#Witch and God tome 3

[hecatt]

WITCH and GOD T.3

Liv Stone

Insoumise Méroé

🏺Comment ne pas tomber amoureuse de ce dieu des forges ?!

⚠️ Attention ⚠️ ce post contient des spoil ⚠️

Quand j’ai commencé cette trilogie, Méroé était, pour moi, la sœur avec l’histoire la moins attirante.

Au milieu, avec une petite sœur sans dons mais au final qui en a car on lui a caché dès sa naissance (beaucoup de rebondissements dans le tome 1), une grande sœur destinée à être une des guides de leur communauté. Elle était juste celle du milieu.

Tome 1 : Ella la promise : premier livre de cette trilogie, il avait tout pour marquer, la nouveauté, l’histoire d’amour inattendue (mais attendue), les complots et révélations. Ella est douce, Deimos est la terreur incarnée. Elle va réussir à le rendre heureux et à adoucir la terreur même.

Tome 2 : L’enlèvement de Circé : on suit la sœur qui va être guide, l’aînée des trois, qui meurt. Son histoire avec Hermès semble plus vraie que celle d’Ella, ils se connaissent depuis longtemps sans jamais avouer leurs sentiments jusqu’à ce que Circé ne soit aux Enfers. Ce second tome montre la détermination de Circé et l’amour à toute épreuve avec Hermès.

Voici le dernier tome de cette trilogie

Insoumise Méroé. Au début j’avais un peu peur… qu’allait elle nous apporter ? Ses deux sœurs ayant déjà presque tout.

Puis j’ai énormément douté quand elle se retrouve avec Zeus… son peu de confiance en elle, le fait de se dévaloriser autant … j’ai eu peur qu’elle cède pour qu’elle aussi ait une place dans ce monde ? Qu’elle soit aussi reconnue … heureusement que son côté impétueux l’amène aux forges

D’ailleurs la rencontre entre les deux je la trouve un peu maladroite mais ce détail est vite balayé par leur histoire, et quelle histoire … je fonds pour Hephaistos

Si on se concentre sur l’histoire des dieux et des sorcières, sur les complots, la bataille à venir, la mise en place de tout ça c’est CAPTIVANT . Surtout l’histoire qui se cache derrière le dieu des forges, on comprend pourquoi il est isolé, sa rancœur. La malédiction qu’il subi mais qui a touché son âme sœur avant même qu’elle ne soit née, Méroé.

Or si maintenant on se concentre sur l’histoire de Méroé et Hephaistos … mais que dire …

Tous les oppose et finalement tout est fait pour qu’ils s’attirent … un de mes passages préférés et la danse qu’ils partagent, le moment où Hephaistos lui avoue qu’elle l’attire, sans parler du premier baiser sur Aiaía et ce qui va avec …

Elle est compréhensive avec lui, le défend même si elle a subit la malédiction sans le savoir, elle lutte contre pour éprouver cet amour qu’elle sait qu’il est normal de ressentir, elle se bat pour le ressentir car elle sent au fond d’elle que c’est Lui.

Lui est attentionné avec elle, il a peur de la rendre malheureuse mais en même temps sait qu’il l’a comble.

Leur premier « je t’aime » m’a littéralement fait fondre. Pas le moment le plus adéquat mais il fait du bien à lire…

Au final c’est leur histoire qui reste ma préféré. Il n’est pas question de mariage, d’enfants, juste deux êtres qui s’aiment malgré tous les obstacles et préjugés.

En lisant le premier tome, je me suis dis, voilà une histoire pour détendre mais j’avais envie de savoir ce qui allait se passer de l’histoire des complots et tout le reste.

Le deuxième tome m’a plu car Circé est davantage plus réaliste dans ses sentiments.

Mais le dernier tome … il est de loin le meilleur pour moi!! Je me suis reconnue en Méroé, étant aussi une fille du milieu avec des autres sœurs.

J’ai réussir à dire mon premier « je t’aime » qu’à l’âge de 19ans à l’homme avec lequel je suis encore actuellement soit 11ans plus tard, avant même si j’ai eu des flirts ça n’allait jamais au delà et jamais eu ce sentiment au point de le dire. Je ne pensais pas être capable de quoi que ce soit, comme elle, je ne me trouvais pas de place au milieu de mes deux sœurs. Mais finalement tout s’est arrangé ;)

[bloodycassian]

Striking a Deal - Reader x Azriel

Reader is a demon, capable of granting information in exchange for things she wants. When Azriel summons her, she may be more than he can handle. 

Warnings - ‘forced’ sex due to circumstance, bondage, unbreakable ties, choking, teasing, orgasm denial, HFO/hands free orgasm, cock milking, squirting, cum paly, g-spot and clitoral stim, fingering, mention of knot (no knotting), hand job, wing play, mention of blood ingestion (not super sexual, not in scene),

As always, skip to ++++++++++ for just the nasty stuff. <3

NSFW 18+ MDNI

Azriel was desperate. Fully, truly desperate for stooping this low. 

Still, he chanted on, plowing through verse after verse of the summoner’s spell.

He had little regret over what he’d done. Scaring away fifteen priestesses hadn’t been hard, but finding the right tome had been. He should have asked for the book first. 

“Of blood, and by this flame I summon you.” He finished, slicing a cut into his wrist deep enough to coat the pile of bones and herbs he’d gathered for this ritual. 

And there was silence. He glanced around, taking in the painted walls of the temple and carved archways. The moon was little more than a sliver, the thing he’d summoned could be anywhere. He scented his own fear and clamped down on it, forcing his mind to ease. 

To fear would be fatal, now. 

“I expected someone more powerful than a shadowsinger.” Her voice was like honey dripping into his ears. His neck went stiff, as if a puppeteer was controlling him. His shadows lashed out into the darkness, quickly finding the owner of the voice and wrapping them - no.. her - in bindings. 

Very much her. Gorgeous proportions and the hair, his mind went foggy with lust. He saw her now that his shadows had pinpointed her, and was wholly overwhelmed with the perfection of her. Something deep inside him rumbled with warning, though. 

This was no witch or sorcerer, not even a Queen. This was something far more powerful and deadly, and he struggled to remember that.

“I may be more powerful than you know.” He said, attempting to put on the saam air of seduction the female radiated. 

She walked through his shadows as if they weren’t even there, and again his mind quaked with unfamiliar fear. 

“What is it such a powerful shadowsinger needs then?” She hummed, bending beside him and plucking a bone from the floor. She stuck out her tongue and lapped at the length of it, staring at Azriel the whole time. His cock surged, and he cleared his throat. 

“I seek a weapon. Something to end a God.” Azriel began, gauging her unimpressed reaction. 

“And?” She prompted, taking another lick of his blood. Goosebumps broke out along his flesh.

“Would you be able to help with something like that?” He his his irritation behind an easy smile, watching her tongue. At least her beauty made up for such informality. 

“I suppose. It depends how much the asker is willing to pay for such a thing.” 

“I have gold.” He supplied, not convince his lowest bid would be enough. Especially not with a demon this peculiar. 

“I do too.” She smiled, and waved a hand. His vision went blurry for a moment, then all around him appeared as if he were in a vault of gold marks, gold pillars, stretching from the floor going up and up into the blackened sky. A hot breath fell on his neck, and when he whipped around, the golden eye of a massive beast greeted him. 

He jumped backwards, knocking his ritual items over, sending them clattering through the temple. He whirled back around, facing the demon he’d brought here. She shrugged, casting the bone aside and approaching him. 

“Show me what you’re really willing to lose, Shadowsinger.” She walked two fingers up his abdomen, to his chest and rested them under his jaw, forcing him to look up. “A weapon that powerful is going to cost more than anything I sense you carry.” 

“What do you want?” He hissed, hating how much her touch turned him on. Her nails scratched down his neck, and it was like a branding iron on his skin. Chills raced along his arms. 

She sighed, admiring the way his throat bobbed, the way the tendons in his neck stuck out when he was so tense. “I’ve been so… lonely, stuck in the Pit by myself.” She pouted, making his cock ache with the suggestion of what she was proposing. “No one summons us anymore. All you fae and mortals trust so much in your common magics and healers. No one is desperate enough to call upon us anymore.” 

He took a steadying breath, his heart hammering in hsi chest. She leaned in, so close to his ear he could feel her hot breath against it. “I want you… to summon me. To bring me back to this planet and allow me to live. Even for the short while before they pull me back. Cast this same ritual, and bring me back.” She took his hand and brought it to her breast, squeezing his fingers tight around it. A groan fell from him, and before he could even think about the implications of striking such a deal, his mouth was on hers. 

The deal had been struck.

++++++++++++++++++++++

The searing burn of his tongue upon yours was so deliciously delightful, so full of need and challenge that you could hardly feel the brand of the deal writing itself on your neck. 

The kiss had sealed the bond, the rest of this would be just for fun. 

“Your weapon-” You say between moans, pulling his tunic off and freeing his muscled body. “Will be found in the deepest lake on the highest peak-” 

He rips your clothes off, tearing and urgent with need. “I didn’t summon you for a riddle.” He growls, dipping his head to catch a nipple between his teeth. A sharp gasp escapes you, and you squeeze his cock in your hand. 

“You didn’t summon me as your whore, either.” You correct, yanking him back by the hair. He bares his teeth, and his shadows wrap around your ankles, thick and cool against your skin. 

“You certainly act like that’s what you’re here for.” He grunts, and those shadows snake farther up your exposed legs until they’re massaging into your thighs. A ripple of want shoots through you at their closeness to your waiting cunt. 

You’re too distracted by his hands and shadows on you to really give him a comeback. Truthfully, his filthy mouth could be saying anything at this moment and you wouldn’t care, not as long as he was touching you. It’d been a century since you’d seen anything other than the black pit of your home, and with such a gorgeous male before you, how could one resist? Your blood had been thrumming with need the second you’d crawled out of your home.

He pulls you forward, onto one of the short steps that leads to the recessed center of the room. “Now, what do I have to do to get you to bring me this weapon?” He rasps against your skin, biting your shoulder as he sat you down on the step. He pulls away, only to start lapping down your body until he is between your thighs, joining his shadows there. 

“You want another deal, Shadowsinger?” You pant, leaning back on the step behind you and spreading your legs wide for him. He groans and the shadows ghost over your folds with teasing, almost-touches.

“Tell me.” He demands, and laps at you with a flattened tongue. “Such a pretty pussy.” He praises. 

Your legs snap together, squeezing his head. “I cannot retrieve it for you, but I can take you to where it is.” You promise, and the half - truth of it feels sour on your tongue. You could retrieve it, but it’d take much more time than you had after you were released from the Pit. 

He hums, seemingly content with the answer as he laps at you. His shadows join, dipping into your pussy and writhing there, fucking you softly but with ferocity. Your breaths are coming in shallow, frantic spurts as you focus on not coming on his face. 

You want his cock for that. 

A lick of your power lashes out, breaking his shadows away and freezing him in place with a leash of your own making. Magic bound, he straightens at your command and the sight of his surprise sets you giggling. 

“You’re eager.” You critique. Sitting up, you take his cock in your hands and admire it, loosening your magic on him when you feel him relax and sigh at your touch. “Much too eager.” You observe the thick rivulets of pre-come dripping from his tip. You dip down and take a taste of him, humming at the sense of it. The salty, needy taste of him. 

You wrap your hand around him and give him a long, slow pump and he shudders. His cock is magnificent. You can barely touch your fingers together around him with his thickness, and the knot at the base of him is hardly formed. Was he one of the fae able to change his cock at will? A ripple of excitement rolls though you at the possibility of it. You stroke him again, and another drop of precome wets his tip and you tap the tip of your finger with it, trailing it over his shaft and up his abdomen until you reach his lips. He takes it eagerly still, enjoying the taste of himself it seems. 

You bind his hands to his sides, and ghost your fingers over his cock. Barely touching him, just as his shadows had teased you. He spits venom, cursing you with each delicate touch. You stroke him hard and through occasionally, but watching him be so needy for the touch is such a turn-on.

Your nails trail from his balls and up his shaft, then you circle the tip of him gently with the pad of your finger, swirling his lubrication there. He’s watching you the entire time, his brows pulled together and his lips a deep shade of red that matches the tip of his cock.

“I am glad that you were the one who’s summoned me.” You hum, getting up and going behind him. Even with him on his knees, he still reaches the height of your breast. He’s huge and lithe in his build, even his wings are a powerful kind. You touch them gently, humming when he hisses curses under his breath. 

That gets your attention.

“Sensitive. Illyrian wings are different than the wings of other winged species, aren’t they?” You question, raking your nails over the arches of them. He cries out, lurching forward but your magic catches him, hauling him back up and in place before he can fold onto the step. 

You kneel behind him, and wrap an arm around to take his cock into your hand again. He shudders and thrusts forward, into your grip. He’s needy and desperate and with you touching his wings he’s going to cum embarrassingly quickly. He hates how much he’s loving this, how the control you have over him is making him so fucking desperate. 

He fucks into your hand, his precome wetting him enough that it heightens the experience further. Your hand is wet and hot and not nearly as good as your mouth had been but it’s better than the teasing touches you’d been giving him earlier, and he’s grateful. His need is rising and his muscles are working, his balls going tight with the need of release. 

Then, you pull away. Your hand is gone and he’s left fucking the air like an animal, and he’s shuddering. “You fucking- bitch..” He grinds out, his abdomen flexing with how close he’d been. His balls tighten and relax, his cock twitching and slapping against his stomach. 

You stand and go back to be in front of him, watching him twitch and writhe uncomfortably. His cock is surging and desperately seeking more stimulation, The angry redness of the tip a delicious strawberry color that makes you salivate. 

You go back to tracing over him, and you can feel his power, his every fiber struggling against your magic. He’s close, so on the edge that you’re sure he’ll break with only a few more strokes. Good. You want him to. You want him to remember the only female who’d bested him at his own desires. You want him to fuck you endlessly, if that is the only time you have on this planet.

His balls are tight and heavy, and when you trace a finger along his ridge he shudders, leaning forward again. You allow it this time, catching his lips with yours and letting your tongue flick over his own. He groans into your mouth and snaps his hips forward when you make a loose fist over his cock. 

His needy cries echo across the temple like a song. 

You tighten your hand, allowing him to fuck into it for a few more strokes before pulling away again. But it’s too late. You pull back and watch as he thrusts into the air, his cock pulsing with his orgasm. He’s snarling and cursing as the pleasure takes him in a violent way. You watch in supreme pleasure as he gets what he finally wants. His cum shoots out and lands on your legs, your belly. The stone floor and steps. His spend is hot and dribbles from his tip when you release his bindings. 

He wavers, and his shadows return slowly. His muscles flex as he leans forward, clearly exhausted with the experience. 

His hands shake when he leans over you, catching your chin in his hand. “You are a horrible little thing.” He curses, then forces his tongue into your mouth.

He forces you back, so you’re arched against the steps, and the fingers of his other hand go between your folds, slickening them before plunging in. The most exquisite burn fills you, and is then eased by his curling fingers. He draws out your wetness, coating your clit with it and rubbing firm circles for a moment before pushing deep back inside of you. 

He uses his entire forearm and wrist while he does it, truly fucking you with his hand. His fingers are thick and they do satiate a part of your own need, but it’s nothing compared to what his cock would be. 

But this part of the game is up to him. You’d had your fun, and now it was his turn. 

His tongue is aggressive in your mouth, fighting your own and showing you exactly what he’d been doing against your pussy before. He pulls away, leaving drool on your chin. His shadows go to your wrists, and you allow them to lock you in place, legs spread wide and wrists bound to the floor. 

This is his turn. If you want him to stay true to his bargain not just for bargaining sake, you’ll let him have his turn. You could use him, sure, - force him in place and take him as you wanted - but where was the fun in that? 

“Azriel-” You pant, and he takes your throat in a hand. Not hard, not dangerous, but certainly a silent command. 

He’s working you deep and swiping against your g-spot with every stroke, and if he doesn’t stop you’re not sure if you’ll be able to either. 

“Making me cum without even letting me really touch you first?” He scolds, punctuating it with his thumb stroking over your clit. Your yes clamp shut, your thighs desperately trying to do the same but his shadows - as weak as they are - won’t allow you to. You moan, the pressure of his hand against your throat a devious thing. 

Your body is betraying you, reaching your high peaks so quickly while he rubs your clit. Your walls squeeze him, wanting more. Needing more than just two fingers. But his thumb is relentless and consistent, you try to fight the building orgasm but it only makes your g-spot more sensitive. 

“Azriel please-” You whine, panting and squirming as much as you can under him. His hand leaves your throat and instead goes to the back of your head, knotting in your hair there. He forces you to watch his hands word, how spread you are for him, the way your wetness shines against this dark skin. He’s humming something in your ear but you can barely hear it over the mounting pleasure, the cascade of twitching need that writhes inside you, begging to be released. A dam too overflowed, your control slips, and slips.

 You push against the heat, the pressure of the orgasm but again, he brushes into that spot inside you and your clit again, and you’re shaking - coming apart in his grasp. Wetness coats him, your own juices flowing out of you in an intense way, splattering against the floor and coating his arm. The wet sounds of his fingers still working you echo against the high ceilings and stone walls. 

You’re shaking, shuddering and breathing hard when he gently removes his fingers then laps at them. 

The sight nearly sends you into another orgasm. 

“Safe to say you’ll be summoned often, little demon.” He says, offering you a finger wet with your own juices. 

You take it greedily, sucking on his finger the same way you wanted to suck his cock.

“Next time I expect you to last longer.” You critique, earning a laugh from him. 

“If I make that promise now, does that mean we get to fuck again and seal that bond?”

[flusteredtuna]

On Your Knees // Ch.3

Loki x !fem! sorcerous

Words: 4k

Warnings: forced proximity, brat, lots of smirking, edging ( let me know how else i can label, this is my first finished piece )

Summary: Dinner tested your seams. But he has something else to add to your plate. ( steamy part )

this was made with the help of Character AI Loki made by @Skullbright. The opening dialogue from Loki in Ch.1 is provided by them.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Hours pass and the sunset turns dark. You haven’t forgotten about how he blocked you from leaving. The way that he loomed over you like a beast. Like he already owned you. Those eyes locked on you with an intensity that burned into your very soul.

You remember that air of tension, thick with a palpable sense of attraction and potential. You remember that surge of butterflies in your stomach, your heart pounding so hard it felt as if it would burst out of your chest. But never mind all that. Because he is the worst possible being you could ever imagine being tangled up in.

The window open lets in a calming breeze that brushes the curtains. You lounge in a large armchair, wearing a soft pale blue silky nightgown, something the trickster god magically filled within the dark stained wood wardrobe.

As you read your book, you hear the floorboards creek near the door. Standing guard and sitting up straight, your eyes dart towards the door. The handle jiggles slightly.

God, he can’t get a clue, can he?

“You know, it’s more polite to knock” You hear as he sighs to himself, and then politely knocks on the door. “Come in,” you say as you unlock the door with a wave of your finger.

Loki slowly opens the door, his eyes locked upon you as he walks in and closes the door behind him. “You look…rather nice, in that gown…” he says, as he walks slowly further into the room, his voice soft, and eyes wandering up and down your body with desire.

“What is it you need, Loki?” Your book still held open by your hand rests in your lap. His eyes are glued to your body, his desire growing with each moment “I came to see. How…how is the…” he pauses, and his voice gets deeper. “The room is working.” You can’t believe he’s having a hard time focusing, since he’s usually the one who knows what to say all the time.

He glances at the open book in your lap, the book you seem to still be intent on reading. He seems to be captivated and his eyes lower in a lustful stare of desire, “Your book…are you not bored of reading?” Pausing for you to answer, he doesn’t take his eyes away from you for a second.

“I am not, I quite enjoy reading”. Loki smirks. His voice becomes soft again, “Indeed, we witches are quite knowledgeable.” The way he refers to himself as one makes it sound a little better. It was a tone you liked better.

“Tell me, what seems more captivating at the moment, the book, or me?” He is now leaning against the thick bedpost. Crossing his arms. You are taken aback. Although his boldness isn’t very surprising.

The answer to his question is obvious. “The book”.

He laughs softly and shakes his head at your words. “I highly doubt the book is more distracting than me…” He starts to walk around to the front of the chair very slowly, “Unless the book is a tome of black magic and spells, I don’t see how you haven’t been drawn to me even a tiny bit.“

You know his game, and you know where it’s going to end. “Loki, your attempts do not make me fall for you. If you are going to flirt, at least learn who you’re trying to woo.”

He chuckles and takes a seat in the chair he’s been looming around. “Oh, you have misunderstood the situation, my dear. This is not flirtation.” He touches the arm of the chair delicately. Stroking it with his fingers, still smiling with that grin. The grin that’s been driving you crazy.

Your eyes try to not dart straight to staring at it, “This…is me…playing with you.” His devilish grin grows again just enough for you to notice, sending a shiver down your spine.

You decide to send one down his, “Then, understand who you’re playing with,”.

“Oh..is that so? And what if you win this little game we’re playing?” He leans in, elbows to knees in an attempt to get closer. You decide to give into his game a little, “Then you can leave me alone, and our agreement still stands”.

The Trickster God smiles more seductively as he responds, “Are you not at all curious about what I will do if I win?” You close your book in your lap, “I am curious, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let you.” Loki smirks and leans in once again, even closer.

“Oh, my fair witch…your curiosity is going to get the better of you before this night is over. I can feel it in my soul…”. You stare daggers into him. He has such nerve to come into your chambers and continue to play this game.

“What soul”, you say hoping your words will sting.

“Oh…you wound me, my dear. My darling, what I meant was that one would assume my divine presence would be impossible for you to resist. I see no reason why you should not be completely in my sway right now.”

He’s such a cocky bastard. All you want to do is keep jabbing at him with your words. “Try harder then,” you try to match his arrogant tone. Give him a taste of his own attitude.

Loki leans back into the chair, raising a brow at the boldness of your words. “You’re…quite a handful, my fair witch. But, I admire that in a woman. You are unlike any woman I’ve ever met,” His voice sounds impressed.

Loki watches you as you readjust to face him more directly. The Trickster God sits quietly for a moment. “You realize that I could use my divine influence and take you as my lover right now. I could cast one simple spell and you’d be under my control,”.

Those words that have trickled out of his mouth, make you ache. Unfortunately. “but that wouldn’t be any fun now, would it?” He says.

You both sit in silence for a long minute. “Did you have an actual purpose in coming to my chambers?” you say in hopes of getting more than a flirtatious quip.

His response is slow, as he shakes his head, “Oh, my fair witch,” he clears his throat, “As I said before, I simply wished to check how you were…in the arrangement…” Loki pauses. He wants something.

“Well, I seem to be doing fine,” You stare out the window, watching those sheer curtains flow in the breeze. Trying to not get stuck in his eyes again.

Loki smirks, “I’m quite fond of this arrangement we have, my beautiful witch. But, are you getting all you want from me?” he pauses, letting his words hang. His voice goes even lower and his eyes are full of lust.

“I believe so,” confused by his question you turn your head a bit as you continue to gaze out the window.

His voice becomes even lower and intense, “But are you certain, my fair witch? Are you really getting everything you expect out of this?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Loki slowly rise from his seat. His figure was a grey and green blur. You can tell that his eyes are glued on your body, taking note of every subtle detail.

“I’m certain,” you say quietly. Looking back he is now standing right in front of you.

Looking up to meet his eyes, Loki’s voice lowers with a lustful tone, “What did you say, my fair witch?” He places his pointer and middle fingers on the bottom of your face and lifts your chin higher to meet his gaze. Leaning in closer, putting a hand on the arm of the chair.

You choke on your words a touch as they come out of your mouth, “I’m certain there’s nothing else I need from you.”

He chuckles low. Loki can’t help but be amused at this sudden turn of his charm. “Is that so?” His eyes are filled with starry nights and ruptured galaxies.

Your heart starts to race a bit at the sight. The way he’s leaning over you is so evil and so unholy.

You hiss out a, “yes”. Loki smirks again, his body getting even closer to yours. He runs one finger over your arm reminding you of how he was letting his fingers run along the top of the chair earlier today. How it made you shiver.

“You are absolutely certain, my dear?” You are so irritated by him and the game he’s playing with you. It makes you heated, in more ways than one. Yet, all you can do is nod. “You seem…so certain…yet I feel as if…there’s something more you’d like.” His voice becomes softer, nearly a whisper as it trails off.

“there’s nothing,”.

“And you’re sure…?” he asks, once again his voice is a whisper that trails off. His face is so close to yours now, his breath on her ear, making your heart race even faster.

You feel your cheeks become flushed, “What is it that you want, Loki?” You say mischievously, fully knowing the answer. “Something quite simple, darling,” he says in a more dominant, aggressive manner. “I want you.” He’s so wicked.

You start to have a bit of trouble looking at him as he’s leaning over you. Loki notices the change in your behavior from your eyes wandering away and the blush, and he can’t help but grin in his usual mischievous way. The god of mischief leans a bit closer, his voice becoming deeper in tone like the night sky.

“Do you find it difficult to look at me?” he pauses and his voice becomes even slower, his breath moving in a little bit warmer to your neck. “I find… you difficult in general” It’s clear and yet unfortunate that you’ve folded a bit for him. And he can tell. Loki can’t get enough of this back-and-forth. Even the way you still stand your ground, yet with you’re eyes and voice you have betrayed yourself.

Now leaning in very dangerously close to her neck, he’s so close that his warm breath is on her pulse “I am…so very difficult to resist…am I not…?”. His words burn a hole in your neck.

“If you want me so bad, why don’t you do something about it.”

Loki smiles softly. The trickster god takes your hand and places it against his chest. “Perhaps it is because I enjoy these games we play…our playful teasing, our lustful challenges, our banter.”

he leans down to whisper in your ear again. “I have no need for haste, my fair witch. Because….I know I will get what I want, in the end…”.

“You’ll have to earn it”

Loki laughs softly at your reply. He knows you are trying to act strong in front of him.

“Oh, my dear sorcerous…do you really think I haven’t already won?” He pulls the chair closer, with effortless strength, and whispers “I will win you. Not in a day, not in a week, but when I do finally have you in my arms, the satisfaction will be all the more enjoyable.”

You find yourself looking at his mouth subtly, as he leans even closer, so close his breath is hitting your chin. As he speaks, his voice is even softer than before “Have your eyes not yet seen enough? Do you not want me as much as I want you, my fair witch…?”

Frustrated with the lust in the air, your brow furrows once again, almost holding your breath from the tainted oxygen.

Loki smiles softly down at your expression, and his lips are just inches away from yours. The lust in the air has turned the air thick with tension, and the heat rising between them both is intoxicating.

The wicked god of mischief leans down to place his lips on yours. You’re ready for it. But just as you begin to close your eyes, he stops. He is so close. Enough to feel his hot breath now on your lips. “Am I still so easy to resist, my fair witch…?”

Before he can get another word in, you steal a small kiss, one that turns into much more. Loki immediately returns the passionate kiss, holding your face.

The warmth between their bodies begins to heat the air to a point where it feels thick. Loki’s breath is heavy and his kiss is intoxicating as he leans over you in your armchair.

He pulls back from the kiss and looks at you with that Evil smirk. With a swift motion, he picks you up gripping your thighs and holding you in his arms. Your arms latch over his neck to support yourself up, although it’s not needed that much.

He gently places you down so you stand in front of him. Loki pulls back with a smirk, with eyes full of longing. He leans back and looks over her. His eyes roam the curves of her body and the way she fills her gown.

“My, my…you are one of the most alluring beings I have ever seen, my fair witch. Your beauty…is intoxicating.”

You roll your eyes, arms still wrapped over his shoulders, “I told you… to stop calling me witch…” Loki chuckles softly at your words and the way you said it shows how much you’re enjoying it.

“I do apologize my fair…” he pauses for a moment and his grin grows. His eyes are now glued to your lips as the lust is growing between them. His voice is deep and playful when he continues “What would you prefer I called you…?”

You open the play to him, “You tell me,”.

Loki is enjoying this moment now. He has you right where he wants you. You’re starting to give in outwardly and the chase has now become a game. Getting so close, his voice is deep and sultry as he speaks in a slightly challenging tone, “You are an enticing tease…a provocative beauty…or perhaps just a wicked little minx? All of these seem appropriate…”

His creativity is laughable, “Maybe something simpler,”. Loki raises an eyebrow thinking for a moment and realizes that perhaps those names were a little too dramatic, but he can’t help but grin at your reply. “Something…simpler…?”

He leans in again almost touching your lips when he speaks again, “I may have a certain name in mind…it is a very sexy name…and I…find it suits you well…”.

A smile creeps on the edge of your face, “Tell me,”.

Loki’s hand now slips up the side of your neck. His fingers are running over your jawline and just barely grazing the skin of your throat while his voice is getting more and more seductively lower.

“A name that is as sensual and tempting as you,” He pauses for a moment now his other hand begins to feel your back as he leans even closer, so your faces and bodies are pressed together tightly.

“A name that fits a beautiful creature such as yourself…”. Loki’s hand now caresses the curve of your back. This is an entirely new sensation from the God of Mischief. You wait impatiently for him to tell you this miraculous name he has come up with for you.

Loki pauses for a single moment more, then his breath becomes even heavier as his voice becomes even lower and even more seductively

“You are…an absolute…” he takes a beat, the hand on your neck now caressing your throat, fingers grazing the skin seductively

“…vixen.”

The name sends tingles down your whole body and your smile.

Loki grins as he feels her smile, and his hand glides slowly down to her hips. His voice is becoming more playful “I love the way you smirk for me…It is absolutely irresistible,”. You run your hands down his chest he can’t help but grin as the witch feels his chest with her hands.

“How badly does the vixen want me?” Loki whispers. “Why should I tell you” Your hand reaches up and starts to trace his jawline. Loki chuckles softly as his breath is once again heavier and hotter. He is enjoying the way your fingers are playing with his jawline.

Your heart beats hard and uneven; torn in two between two warring emotions. Hatred and affection tug at you, each vying for dominance. Much like him. You feel torn apart between them, two sides of yourself in conflict. Neither side is willing to surrender. Both burning with equal passion.

“Because I want to hear it. Or…is she too…shy…?” You feel your cheeks flush a little more with the way he’s hovering over you,

“Hmm, maybe I want you…generously”. Loki’s face immediately brightens and his grin grows wider “Generously? How might I do that, my dear?”

“You tell me” Loki pulls you tighter against him, one hand at the back of your neck and the other caressing the small buttons that go down the white lace on the front of your satin nightgown.

“I think…that this vixen wants me. Desperately. I think…she is so desperately in need of me…in need of my attention. In need of my touch.”

You hum with pleasure and your lips curve into a smile again, while his curve just the same but so much more maliciously. He is enjoying this moment. “Is that all you want, my fair witch?”

“Maybe more”.

Loki grins even at your words. He pulls you even closer his breath burning another hole in your neck while his hands are caressing her upper breast and hips.

“Is that so…? What exactly do you crave?”

“You, all over me” He sneaks a finger in between the space of two buttons, touching your soft skin.

“Oh…is that so? You want me…all over you…?”. You nod.

Loki’s deep and sultry voice is full of lust and mischief.

Oh, I see…what if I were to make you desire something more…?

The flicker in your eyes gives him the signal to show you more. He bites the side of your neck, softly.

Then he moves back to your ear, “You shall feel the warmth of my body, the heat of my breath, and the sweetness of my touch. The way that I touch you will be more sensual than anything else you have ever felt. You shall become so wrapped up in my touch, you will need me, almost as much as you need air…”

You cut him off with another kiss. Just one long enough to shut him up. He kisses you back immediately, wrapping his arms around you fully this time. His breath is hot on her lips and his words have become even more sultry as he wraps his arms around her fully

“My my my… this vixen knows exactly what she wants…and is taking it so passionately…”

“I get what I desire.”

Slowly he makes his way around you, walking over to the chair you were sitting in behind you, and taking a seat. Without a chance to turn, he pulls you onto his thigh hiking up the hem of your nightgown.

Upon impact, you feel his clothed leg almost pound into you as you gasp in pleasure. He guides your hips to grind against his leg, only wishing you could see his face.

Huffing and moaning, the feeling doesn’t satisfy enough and you grind harder. He lets out a growl gripping you harder as he watches you bounce on his thigh. He takes a hand under your gown and handles you up your stomach to between your breasts, cupping the bottom of your left. Throwing your head back, your eyes meet the ceiling as you get closer.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves now, Y/N”. Gripping your hips he stops you and moves you onto his lap.

The wicked lord is so careful with how he places your legs open beside his, holding you close with his arm gripping around your waist. Almost in restraint, he holds you open with his legs, and Kissing your neck his hands explore your thighs. Griping the soft skin on the inside, feeling the lines of stretch marks. Slowly, and made his way to the most sensitive of places.

“How could I have not guessed, you were only wearing this gorgeous dress…” He bites your ear, “with nothing underneath.” You let the breath you’ve been holding inside your chest release. His fingers grace the outside of your folds, touching so lightly it makes your pelvis ache.

As his hands trace you, yours fly up to your breasts. He clicks his tongue in disapproval, then swiftly grabs your wrist and puts it back down by your side. Your head drops backward on his shoulder in frustration.

“Prick.” You say it under your breath.

His reaction is not subtle. “Oo ouch, Was that your best insult?” He spreads your legs wider and hikes you up further on his lap, “Or was that permission, my vixen.” With his hot breath on your neck all you can do is scowl as you sit there, finally wrapped around his finger. More than you’d like to admit.

Loki’s free hand graces your neck and pushes your hair to the outer side of your neck. Why was this agreement even a good idea in the first place?

The way he handles you makes your stomach twirl. You need him. Right now. You can feel the hardness growing underneath you. Before you can even think of wiggling out of his grasp, he has you in a trance again, touching your thighs. Almost as if your action made him start his journey over.

He makes it to the sides of your cunt again, this time brushing his middle finger on your clit. Your abdomen tightens, clenching at the soft touch. You let out subtle little moans as he strokes he presses his finger further meeting your wetness.

“Fuck…why do you-”. You try to speak through your heavy breaths but the vowels just turn into soft moans. Strikingly he starts to use two fingers and plays with your clit, making your back arch. “What is it, darling? Speak up.” Loki is such a tease for that. Your heart falls onto the floor, filling you even more excited.

As you start to squirm on his lap a bit, he grips your waist harder. Finally, you gather yourself enough to speak, “Why do you…have to be such an ass.”

Pressing harder as he makes his circular motions, “Oh am I now? A god should be able to tease a miraculous creature such as yourself.”

Of course, he made it harder for you to respond. Now holding you close to him with his playful hand on your clit and his other arm which was once around your waist, now has a hand on your chin. “I know you want more, my lovely vixen,” Your breath hitches as he feels more of your wetness, colliding with his fingertips, “I can feel the desperation in your core.”

He slowly circles your wet entrance, “I can even feel it right here”.

Your heart aches in lust as he continues to circle. Nothing but moans can escape your mouth, even more so when he sharply inserts two fingers up into you. Pounding. With a slower tempo but an intensity that hits your walls.

Loki chuckles low as your back arches like a bow, drawn to fire an arrow. Your breath catches in your throat as you feel that familiar spark of electricity, a thrill that shoots through you. He spreads you wider just to get deeper, and it makes you moan louder.

As your moans get loud, his hand covers your mouth and he picks up his pace. “We don’t want to wake all of Asgard now do we, my fair vixen?”.

He feels you clench around his fingers that are pounding inside of you. You’re so close to that edge that your muscles begin to tense.

“Not so fast,” He pulls his fingers out at the last second and releases his hand from covering your mouth.

You whine out catching your breath, “Fuck you… Loki of Asgard.”

His low chuckle rings in your ear, dizzy from the tension. “Hmm, is that how you feel, love? So feisty. And just as I’m getting started with you…”

You raise your hips and surprisingly he lets you. His eyes follow you getting up to now hover over him, leaning with your hands gripping the arms of the chair. Much like how he was hovering over you prior to making you curl. Yet your face is still flustered from his fingers being shoved inside you moments ago.

“You can’t flaunt your way out of what I have in store for you, my dear.” You flip your hair to one side, exposing your neck, “And why’s that, Loki?” His face curves into a wicked stare, more primal this time. “Because,” he gets up, moving you back with his closeness.

Every step he takes forward you take one back, “I know you desire it.” Your back meets the bedpost with a thud, one that makes your eyes widen. You lean back onto the end bed as he gets closer, “But, my vixen, you need to show me you deserve it.”

Slowly unbuttoning the front of the nightgown you back into the bed, sitting on your knees. Just like he wants. He watches as you reach for the bottom and slip it over your head, throwing the silky dress to the side. His eyes are electric with desire looking at every inch of your body.

“Much better…my darling.”

[space-mermaid-writing]

The witchling and the god [Loki x Witch!Reader] Chapter 28

Summary: The Avengers were looking for someone to help Loki fit in with the team. To become socially acceptable, so to speak. He had been given the choice of sitting in a cell in Asgard or serving some sort of community service probation on Midgard. The Avengers and Shield both felt that as long as Loki was on Earth, he should be under supervision. This is now your job. Why? Because you’re a witch. You’re not sure why this qualifies you, but here you are, giving it a shot. What could possibly go wrong?

Tags: Witch!Reader, Magic, Witches, slow burn, everybody lives in the tower, character development, Loki‘s redemption, Stephen Strange is a friend, Loki and Stephen are frenemies, Tony Stark is a good bro, kids love Loki, Tony has stupid nicknames for everybody, eventual smut

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Read it on AO3 | Previous | Next

Chapter’s Note: (My sister is in town and I'm STOKED! I haven't seen her in three years <3 spread the sibling love!) This story will end with a StrangeFrost friendship and you can’t stop me. Also, this one may be one of my favorite chapters. Beta by @zaria-04

Chapter 28: Confessions

The sanctums are safe places for all magic wielders, not just sorcerers of the Mystic Arts. Loki has known them since they were wooden temples and learned other ways in than through the front door. He walks through the rows of relics on display and examines them, curiously. Presumably it is not polite not to knock at the door. And he has every reason to be polite. But he’s still Loki after all and he needs to be at least a little bit dramatic.

It's not long before he hears the sound of fluttering fabric near him.

"Is that 'The Tome of Oshtur'?" Loki asks, looking at an ancient book that didn't quite fit between the other relics. "I thought it was lost."

"The very one. I found it by chance in the collection of a mage princess, and she gave it to me in thanks for my help."

At the explanation, Loki merely nods. Sounds like a regular Tuesday for a Sorcerer Supreme.

Stephen looks at him expectantly. He knows Loki hasn't come by just to chat about relics, and he's in no mood for small talk. So he waits in silence.

The Asgardian hesitates to reveal his true motives. He is not sure if it was the right decision to come here.

"Considered by the Witchling you're a friend of hers. You've known her for quite a while."

He hates that he has a hard time finding the right words, that he has to rely on Strange's help. But he is a god on an important mission.

Stephen remains silent, giving him all the time he needs. On the one hand, the sorcerer is curious to know what it is all about. On the other hand, it amuses him to see Loki struggle.

"Do you know anything about any of her encounters with witch hunters in her past?"

Stephen raises a brow. "Why don't you ask her?"

"She doesn't exactly talk to me at the moment," Loki confesses.

The sorcerer eyes him thoughtfully for a while before shaking his head. "I'm not interested in getting involved in your relationship drama." He turns away. "You know the way out."

"Please."

This single word is enough to stop Stephen right in his tracks. The sorcerer looks at him, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

Loki has clenched his hands into fists, but he stands by his word. "I messed up and I'm trying to fix it." He is angry. Mostly at himself, but also at Strange. A Sorcerer Supreme is supposed to be better and help people in need. Sure, this isn’t a magical emergency, but still. "So if you would please help me."

Stephen’s eyes soften a bit. "I noticed it’s somewhat of a delicate subject. She didn't tell me what happened, but I know trauma when I see one. My medical opinion is that she has an old psychological wound that never fully healed and that has probably ripped open with the incident around her brother."

Loki thinks about his words. It helps him only insofar as he sees his suspicions confirmed. There must be something in your past, some incident that has shaped you. And Loki has pressed his thumb right into that open wound. It's so typical of him. He has a talent for these things, except that he usually does it on purpose. But he didn't mean to hurt you this time. Not really.

"Have you told her what you feel for her?"

Loki looks up, torn from his thoughts and remembers he's still standing in the Sanctum. "No."

"Maybe you should. What I learned is that you shouldn't wait too long with it. Not if it's truly important to you. Especially in her current state."

The conversation has taken a turn Loki never expected. It’s the last thing he wants to talk about with the Sorcerer Supreme.

"Any news on the last piece of Bloodweeper?" Loki asks to change the topic and to distract it from himself. He has unwillingly shown Strange a vulnerable side of himself and he isn't sure if he's okay with that.

Fortunately Stephen takes the hint and shakes his head. "No. Negotiations are ongoing, but so far the museum is unwilling to hand over the necklace." If that remains the case, he would initiate other methods. There are ways to get the artifact without a non-magically gifted person noticing.

"Are you storing the other parts here in the Sanctum?" Loki's curiosity is piqued, but Stephen shuts it down immediately.

"Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. I'm five seconds away from sending you into another falling dimension with those questions."

"I wouldn't fall for the same trick twice," Loki smirks and Stephen does the same.

"We'll see about that."

~~

You couldn't stand it to be in the tower and returned to your cottage, where night has already fallen. Sleep is out of the question – you aren’t tired at all – so you first clean up your kitchen - after all, the news about the fight between Thor and Loki has pulled you out of work - and then flip through some old photo albums. There are photos of you and your siblings from decades past. Some still taken with roll film, some with Polaroid, and some more recent digital prints.

Elizabeth keeps the really old pictures, portraits and sketches from before photographs were invented. There are pictures of all the siblings, even those who are no longer alive. It’s important for you not to forget what they looked like. Sometimes - like now - you feel as if you are seeing these memories from your past lives for the first time, as if it were no more than someone else's pale memory. Time does that, whispers the small voice in your head, curiously absorbing all knowledge.

Eventually, you make yourself some tea and go to bed. Tomorrow you will visit Elizabeth and Gabriel. It always helps you to talk to them if you don't feel good. It's too late for today.

You are still hurt by Loki's words as you make Eloise's order the next morning. Your sister hasn't answered your text message yet about when she's free today, so you throw yourself into work. Unfortunately, that gives you way too much time to think.

Ever since Loki and you started this relationship, he has always been gentle with you, understanding and kind. But you remember all too well how cold and venomous he was in the beginning when you first met. When you started the job at the Avenger’s. Before Loki opened up to you.

And you know that his mood is caused by the same issues as it was back then: the conflict with his father, with his home.

It's something he probably won't be able to resolve anytime soon. Things like that can last a whole lifetime. At least your lifetime, which is way shorter than his.

With his words, Loki has awakened familiar fears in you. You are just a simple human compared to him and Thor. So what are you to him? A pastime? It seemed too honest to you for that. There are real feelings involved, you're sure of it. Both on your side and on his. But how deep do they go?

It's all messed up.

You're directing some flying ingredients to the pot and stirring them in it when you notice a noise.

"That's a nice witch kitchen you got here."

You turn around and see the Sorcerer Supreme standing in your kitchen. He is wearing his blue robes, but without the cloak.

You frown at his unannounced appearance. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"I'll remember that next time." The corners of Stephen's mouth twitch upward.

With a wave of your hand, you lower the still-flying kitchen utensils onto the counter. "Is there something important you're here for? I'm sorry, but I'm not in the mood for company."

"Yeah, I heard about that. So you're going to hole up here? You're going to hide when problems rise?" Stephen asks with a dark look on his face.

That's rich coming from him. The Sorcerer Supreme himself is often nowhere to be found. And anyway, you don't think he's in a position to judge. You sigh softly and turn back to your potion. It must now simmer for some time and soak in. "That reverse psychology doesn't work for me. Try being nice instead."

His next words are so soft you almost miss them. "He loves you."

You stop in your motion, your hand halfway to grasping a ladle. "Did he tell you that?" you ask in a small voice. Your mouth feels very dry all at once.

"Well, that's not quite-..."

"I'll believe that when I hear it from his own mouth," you interrupt the sorcerer rudely. You don't understand why Stephen is even getting involved in this. Maybe he's afraid Loki will start doing stupid things when you're not with him. But you're not his babysitter. And right now, you wouldn’t care even if the Asgardian set something on fire.

"I love you."

You're surprised when suddenly it's not Stephen's voice you hear but Loki's, and you whirl around. The Asgardian is standing where the sorcerer was a moment ago, in the same pose, as if it were him all along.

"And you wonder why I've trust issues."

Loki offers you an apologetic smile. "Would you have listened to me if I had come as me?"

"I don't know. Probably not," you admit. Your heart pounds loudly in your chest, "I don't know what to say…" Your thoughts are racing. Loki's unannounced visit, his confession, your argument that still lingers in your ears. The confession was exactly what you wanted to hear. But not like this. Not under these circumstances.

Contrary to his usual manner, Loki seems uncertain and waits for your reaction. But he takes the fact that you don't immediately throw him out as a good sign, and he approaches you slowly. "You once asked me if I'm not able to lie or if I choose not to lie. The truth is, I'm able to sense lies but I cannot lie myself." He stops in front of you and wants to put his arms around you and pull you to him. But he keeps his hands at his side. "There aren't many people who actually know this. I believe even Thor isn't entirely sure of it."

You glare at him. "How do I know that's true?"

"You don't." Loki's lips turn into a bitter smile. "That's the irony of it. You have to trust me."

You think about it and surprisingly you do. The Asgardian twists words to his liking, he says things you don't like, but you don't think he has ever truly lied to you. So if this is true, he just revealed his biggest secret to you. And confessed his love to you. This is a lot of trust he puts into you and you know that isn’t easy for him.

"I'm sorry about what I said. I wish I could say I didn't mean it," Loki apologizes as the pause becomes too long. "Everything you do amazes me. You have been kind and forgiving, patient with me. And I'm paying you back by taking my anger out on you, when you're the last one who had anything to do with it."

"I know," you finally say. "I know it wasn't me you were angry at. You just happen to push your finger into an old wound. One that should have healed by now."

"Please tell me what happened. When the witch hunters caught you."

And once again, Loki hits the bull's eye with his words. You consider it for a moment. It's something you've tucked away in a drawer of your brain that you never want to open again. But Loki took a step in your direction after your argument, probably two or three, and now it's up to you to take the next one.

"Do you want tea?" you ask him, because there's no way you're telling this story while standing in the middle of your kitchen. "I need some. But first, this."

You bridge the last bit to Loki and put your arms around him, burying your face in the crook of his neck. Circumstances are never what you want them to be. Maybe you should just take what you get. You're still hurt by his words, but since he came to you and apologized, you are willing to work this out.

The Asgardian hugs you tightly and exhales in relief. You feel a gentle kiss pressed onto your head and you look up to him. "You have one hell of a timing."

You smile watery and cup his face. Your hands shake and you feel the pounding of your heart all the way up into the back of your head, but you cover it up. It's a fear that always gets you when it comes to the subject you're about to approach. But it will never go away if you continue to ignore it.

"I love you too. How could I not? You're a weirdly attractive magic god from space." You mean it. Maybe it's just fitting for the both of you to confess your feelings in a situation like this. Your relationship with the Asgardian has been a hell of a ride so far.

For the first time since you've known him, maybe even in his life, Loki remains silent. He just looks at you, with a new light in his eyes, a spark you have never seen before. And with that, he says more than any word could. His fingers slide up effortlessly to caress your cheek, and he leans in to kiss you sweeter than he has ever before.

It just lasts for a few seconds, but it makes you smile.

"Now, sit down. I'll make tea."

"Yes, m’lady."

You turn to the stove and take down your potion, put a kettle of water instead on the open flame. At the same time, you levitate two cups from the cabinet to your right to the table. It’s a distraction to concentrate on this simple task and to calm your trembling hands. It almost feels like they are moving on their own, stored in your muscle memory. It's a strange feeling. But it helps you take a breath.

You owe it to Loki to tell him the story.

The tea water is ready faster than you'd like, and you fill both cups with the steaming liquid before taking a seat next to Loki. A lump has formed in your throat and you find it difficult to speak. Loki has taken your hand and waits quietly until you are ready.

"They hanged me," you finally say, your voice small. "I was lucky, though. My neck didn't break and I could use my magic to get free.

Your eyes are glued on your interlaced fingers. His are cool and it helps to keep you grounded.

"It wasn't witch hunters per se, but people from the village where I lived. I knew them all by name, had helped them whenever they needed help. It was a dark time, fear was stirred up. People were suspicious of everything they didn’t understand."

For the longest time afterwards you had seen their faces in nightmares. They had haunted you. Over the decades, they've become more and more blurred, and now you can barely remember their features. You don't know if it's because of the time that has passed or if your mind has simply repressed it.

There is a certain bitterness in your next words as you finally look at Loki. "That was 200 years ago now, and I still can't wear necklaces or even turtlenecks because it's too tight around my throat, it makes me feel like I'm suffocating." Your fingertips ghost over the sensitive skin on your neck. It's something that bothers you, a constant reminder of what happened. As if, after all this time, it still feels like they have power over you, have you trapped.

Loki remembers the day he found out you were a witch. He had grabbed you by the throat and you had reacted violently. He remembers that whenever he was in the form of a snake, you warned him not to wrap himself around your neck. You never wear anything near your neck and suddenly it all makes sense. It's so obvious that he's surprised he didn't notice it sooner. Your physical scars have healed, but the mental ones still lie raw open.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers, making a vague gesture of his hand to your neck. You understand what he means.

Your lips twist into a tentative smile and you don’t really know what to answer. "Yeah…"

Loki's hand finds yours and he squeezes it. For a while you just sit there in silence, each busy with your own thoughts. Sometimes it doesn't take many words; you probably wouldn't find any right now anyway. In the background, your potion is still bubbling, and you'll have to get to it soon.

Loki catches your gaze. "Are you still in no mood for company?"

"I'm still a bit angry at you and I've got work to do." You point to your stove. "How about we meet...," with a quick glance at your clock you calculate the time difference to New York, "...for lunch tomorrow?"

"Your wish is my command." Smiling, the Asgardian leans toward you and steals a fleeting kiss. You place a hand on the back of his neck and intensify the kiss before pushing him away from you.

"Okay, now leave, Princeling." There's no longer an edge to your voice.

________________________

The Witchling and the Princeling ♥

The god of lies not being able to lie and therefore a master of twisting the truth ← That idea kicked down the door into my head while writing and declared itself home. After finishing writing, I went through everything Loki said in this whole fic to make sure he never told a lie.

The poem from the header image: Softly my thoughts whispered invisible words. My mind was a calm chaos filled with reflection of you. I wanted to find myself and i did when I found you.

Tag List: @lokisgoodgirl @lokixryss @itsybitchylittlewitchy @yokshi-unbeliebubble @fictional-hooman @elennair @all-envy-suyu @purplekitten30 @elisadmaggiore @nothing2113 @ceo-of-stfu @moonlightreader649 @ronipiamka @fluffybunnyu @ninjarose23 @ozymdias @huntress-artemiss @sofi786 @thedistractedagglomeration @rosaline-black @msrawog @moonlightreader649 @paetonnn @eldriidd @r4inlov3r @eleniblue @eleniblue @maeisonline @marvel-love24 @sinsandguilt @kalinaselennespeaks @ohtellmelove @eleniblue @hyojin-2579 @just-someone11 @marygoddessofmischief @fall-myriad @melavoris @baebeepeach

[bigender-swag-battle]

LET THE BIGENDER SWAG BATTLE BEGIN

Here is the bracket! I tried my best to try and make the initial matches as fair as I could, but there's definitely a chance that I did not pair these very well due to my limited knowledge of how popular these franchises and characters are. Here is the list of matches with poll links. Current matches are above the cut, everything else is under it.

Here is the randomized redemption battle royale masterpost

Final Round (Round 6)

Princess Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda) VS Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast) VS Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Round 5 - Semifinals (July 27th, 3pm EST)

Side A:

Princess Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda) VS Ena (ENA)

Side B:

Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon) VS Susato Mikotoba (Ace Attorney)

Round 4

Side A:

Princess Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda) VS Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club)

Ena (ENA) VS Vil Schoenheit (Twisted Wonderland)

Side B:

Jessie and James (Pokémon) VS Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast) VS Susato Mikotoba (Ace Attorney)

Round 3

Side A:

Angel Devil (Chainsaw Man) VS Princess Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda)

Rui Kamishiro (Project Sekai) VS Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club)

Ena (ENA) VS Vflower (Vocaloid)

Vil Schoenheit (Twisted Wonderland) VS Cybersix/Adrian Seidelman (Cybersix)

Side B:

Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony) VS Jessie and James (Pokémon)

Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast) VS Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai)

Susato Mikotoba (Ace Attorney) VS Jesse (Minecraft Story Mode)

Round 2

Side A:

Angel Devil (Chainsaw Man) VS Josuke Higashikata (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Byleth (Fire Emblem) VS Princess Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda)

Joker/Ren Amamiya (Persona 5) VS Rui Kamishiro (Project Sekai)

Teruki Hanazawa (Mob Psycho 100) VS Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club)

Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes) VS Ena (ENA)

Sora (Kingdom Hearts) VS Vflower (Vocaloid)

Vil Schoenheit (Twisted Wonderland) VS Alan Grant (Jurassic Park)

Cybersix/Adrian Seidelman (Cybersix) VS Amanda O'Neill (Little Witch Academia)

Side B April 30th, 12 PM EST:

Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa) VS Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony)

Zhongli (Genshin Impact) VS Steven Universe (Steven Universe) VS Jessie and James (Pokémon)

Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Klaus Hargreeves (Umbrella Academy) VS Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Kurata Tome (Mob Psycho 100) VS Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast)

Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai) VS Wayne (Hylics)

Alex Fierro (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard) VS Susato Mikotoba (Ace Attorney)

Prince Sebastian/Lady Crystallia (The Prince and the Dressmaker) VS Jesse (Minecraft Story Mode)

Round 1

Side B (April 4th, 12 PM EST):

Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa) VS Raphael Hamato (Rise of the TMNT)

Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony) VS Spy (TF2)

Zhongli (Genshin Impact) VS Steven Universe (Steven Universe)

Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem (The Muppets) VS Jessie and James (Pokémon)

Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Bentham/Mr. 2 Bon Clay (One Piece)

Kakashi Hatake (Naruto) VS Marika/Radagon (Elden Ring)

Klaus Hargreeves (Umbrella Academy) VS Sara Chidouin (Your Turn To Die)

Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon) VS Yuuga Aoyama (My Hero Academia)

Jadzia Dax (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) VS Kurata Tome (Mob Psycho 100)

Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast) VS Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives)

Gen Asagiri (Dr. Stone) VS Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai)

G0z the Clown (Roblox Myths) VS Wayne (Hylics)

Kaoru Sakurayashiki/Cherry Blossom (Sk8 the Infinity) VS Alex Fierro (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)

Susato Mikotoba (Ace Attorney) VS Yuri Leclerc (Fire Emblem)

Hura Stapleton (The Office Type) VS Prince Sebastian/Lady Crystallia (The Prince and the Dressmaker)

Mr. Rowan Webb (The Worst Witch) VS Jesse (Minecraft Story Mode)

Round 1

Side A:

Eridan Ampora (Homestuck) VS Angel Devil (Chainsaw Man)

Josuke Higashikata (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) VS Getou Suguru (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Byleth (Fire Emblem) VS Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Luz Noceda (The Owl House) VS Zelda/Sheik (The Legend of Zelda)

Mondo Owada (Danganronpa) VS Joker/Ren Amamiya (Persona 5)

Rui Kamishiro (Project Sekai) VS Mafuyu Asahina (Project Sekai)

Teruki Hanazawa (Mob Psycho 100) VS Shiver (Splatoon)

Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club) VS Baji Keisuke (Tokyo Revengers)

Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) VS Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes)

Ena (ENA) VS Basil (OMORI)

Sora (Kingdom Hearts) VS Kurapika Kurta (Hunter x Hunter)

Vflower (Vocaloid) VS Wocky Kitaki (Ace Attorney)

Vil Schoenheit (Twisted Wonderland) VS Ukyo Saionji (Dr. Stone)

Alan Grant (Jurassic Park) VS Tom (Eddsworld)

Amanda O'Neill (Little Witch Academia) VS Billie (Bigtop Burger)

Cybersix/Adrian Seidelman (Cybersix) VS Hinata Tachibana (Fabiniku/Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout)

Round 0

Side A:

Sollux Captor (Homestuck) VS Eridan Ampora (Homestuck)

Mondo Owada (Danganronpa) VS Kokichi Ouma (Danganronpa)

Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100) VS Teruki Hanazawa (Mob Psycho 100)

Side B:

Kazuichi Souda (Danganronpa VS Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa)

Zhongli (Genshin Impact) VS Yoimiya (Genshin Impact)

Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Alex Louis Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist)

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Saturday, January 27th

WESLEY: Fascinating. A hart. CORDELIA: It's not a heart, it's a bambi. And we expect him to read this teeny tiny print? WESLEY: No not h-e-a-r-t, h-a-r-t. A male red deer or staggard. Often associated with rural mysticism. GUNN: Yeah, they all got animals on them. Probably just a bunch of demon bedtime stories.

~~Through the Looking Glass~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Long Winter's Nap by Rabid_X (Xander/Oz, E)

Comfort + Cuddles = 2 Happy Vampires by Kandiii (Spike/Drusilla, G)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Shadow Over Hellmouth, Chapter 102 by Tuxedo_Mark (Buffy/Tara, E)

Forever My Willow Tree, Chapter 7 by Eagleblaze (Willow/Tara, E)

Tomes of the Apocalypse: Conquest, Chapter 24 by v_o_x (Xander/Spike, M)

Xander the Teenage Witch: Something Wicked, Chapter 8 by v_o_x (Xander/Larry, T)

Buffy The Princess Consort, Chapter 3 by MattanzaMFedora (Buffy/She-Ra, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power crossover, M)

For The Dark, Chapter 5 by CharcoalTeeth (Buffy/Faith, E)

They Know Exactly What We're Here For, Chapter 5 by MadeInGold (Angel/Riley/Spike, E)

Back undead and little again, Chapter 3 by AnkiKind (Angel & Spike, M)

Straight to the Heart, Chapter 3 by QuillBard (Buffy/Faith, M)

Blasphemy, Chapter 2 by wickedrum (Robin Wood, Buffy/Spike, T)

The End of Destiny, Chapter 3 by ConstantCommentTea (Angel/Cordelia, T)

angels of small death, Chapter 1 by ohdearsansa (Buffy/Spike/Drusilla, E)

The Undine and The Landman, Chapter 4 (complete!) by holetoledo (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Afterburn, Chapter 8 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

In Any Life, Chapter 3 by Spikelover4ever (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Lie to Me, Chapter 1 by In Mortal (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Rules of Engagement, Chapter 8 by all choseny (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

It's Easy Time, Until It's Not, Chapter 18 by hulettwyo (Buffy/Spike, G)

Love Lives Here, Chaper 14 by Passion4Spike (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Coming Through, Chapter 7 by hulettwyo (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Angel and Wolfram & Hart doodles by bethabw (worksafe)

Fanvid: Giles and Buffy || Are You Bored Yet? by Lucy Whiskers

Fanvid: Buffy + Spike - Rodeo (lyrics not worksafe) by All Choseny

Fanvid: Angel&Wesley | Crawling Through The Window by 1SnoWhiteQueen1

Fanvid: Btvs Season Two Tribute by Faith Victoria

Artwork process video: BUFFY x LEIA - Buffy the Vampire Leia by Splintered Studios - The Art Of Stephen Quick (worksafe)

Video: Characters Who Kill God by Tale Foundry (Buffy part starts from around 11:05)

[Reviews & Recaps]

ReWatch: Buffy the Vampire Slayer - S7, the end by kimannebb

Video: Afterlife-Slayer Sunday by Jane Talks Buffy

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 OVERTIME | TWASM by T Watches A Scary Movie

Podcast: Grave S6 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast) by Lisa M. Lilly

[Recs]

Fic recs: Best Part by spuffyduds and Girls’ Night Out by magista recced by February Fangfest

[Fandom Discussions]

the reason faith didn’t come into btvs s7 earlier is because it would’ve made buffy summers way too gay by antlerslayer

Comics aside, what job do you guys genuinely think Buffy would go into? by corvidyus

Should Buffy have stayed in heaven? answered by medievalfantasist

“Pangs”: I’m always so conflicted about this episode by kat--writes

I think that Morticia and Gomez should adopt every Buffy character into the Addams family by musingsfromthelagoon

i HATE the part in Buffy when Buffy sees Giles in his wizard costume by musingsfromthelagoon

The Scoobies and lying to themselves by garfan

Restless by txtrigg

Willow question by Tsole96

Riley's Dorm by daydrunk_

Was the Buffy episode "Smashed" magic inspired by the recent hit comedy (at the time) Sabrina? by Tsole96

In seven seasons we had many hangouts and yet for me they never topped the library by Sink_Rude419

The computer class makes no sense by Tuxedo_Mark

Xander & Dawn (spoilers for comics) by Both-Artichoke5117

First time watch along with The Normies by __ButWhy__

Rewatching for the nth time... I have thoughts by Illustrious-Double33

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[ldknightshade]

pop culture (mantis + chester)

under a cut for length; from this post

1. Was your OC influenced or inspired by any particular fictional character(s) when you made them?

mantis: not really-

chester: he is literally a question parody.

2. What genre (not counting the one they’re in) would your OC thrive in?

mantis: horror? maybe a bit too hardened for regular comedy but could do a black comedy. actually, horror-comedy sounds about right for them.

chester: he’s both so pathetic as well as eccentric to a near-repulsive degree (for those that can’t handle it, anyway… which is most people), that the only option is fantasy. his only option is to be a wizard in some tower rambling about tomes.

3. What genre would your OC do badly in but it would be hilarious or interesting to watch?

mantis: romance/drama/fantasy

chester: LITERALLY all of them but romance/drama takes the cake.

4. What media does your character enjoy? (For characters in settings that aren’t modern Earth, could be media from their home setting or what they’d like in a modern Earth AU)

mantis: within canon, doesn’t really partake in much outside radio new vegas, except for having read the occasional classic. in a modern au, would enjoy classic lit + 80s horror!

chester: COMICS, my god does he love comics. no time for video games, nor much tv. however he does enjoy a good 70s/80s film every once in a while.

5. What song(s) do you associate with your OC?

mantis: dani california - red hot chili peppers, lay down - priestess, got me under pressure - zz top, cold as ice - foreigner, bad company - bad company, you’re gonna go far, kid - the offspring, one little slip - barenaked ladies

chester: super freak - rick james, private eyes - hall & oates, break my stride - matthew wilder, another brick in the wall pt 2 - pink floyd, make your own kind of music - cass elliot, every breath you take - the police, kiss - prince

6. Alternatively, do you have any OCs you associate with the song(s) I just sent you?

not applicable

7. If your OC had to cosplay as a fictional character, who would they choose?

mantis: assuming modern au… bride of frankenstein, maybe.

chester: you’d think it’d be the question or rorschach or even mr. a but NO, it’s discowing.

8. Has your OC ever had a crush on a fictional (to them) character?

mantis: no.

chester: yes. his comic crushes are dinah lance/black canary, ororo munroe/storm, wanda maximoff/scarlet witch…

9. If your OC wrote fanfiction (or if they already do), what type? (fix fic, ship, crossovers, AUs, smut, etc.)

mantis: probably fix-it fic? occasional crack, smut only if it’s crack or to piss a friend off

chester: he writes the most DEVIANT smut (within ethical reason) KNOWN TO MAN

10. How would your OC do in the last book/movie/tv show/game/etc. you read/watched/played?

mantis: in disco elysium… i mean they would the amnesia side, actual investigation, and politics alright but i think may struggle with that world’s strong personalities. like, would probably have a very hard time playing nice with other folks. which could be for better or for worse, considering the game. i haven’t finished the game, though, so take this with a grain of salt.

chester: in disco elysium, he’d probably care less about the amnesia and just focus on the investigation but would succumb to, uh, crazier thoughts. he would be so repulsively eccentric, he’d probably get his job done in record timing. i haven’t finished the game, though, so take this with a grain of salt.

11. If your OC was a superhero, what would they be like? (powers, title, general vibe, etc.)

mantis: they would have the power of sound manipulation, likely calling themself “soundwave.” as this persona, they would play it more cool than usual; perhaps to terrifying ends, inciting something strange and cold within them. or, more explicitly: they’d have the safety of the physical mask in order to completely drop the social masks and be unabashedly narcissistic. anti-hero.

chester: technically he… kind of already is one? he has no powers, he’s in the venture household’s vents, he wears a rainbow mask and goes by “god molecule” because he was mid-DMT breakthrough when he got the idea to investigate the activity in the area and try to assassinate Rusty… BUT if we mean a classic dc/marvel hero? he’d have the same name and the same crazy-ass vibe, but be a bit quieter due to the fact he’d have the power of telepathy! instead of calling himself “god molecule” because of a DMT breakthrough making him have this batshit revelation, it instead unlocks a part of his brain that dulls hearing others’ thoughts, so long as he’s under the influence of something. that said, this iteration of him would be perpetually stoned as a civilian and only sober in as “god molecule.” however, due to years of hearing others’ thoughts impacting his mental health, he’s still a bit off his rocker when sober. anti-hero.

12. What animal would your OC have as their His Dark Materials daemon?

mantis: either a mantis (obviously), fox, raccoon, spider, or snake

chester: either a squirrel, hare, peacock, goose, or grasshopper

13. What Pokémon would be on your OC’s team and/or what would be their preferred type?

okay so i don’t know many pokémon BUT this is from looking them up

mantis: their poison/fire/steel/bug team is salazzle, revavroom, heatran, scolipede, scizor, and centiskorch

chester: his electric/ice/fairy/bug team is arctozolt, frosmoth, dedenne, clefable, galvantula, and ribombee

14. If your OC was a Dungeons and Dragons character, what would their class be? And/or: If they were playing D&D, what kind of character might they play? (these aren’t necessarily the same thing)

mantis: would be a changeling warlock, acolyte background.

chester: would be a kenku ranger, urchin background.

15. How well would your OC do in a standard slasher movie?

mantis: luck 10!! final girl!! alternatively, survives because they decided to avoid the situation entirely, likely on a gut feeling.

chester: dies first, no question. wouldn’t even try to avoid the situation, probably dies for being too nosy.

16. What stock character would your OC be stuck as in a sitcom?

mantis: the wisecracker

chester: the goofball

17. Who would your OC main in Super Smash Bros?

mantis: samus

chester: sonic

18. Who would your OC play in Mario Kart?

mantis: toad

chester: waluigi

19. If your OC was in Star Trek’s Starfleet, what would be their role/position? Or, if that doesn’t really fit your OC: why would they get kicked out of Starfleet?

mantis: would not manage to be in starfleet and/or get kicked, more likely to be a part of the maquis resistance

chester: would not manage to be in starfleet and/or get kicked, more likely to be a part of the maquis resistance

20. What role would your OC play in a heist story?

mantis: the conman/the distraction

chester: the safe-cracker

21. What kind of classic horror monster (vampire, werewolf, alien, etc.) would your OC be?

mantis: frankenstein’s monster

chester: alien

22. What type of Avatar The Last Airbender-type bender (or non-bender) would your OC be? Any bending specialties?

mantis: waterbender; if able to learn blood bending, they would.

chester: airbender or non-bender with no specialties.

23. Your OC gets isekai’d to a bog-standard fantasy world. What does your OC do and how badly does it go for that world?

mantis: immediately ensures they’ve got food/water/shelter, starts seeing how to get involved with local politics, gets involved with adventuring. they’ve got opinions, and they will make them known. but at the same time, a guy’s gotta stay on the road.

chester: immediately gets into magic, becomes a wizard, gets so wrapped up in learning magic he forgets everything else for decades until he resurfaces and decides the fantasy version of the hatman (probably some type of old one or whatever) charged him with taking over the world.

24. In the Muppet version of your story, is this particular OC a Muppet or the one human?

mantis: human.

chester: muppet.

25. What would be your OC’s My Little Pony cutie mark?

mantis: a mirror

chester: red string

26. Your OC is stuck in a musical episode. What song(s) do they sing? (And how thrilled or annoyed are they about being stuck in a musical?

mantis: i think i’m going to kill myself - elton john; is very pissed about the random musical episode

chester: psycho killer - the talking heads; is only upset when he starts singing in the vents and gives away that he’s there

27. In a murder mystery, what role would your OC play? (e.g. detective, sidekick, wacky suspect, rival investigator who gets in thew way, red herring, true culprit)

mantis: sidekick that may or may not get promoted to lead detective, red herring, or true culprit

chester: detective, wacky suspect, or rival investigator who wasn’t even hired he’s just doing it for fun-

28. What is your OC’s Warrior Cats name?

mantis: mudfang (shadowclan)

chester: squirrelbark (windclan)

29. Gun to their head, what is your OC’s fursona?

mantis: ironically, a fox, as much as they’d hate it. luckily for them, vulpes is more of caesar’s dog, so while he may be a fox in name, he’s more like a really intelligent husky in practice… meaning the animal is theirs for the taking. i don’t think they perceive themself as much of a mantis, despite the name.

chester: sparkledog! but in a 70s/80s way-

[springdoesgames]

Best affinity combo for countering each pure affinity

(Without using that affinity)

Nature (plants & blight damage) - Materium + Chaos; Materium + Shadow

- Materium: Summons & non-racial units have high blight resistance & poison immunity; Steel Skin transformation gives racial units increased blight resistance; tomes of Transmutation and the Crucible provide fire damage spells & enchantments

- Chaos: Fire damage; lesser magma spirit has +4 blight resistance

- Shadow: all units except living fog have blight resistance (undead have +2, lesser frost spirit & frost spirit have +4) & poison immunity; Soul Fire deals fire damage; Tome of Necromancy can deal blight damage & prevent healing

- NOTES: I’ve paired Shadows w/ Materium instead of Chaos b/c I think that, in terms of fighting Nature, Shadows is just a worse version of Materium.

- [ ] 6 out of 9 of Shadow’s non-racial units have +2 blight resistance, and 2 of the other 3 have +4? 7 of Materium’s 8 have +6, and wind ragers still have +4.

- [ ] Shadows can give racial units +2 blight resist using Wightborn? So can Materium with Steel Skin (both spells are even unlocked at the same tome level)

- [ ] Shadows can deal fire damage using Soul Fire? That is a tier II spell whose damage is split with frost (which plants have no bonus or penalty for), while Materium has a tier V & VII spell that both do pure fire, as well as another combat spell, a world spell and an enchantment that all do at least partial fire damage

- [ ] Shadows can do blight damage with Rotting Explosion? That’s still only a tier III spell, that damage is still split w/ frost, and plants only have -2 blight resist compared to their -4 fire resist

So I think Materium + Chaos is pretty much strictly better than Shadow + Chaos. Shadow + Materium, however, I think has merit.

- [ ] While not having Chaos does reduce your ability to do fire damage, you still have the Tome of the Crucible for late-game fire damage, as well as Melt Armour from Transmutation, while Soul Fire does allow you to do some fire damage early on

- [ ] Wightborn and Steel Skin stack, allowing you to get your racial units’ blight resistance up to +4, as well as making them immune to poison

- [ ] Given that Nature has a lot of healing abilities, the Tome of Necromancy providing the ability to inflict decaying to prevent healing is probably useful

- NOTES:

- frost & magma spirits are elementals, and so benefit from Materium’s Eternal Earth enchantment.

- Nature has no pure origin cultures, but does have two mixed ones: Feudal (Nature/Order) and Barbarian (Nature/Chaos)

- [ ] Feudal: provides some spirit damage, so Materium/Chaos may be preferable over Materium/Shadow, as Wightborn gives your racial units -4 spirit resist. However, as this damage is limited to the Feudal support unit, it is unlikely to have a significant effect

- [ ] Barbarian: as the Barbarian culture uses blight damage, it should be covered by the broader Nature prep

- ISSUES: animals can provide pure Nature factions w/ damage & resistances of any type

Order (celestials & spirit damage) - Astral + Nature; Astral + Shadow

- Astral: most summoned units have spirit resistance

- Nature: lots of blight damage; nymphs & horned gods have spirit resistance; can inflict decaying to interfere with Order healing abilities

- ISSUES: shrine of smiting does mixed fire/spirit damage

- Shadow: Tome of Cryomancy provides frost damage spells & units (white witch & tier I frost spirits); Tome of the Cold Dark allows direct summoning of tier III frost spirits; living fog has spirit resistance; can inflict decaying to interfere with Order healing abilities

- ISSUES: shrine of smiting does mixed fire/spirit damage; decaying requires Tome of Necromancy

- AVOID UNDEAD as they have reduced spirit resistance

Materium (elementals & physical damage) - Astral + Order

- Astral: copper, iron & gold golems have reduced resistance to lightning damage; Steel Skin reduces lightning resistance

- Order: lesser stone spirits, stone spirits, gargoyles & earth titans have reduced spirit resistance

- ISSUES: wind ragers have increased lightning resistance & normal spirit resistance; Astral units tend to have low physical resistance

Astral (ethereals & lightning damage) - Materium + Nature

- Materium: primarily physical damage (most Astral units trade defence for resistance); wind ragers have lightning resistance; Goldtouched increases resistance

- PRIORISE: Tomes of Rock and Terramancy (physical damage spells); Tome of Wind (wind rager) Tome of the Golden Realm (Goldtouched)

- AVOID: copper, iron & gold golems (reduced lightning resistance); Steel Skin (reduced lightning resistance); fire damage spells & enchantments from the Tomes of Transmutation and Crucible

- Nature: plants have increased lightning resistance; Astral provides no bonuses specifically to blight resistance; Leafskin gives +1 resistance; Summon Greater Animal can summon thunderbirds (lightning damage & resistance) (25% chance when used in snow/ice/arctic terrain); Tomes of Beasts and Vigour can buff thunderbirds and stormscale serpents (lightning damage & resistance) (obtained from certain ancient wonders)

- AVOID: nymphs & horned gods (-2 lightning resistance instead of +2)

- NOTE: due to Astral having higher resistance than defence it might not be worth taking Poison Blades or Poison Arrows for blight damage, as they reduce physical damage

- ISSUES:

- both Mystic culture and the Tome of Astral Convergence provide pure Astral factions ways to do mixed lightning/fire/ice damage. wind ragers have reduced ice resistance and plants have reduced fire resistance. however, given the prevalence of lightning damage in Astral, it’s probably still worth using these units.

- the Mirror Shields enchantment reflects 50% of non-physical damage done to Astral shield & polearm units. This may be a problem if we are using blight damage, as plants have reduced resistance to it

Chaos (fiends & fire damage) - Materium + Order

- Materium: bonus defence; lesser stone spirits, gargoyles, stone spirits & earth titans have +4 fire resistance

- AVOID: fire damage spells & enchantments from the Tomes of Transmutation and Crucible

- Order: spirit damage; Tome of Sanctuary can reduce & remove negative status effects, reducing the effect of Tome of Pandemonium

- NOTES:

- [ ] Tome of Warding (Astral) & Tome of Cryomancy (Shadows) are both useful, providing fire resistance and bolstered resistance & frost damage, respectively. However, those bonuses aren’t really present in other tomes for those affinities, or in the case of Shadow, frost damage in other tomes is tied to units weak to fire damage

- [ ] Chaos has no pure origins, instead it has a mixed one: Barbarian. Barbarian culture does not do fire damage, but instead blight. Barbarian support units do blight damage, but Barbarian culture also has the primal strike ability, giving their units +8 blight damage on their first melee attack of a battle. This is enough blight damage for me to feel like it affects things, and originally I was concerned because Order celestials are weak to blight. However, the Order tomes you would want to take for this are Zeal, Inquisition and Supremacy for spirit damage, and Sanctury to prevent/remove status effect, none of which provide celestial units. Additionally, all non-racial Materium units have high blight resistance, so you’d already be pretty effective against it.

Shadow (undead & ice damage) - Astral + Materium; Astral + Chaos; Astral + Order

- Astral: Magical Wards gives frost resistance; banshees & living fog have -4 lightning resistance;

- Materium: Tomes of Transmutation and Crucible give fire damage (good against undead & frost spirits)

- AVOID: wind rager (-frost resistance)

- Chaos: fire damage (good against undead & frost spirits); moral gain from Tome of Revelry can be used to counter moral loss from Tome of the Doomknight

- AVOID: fiend units (-4 frost resistance)

- Order; spirit damage; several morale gain spells & abilities for countering moral loss from Tome of the Doomknight

- NOTES: spirit damage is less effective than fire damage against lesser frost spirits, frost spirits, banshees and living fog

- AVOID: celestial unit, Angelize (-4 frost resist)

[etherealsomething]

3/8/23

The profundities of existence 

God, how I hate the complexities of life. I hate how the value of modern human existence is reduced to the amount of work and productivity one can produce. I feel like my body is aching for the moment when I can speak out and bask in the beauty of the world, free of any capitalistic desires. I probably sound like some pretentious leftist liberal arts student right now. I could honestly care less about politics. As a trans woman, I probably should. But I struggle enough with remembering what clothes I have in my closet—working memory and ADHD or what chronically online people call ‘object permanence’–let alone what people are signing into law in Washington DC. But that's really not what I want to talk about right now…

I wish my body could just melt away. I feel so stressed all the time and I don't even know why. I carry an invisible weight on my shoulders. My neck strains and yearns for release. My back aches from lurching over a computer screen, flashing with the lights of pseudo-educational nothingness. My calves are sore at the end of every day from holding a tension I didn't even know existed. 

Im constantly looking for a way out. A way to fall away into the void of relaxation. 

I want to run away and fall into a field of pink and blue flowers. I want honeybees to brush my cheek as I lie there. Basking in it. Taking in the complete lack of stimulus. 

Maybe that's what this is all about. 

Forced overstimulation. The modern world–fucking society–is built upon this desire for stimulation in all forms. Everything is moving faster. Social media is full of horrific examples of this. Like explosive cows locked in a cattle car, the internet has become this effective mental sabotage of stimulation. Tik tok, youtube, instagram, snapchat, twitter. They're all littered with videos meant only to ensnare you, draw you in, and trap you with their pretty colors and empty promises of entertainment. And it ruined my brain. Fried it. 

I like to say that the internet casts spells. 

You open up an app like running your finger against an inscribed glyph and you bear witness to tongues spoken only in these electronic tomes. And they trap you. Influencers are witches. The internet is a coven. 

God, I sound schizophrenic. C’est la vie. 

I think I believe in a god. Call it the universe. Call it a higher power. I don't care. I like the term ‘God’. It feels good to give it a name. And ‘God’ has such power behind it. It's riddled with over two thousand years of history. People have died for ‘God’. People have devoted their life to ‘God’. I don't think that proves its existence but it sure as hell proves its power. 

People seem to have an issue with this God. People seem to take issue when I say I believe in God. I think it’s because they think it's tied to the Judeo-Christian God; this “holy father” who created the universe and gave life to the first humans. To be fair, the God of the Old Testament is fucked up. That guy was crazy. Ruthless even. He sent fires and floods and angels that melted the minds of powerful men. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. He wanted to test his creation. Punish humanity for their power. But New Testament God is a little bit nicer. He got Mary pregnant (not necessarily very nice) with the messiah. Jesus was born to take the brunt of all of humanity's sins. He was sacrificed in place of all of mankind. So that was nice I guess. But I don't know how much I believe in this god. This antithetical, all-powerful being. I think my God is much smaller than that. It's more intertwined in existence. I see it in how snowflakes fall so peacefully. I see it in the roots of trees when they pop out of the ground. I see it in my friend’s smile. I see it in myself. I think my idea of god is more connected to the beautifully chaotic randomness of the universe. I believe in beauty. That is my god.  

I've been wearing a rosary as of late. The last couple of months I think–since the start of this year at least (it’s the beginning of March as I write this). I think it's tied me more to this idea of divinity. It consumes me. I feel it in my heart. When I get anxious or when I don’t know what to do with my hands ill grab the crucifix hanging from my neck. I already stated that I don't really believe in the Judeo-Christian god but I find the imagery compelling. I see Jesus as this iconographic figure of divinity in humanity. Proof that my idea of God is part of every human being. Jesus acts almost as this symbol, not for the repentance of my sins, but for the little piece of divinity found in each and every one of us. The idea of the crucifix fascinates me. It draws me near. This idea that one's belief in divinity could lead to such torturous violence and that Christianity worships this sacrifice. I'm not saying I don't find his martyrdom honorable, I just think it’s a bizarre figure to make the poignant logo of your belief. 

I feel the need to explain my relationship with god to its fullest extent. My beliefs. My doctrine. 

I believe in God. A god of beauty. A god of humanity. An energy so powerful that it penetrates everything. God is the detail you find when you look at something–anything. Not just see it but look at it. God is the emotion you feel deep in your stomach whenever you bear witness to something beautiful. I think this God rules everything, embuing it with divinity. It's what makes life worthwhile: searching for the divine. It's there, I promise you. And once you look for it, you'll start to feel it. This godly energy, the holy being that embodies the world around you. The beauty of it all must be purposeful and that’s why I think God exists. The universe needs this ‘higher power’ to imbue itself into the fibers of existence. 

This idea of God comes out in everything I do. A divine purpose that makes my life meaningful. This god has given me the ability to see the beauty of the world, to make beautiful things, and to bask in it all. When I sit and read my tarot cards I feel its power, not in the divination of the cards or in the magic of it, but in the very act of doing anything. Because what is divinity if not the power to experience existence? I charge my crystals at night because it's a beautiful thing to do. I sage my room because it gives it a beautiful scent. I walk in the rain because it’s a beautiful experience. I bask in academia and study because that knowledge is beautiful. Everything I do is an act of god. Because it’s beautiful.

[blightcd]

world state as a text post if u wanna read my choices and make fun of me

Origins

Companions

Warden: Neros Surana, alive and well

Romanced Alistair

Recruited Dog

Intimidated Revered Mother for key

Recruited Sten

Recruited Shale

Recruited Zevran

Zevran alive and well

Recruited Oghren

Recruited Wynne

Wynne alive and well

Alistair became king

Killed Leliana after poisoning the urn

Acquired grimoire peacefully

Morrigan had an old god baby with Neros

Prologue

Fed prisoner guard's lunch

Cured the mabari

Arl of Redcliffe

Helped Redcliffe fight

Helped Redcliffe prepare

Freed Bevin and returned the sword

Helped Owen's daughter escape

Connor alive, not possessed

Isolde sacrificed herself

Bella took tavern ownership

The Urn of Sacred Ashes

Urn poisoned

Nature of the Beast

Brokered peace

Tolld Athras about his wife

Broke Cammen and Gheyna up

Brought Varathorn ironbark

Saved the halla

Returned Deygan

Paragon of Her Kind

Defeated Branka

Dagna left to study

Bhelen rules

Killed Ruck, said he died heroically

Proved Legion of Dead connected to noble house

Sold tome to a fence

Didn't help Burkel create a chantry

Helped Zerlinda reconcile with her family

Didn't complete the lyrium deal

Helped Orta join the Assembly

Broken Circle

Mages supported

First Enchanter Irving survived

Did not agree to Cullen's request

Denerim

Ser Landry killed

Told Bann Sighard about Oswyn

Brought scroll to Sister Justine

Completed Slim Couldry's crime wave

Helped clear customers out of Pearl

Handled the Crimson Oars

Didn't give Alfstanna Irminric's ring

Didn't return amulet to beggar

Warden killed Master Ignacio

Helped Alistair find Goldanna

Did not encounter Marjolaine

The Landsmeet

Alistair rules

The Battle of Denerim

Warden killed Archdemon

Warden's Keep

Gained Power of Blood

Slayed Sophia

Allowed Avernus to continue his research "ethically"

Awakening

Nathaniel alive and well

Anders recruited

Keep and Amaranthine protected

Oghren and Felsi reunited

Allowed Architect to live

Witch Hunt

Didn't go through the Eluvian

Two

Companions

Hero: Gideon Hawke, purple

Romanced Anders

Bethany died escaping Lothering

Bethany did not live to see mage/templar war

Carver became a Grey Warden

Friends with Varric

Helped Varric discover the cause of haunting

Bartrand killed

Varric did not keep red lyrium idol

Recruited Isabela

Isabela returned to Hawke

Didn't give Isabela to Arishok

Fenris alive and well

Merrill stayed with Hawke

Merrill alive and well

Merrill didn't destroy the eluvian

Merrill's clan wasn't killed

Anders alive and well

Approved of Anders' actions at the Chantry

Aveline married Donnic

Aveline stayed with Hawke

Recruited Sebastian

Didn't make Tallis angry

Didn't kiss Tallis

Act 1

Joined smugglers

Fought against templars

Returned cargo to Martin

Kelder killed

Killed Danzig

Returned Saemus to viscount

Ginnis died

Told truth about Ghyslain's wife's death

Solved missing miners mystery

Didn't blackmail Ser Thrask

Idunna killed

Sent Feynriel to the Dalish

Keran reinstated with templars

Defended Ketojan from the Qunari

Karras killed

Act 2

Killed Gascard

Didn't side with Varnell against the Qunari

Didn't side with Petrice

Discovered looter of Hubert's caravans

Didn't encounter Yevhen

Javaris died

Didn't encounter Lieutenant Harley

Feynriel freed and left for Tevinter

Killed Arishok

Act 3

Hawke offered to help Nuncio

Let Zevran go

Rescued Nathaniel

Handed conspirators to Orsino

Reunited Gamlen and Charade

Allowed Emile to go free

Sided with mages

Let Keran go

Killed dragon at bone pit

Legacy

Sided with Larius

Found Malcolm's will

Inquisition

Inquisitor and Companions

Inquisitor: Priam Lavellan

Dorian romanced

Dorian recruited

Dorian didn't reconcile with his father

Friends with Dorian

Recruited Blackwall

Friends with Blackwall

Blackwall left prison as Rainier

Iron Bull recruited

Iron Bull saved Chargers

Iron Bull is Tal-Vasoth

Cassandra didn't rebuild the Seekers

Cassandra didn't find book of secrets

Not friends with Cassandra

Sera recruited and stayed

Sera killed Harmond at the Inquisitor's urging

Not friends with Sera

Cole recruited and stayed

Cole more human

Friends with Cole

Solas didn't track down his friend

Not friends with Solas

Varric tracked the red lyrium source

Friends with Varric

Vivienne recruited

Gave Vivienne a snowy wyvern heart

Friends with Vivienne

Exploring Thedas

Didn't reach inner sanctum

Helped refugees

Gained cultists' allegiance

Investigated the dwarven ruins

Rescued troops from the Avvar

Fairbooks not revealed as noble

Fairbanks did not defeated the Freeman

Closed the lake's rift

Captured Caer Bronach

Claimed Griffon Wing Keep

Imshael alive

Captured Suledin Keep

Operations

Inquisition forces deployed regularly

Sutherland's company was successful

Jecin and Celeste married for love

Inquisitor contacted Charade

Advisors

Samson was the Inquisitor's nemesis

Didn't talk to Cullen about Lyrium

Did favors for Du Paraquettes

Leliana inspired

Learned about Samson's armor

Samson's armor unaffected

Didn't investigate Calpernia's past

Didn't encounter Calpernia at Temple of Mythal

The Wrath of Heaven

Inquisitor denies being chosen by Andraste

In Hushed Whispers

Inquisitor went to Redcliffe

Mages Allied

Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

Celene rules, peace with Gaspard and Briala

Grand Duchess Florianne killed

Empress Celene lived

What Pride had Wrought

Inquisitor drinks from the Well

Respected temple tradition

Allied with Guardians

Judgments at Skyhold

Inquisitor was a recruiting judge

In Your Heart Shall Burn

Declared for Order

Here lies the Abyss

Grey Wardens rebuilt

Stroud left in Fade

Doom upon all the world

Leliana divine

Jaws of Hakkon

Discovered and Met Ameridan

Dragon slain

Hunted down the Nox Morta

Shared the truth of Ameridan

Earned a legend-mark from the Avvar

Descent

Saved the mines

Stopped the earthquakes

Trespasser

Bull remained loyal

Preserved Inquisition as peacekeeping force

Stop Solas at all costs

[livromancienne]

Witch and God : L'enlèvement de Circé de Liv Stone

Non sans une certaine appréhension, je l'avoue ! Car j'aimais beaucoup Ella dans le tome 1, que le fait de suivre un nouveau personnage me faisait un peu peur. Et si j'accrochais moins au caractère de Circé ou à la romance ? Et bien… Que nenni ! Partons-nous sur un second coup de coeur ? 🧡

Sans spoiler le tome 1, nous suivons Circé, la soeur aînée d'Ella, qui est destinée à être la prochaine guide de la communauté de sorcières de Springfall. Outre toute l'intrigue et les (més)aventures qui lui arrivent, il y a dans ce tome-ci une véritable quête identitaire. Circé est-elle prête à endosser le rôle qui lui incombe ou, tout du moins, s'en sent-elle capable ? Un véritable chemin intérieur l'attend et qui reste tout autant inspirant. Par ailleurs, c'est une femme affirmée avec une répartie cinglante (chose à laquelle je suis toujours sensible 😂).

La majorité du roman se passe dans les enfers, et c'était captivant de découvrir ce royaume au travers de ses décors, son fonctionnement, son organisation et encore plus son peuple. Liv Stone s'approprie les légendes et les caractéristiques des enfers avec brio, j'en étais ravie ! Un royaume qui semble si effrayant, et pourtant dans lequel règne une certaine paix. De nombreuses révélations pour le futur que j'ai trouvé exaltant ! Ca annonce du lourd pour le tome 3 💪

Bon, on va pas se mentir, la romance est absolument addictive et frustrante par moment 😏

Autre chose que j'ai grandement appréciée, c'est la place de Zeus dans cette trilogie. Dès le premier tome, il est présenté comme un dieu colérique, voire un tyran. Mais dans ce second volume, ce côté-là est davantage soulevé. On le mentionne même pour ce qu'il est, et je cite : "un prédateur". Le plus souvent dans les films, il est montré comme le maître de tous les dieux, comme un "père" pour certains héros. Mais il ne faut pas oublier comment sont nées la plupart de ces légendes, et les manipulations dont Zeus a dû user auprès des femmes pour obtenir ses exigences. Je m'y intéresse de très loin à cette mythologie, je l'avoue, mais Witch and God a l'avantage de le détrôner de son piédestal, et à raison selon moi.

[the-whatcherof-89]

Foolish Gamers AKA The dual-faced totem (Demi)God

CR 22 NG Humanoid

XP 307,200 (if used as npc for encounter)

Shabti Cleric 7 Witch 3 Mystic Theurge 10

Neutral Good Medium, humanoid (Native Outsider)
Init +3; Senses Darkvision 60ft, Perception +28


AC 33, touch , flat-footed (+3 Dex, +4 Shield, +5 Deflection, +5 Natural, +5 Armor, +1 Intuition)
hp 160 (7d8+13d6+80)


Fort +17, Ref +13, Will +25

Speed 60 ft.
Melee Thundering Khopesh+23 1d8+6+1d6 electric, Spells
Ranged Dispelling Light Crossbow+16 1d8+2, Spells


Racial: Native outsider, Darkvision 60ft, Immortal, Immune to undeath, Resist level drain, Past life knowledge, Shattered soul, Pharaonic will.

Traits: Strong swimmer, Doubt.

Class features: Channel energy 4d6, Domains (life, artefice), Artificer’s touch, Rebuke death, Healer’s blessing, Domain spells, Patron spells(death), Famliar (Falcon), Hex (misfortune), Combined spells (1st~5th), Spell synthesis.

Spellcasting DC18 spells per day

Cleric CL17 4/6/6/6/6/5/5/4/3/2/1 plus domain spells

Witch CL13 4/6/6/6/6/4/3/2 plus patron spells


Str 14, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 27, Wis 27, Cha 18


Base Atk +11; CMB +13; CMD +26


Feats: Divine interference, Guided hand, Power attack, Craft wondrous items, Quicken spells, Extra hex (Fortune, Cackle, Ward, Flight, Cauldron).

Skills Appraise +12, Craft(Alchemy) +25, (Stone&Metal) +31, Diplomacy +12, Fly +11, Heal +21, Intimidate +11, Knowledge (Arcana) +31, (Dungeoneering) +16, (Planes)+16, (History) +16, (Engineering) +21, (Religion) +31, (Nature) +21, Perception +28, Profession(Architect) +16, Sense motive +21, Spellcraft +31, Use magic device+27, Swim +10, Linguistics+19

Languages: Common, Draconic, Aquan, Auran, Ignan, Terran, Alko, Infernal, Giant, Sylvan, Undercommon.

Combat gear: Robe off the archmagi (golden), Ring of protection+5, Amulet or natural armor+5, Mithral animated caster shield (greater), Thundering +4 Khopesh, Dispelling light crossbow+2, 20 adamantine bolts, Metamagic rods: (Extend greater, Maximise greater), Headband of mental prowness+6 (Int, Wis, Craft stone&metal), Ring of evasion, Helm of brilliance (lesser), Belt of physical perfection+4, Sandals of speed, Bag of holding type II, Tome of Clear thoughts+2 (used), Tome of understanding+2 (used), Ioun stones (Dusty rose prism, Ellipsoid lavander and green, Pale lavander ellipsoid), Stone familiar, 4 Potions of cure critical wounds, 1 dose of salve of slipperness, 2 Clay golem manuals, Cleric kit with silver (un)holy symbol, Witch kit, Alchemical laboratory, 492GP.

Background: Foolish came from the sea by a tribe of similar god totems and during a peaceful mission he accidentally caused a huge incident in a village that went mad. After running away in shame, he decided to abandon his past and become non-violent. After centuries of isolation, he got adopted by Captain Puffy as surrogate mother and by Quackity as step-father because he didn’t wanted to feel no longer alone. After building his summer house, Foolish was invited to partecipate to the red banquet where he perished at the hands of Antfrost and lost some of his confidence in his powers (and maybe something else). After a long time, he received a visit from XD and built a statue of him upon which the fickle god granted him the ability to be unkillable in battle. Foolish then helped his “father figure” to bolster the defenses of Las Nevadas in preparation for the assault of the syndicate. One day, while meditating in his lounge he felt a strange vibration in the ether and the world suddenly shifted. His form changed and knowledge before unknown to him flooded his being. Foolish awakened in an unknown place that he did not recognize. “A brother broken...” faintly spoke a voice “...a shackle unwanted...” continued “...your family pulled into a cage.” Foolish froze for a second. “What does that mean?” There was silence. “Find him before the others, break the spell. Before it is too late.” Foolish was more confused than before. “I guess everything is foolish one way or another.” And he started to journey ahead into the unknown.

Special: Every day when he prepares his spells, Foolish can change (within the limits of his levels) his patron and his domains among those described in the notes below. Doing so, requires full concentration and if interrupted, Foolish has to start all over. This changes also his domain/patron related powers, channel abilities and extra spells but not his other abilities.

Notes: Since he is immortal, his mental stats are increased without age penalty to his physical stats. Furthermore, his familiar is completely filled with all the known spells of the witch cumulated through the centuries. Finally, being a demigod not only he is virtually unkillable by mortal means, but he is also capable of bestowing divine spellcasting abilities to other people using the following domains: life, death, artifice, water, oceans, storm and weather. These changes increases his challenge rating by 2.

Link for the image https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=76mnh6MV-pk

[mr-lancers-english-class]

Blood Magic and Ghost Kings: Paulina Sanchez's Guide to Winning Friends and Influencing Politics

Chapter 1/3 (tentative chapter count)

ao3

next

For @cleanlenins from her prompt "Paulina has been ignored for the last time. So, blood magic is the only solution."

~~~

Paulina never thought she could be this lucky in her life while being so utterly and completely pissed.

Somehow, somewhere, Dash had found a book of black magic, because of course it would be him. A grimoire of the dark arts written in blood. A spell book thousands of years old in a language lost to time. Completely untranslatable and unknowable, a tome of sorcery holding only the most dangerous of magics. 

At least, that was how he had described it. 

Paulina, on the other hand, had taken one look at the dusty old leather bound tome, recognized the hell out of it, and before she could even think it through, she knew she could not under any circumstances let Dash try and use it. Sure, she might not be the most powerful of witches, at least, not yet, but sitting in Dash’s parents basement on the couch opposite him, there was not another drop of magical potential for miles. Her skills and training would have to be enough for now.

A book of black magic? A grimoire of the dark arts? A tome of sorcery holding only the most dangerous of magics? He wasn’t wrong. Whatever spells were stored in the thing, they were strong. Paulina could feel the latent magical energy from across the room. That kind of raw strength just didn’t happen in the more mundane spells. Whatever was in there was definitely dark. Written in blood? Unlikely, but not impossible. Witches would sometimes use their own blood as ink, especially in the kind of grimoires that held the power that this one held. But even if a spell here or there was reinforced by separate blood magic, the majority of the work would still be in ink.

Thousands of years old? By the gods that was a stupid assumption. Paulina hadn’t been able to get too close to it yet, but even just glancing at the cover was more than enough to date it. The leather cover was reminiscent of 16th century Spanish Bibles, the gold filigree mostly faded but still distinct enough to identify. The page texture and bindings looked more like 13th century Greek work, but those were harder to make out. Either way, those at least put a maximum age on it, though a more accurate dating would require being much closer to the actual book. In a language lost to time? Completely untranslatable and unknowable? Dash had proudly displayed the title to everyone in their little group. Medieval Latin grammatically, but using a bastardized Greek/Classical Latin alphabet. Paulina didn’t recognize the author, but once she had sorted out the phonetics of the scrambled alphabet, the rest was a relatively simple translation.

The Book of the Magics of Olimpia de Picis. The spellbook of Olimpia de Picis. Olimpia’s grimoire. And Dash, idiot that he was, had no idea the power he was waving around like a toy. It wasn’t very often that Paulina considered using her powers to harm another person, but spirits she just wanted to hit Dash in the face right now. Bop him in the nose with the tv remote lying next to him. Box him in the ear with the pillow behind him.

That wouldn’t do though, not when it was just the two of them and there was no one else to blame it on. Plan B then. Paulina could work with that. It was always better than Plan K. Plan K kinda sucked.

“Oh my god!” Paulina cried in excitement, letting her eyes go empty and smile go wide. “A book of magic?” Dash smirked, superiority complex strong as ever. Jerk.

“You betcha. Got it off a fortune teller down at the farmers market last weekend.”

“Wow.” She let out a breathy sigh, then made to reach for it before pulling herself back. It was a careful balancing game, what she needed to do now. Get the grimoire but don’t bring attention to it. Be fascinated and wowed by the potential magical power while making Dash bored and unimpressed by it. Paulina would almost say she would need luck to make it work, but luck favors the prepared, darling, and by the gods was she prepared. “Real magic?” Her line was cast.

Dash smirked even more and nodded. He was moving towards the bait. Give it a little jiggle now, draw him in even closer.

“Crees que, tal vez, it might be able to summon a ghost?” Make sure he gets the message, but throw a little Spanish in, let her accent come through nice and strong. Make him all look at her and see a lovestruck teenage idiot with an obsessive crush on someone totally unattainable. Don’t let him see her . Just like she’d been doing since she moved to Amity Park three years ago.

“Summon a ghost? Maybe. Maybe not.” Dash wiggled his eyebrows; seductively or mysteriously, Paulina couldn’t guess what he was going for. What he achieved was looking constipated, but he didn’t need to know that. “Like I said, whatever language this was written in is long erased from history. Such a shame.” He sighed dramatically, and Paulina had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.

“Mmm, no lo creo. Posiblemente, I could, oh, mmm, ¿echar un vistazo? Take a little peek?” Would he even notice if she threw in some Latin? Greek? Welsh ? He might catch on if it was Japanese, that was distinct enough from her Indo-European languages, but honestly? She was pretty sure she could throw a new language in for every other word and all he’d hear was gibberish. Idiot.

“No harm in trying,” Dash said, sending the grimoire flying across the room. Paulina didn’t have to fake the gasp as she caught it. Did he not understand the importance of the book? This was way too powerful to just… yeet it. “You gonna try to summon Phantom again?”

Paulina just nodded, letting her real excitement bleed out as enthusiasm for the tome in her hands.

Dash barked out a sharp laugh. “Good luck with that. Let me know if it works this time.”

This time. Because she had tried before. All the A-Listers knew that; her crush was no secret. What was secret was that she had succeeded. Kinda. Sorta. She had definitely summoned a Phantom, though the ghost of a young girl who had suddenly appeared in her bedroom hadn’t been the intended Phantom. Just his… cousin? The girl had said that was the best way to describe their relationship, but she’d gotten real cagey when Paulina tried to press the topic.

Oh well. Paulina didn’t really need to know who she was. All she really wanted to know was why that girl had appeared in her spell and not another, more attractive and fascinating ghost. The girl had remained cagey on that topic as well, so Paulina dropped it altogether. She would find another way. In the meantime, Ellie the ghost now stopped by for brunch and gossip every other week. Not exactly what Paulina had expected out of the interaction, but she was never one to begrudge a new friend with such spiritual connections.

“Sí, sí, I will.” Paulina didn’t take her eyes off the book, stroking the cover reverently. If she was right about this (she probably was, Paulina was very rarely wrong about magic these days), it would work this time. She could feel it.

[musubiki]

wait. does Amanita actually kick Mochi's ass and steal her powers at some point in cannon or is that just a fun little "what if" thought?? :o

NO THATS CANON!!! its still in beta how she does it,.,but amanita is far smarter than mochi, and she got access to some really old really bad magic thats capable of ripping the magic out of someone (and she also plans it during the peak of the transfer from tiramisu -> mochi so its when theyre most vulnerable) (im thinking after she didnt get her birthright cat witch power she spent her time hunting down a really old tome that belonged to the first witch king, and actually successfully found it and used it)

but YEAH we do get (towards the end of the amanita arc) , a part where mochi truely does become powerless and loses all her magic. and also, she loses pom along with it. and her mom deadass almost dies (for real this time).

and this is like the final fight of the arc. where magicless mochi has to go and try to get the cat witches power back. and the only things she has going for her is 1) amanita is somewhat weak due to a 3-day transfer thats somewhat unstable, 2) her multitude of potions she crafted over the story 3) the guilds magic objects still hold some residual power, and 3), the most important one, taffy.

which is why i think taffy is gonna play the biggest role in the fight. cuz mochi had a hard time fighting him, and for the first time in his life he is amanitas only weakness. in my head i see the end of this fight being mochi almost getting got, and taffy having a "vengeance is mine, i will repay" moment. (which is also so mochi doesnt have to be the one to kill her)

OR we're gonna actually see the divine wrath of the stars in action somehow. she just gets fucking got by the gods of the stars like she deserves.

(and theres a long talk lime has with mochi prior to this fight about "maybe its time to just let it go" because he thinks its near impossible to beat her, and also doesnt want mochi to die trying, and also sees that the pressure of being the cat witch isnt exactly kind on mochis heart. like if she was looking for an out from this life, this was it. anyway they do end up trying because mochi couldnt live with herself if she was the only person in 5000 years to lose the cat witches power. and also, she needs to get pom back, she loves her)

ANYWAY THERES A LOT GOING ON SURROUNDING THIS EVENT.,,...

[bigender-swag-battle]

IT'S TIME FOR THE RANDOMIZED REDEMPTION BATTLE ROYALE

All matches are randomized and will be randomized going forward. They will be posted in parts so as to not absolutely flood your feeds. Voting starts tomorrow (July 2nd)! All polls in this will be tagged with #randomized redemption battle royale and #rrbr round (number) Here are the matches listed below:

Round 1

Group A (July 2nd, 9AM EST):

Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayehm (The Muppets) VS Baji Keisuke (Tokyo Revengers)

Shigeo Mob Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100) VS Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Kazuichi Souda (Danganronpa) VS Jesse (Minecraft: Story Mode)

Kakashi Hatake (Naruto) VS Byleth (Fire Emblem)

Billie (Bigtop Burger) VS Mr. Rowan Webb (The Worst Witch)

Sephiroth (Final Fantasy) VS Teruki Hanazawa (Mob Psycho 100)

Group B (July 5th, 12PM EST):

Sora (Kingdom Hearts) VS Josuke Higashikata (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives) VS Wocky Kitaki (Ace Attorney)

Mondo Owada (Danganronpa) VS Kurata Tome (Mob Psycho 100)

Bentham/Mr. 2 Bon Clay (One Piece) VS Geto Suguru (Jujustu Kaisen)

Kurapika Kurta (Hunter x Hunter) VS Alex Fierro (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)

Gen Asagiri (Dr. Stone) VS Amanda O'Neill (Little Witch Academia)

Group C (July 15th, 12 PM EST):

Alex Louis Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS G0z the Clown (Roblox Myths)

Angel Devil (Chainsaw Man) VS Hinata Tachibana (Fabiniku)

Mafuyu Asahina (Project Sekai) VS Raphael Hamato (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Yuri Leclerc (Fire Emblem) VS Cybersix/Adrian Seidelman (Cybersix)

Tom (Eddsworld) VS Spy (TF2)

Kaoru Sakurayashiki/Cherry Blossom (Sk8 the Infinity) VS Ukyo Saionji (Dr. Stone)

Group D (July 16th, 3 PM EST):

Zhongli (Genshin Impact) VS Shiver (Splatoon)

Vflower (Vocaloid) VS Eridan Ampora (Homestuck)

Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes) VS Hura Stapleton (The Office Type)

Yoimiya (Genshin Impact) VS Ren Amamiya/Joker (Persona 5)

Steven Universe (Steven Universe) VS Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa)

Wayne (Hylics) VS Luz Noceda (The Owl House)

Group E (July 27th, 1PM EST):

Prince Sebastian/Lady Crystallia (The Prince and the Dressmaker) VS Jadzia Dax (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai) VS Rui Kamishiro (Project Sekai)

Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist) VS Sollux Captor (Homestuck)

Marika/Radagon (Elden Ring) VS Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony)

Sara Chidouin (Your Turn To Die) VS Yuuga Aoyama (My Hero Academia)

Kokichi Ouma (Danganronpa) VS Basil (OMORI)

Alan Grant (Jurassic Park) VS Klaus Hargreaves (The Umbrella Academy)

[lunararchmage]

Far too familiar (this contains 2 chapters)

Chapter 3:, my new life

"All seekers of knowledge, come to me sooner or later."   Volo looked up as a mass began to form in front of him.   He gazed at the mass, the thing  in bewilderment as it spoke. 

It's wretched form, beginning to take more shapes , long inky, green tendrils spread out in all directions. Thousands of eyes peeled out flowing and fading at different variables, except for one slightly bigger eye located in the middle, surrounded by a deep dark miss , inky , floating, along with everything dripping down at certain areas, the substance evaporates in a dark smoke as it hit the grass burning it at it's touch, its eye open and close as it gazed down at Volo, the ancient Being , sending shivers down  his spine , a worse then giratina itself.

"What in Sinnohs name is this?!, what is that thing?!" Volo spoke panic seeping into his voice, he lean back, only to stumble, and falling on his ass as the thing it seemed to grow closer.  "Yow!" He yelped landing hard as he then looked back up at the wretched abyss that followed him. 

He stared at the entity frozen in place as the air grew thin, the thing stared him down as it's other eyes observed the world around it, "strange"

"Em,? What..w-what in Sinnohs name are you?" Volo croaked out unable to hold his fear over this...this thing.

The wretched abyss, leaned in well, as much as you can get with a mass of tentacles in ink.  It spoke  but with no mouth, and as it spoke, a strange smell emanating from it. waft  around and filled Volo's nose causing him to gag at the smell of muggy polluted water , mixed with a age and old books. 

". I am Hermaeus Mora, Daedric Prince of fate, and Forbidden knowledge, you mortal have opened one of my black books, tomes of Forbidden knowledge scattered across the world....but i sense this isn't the case here, I can feel it in the air, you are not from the plane of witch my servants once called home. How did YOU come across my book?"  Hermaeus Mora , finished with his question, his insatiable curiosity begin to peak as it glanced around at the different creatures of this world for different from that of nirn, that of Tamriel... that of any plan of oblivion.

Volo looked up at it company in shock, he got cotton mouth as he tried to speak straightening  himself up a little as he stood to his feet. "I-". Volo finally started to speak as he dryly breathed in. "I, I obtained this book after a strange occurrence happened a strange woman fell from

Time rift and this was among the belongings that were scattered along with something she called and Elder Scroll. Uh I picked it up after it wisperd, Lucas's  was heavily freaked out about it...but I..pretend not to hear it as I hid it in my belongings.....but that raises more questions the. Awnsers anyway...What even is a deadric prince?!, what's and elder scroll??? What are you even? A demon?  a God?"  Volo began to spiral as he regained his grip on himself.

Hermaeus Mora furrowed his nonexistent brow as he spoke,"I knew one other who seeks knowledge like you, but for different reasons, different purposes...different ways of life, Dragonborn you are not...but I since a familiarity with you, your similar to HIM, and HER...but in ways one wouldn't compare......aheheh"

Volo stepp back a bit as it laughed this was beyond freaky even for him. "Who...what.....What's a Dragonborn...what who he and her??" Volo began to question more

"You have questions .......and desires , your reasons for opening my book are different then those before but all mortals are the same they crave knowledge, witch I can provide , I have all the answers, all the questions.......all I can provide—but Knowledge , ......knowledge it always comes with a price ... are you willing to pay what's needed for your awnsers.... Volo".

"Ha-How did you know my name?! I didn't say anything with my name in it?!" Volo got defensive as Hermaeus More sneered amusingly "hmmmmm, some refer to me, as the deadric prince of knowledge and memory....Memory,   When you opened that book, you gave Willingly allowed me into your mind , you forfeited everything to me, knowledge....for knowledge that is why I vaguely awnserd your first question on who I was.....now normal those who opened my book die at my hand, but I see worth in your endeavors...similar to one other, one who wanted power, like yourself, He wanted control......Miraak was his name-"

——————————————————

Meanwhile-At the camp with Sirna , Akari , Lavington and Lucas

As volo left they Akari lead Sirna to a large box. "You can store unwanted items that may be weighing you down here. Don't worry it's completely safe. there hasn't been anything stolen to date!" She chirped a little as sirna smiled. "Thank you I suppose I could load off a few of my items from adventures I've embarked on."  She said as she emptied several  miscellaneous items into the chest, along with a few daggers and hunting bows.

Lavington then called over, "Akari my girl!, come over here and show me your progress on the Pokédex along with Lucas , knock it outa the way ya?"  Akari nodded "Coming professor!!!" She yelled as she

Skedaddled  over to him.

Sirna stared quietly as the they spoke. "There's that word again...Poké?" She then shook her head and headed over to them and stopped a foot away she cocked her head to the side a tad as she asked her questions.

"it's Professor Lavington correct?" She asked he nodded "why yes that's my name, you said your name was Sirna correct? I assume you have questions!" He obliged

Sirna looked at the Pokédex he handed back to Lucas. "what's that?" She asked

"Oh you mean the Pokédex? Why it's a encyclopedia on all the Pokémon

Within and around the Hisui region! Well it will be once we finished collecting all the information!"

"There's that world again..." she mumbled "Pardon? I didn't quite hear you my girl!"  Lavington then Put a hand up to his ear.

"What is a Pokémon? I don't quite understand before I got here it was fuzzy be that word ...something told me to ...seek out all Pokémon...I think .." Sirna said putting a hand to her temples. "I- I am not sure" she finished as lavington gave a halfhearted smile and nodded "no need to rush, it's obvious you can't remember so don't push it , as for Pokemon, we'll there amazing

Yet dangerous creatures that dot the landscape and fill the sky's and seas , Pokémon are creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the wild or alongside us , formally our kind tends to stray away from Pokémon due to there destructive nature of these creatures, but I plan to change that, you see I believe we can truly work in harmony with Pokémon, not as allies , but as partners working together to accomplish our goals so I've set out to create the first ever Pokédex of this region for the sake of strengthening our bonds and understanding of Pokémon and Their potential!, now i am aware many people are skeptical about this kinda thing , but I've already got astounding proof my theory is correct! Akari and Lucas, yes Akari and her pikachu do need to work on there bond a little bu-".

Akari interrupted "PROFESSOR!!!!"

"Ahem, sorry Akari but it's true you're great and all but pikachu still doesn't fully trust you!" He sighed begrudgingly.  "Hmph" Akari folded her arms and pouted a little before shrugging it off. As lavington continues "as I was saying, but Lucas here, he's only been with us about 2 weeks and and Cyndaquil are beyond friends, it's astounding he's a natural with Pokémon and is living proof the world I envisioned can and will become a reality!"

Sirna raised her brow "you're quite passionate about this aren't you professor?" 

He nodded "of course why wouldn't I be it's my life's work, don't you have anything your passionate bout my girl?"

Sirna thought about it, "I guess my friends and family...the ones I left back home , I'm passionate about protecting them...it's the reason I went alone to challenge...." She stopped herself, "and perhaps I failed...I mean I am here instead of facing Aludin..almost as if fate had a different plan for me." she admitted she then turned away a step and spoke again, "if you need any help completing this Pokédex..I'd be begrudgingly be happy to lend a hand!" Even tho she wouldn't she had a sinking feeling that she needed to help him to 'seek out all Pokemon as the glow commanded of her.' 

Lavington smiled happily and nodded "We'd love the help, the more people working the more we'll get done! but we'd have to run it by our captain before any of that , at our base of operations on Jublife village!"  He said, Sirna nodded, "alright...." 

"So can we leave professor?" Lucas asked him seasing the small opportunity to inject himself into the conversation. "Why yes my boy Lucas just let me talk to the security corps member and get things situated for our departure! " Lavington said as he walked to the other end of the camp site talking to Ress, (i don't remember the security corps names so I just thought of one ).

Lucas looked up at Sirna, "Hey Sirna, do Pokemon exist where you're from?" She looked down at him and shook her head, "no, Pokemon are a completely new concept for me"

"Ah alright, sorry I just thought I'd ask, because even tho it obviously not true there was a plausible scenario where we came from the same world..but I guess not, anyways what was your world like?"

Lucas asked as his Cyndaquil looked up from his arms sneezing a little.

"War torn , and dangerous " she said Lucas backed ups little in shock, "oh...I see, that's just how things are right I'm sure it will get better in no time, "

"No, I know it won't get better that's just how things are in Tamriel, you just learn to live with it." She said as the air ran still, a shiver causing Lucas to jump at the all to familiar feeling.

"Sirna...what was that??" Lucas asked not party wanting an answer but looked up at Sirna to see her wide eyed and stiff as she glanced around her eyes dotting around she then turn and started rummaging though her things , "one...two...three,four...five...six... No no no where's Seven!!?" She counted the black books not in order of anything but as of how many she had on her.

"Sirna?"

"Uh nothing it's nothing but uh you asked a question about a black book..do you know where it went?"

He shook his head "no, o thought volo returned it I mean he gave everything back...but we don't know how long you were out as far as we know a wild Pokémon could of run off with it!"

"Yeah...well...it's nothing it's all fine " she regathered the remaining books and returned them to her bag, they weren't in Solstheim, so whatever or whoever opened it couldn't have gained too much knowledge right?

"Are you sure you seemed pretty worried..." Lucas asked again  but the Altmeri women shook it off giving the child a reassuring smile, "don't worry it's not as bad as it could be, so no need to worry."

Lavington returned to them and noting on the sudden shift in atmosphere. "woah, that's quite the chill! Am I right you two??" He joked and continued "everything is ready when you guys are and we'll head back to jubilife where we can start preparations for you to join us and help out with the Pokédex!, huh..is everything alright you two look a bit shaken out new friend more then you Lucas?"

"I am quite fine it's just I might of lost something rather important in my fall, but it's nothing to worry it'll turn up I'm sure...it always seems too, anyways we should get going hate to be a burden but I could go for some of the strongest Meed or any alcoholic beverage you people have right now!" She voiced as she headed off towards the direction of the security corp member, "oh alright..." Lavington said as he went to get Akari and they all made the journey back to jublife village.

Entering jublife they were stopped at the gate before lavington explained that Sirna was with them, and were promptly let in, as they walked though the village gate's people stopped and stared, grumples of "another outsider?" From the elderly, parents shooing there children inside as Sirna passed them she glanced at them and they turned away, unlike with Lucas , this was from intimidation rather then "who are they " "outsider " "what are they wearing ",  Sirna being of Elven descent even tho she stood shorter Altmer compared to her siblings who stood as tall as they could get , she still stood taller than most residents in the village, her armor was large  and bulky, and the metal had faint stains of blood from past battles some from herself others from the splatter of the sword , her hand rested in the Hilt if her sword, auriel's bow, glistened on her back as she passed, things that were never seen by this world and  a small darkness that fallowed like a prophecy.

Lavington looked at Lucas and Akari , "you to head to the wall flower, me and Sirna will head inside and talk to captain Cyllene, before we join you." Lavington instructed as they parted was and Sirna was led into the Galaxy corp building.

The doors opened and they stepped inside the carpet felt different under her feet and she looked around this place was definitely different from headquarters back in Skyrim that's for sure.  "This way!" Lavington pointed as he lead Sirna to an open door, inside a room a rather serious looking woman with  light blue hair, working on an endless stack of papers, her expression to the untrained eye Would see it as a warning to not bother her while she worked, Lavington approached her desk, Sirna followed in suit and stood a few feet behind him as he tapped her desk , Cyllene looked up from her work and spoke monotone, "what is is Professor, I'm in the middle of working.."

"Ah yes I'm aware captain Cyllene! Tho my business here is of  utmost  importance and well, you see, this Young Woman is Sirna  Startfall, she came from the rift , I want to-"

Cyllene cut him off, "you want us to feed and house her for her oncoming labor working on the Pokédex correct? Lavington you've done this exact spiel before!" She said, "oh have I- well then yes that's exactly what I want!" He said. 

Cyllene narrowed her eyes looking at Sirna , "how capable is she?" "Well ms as observed by her attire, I'd say she's rather capable and I'm willing to stake my research on that!"

Cyllene, contemplated a minute, before jotting something down, "we'll I do you see your point, fine we'll house her , for the night, tomorrow the security corps are heading out into the alabaster Iceland's to deal with rouge  alpha Lucario, your mission will me to capture that Lucario and record it in the Pokédex, and if you fail, you will be cast out of this village."

"captain Cyllene! If I may interject, that's a little rough, what happened to the normal trail?! The one with starly , bedoof and shinx!? I mean that's a suicide mission if I ever seen on!" Lavington expressed his concern with her.

"I've chosen this as her trail out of opportunity, that Alpha Lucario is rampaging and it needs to be delt with  as soon as possible, and over have of our security expedition team is in the medical wing due to the last time this same Lucario rampaged! And like you said you've observed she's quite capable,  and judging from her Armor she's tooken on tougher then this," she said

"Oh alright but I still think it's a bit much , maybe lower the stakes?" Lavington pleaded, Cyllene shook her head "she eather catches this Lucario tomorrow or she can leave and never return to the village. That is the option professor and maybe let her decide herself rather than plead for her if you will."

"Oh, right sorry ," lavington scratched his head they both turned to Sirna who shook her head "as long as I can sleep tonight, I'll take care of this ....Lucario or whatever it's called it shouldn't be too hard!"

Cyllene nodded and dismissed them , "you will return here tomorrow morning for details Ms . Starfall, you may be dismissed."

Lavington and Sirna walked out of her office and lavington turned to her, "I'm deeply sorry this isn't usually the trail we give out to new coming members, I do hope you don't hold that against her! She just looking out for the team." Sirna turned to him as they opened the door and walked down the steps twards the wallflower. 

"No , no it's fine I've done worse to get into organizations , don't worry,  plus I expected something big to be asked of me that's just how life it."

"Professor!! Sirna!!!" Lucas and Akari called over to them and they walked over , "ah it's good to see you again Sirna!" Volo said sitting at one end of the table, Akari spoke up, "volo arrived a few minutes ago before you guys came out!"

Lucas then spoke up "so will you be helping us out her As a member of ttr team?"

"Yes she will if she passes her trail!" Lavington said as they both took their seats. 

"Oh really what kinda trial?" Akari asked "is it the same as Lucas's?"

"No she has to catch an alpha Lucario , in the alabaster Iceland's tomorrow!" Lavington informs,

"Yeah even though I have no idea what I'm looking for it I'll be sure to pass it with flying colors! I mean I haven't met a beast I can't tame-" Sirna said, as she thought about different methods to catch it without knowing anything about how things work here.

"Wow that's amazing, " Volo said as he smiled "I'm actually heading out that way tomorrow to deliver some stuff to the Pearl clan from the Ginko guild! I can show you how to catch Pokémon on the way, so you be sure to pass!" He offered, "..." sirna looked at him , "no thank you I'll figure it out...." She didn't know why she said no, but she just had a sinking feeling.

"Well alright but if you ever wanna retract that no, I'll be happy to show you a few tricks I've got to catching them!"

She nodded as they dug into the meal that was provided for them, sweet potato mochi! The wallflowers specialty!

After finishing it was fine to head in and get some rest .

Chapter 4, learning a new way of life.

Lavington looked at Sirna , as he pointed the location where she would be staying for the time be, "over there is our survey corps barracks, inside you'll find almost anything you need for your stay tonight, and many more if you complete your trial!" He said to her, "Thank your professor, " Sirna nodded before heading off to her cabin, sliding the door open and walking into the home, sliding the door back closed locking it quickly behind her she turned around and glanced around it.

"Homie..." she muttered licking her lips as she glanced around, she took off her steal clad boots and set them off to the side after observing the Mat the lines the room, noticing how thin it looked, not wanting to tear with the toe of the boot, if she wasn't staying here permanently. Walking across the floor she ran her hands on the wall and furniture that were in the room before she put her things down , changing out of her armor , pulling it off and setting it to the side leaving's her in the garments she wore under it. Placing it against the wall and laying on the futon, drifting off to sleep.

Next morning:

Sunlight dipped as it shone though the window , the light causing Sirna to stir, awaking from her sleep she slowly would sit up and roll out of the futon. Standing up Sirna would walk over to the large jug (Basin????))) of. Drinkable water and dip her hands into it splashing her face , wiping the sleep out of her eyes she combed her hand though her hair as she stared at her reflection in the water basin , brushing her hair behind her pointed ears she would walk over to her stuff fishing out an old stale Piece of bread, she put in her mouth to eat for a quick breakfast, as she put her armor back on and headed towards the door , Sirna placed her boots back on and out the door she went, the familiar merchant waiting for her . She stared at him, "tch, what are you doing here?" She asked, Volo smiled, "well uh I know you said no to my offer but I thought I'd offer again! I mean do you even know how to catch a Pokémon?" He asked her.

"I don't need to know because I've got methods like this," she pulled out a dagger with a paralytic poison and pointed it at him, "a dagger enchanted with a paralyzing poison!, now if you excuse me I've gotta meet up with who alls going on this so called excursion, see how many blokes ima have to hold back" she shoved him and walked to the team galaxy building leaving volo speechless. "Hmm...loooks like that ...thing was right, she's hard to get though..." he thought as he glanced back , at the cabin doors. Glancing around he turned and reached for the handle to pull it open but it didn't open.

"Drat!...locked..."

A sinking feeling in the back of his mind spoke. 'you really expected it to be unlocked? She has the remaining books and you expected her to leave it unlocked, She's not dumb just remember the plan...' he thought pulling his hands back he headed towards the galaxy building.

"Looks like ima have to be clever about this..." he spoke.

Inside the Galaxy building there was a small group of security corps gathered in the center of the entrance waiting, lavington walked over and ushered Sirna into Cyllene's office, to get the run down of the mission.

"Alright, now here's the rundown, in one of the camps set up around the alabaster icelands, there is an Alpha Lucario , this Lucario, is one that has been messing up our operations in that section of hisui for quite awhile now, a few weeks ago, it attacked one of our off-road camps , desecrating it and well, injuring a few of our corps members, two of witch sadly passed away, your mission is to head to this campground with the security forces of jublife, reestablish our camp and apprehend this alpha Lucario before it causes any more threats, to us or the neighboring clan!, and any and all questions you may have can be answered by Miss Irida who will be meeting you in your journey and guiding you to the campsite." Cyllene then handed her a paper, "now I believe, Lavington has some users information on Lucario, it's in your best interest to listen to him about it, specifically if you do not wish to die! You are dismissed."

Cyllene said as she adverted her gaze away from Sirna and back to her papers, Sirna looked to her side and turned to Professor Lavington who looked eager to help, "so you have information on lucario?" She asked, he nodded, "yes follow me!!" He moved and walked across the way into his office space...his very messy office space, Sirna watched as he rummaged though the books and papers running to various locations in the room, rowlet flown down landing on his head as he pulled out a few papers nearly falling over, "oh bother rowlet bows not the time!" He waved the Pokémon and it flew landing on Sirnas shoulder rowlet cooed as Lavington walked over , "now most we know of lucario os limited due to them being rare, ...relatively speaking of course they're rather recluse as I've observed, but Lucario itself is , a rather interesting Pokémon indeed! It's know as the Aura Pokémon , Aura is a spiritual energy, introduced within every living creature in our world, but very few have any understanding of it, and Lucario is a Pokémon with a very connection to aura, they can sense it and even use it's powers on its own, in some stories, it's even able to sense the auras of humans , using that as a base to judge them off of!, tho most of this is speculation, but will know what is true once we have our hands on it!" Lavington explained. Sirna shrugged rowlet off and it moved to ontop if her head as she took the information on lucario with a grain of salt. "Thank you , professor but I guess we should head out then."lavington nodded before adding , "but do me carful! This Pokémon have been known to study Aura itself, using it to predict its opponents movements and attacks even using it against themselves!" She nodded and then Lavington presented her with different items, several pokeballs, she cocked a brow.

"That's to help aid you in catching it!, oh also it's seems rowlets talking a liking to you!, why don't you take it with you to help out here's its pokeball!" She took it on hand and glanced at the owl Pokemon , "thanks I don't think it's gonna be of much help it's too soft and cute." She poked at rowlet and it flew off and back again.

"Alright I'll keep it" she said quickly after it tilted its head at her. It stayed on her shoulder as she and Lavington left the room meeting up with the security corps and heading out.

Volo again was standing outside waiting as they exited placing himself infount of Sirna "Sirna! Hey how's it going! Oh wow you've got Rowlet that's really amazing! You kn-, don't you take a hint?" She cut him off mid sentence and looked at him, an annoyed scowl crossed her features, before he could speak she shoved past him and followed the group she was with,

"Wait!" Volo called after her as he walked beside her, "Your starting to bug me more then Nazeem talking about the cloud district What in oblivion do you want Volo!"

"Nazeem?...uh no that's besides the point, look I haven't been completely honest with you when offering help and well I figured I'd just come clean, yes I'd love to help you out and teach you catching basics , but the real reason I wanted to help was because I have an insatiable curiosity and I want to know more about your world, and where are you come from!, more specifically anything you can tell me about...oh I don't know ....eldrich beings of power? Demons ? Gods??....or perhaps whatever was connected to that black book." He spoke as she stopped and looked at him, "black books?....what are you talking about ?" "Oh nothing really we saw one of them when we found you and well my curiosity , it was peaked. So I wish to learn more!" He lied as he looked at her.

"...." sirna looked at him in suspicion, "you...we don't have time but if I were you I'd stay clear of anything connected to those books! Now if you excuse me I have a mission to complete!" Volo nodded as she left waving a short goodbye, one not returned.

Ariving in the alabaster icelands the sirna looked around, "why is it always snow...." Lavington looked at her and smiled, "well my girl this is the alabaster Icelands , the coldest place in hisui, I do hope you're prepared the weather here can be rough!" He smiled as he fixed his lab coat and pulled it over him further , giving a little more warmth.

"No no, I'm perfectly prepared but, it's just I went from snow to snow basically when I fell, the throat if the world is pretty snowy back home in Skyrim , but anyways what now?" She asked,

"Now you follow me!" There attention was brought over to a young woman adorn in pear clan attair , Siena looked down at her , taken aback a little, "really a delicate thing like you is leading us to a Pokémon that has already killed two people?" Sirna said rather snide, looking her up and down, "and how can even walk around like that, don't you know hypothermia can kill kid?" She added, Irida looked at Sirna , "you really know how to pick 'em professor....Ah yes I am and don't let my appearance fool you outsider! As leader of the pearl clan I much capable to lead and take care of myself! Now if you don't have any more insightful questions, we should get going it's quite the treak to the lucario I do hope you're prepared!" Lavington gave Sirna a nudge, "come now Sirna don't you think that was a bit rude?" Sirna shrugged, "sorry .." she begrudgingly admitted

"Alright we should be off!!" Irida smiled as she turned and they all began to travel , arriving at the abandoned camp , "wow it really was destroyed!" Lavington said as he bent over and picked up a few remnants and examined them , "that's sad an all but where is that lucario? Did it move on?" Sirna asked, Irida shook her head , "no it's still around here, over in that direction, it's more than likely resting around this time a day!"

"Alright ima go catch it Come on Rowlet!" She said as the owl Pokemon chipped, "wait shouldn't we wait??" Irida asked , the Altmer woman turned and uttered, "No, you guys get rebuilding, I'll get lucario! if it's currently in another area it's safer, like the old saying gose,, when the saber cats away , the skeevers will play!" She said as she walks off in the direction of the Lucario.

"That's not a-" "she's from the rift Miss Irida it's probably common whee she's from" "oh alright, uh now let's get to work."

Sirna round the bend and ducked behind a pile of snow not even 3 miles away, the lucario sat in the snow soundly sleeping, "welll that's convenient," she says as she reaches down and picks up her pokeball , reared back and

>Catch<

She then walks forward and retrieves the ball looking at it she frowns, "that was to easy " she muttered as the sound of snow crunching behind her followed by feeling something fleating.... A shadow cast over her she turned to see the lucario , it's eyes glowing red , as it narrowed its eye, the lucario she just caught...

That wasn't the Alpha .....