#and avad is part of that

[foibles-fables]

I have a question, and I’d love your insight as a fellow wlw who loves Horizon as much as I do!

Why do you think the writers made Avad fall for Aloy in the first place? Ignoring the arguably cringe convo at the start of HFW, did him dirty there after the end of HZD lol, but think about it, we know he’s a bit of a romantic yes, but why make him fall for Aloy at all if the intention wasn’t romance? In HFW there’s even the heart option where you give him hope almost. Do you think it was originally to give him conflict because of the whole Ersa thing, or something else?

I just can’t figure it out. Like, they could have had him be really grateful to Aloy for her assistance in HZD and left it at that so that Aloy has a powerful ally, but they purposefully put the romantic aspect in there and the subsequent rejection of it in HZD. I just hope it isn’t a running joke or something because his character is really interesting outside of the puppy love they keep focusing on. He does some awesome stuff and it’s a shame they’ve reduced him to a one dimensional character.

(And of course I’m removing all “ship” aspects from this discussion, I’m genuinely curious to what you think the writers approach is and I wish we could ask them cause I’m dying to know!)

Thanks for listening, hope you have a fab day <3

Oh, this is a fantastic question. I'm very much an Avad apologist--he's genuinely one of the most compelling and tragic side characters in the series--so I've definitely thought about this a lot myself. You're right that he could/should have more interesting contributions and I do hope that's the case in HZ3.

For their exchanges in HZD, I think the answer is manifold. For one, I think his proposition was intended as a character moment for Aloy--it leads to a moment in which the player can examine her in the context of romance/romantic gestures, perhaps for the first time. Just as Aloy might not have been thinking about it until that point in the game, the player might not have, either. So another facet that considers her contrasting context with her companions, and an opportunity for the player to choose how to express her emotionality surrounding it.

But I also do want to point out that so many of the ally side quests in HZD (Varl/the Nora, Erend, Talanah, Namman, Elida, Nakoa, I can go on) center around the idea of grief and all of the forms it can take. Avad is no different! I think it's compelling to examine his proposition to Aloy through this lens. Especially considering the way he apologizes sincerely for his blunder before the final battle, no matter which option you chose at the flashpoint. So I do think it was deliberate, and not to be treated as a joke!

As far as Proposition 2: Sunshine Boogaloo in HFW...sad to say, but Avad suffered from the same writing issues as the other returning companions. This is especially magnified by the fact that his appearance in the story was so small. I'll forever be salty that his character was reduced to "hey, remember when this guy hit on Aloy?" and also "let's reintroduce the flashpoint mechanic" and "hey players: there's not gonna be romance yet" in early-game. He deserved better.

In the scope of new material, it's definitely interesting that choosing heart is always a "not yet" re: Aloy's character. Certainly something to consider as we move forward to the next game 🤡🤡🤡

[han-ban-bam]

Part 2 or our multi part angst journey 🎉 the aftermath. part 1 is here so you can see how we ended up like this

music;

the world and all its lessons (part 2) - HZD

[artekai]

yeehaw

[problemcore]

sunny doodles! when sasha moves into the city opens his restaurant, she becomes a regular there, even if she's too shy to actually talk to sasha. eventually she gets out of her shell and sasha gets. attached so fast to her. she's never seen a magick before! she never even knew they're real! thats sooo coolllll. show me cool tricks magick boy!!!

[flamingpudding]

How to human

Nightwing was sure he was being watched. He had been in the hero business long enough to recognize that feeling. The little irk, whisper in the back of your mind and the little hairs standing up. He was being watched. A part of him felt honored. He had gotten a little stalker like Tim had been to Bruce once. So, on some days, he made sure to do some extra flips and air acrobatics. No, he wasn't showing off to watchfull eyes, shut up little wing. But whenever he turned to the direction he felt eyes on him, he found nothing. He was worried that he was getting as paranoid as Bruce, but at the same time, he swore that someone had started watching him during his patrols, especially whenever he was in Gotham.

Red Hood grew more and more frustrated as the days passed. This wasn't his first time dealing with little stalker but usually, the street kids of crime alley knew when and when not to follow him around. The kid that was currently following him? The little shit was reckless af. Red Hood going to bust a drug deal? He felt that freaking kids eyes on him. Getting into a fight that ends with a shot out? That little shit was still there watching instead of leaving. But the kid was good, Hood had to admit that. Whenever he turned to scowl the little shit, they were gone. They avoided him the moment he puts his attention on them. But just the kid wait, he will get them one of these days. He was not having as much fun as his brother with his little stalker.

Spoiler preened at the attention she was getting. She had a little stalker! Not Red, not Orphan, not Signal, not Robin but her! She had a stalker of her own. Like Nightwing and Red Hood! There was a little kid interested in her and following her around during patrols. She probably shouldn't, but she did end up teasing the other about it. It most likely wasn't good either, considering all the things that could happen during their patrols. But aside from that it was an interesting feeling to have a little shadow that somehow can avade you. Just like Nightwing and Red Hood whenever she turned around or tried to actively look for her little stalker there was no one. But she knew the kid was there. Compared to the idiot boys Spoiler had gotten some cookies from Agent A to lure out her little shadow. Saddly the kid had been a no show but they did take the cookies when she had looked away for a moment. And a giggle told her that they liked them. She was at least making process in getting to k ow her stalker.

Danny, Dan and Ellie, after decades of having lived among ghosts in the ghost zone when realizing they didn't age like their human family, ended up spit back out to the mortal realm. (Clockwork had gotten fessed up with the Phantom trio and decided HE needed a vacation from them and Frostbite mentioned sending them to the morals would be good for their halfa health. So the decision was made pretty quickly, let the humans deal withvthe ghost kids for a while. He will force the trenchcoat magican, that liked to poke around too much, to check up on them sometimes.) The problem was, they kind of forgot how to be human. So what did they do? Follow around the one human that caught their attention and learn how to human again from them. To bad that the humans that caught their attention happened to be vigilantes and they only ever seemed to be the most interesting when they dress up at night.

[nerd-artist]

Horizon Rock Bands AU: Rock Breakers

The second (and maybe last?) band of the AU that’s been leaving no place for any other thoughts in my mind. Jem and the Holograms inspired. Ereloy implied 🧡✨

The band

The original leader of the group was Ersa, who started forming Rock Breakers with her brother Erend. However, after a tragedy left her unable to continue being part of the band, the Vanguard siblings decided that Erend should carry on with the group's formation. After what had happened, their mission was more critical than ever: to bring down Nemesis, its members, and their unfair musical dominance.

Avad, a wealthy representative with whom Ersa had a very close relationship, helped Erend in the search for other members who shared their common goal. That's how Varl, Kotallo, Drakka, and Nil joined the band, shaping the unique and diverse style that Rock Breakers is known for. Their blend of romantic and heavy sound has earned them a loyal fanbase, though, thanks to Nemesis' schemes, they've never managed to win The Proving. During the competition, they met Alpha Prime and came to the conclusion that both bands needed to support each other to defeat the evil group. Ersa became Alpha Prime's manager, ensuring that no one—not even they—would get in her little brother's way.

With Avad as their manager, Rock Breakers dominates their tour, which also serves as training for the competition. They don't have the help of any magical computers to make their shows unforgettable, but they pull it off with their creative use of fire and fireworks.

Character bios under the cut

Erend

A deep voice and deep feelings—no wonder Erend is the lead singer and main songwriter of Rock Breakers. He always performs accompanied by his guitar ‘Hammer’, though it’s rarely the same one at each show, as he gets so excited in playing ‘Weird Space Ball’ that he ends up smashing it against the stage. He started competing in music contests for the love of music, but a tragedy changed his purpose: his sister Ersa, with whom he was originally going to form the band, went deaf because of their former boss, Dervahl, who is now a member of the antagonist band Nemesis. Since then, he has devoted himself entirely to destroying that band, just as he smashes his guitars.

With this common goal, it’s no surprise that he’s gotten along well with Alpha Prime since meeting them, though that encounter didn’t just gain him allies—it also changed his heart forever, as he fell head over heels for Aloy the moment he saw her. Since then, nearly all his lyrics have been about her, though Aloy seems to be the only one who hasn’t noticed. He doesn’t hold out much hope that someone as capable and beautiful as her would be interested in him, even though the two minutes she promised him keep becoming longer and longer.

Varl

Varl met Erend at a comic con, and they instantly became friends. Coming from a strict upbringing where music had no place, he learned to play his bass, ‘Seeker,‘ in just a week, solely to join the band and experience the freedom of performing on stage. He’s always ready to carry out any plan that helps defeat Nemesis, even those that require sacrificing his own interests and beliefs. He fell for Zo, a member of Alpha Prime, the moment he met her, and unlike his friend, he did something about it—they´ve been together since, and they´re not subtle about it.

Kotallo

The unstoppable rhythm of his drum set, ‘Bulwark,‘ is unmistakable. Kotallo has been playing it his entire life, and not even the sudden loss of an arm has slowed him down—he continues to captivate the crowd with every beat. He was once a member of the band "The Ten," where he played alongside Regalla, until she defected to join Nemesis after getting Kotallo involved in a street fight that ultimately cost him his arm. Kotallo joined Rock Breakers to get a shot at revenge against his former bandmate and to prove that no matter how she tries to weaken him, he’ll always be a better musician and more honorable than her.

Drakka

He comes from barren lands, though that doesn’t reflect his character at all. Playful and cheeky, his personality shines through in his backing vocals and in the way he plays his ‘Yarra.‘ Every key he presses makes the crowd roar louder, and it ensures he’s never alone after a concert. But his purpose is more serious than it seems: to destroy the reputation of the companies owned by Nemesis members so they stop diverting water from his town for their own gain. Who says you can’t have fun while pursuing the greater good?

Nil

Little is known about his past, but it’s rumored that Nil is searching for redemption. His background is so enigmatic that even the other band members don’t quite remember how or when he became part of the group. Always mysterious, he used to cover his face during performances until he revealed it at the last concert, flashing that intense, mischievous gaze that drove the crowd wild. He found the perfect "Partner" in his guitar, which makes him stand out on stage with its unmistakable sound and with which he always puts on a good show.

Thank you for reading!!

If you want to know more about Alpha Prime, check this post.

Should I make one of these for Nemesis?

[horizonzerodawnaesthetic]

I noticed this fancy Carja soldier at the spire, a part of Avad's procession. The Carja may use wing symbolism more than we realize. He was the only one dressed this way.

[rotzaprachim]

there’s nothing wrong with German per se - it’s a lovely language and I find the dialects fascinating - but boy does watching and listening to German language content give me, a Yiddish learner, the most incredible uncanny valley sensation. I don’t think the actual grammatical particles Yiddish takes from Semitic and Slavic language are given enough credit - davke and khotsch and avade give so much to the language, are so much a part of spoken pragmatics and syntax

[the-horizon-lounge3041]

The Harpy and The Hawk

Chapter 11

The Wedding

It was sunset, nighttime was about to cover the sky, Carja, Oseram, Nora, and Harpies all gathered at the spire to attend Aloy and Talanah’s wedding. “ You look nervous Talavad” Marad chuckled. “ Nervous?….about what?!” He laughed back. “ Oh my little hatchling is getting married…*sniff*” Lis sniffed, “ It’s okay Lis, just breathe” Gaia said as she handed her tissues. A glass cling was heard, the wedding was about to start.

Beta walked ahead, throwing flowers and feathers on the aisle. Talanah beamed at the little one and admiring how cute she is as a flower girl. She looked up and saw her love.

Aloy had a white dress and a white flower in her hair, she began to walk down the aisle, making her way to the altar. When the got there, it was silent, the Sun King cleared his throat and then spoke.

“ Friends, Family, Citizens, and Harpies. We are gathered here today to celebrate the end of our war with the winged woman. And we are also here to celebrate Sunhawk Talanah Khane Padish and Aloy Sobeck’s marriage” he spoke. “ Talanah? Do you take Aloy Sobeck to be your mate?” He asked. “ I do” Talanah said.

“ And Aloy, do you take Talanah Khane Padish to be your mate?” He asked. Aloy teared up and spoke “I do” Aloy uttered.

“ I may now pronounce you, Hawk and Harpy” The Sun King said.

Aloy spread her wings and kissed Talanah, the crowd clapped and Lis was doing her best to not uncontrollably cry her eyes out. Beta hugged Lis and Gaia hugged the two. Talavad hugged Avad, Varl and Erend cheered…and Varl saw a beautiful Harpy with tree green wings, “ Oooooooo looks like there’s another wedding coming” Erend teased Varl. “ OH…You…Shut up!” Varl said blushing as he playfully shoved Erend. Aloy and Talanah nuzzled their foreheads together and Aloy took off into the sky with Talanah to have another romantic flight.

“ This is Meridian, it’s considered a great city with the best food, ruler, spices, the best part about it, is it is peaceful. Now that the war between the Harpies is over, we can now live in peace. Now the only pests we have are rats….great!”

The End

Well, that was the Harpy and the Hawk, hope you enjoyed!

[shesjustanothergeek]

His Love

|Aegon II Targaryen x Fem!Reader|

Part Seventeen

Masterlist of Series

Summary: Being a bastard born in the slums of Flea Bottom was all you were known for. Not the streak of white you had in your dark hair, the violet ring around your pupils, or how your sharp tongue and skills with the blade resembled your father, Daemon Targaryen. You were just a bastard, nothing more, but to him, to Aegon Targaryen, you were everything. You were his love.

Author's Note: Okay… so I lied again. The feast isn't going to be this chapter, either. It's going to be a chapter in and of itself. It will be the next one, though. I promise! Also, as I was writing this, I was like, "Viserys is technically her uncle, but Rhaenyra is her adopted mother, so, like, he's technically her uncle-grandpa." Have to love that Targaryen family tree/circle. Thank you for reading and being kind about the lack of drama!

Chapter Warnings: Covert manipulation

"How you fell in love with your reflection in the water, I will never know How you could mistreat such a wife and a daughter, I will never know You leaned so close  The water touched your nose The greed in your eyes, they could see it from below The ones who came before Who waded from the shore And plunged into the cold and murky world And seen no more." - Narcissus, Paris Paloma

The hands of sleep had barely wrapped their claws around you as the morning songs of Goldenfinches and Blackbirds traveled through the air, their chirps sounding like a conversation between two beings, a conversation in which you did not want to hear with such little rest.

As your maids entered through the large oak doors of the guest chamber, you groaned in annoyance, snatching the extra feather pillow on your bed and smothering it over your ears. You wanted to escape the endless windstorm in your mind-- to evade all thoughts of duties, responsibilities, and memories that plagued you throughout all hours of the night and forbade you from the sweet embrace of rest.

"Sleep avade you, my Lady?" Fiora inquired, seaming to glide through the air to open your forest green curtains.

You grumbled, flopping onto your stomach as you pressed the soft cushion harder.

"I've gathered you're not the morning bird, your Grace, but must we do this everyday?" Jeyne asked, already at her wits end with your childish antics.

"Leave me here to rot," you whined, voice muffled by the thick fabric. There was silence in the rude morning ritual, and you gradually let the tiredness pull you back under.

Jeyne tsked as only a mother would when you refused to move, ripping the blankets off your toasted body with a gust of cold air. Reflexively, your legs recoiled, shrieking at the loss of your comforting sheets as you shouted in protest.

"I could have your hand for that!" Your voice was monotone as you flipped over, removing the pillow and flinging it toward her. "I could make sure none of you worked another day here for the rest of your life."

Fiora only giggled, knowing you were not serious, as Jeyne scolded you with her fists on her waist. Although Dyana appeared somewhat scared, tossing the eldest maid an uneasy glance as she busied herself with gathering the supplies and implements to ready you for the day, a slight tremble in her hands.

"I only jest, Dyana. You must realize I would never do such a thing to you all," you told her, sitting upright in bed as you stretched your upper body. "Besides, no one would take my word seriously. I am but a humble bastard, trying to make her way in a world of uptight cunts that would keel over if they saw a woman in trousers."

Jeyne scoffed at the vulgarity of your words but had a hint of a grin on her lips as Fiora chuckled. The littlest servant even cracked a smile too.

Your bare feet padded across the luxurious rugs on the floor, each one a different obnoxious weave of green and gold. If one did not know any better, one would believe this to be the house of the Hightowers, not the Targaryens. The thought left a sour taste in your mouth as you reached for the steaming cup of morning tea the three girls always brought you to wash it down.

Many things would have to change around here, you contemplated. First, you needed to figure out which problem to address.

The foremost thing that appeared on your mental list as you sat at the polished vanity where Dyana was standing was the problem at the Stepstones. Poor Lord Corlys was fighting a war in which the people of King's Landing were not concerned. The group of islands seemed so far away to the average snotty nobleman only because they did not realize the significance of the consequences that would happen if the Sea Snake lost to the Triarchy. It wasn't just a battle against greedy slavers but a war for protection and control of the Narrow Sea. The added Dornish forces made victory seem far.

If Corlys, a Lord under the Seven Kingdoms, lost control of the Sea, it would not only be a shameful defeat for the Master of Driftmark but destitution for all the trade that went through there. What would stop the Triarchy from taking control of all the ports on the eastern side of Essos? Imposing outrageous taxes onto ships that pass through with essential goods.

The Lords of the Small Council would only listen about the importance of the Stepstones if it came from a high-ranking man. And what better of a man could a king possibly be? So, that was precisely what you planned to do before the evening feast. Your Grandsire was going to get off his feeble, impassive arse and finally be the king he was supposed to be, for there was no other way to secure the safe future of the Narrow Sea.

Dyana had finished dressing you for the day in a plain and straightforward gown, indeed, nothing to swoon over. You believed Queen Alicent would've approved the shift if she saw it herself.

The body was made of a deep red fabric, replicating the dark viscous of blood freshly cut from a vein. The sleeves were a deep onyx as they billowed out from your wrists, creating a wave of darkness every time you moved your arms. There were silver accents on the trim of the square collar, the same style matching the makeshift armbands and belt sewn around those areas. You decided to pair it with the necklace and earrings Daemon had gifted you in your first encounter, the memory of it bringing a wistful smile.

There was no reason to spectacle your outfit to the King. He was a kind, older man who loved his kin deeply, wanting each House Targaryen member to be united. You were unsure if Viserys realized how much each faction of his family despised one another. The reasoning behind it was something you could never get your head around.

At first, you guessed it had something to do with your mother so blatantly birthing bastards and having her husband welcome another. Still, as time passed and you gathered small fragments of the broken relationship between the two sides, it seemed to have been more—something that was planted long before the birth of you and your adopted siblings.

You heard in passing that Rhaenyra and Alicent had once been the closest of friends. Seeing how much enmity was tossed toward your mother with courtly matters, you couldn't imagine something like that now.

As your three servants applied the finishing touches in making you presentable, admiring the updo they created, Fiora glanced at Jeyne. Her eyes were wide with panic, and she quickly whispered something to the older woman before she looked back at you. You frowned, trying to follow where their line of vision was as you shifted uncomfortably on the cushioned stool, beginning to chew your lip. An old habit you tried desperately to get rid of.

"What?" you questioned offensively, gesturing with your head to get them to speak.

"We do not like this style on you," Jeyne said, trotting over to undo their work.

You avoided her touch, turning your body to face her. "Why? It is an excellent one. I think it shapes my face wonderfully. You would not be able to see my earrings as openly as you can now if you changed it."

She ignored your protests, gripping the sides of your face and turning your head back around so she could mess up their work. "Truly, you women are unbelievable! Manhandling me in such a way you wouldn't believe that I am a princess."

"You would know all about manhandling, wouldn't you Lady Targaryen?" Jeyne chided, yanking the pins out of your hair as the heavy black tresses fell down your back.

"However do you mean?" you asked with growing annoyance. You clenched your jaw, hoping it would keep your notoriously harsh tongue at bay.

"What made you so tired this morning, your Grace? You can confide in your ladies. We're here to serve you. Your secrets are our secrets," she said.

You looked at Jeyne's concentrated reflection in the vanity mirror, squinting your eyes suspiciously at her. "If you must know, I was training in the yard last night, as I always do, and was up relatively late because of it."

That wasn't entirely a lie. You were awake during the hour of ghosts, honing your skills with the blade and many other things. It just wasn't the whole truth.

"Ah, so that is how you got that litter of bruises along your neck?" Jeyne answered facetiously, nodding in confirmation.

Your blood ran cold as you swallowed thickly. Aegon had left his marks on your skin, branded you in his drunken haze of self-pity and assault. You turned your head in the mirror, trying to see what the servant was talking about, and sure enough, there were splotches of green and yellow circles around your neck as if a squid had wrapped its tentacles around your throat.

Fury ignited in your chest like a blast furnace, heating the icy shame and turning it into anger. You clenched your fists, gritting your teeth as you followed the exact trail of discoloration that matched the one Aegon took down to your collarbones.

You felt violated.

Dirty. Used.

Like an old rag, the servants of the Red Keep would have to scrub the pale red stone floors. You wanted to rip the skin off your muscles and cut out every tainted bit of flesh on your body. How could you have let him do this to you? How could you have been so weak? Tears of contrite welled in your eyes. Daemon would be so ashamed if he knew what happened. Years of his blood and sweat were all wasted on a feeble little peasant girl from Flea Bottom.

You could have fought back and quickly overpowered him. You were much more robust than Aegon and quicker, but you didn't use that to your advantage. You just laid there on the packed earth of the training yard, letting him brand you with the marks of a whore. And the worst part was that there was no purpose to it. There was no overarching goal in your submission. You didn't let him defile you for the greater good, for your country or your mother, but simply because of nothing.

You hated Aegon for what he did, and most predominately, you hated yourself because what happened held no meaning. And if your actions had no intention, what did that imply about you? It was not something you were willing to think about, steeling yourself as you plastered on a rehearsed bashful smile.

"Dear Jeyne, you know a lady never tells," you answered coyly, pretending to shy away from her question, "but if you must know... a certain Kraken has taken great interest in me, and who am I to deny such a mystical being of their affections."

The three girls giggled. Dyana blushed as she slipped your shoes on, and Fiora excitedly hopped. Jeyne believed you, slightly grinning as she put your hair in a braided half-up, half-down style, ensuring your neck was completely covered.

***

The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was posted to the entrance for Viserys bed chambers, his polished silver helmet reflecting the early afternoon sun from the tall paned windows. He stood straight as if a steel rod was in place of his spine rather than bones, his palm resting over the hilt of his elegant sword.

The Commander's gaze didn't meet yours until you called out his name, jogging slightly down the hall with a grin on your lips, the sleeves of your dress flowing like a midnight waterfall at your sides.

"Ser Harrold Westerling," you chirped, happy to see a sweet face amongst the ocean of sour ones.

You still recalled the pleasant interactions from the past, remembering the respect he extended to you, understanding the vulnerable position you were in by being plucked from the slums of King's Landing and placed in a royal palace.

"Princess," he greeted with a tilted head. "What brings you to these parts of the Keep?"

You took no offense to his inquiry. Ser Harrold was kind and honorable, loyal to the King and his wishes until his dying breath. Even when Viserys passed, you were confident he would still follow his will. Thrown into a den of vipers, he would be there with the rake coming from above to cut off the serpents' heads.

"I come seeking an audience with my Grandsire," you said, smiling as you stopped before him.

"His Grace is currently receiving one of his treatments with Grand Maester Mellos. It won't take long," Ser Harrold said, standing proud and formal.

You cocked your head at him, frowning for a brief moment. "I had heard that the King was in good health."

Though your words were ordinary and unsuspecting to anyone else, they held an intent only you and Ser Westerling could decipher. "The Hand and Maester Mellos assured me his Grace was on the mend. I have faith that their treatments must be the cause of his returning health."

Ser Westerling gave you a sidelong glance, the whites of his eyes becoming more apparent underneath his shining helmet. "Of course, Princess," he responded plainly, with no hint of his personal beliefs within his answer.

He was sometimes challenging to read, which was a good trait to have in a place where even the walls had eyes. It had been a skill he acquired over the countless years of devoted service to the King, standing proud and impartial in the background of many world-defining events.

You suppose there was only one thing to do as you hummed at the Lord Commander, taking place on the wall across from him, clasping your hands behind you. You rested your upper body against the excellent stone, your back creating a rather unladylike arch that would have your mother backhanding you in the stomach. Punishments from Rhaenyra were not something you often took seriously, laughing as she would scold you on your manners. It was a relief that she was not here now to do it in front of someone you admired.

It felt like an eternity until the nearly dead Maester and his assistant Orwyle left the King's chambers. You didn't want to be left with your thoughts for long, anxious about where they could lead you. A man stranded in the woods alone, convinced he would starve when he had a pouch full of food in his belly, would cease from what he feared. The mind was a powerful tool over the body; it could deceive oneself into wanting something you did not.

Maester Mellos was startled to find you waiting outside, his limbs locking and almost doubling over like the terrified goats you had seen in the villages of Dragonstone. You had to purse your lips to halt your laughter, Ser Harold and Orwyle rushing to the old man's aid.

"Princess," he heaved, trying to catch his breath, "you gave me a fright."

A tight-lipped smile was all you did, apologizing as you pushed yourself off the wall, the smell of a sickening musk wafting from Viserys' room. "I trust the King is in good health?" you asked with a raised brow, sauntering over to straighten his pious robes. "From the last time we spoke with the Small Council, you said his treatments were going well, yes?"

The man nodded passively, trying to regain his composure from your accidental scare.

"His treatments are going well," Maester Orwyle spoke or him, averting your attention from Mellos. "He has been on a steady schedule of bloodletting and leeches interchangeably throughout the day, depending on his needs, and Milk of the Poppy to ease his pains."

You nodded in response, your expression pensive but not revealing your opinions.

"My most tremendous thanks to you both," you placed your hands on each of the men's shoulders, "for taking such great care of my Grandsire. I believe he will be attending court soon if the Seven allows."

They bowed, apprehensive in their tense posture as you released them and went on their way. Your polite expression dropped as soon as they left, passing an unconvinced look to Ser Harold as he followed you in, shutting the grand doors with a thud.

You had only been inside Viserys' bed chamber once when you were here the first time in King's landing. He had shown you his miniature scale model of Old Valyria, still well taken care of and progressing despite his advancing ailments at the time, but now, covered in a thin white sheet of linen and dust, it looked forgotten. A mirror of his current predicament, reclining in a soft cushion armchair, a heavy blanket over his lap as he warmed himself by the fire.

His hand looked frail as he held his aching head, the skin blanched and loosely stretched over his bones. Viserys' once luscious silver-blonde hair was now only left with thin patches randomly growing on his scalp. There was a sore the size of a small grape on his right cheek, red and oozing with clear yellow fluid, eating away at the flesh. It would be a ghastly sight to most, but you only felt sorrow. He was such a powerful and good-natured ruler who dwindled into nothing but a husk of the man he once was.

Anger cracked your heart as King Viserys' loose sleeve lowered, revealing a school of pink circles on his forearm up to where his clothes covered him. This was the two Maester's fault. In their pursuit of a cure for whatever sickness your Grandsire had, they had made him weaker, drained him of all life and the ability to live it.

"Your Grace," Ser Harrold altered the Protector of The Realms.

His tired eyes drifted toward the Lord Commander's voice, his once bright purple eyes now sunken in with dark circles. Your neutral expression with the Maesters was a distant memory, a frustrated, almost disgusted rage replacing it. It felt wrong to view Viserys as he was. A once soft, peaceful, and gentle person was now reduced to a weak, feeble, and poorly thing, his crown nowhere to be seen.

"The young lady Targaryen is here to visit," Ser Harold said. You noticed how the King lit up at his words, rasping a faint question.

"Rhaenyra?"

You felt your soul crack, a tear threatening to fall. After all these years, he only desired his firstborn daughter, the product of his love with his first wife, heir to the Iron Throne. It was as joyful as it was sad.

"No, my King, 'tis I, your brother's firstborn." You stepped into his line of sight, black hair casting an otherworldly glow from the open window behind you.

He said your name in what you assumed was a pleasant surprise, gaunt face still happy at your unexpected visit. "My dear Niece, what do I owe the honor of your presence?" The King gasped, struggling to move himself into an upright position.

"Ha! Not many people have ever said my presence is an honor. You are to kind to me my King," you chuckled, finding a spare armchair and dragging it closer to him.

"Isn't it always an honor to be in the same room as a beautiful maiden?"

You released a loud laugh, too boisterous to be considered proper, as Viserys cracked a gaped-tooth smile, hiding the slight blush with the dip of your head. Even Ser Westerling gave a hint of a smile before bowing out and leaving you in silence.

You had seen an illness like this before as you settled. Many people around the forbidden parts of Flea Bottom all assembled in a group Ma coined the "Lepers."

In a small sector of Flea Bottom, a house resided people with a sickness similar to the symptoms that Viserys showed. She told you their disease was brought upon them as punishment for their sins. One of the many symptoms was they could not speak, for they had taken the Seven's name in vain too many times, loss of vision, for they had paid no heed to the divine light that was them, and their flesh rotting from the inside out from the guilt and regret of their actions and not seeking forgiveness.

You didn't believe anything she said as a young girl until you heard the bells the lepers wore, their version of alms to the Gods. Later in life, you realized the bells they wore was just a way for them to tell other that they were sick and to stay away, but it did not keep you from doubting...

What had Viserys done that angered the Gods so? He could still speak, albeit very strained. He still had his sight, for he had not witnessed an act of heresy. He did suffer the loss of a limb and the degeneration of his flesh from the inside out. What had eaten him so?

Your eyes had drifted to the fire in thought, contemplating over your following words with the gnawing of your lower lip.

"Where has the time gone?" You spoke first, breaking Viserys from his drifting conscience. "It seems like yesterday I was stolen from the slums of King's Landing and thrown into gowns that would cost a life of wages for me." You took a breath, sitting back in the plush velvet red chair. "A fair trade, I suppose. A life of comfort and luxury for the death of those close to me." You choose what you said carefully with the memory that the King had a notoriously big heart and a soft spot for young girls.

"I had no knowledge of what happened until the deed was done. Had I, they would have been shown mercy," Viserys panted, the strain of speaking so much in such a short period catching up to him.

You didn't doubt it. Lyra and Sara would most likely have been sent to the black cells and whipped for their crimes against the royal family, but they would still be alive. You could still see your Aunt's cerulean blue eyes crinkling in the corners from age as she laughed. Sara could be with Madam, not necessarily whoring but working a steady job. Any future would be better than none.

"I believe that, your Grace. You have always been so kind and good-natured to those around you—a good king from the beginning of his reign till the end of it." You turned to look at him, studying his hunched and nearly asphyxiated silhouette. "I feel your next decision to my words will either set that in stone or have it overshadowed by a cloud of inactive cowardess."

Viserys turned his head away from the warmth of the fire, his expression worn and tired, so, so tired, refusing to reply.

You swallowed the lump that formed in your throat, the clicking sensation loud within your ears as you began to speak.

"You know there has been a war in the Stepstones for years. While you did initially approve of the Triarchy gaining control of the Islands and the ports, only having to pay a small sum in return for the use of them, they have become greedy. They are raising their taxes to astronomical proportions and barring ships from transporting goods into Westeros."

You leaned forward in your seat, moving to the edge of it as you stared under your lashes at him. "Tis your duty as Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms to ensure your people's safety and good health. Your continued inaction regarding the Stepstones and Lord Corlys is disheartening."

Glancing down at your hands, you chewed your lip, thinking over your following words. They were to be firm and a good push for Viserys to act, but they could not be disrespectful. "The Lord of Driftmark beseeches you. I implore you to send aid to his dying men. Princess Rhaenys has already lost so much." You gazed wistfully into the fire, a deep sadness in your tone. "A son to a lovers quarl. A daughter to the birthing bed like your first Lady Wife. You know the pain that comes with losing someone so dear. Do not make your cousin share that same burden."

The King's sunken eyes moved away from you, his breath coming out in shudders. You could not fathom what was going on inside his mind, though you could assume it was the same as yours when you thought over Aegon's actions for too long.

"What... do you... suppose... I do, then?" He questioned in staccato-like sounds, as if he had just come from running down a hall of the Red Keep and back.

"I have a plan." You tested the words on your tongue, attempting to gauge his reaction from the obscured view. "We are to send aid in the form of supplies to the Stepstones, not warriors. Anything they might need from weaponry, food, clothing, to even healing salves with Dragonstone's personal ship fleet. 'Tis not my intent to implicate the Crown so as not to upset our Dornish neighbors." Your fingers squeezed your other hand in a vice-like grip, channeling your nervousness into something physical.

"But the men of the Small Council will not listen to me. They do not see me as what your law says. They believe I am an object on their path meant to be passed by without a second glance." Standing from the cushioned chair, you walked to Viserys, taking his cold, boney hand in your warm, plump ones as you kneeled before him.

"If you truly are the king I always believed you were, you must come to the next Council meeting, declare your niece's voice to be heard, and end the war in the Stonestones without shedding any Westrosi blood."

Viserys parted his dry mouth, smacking his gums together as if he was going to speak, but was interrupted by a swift bout of pain, clutching his cheek in his withered palm. You were unsure what to do, the sudden cry of agony spiking your heart rate as you looked frantically in his chambers for something to aid him. A tiny teacup sat on his bedside table, lukewarm and half-drunk. You rushed it over to him, gently tilting the porcelain cup to his cracked lips until the pain subsided.

He released a breath, the strong scent of something botanical and bitter coming from his mouth. The smell gave you a sudden sense of nostalgia, furrowing your brows in a confused concentration as you tried to recall the name of it, only to have it evade you as Ser Harold came through the door.

"All is well, Lord Commander," you answered his unspoken question, rising from your squatted position. "His wound ails him greatly. Have the Maester's treated it with anything to your knowledge?"

Ser Harrold shook his armored head as you let out a disapproved hum, setting the cup of tea beside his chair leg. You gave your Grandsire and Uncle one last look, making sure he did not need further attention as you kissed his marred cheek, resting there for a moment longer as you squeezed his hand, assuring him and you of something you could not discern. 

Masterlist of Series

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I started writing for the feast in this chapter but got barely a quarter of the way through and realized I already had 10k words, so I was like, hold up, this is way too long. Some people like longer chapters like that, but I do not. I prefer things I can read in one sitting, and something over 7k is typically the limit for most. After that, it's just waaaaay too long and bad for your eye health too. (don't laugh) I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter nevertheless, and thank you so much for your support!

Tagged Peeps: @zeennnnnnn, @malfoytargaryen, @targaryencore, @justasmallbean, @alexandra-001, @omgsuperstarg, @sommornyte, @silverslive, @unclecrunkle, @prettykinkysoul, @duesobabe, @djlexi, @ynbutbetter, @honestlykat, @graykageyama, @legolas017, @iiamthehybrid, @brezzybfan, @dd122004dd, @ladybug0095, @millies0bsimp, @kalfild, @sheislonelyalways, @tempt-ress, @bellameshipper, @minttea07, @trikigirl271, @esposadomd, @buckylahey, @justarandomflowerchildofthenight, @partypoison00, @please-buckme, @pastelorangeskies, @joliettes, @existential-echo, @priyajoyy, @valaenatargaryensdragon, @merovingianprincess, @rachelnicolee, @candy12110, @w3ird11, @ruhjkie, @somemydayy, @ariana-dumbledore8, @marikkjj, @zillahvathek, @sunfyresrider, @sunny-boy-06, @heavenly1927, @prettylittlelady

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 31 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

Document.Letter.odt

Created: 23 days ago

Edited: 87 times

Last edited: 5 minutes ago

To Mother

To War-Chief Sona

To Mother [stick with the more personal tone]

I found The Anointed Aloy [she knows Aloy doesn't like being called that] deep in the Forbidden West. She believes that the secret to stopping the Red Blight, and perhaps even ending the Derangement, is here. We have settled into an Old Ones base [even with our Seeker blessings, that will make her uncomfortable] a permanent camp in the mountains. It is safe here. We have numerous allies, including Erend, the Oseram Vanguard. Sun-King Avad has implied his support. [that's confusing, and she wouldn't care anyway]

You're going to be a grandmother! [too light]

I met a girl. [too flippant]

One of those allies is an Utaru woman named Zo, who defied her leaders to fight the Red Raids. [don't bring up defying elders] She is intelligent and compassionate. [mother won't care] I am going to bring her back to the Embrace eventually. I think you'll like her.

[should this be part of the previous part?] There is also a Tenakth soldier named Kotallo who seems interested in our tales of battle against the Carja, and a woman from a new tribe, from across the sea [too confusing] and a lorekeeper named Alva from a distant tribe. Alva is very interested in our stories and customs, but is careful to ask me how to ask for permission to enter our holy sites [sounds bad] and I'm sure she will have much to speak to the Matriarchs about.

These new enemies we're facing, mother, these Zeniths... it's hard to describe them. They are immortal [she won't believe it] They bear the sins of the Old Ones [too fanciful] They have new machines that obey their commands, worse than the Eclipse cultists and their dark corruptors. Sometimes I'm not sure how we are surviving against one or two at a time, and they have hundreds. Aloy is a terror in combat. We have a plan, but it's all so beyond me. I'm not sure it will actually work. Not because I doubt Aloy or the others, just because it relies so much on things I am only now learning. GAIA [don't try to explain GAIA] The All-Mother says [makes me sound like a prophet] Our allies believe this will work, and I have to trust them.

Aloy has a sister [too flippant] The Zeniths made their own Anointed [confusing and blasphemy] The Zeniths had a captive. We managed to rescue her, and I've managed to get through to her, but she's scared and she's been alone her entire life. She reminds me of Aloy, but not in the good ways. She's smarter than the rest of us put together, but she doesn't know what to do with it and has no practical skills. She can't even sew up her own clothes. She hides in her room most of the time. Aloy has been talking to her, and sometimes it helps but sometimes it makes things worse. It's like watching someone yell at their reflection. [don't reference clones] They're too alike. I'm trying to get her to step out of the Base camp to see the sunrise, but it's hard. I think she's scared of not having a ceiling over her head. She always sleeps in, too.

There's a lot to see, outside the Embrace. New people, new machines I couldn't have even imagined. It's not like the Matriarchs say, all cursed heathens. [too aggressive, don't contradict the Matriarchs] It's beautiful, but frightening too. I wish you could see it, even though you'd hate it. [probably too much]

I hope this letter finds you well.

Your son, Varl.

[GAIA said she can print this out, but I think I should copy it out by hand]

[maybe I should just delete this, I'm probably going to be the one going to Nora lands anyway]

Chapter 31 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[redhatmeg]

Faith: You were right there beside me when this whole thing went down. Anything I have to answer for, you do, too. you're part of this B, all the way.

Me: Girl, Buffy both tried to warn you against staking a guy and told you to call for help. It's not her fault that your killer reflexes were too strong and afterwards you were too stunned to do anything. Right now you're just avading responsibility.

[mewly]

I can’t get over the fact that Nil is now a part of the promo art of the remaster!! Hell yeah!

I love that they added Ourea and Rost too, a little surprised Avad isn’t there since he’s a central character, but hey ho, a win is a win!!

[horizoncountdown]

[Countdown Continuity on AO3]

Artwork © system-threat-detected on Tumblr.

Genre: Adventure/Romance

Pairing(s): Aloy/Seyka, hints of Aloy/Avad (until Aloy meets Seyka)

Author(s): Spectres'n'Knights and AppleDavidJeans.

Disclaimer: Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West © Guerrilla Games

Any OCs, human or machine, © us, or their creators.

Summary:

“There’s another battle ahead, Elisabet. Very different from the one you fought. It’s not about the distant hope of creating a new world, it’s about preserving the one we have.”

Aloy, Beta and their friends begin their preparations for Nemesis’ arrival whilst also living life to the fullest in case the worst should come to pass.

Our take on the interim period between Forbidden West and Horizon 3.

Part I of the Countdown Continuity.

Chapters:

[Prologue]

Act I: The Burning Shores

[1: Fly] - [2: Safe] - [3: Truth] - [4: Truth, Part II] - [5: Forage] - [6: Family] - [7: Hunt] - [8: Hunt, Part II] - [9: Springs] - [10: Rescue] - [11: Meeting] - [12: Near] - [13: Night] - [14: Consequences] - [15: Departure] - [16: Update] (WIP)

Genre: General

Author: Spectres'n'Knights.

Disclaimer: Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West © Guerrilla Games

Any OCs, human or machine, © me, or their creators.

Summary:

A field guide to the various characters, locations, machines, weapons, art, armour sets and other items that appear in Countdown.

Part II of the Countdown Continuity.

Entries:

Characters

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Aloy (Countdown 'verse)] - [Seyka (Countdown 'verse)] - [Khita] - [Noemi]

Machines

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Spyhopper] - [Tidebreaker] - [Solarflare] - [Buzzjaw] - [Shoalwarden]

Weapons

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Beta’s Spear] - [Seyka’s Seax]

Locations

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Shell-Walker ambush site] - [Seyka's quarters] - [The Springs]

Art and Craft

Act I: The Burning Shores

[GAIA Gang Squad Insignia]

Technology

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Module Configuration Tool]

Lore

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Jesuscuervo’s Horizon Real World Location Map] - [AppleDavidJeans’ Timeline]

Writing

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Section Breaks] - [Countdown Continuity Book Cover] - [Countdown Title Page] - [Field Guide Title Page] - [Act Title Pages Act I-V]

[spectres-scribbles]

[Countdown Continuity on AO3]

Artwork © system-threat-detected on Tumblr.

Genre: Adventure/Romance

Pairing(s): Aloy/Seyka, hints of Aloy/Avad (until Aloy meets Seyka)

Author(s): Spectres'n' Knights and AppleDavidJeans.

Disclaimer: Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West © Guerrilla Games

Any OCs, human or machine, © us, or their creators.

Summary:

"There's another battle ahead, Elisabet. Very different from the one you fought. It's not about the distant hope of creating a new world, it's about preserving the one we have."

Aloy, Beta and their friends begin their preparations for Nemesis' arrival whilst also living life to the fullest in case the worst should come to pass.

Our take on the interim period between Forbidden West and Horizon 3.

Part I of the Countdown Continuity.

Chapters:

[Prologue]

Act I: The Burning Shores

[1: Fly] - [2: Safe] - [3: Truth] - [4: Truth, Part II] - [5: Forage] - [6: Family] - [7: Hunt] - [8: Hunt, Part II] - [9: Springs] - [10: Rescue] - [11: Meeting] - [12: Near] - [13: Night] - [14: Consequences] (WIP)

Genre: General

Author: Spectres'n'Knights.

Disclaimer: Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West © Guerrilla Games

Any OCs, human or machine, © me, or their creators.

Summary:

A field guide to the various characters, locations, machines, weapons, art, armour sets and other items that appear in Countdown.

Part Il of the Countdown Continuity.

Entries:

Characters

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Aloy (Countdown ‘verse)] - [Seyka (Countdown ‘verse)] - [Khita] - [Noemi] - [Jareus]

Machines

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Spyhopper] - [Tidebreaker] - [Solarflare] - [Buzzjaw] - [Shoalwarden]

Weapons

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Beta’s Spear] - [Seyka's Seax]

Locations

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Shell-Walker ambush site] - [Seyka’s quarters] - [The Springs]

Art and Craft

Act I: The Burning Shores

[GAIA Gang Squad Insignia]

Technology

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Module Configuration Tool (MCT)]

Lore

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Jesuscuervo's Horizon Real World Location Map] - [AppleDavidJeans’ Timeline]

Writing

Act I: The Burning Shores

[Section Breaks] - [Countdown Continuity Book Cover] - [Countdown Title Page] - [Field Guide Title Page] - [Act Title Pages Act I-V]

[pikapeppa]

In Becoming Whole, Aloy seemed much more willing to let Kotallo in. Sure, it wasn’t easy for her but she seemed so ready to trust him…

With Drakka though, she just seems so angry and so often shuts down when things get too real.

I can see that both versions of Aloy have the same concerns, insecurities, and trauma… but with Kotallo she seemed to want what she could have with him, and pushed herself to honestly share herself with him, even if it scared her or felt like a betrayal to her divine mission etc.

And with Drakka she just seems so much more tortured and haunted. I know that you fleshed out her reactions/feelings to Drakka a fair bit during his base visit, but it seems at odds with Kotallo’s version of Aloy.

Was there any particularly reason you’ve made Desert Bloom’s Aloy more reserved?

I know you’ve been winging a lot of this but do you have any thoughts on whether it’s a personality thing… a trust thing… anything? 😂

In my mind Drakka is the home she’s always wanted and is desperate to protect it… but I’d much prefer your pov lol

Sorry for the essay! Love your work x

Ah yes, the comparison of Aloy-with-Kotallo vs. Aloy-with-Drakka… This is what I bring on myself when writing two concurrent ships with Aloy (technically three including Avad LOL).

The way I see it, I haven’t made Aloy a different person in Desert Blooms compared to Becoming Whole. She was the same person with the same trauma/concerns/insecurities when she met Kotallo and when she met Drakka. It’s that Kotallo and Drakka are very different people, and the quality+amount of time she spent with each of them was VERY different, so her dynamics with each of them have resulted in relationships that look quite different. 

More below the cut!

One of the things I love so much about Aloy as a protag is that she’s so multifaceted: she can be gentle and empathetic, she can be sassy and lighthearted, and she can be downright rude/sharp (in the best way sometimes, e.g. with Studious Vuadis LMAO), and all of those mannerisms for her are in-character — and this is also reflective of how people are IRL. I know for sure that I act differently with my husband vs. with my closest girlfriends vs. with colleagues at work, but all of the ways I act are still “me”. Similarly, the “me” I was with my high school boyfriend is different from the “me” I am now with my husband. Part of that is time/age/experience, for sure, but it’s also a function of the man I was with/am with — but both versions of me are still “me”. Maybe this sounds stupid and self-explanatory, but we are changed and affected by the people we have relationships with, and this is why Aloy “seems” so different with Kotallo vs. Drakka. 

With Kotallo in Becoming Whole, there are so many reasons that Aloy opened up more quickly. I made a table to make it easier to compare these reasons side-by-side and because I’m a fucking nerd LOL. Please do tap to enlarge if you're so inclined, I'm sorry for the small font -- blame technical issues on my side for this 😂😭💀:

(Note that the above is based on headcanons unless otherwise stated.)

There’s probably more I could add to this table, but I think this is enough for now without me looking like Charlie Day in that meme LOL.

In any case, this reply might come a little late since some of your questions might get addressed in the chapter of Desert Blooms that I just posted 😂 but in any case, I hope this was an interesting response! 

-- love from your friendly neighbourhood Pika! xoxo