Targaryen, in an attempt to escape his captor and uncle, Maegor the Cruel, tried to tame the wild beast. He would, however, be unsuccessful.” Y/n gasped, putting her hand over her mouth.

“The wild dragon killed him as soon as she took to the air, throwing him back down to his tragic death. This would earn her the name Crownstealer.” Rhaenyra took the book from Y/n’s lap, flipping through a few pages before she found the one depicting the wild dragon.

“I think that your father has faith that you will be the first to tame her, this is why you have no dragon.” Rhaenyra knew what she said were lies, and eventually Y/n would realize that too, but in the moment Y/n chatted on and on about how she would change the dragon's name and be the first rider of the great Crownstealer.

Now, of course, Y/n knew that her cousin was making up excuses for her fathers ignorance. Yet, she couldn't help the idea of taming the untamable being quite appealing. It was a thought for a later time, a time when she would see Crownstealer’s shadow in person, not a time when she desperately needed to sleep.

Y/n forced her eyes shut, mind fading into dreams of Crownstealer’s painting.

*

Winter had arrived.

Y/n stepped out of her carriage after Tohrren, a footman lending his hand to her. She took it with a smile, although it did not last long once the gates to the palace opened. There, followed by a procession of her ladies and knights, was Queen Alicent Hightower. Her regality was not exaggerated, with auburn hair braided back in a southern style and ringlets of jewels resting on her forehead acting as her crown. Her dress was a forest green, deep and alluring with its golden accents. The style was long and flowing, off-shoulder sleeves framing the dainty seven-starred necklace she wore. Upon further inspection of the gold details Y/n realized that they were streams of winding smoke coming from a tower at the base of her dress. The Hightower.

“Lady Y/n,” The Queen smiled, stopping in front of the girl, “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, my husband is quite fond of you.”

Y/n curtsied politely before handing her furs to her footman, the sun far more overbearing in the southern sky.

“I should say the same, your grace. Thank you for receiving me.” Y/n kept her tone even, wary of the watchful eyes of the Queen’s people. An imposing male figure stood to her right, sharp eyes looking Y/n up and down. The man’s white and gold armor was a dead giveaway that he was a man of the Kingsguard, well-kept brown hair brushed out of his face.

“Ser Criston, please show Lady Y/n’s guard where they will be staying.” The man to her right nodded stiffly, leaving to go speak with the procession of Northern men that had followed Y/n down from Winterfell. It was at the insistence of her uncle; over two dozen knights assigned to protect her whilst she was away.

“Please, my child, follow me.” Alicent beckoned, Y/n falling in line beside her. Alicent linked arms with Y/n, patting the girl's forearm with care.

“Tohrren, heel.” Y/n commanded, the hound following close beside. Alicent raised a brow but held her tongue, ignoring the action.

“The King has eagerly awaited your arrival, I think he will be shocked to see how Northern you are.” The Queen chuckled, attempting to make conversation as they made their way to the King’s chambers.

“I have been told I favor my mother in looks, but I have my fathers eyes. Targaryen eyes, perhaps the King will find solace in that.” Y/n hummed as they entered the Red Keep.

“Yes, perhaps…Y/n, it is a Northern name, correct?” Alicent questioned.

“It is, my mother declared it her favourite before I was born. If I was to be a boy, however, my namesake would have been my grandfathers; Rickon.” Y/n confirmed, mouth slightly agape from her surroundings. The Red Keep was an imposing piece of architecture, with single halls as big as Winterfell and twice the amount of nobles floating about. Y/n also noticed an alarming amount of seven spiked stars, the religious symbol anywhere they could squeeze it.

“Do you…do you have a Godswood I can pray at here, your grace?” Y/n asked, abruptly aware that the Old Gods did not serve here.

“We are subscribed to the Faith of the Seven in the South, but we do have a weirwood tree in our gardens, my daughter often reads there.” Alicent sighed, eyes weary as she recounted the tree that held so many memories.

“The King’s Chambers,” Alicent stopped at the end of a long hall, ornate double doors waiting to be opened, “Your hound must wait out here, the King is ill and should not be exposed to any…disturbances.”

Alicent sounded innocent enough, and Y/n wasn't about to disobey the Queen, so she handed Tohrren’s leash to one of the knights as the doors were opened. Tohrren would still be right outside if she needed him, which considering who she was about to meet, Y/n hoped not. Alicent led the way, confident strides making her quick. Y/n took a few deep breaths, twiddling with the fur of her sleeves. This was it.

She was about to meet the King.

[multiverse-swampy]

[Image spam of Fontaine Otters.]