#Ylva and Ari family

[dailyvinland-sagapanels]

[umbrellaroleplaysstuff]

Since i did the males bios again here are the females with new faces

Name-Ari Jameson

Age-verse dependent but normally 28

Job-painter

Borthdate-June 11th 1995

Birthplace-Colebrook,Connecticut

Residence now-New Milford, Cooecticut

Backstory-Aria Jameson grew up in a large city in a single mother house hold, with her little sister Marie, Her mother worked hard to support her daughters but that couldn't afford childcare for the youngest so Ari stepped up as both a caretaker and provider she sold her art at art fairs to help her family. She is now living on her own as a full time painter, she advertises herself online.

FC-Ylva Johnsen Olaisen

Next up is River O'Kelly

Name-River O'Kelly

Age-28 (but also verse dependent)

Job-school psychologist

Birtdate-January 9th 1994

Birthplace-Dublin,Ireland

Residence Now-Dublin,Ireland

Backstory-River was your average miltary brat her father Colonel Rían O'Kelly has been surving since river could remember, he was a loving but firm man but river wouldn't have it anyother way, her mother is Hazel O'Kelly an american woman and where river gets some of her looks she is a baker running a small bakery. River went to college and relized she wanted to help children and so took a job at a local high school as the school psycholigst shes younger than your avarage psycholigst but the students she help vibe with her more than say with an older person

FC-Lucy Hale

Then Neya Vis

Name-Neya Vis

Age-Dependent on verse but normally 25

Birthdate-December 24th 1998

Birthplace-London,England

Residence Now-London, England

Job-Pre-School teacher

Backstory-Neya was raised by her mother and father, two college professors but one day as her mother was coming home with dinner, there was a heavy rain storm and her mother spun out leaving neya who was 8 and her father alone. She wanted to help the next genaration as her parents had and become a pre-school teacher

FC-Emilia Clarke

[kingdomofedirann]

Basic Information

Name: Naomhan Stramacchia

Age: Older Teen - Cloister (Teen)

Sexuality: Homosexual

Gender: Male

Mortality State: Human

Location: Edirann City

Position in Society

Title: n/a

Class: Merchant

Heir: n/a

Personality

Primary Aspiration: Family

Secondary Aspiration: n/a

LTW: Win 30 Dance Contests, Max Music & Dance

Zodiac: Aries

Personality: TBA

Traits: Schmoozer, Allergic to Cats, Childish, Handy, Commitment Issues

Preferences

Likes: TBA

Dislikes: TBA

Hobby: Music & Dance (Dancing)

Addictions: None

Religion: TBA

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Material: Water

Aesthetic: Forest

Favorite Clothing Style: Traditional

Favorite Location: City

Genetics

Skintone: Warm Tan

Eyes: Light Green

Hair Color: Brown

Hair Texture: Straight

Hair Thickness: Average

Height: 5'2

Body Type: Maxis

Body Hair: 04a

Other: None

Relationships

Father: Lionel Stramacchia

Mother: Padraigin Stramacchia

Spouse: None

Siblings: Caoilfhionn Stramacchia (sister), Kennedy Stramacchia (brother), Murchadh Stramacchia (brother), Ronan Stramacchia (brother), Tadghan Stramacchia (brother)

Children: None

Other Relatives: Eoghan O'Niall (uncle), Amanda O'Niall (aunt), Acacia O'Niall (aunt), Quinn O'Niall (brother), Devika O'Niall (aunt), Roisin Blumenthal (aunt), Alojzy Blumenthal (uncle), Diarmait O'Niall the Younger (cousin), Oisin O'Niall (cousin), Ceallach O'Niall (cousin), Faolan O'Niall (cousin), Ylva O'Niall (cousin), Wulfrun O'Niall (cousin), Blanka Blumenthal (cousin), Stefek Blumenthal (cousin)

Allies:

Rivals:  

Other:

History

Birthplace: Kingdom of Edirann

Place of Death: n/a

[pheita]

Head up 7 up

I was tagged by @catharticallysarcastic and yeah, it will also be more than 7 sentences, because this is fun.

A hand rested on Arritit's shoulder. A sideways glance told her it was Niat. "A new portal?" "Or something like it." "They won't…" began Bayeen, looking anxiously at the others. "Who will what?" This time it was Niat who had taken over the conversation. Again and again, Arritit stretched her fingers through and clenched her hand into a fist, expecting to have to defend herself at any time. "It's four days. And my father will do just that." The grim expression on Sykova's young face was all too familiar to Arritit. Far too often she had seen it on Sojan. "By the waters, another of these families….," Ylva snapped. She marched further into the cave. "What was that?" Miada's astonishment was understandable, but there was no way to remedy it just now. "We'll explain later. Get everything packed. We'll secure everything. Niat?" "All right, I'll get the furry noses ready. We should make it to Janit's an hour after nightfall." "She'll chop our heads off…", Arritit just sighed and followed Ylva. Whatever was building up, it wasn't good. "If we survive until then," Ylva commented in front of her. Without a torch, they had to rely on the small orb of light Arritit could summon and slowly crept towards the source of the magical feeling. "Sykova's family…" "Is apparently a copy of mine, yes." Only as a faint shadow could Ylva's nod be perceived. The tingling grew stronger, leading to goosebumps. The crackling on her skin clearly said that it was a portal what was building up, but either someone didn't know what they were doing or wasn't strong enough. "It wasn't supposed to look like that, was it?" Ylva stood close enough that she only had to whisper. "No." The crackling sound became audible and within a few breaths louder than a horde of harpies gone wild. Unexpectedly, it was gone and before Arritit or Ylva could react, a portal appeared, just large enough to let a person through. One of Ylva's knives flew the moment a shadow became visible, but missed the person by a hair's breadth. "So really, is this your way of greeting me, droplet?" Arritit blinked in confusion at the woman in front of her. Those green eyes told her something, but the woman in front of her was clearly human and had red hair. "Talaina?" "Who is Talaina?" growled Ylva aggressively. "I'll explain later." Just behind Talaina, a young man came out. "So this is Ari's dimension. Interesting." "Loshan?" Slowly, Arritit didn't understand anything anymore. However, Loshan's grin told her that she didn't have to anymore either. A wave of Talaina's hand later, the portal was gone. Almost at the same moment, Arritit found herself with her back pressed against the cave wall and Talaina's red curls in front of her. "Did you miss me?" Even in human form, there was something feline about Talaina. Unconsciously, a hand went to Talaina's rump, where her tail was supposed to begin.

I tag @ashen-crest @stormbrightwriter @jaimistoryteller @athenixrose @writingamongther0ses @adie-dee

[golden-saga-imagines]

Hiiii could I please request a scenario where Askeladd has a daughter who he left and she grew up to have a family of her own. Then he meets her in order to reconcile and like her personality is similar to ylva 😭😭 so she threatens him like ylva did with thorfinn

Yes! This is a canon divergence because Askeladd is alive. So, I hope you like it. Enjoy! 💕

ASKELADD

Askeladd can’t believe that after so long he’s back in Wales. Seems like two days ago when the prince Canute become a king… He could carry on with other gang, with other plots, but he’s tired. Now Thorfinn and Canute are far of him, and Bjorn… Well, he has an only one person in his life now. And if he’s sincere, is a bit nervous. So, Askeladd cross the little town where his mother lived, there’re the same houses, the same monuments, the same people but except now they’re older.

He approaches a big house, Askeladd can listen some voices inside, takes a breath and knocks the door. The silence is suddenly very heavy, as an avalanche. And the Kings Killer now is a bit scared, he know her. He know her very well. And when the door is opened, Askeladd finds a woman, you, she has his same blue eyes. You look him trying to recognise, you raise your eyebrows and you throw a punch. Askeladd narrowly dodges it and raises his hands with a sign of surrender. But the anger that burn in your chest doesn’t stop.

“You,” you point his chest, he doesn’t seem surprised, of course no, “What are you doing here?”

You would very excited to see your father, but for other hand, you’re very scared, you never thought in this, you never believed that something like this would happen. But, he’s here, in front of you, live. The idea of the new of a man who killed the previous king was dead, but you doesn’t allow that stay in your mind. Now you’re problems more important.

“I came to see you”

“You could have done it years before. Or you could haven’t left in the beginning”.

“Yeah, I’m sorry”,

You going to answer back a “You not even sorry”, but a high little voice calls you.

“Mom?”

You look at the same blue eyes that you have in a round and soft face. Your son, your little child. He grabs your skirt and looks you confused. You open your mouth to answer him, but the voice of Askeladd interrupts you.

“Is he your son?” Askeladd bends down and greets your boy, your child greets him too. He seems interested in the armour of your father.

“Who is he?” Your son asks.

“I’m your grandfather, little one. I was very busy fighting against the Englishmen”.

The eyes of your child shine and he looks at you very excited.

“Can he stay to eat?”

You look Askeladd and he smiles you, you sigh.

“Fine”

And with those words Askeladd, your father, is back home again.

Ari 🍂

[midnight-in-town]

I figured I might as well make a post because I got the question several days ago. :)

The young man who’s constantly shown hanging around Thorfinn’s family is Ari’s first born son (from a first wedding? or born out of marriage, I don’t know?), as he specifies in ch100 when Thorfinn sees him again. 

In other words, Ari has 4 kids while Ylva...

...is the mother of only 3. 

Maybe one day we’ll find out more, but for now I can’t help but think that Ylva possibly rejected Ari when he tried to court her, considering what had happened with her father’s murder and all. 

Maybe Ylva couldn’t forgive the boys who went with Thors, who could do nothing but watch him die and who didn’t even bring Thorfinn back. As a result, Ari possibly married/lived with another woman (that girl we saw who had feelings for him?), had a son, but then something happened (his wife died?) and he and Ylva got together after that. 

Anyway, I just gotta love how Ari’s son pretty much belongs in Thorfinn’s family even if Ylva is not his mom. That’s why I have no doubt that they will welcome little Karli with open arms, like they also did with Einar. As for Gudrid, maybe Ylva will still be worried about Halfdan at first, but it won’t last. :)

[none-shall-caricature-me]

Watching Vinland Saga AKA I Mercilessly Roast Your Faves To Hell :

Episode 1 :

Thors are you a fucking petty bitch ?! Revive and feed the starved necrotic - limbs almost - dead CPR - driven man first. He literally just awoke from CPR and warmth and you're already drilling him - AND making his parched body cry profusely, placing so much lethal stress on a starved man. Is Thors for real, that braindead stupid mf.

I'm disappointed in this bitchass family already. Atleast Yvla has the excuse of being wary. And Helga is in poor health so maybe that's why she didn't respond immediately when Thors told her to boil water - but she's still on thin ice if not.

And ofc Halfdan is pure disgusting evil. Still that chain torture part was some nice gore.

AAND starved man is near death. Maybe if Thors and the bitchass family had focused on healing him before asking him obviously traumatic questions he'd be alive. And Helga tells Thors to stop trying as soon as that guy seems dead - bitch have you heard of resuscitation ? She treats death so casually, as if it's a walk in the park. Am I supposed to like her or even find her sympathetic ? She's sick herself yet is not averse to death ? What a terrible callous weakling.

Thors is still trying tho, he's a genuine good guy then. And Ylva was just being practical, can't fault her. Thorfinn is a typical kid. These three are sympathetic people, but Helga is in my bitch book already.

I like kid Thorfinn, he's an analytical person and asks good questions.

Episode 2 -

I like it well enough. A nice enough episode.

Episode 3 -

Why aren't Ylva and Helga displaying any concern for Thors ? Don't they think there's a chance of him dying ? Do they think he'll go to Valhalla even if he dies ? They should be begging him not to go. Wtf

Thors totally intends to die alone so that Floki can dissuade desertion in the army, have his justice, and not trouble Thors' fam and village and others.

Ofc his fam doesn't know this, but bro he's going to WAR. At least TRY to stop him ?

Episode 4 -

What useless fucking wife and daughter. Couldn't even find Thorfinn to ensure his safety. They don't even have the brains to look for him on the ship ? Wow. If I were in Thors' place I'd get a divorce and disown them out of anger at their carelessness. We never even see them trying to find Thorfinn. Screw those dumb bitches.

Also, this is why you teach your kids to shut the fuck up in situations when they shouldn't be drawing dangerous attention to themselves. Teach them to hide behind the other soldiers and to fear harm and battle. Basic stranger danger stuff Viking edition.

This also partly happened cuz Thors was so fanatical about hos no killing rule that he abandoned all logic. Wtf man, that's not how bloody ancient life works.

This is also why you don't blindly depend on someone, no matter how strong - they're human after all. This whole fiasco also happened cuz the village warriors and Thorfinn trusted Thors to overcome any challenge AND cuz the Valhalla concept teaches you not to value your safety - that's why Thorfinn snuck onto the ship, he had no fear or concept of danger. That's why the other villagers didn't independently toughen themselves up.

Askeladd (abbreviated Kelly from now on) is interesting. A callous son of a bitch for killing Thors, but he didn't kill anyone else, not even a charging Ari. Same with Bjorn. Why tho ? Out of respect ? Cuz they want to go to Valhalla at the end and a 'true warrior' would keep such a promise (i say this cuz I got spoilers that Kelly wants to go to Vally eventually).

Thors died standing tho lol. I'm no doctor at all, so is there some explanation for that ? Also a question for the doctors - from what I remember Calcium ions binding with a specific myoglobin leads to muscle contraction, and muscle relaxation also requires some ion or sthg idk. So with no more Ca ion supply since his blood flow stopped, did the muscles just freeze in that contracted state ? Is that actually possible ?

And Kelly you buffoon. I read somewhere that he had the power to safely refuse Floki's commission - so does he regret killing a unique powerhouse like Thors now ? You idiot. You could've manipulated him into serving you and used his powers for your own gain. You saw how one - of - a - kind powerful he was, yet still went through on killing him. Bruh. Stfu. You're hopelessly dumb.

[kingsmakers]

Chapter Summaries: Broken Crown Series

I thought it’d be interesting to do chapter summaries for some of my stories, like shows have episode summaries! Anyway this is more for my own amusement than anything. So I’m starting with the Broken Crown Series, my Vikings fanfic. Below the cut because it’s long.

Jar of Hearts

Chapter 1: Kattegat Princess Karena, eldest daughter of King Horik, accompanies her father and older brothers to Kattegat, where Horik hopes to find her a husband. Meanwhile, the widowed Ylva arrives with her son Jakob to serve Aslaug.

Chapter 2: Opportunity Erlendur struggles to disguise his incestuous thoughts about Karena during a feast; Ylva deals with a drunk Rollo.

Chapter 3: Ruination Ari suspects Erlendur’s affections for their sister as they depart for England; Karena is captured by Jarl Borg. Ylva gets closer with Rollo.

Chapter 4: Lust and Loss Karena meets Ragnar’s son Bjorn and learns of her brother Ari’s fate. Ylva and Rollo consummate their relationship.

Chapter 5: Warriors Horik considers the attraction between Bjorn and Karena; Ylva meets the Princess. Erlendur’s behaviour towards his sister worsens.

Chapter 6: Blessings and Curses Erlendur expresses his displeasure regarding Bjorn’s flirtations with Karena; Rollo and Ylva go to see Jarl Borg.

Chapter 7: Flesh and Blood Erlendur acts on his desire for Karena; Bjorn and Karena begin a romantic relationship with the knowledge they may marry.

Chapter 8: Royals Horik and Ragnar arrange a political marriage for Bjorn and Karena; Karena confronts Erlendur about his actions.

Chapter 9: Intimacy Bjorn and Karena are married; Erlendur expresses his displeasure.

Chapter 10: Bliss Bjorn and Karena enjoy the first few weeks of marriage; Karena discusses sex with Ylva.

Chapter 11: Where Loyalties Lie Horik reveals the real reason for marrying Karena into Ragnar’s family; Ylva clashes with her aunt.

Chapter 12: Wessex Karena accompanies her husband and family to Wessex; Erlendur’s abusive behaviour toward his sister continues.

Chapter 13: Monsters and Men Ylva discovers Erlendur’s incestuous desire for Karena; Bjorn’s actions after battle cause friction with Karena.

Chapter 14: Destiny Karena is with child; the Seer prophesizes a bold future for her. Bjorn is delighted at the revelation she carries his son.

Chapter 15: Fragile As Karena’s pregnancy progresses, Bjorn is careful with how he treats her. Erlendur claims Bjorn does not love her.

Chapter 16: King Is Crowned Karena is torn between her family and her husband; as tragedy looms closer, her faith will be tested.

Chapter 17: Ours Karena gives birth to her and Bjorn’s son, Erik. She finds comfort in her baby after the loss of her family.

Chapter 18: Harsh Winter Bjorn travels away to raid; Ylva’s brother-in-law visits Kattegat, with an obvious eye for Karena.

Chapter 19: Infidelity Karena and Bjorn clash over the issue of children; Karena seeks advice from Lagertha and Ylva after Bjorn makes a hurtful choice.

Chapter 20: Forgive My Sins Karena retaliates with spite, but regrets her actions; she receives comfort from an unlikely source.

Chapter 21: Reunions Karena and Erlendur reunite with no gladness; Bjorn repeats the mistakes of the past while his wife is again pregnant.

Chapter 22: Under Siege Karena forgives Bjorn and Torvi after the battle in Paris; she gives birth to a second son.

Chapter 23: Valhalla As Ragnar’s illness worsens, Erlendur attempts to force Karena to make a decision. Rollo experiences a great loss.

Chapter 24: Kneel Karena is angry at Bjorn and Ragnar’s deception; Aslaug has a disturbing vision about the Princess.

Empire of Blood

Chapter 1: Untitled Karena and Bjorn argue over Ragnar’s worsening condition; Karena gives birth to their first daughter. Harald Finehair arrives in Kattegat.

Chapter 2: Untitled Erlendur strikes intending to incite Bjorn’s rage; Karena vows vengeance against her older brother for his actions.

Chapter 3: Untitled The Vikings return to Paris with a new plan; Karena keeps a close eye on Erlendur.

Chapter 4: Untitled Karena and Lagertha bond after she loses her child.

Chapter 5: Untitled Erlendur closes in on his goal of killing Bjorn; Karena takes matters into her own hands.

Chapter 6: Untitled Several years have passed; Karena and Bjorn’s son Erik, now a teenager, is determined to accompany his father to the Mediterranean.

[pheita]

New Home New Troubles Part 14

This story has some heavy topics such as miscarriage, sudden infant death, oppression of various minorities, poltergeist-like spirits, and domestic violence.

Tagging @ashen-crest @adie-dee @abalonetea @cometworks @viskafrer @vivian-is-writing @kainablue @contes-de-rheio @writingamongther0ses

The morning came too early, too cold, and too dark, yet the gong sounded in the main hallway to wake everyone in the house. Lyran knew he had ordered it, so they could all have breakfast before they set out to get rid of this wretched manifestation. However, he regretted it to the bone right now. He would have preferred to just lie there, curled up under the blankets with Sojan. At that moment he noticed that Niat was missing. That was unusual. Grumbling, he opened his eyes a little. It was one of those moments when he was glad to be a half-demon, because otherwise he would not have been able to locate her in the little light of the dying candles. "Why are you up already?" he asked, still hoarse from sleep. Her laughter was the first answer. Niat sat back down on the bed and leaned a little toward him. "Because someone has spread out here like an army of orcs." "Sorry..." "That's all right. At least Sojan got some sleep." The disgruntled growl behind Lyran only confirmed that. Sojan only sounded like that when he had a good night's sleep or didn't feel like getting up. On the other hand, both were likely. Lyran turned and kissed Sojan on the nose. "Morning you bear." "Bears hibernate." "It's too late for that." "I know," Sojan replied sullenly. He stretched and dropped an arm on Lyran. Niat's giggle accompanied the moment as she stood up again. No one had to say she went to her room to get dressed. "I guess that means you're also up for settling in for a few days once this is all over," Lyran noted with growing enthusiasm. "Ari won't let us."

To his dismay, Lyran had to admit that might happen, but then he remembered that she was going to train Ylva, and a little hope sprang up. "If we're lucky, Ylva will accept her offer." Sojan's grumpy laugh irritated Lyran. "It won't be enough, but it's a start." "I know." Lyran took Sojan's arm and put it back on Sojan, so he could stand up, but Sojan immediately put his arm back over Lyran. "You have to answer me one thing first." "Which one?" This wasn't like Sojan's manner usually, which only made Lyran notice how he tensed up. "Why were you jealous of Ylva?" Lyran exhaled a long breath. "The way you looked at her." "The way I looked at her?" Sojan sat up. Astonishment was written all over his face. Lyran stood up and lit the new candles on each one. As soon as there was enough light in the room, he crawled back to Sojan under the covers. He knew Sojan was watching him, and it bought Lyran only a minute or less. "The way you looked at her...that's the only way you've ever looked at me." Sojan blinked a few times and inhaled as if to say something, but nothing came. "Sojan?" "I hadn't been aware of that." "What was that?" Cautiously, Lyran leaned toward Sojan. "You saw the embroidery." "Yes.... The typical Bes Arden patterns mixed with the family crest, if I saw it correctly." "It wasn't just a family crest." "What?" Lyran looked up at Sojan, who was looking thoughtfully at the ceiling. "You remember that demons don't know nobility and kings?" "What does that have to do with anything?" At what point Lyran began to lose the thread he didn't know, but he was clearly on it. "There are the elders instead. The first families of each clan. Each species of demon has a certain number of main clans, and below that, the family clans gather. In my case, Mahelgris is only the family clan. The main clan is Bashan'mahel." It began to rattle in Lyran's head. He knew the name for lust demons in the demon language was Ma'Bashan. So, if the main clan Sojan belonged to was called Bashan'mahel. "Wait, you belong to the main clan of lust demons? Your mother was serious then about you being nobility in human terms?" "Yes, mother was right about that," Sojan laughed off, "I didn't know you thought she was talking nonsense." "You never know," Lyran shrugged. Then the last stone fell into place. "Wait...." "Yeah?" Sojan was still laughing, which was only half helpful. "Are you saying that Ylva's family crest leads to one of the elders?" "It gets better," Sojan chuckled, clearly amused by how the conversation had turned out. "Better?" "Anpinev. Her clan is Anpinev." "Yeah, that's what she told me." With a furrowed brow and what felt like a million question marks in his head, Lyran waited for Sojan to break it all down. "The demonic name for memory demons is Ma'pinev." The world stopped spinning for Lyran for a moment. Eyes wide and mouth slightly open, he looked at Sojan, who was waiting for Lyran to show a reaction. "Ma'pinev..." repeated Lyran slowly, "Ylva is the daughter from one of the oldest families of memory demons..." "You've got it." "That explains her strength, then." Laughing, Lyran dropped into Sojan's arms. "Are you alright?" "Fuck... yeah, we're good. Fuck, now I understand the look on your face." "See," Sojan pressed a kiss to his forehead, "no need to be jealous." "It was just a moment!" Closing his eyes, Sojan sighed. "I know, but I wish you finally understand that you will have my heart forever, finjat." "Sometimes I am ...." "Insecure?" offered Sojan. "That fits. Unfortunately. But we should get up before Arritit comes barging in here." Sojan's eye roll and growl confirmed Lyran's suspicion that Arritit really would. Immediately, Lyran pressed a kiss to Sojan's cheek. "Will you forgive me again?" "There's nothing to forgive, and if there was, I ought to ask you to forgive me for confusing you so." "I think you have this night." Laughing, they both finally got up and got ready for the day. There was something of the preparation for a hunt in the way they handed each other clothes and helped dress that morning, and it was

only partly because they put on their gun belts as a precaution. The familiar weight of the short sword hung beside Lyran's side. A glance at Sojan showed him that he, too, felt safer with what they were about to do, even if their swords would do nothing. With serious expressions, they nodded to each other and left the bedroom for breakfast. They were prepared for whatever was to come.

[pheita]

New Home New Trouble Part 9

This story has some heavy topics such as miscarriage, sudden infant death, oppression of various minorities, poltergeist-like spirits, and domestic violence.

Tagging @ashen-crest @adie-dee @abalonetea @cometworks @viskafrer @vivian-is-writing @kainablue @contes-de-rheio @writingamongther0ses

While Arritit and Liriel investigated the matter in detail, Ylva and Mithelia had left again until they were needed. Thus, the house became a little quieter, given the unstoppable noise. Looking for some quiet and time to think, Lyran had hidden in the bedroom and was now lying on his back like a bug, staring at the ceiling. The knock on the door startled him. "Yes?" The door opened just a little and Arritit slipped in. The very fact that she was acting so secretive was a red flag. "Are you all right?" "What do you think?" He turned his head around to face her. With a worried look, she sat down next to him. "You don't look well. Your steward's tale has intensified something." "Reinforced is more like it," he sighed, pulling himself up so he was sitting as well. "How long has it been?" "I don't know. I think it's been building up." Arritit hummed with a nod. Carefully, she put an arm around his shoulder and looked at him seriously. "You know why you're so sensitive to it, don't you?" "I've had a fear ever since I got the idea yesterday that they're not evil spirits." "Sojan told me that you're the only one in the house who can sleep, albeit very fitfully." Lyran smirked a little. "Of course he worries, the great brooder." "You know how he is."

The slight laugh in her voice lightened the mood a little. "Do you really think it's related to both our families being so sensitive to the realm of souls?" "It's the most obvious explanation. I would prefer to have Simajen here. I don't trust the Yonsoul." Lyran's head went to the side. Questioningly, he looked at her. A serious expression was the reaction. He himself did not yet know what to make of Liriel. "The other woman, Ylva?" She frowned trying to remember the name. "Yes, Ylva is her name," Lyran confirmed. Slowly, things were getting more convoluted than he would have liked. "She's as strong as I am, without the involuntary amplifier from Father." "Fuck. And she wasn't trained by anyone." "Exactly that. I don't understand why they didn't look for another demon to take her in. She's got a hell of a way to go if she's going to get this under control." Lyran bit his lower lip. There was no way to tell if Ylva would even want to learn. "She's only half-demon. Memory demon as well, but she meant a different clan than my father." There was silence for a breath, and then Arritit laughed out. "She explained that right away?" Her reaction made Lyran laugh as well. "She did. As normal as she seemed earlier, she's apparently only when she can fight, or is pissed off. Both Sojan and Niat, as well as I, have managed to make her blush several times." Laughing, Arritit fell against him. "Fuck, that girl is gold. She probably doesn't have a particularly good record with relationships." "If she had any at all as one of the Free..." "This just gets better and better," Arritit snorted, "A half-demon in the Free. Fuck, I need a drink. I can't warp my head around this." "What's so funny here?" Sojan entered the bedroom with a question, but apparently he had caught the last part of their conversation, as he was smirking. Arritit beckoned him over. "Simply the point that Ylva is as sweet as she is dangerous." "So I'm not imagining it. Good to know." "Imagining what?" wondered Lyran. He had an idea, but he wanted to be sure. "I'm not sure if it's because of you, Niat, or me, but Ylva seems to have a soft spot for one of us." Still smirking, he came over. Arritit tried to get her laughter under control. "How cute, you guys have an admirer." Sojan just gave her a look and sat down on the other side of Lyran, kissing him on the cheek. "Are you starting to feel better?" "Thanks to Ari's involuntary encouragement." "I was glad to do that." Arritit gave him a quick squeeze, then grinned wickedly. "But speaking of cute and dangerous. What's the deal with the elf?" "I don't know what you mean," Sojan replied far too quickly, even for Lyran. "You really don't?" probed Arritit. She had leaned forward a little and looked at Sojan piercingly. "Absolutely not." The failed attempt to feign cluelessness caused Lyran to burst out laughing. "Even Lyran doesn't buy it. So? Sojan? Kvesmen? My dearest brother? You know I'll figure it out somehow." The way Arritit batted her eyelashes at that didn't help the fit of laughter, but Sojan's very flimsy attempt to play dumb crumbled instead. "I don't know what you think...", Sojan now deflected. "What I'm thinking?" repeated Arritit, chuckling, "I'm thinking you two are carrying on the nice acquaintance from the Spring Festival a few years earlier. I mean, be honest. You two sleep on both sides of the bed, are open, and as far as I know have always let each other share the bed. Or allowed the other to. So, am I right or am I right?" "You're expressing yourself formally?" laughed Sojan. "I thought I'd give it a try. You know, being a nobleman's sister-in-law and all." Lyran just shook his head. Slowly he managed to get the laughing fit under control. "And I was expecting you to be short and direct." Arritit shrugged his shoulders. "I might as well have asked if either of you was fucking Niat, since you're both into women, too, and I know that at the Spring Festival you spent the whole night together." "Ah, there's the Ari we know and love," Sojan commented, "But how do you know it was all night?" "I have

my sources." Her grin was enough for both Lyran and Sojan to stop asking. Before Arritit could claim an answer, there was another knock at the door. "Come in!" shouted Lyran, who had finally managed to pull himself together. Hedanro opened the door, stopped short, and then smirked. "I see Nisma Arritit has already found you." "She has. Thank you, Hedanro," Arritit confirmed with a smile. "I don't think this many people have been in the house since your mother's youth, Nismo." Hedanro's laugh made it clear that no one in Lyran's family had ever cared what something might look like to outsiders. "I remember some of my great-uncle's comments about that," he said. "Those were still the comments that were suitable for a boy's ears, too." Hedanro bowed slightly with a wink and left. "Am I the only one who's just trying to figure out what he meant by that?" asked Sojan in wonder. "I have a hunch." Lyran looked thoughtfully toward the library. "Did you?" probed Arritit. "In the library, in a hidden corner, there are some diaries. From my parents, from my great uncle, my grandmother and who knows who else. So far, I've only browsed through them and got stuck here and there. It seems we're carrying on a time-honored tradition here." "And which one?" laughed Sojan at the explanation. Lyran raised his hands and began counting off on them. "1. Only by public appearance the members of this family were monogamous. Apparently, the frequent mixing in of orc and demon blood ensured that family units were normal after their example." "Look at that," Arritit teased him. He just rolled his eyes, but Sojan's grin also told him that the siblings agreed for once. "Then 2. When there were no guests in the house, and as long as there were no small children, everyone ate together in the kitchen, no matter what their status." Sojan's nod said it explained a lot for him. "And not to forget: Third, the tendency to discuss family matters in the bedroom." Having reached that point, Lyran had to laugh. The others joined in. Arritit dropped her head on his shoulder. "Who would have thought our families would be so similar." "Ari!" The way Sojan became unexpectedly serious made Lyran curious. He shifted so that he was looking directly at Arritit. "Dearest jat'kvesmen..." Laughing, she waved it off. "All three are things that were common in our house, too. But when guests came, then we had a pompous feast. You had to show how we were well off, after all." "That doesn't really surprise me," Lyran shook his head in amusement, but then became serious again, "But you still haven't explained why you don't trust the Yonsoul." Arritit pinched her lips together in disapproval and took a deep breath. "She's apparently forgotten that demons have better hearing. I was within earshot of her talking to Ylva. She told the poor thing more or less directly that she wanted her to be there as a battery because she already suspected it would be difficult. She's taking advantage of Ylva if you ask me. I went after Ylva as she stomped off in a huff. It took me almost half an hour to calm her down and get her to at least consider my offer that I could show her how to use her magic." "Wonderful, more problems...", Sojan commented cynically. Lyran couldn't sum it up any better than that.