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katnissmellarkkk · 3 years ago

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Chapter Four

“Dang it!” I bellow eight days later, as my body gives way and topples over, having used too great of force to yank a now dead primrose from the ground.

Yesterday morning I had come outside to discover the yellow evening primroses, the flowers Peeta had planted upon his arrival back in Twelve, had all but died.

And I didn’t even notice. I’ve been so distracted with everything else going on in my life—namely Peeta and his blonde companion—that I entirely forgot about the flowers. The flowers that my sister was named for. The flowers meant to represent her when she was no longer alive to represent herself.

The idea that I could forget the plant, that I let myself lag on the simple duty of keeping them alive and watered and healthy, felt as if I had let my little sister down all over again. It felt as if I’d failed Prim a second time.

And it’s more than I can handle. I can’t even endure the thought. The very implication that I am, in any way, dishonoring my sister’s memory is entirely unbearable. Even if it is just me implying it, inside my head.

But in any case, it looks like the primroses are too far gone and I don’t have even a chance at resurrecting them back to life. I took too long to notice their wilting, I was too caught up in other things, that I let the plants die and now there’s no going back.

For a split second I consider returning one of my mother’s many calls to ask for gardening advice. She has always had a green thumb and been able to grow whatever she set her mind to. I never had any of those skills. I was a hunter by nature, not a nurturer.

No, that was Prim. The soft and gentle one, who loved animals, who could heal any wound she could identify, who could garden and grow herbs just as well as our mother.

And I miss her so much. I miss my little sister so very much that I almost breakdown into tears right then and there, right in front of the dead primrose bush outside my house.

“Katniss?” I hear someone call in the distance. I recognize the voice instantly.

And rapidly get up and make a beeline towards my front door.

Unfortunately he’s determined to catch me. After eight solid days of evasion, Peeta is dead set on catching me at any given opportunity before him.

It’s almost funny how once upon a time it was him who wished to avoid me. It was him who craved distance between us, who acted icy and detached at every encounter, whether forced or by chance.

Now it’s him trying to force an encounter between us, trying desperately to make up for hurting me, trying to still be a part of my life, even after I pronounced our relationship finished.

The bread he left on my doorstep—that I immediately tossed in the garbage—is proof of that. The cheesebuns he left on my counter who met their demise to a flock of birds on my back porch is proof of that. The cookies he baked and passed through Greasy Sae when I went to trade at the new, rebuilt Hob is glaring proof of his efforts.

I did actually eat those but I made sure to do it in private, where Peeta would never know if his token was accepted or not.

Because I don’t want him to think we’re okay. I don’t want Peeta to believe me and him can still be friends, with Bailey Robyn, the uptight, controlling blonde still lingering over his every move.

Okay, maybe I’m being a bit overdramatic. Bailey isn’t residing over Peeta’s every action. She probably doesn’t even know he’s made all these treats for me. And she surely wasn’t sitting by his side in the corner of Greasy Sae’s booth when our eyes briefly met before I stubbornly stormed out.

But I feel like she is. I feel her presence overcast in every one of Peeta’s actions, in every deed he partakes in, in every moment I run into him. Maybe it’s only inside my head but it’s enough reason for me to avoid Peeta. It’s enough reason that I wish to stand by my words eight days ago and cut him directly out of my life. With a chainsaw if necessary, I wish to cut the invisible cord that has tied me and him together for so long now.

“Katniss!” Peeta calls again, his arms grasping my waist just in time to prevent my escape into the house.

“Go away,” I mutter under my breath, ire and ache still seeping off me even after a week separating this moment here with our last interaction.

“Why are you upset?” He asks, a little breathless now from the race to my front door. But even tired, concern still manages to leak into his tone. His blue eyes still show anxiety for my well-being.

And it’s still not enough to thaw me.

“You know why,” I say rigidly, pulling my front door open and shoving his hands away from me.

“No, no, I mean,” he quickly tries to correct his question. “I meant, what’s happened out here that has you upset?”

I audibly huff, my eyes about as warm as a popsicle in a snowstorm. The last thing I want to do is stand here and recount just about anything to Peeta, especially in regards to the way I’m currently feeling.

Especially after the last time we spoke about our feelings, when I chose to let him in and allowed him to see the vulnerable parts of me that I never trust anyone with.

Only for him to turn around and side with Bailey over me.

But knowing how persistent Peeta can be when properly determined—his intensity to train like a Career, Brutus’ murder and him warning District Thirteen about Snow’s incoming attack all fly to the top of that list—I merely gesture widely to my backyard, where the dead flowers lie.

It only takes Peeta a moment to click it all together, to his credit. Though I’m hesitant to even offer him that right now.

“I’ll replant them,” he instantly offers, like a dog begging to fetch his owner a carcass bone.

“Don’t bother,” I say, about as rude and uninviting as humanly possible. “It’s not your responsibility.”

I’m just stepping into the house when Peeta’s hand shoves on the door, hard enough to keep it open. For a split second, I contemplate putting all my strength behind it and slamming his fingers in the door. But even as mad as I am—even as wounded as I am—I won’t physically harm Peeta.

After all, he already lost his leg once about I tied it in a tourniquet. I may have saved his life but I also cost him half a limb and that thought alone stops me from nearly taking his fingers off too.

“Katniss, I want to,” he pleads and his eyes are so big and blue and I feel my heart involuntarily melt a bit upon at the sight. “I want to replant them.”

I release an unconscious breath, for the first time in over a week not completely hostile towards the boy with the bread, who in my eyes, completely turned his back on me. Or so it feels. “I’ll just end up killing them again, Peeta. I’m serious. Don’t even bother.”

“Then I’ll tend to them,” Peeta throws out, getting more and more desperate the more I refuse, it seems.

I’m about to brush off his offer once again when another voice joins us. “Oh, let him do it, sweetheart. The boy needs a hobby besides baking,” Haymitch chimes in, standing at the bottom of my porch, looking drunk as ever.

“You love that baking is his only hobby,” I shoot back at the paunchy, old man.

“Well, not anymore. Since you two started fighting he’s been making me fat. I need a break.”

I’m about to come back with another comment, probably one to suggest Haymitch doesn’t have to eat everything Peeta brings, when we’re joined by a third presence.

Of course, she has to join us. Bailey can’t seem to let Peeta go anywhere without her nowadays.

“What’s going on?” She murmurs, looking around at all our tense body language. Well, at mine and Peeta’s tense body language. Haymitch is currently sitting on the bottom step of my porch now, as relaxed as Buttercup is in the window.

Peeta opens his mouth to respond but then shuts it again, glancing back at me. I don’t know if it’s the fact that he doesn’t wish to discuss his offer to help me with his girlfriend or if it’s the fact that he clearly knows I dislike the notion of Bailey in my business, but either way I’m a little pleased when he closes his mouth and adverts eye contact away from the blonde.

Instead it’s my drunken mentor who elaborates. “The girl’s flowers died. Your boyfriend just wants to replant them.”

To my utter astonishment, Bailey seems amendable to the idea. “The flowers for your sister?” She inquires, looking right at me. I shoot her a quizzical—and perhaps slightly unfriendly—look out of the corner of my eye but she continues on anyway. “Peeta, you should help her plant them again. Especially since you let them die-“

But I’ve heard enough from her—and everyone else here, for that matter—and I turn to Peeta, my hand still holding the doorknob tightly, ready to slam it shut. “Fine,” I cave, my tone anything but grateful. “Go ahead and replant the primroses. If that’s going to help you, then go for it.”

I don’t wait to hear a response from any of the parties now camped out on my property. Instead I shove Peeta’s fingers off my door—first time I’ve touched him in eight days—and throw it shut with such a force I feel the walls in my entryway shake.

“She’s always been a spitfire,” I hear Haymitch mumble as three sets of footsteps make their way further from my porch.

I barely catch Peeta’s response. If I hadn’t been standing by the door, unintentionally listening to hear what they may be saying, I would have missed it altogether.

“That’s the best thing about her.”

It’s just mere hours later before I’m disturbed once again. This time not by a crew of three but by one solo intruder.

“Sweetheart?” Haymitch barks, evidently not too keen on the fact that I decided to turn every light in my house off after returning home from the Hob.

“Go away,” I mumble out, knowing well and clear that he can’t hear me from upstairs. I’m in my bedroom, lying in the safety of my own bed, in my own private sanctuary, where I do not wish to be disturbed by anyone at any cost.

Of course, it only takes a few minutes of bumping into things and cursing for Haymitch to track me down. “Girl, it’s six at night?” He says incredulously.

“So?” I snap, as he turns my light on, effectively blinding me.

“Did you just forget about dinner tonight?” He asks, his voice neither kind nor hostile. In all honesty, he just sounds puzzled.

“Why are you in my room, Haymitch?” I murmur, rubbing my eyes until they adjust to the beaming brightness and pulling myself upwards now. Off his dismissive glance, I let out a deep sigh. “I wasn’t hungry.”

Of course, we’re not really talking about me skipping a meal. I highly doubt Haymitch truly cares if I miss dinner by my own accord. He surely wasn’t too interested in my meal intake when he brought me home from the Capitol and dropped me off on my doorstep.

No, we’re referring to the weekly dinners me, Peeta and Haymitch have at the old man’s pig sty. The same dinners I’ve brought Delly along to, that Haymitch is constantly passing out drunk during, that Bailey has been crashing nonstop since arriving here in Twelve.

When I came home from trading at the Hob tonight, I decided I was done with those dinners. I don’t need to subject myself to bossy Bailey any longer, and my resolve to keep Peeta out of my life as much as humanly possible is still strong. Despite the fact that I agreed to let him plant the primroses in my garden again and tend to their growth, I still don’t wish for us to be friends. I still don’t want to subject myself any further to him and Bailey’s exhibits.

And I figured no one would mind my absence anyways. At least not for a few dinners. I knew eventually Haymitch would try to push me to come back and Peeta would probably ask me very sweetly to join again, but I didn’t think the first night I skipped would be a huge production.

And okay, maybe there is a small part of me who deep down hopes if I refuse to come, Bailey may be disinvited in order to make me feel welcome again. It’s a long shot and not one I’d consciously admit to counting on, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a small, minuscule part of me wishing for that to happen just the same.

Haymitch glances at me suspiciously now. “You’re always hungry, kid.”

“I am not.”

“Yes, you are. You’re the most enthusiastic eater I know.”

Okay, he is blatantly confused apparently. His drunken goggles are blurring his perspective of reality, it would seem.

In any case, I flop backwards on my bed and roll away, hoping if I ignore my mentor long enough he’ll just evaporate into thin air.

But for some reason, Haymitch is weirdly dogged tonight. “Come on,” he urges, shaking my shoulder a bit too roughly. “I know the boy always says you’re just like me, but this little display is over the top, Katniss.”

I roll my eyes. “Why do you even want me at those dinners, Haymitch? You have Peeta and Bailey there.” I can’t stop myself from throwing the extra emphasis on Bailey, as immature as it may be.

However, the old man isn’t interested in dignifying me with a response. “And Delly. And Johanna. And Annie Cresta.”

That catches me completely off-guard. “What?”

In the time since the war ended and I returned to Twelve—or rather, was exiled to Twelve—no one from the other districts have visited. I have barely seen anyone I know in the last few months, outside Haymitch, Peeta and Delly.

“Some of which are anxious to see you at dinner,” he adds, gesturing for me to get up.

I shoot him a mordant glance. “Johanna’s anxious to see me?”

“I said some. Meaning Delly and Annie,” he clarifies. Off my still hesitant expression, he reaches down and tugs on my wrist, trying to get me out of bed.

“Fine!” I exclaim, feeling strangely embarrassed now as I realize that our roles are suddenly being reversed. I’m the one who always forced him out of bed, who made him come to meals, who fought with him to hurry up and get moving.

In the end, I don’t bother cleaning myself up or trying to appear presentable. Johanna and Annie won’t care and Peeta doesn’t get to care anymore.

And it wouldn’t matter anyway. Even if Effie Trinket or my entire prep team were here, I’d never stand a chance of looking anything but plain next to Bailey.

It’s not that I care that she’s so blatantly pretty. It’s just that her looks are one more thing about her presence to be bothered by, and that list is getting long and extensive. Even after her apparent approval of Peeta gardening my primroses, even after no negative interactions in eight days, I still sense hostility with her. And I still can’t stare at her without feeling my stomach churn.

Because every time she’s around, I know I’m about to be the odd one out. For whatever reason, outside of Delly, the people I care for, hold a deep affinity for Bailey Robyn.

And it bothers me above anything I can express. It bothers me beyond words, beyond measure, beyond any sense of feeling.

“Look who I found,” Haymitch announces as we enter through the threshold of his filthy residence.

“Katniss!” Annie exclaims and tosses her arms around my neck, despite the fact that we’ve never been too close. I can’t even remember the last time we had a conversation in person. The only true communication between me and Annie is the letters she sends, the ones filled with details of her life in Four and Finnick’s son. The ones I rarely respond to, but always read just the same.

Still, despite the fact that Annie might as well be a glorified stranger to me, I return the embrace, instinctively at first and then, simply because I want to. Because no one besides Peeta has given me any sort of affection in months and I miss it. Now that Peeta has put conditions on our relationship, I am hungry for any physical touch at all.

It shocks me to realize, in that moment, just how completely starved I am, for closeness.

I hug Annie for far longer than I think anyone watching anticipated but she doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she seems to welcome it too.

Then again, her husband died and left her with seemingly no family at all to help raise their baby. So perhaps she’s just as desperate for a human touch—I suppose besides her son—as I am.

I don’t receive the same welcome from Johanna, unsurprisingly, but as soon as me and Annie break apart, she shoots me a satirical glance and pulls on a piece of my hair.

“Ow!” I exclaim, my thick brows furrowing in confusion. “What was that for?”

“It was sticking up,” she explains with a shrug and then smirks. “Did you just roll out of bed and come here?”

“Did you?” Her outfit is just denim pants and a low cut t-shirt. Not that different from my attire.

“Yes. And I’m not ashamed of it.” She runs a hand over her hair which has grown out to about length with her shoulders. “But I know how to use a hairbrush, at least.”

I roll my eyes as she nudges me. “This is dinner,” Haymitch deadpans as he makes his way to the table. “Not a Capitol Beauty Contest.”

Jo examines the unwashed table as we follow the grumpy man’s lead. As of right now, the table is completely void of substance. “Doesn’t dinner imply food?” She asks and Annie laughs lightly, suggesting she was thinking along the same lines.

“Haymitch doesn’t believe in cooking himself,” I retort, earning a look from the old man. “He’s waiting for Peeta to arrive with food.”

“You’re more than welcome to provide the meal, sweetheart.”

“And what are you providing?”

“The residence the meal is served at.”

“And what a residence it is!” Exclaims a completely different voice, a higher pitched soprano.

And like clockwork, three blonde heads round the corner of the dining room, abruptly joining the party.

Delly looks as enthusiastic to be walking with Peeta and Bailey as I am to be in their company right now. Which she further evidences by hurrying to the seat at my right.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a grin,” Haymitch remarks as he pulls out a bottle of white liquor and pours it into a half-clean glass.

“Wonder why that is,” I murmur out loud before thinking better of it. After all, Haymitch seems to care for Bailey more than me nowadays. I should probably not stir the pot before the food is even presented before me.

But he doesn’t reply back. Even if he did, I doubt I’d notice anyway.

Because, in the flash of a second, the attention of the room is completely shifted.

I knew Bailey was coming with Peeta. She’s practically glued to his hip at all times of day, almost as if she’s afraid to let him out of her sight. But it would seem that Haymitch did not inform Johanna or Annie about Peeta’s new relationship, effectively catching them both by surprise at the additional dinner guest.

And there’s little room for doubt to anyone with eyes that they’re together. Their hands are practically singed as one, in an airtight grasp, her manicured nails intertwined with his long fingers.

For a split second I wonder if that’s what my hand looked like inside Peeta’s last week. I wonder if this is what Bailey saw before her, when she caught us roaming through town at the crack of dawn.

“Barley?” Johanna says in a shocked voice.

It takes a moment for her comment to compute in my brain. “Bailey,” I correct, trying to be helpful. Though I’m unsure where she even managed to get the name Barley at all. Especially if Haymitch didn’t warn her about the girl Peeta was bringing and I strongly suspect he didn’t.

Jo looks at me like I’m insane for the amendment before turning back to Bailey and Peeta. “You’re dating Bailey Barley?” She say incredulously.

Bailey Barley? Is that a nickname? Now I’m the one who’s completely lost at sea, feeling like there was a good chunk of time I somehow missed.

Bailey’s blue eyes stare into Jo’s now, not exactly friendly but not as belligerent as I’ve seen her before. As I saw her last week.

I don’t know nor do I understand what they’re silently communicating, but I do comprehend one thing without a doubt.

Johanna knows Bailey. Somehow, someway, Johanna knows Bailey even more than I do.

Peeta doesn’t seem too confused though. He doesn’t even seem fazed by the exchange at all. Instead he drops Bailey’s hand—not soon enough, in my opinion—and moves to set some kind of meat and potato meal down on the table.

“Where did you get the meat?” I ask abruptly, recognizing it as deer. I just shot my first in a long time only the other day. How on Earth did Peeta get deer meat around the same time I did.

“I traded a cake for it. At the Hob,” he explains nonchalantly, avoiding my bewildered eyes now.

I just stare at him for a second, debating on even further commenting.

The Hob is where I traded the deer after killing it. Peeta literally baked a cake and traded it for meat, just because I wouldn’t speak to him.

He literally traded a cake so I could eat the meat that I hunted myself.

Something about that scenario vindicates me slightly. And I have to wonder if I’ve become sadistic with time and solitude.

My attention though is pulled back to Johanna and Bailey now. “What’re you doing in Twelve?”

Bailey takes her seat, between Haymitch and Peeta, with grace. “Peeta and I met in the Capitol,” she states simply. “I decided to come here and spend some more time with him. Get to know him a little better.”

As if to punctuate her words, she places one dainty hand on top of Peeta’s and gives it a squeeze.

I can’t even fight my eye roll.

“I see,” Jo murmurs, casting a sideway glance at me, none too subtle. “Well, it looks like you did... that.”

Delly snickers into her water glass and I don’t miss the way Bailey shoots her an irritated glance. Peeta seemingly does though. Haymitch is already too tipsy to care if an actual fight breaks out among us, his white liquor kicking in quick.

Annie on the other hand, who I’ve always believed to often be oblivious to all those around her, decidedly cuts the tension here. “Well, I’m hungry. Peeta, pass me a plate.”

And just like that, we’re having one of the most awkward meals I’ve ever had to endure.

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#everlark #thg #everlark fic #hunger games #fanfic #writing #dancing on my own 💔👸🏼✨

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anxietysslave · 3 years ago

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Having Each others Back’s (Ethan Winters X Reader)

This was requested by @jenneric03 Thank you again for the request! <3

Summary: Ethan’s already taken a lot of hits, so you try to minimize that.

Y/N means Your Name,

L/N means your last name

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Y/N’s point of view:

I glanced over at the young man next to me, who was clutching his injured hand. I sighed. “Ethan, you really should be more careful. You and I both know that these Lords want nothing more than to have us both dead. If she really wanted to, she could’ve killed you in an instant.” I lectured. “I know, I know. I’m sorry.” He apologized.

“Just next time, be more careful. I really don’t feel like coming back to seeing you lying dead on the floor.” I whispered. “I promise that won’t happen. I have to get you to safety and have to get Rose back. I will be damned if those things don’t happen.” He growled.

Slowly, the platform came to a stop, which allowed us to see the winter storm descending onto the ground. “I wonder if Lady Dimitrescu can come out here... I mean, her daughters cannot come out.” I muttered. “I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out. Come on, I think we can find something around here.” Ethan suggested as he walked off of the platform. I slowly followed behind him.

“How did you even end up in this mess? I know you’re here for you daughter, but how did Mother Miranda even get your daughter?” I asked. He looked down. “Someone I thought was a friend caused this. I don’t know where he was bringing me and my daughter, but we crashed on the outskirts of the village. I wish I could answer that question better, but even I don’t know what’s going on.” He answered.

“That makes two of us. I thought Mother Miranda was supposed to guide us, and keep us safe. But then those... Those damned lycans came into the village, and it hasn’t been the same since... Almost everyone’s dead in the village, other than me and that old lady.” I muttered. “Why did everyone look up to Mother Miranda?” Ethan asked.

“I’m not entirely sure, other than I think it might’ve been her power. If I’m not mistaken, she was the one that created this village. And since we haven’t had contact with any outsiders, none of us know anything about what’s really going on.” I explained. “I don’t think the Lords even know what’s going on.” I added.

“Hence why I’m coming with you. I want revenge against Mother Miranda for what she did to us. i don’t care if she wants some child back, it doesn’t make it right to take all these people’s lives away from them and kidnap another child.” I grumbled. He chuckled. “Then I’m glad to have you on my side, and not against me... A lot of the remaining villagers were against me.” He spoke.

“Not going to lie. I was kinda skeptical of you at first. I mean, it’s not every day that a mysterious man comes into the village to look for his daughter.” I pointed out. “Eh, you have a point there.” Ethan agreed. “Oh! Here it is. I found the key to get back into the main floor of the castle.” I called out as I moved the bush and picked the key up.

“Are you sure we should go back in?” He questioned. “It’s the only way. Lady Dimitrescu seems to be one of Miranda’s favorites, so she’d be the one to have Rose or know where Rose is.” I explained as I stood up. “So come on. It seems like we have little time to waste.” I added as I made it to the door.

I stuck the key into the door and turned it around until I heard a click. I opened the door and cautiously poked my head in. “No sign of Dimitrescu or any of her daughters.” I announced as I walked in. “That’s some good news. Where should we go?” Ethan asked. “Let’s go over to the angel statues. I think we need to do something with them to move forward.” I explained as I approached them.

I glanced over at the plaque. “Mask the angels blinded gaze, and only then will you be saved.” I read aloud. “Some kind of puzzle?” Ethan asked, “Yes. It seems we have to find 4 masks, to fit all 4 of these angels.” I concluded. He groaned. “We’re going to be here a while, aren’t we?” He asked. “Of course we are. But all that means, is we should get moving.” I decided, as I turned back around and marched to the staircase.

“We haven’t finished looking upstairs, so that’s where we need to go.” I decided. “Wait! Slow down.” Ethan ordered. I stopped and glanced at him. “We have to be more careful. We don’t know where Lady Dimitrescu is.” Ethan whispered. “Don’t worry, I’m already here.” A feminine voice rang. My head shot in the direction to see her standing on the other side of Ethan.

“I will make you pay for what you did to my daughters!” She exclaimed as she lifted her hand up. Claws grew from her fingertips as she got ready to swing. “Ethan, watch out!” I called out. Ethan turned to look at her, but couldn’t react in time. So I moved quickly and pushed him out of the way. I was too slow to move out of the way myself, which resulted in her claws hitting my cheek.

I cried out in pain as I stumbled backwards. “Y/N!!!” Ethan cried out. “That was pathetic. You shouldn’t be covering for him!” Dimitrescu angrily called out as she wrapped her fingers around my neck and lifted me off the ground. I struggled to escape her grasp, as I couldn’t breathe. “You humans are all so pathetic and disgusting! He killed my own children, but you still stand up for him!? You’re just as bad as he is!” She yelled as she threw me back into the wall.

A chocked sob left my lips, as the pain spread through my back. “Dammit! Leave them alone!” Ethan exclaimed as he ran past her. He ran to me and kneeled down next to me. “Come on, we need to get you out of here or else she’s going to kill us both.” Ethan ordered, as he grabbed my arm and tried to pull me up. But it just resulted in a cry leaving my lips.

“Fuck.” He cursed. “When I get up there, I am going to rip you both limb from limb.” She threatened, as she got closer. “D-Don’t fucking risk your life for me. You should know by now that I-I’ll get out of here without her killing me. Your primary goal should be t-to find where Rose is while she’s distracted.” I whispered.

“No. I said earlier that I’m going to make sure you’re safe, and to get Rose back. So you’re coming with me.” He ordered stubbornly as he pulled me up. We both limped away from the Lord and make it down the stairs. “If we hide, we can take care of your wounds.” Ethan silently spoke. I nodded slowly. “Get back here! I will not let you get away!” Her voice rang.

But we quickly rushed into the Duke’s room, where Ethan closed the door and sat me down against the wall. “That looks like a nasty wound.” Duke observed. “No shit. Do we have anything for medication?” Ethan asked as he walked over to him. “There are some Herbs and Chem fluid over there. Bandages are over there as well.” Duke explained.

“Why would you do something so reckless??” Ethan questioned as he grabbed the items. “It wasn’t a-as reckless as when you had your hand chopped o-off.” I joked. “You’re literally bleeding everywhere. I don’t think right now is a time to joke.” Ethan muttered as he rushed back to me. “T-There’s no need to be grumpy. I’m alive, aren’t I?” I pointed out.

“But you could’ve not been alive. Y/N, she can cut through your bones. If she wanted to, she could’ve done just that and killed you.” Ethan lectured. “You don’t deserve to be hurt...” I whispered. “What?” He questioned. “I said, you don’t d-deserve to be hurt. You’ve taken a lot of hits for me, and have t-taken a lot of hits in general. I don’t want you to get hurt anymore.” I explained.

His eyes widened slightly. “I-I think your daughter would also like to have you in one piece.” I added. “What about your family? Wouldn’t they want you to be one piece as well?” Ethan asked. I glanced down. “T-They’re dead. Those stupid fucking lycans killed them. So right now, I-I don’t have anyone to be concerned for me.” I explained softly.

“I-I’m sorry... I didn’t know...” He apologized. “But either way, you have someone. You have me. And I swear to god, if you die on me, then I will not be happy.” He warned. I chuckled. “I should’ve expected you to say that.” I muttered. “Yes, because I care for you. So, once we make it out of here together, I was wondering if you’d maybe like to get some coffee sometime.” He offered.

I glanced at him in shock. “B-But don’t you have someone else already?” I questioned. “I did, but we divorced a bit after we had Rose.” Ethan explained as he bandaged up my left eye. I smiled softly. “Sure. I’d love that.” I agreed.

(I hope this was good... This is one of my first RE 8 oneshots of Ethan Winters, so I hope it’s not too bad... Let me know if you guys have any other suggestions of Ethan Winters, or Headcannons of the RE characters. Thank you for reading this!)

#ethan winters #x reader #requests #re8 spoilers #re8

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queenxxxsupreme · 4 years ago

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Soft prompt idea: First time Lambert's SO tells him "I love you" ❤

A/N: I AM ON FUCKING FIRE TODAY and I’m so happy 🙂 I hope you like this babe!! Also this might be a little OOC for Lambert, but he’s being a softy in this so it really is OOC for him to be a big softy but that’s okay because we love him anyways!

***

Lambert followed a few paces behind you, guiding Champion by his reins.

The three of you were traveling through a swampy area in Velen. Lambert promised you on this part of your journey that you’d be able to take a little bit of time in the swamp to collect whatever herbs and things you wanted while you were passing through. You were excited. The swamps held so many wondrous things you couldn’t find in the North.

The witcher made sure to follow behind you, but not too far behind you. He wanted to be able to keep his eyes peeled for any signs of danger without his paranoid behavior distracting you.

You came to a stop, pulling the knife on your hip out. You stepped off of the small dirt path, picking up your skirt as best as you could with one hand, and moved towards a large rock covered in moss.

“Watch where you’re stepping, bug.”

“I am.” You knelt down by the rock and examine the moss. “Can you hand me one of the empty jars from my satchel?”

Lambert moved around to Champion’s side, opening your satchel and digging around inside for a moment to find an empty little jar.

“Is this one good?” He asked, holding up a relatively small jar.

“Yes, that works. Thank you.”

Once he passed it to you, you were able to scrape off enough moss to fill the jar.

“What is that for?”

“Moss is good for lots of stuff.” You passed the jar to him. “Coughs. Covering wounds.”

Lambert furrowed his brows together for a moment.

“Isn’t that what bandages are for?”

“Yes.” You grinned just a little. “Don’t question my ways, Master Witcher. I don’t question your methods, do I?”

The corners of his lips tugged up a little as he gave Champion’s reins a little tug to continue following you.

You lifted your skirts up and stepped into a rather deep mud puddle, sinking a few inches into the dark brown substance.

Lambert chuckled a little.

“What’s so funny?” You asked him, moving between a couple trees to get to a fern bush.

“You always get after me when I get mud on my boots.”

“Because you don’t take them off at the door and wear them through my house.” You shot him a look. “And most of the time, you boots stink of rotten corpses.”

“It’s not my fault the dead monster juices get everywhere.” He muttered.

Your nose scrunched up at his choice of words.

You gathered what you needed from the fern bush and began to make your way back to him.

“Please never describe it that way ever again, Lambert.”

He grinned, happy with himself, and took the fern pieces from you to put into a sachet.

A little while had passed and you found quite a lot of ingredients for your work. A peaceful silence had fallen between you and Lambert. He’d pull out a jar or sachet whenever you needed it and then put it away for you.

You couldn’t find the right words to describe how happy you were that he was okay with this. Previous lovers had all looked down on you going out and getting dirty in the woods for plants and rocks. Some even discouraged you from doing so even though it was a necessary part of your job.

As the end of the swamp came into sight, you moved on to the dirt path to walk alongside Lambert. You looked over to him, chewing on your bottom lip. He met your gaze, confused.

“What?”

“It’s nothing.” You shook your head, smiling a little. “Just…. Thank you for doing this with me.”

“I wasn’t going to let you come out here alone.” He shrugged his shoulders. “And we were passing through anyway.”

You nodded your head a little.

***

When nightfall came, you were lucky enough to find an inn. While Lambert went to stable Champion, you had a bath drawn.

You were absentmindedly dragging the soapy washcloth up and down your arm when there was a knock on the door to the room.

“Bug?”

“In here, Lambert.” You lifted your head, sitting up a little straighter.

He walked in, closing the door behind himself.

“I was gonna go down to our room, but there’s a lot of unsavory folk lingering around in the halls and I’d hate to have to skip town tonight ‘cause one of them decided to do something stupid.” He said, leaning against the door.

“I’ll be done in just a few minutes.” You told him, picking up the chunk of soap sitting on the side of the tub. You got the washcloth nice and soapy again before you went back to work on cleaning yourself.

“You’ve been awfully quiet today, bug.” Lambert commented.

You looked up at him for a moment, then brought your eyes back down to your leg.

“Usually you talk my damn ear off.”

“Just…. Thinking.”

Your tone was off. You had been thinking all evening. He knew something was wrong, that there was something on your mind you weren’t telling him.

The witcher pushed himself away from the door and moved to the side of the tub, kneeling down so he’d be at your level. Silently, he held his hand out for the washcloth. You handed it to him. He used his other hand to gently take hold of your chin. He turned your head towards him and began to wipe the dirt and mud from your forehead.

“About what?” His breath was warm against your face.

“How I…. I’ve never had someone do what you did for me today.”

His eyes avoided yours, choosing instead to focus on the smudge on your temple.

“Wasn’t much I did. We were just traveling through a shithole. Figured you’d have fun messing around in the mud.”

“Yeah.” You couldn’t help but look down, tilting your head too. “But my previous partners, they’ve never…. They’d never allow me to do such a thing as walk out in the swamps like that. They’d never let me off the horse, let alone off the path. Some…. Some wouldn’t even let me collect herbs or my stones.”

Lambert furrowed his brows together.

“What kind of moron wouldn’t let a mage get shit they need for their work?”

You smiled just a little.

“Not everyone is as open minded and as nice you, darling.”

“You make me sound like some sort of saint.” He snorted. He dipped the washcloth into the water to rinse it off.

You were silent once more.

Lambert put the washcloth on the side of the tub and stood up.

He wasn’t too sure what was going through your head, sometimes it was difficult to read you, and sometimes it was hard for him to figure out the right way to approach the situation to get you to open up to him.

He turned to go back to the door to stand guard, but he got just a few steps away from the tub when you spoke.

“I think I’m…. That I’m in love with you.” You whispered.

The witcher turned on his heels to face you, brows drawing together.

“.... Because of the swamp?”

“No, no. I-I mean, it’s a combination of things.” You suddenly felt like maybe bringing this up while you were naked in the tub wasn’t the best of ideas. You pulled your knees as close to your chest as possible and crossed your arms over your chest. “I’ve-I’ve wanted to say it for a while. I mean, we’ve been together for a year and a half, almost two years. I just….”

Lambert looked down for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck.

“If-If you don’t feel the same-,”

“No, I do. I do.” He shook his head. “Just…. didn’t think this would come up here, in the dingy bath of a crusty inn in Velen. Kinda wanted to try to be a little romantic about it. Maybe do it on our two years? But romantic shit makes me queasy.”

You smiled softly at him.

“Why don’t, uh, why don’t you get out and get dressed? And then we can finish this not in here?”

You nodded your head.

You stood up and Lambert retrieved a towel for you, wrapping it around your shoulders. You thanked him and stepped out of the tub to dry off. He moved back to the door, wanting to give you space while you got dressed.

Once you were in proper clothes, you walked together down to the room you’d be staying in for the night. While Lambert secured the door, you climbed into bed.

“What was your idea of making it a little romantic?” You asked him, watching him as he came around to the side of the bed and got in.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged his shoulders, running his hand over his hair. “I was hoping it would be at Kaer Morhen so I could make you dinner. Eskel has a stash of really nice wine in his room. I was going to steal a bottle.”

“It sounds lovely.” You rested your head on his chest. “You know, you can still do that.”

“I know. I will.” Lambert began to trace shapes on your back as he stared at the ceiling. “I know I’m not the best at showing it, but I do…. I love you, bug. You mean a lot to me.”

“It’s okay. I love you too, Lambert.” You looked up to kiss him softly. “And I think it’s rather cute that our first time saying it to each other was in a crusty Velen inn.”

“It sure fits us.”

Taglist: @pressedinthepages @mishafaye @whitewolfandthefox @wolfyland07 @belalugosisdead @persephonehemingway @keira-hulmaster @dinonuggs69 @greatestauthorofmygeneration @shadow-hunters-lover @dancingwith-thesunflowers @tedi-fach-las @thecomfortofoldstorries @raspberrydreamclouds @natkowaa @disasteren @weathervanes-my-oneandlonely @onlyhenrys @wackylurker @criminaly-supernatural @magpie343 @permanently-exhausted-witcher @hina-chans-stuff @the-space-between-heartbeats @havenoffandoms @carriebee1 @ger-bearofrivia @naominami @writingawaymylife @reaganjenelle @theawkwardpedestrian @scarlettwitcher @badassspaceprincess @just-a-sad-donut @summersong69 @an--actual--human--disaster @rubyqueen819 @omgkatinka @c-a-v-a-l-r-y @vonxcon @mazakeen @bravelittlesunflower @thereagles @awkward-turtles-world @menalliha @cotton_mo @maan24 @thefirelordm @monkeymo @krenee1drful @nympha-door-a @unadulteratedtreecrusade @Aquarius-pisces-rose @mentallyscreamingsincebirth @fl0ating @sometimesiwrite @you-fxcking-wish-bish @thanks-bruh-for-nothing @maan2442 @thegaydeath @creatingstuffinpeace @wellthisstinks @andyrazzledazzle @she-wolfoftheinquisition

If your name is in italics, it wouldn’t let me tag you :(

#Lambert x reader #lambert x reader fluff #the witcher #Lambert the witcher #the witcher the wild hunt #the wild hunt #Netflix #kacey answers

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snowdice · 4 years ago

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Little Kestrel (Part 6)[Birds of Different Feathers Series]

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Relationships: Logan & Patton & Virgil (future Virgil/Patton but not in this story)

Characters:

Main: Logan, Patton, Virgil

Appear: Thomas

Mentioned: Janus

Summary:

It was supposed to be a quick job either way. Either Virgil would assassinate King Thomas of Prijaznia or he’d be caught and get executed. Yet, when Virgil gets the wrong bedroom and gets caught by Prince Logan and his future royal advisor, Patton, the job ends up getting way more complicated for the 14-year-old. He also ends up sleeping in a (actually pretty comfortable) closet for a few weeks…

Notes: Implied/referenced child abuse, assassination attempt, knives, torture mentioned, captivity, teenagers being really dumb

This is a prequel to Kill Dear. I wrote it 100 words at a time on my blog, but this is the edited version. If you want to see how it was crafted, look at the tag proofread stories.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Virgil had started to feign sleep about an hour after Logan had left to his potions lab. Patton could tell he was faking because his arms never relaxed. Despite the boy no longer responding, he kept talking to him in soft tones. He seemed exhausted, but he was also clearly not planning to truly sleep any time soon. Patton wondered what had led up to him being here both recently, which had caused the dark circles under his eyes and long term that had caused the sunkenness of his cheeks.

Patton’s stomach growled, reminding him of the passage of time. He had no idea how long whatever Logan was doing was going to take, but someone was going to have to go to the kitchen and get some breakfast soon. The snacks truly had not been enough to hold them through the night.

He felt secure enough even knowing Virgil wasn’t actually sleeping to push himself to his feet and walk over to the potions lab door. “Hey Lo,” Patton called. Virgil still hadn’t moved to indicate he was still awake.

“Yes?” he asked.

“How long are you going to take? I need to get food soon and maybe come up with an excuse for at least one of us to stay here all day.”

“It’ll be a little while longer,” Logan said.

Patton glanced back at Virgil. He caught the boy with his eyes open this time and saw him wince at being caught. “Maybe Virgil can stay in there with you while I go get things?”

“That would be fine,” Logan said, turning back to what he was working on. “Bring him in here if you’d like.”

“Okie dokie,” Patton chirped. He turned to Virgil who was looking up at him. “I’m going to take your arms and lead you to the other room, okay?”

He nodded and Patton leaned down and grabbed his wrists. He got even tenser somehow when Patton moved his arms to his front and Patton frowned, but didn’t comment. He helped him get to his feet and led him into the other room.

“You can seat him over there,” Logan said pointing.

Virgil was looking around the room with wide eyes and Patton had to stop and think about what this room might look like to someone who hadn’t been enthusiastically introduced to every new potion ingredient and piece of equipment as they arrived. There were shelves of ingredients, all organized and labeled. Logan kept all powders in uniform glass vials and liquids in bulbous containers. Whole dried herbs hung from strings in one area and there were containers of fresh ones glowing a soft green; the preservation spells that Logan came up with himself kept them fresh for months longer than they would usually last.

Logan had three separate areas for potion making. There was one space for potions that required more dangerous ingredients which currently had something simmering at it, but the enchanted protective curtain wasn’t drawn around it, so Patton imagined it must not be doing anything that could be too harmful at the moment. The table he used for experiments was empty and thoroughly cleaned, so he was clearly making something with an already well-established recipe. Currently, he was standing at his table reserved only for non-harmful substances. He was chopping up what appeared to be mint as two smaller pots boiled in front of him.

Patton led Virgil over to the indicated chair which was out of the way of even the non-dangerous ingredient zone. He still seemed to be trying to take in the room as Patton settled his wrists on the chair’s armrests.

“Any requests?” he asked Logan.

“Not really,” Logan replied. He glanced up at Patton. “Though if you can sneak me some of the leftover macaroni salad from dinner, that would be appreciated.”

“That’s not breakfast!” Patton chided.

“Which is why I requested that you to sneak it.”

Patton shook his head and turned back to Virgil. “What about you?” he asked.

He looked up at Patton and shook his head. Virgil looked a bit scared and out-of-sorts. He wanted to reach forward and pat him on the head or kiss his cheek to comfort him, but he imagined that would go over worse than badly. Instead, he flashed the boy a quick smile and then turned to leave the room.

He left Logan’s private chambers and closed the door behind him before walking down the hall.

“Good morning Patton,” one of the stationed guards greeted.

He smiled at her and the other guard. “Good morning Kalani. Hi Owen.”

“I see you and the prince had a sleepover,” Kalani said. “Should we be planning on him not making it to his royal duties until later today?”

“Actually,” said Patton. “Maybe all day. He was feeling a little sick. Had a headache.” It was… probably true. They hadn’t slept a wink last night.

“Hmm,” Kalani said. “Maybe there’s something going around. Clover said she had a bit of a dizzy spell last night.”

“Oh,” Patton answered. Clover had been one of the two guards set to watch the door to the royal wing. At least Virgil had been telling the truth about not hurting anyone.

“I hope she feels better. I’m going to go get Logan something to eat for breakfast since he can’t come himself, so I’ll see you again in a few minutes.”

The guards nodded to him and he turned to walk down the hall. The areas around the kitchens would be pretty busy at this point in the morning so instead of taking any of the busier paths to it, he walked past the dining hall towards the guest wing and took the staircase that led straight outside. It was a longer path because he had to go around and through the garden, but it was worth not getting in anyone’s way.

Patton always did like the garden. It was pretty at every time of year. Even now as the flowers started to get sparser in the fall, it was still wonderful, and it smelt great. He took just the briefest moment to himself to splash a hand through one of the fountains with a giggle. He turned away to continue on his path to the kitchen, which is when he saw her.

“Oh,” he said softly. “Hi kitty.”

Ghost Kitty was there and stared at him briefly before taking off into one of the bushes.

“Bye kitty,” he said just as soft. He smiled even though she’d ran away because that was the closest, he’d ever gotten to her.

He continued his trek to the kitchen and snuck inside on quiet feet, hoping to be unnoticed as he went for the chilled storage box. Luck was on his side, because Mama was busy talking in hushed tones to the gardener, Mr. Deknis, as she peeled potatoes.

“Well certainly no one has joined the kitchen staff who has a child,” Mama said. “I’d know.”

“Perhaps a maid or even a guard,” Mr. Deknis suggested.

Mama was frowning. “We don’t usually hire many people towards winter for those positions. Maybe someone in the stables?”

“But he needed to get back to the castle, not to the stable hand’s lodging.”

“Well then,” Mama said. “I don’t know Jeff. I’ll ask around.”

Mr. Deknis sighed. “I should have asked him more questions, but the poor thing seemed ready to startle out of his boots, and I didn’t want to push.”

“Well if he’s new to the castle, he’s probably just a little out of sorts and nervous,” Mama reasoned.

“It didn’t seem like normal nervousness. He was…” Mr. Deknis shook his head. “Anyway, tell me if you figure anything out.”

“Of course,” Mama said.

“Also, your kid’s steeling macaroni salad for breakfast.”

“Patton!” Mama said, rounding on him. “That’s not breakfast!”

Patton shot a pout at Mr. Deknis, but he seemed unrepentant. Patton pulled his hand away from the macaroni salad. “The prince wanted it,” Patton said.

“That’s not breakfast for ‘the prince’ either.”

“But,” Patton argued, “he’s not feeling well.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “Is he not feeling well or is he tired?” she asked.

“…Both?”

“Mmhmm.”

“No! Seriously mom!” Patton said. “Kalani said that Clover wasn’t feeling well this morning and she sees Logan all the time. I even convinced Logan not to do any unnecessary royal duties today.”

“Well he must really be sick if that’s the case,” Mama admitted, “unless of course he found an interesting book to read or had an idea for a new potion.”

“It’s not about a book or a potion,” Patton promised.

Mama considered him. “Fine,” she said, turning back towards the countertop. “Then give me a few minutes to make him and you a nutritious breakfast that doesn’t consist of 80% mayonnaise.”

“Pancakes?” Patton asked hopefully.

Mama shot him a look over her shoulder. “I said nutritious,” she said, wagging a finger at him. “Besides, I thought you said he was sick.”

“He’s not nauseous, mama,” Patton said. “And if you put blueberries in it, it’ll be healthy!”

“Mmhmm.”

“It will!”

“Now I know my own son doesn’t think I was born yesterday,” she said.

“Please mama,” he begged. “I promise we’ll both eat some other stuff too.”

“I don’t believe you.” Patton gave her a wobbly lip. “No,” she repeated.

“But Mama.”

“You and Logan are going to have a healthy breakfast or so help me…”

“… but Mama.”

Want to read more? Click below!

Part 7

#sanders sides #logan sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #character thomas sanders #adriana writes #little kestrel #birds of different feathers #implied/referenced child abuse #assassination attempt #past torture #captivity

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valeptraglia · 3 years ago

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The Battle of Calormen Chapter 12: "Moon Harvest"

Naturally we divided into groups and one by one disappeared in between the line of trees that surrounded the Dancing Lawn.

I was waiting with Bavra, the faun, for Allyri and Phaelis to start the harvest. Bavra was a very friendly faun, a soldier in the King's Army. While we waited I started to be afraid of the wind. It seemed to engulf the meadow with warm air, and at this point I would dare to say that on the coast of the castle that current would surely be something almost tropical.

"This crazy weather!" exclaimed Bravra, almost shouting to be heard above the air current.

"I know! Is it common at this time of the year?" I asked although I already knew the answer.

"Not at all! I've never seen something like this in Narnia! Such a hot air storm? I've only seen this in the deserts of Calormen!"

Back at home I've heard some theories about climate change, something about human emissions of gases that could affect the temperature, and, I was no scientist, but I'm sure as hell narnians do not emit such amounts of gases to provoke this kind of change in the climate.

Soon we were joined by Phaelis and Allyri, behind them Casio. It didn't escape to my attention Bavra's reaction when he saw the Captain of the army, because apart from the formal salutation his skin went visibly pale and his face harden.

I was glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought the Captain's presence was a little unpleasant.

"It's good to see you Bavra" he greeted Casio, "Lady Anne" he then added, giving me a short nod with his head. I answered with an equally short smile and a small courtesy, or stumble, that freaking storm.

"Good to see you too Captain" Bavra greeted back.

Casio cast a look over us one last time, smiled and turned back into the wood but in the direction of the castle.

"Isn't he coming to the harvest?" I curiously asked as I watched Casio part from us.

"Captain Casio? He is going back to Cair Paravel, he is needed there, I believe tomorrow leaves a company" replied Phaelis.

"Oh right" The next morning a company would leave to the North, the mission was only known by the members of the company, but rumour said it was territory of the Giants and that the company was trying to dissolve an uprising there that the crown didn't want us to know.

Spirits were low across the land after the last battle fought at the very steps of Cair Paravel and I spent the last week trying to convince my brother Bill not to ask for a position in the company heading North. That boy felt a great sense of duty with this kingdom. "Wait, aren't you supposed to have a nice night of sleep before you leave? You are one of the king's men, aren't you?" I questioned Bavra.

He looked at me strangely until he realised what I was implying "Em no, I am not going with this company" he simply answered looking away from our gazes. "Should we leave? Before the moon decides to go hiding again".

And with that he started towards the forest behind the last group left.

I looked suspiciously at the centaurides that used to be beside me and who were walking behind Bavra, but knew it was not the moment to ask about this.

As we entered the forest again I focused on not falling over any tree roots or even my own skirt, however I recalled the conversation I was having with the centaurides before in the circle.

"So" I started and I saw both centaurides simile at each other quietly "what did you see in the sky? that night before this weather"

"Well, we saw many things," stated Allyri "but it is not only the sighting of one night that matters. To understand the message, one has to observe for a long time"

I nodded in understanding.

"You have to watch what changes and maybe even what does not change. Watch the sky but also watch what's going on the ground" Phaelis added.

"So, unite the circumstances of the sky with those of the ground" I reasoned.

"Exactly" Phaelis smiled at me.

"And how long have you been decoding the skies for what's happening now?" I asked.

"A few moons. It was Cassiopeia, first"

"What?" I asked confused.

But to my surprise it was Bavra who replied to my question"The boastful lady" he had slowed down his pace to join us.

"Then the Red Star appeared to stay for months. It was very close to the moon"

"War?" I ventured and Allyri nodded smiling a little surprised. Roman mythology. Mars, the Red Planet, or Ares in greek mythology, they were the Gods of War. I guess some things mean the same even in different worlds.

"After that Ophiuchus, the healer" said Allyri.

"And the Raven was the last thing we saw" added Phaelis.

"Raven? That's bad news, right?" Was this a death sentence?

"Not necessarily. It brings messages of transition, change and healing, it sheds light on darkness" Phaelis said "Constellations have many meanings. The raven is also the guardian of synchronicity"

"How so?"

"That what is happening happens at precisely the right time in the right place. All things are falling into place" Allyri explained to me.

We keep on walking in silence. In my mind wheels were turning at high speed, trying to give meanings to what I'd just learnt.

The boastful lady. War. The Healer. The Raven. The last being the one that most caught my attention. It gives a reason to our arrival in Narnia. Then this could mean we were definitely here for something.

If only we knew why.

The walk through the woods turned out to be hard work, and I soon needed to put my full attention on where I was walking. I didn't even know where we were going, and in the dark it was impossible to find the herbs we needed but just when I was about to voice this thought out Allyri called my name.

"Anne, look, right there" I followed her finger and I paralized in astonishment.

There, at the foot of the tree lay an evergreen bush with orange berries. But what amazed me was the dim light that illuminated the plant and just that plant. A faint yellowish light that pierced the treetops. It was the moon light.

"It's so…" I could not find the words to describe this and my companions smiled at my reaction.

"Magical?" offered Bavra.

"Yeah"

We approached the plant and started to pick up the berries while Bavra gently pulled the plant out of the ground.

"This is Ashwagandha, Anne. We use mostly the roots. It does wonders in many psychic aspects" It was incredibly hard to remember all the plant names but I've found that keeping a journal with notes helped me a lot, so I saved a twig in a handkerchief and in my pouch.

We continue our herbs hunting for what seemed like hours, every now and then coming across these illuminated plants waiting for us to pick them up.

I was very lost, I didn't have a clue were we where. The woods all looked the same to me if I were alone I wouldn't be able to find my way around there.

The wind had finally stopped to give way to a horrible humidity. The air was heavy and we were sticky, the sweat made our bodies glow. I misfit the cape that I was wearing around my neck, it seemed that I was suffocating.

"Do you think we have many more plants to harvest yet?" I ventured with a tired voice.

"Not at all, we're heading back actually, we have reviewed our entire harvest area" answered Allyri, her voice sounded tired too.

Fortunately we arrived soon back to the Dancing Lawn where we organised in a circle again, fine herbs were being smoked. The scent filled my nostrils.

As we were forming the circle, the last of the moon was seen and the sky was fully covered again with heavy purple clouds.

We gathered the harvest in the middle where Sotenio and a few other centaurs packed all the herbs. Even in the darkness of the night I could tell that those were fine herbs. Strong stems and leaves, bright colors, rounded berries, perfect flowers, and well managed roots.

Those were going to be excellent remedies.

Thunders and lightning were stronger now and with a breath of fresh air the sky broke down and in seconds we were soaking wet.

Now that I think about it I could say that, at least for me, that final thunder warned us that hell was finally breaking loose.

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emaspin · 4 years ago

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Sankta Anastasia

@grishaversebigbang

Materialki

@luvidlovearts

https://luvidlovearts.tumblr.com/post/628438192931110912/piece-i-did-for-the-grishaversebigbang-for-the

@lady-ekatherina-de-mika

https://lady-ekatherina-de-mika.tumblr.com/post/628551127583064064/galena-for-the-grishaversebigbang-our-dear

@sammiemai

https://sammiemai.tumblr.com/post/628419233060126720/some-more-grishaversebigbang-content-these-are

Corporalki

@booklovingturtle

The story behind Sankta Anastasia has been forgotten over the years. Like many Saints she has slipped into folklore. Here is the story of the love and revenge that led Sankta Anastasia’s life.

Chapter 1 Galena placed the dried herbs into little tin boxes. She was proud of the new little system she had come up with. It was much better than her mother’s old messy cabinets. Galena liked to think that she did everything just a little bit better than her mother. Her mother worked hard but Galena worked with talent, maybe that was the difference. Galena kept up her organization for most of the afternoon, she was lost in sorting the dried herbs when a single knock sounded at her front door. Feliks walked in without announcing himself, he knew that he was always welcome. He admired her system for a minute without a word. She kept sorting.

“Have you been working on this all day? Feliks held one of the little tins up to his eye level. Feliks was always tinkering with things. He liked to know how people used all sorts of tools, he was known around the town for being able to fix a farmers plow faster than everyone else. It was a skill the Galena knew would serve them well when they had their own little business, although repair shops and healing shops didn’t normally go together she saw something almost poetic in the notion of repair of body and equipment. At the end of the day they were the same, she knew that they would be very happy together once he realized that he loved her.

“Basically, I slept in a little bit but other than that this is all I’ve done.”

“Impressive, I couldn’t sit in one place that long.” he fidgeted with the tin box that he was still holding.

“Careful, you’re going to spill the rosemary in there.” Feliks put the tin down.

“Oh,” his face lit up like he had just remembered something, “have you heard about the family that just moved in?”

“No. Who are they?”

“The Kravtsovs. They have a teenage daughter. I think she's a year older than you.” he nodded his chin in her direction, “I’ve heard that Mr.Kravtsov makes his money mining, so he’s away a lot. Maybe we’ll see them at church?” Galena hoped she would, there wasn’t anybody in the whole town that she didn’t know. She wasn’t about to let the new people ruin that.

Galena and Feliks spent the rest of the afternoon talking and sorting dried medicine ingredients. Galena adored the easy conversation they fell into. She loved the perfect famileraty she felt when she was with Feliks, Feliks was the main constant in her world. Everything she did was a step towards their future. Galena looked up at him, she sun filtered through his dirty blonde hair and hit his light eyelashes in a stunning array of shading. His caramel colored freckles were growing like an infestation across his cheeks and nose. She could look at him in the hazy sunlight forever. She knew that someday she would get to glimpse him with messy hair and sleep still in his eyes. Someday she might get to gaze on a baby that had his big brown eyes and her own warm chestnut hair. Someday, someday soon. He looked up and his eyes met hers.

“What?” It wasn’t a declaration of love but she could wait.

“You have dirt on your cheek.” she shook her hard as she stood and dunked a washcloth in the tepid water sitting in the sink. Galena tossed it to Feliks. “Has that been on your face all day? What were you doing this morning?”

He furrowed his brow, “fixing an old wagon.” She rolled her eyes skyward.

“You're like a toddler, you would be completely lost without me.” he looked like he wanted to argue in his own defence but she put her hands on her hips and gave him a look that told him not to bother. Something glazed in his eyes. He seemed to struggle not to say something for a second, then he stood.

“Church is starting in about an hour, I’m going home to eat.” he left before she could ask if the invitation extended to her. He must be tired, some time to himself would probably do him well. Galena decided to look extra pretty for the service this evening. She picked out the flowy pale blue dress and braided her hair into a crown around her head, letting small sections hang down to frame her face. She felt pretty. She pinched her cheeks to add some colour. She made food for her mother and herself as her mother quickly bathed and dressed. Galena packed a small jar of berries to share with Feliks when she got there. She was excited for tonight, things were changing. Galena could sense it humming in the air like an incoming storm.

Chapter 2 Galena held the jar of berries with two spoons and scanned the crowd for Feliks. When she finally spotted him she waved. He didn’t notice her, he was talking with a girl who had long raven black hair, it fell to her waist in soft curls, Galena’s own hair only fell to her mid back. The girl's blush pink dress matched the shade of pink growing across her cheeks as she made conversation with Feliks, Feliks grinned brilliantly at something she had said and her pink blush turned to a much deeper red. Galena’s gut twisted, who was this girl? Didn’t she know that Feliks was hers? She must have been the girl who just moved because Galena didn’t recognize her. Galena elbowed her way through the people talking before the service started. She stood right next to Feliks and linked her arm with his.

“Hi Feliks!” Her greeting was loud and she had interrupted the new girl mid sentence. She could barely stifel her smirk.

“Galena,” Feliks' voice was strange and it almost seemed like he had cringed when she had linked their arms, “This is Anastasia. She just moved here.”

“Hi.” Anastasia said with a stunning smile. Galena didn’t like her.

“How long have you two known each other?” Galena addressed both of them but the only person that she actually wanted to hear from was Feliks.

“Oh, we just met. Feliks was kind enough to come and talk with me. He was helping me avoid looking like the weird new girl with no friends.” Anastasia was animated when she talked, it annoyed Galena how engaging she was. Feliks was quiet.

“Yeah, Feliks is so nice like that.” Her voice was colder than she had intended. Anastasia blinked, confused, then she smiled again and the look made Galena’s stomach curtle.

Galena smiled back and was relieved to hear the preacher calling everyone to their seats. Galena led Feliks away before Anastasia could ask to sit with them, Galena saw her walking with who she guessed was her mother. She offered Feliks some of her berries but he denied her offer. She was annoyed with how he was acting. What had him so weird, he seemed fine when he was talking with Anastasia. The sermon passed quickly while Galena contemplated what could possibly be wrong with Feliks. She had decided that he was probably tired. They bowed their heads when the preacher said the prayers, they prayed mostly for the Plague that was bringing havoc to neighboring towns. The prayer ended and Galena turned to Feliks

“You should go home and sleep, you’ve seemed weird all day. You must be tired.” Feliks looked annoyed.

“I’m not a child, I’d know if I were tired. I don’t need you to tell me what to do or how to feel.” he turned away. Wow, he was really grouchy.

Galena turned to go home, her mother had left during the service to attend to a woman who was giving birth and she would meet Galena at home. Galena decided to talk the long way home, the walk would take her by the river and seeing the water shine in the setting sun was always beautiful. She walked for about fifteen minutes and was finally near the river. She had stopped to take off her shoes and dip her feet in the water. She sat there for a little while, daydreaming about a future with Feliks when she heard laughter coming down the trail behind her. It took her a second to recognize Feliks’ voice. When she did she snached up her shoes and shoved them on to her still wet feet. She ran into the bushes surrounding the path as quickly and quietly as she could. Crouching down so they couldn’t see her as she listened.

“So Galena, she seems like fun.” Galena couldn’t tell if it were her own dislike but she couldn’t bring herself to see anything good in Anastasia’s tone.

“Yeah, she’s a joy.” Galena could all but see Felik’s eyes roll. She chewed on her cheek in an effort to keep quiet. “She’s a little bit controlling, but she’s my closest friend so what can you do?” What did that mean? Before she could puzzle out what Feliks was trying to say Anastasia spoke.

“You know you don’t have to let her boss you around.” a small plunk sounded and Galena couldn’t tell which one of them had thrown a stone into the river.

“She doesn't always pick up on the subtler hints I throw her.” were they only here to insult her character? Galena picked at her nails and retreated into her thoughts for a minute, she zoned back into their conversation when she heard their laughs. She gritted her teeth, she wasn’t going to sit here for their whole conversation, but she couldn’t get up without revealing that she had heard the whole thing. They seemed deep enough in conversation for her to go unnoticed if she crawled through the bush and came out further up the path. Once she had emerged from the bramble she felt tempted to go back down the path and push Anastasia into the river. Instead she walked back towards the church and went home. She wasn’t sure what had happened with Feliks but she knew one thing, he was hers, he would always be hers. She would deal with it in the morning. Right now she had twigs in her hair and dirt all over her knees. Only she knew of the blow her dignity took tonight but she still felt embarrassed. She crashed into bed as soon as she got home. Galena was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Chapter 3 Galena was confused by the conversation she had overheard the other night, it had churned over and over in her mind all day. It taunted her and she couldn’t find a solution that made sense. It put her on edge. She had still been thinking about the whole dreadful ordeal when Feliks walked into her house.

“Hey, how has your day been? Healed anyone?” Feliks question was so shockingly casual it caught Galena off guard. She glared at him, did he take her for an idiot? His friendliness dropped and nervous energy overtook him. “What do you know?” his question proved that he hadn’t spotted her in the bushes last night.

“Why were you talking to the new girl about me?” Galena crossed her arms over her chest.

“I was just getting to know her, how did you even know I was talking to her after the service?”

“I’m not stupid Feliks.”

“I never said you were.” his shoulders were tense and he looked exhausted. Galena had no idea why he was exhausted. She was the one dealing with a stupid teenaged boy.

“What do you even see in her anyway? What makes her worth your time?”

“Are you listening to yourself? She's a person ,Galena. She deserves some basic respect. I’m sorry if I was being too nice to her when she's new and knows nobody.” Feliks snapped. Galena had rarely heard him raise his voice like this. She had always assumed that he never really got mad. Maybe he was more passionate than she had given him credit for.

“You’re being unreasonable.” something flashed in Felik’s eyes and it made Galena’s blood run cold, she would regret saying that.

“Don’t just dismiss me, don’t just dismiss how I feel.” Feliks looked at her and she could tell she had made a hugely personal mistake. “I’m entitled to feel things, Galena, I’m entitled to feel things that you haven't assigned to me.” Galena was struck hard by that. She did not assign him emotions. Maybe she had a plan for her life that involved him but it wasn’t like he had any other options. In her mind they were soulmates, destined by fate to be together, all of her plans for her future revolved around them, together. She had a plan, but that wasn’t telling him what to feel. So what the hell was he going on about? Galena clenched her fist and looke Feliks dead in the eyes.

“Feliks, we are meant to be together. It just hurts me to see you with her.” Feliks let out a dry laugh and Galena knew he didn’t actually find anything remotely funny. His reaction stung like a wasp bite. She could almost feel the venom leaching away at her hope.

“You don’t get to decide that for me.” his galre felt like a sharp shard of shattered glass cutting open her skin. She expected herself to cry but instead anger bubbled up her throat. She choked on it and could barely form a coherent thought. “I like Anastasia. I don’t really care how you feel about it because it's my life. I get to live it.” he didn’t look away from her when he delivered this blow. It was cold and vicious and all she wanted to do was cross the room and slap him. Simply to get some power, some control, back into her grasp. She was used to holding all the power in their friendship and it was jarring to see how easily he had taken it. Like he had let her hold it in the past, like he could have taken it at any moment. Her heart hurt, but more than that she felt rage. It burned her skin and vision until she couldn’t hold it back anymore. She crossed the room and picked up the teapot on the counter. Galena threw it on the floor as hard as she could. It shattered across the kitchen. She was about to turn to Feliks when she heard him speak.

“I’m not staying here and watching you throw a tantrum. Get it together Galena.” Then he turned and left. The rage boiled over again and Galena had destroyed four more plates before she could think rationally. She stood in the kitchen surrounded by shattered glass gulping down breaths.

She recounted the whole argument while she swept the floor. She hadn't said anything she didn’t truly believe. Galena wasn’t sure what had come over Feliks but she was sure it had something to do with Anastasia. He had said that he liked her. Galena was sure that he meant in a romantic sense. Fine, if he needed to have a relationship with her before he accepted that he and Galena were made for eachother then so be it. She could wait, but it still stung like a poisonous nettle. Galena didn’t like taking hits to her pride and this definitely was one. She was so angry at Feliks. She was completely astounded at the way he was acting. This was a direct attack on her plans. This was a direct attack on her. Galena could hardly breathe as another wave a rage crashed over her. Did he even understand what he had said to her? Did he understand all that he had thrown away? Thrown in her face. He had thrown her plans in her face. He taunted her with her perfect plan, then ripped it away. She hated him, yet Galena knew that she would do anything, absolutely anything to get him back. It would let her get her life plan back. Her direction was entirely pinned on Feliks. There was no way she was giving that up, there was no way in hell she was surrendering that direction to Anastasia. She hated Anastasia more than she hated Feliks. Galena turned and slammed the door with the beginnings of a new plan on her mind.

Chapter 4 Galena’s steps smacked hard on the ground as she made her way to the river. She knew that Feliks and Anastasia would be there. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to hold her temper and avoid pushing Anastasia into the river this time. If she were lucky Anastasia would get dragged in by a under current and drown. One could wish, maybe she should get a big stick to hit Anastasia upside the head just to be sure. Galena’s thoughts of murder filtered away as she got closer to the river. She knew that hoping for Anastasia’s death was awful and at this point she had settled on worming her way into their alone time together and making it awkward for both of them.

Galena heard their voices, Laughing and joking. Anastasia’s giggle was nauseating. She clenched her fists and her jaw, nearly biting into her cheek. She kicked a rock down the path and it went rolling down the river bank. Feliks noticed her then.

“Galena, what can I help you with?” his voice was cold. There was less emotion than there had been when they had fought. She still trembled with the rage from that argument and it was disconcerting how quickly he got over it. Or maybe he wasn't over it. She still had hope that he cared. Maybe the laughing she had heard was faked for Anastasia’s sake. The smile on Anastasia’s face made her doubt that.

“I just came to spend some time with you two.” Galena felt sure that Feliks hadn’t told Anastasia about their fight, it would paint him in a bad light and afterall, if he liked her he would want to seem his best in front of her.

The annoyance in Feliks eyes was piercing but Galena had thicker skin than most people would give her credit for. She glared right back. Then to add insult to injury she smiled coldly at Anastasia. Anastasia looked confused, she chewed on her lower lip with nerves. Galena thought that was the stupidest thing she had ever seen. Who has a habit of chewing their lips? Was she flirting with Feliks that shamelessly? Was she making it extra obvious because Galena was here? Galena set her resolve higher, she would push Anastasia in the river if she had to, but she could be sneaker, more clever, more underhanded than that. She didn’t need to resort to obvious violence. She smiled when she sat down, she made sure to sit closer to Feliks than she sat to Anastasia and the subtle annoyance that showed on Anastasia’s face for just a moment let Galena know that it was working. Anastasia wasn’t perfect after all. If she could just push enough of her buttons she could expose a ugly, spiteful girl to Feliks and he wouldn’t be interested anymore. Hopefully he wouldn't see the spite in her own actions, but everything she was doing was for them, it was all for him. They were made for eachother and all she was doing was pulling out a weed in his life while it still had shallow roots. This would be good for him in the end. Galena was confident that he would see that reason. She felt confident that he would come back and apologize for his hurtful words once he realized that what she was doing was for his best interest. She loved him, it was all for him. For their future.

“I didn’t know you kept tabs on him so tightly.” The comment from Anastasia was so unexpected that it took Galena a second to even process that she had said it at all. Apparently Anastasia wasn’t here to play around either. Galena almost missed Feliks subtle smile.

“Well it's a good thing I do.” Galena had the chance to not say what she was about to say, but she desperately wanted to put Anastasia in her place. “The two of you sneaking off to the woods alone, people talk in this town. You have no idea what kind of rumors might spread.” she prayed that Feliks had missed the underhanded threat. She knew that Anastasia would hear it.

“Would you really do that to Feliks? You know how much that would hurt him, how much it would hurt anyone. I’m trying to see good in you Galena, but you can’t even joke about starting a rumor like that. Lies like that start bigger issues than you can imagine.” Anastasia spoke passionately. Angry disbelief blazed in her eyes.

Galena almost thought that she had gotten away with her threat without Feliks noticing when she saw Anastasia’s words register on his face. Oh no. He turned to her, appalled.

“Galena, you wouldn’t.”

“I would,” she snarled before she could stop herself. “I could spin all sorts of tales that wouldn’t even put you at risk.”

“Please, if you ruined my reputation nobody but you would ever consider me worthy of talking to ever again. That's what you want isn't it?” Feliks spat the words at her with pure disgust.

Galena took half a second too long to answer. She expected Feliks to be livid, and he was. What she hadn't expected was Anastasia's rage. Anastasia curled her fist then threw her hand to the ground.

“People would believe anything about you, nobody knows you!” she knew she had made a huge mistake as soon as the words came out of her mouth. She had never seen Feliks look so angry. He jumped up and tackled her to the ground. Only, as he did this Galena’s foot slipped on the wet earth and they both fell into the river.

The cold water hit like a stone and Galena plunged deep into the river. It didn’t help that they had fallen into the deepest, fastest, most unpredictable part of the river. Galena trashed but she couldn't find up. The current was strong. And an undercurrent pulled her down. She desperately pushed up but it was useless. Her boot caught on a rock at the bottom of the river. No, she couldn’t be this deep already. Her lungs screamed. Her head pounded. The current started to pull her back. Galena wanted to scream, but then the current was pulling her upwards. She could feel herself getting closer and closer to the surface. She broke the surface and coughed out water while at the same time she took the deepest breath of her life. How? That was all her delirious brain could fit together. Feliks was clinging to the river bank in a much shallower part of the river. He was shivering and looked badly shaken. Galena didn’t think that she looked much better. How? How was it possible for both of them to survive? Galena looked up and got her answer. Anastasia was redirecting the current around her so she could safely swim to shore. Anastasia looked exhausted, no doubt holding back a current that strong took a lot of effort. Galena didn’t wish to challenge luck again, she swam to the shallows with Feliks as fast as she could. They dredged themselves out of the water together. Anastasia ran to meet them. Her skin was glowing, she looked bright and luminescent and the look that Feliks was giving her made Galena want to throw a rock at her head, even if Anastasia had just saved her life.

“Oh my goodness! Are you okay? Are you guys hurt?” Anastasia’s panic was tangible. Her eyes were wide and fear was choking out of her. “Please tell me you’re okay.” Anastasia was crying. Galena felt awful. It was what she had said that got them into this situation. It was her jealousy and actions. Before her guilt could borrow any further she realized with a start that Anastasia could manipulate water. Galena now knew someone else with supernatural gifts beside herself. Shocked, she stood and gaped up at her. Feliks barely reacted and Galena questioned if she had already told him about her abilities. His grateful smile confirmed her suspicions. Galena looked at Anastasia again. Abilities like this would have her hunted down and killed for witchcraft. There was no way that, if Galena was in Anastasia’s shoes, she would have exposed herself like Anastasia just did. Maybe that made Anastasia a better person than her. Galena had always been grateful for her gift, it was easy to keep hidden and whenever she used it to heal people she knew they wouldn’t go running to the church. For half a second the thought crossed Galena’s mind, she could expose Anastasia to the church. She knew that Feliks would never love her if she did that. So she discarded it as a plan. Galena had been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed that Feliks and Anastasia had been talking for a while now.

“Its okay, nobody saw, and nobody will find out.” Feliks had his hands on Anastasisa’s shoulders. “Right?” he added as he turned to her.

“Right.” she nodded dumbly. Anastasia looked panicked.

“Are you absolutely sure that nobody saw?” her face was pale and her hands trembled slightly. Galena couldn’t bring herself to feel any pity for her, she hadn’t been the one to take a plunge into the deep end of the river.

“Yes, if anyone saw Galena and I fall in they would be yelling, nobody in their right mind would sit back and quietly wait to see what you would do.” Anastasia giggled nervously at that. Galena was shocked to see how hard Feliks was working to calm her down. He had never bothered to take such personal stock in her emotions. Galena clenched her fists.

“You do understand why you can’t tell anybody right?” Anastasia had turned to her and Galena would have been offended by the question if not for the raw emotion in Anastasia’s voice. It caught her off guard and delayed her response. “I need you to keep this to yourself, I could get accused of witchcraft, I know you don’t care about me all that much, but if you told someone you would be putting yourself in danger too. I’m not one hundred percent sure how people would react, but worst case scenario you could be in trouble too.”Galena’s blood went cold. She knew how badly this would affect Anastasia but she hadn’t considered that it would have impacts on herself too. Feliks looked at her and she knew how badly it would hurt him if she betrayed Anastasia. She wouldn’t tell anyone about today. It made a difference though, a big difference. Galena now held something over Anastasia, something that Anastasia had foolishly handed to her. She could hardly imagine what she could hold over Anastasia with this turn of events.

Chapter 5 Galena knew that the man her mother had dragged into the kitchen of their home was dying. He wasn’t dead quite yet but there was very little chance for him. It had been three days since Galena’s encounter with Anastasia and Feliks at the river. She hadn’t seen either of them since. Galena was glad for the distraction the man on their table held. Her thought had centered around Anastasia and Feliks every waking minute since the fight. Galena stood gathering towles and bandages for the man. Her bathroom had buckets of boiling water that made the space stuffy and humid. She heard her door open and footsteps come in. Galena’s mother was far too busy working to notice that someone had walked in. Galena paid little attention until she looked up and saw Feliks standing in the doorway.

“We need to talk.” Feliks looked her in the face, he wore little expression and that startled Galena.

“What makes you like her so much? What does she have that I don’t?” Pleading and anger were spilling out of Galena as she stood in the cramped and stuffy bathroom clutching the bloody towels to her chest. She didn't care if the blood got on her, hell, it already was all over her. Her mother was desperately attending to the bleeding man on their kitchen table and Galena was supposed to be getting more water and bandages. Instead she was fighting with Feliks.

“Anastasia is smart, she’s beautiful, and she’s powerful. She’ll be a living saint one day.” Feliks looked like he wanted to continue but rage tore through Galena and she couldn't hold back her words.

“Oh so just because she can manipulate water she’s suddenly a saint. I’m not normal either Feliks.”

“Galena you’re just a healer. You bandage the injured. That's not anywhere near what Anastasia can do.” she thought her anger had been at its limit but it bubbled like a pot of water boiling over. Power rippled through her and she turned out of the bathroom. Feliks followed. She pushed open the door to the kitchen and her mother looked up at her. Galena shoved her aside, she glared at Feliks with pure and undiluted rage and slammed her palms down on top of the knife wound in the man's chest. His flesh began to knit together from the inside out. The chambers of his heart reunited and it started to beat. The tissue slowly closed and he was left with a long scar across his chest. He was still asleep on the table. Galena’s mother was gawking at her in shock and awe. Of course she knew about Galena’s gift, and so had Feliks but they hadn't known the extent of it. They had seen Galena heal small cuts and bruises. If Galena was being honest she wasn't sure she could have saved that man without her anger as a crutch. She looked up at Feliks and was shocked to find that his expression had not changed.

“Anastasia doesn't use her power to prove a point.” He turned and walked out. Galena was exhausted, emotionally and physically. She turned and ran to her room. Hardly getting past the door frame before the tears came. She changed out of her blood soaked dress and into a light blue one. Her hair had been braided away from her face and secured in a tight knot at the nape of her neck. She took out the pins keeping it in place and undid the braids around her face. She was still crying, although the tears came less forcefully. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was running. She ran her fingers along her sore, swollen eyes and they returned to normal. She wiped her nose on her sleeve, it itched for a minute and then stopped running.

Everything had been concrete her whole life. She had been in love with her best friend and simply waiting for him to feel the same. All that had changed when Anastasia Kravtsov had moved to town. Galena hated how quickly everything had changed. She loathed how fragile her relationship with Feliks had been. She didn’t believe they were soulmates anymore. Galena wasn’t sure she believed in soulmates now. She did still believe in power. Galena knew that no matter what changed in the world, power would always be attractive. If Feliks wanted a saint, then Galena would give him a saint. Galena was out the door a moment later and had walked into the town's marketplace blindly. An old, weary looking man was sitting in the shade. He was coughing when Galena approached him. Without a word she placed her hands on his shoulders. Her palms were warm as she called forward her healing abilities. The man had stopped coughing but his eyes held panic.

“What did you do?” his voice was raspy, as if he hadn’t used it in days. His eyes were wide as he stared up at her.

“You are healed. Spread the word, tell everyone that the world strongest healer lives in this very village.” she hoped that sounded saintly enough for Feliks. The man stared at her incredulously.

Galena spread her palms outward and turned to the gathering crowd. A small boy had a scraped knee and Galena made her way towards him. She was almost to him when an older boy stepped in front of him, a brother maybe? He pushed his arms in front of himself to add distance between the little boy and Galena.

“We don’t want any of your witchcraft.” his snarl was jarring. Galena had never thought anybody would view her gift like that. In anger she clenched her fists at her side. The older boy's face went pale in panic. He grasped at his throat, desperately clawing with wide, anxious eyes. Galena didn’t even realize that she was collapsing his windpipe until a woman cried out,

“She’s strangling him!”

“Witch!” another man cried as a small stone hit her shoulder.

Galena unclenched her fist and the boy took a deep, shuddering breath. The panic was still in his gaze.

“What’s your name?” his voice was trembling but still held a bite.

Galena hesitated for a moment. An idea sparked in her head, it was a long shot but she had spoken before she could reconsider. “Anastasia, my name is Anastasia Kravtsov.” The immediate guilt that clawed at her stomach made the lie harder to accept as a thing that she had actually done. The boy looked her in the eye and she knew she had just sentenced Anastasia to death.

Chapter 6 Galena had sprinted into the woods in an attempt to get away. She had cautiously followed the sound of angry yelling to the town square. What she found shocked her. Everyone was gathered in the town square, around a wooden box on which stood Anastasia. The real Anastasia, not Galena, who had been the one who had gotten her into this deadly situation. Anastasia had tears running down her face. Galena’s gut twisted as guilt burned her throat. She had made a mess that she couldn’t fix. The yelling had been refined into a single chant, over and over again it rang like a bell in Galena’s ears.

“Burn. The. Witch. Burn. The. Witch. Burn. The. Witch.” Galena was surprised to find herself crying. It was getting harder and harder to breathe properly. Her hands were shaking. Her breaths were thin when a hand landed on her shoulder. She jumped, certain that she was about to be thrown into the crowd and put to death. Instead she turned and faced Feliks.

“What did you do?” his voice was cold but livid fury flashed in his eyes.

“I-” Galena started but had to force down a deep breath before she could get any words out. “I made a mistake.”

“A mistake? And that's why Anastasia, the healer, is getting put to death?” so he had heard about what she had done.

“I wasn’t thinking, Feliks, don't be upset.” she was reaching out her hand to touch his arm but he snached her wrist midair and held it tightly.

“I have every right to be upset, but I’ll keep it together long enough to help Anastasia, and so will you.” Galena knew now that there was nothing she could do to fix how badly she had broken her relationship with Feliks. Even friendship was off the table now. Galena was hurt by the way he was looking at her, but the panic of the situation she had put them in masked it.

They hurried across the edges of the crowd and watched as Anastasia was bound and thrown into the back of a wagon. The men who were driving it down the worn path weren't paying much attention as Galena and Feliks took the only chance they would get. They rushed forward as soon as the cart was out of town. The men had stopped to move a log that had fallen across the path. Feliks cut the rope tying Anastasia down and Galena helped her out of the ropes holding her wrists behind her back. They ran into the woods and Feliks guided them back to his house. These moments came in quick flashes of focused energy. Galena’s panic brought her attention to only freeing Anastasia. Feliks’ large family made their living farming, he found a wagon easily. It was packed with the most basic supplies and tools within minutes. With a small goodbye he and Anastasia were off into the night. Feliks hadn’t told her where they were going, Galena wasn’t sure he even knew. He was doing the right thing, leaving was smart. But Galena couldn’t help feel that they had abandoned her.

Her head buzzed with the same thoughts that had been plaguing her for the past week. Her mother wasn’t there when she walked into the house. Galena couldn’t bring herself to care where she might be. She hadn’t noticed that she was packing until she was nearly done. Almost as if she were in a trance she finished stuffing all that she would need in bags and found herself on the road. Galena had managed to talk a farmer delivering stock to a nearby town into giving her a ride. She didn't sleep as she stared out at the road ahead. Wondering where Feliks and Anastasia would be.Galena wished she was in Anastasia’s place, horrific as it might be seeing as her own actions had nearly gotten Anastasia killed. At least Anastasia had Feliks. They stopped in the next town. Galena had healed three people before she realized that she was leaving a trail for people to find. She didn’t care, at least she was leading Witch Hunters away from Feliks and Anastasia. She owed them that much.

Chapter 7 Galena hadn’t been in that town long before she moved on to the next. She was at that one an even shorter time. She went on traveling, healing in each town. Weeks blurred together and in what felt like a blink, time slipped through her fingertips. It had been nearly two months since the night she ran, she hadn’t stopped running and the constant movement left her hollow and alone. Galena’s reputation grew and the number of people asking for healing grew with each town she passed through. The irony that she was occasionally called a saint wasn’t lost on her.

She mostly healed people who were sick with the highly contagious plague. She had gotten even better with her gift as she continued to work on the illness. She was familiar with how it worked now. With that experience had grown fame. People traveled while in the worst of the plague just to see her. They said she was the only one capable of healing it. Galena hoped that Feliks and Anastasia heard about the healings and knew it was her. That petty thought grew stronger and stronger at each town she stopped in. She hoped they regretted everything that had happened, how they had pushed her to act. She had felt guilty that first night but as the weeks passed the guilt twisted and contorted into anger. They had abandoned her. Anastasia had stolen Feliks from her and then they both left her. She didn’t feel guilty anymore.

Galena had just healed the last plague victim, a young boy with sunny blonde hair, and was about to set out on the road again when she saw seven large and heavily armed men talking with heads bent in the shade of a building.

“Sankta!” a young woman to her left called out as Galena passed. The praise would have made Galena smile if one of the men hadn’t snapped his gaze up to stare at her. A deep chill flooded Galena’s blood. She desperately shushed the woman but she was preoccupied with chattering about Galena’s power. The man who had looked up at her was working his way towards her through the crowded streets and Galena snapped the woman’s vocal cords shut with a pinch of her fingers. The woman gasped and held her hand to her throat, the same panic that had flooded the boy she had stopped the heart of filtered into her gaze. The tall man was walking toward her even faster now. As if she had just confirmed his suspicions. Galena knew that this wouldn’t be an easy situation to get out of. She ran. Her feet hit the road hard and the crowd that had gathered to watch her heal got in her way at every turn. She swept her arms out, palms open. Forcing the crowd to part. Outraged cries echoed behind her.

I can use my powers to heal the plague infested, but the second I use them to keep myself safe everyone is offended? Galena thought bitterly. She glanced behind her, she was losing the man who had originally moved towards her, just as she was starting to feel proud of herself she noticed another man coming from her left. She turned right, as fast as she could, into an ally. Galena barely kept her bag from flying off of her shoulder. The ally was dark and shadowed and she didn’t notice the man until she had run into him. His hands gripped her shoulders then quickly pulled her hands behind her back before she could even think to stop his heart. Rage boiled deep in Galena. They had herded her right into this ally. She tried to stomp on his foot but he spun and pushed her, face first against the brick wall.

“Don’t try anything foolish, witch” He spat the word witch with so much hatred that Galena shuddered. “Don’t talk either, I’ll slit your throat before I’ll let you talk your way to freedom.” he knew what he was doing, he had probably hunted others gifted like her. A weak, desperate plan was stirring in her head. She knew it was a long shot, and if he figured out what she was doing he very well would slit her throat but she didn’t have any other options. His grip on her wrists didn’t restraign her fingers. With a twitch she sent a muscle in his calf spasming. He reached down to grab his leg, a grimace on his face. Galena snached her hands away from him and before he could react, stopped his heart. He paled and fell to the ground. Galena didn’t allow herself to stop, she had to keep moving. She sprained out of the ally the same way she had come in. She moved through the crowd without parting them, she blended in much better than she had before and was able to avoid the rest of the men by keeping her head down. She was on the outskirts of the town within minutes and was able to find a merchant that had come to see her who was willing to give her a ride to the next town. She cried that night. She hadn’t realized the danger she was in, she hadn’t known she was being hunted. She wondered now, how long until they caught up with her again. The man who she was traveling with informed her that there was only one town in the area. She was stuck with an extremely traceable path. Galena resolved herself to stay a couple days in that town, if she were lucky the hunters would assume that nobody was stupid enough to stay in a town they knew she would be in and move on ahead of her. She didn’t know what she would do after that, or what she would do if they found her. Galena didn’t sleep that night. Everytime she started to drift off she felt herself run into the man in the alley again, she felt his cold words again, she felt his heart stop at her hand again. She stared blankly behind the carriage the whole night.

Chapter 8 Galena had arrived in Arkesk almost two days ago, she had healed too many people to count. She had slept and dined on the generosity of people who called her Sankta and gazed at her with wide, adoring eyes. She felt the creeping sense that someone was following her all of the time. Constantly looking over her shoulder to find nothing, the feeling only grew as time went on.

The anxiety that had been flooding her was at an all time high when she heard about the wedding. The first time the wedding was mentioned an old woman had suggested that she attend and bless the couple. Galena had dismissed the idea, not caring about a couple she didn’t know. Then she heard the bride’s name, Anastasia. She knew then that she had stumbled into the town where Feliks and Anastasia fled to. There was of course the chance that it was just another young woman named Anastasia but her luck was never that good. She had decided at that moment that she would go to the wedding. She had to stay in Arkesk for three more days to attend the wedding. Her anxiety had dissipated as soon as she learned that it was Feliks’ and Anastasia’s wedding.

The next three days passed in a blur. Galena spent most of the time healing others. The plague, which had been especially bad in Arkesk, had almost disappeared due to her tireless work. People were more appreciative here as well, it boosted her confidence and the whispers of worship that followed her brought a pleased pride to her spirit. She was sure that Feliks and Anastasia had heard of the Sankta healer; she figured that they were avoiding her. The town was small and it wouldn’t have been that unlikely to run into them. Galena wondered if they would be surprised to see her at their wedding, she thought it would have shocked her if she were in Anastasia’s place but Anastasia had always seemed to have a better grasp on what Galena was doing than Galena did on her. She shouldn’t care, she should have moved on past both of them. Galena had renown and followers. They called her the healing saint, cries of “Sankta” followed her from town to town. People knew who she was. Nobody, or at least nobody outside of this small town knew who Anastasia and Feliks were. She still wanted Feliks though. And that thought that Anastasia had taken him from her was inferating. They were engaged to be married, but the wedding hadn’t come yet, she still had a chance to steal him back.

When the day of the wedding finally came Galena marched to the church with furious determination. There was nothing and no one who would stop her from taking back what rightfully belonged to her; Feliks. She was seated alone in a pew against the back wall of the church. Alone, staring straight at the altar, with her arms crossed and her anger boiling she went surprisingly unnoticed. She expected that she would have made more of a stir, with the whole, ridding the town of the plague thing. Once again Anastasia overshadowed her. The thought made her anger pitch even hotter. Her anger only raised more as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. Feliks stood at the front of the church, grinning, it made Galena want to hurl. The music changed and Anastasia was floating down the aisle like an angel. That made Galena want to hurl even more. It also made her want to stand up and tear the stunning white gown off of Anastasia. She didn’t. Her anger cemented her to her seat. Anastasia took her place at the front and smiled a wide, radiant smile at Feliks. Galena’s hands curled into fists at her sides. They started their vows. Galena tuned them out. Lost in her own thoughts, until she saw the first of the tears slip from Feliks eyes. She was shocked. Galena had known Feliks for years and she had never once seen him cry. He had seemed to feel life in an apathetic way, never reacting very strongly to anything. In the time he had met Anastasia she had seen that change in him. She knew for certain that Anastasia had somehow taught him that it was okay to free his feelings. Galena had only ever taught him to lock them up. That small realization acted like a key, opening a locked door full of truths that she didn’t want to face. Before she had even realized it was happening her anger slipped away. Galena watched, entranced as tears flowed freely from Feliks. He held Anastasia’s hands like they were sacred jewels. Anastasia herself was smiling the most beautiful, all encompassing, joyful smile Galena had ever seen. She was glowing, glowing with pure undiluted happiness. Galena realized then that Anastasia gave Feliks something that she had never given him. Anastasia was home for Feliks, and he was home for Anastasia. Galena’s heart hurt, in part because of the pain that Feliks would never look at her the way he was gazing at Anastasia, but mostly because she had caused Feliks pain for so many years and had never even realized it. She hadn't noticed her own tears until a fat drop rolled down her cheek. Feliks was saying his vows in a wobbly emotional voice. He was gazing at Anastasia like she was a brilliant sun set. Galena knew then that she had been wrong. Wrong on so many occasions. Feliks and Anastasia belonged together. It was time for her to stop interfering. She didn’t have the slightest idea what to do now, she just knew she needed to stay long enough to apologize to both of them.

Galena was in a similar awe-like state the rest of the ceremony. Feliks and Anastasia shared a joyful glow that lit the whole room. Galena stumbled along with the crowd of guests as they made their way into the church’s basement for the dinner. Feliks and Anastasia joined them a moment later. A short girl with dark hair and eyes who was bouncing with excitement chattered to the room about Anastasia and Feliks. Galena was standing against the back wall. The girl’s bubbly monologue was fumbled as her attention caught on a tall man who was whispering something to Feliks. The look on Feliks face made Galena’s stomach drop. Then she heard it for herself, the crisp military voices echoing from the top floor of the church. Witch Hunters.

Chapter 9 Panic was flooding Galena’s blood. The Witch Hunters were her for her no doubt, but if they knew about Anastasia they would take her too. Judging from the tall man and short girls concerned expressions they thought that it was possible the hunter were here for Anastasia.

Well, a very sidetracked part of Galena’s mind mused, it’s good that Anastasia and Feliks have made close friends since moving. The sudden and sharp sound of footsteps on the stairs yanked Galena’s attention back to the matter at hand. The small girl was now pushing through the crowd in the way only the very short could, Anastasia and Feliks trailing behind her with the tall man at their backs. Galena followed their movements without thinking. She was almost stopped in her tracks when she saw one of the men who had herded her like cattle in one of the last villages.

“I’m looking for the bride,” his voice boomed with authority, “I’m looking for the girl named Anastasia.” it took Galena a moment to wrap her head around the statement. His band of Hunters had been looking for her last she knew, they had followed her from her own home town if she guessed correctly. Then it struck her, a memory painful like a slap to the face. She had given Anastasia’s name. These men were hunting Anastasia as surely as they were hunting her.

By the time they reached the small door that led off to a side room the wedding guests were stampeding for the door. Galena slipped inside after Anastasia and Feliks. The short girl and tall man were gone with the crowd. It was just Galena, Feliks, and Anastasia in the room. Feliks had his head half in the fireplace that took up one wall of the small room.

“Galena?” Anastasia’s voice was shocked. Had she really not realized that Galena was in attendance?

“Hello Anastasia, Feliks.” she nodded to Feliks who had turned from the fireplace very suddenly. “I’m going to help you escape,” she added when neither of them spoke.

She heard the footsteps on the other side of the door and without thinking whirled and, gazing through the window curled her hand into a fist. She saw the man tumble to the ground. Anastasia gawked at her. Galena’s mind was spinning. If the Hunters broke the door down and saw Anastasia in her wedding dress they would kill her as well as Galena.

Feliks gasped and pulled Anastasia toward the fireplace.

“We can climb up the fireplace. It's the only way out.” he was urgently ushering her into the fireplace. Anastasia tried twice to climb into it but her skirts were too full to fit in the narrow passage. The idea came to Galena,

“Trade dressed with me,” Galena said. Anastasia looked at her for a moment before the panic cleared and she understood. Anastasia nodded. She turned to Feliks.

“Go, please, climb up first and I’ll meet you at the top.” he shook his head fiercely.

“I won't leave you.”

“Don’t be stupid. You’d be wasting time, we're wasting time even now.” This seemed to convince him. He was already climbing the chimney as Galena and Anastasia traded clothing. As Galena pulled off her dress and handed it to Anastasia.

“I’m sorry, Oh Anastasia, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” Anastasia shook her head but she didn’t know the extent of Galena’s betrayal. She didn’t know that Galena had named her as a witch and caused all of these problems to begin with. “It is, all of it. I’m sorry. I could say it everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn’t be enough.” Anastasia was helping her button up the back now. “He really loves you, I’ve never seen him love anyone or anything so much. You are his whole world. Please cherish him. I know he will always cherish you.” Anastasia was crying, silent tears and nodding. Galena knew that Anastasia was well aware of what she planned to do. Galena whirled away from her then. “Go, please. I can't open the door until you’re climbing up.”

“Thank you” that was all Anastasia said before she turned and started climbing up the chimney.

It took Galena a moment to work up the courage to open the door. There were men in the basement of the church. They had been searching the rooms and it had been by pure luck that they hadn’t checked the room she had just come from. Well, at least one of them had. Maybe the only luck she had was that he hadn’t screamed when she stopped his heart. One of the men whirled to look at her. Before she could think he was sprinting to her. Viciously grabbing her wrists and yanking them behind her back. The other hunters were on her too. They marched her up the stairs, Anastasia was taller than Galena and she kept tripping on the skirts. To her luck they didn’t pay much mind to her wardrobe malfunction. She was shoved to her knees outside of the church. People had gathered around. Cries and chants of “witch, witch, witch” echoed in the town. It was funny to her, Galena thought as the hunters tied her hands very tightly, that one day she was Sankta, and the next she was Witch. The hunter had tied her hands very thoroughly. Going as far as to tie her palms together so she couldn’t use her power. He tied her ankles next, then threw her into a wagon. She was too tired to fight. Too exhausted and humiliated and hurt by her own actions to make herself stand up. She could do nothing but hope that Anastasia and Feliks had made their way out of the town. She bounced in the back of the wagon, tied up like a hog for hours. She was almost asleep when she heard the yipping and snarling. She suspected wolves. The snarling and howling were getting closer. She finally let herself scream.

Chapter 10 Anastasia stood at the steps of the church and looked lovingly at her husband as he ran down the steps after the clumsy, chubby cheeked toddler. Their clumsy, chubby cheeked toddler. Feliks and Anastasia had been married seven years ago. Every anniversary they made their way to a church to remember Galena. She had been sanctified three years after her death. They called her Sankta Anastasia, which always made Anastasia cringe. She wished more than almost anything in the world that Galena was remembered in her own name. The only two things that soothed this was that Feliks remembered Galena, and that the image painted and crafted in stained glass windows was entirely Galena. It held her image, kind and merciful, with serene wisdom on her face. That was not how Anastasia had known Galena for most of the time they had been acquainted but it perfectly encompassed how she had been right before she died. Anastasia was grateful every moment of everyday for Galena’s sacrifice. If she hadn’t made her sacrifices Feliks and Ananstasia could have never been as they were now. Anastasia looked down at their son again, he was only here because of Galena’s sacrifice.

It was Anastasia’s goal as a mother to raise her son into a man that Galena would have been proud to die for. The wise mature Galena who had made a decision so hard that Anastasia doubted she herself would have been able to make the same one.

“Gotcha!” Feliks grabbed their son and swung him up onto his shoulders. Anastasia beamed. Anastasia had caught up to the boys and slipped her hand into Feliks. “I love you Ana.” He said as he brushed a kiss to her temple. He had called her Ana almost the whole time he had known her. The only other person who had ever called her Ana was her mother.

“I love you too Feliks.” He had loved her, every moment they had been together, just as Galena had said he would. An all encompassing love, as if nobody else in the world mattered more than her. At least, until their son was born.

Anastasia ran her hand over her round belly. She was about seven months along with her second baby and it was their biggest source of excitement nowadays. The baby, another miracle that they could thank Galena for. Anastasia knew that she would spend the rest of her life counting things she could thank Galena for, her children, eventually her grandchildren, to be able to see Feliks’ hair slowly pepper into grey, to be able to hold her son when he told her of falling in love with a girl, to gather flowers for her children’s weddings. So many moments, big and small, that she would only have Galena to thank for. She turned to look at the church again, the stained glass image of Galena caught the setting sun and she glowed a soft gold.

Thank you, thank you for all of it. Anastasia turned her gaze to Feliks. Thank you for him most of all.

#grishabigbang20 #grishaverse #gvbbfic20 #gvbb2020 #leigh bardugo #shadow and bone

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mightiestheroes · 5 years ago

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Hello! Could you maybe write a Jaskier x Reader where Reader is also a bard. And they meet from time to time in taverns or to play for some royal festivity. And reader is super shy and comes off as cold expect when playing for others and everyone, including Jaskier thinks she is just vain and thinks better of herself. But she hast a crush on him and wants to know him better. And then they get caught by bandits or something dangerous. And then angst and fluff happens!

Thank you for the request! I hope you like it!

Y/N huffed another deep breath. She loved performing, her lute and being able to sing bringing her so much pleasure in life. A lonely life. She wasn’t sure how that was possible but being among lots of people made her feel even more lonely. But she knew it was probably mostly her own fault. She was shy from the very beginning, she thought that performing would help her socialise and meet some friends or maybe even someone to fall in love with. But no such luck. She met another amazing bard – Jaskier some time ago in The Hairy Bear when she walked in while he was singing and damn, he was good. He had a strong but smooth voice that carried emotions so perfectly. She sat down and ordered a stew and some ale. She noticed people being naturally drawn to him, enchanted even and she felt jealous. She knew it was stupid but she wished she could be like him around others. After a few more songs and a loud applause, the bard appeared by her table.

“Do you play as well? That’s a beauty!” he asked pointing to her lute.

“Thanks, it was a gift from King Foltest. I performed at his court a few times.” You responded quickly but without much emotion because you got shy and nervous once again. He didn’t seem bothered by this at first.

“What are you doing now?” Jaskier seemed genuinely interested which made you even more flustered and distant.

“I’m a bard,” was your short response.

“Marvelous! Will you play something for us?” he asked loudly and the room seemed to go silent.

“I suppose I can.” You said taking your instrument and started playing. You decided to stay at your table where you felt quite safe and comfortable. Some of the folks looked at you sceptically while scoffing but you closed your eyes and started singing. When you finished and opened them, you saw Jaskier who was a bit shocked and other patrons clapped. But no one came to talk to you, no one commented on your song. They continues to eat and drink as they were.

“That was beautiful! Sorry but I didn’t catch your name…” Jaskier trailed off. You looked at him for a few seconds still replaying his words in your head. You noticed his blue eyes sparking with curiosity and joy, his playful yet warm smile. You wanted to stay there for a little longer and get to know this man. But your brain had other plans as always.

“I’m Y/N. Sorry, but I have to go.” You stood up quickly, leaving the fellow bard confused but intrigued. Jaskier wasn’t sure what to think about you. You were talented for sure, you had an amazing voice that could match his own. An idea popped into his head that it would be great to sing together some time. But he wasn’t so sure if he’s going to see you again, especially when you didn’t seem to be very friendly. Maybe playing on royal courts made you cocky and shallow. Maybe Foltest gave you not only that stunning instrument but also some lessons on how to treat commoners with pride and vanity. The young bard shrugged his shoulders and went on with singing and having fun with the small crowd.

The next time you meet him it’s his turn to walk in on your performance. You were standing in a middle of the town’s square which held spring festivities. And once again Jaskier found himself captivated by your voice and aura. You spotted him when you were finishing your last song and felt your heart quicken. He bowed theatrically and all you could gave him was a small, tight smile. People started clapping and you quickly bowed to them and wandered off. Jaskier thought it was quite odd, because he always mingles with people and talks to them about anything and everything to keep them entertained. He guessed people really saw your distance and coldness towards them. You were so angry with yourself, because finally you met someone interesting but couldn’t get past your fears and thoughts to get to know him. You wanted to work on that and you decided to try and talk to more people. The next day was so beautiful, the sun was shining and a warm delicate wind was bowing on your heated skin. You were roaming the streets and the market watching people walking around, buying and selling their goods, interacting. You walked up to an elderly woman who was selling herbs and oils. You breathed deeply, trying to stop your hands from shaking.

“Hello, do you have something to keep your throat healthy?” you asked shyly but quite proud you managed to do that.

“Oh of course, little dove. Are you a singer?” the sweet woman asked and you get nervous again but tried to fight it.

“I am indeed. I am a bard.” You replied and added a small smile in the end.

“That sounds interesting! Can you sing for me?” she caught you off guard but you kept reminding yourself that you want to make friends.

“I’m not sure… Maybe something short.” You replied and started singing quietly an old lullaby elder speech. As you saw the woman’s eyes widen as well as her smile, you felt amazing and smiled wholeheartedly at her.

“You are very talented, my dear! But you seem lonely.” she exclaimed and you got flustered again but decided to be honest.

“I am, actually. I am very shy with people and they don’t like me because of that…”

“You are beautiful and talented, you have nothing to be afraid, sweetheart. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!” she smiled and patted your hand. You returned the smile and thanked her as you walked away with a good feeling.

What you didn’t know was that a certain blue-eyed bard saw and heard everything and decided to befriend you next time he sees you.

Which happened a few weeks after that, when you both got invited to perform on some lord’s ball. You kept practicing your interactions with people and felt a bit better about yourself but going to such a big event still made you nervous. You also kept thinking if Jaskier is going to be there as you were getting ready. You put a little more effort into your appearance to make yourself calmer and braver. When you walked into the huge ballroom, your hands got a little bit sweaty but you pushed through and sat by the table. You heard a fit of giggles and followed the sound only to find Jaskier himself entertaining a few young women. You were happy to see him in hope to get to know him some more but the sight made you feel self-conscious again. Some people were trying to talk to you at the table but you couldn’t stop watching the handsome bard and brushed them off which seemed cold and rude once more. You needed some relax so you poured yourself some wine and observed the crowd. When you stepped outside to catch some air you noticed Jaskier by the small garden, watching the stars and mumbling to himself. Maybe it was the wine or the way the Moon made his face look angelic, but you took a few strides and came next to him. He did a little doubletake which made you blush and smile at him.

“Well, hello Y/N! Fancy seeing you here.” He greeted you but stayed aware of your usual cold demeanor. Which is why your response shocked and pleased him to no end.

“I was hoping to see you here…” you admitted shyly and couldn’t look him in the eyes so you quickly added “What are you doing outside?”

“Umm… I have an idea for a new song but I can’t get it right.” He started to walk into the garden away from the court and you followed him. “Will you help me?” he asked.

“Sure, let’s hear it!” he made you feel at ease as you walked and talked and hummed. You didn’t even notice when you got that far away as you sang with him the new song.

“I think we should sing it together, you know? As a duet.” He stopped and suggested looking her in the eyes with a small smile.

“I’d love that, Jaskier.” Hearing her say his name made the bard feel a bit dizzy and he felt butterflies in his stomach. He wanted to say something clever to make her smile again, when they heard rustling from the bushes. Two men emerged holding something in their hands which looked awfully like knives.

“What do we have here? Nevermind, give us your coins!” the first one exclaimed and they both pointed their knives at you. You paled and your breath hitched feeling scared.

“We don’t have any. Just leave us alone and go away.” Jaskier put his hand before you and tried to convince the men.

“Don’t think so. If you don’t have money, we can get something else…” the other one suggested looking at you and licking his lips. You wanted to say something, to protect yourself but Jaskier beat you to it.

“Like hell you are! Don’t even come near her” he screamed and started throwing punches. When the two men fell to the ground, the bard seemed shocked himself but then quickly turned to you.

“You can thank me later…” he tried to joke not sure how to handle this.

“You could’ve gotten hurt!” you shouted suddenly at him.

“But I didn’t. I wanted to make sure you were safe.” Jaskier admitted taken aback by your outburst.

“What for? They had knives Jaskier!” you weren’t sure yourself why you were mad at him.

“Because I care about your cold heart!” he was getting angry too.

“Cold?!” you felt tears in your eyes, his words hurt even if they were true.

“You act like you are better than all of us and brush off anyone who wants to get closer to you!” you knew he was right. You threw your arms in the air feeling helpless and not being able to find the right words.

“I know.” Was everything you said quietly and he stopped in his tracks looking at you expectantly. “I don’t think I am better than anyone. I just get stupid and nervous and it was always easier to push people away. But…” you stopped yourself not sure if you should tell him the truth.

“But what, Y/N?” he asked somehow hopefully and trying to catch your eyes. You took a deep breath and muttered.

“I don’t want to push you away.” You said quickly and quietly but he seemed to hear that. Jaskier smiled brightly and took your hand in his. You looked up just in time to see his breathtaking smile.

“Then don’t.” he simply replied and put his hand on the side of your face. He glanced down to your lips and you felt somehow calm and content. You smiled slightly and it was all it took for Jaskier to kiss you with all his passion.

REQUESTS OPEN

#the witcher #witcher #request #prompt #writing #jaskier x reader #bard reader #angst #fluff #julian alfred pankratz #reader insert

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kiminicricket · 5 years ago

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Swords and Opals part 7

A Ruthari Fic based pre-show

Need to catch up?

From the Start

Previous Chapter

When Ethari woke several hours later, it wasn’t because Tiadrin had shaken him awake, which he figured she probably should have by now, but from sounds coming from the bush. Keeping his breathing shallow he waited to hear it again, ready to take action if need be. While he heard nothing more from the bush, he heard gentle conversation from where Tiadrin had been sitting.

“I’m sorry for over-reacting yesterday,” she said. “I just..”

“It’s ok,” Ethari heard Lain’s voice and let out a soft sigh. That was a good sign.

“I know about hating nicknames.” He was saying.

“Do you have a nickname that you hate?” Tiadrin asked, “You know, so I can use it constantly against you?” She teased.

Lain let out a chuckle then groaned.

“Sorry!” Tiadrin said.

“It’s fine, it’s not your fault.”

Tiadrin said nothing for a while, and Ethari could imagine the disbelieving look she was probably wearing on her face. It had been while protecting her that Lain had been hurt after all. Still, she should know better than to blame herself. There was a short, tense silence before Lain spoke again, his voice carefree, as though trying to distract Tiadrin from the direction of her thoughts.

“Anyway, there was a group of kids that used to call me Eyelainer”

“That’s terrible!” Tiadrin gasped.

Lain let out another pained chuckle. “Eh, what are you going to do?”

Another short pause. Ethari strained to listen to the bushes again. Still nothing. He relaxed slightly. He should go back to sleep.

“Your markings are beautiful.” Tiadrin barely whispered it, but in the quiet evening, it travelled.

Ethari blushed and wished he had been asleep. He was clearly not meant to hear this conversation. He closed his eyes and willed himself back to sleep, finally starting to drift off when Lain finally spoke again.

“So is it all nicknames, or just Tia that sends you on a murderous rampage?”

Tiadrin giggled softly when Ethari heard the bushes rustle again. He sat up with a snap and turned to the bush, looking for whatever was making the noise. Tiadrin’s attention snapped towards him as well, eyes seeking out whatever Ethari had heard. Ethari tried to shake Runaan awake, but that went about as successfully as it had the night before. Stars but that boy could sleep!

“Ethari, what is it?” Tiadrin crept over beside him.

“I don’t know, could be just an animal.” Ethari grabbed a rock and threw it into the bushes. He didn’t hear a retreat. Maybe it was nothing after all. He turned to Tiadrin, took in her exhausted features.

“I can take watch now if you want to get some sleep.”

Tiadrin smiled gratefully and crept back over beside Lain. He had already sunk into a deep sleep. She curled up beside him and was soon snoring herself. Ethari settled in for his watch, keeping a wary eye on the bushes. He checked on the plant. It looked much the same as last night. He tried giving it a little water and it seemed to perk up a bit. He also did a bit of searching - as much as he could without waking the others - for another earthstone, but it seemed the one he had given to Lain was the only one in the immediate area. He moved the plant closer to Lain for the time being, hoping the one in his bindings would be close enough to support them both.

Lain tossed and turned in his sleep, looking a bit flushed. Ethari reached out to check his temperature and was alarmed at how warm he was. Taking his flask he soaked a rag and dabbed it against his friend, hoping this turn for the worse would turn back by morning. They had three days to travel before they could get any real help, and that was at a decent pace. Who knew how long it would take them while he was injured. Ethari worried his lower lip as he considered their options. There weren’t many.

Despite his pessimistic outlook, the rest of his watch passed uneventfully. He woke Runaan - using the same trick as last night, and gave him a quick rundown of his watch.

“Do you have any herbs left?” Runaan asked as they checked Lain one more time.

“A few, but that would be the last of them.” He should have brought more of them. Herbs, bandages, a sewing kit maybe.

“At least you thought to bring them.” Runaan bent to wake Lain, accidentally waking Tiadrin in the process. Ethari grabbed the herbs, offering them to Lain.

“Here, take some more of these.” Lain took the herbs and the offered drink pouch. Tiadrin sat up again watching Lain silently, drawing her knees to her chest.

“This is my fault,” She whispered as Lain quickly fell back asleep.

“Hey,” Ethari sat down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. “It’s not your fault.”

“I should have been faster. He wouldn’t have had to protect me if I’d been faster.” She melted into Ethari, tears falling freely.

“You couldn’t have outrun a Roc. Its amazing that we all made it out alive!” Ethari glanced over at Runaan, but he was studying the forest, frowning. Ethari turned back to Tiadrin.

“You need more rest. Go back to sleep. We’ll figure everything else out in the morning.”

Tiadrin nodded and lay back on her side. She didn’t close her eyes though, her gaze resting steadfastly on Lain, watching the rise and fall of his chest. Ethari figured that was better than nothing and returned to his own sleeping mat. He looked over at Runaan once more. He was still staring out into the forest.

“You good?” He checked, not sure what he could do if he wasn’t, but wanting to check none-the -less.

Runaan nodded and resumed his watch. Ethari nodded back and lay down, falling quickly asleep.

He woke some time later - the forest was lighter, and there was a conversation happening. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, taking in the three figures standing over Lain.

Wait, three figures?

He rubbed his eyes again, sure enough Runaan and Tiadrin had been joined by another figure. After a moment his sleep addled brain placed her as one of the instructors from home. He got up and stumbled over to them.

“What’s going on?” He mumbled.

“Ah Ethari, good morning,” Instructor Dirue welcomed him. “We were just discussing your friend Lain.”

Ethari bit his lip and glanced down. He didn’t look worse, but he also didn’t look better. Definitely not up for the three day trek back to the grove.

“How did you know?” He asked.

“I have been watching you, all of you, since you left the grove. It is my job to stay out of sight unless you truly needed my assistance.”

“But you’re here now. Does this mean we failed?” Runaan asked, kicking at the ground.

“On the contrary, you have all done very well. But the Roc was not in our calculations when we created these trials, and I’m afraid if we wait too long to get Lain some assistance…” she paused, glancing down before changing track. “My shadowpaw is just outside your camp. One of you can take it and return directly to the grove with Lain, and the other two can finish the trial. I will fade into the background to observe once again.”

“I’ll take him.”

“I’ll go.”

Runaan and Tiadrin spoke at once, then stared each other down. Dirue looked on impassively.

“I’ll give you some time to discuss it.” She said, stepping out of the camp.

“I’m going!” Tiadrin declared. “It’s my fault he got injured, I need to see him home safely.”

“He’s my best friend!” Runaan shot back, “I can’t just leave him and go on as though nothing happened!”

“It’s not as though nothing happened, but we still need to finish the mission. You and Ethari are our best chance at that!”

“What gives you that idea?”

“Ethari knows about the flower. You know about travel, and can deal with any creature that comes your way.”

Runaan scoffed, “Like I dealt with the Roc.”

“Like we ALL dealt with the serpent!”

“Uh guys,” Ethari tried to interrupt, this was not helping them at all.

“WHAT?” They turned to him in unison, shame quickly filling their faces.

“Sorry Ethari,” Tiadrin said.

“Yeah, you didn’t deserve that.” Runaan looked down at Lain, sighed, and then turned back to Tiadrin. “You should take Lain back. I’ll stay with Ethari and finish the mission.”

Tiadrin put a hand on Runaan’s shoulder. “I’ll take the very best care of him.”

Runaan just nodded. Dirue reappeared holding the reigns of the shadowpaw. They worked together to get Lain on the beast, and Tiadrin climbed up behind him. She looked down at the two of them.

“Take care of each other.” She said before turning the shadowpaw and darting off into the forest. Runaan and Ethari watched until she disappeared in the thick foliage.

“They will make it back by nightfall.” Dirue said. Runaan and Ethari turned back to her. “You two, however, have quite the journey. Best get started.” She also disappeared into the trees.

“Did you know they did that?” Runaan asked Ethari.

“Nope. I had no idea the entire time.”

“Hmm.. some scouts we are.”

Ethari thought he detected a hint of self-loathing, if not in the voice then for sure in Runaan’s expression. He wasn’t sure what he could do to address it. The very idea that Runaan may feel inferior.. it was implausible to him. How did someone so talented, so graceful feel that way about themselves?

“I mean, she’s a trained assassin..” He offered, trying to bring some perspective to the situation. It wasn’t like they had missed just anybody. Runaan didn’t respond but bent down to pack up his belongings.

“Should we get on with this?” He asked.

Ethari sighed. “Yes, lets.”

Part 8 Now up!

#swords and opals #ruthari #runaan #ethari #tialain #tiadrin #lain #my writing #fanfic #tdp #the dragon prince

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this-lioness · 5 years ago

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Weekend Review

Long, boring and mundane, as usual, but I find it relaxing.

The last two grocery orders for my Mom were only about 1/3 to 1/2 full, and I knew that wasn’t going to hold her very long. Food is readily available in the stores, it’s just that the stores are no longer doing substitutions for out-of-stock items, so if there are six versions of a given item available online you have to hope that the one you pick is one they have in stock, otherwise you’re not getting anything at all. Your only choice is to keep ordering and ordering and ordering or physically go into the store. Ugh.

There’s a Grocery Outlet up the street from us, and we decided Friday afternoon would probably be less crowded than a Saturday morning, and took our chances going out. We wore masks and gloves, to be safe, and I left most everything home -- purse, glasses, phone. I didn’t want to have to decontaminate more than I absolutely had to.

It went pretty smoothly, all things considered. We have a full decontamination area in the pantry now: drop cloth on the floor, rolling rack with a bleach-water solution, washable wipes, clean grocery bags and gloves. So we bring everything in through the back gate, I spray everything down with bleach (or SimpleGreen, if we’re worried about bleach getting on it) in the pantry, let it sit, then Marc wipes it dry and transfers it either to our own cabinets or into clean bags for my Mom. Produce gets transferred directly to the sink where it’s washed with warm, soapy water and then dried.

Is it enough? I don’t know. It’s certainly a whole process, which makes me feel like we’re doing some amount of good, but I suppose you can’t really know for sure right now.

Saturday morning we had our breakfast biscuit sandwiches and coffee, then packed up (what we thought was) all my Mom’s groceries and drove them over. En route she texted me to ask for Splenda (*sigh*) and a flashlight, because Jim uses a flashlight to navigate to the bathroom at night. By then it was too late, but it turns out we’d forgotten all her frozen items anyway, so I told her I’d bring it the next day.

Dropped everything off with her and then went to Lowes to pick up garden soil and some drainage rock. It was still cold and cloudy out, but warm enough that we got a good hour or so of work done in the back yard -- mostly cleaning up the winter muck.

A few months ago we bought a stack of old icing buckets from a baker ($1 each!) and Marc drilled holes in the bottom and layered them with rock and soil. He also dug up one of the original three blackberry beds which we decided to retire. I’d planned to just toss the canes, but they were already greening up so nicely that he took the chance they could be salvaged and transferred them to three new planters. To my surprise they don’t seem shocked at all, so we may be able to keep them going in a better location!

Marc is debating what to do with the retired bed, but we’ll probably use it to dry firewood or store things off-season.

I went over the blackberry bushes and cut off all the old winter growth and one or two dead canes. They’re greening up beautifully, and one of them has thrown FIVE NEW CANES, two of which have sprouted in the little gap between beds. Complete assholes. I rocked off the gap so it is now unofficially our new third berry bed, and gave it a stern talking-to about behaving itself from now on. I swear to God those canes grew more since just yesterday.

The raspberries are greening up, but not so vigorously. I need the time to get them back in order, frankly -- we have to completely redo the training wire. There’s fucking thistle everywhere, I want to scream. The harder you try to get rid of the stuff the more aggressively it spreads.

Blueberries are greening up as well. I acidified the soil as best I could, but we’re giving them just this year to prove themselves. If they can’t grow berries I can’t spare the garden space, and frankly it’s just too much work trying to acidify their beds. The blackberries and raspberries would literally kill their mother to take over that space, and I’d love to try some gooseberries or something else new and different.

I pulled last year’s baby maples from their winter bed and gave them a once-over. They’ve got tiny little buds on them, it looks like they all made it -- a good five or six at least! I’ve got them in the sun now, anyway, to see if we can coax them fully back to life.

After choring I cleaned litter boxes, showered, then came downstairs and completely tore the pantry apart -- mud room, cabinet pantry, and the two sides of the kitchen island where we normally keep canned goods.

We normally keep a very well-stocked pantry, but I wanted a better idea of everything we had, and it was starting to get cluttered in a way that made it hard to get everything. I spent a good few hours -- and Marc even got into it, and was a huge help -- taking everything out, combining items, moving some bulk goods to air-tight containers, and then sorting it all back new spots.

I had a bunch on hand that was more than we needed, and offered to bring it to my Mom with her frozen stuff. In exchange she offered us some polenta and a few frozen items that neither she nor Jim would eat. Good trade.

I’ve run past Marc the idea of organizing his tool chest as well, which is currently a six-foot-tall column of absolute madness that I have to avert my eyes from, but it seems like that’s going to wait until tomorrow. Ah well.

Had tacos, watched Onward (I wasn’t expecting much but I actually really liked it), played some Animal Crossing and went to bed. Good day.

This morning Marc made chocolate chip waffles and then we popped back out again. The plan was just to drop the groceries off at my Mom’s, but we managed to get a few other things done: brought over the old tiered planter so she can use it for herbs and annuals, and set up the frame for a raised garden bed so she can grow some veggies (with my help, no doubt). Later this week I’ll go over and lay down some weed blocker for her and fill it with soil. I’ve got more than enough broccoli sprouts to spare and I’m sure the same will be true with the peppers, so she’ll have that if nothing else.

Afterwards we hit Lowes again, picking up a few more bags of top soil, bird seed, and more buckets.

Today was absolutely beautiful, cloudy on-and-off but warm and good for gardening. We did a bang up job!

Marc gathered all the old wood paneling and other crap that’s been accumulating and got it into one spot so we can call a haul-away company. He also cleaned up most of the leaf litter from around the yard and helped me organize the little collapsible greenhouse we got for free late last year. It’s really handy, we’re already talking about replacing it with something more permanent.

I planted some of the broccoli sprouts and put them out in the sun. Here’s hoping! The three onion bulbs I planted a few weeks ago were sprouting up green so I got those into a planter and plugged most of the rest of the bulbs into biodegradable containers to see if we can get them growing as well. Onions seem complicated, but I’ll do my best.

I’ve been saving every kind of little container I could get my hands on, these past weeks, and I filled them all up with soil and got some eggplant seeds going as well. The bell peppers are just now starting to sprout, they need a bit longer, but I think they’ll get there. Also planted some pinto beans and cat grass. I’ve still got some baby spinach and pumpkins to get going, but I’m holding onto those for just now.

We sorted the “guest” patio chairs off into the side yard, as we don’t really anticipate having anyone over this summer. We can always break them out again if we need to, it’s easy enough, but right now I’ve got almost every single sunny spot dedicated to something we can grow and eat.

We’ll have tomatoes at some point, too, but I’d prefer to buy them as seedlings. I’m already unsure just how well the current round of babies is going to do. I’m so worried about that broccoli, but I guess at some point you have to just let it do its thing and hope for the best.

I hope everything comes up. I’ve read everything I can, but sometimes it all gets confused and muddled, so at some point I just sort of have to... hope. Supposedly last year’s corn should return, but man... I don’t know. We’ll keep an eye on it. If it hasn’t come up by the time seedlings start appearing in the store we’ll just pull them up and replant. That was a wonderful exercise last year.

We also put out more clover seed in the front (last year’s clover is BOOMING), and spread some wildflower seeds around as well. Marc filled up the bird feeders, hosed off the patio and set up the chairs. We’re going to buy a better pressure washer than the old electric one we have from the old house, both for our use and so my parents don’t have to keep hiring someone to clean their siding. That will make a big difference.

It’s amazing what a difference an afternoon of work made in the back yard -- it looks and feels so much better. Afterwards we got showered up and changed, and then a little bit ago I made some veggie fried brown rice with steamed veggie dumplings. A little later on I’m going to make us some sakura lattes and maybe something light to snack on for dessert.

And how are you?

#oc #personal

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zach-the-fox · 5 years ago

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Tribal Furs Episode 6: All Together

The group sits in the grove of cocoanapple trees, snacking on the hard fruit as they chat and laugh. They cease their conversation when the orange fox appears with the grey rabbit alongside him.

“Hey, guys,” Zach says. “How’s it going?”

“Who’s the girl?” asks Cole. “She a new friend of yours.”

“Sh,” Sally commands. “Don’t say anything.” She turns to Zach. “Please, Zach. Introduce us to your new friend.” Emmy and Amina agree.

Zach continues. “Uh… This is Melissa… She is from the Ring of Rabbits. I met her at the lake…” Melissa shyly waves. “She’s got a beautiful singing voice and lovely personality.”

“Beautiful singing voice, eh?” repeats Niji. “How well can she sing? Better than the parjays that fly around the jungle?” He chuckles as he tosses away his cocoanapple. As the hardened fruit crashes into the shrubs nearby, a loud “ow” shouts, alerting the gang. “What was that?!” Everyone creeps up to the bush with caution. Amina and Sally have their weapons drawn in preparation for defense. Zach and Emmy part the leaves to reveal the source of the sudden sound: a blue jay with long navy hair and a female build. Her top and loincloth are colored in tan, contrasted with the maroon tribal paint on her belly, top, and face. She grips at her right wing as she remains sitting on the ground, then becomes shocked to see the gang.

“A blue jay?” Melissa adds.

“P-please,” the blue jay begins. “Don’t hurt me… I don’t have anything to give you…”

“We’re not thieves,” Sally tells her. “And we certainly don’t mean any harm. Are you a spy?”

“Spy?” repeats the blue jay. “No! I’m not spying, I swear! I didn’t even know you were here.”

Amina takes notice of the girl clutching her wing. “What’s wrong with your wing? Are you hurt?” She motions toward the bird, but the blue jay flinches. “Relax. I just want to see your wing.” The avian relaxes, allowing the red fox to examine her wing, seeing it covered in bruises from the shoulder to the outer vane. “Looks pretty bad. How did you hurt your wing?”

“I…” The blue jay concentrates on the events that led up to now. “I was flying in a bad storm. I had stopped to seek shelter when lightning struck a tree branch, causing it to fall on me. I managed to get free, but not without a broken wing. I couldn’t fly back to my village, so I tried walking. I didn’t know where I was; I became lost. I’ve been settling in this area until I got better.”

Amina turns around. “Zach, Emmy, see if you two can get me ruso herbs and blutark berries.” The two nod and wander off as ordered. “Sally, I need the fibers from the bako tree to make bandages. Can you find them?” Sally heads away to search the area. Amina, the wolves, and Melissa remain with the blue jay to keep her company. “Don’t worry. We’re going to help you get better.”

Melissa scans the bird up and down. “Say, aren’t you with the Band of Birds tribe?” The blue jay nods. “Does anyone know you’re out here?”

“I… don’t know…”

“How long has it been since you’ve been out here?”

“Um… two days, I think…”

“You’ve been in the jungle for two days without anyone knowing you’re out here?” asks Amina. “That isn’t good.” The three animals return with the herbs, berries, and fibers needed. “Thanks, you three.” Amina gets to work with the bird’s wing. She takes the berries and squishes them all over the blue jay’s arm. The avian tenses up as a stinging sensation travels from her wing. “I know, it burns. Just relax.” The red fox then takes the herbs and rubs them up and down the injured wing, spreading the berry juice while dragging the herbs against the feathers. Lastly, she picks up the fibers and wraps them around the bird’s wing. “There. That should allow your wing to heal faster.”

“Um, thanks,” says the blue jay. “But, now I can’t fly. How will I find my way back to my village?”

“We’ll help you get back,” Zach states. “We can escort you to the settlement. Where is your village?”

The bird shakes her head. “I can’t remember… I’ve been out here for some time, and the storm threw me off; I can’t find where I came from.”

“Maybe you’re better off waiting until your wing is better,” suggests Emmy. “We’ll help you in any way we can. We’ll provide you with shelter, food, water, and other essentials.”

“I appreciate you kind animals… For a second, I thought you were going to hurt me, or worse. Who are you strangers, anyway?” Everyone goes around and introduces themselves. “What nice names. I’m Navy. Where are we going?”

“We can’t take you to any of our villages,” Cole tells her. “And we can’t let them know we’re caring for you. We’re going to have to shelter you in some cave or something.”

“Speaking of which,” utters Sally. She points to the dark grey clouds floating towards the friends. “We may want to find shelter from the rain, and quick. And from the look of those clouds, I’d say it’s a big storm.”

“I know where to go.” Navy leads her new posse to the cave she stayed in for the second night. The mouth is giant, and the inside is big enough to fit an entire village of forty people. Once the gang makes it inside, the flash of lightning and crack of thunder begin to sound.

“I’m going to get wood for a fire before the rain soaks it.” Amina goes out, leaving the friends inside. Cold air whistles through the opening, hitting the animals’ bodies, bringing their temperatures down. Melissa, sitting by the mouth, crosses her arms in defense from the wind.

Zach ambles to her. “You cold?”

“Y-yes,” says the rabbit. “I don’t like it when it’s chilly.” He sits next to her and puts one arm around her body, bringing her close to him. “W-what are you doing?”

“I’m using my body to give you warmth. You don’t like it?”

“No… no, it’s okay. I’m just not used to a predator being very close with me.”

Zach then turns his attention to Emmy, noticing her arms crossed as well. “Do you need warmth as well?”

“I’m good,” Emmy tells him. “Melissa needs it more than me.” She cracks a smile.

“I’ve got you, Emmy.” Cole places himself next to the warthog, imitating the fox’s move on the rabbit. “Better?”

“Thank you, Cole.”

Amina returns after a couple of minutes with a pile of sticks and stones. She drops them in the center of the cave and prepares setting up a small fire. Sally goes to help her. “Oh, thanks, Sally.” The two girls get the campfire prepared before igniting a small flame, which then grows to encompass the wood within the circled stones. As the fire crackles on the wood, the clouds release their load of water heavily outside. “Looks like we won’t be traveling in this weather. We need to stay inside until the storm passes.”

“So,” starts Navy. “I want to know: why are you guys all together? Aren’t the Fox Faction, Canine Clan, Warthog Warriors, and Ring of Rabbits enemies?”

“Yes,” Sally tells her. “But, they don’t know we’re all friends. Zach and Amina are the only kind souls of the fox tribe.”

“Yeah,” Amina says. “However, we wouldn’t all be together if it weren’t for Zach.”

Navy faces the orange fox. “You?” Zach nods. “What makes you different from all the other foxes?”

Melissa looks at him. “I was wondering as well.”

Zach sighs, then recounts his story. “When I was a little boy, my mother told me that making enemies doesn’t get you anywhere. She said it’s better to be polite, and you shall be rewarded greatly. She disappeared from the village, Gods know what happened to her… I’ve been left with my dad, and he wasn’t very good to me; always would push me away, ignore me, and even belittle me. All because I was born with this… curse…”

Emmy inches closer. “As I said before, it isn’t a curse. You are just born differently.”

Zach continues, staring into the flames. “Because of everything my father’s done, I never listen to him. I’ve always focused on everything my mother had taught me. I met Emmy when I found her trapped in the jungle. I helped her, and nursed her back to health from an injured leg. We became friends after we talked, sharing our insecurities and having so much in common.”

“I remember you telling that story when we caught you,” utters Sally. Attention is drawn onto her. “Guess I’ll finish the story? I will admit, I felt some sympathy for Zach, and decided to release him. I didn’t expect him to give a gift out of kindness as a thank you. My two wolf friends and I became friends after playing a game of hoopstones.”

“I love that game,” Navy comments. “Quite a popular one throughout the region.”

“Perhaps when you are all better, we can play a little game,” Niji tells her. “But… I’m quite tired from the day.”

Amina looks out the cave at the dark-shrouded jungle being sprinkled by rain. “Well, guess we can sleep here tonight. From what it seems, the storm’s not going to pass until morning.” Everyone takes spots to lie in and heads to sleep, except for Zach and Melissa. Emmy props herself next to the orange fox and closes her eyes. Zach moves his tail onto her so she can be warm.

“I take a liking to your kindness, Zach,” Melissa says. “I’m so sorry about your father and the village.”

Zach faces her. “Thanks, Melissa.”

“Aren’t you worried the village will banish you for befriending people who are not your kind? Amina and Emmy, as well?” Upon hearing her name, Amina opens one eye to see the conversation. Sally pretends to snore low, but listens carefully.

“Honestly, I don’t care,” Zach tells her. “I’ve received dirt for my whole life from my father and the village. It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if I was banished. I’m not sure about Amina, but I would be a bit happy if she was banished with me. She’s a good friend and she’s been there since my mother left. Emmy’s got the same life as I do, and if she was banished from her village, Amina and I would take care of her.”

“If that happens, I’d like to come along to.” Zach turns to her. “I’m like you and Emmy; my dad does not care for my well-being. He doesn’t even acknowledge to the tribe that I am his daughter. He’s been the mud in my path for my whole life. If they banish me for being friends with a kind-hearted fox, so be it! I don’t want to fight. I want to live, and love. Back when times were peaceful.”

“If we’re together, we wouldn’t have that issue,” says Zach. “If we’re all banished, we can strive together. We’d have our own little village and we’d be living in paradise; no one to tell us what to do. We would be happy.”

“I want to share that dream with you. And I want to share it while we sleep. But, I am cold…”

“Don’t worry, Melissa. I’ve got you.” Zach keeps his arm around her as she huddles close to him. The rabbit closes her eyes and drifts into a slumber. Zach lies back against the rocky wall of the cave, cuddling Emmy and Melissa as they sleep. Then, he looks out at the rainy weather, watching the droplets crash onto the trees and ground. Amina and Sally smile before returning to their siesta.

@emmy-the-absolute-goof @sally-the-pack-leader @rainbow-strike @pink-unicorn-boi @pink-unicorn-blood

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thatsnice13 · 5 years ago

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My entry in Lily Orchard’s writing contest, wish me luck!

Primrose hummed softly to herself as she made her way down the garden path. She loved her gardens more than almost anything. In the dozens of little flower beds along the path and around her little cottage, she had the answers to many of life's problems. She had roots that helped you sleep, grasses that calmed the nerves, berries that could be brewed into antidotes for the deadliest poisons… but alas there were no plants that grew gold pieces. The answer to the young herbalist’s problems would not be found here.

She sighed and sat on a stone bench next to a small pool she had for the growth of marshier plants. She saw her own troubled face looking up at her, plump and smudged with its usual layer of dirt, accented by short black hair, cut at a length that mud and leaves would be much harder to tangle in. “You little lady have a problem…” she said to her own reflection.

“Is it a problem I can help you two with?” A voice said from behind, making the short gardener jump.

“Don’t do that Minnie!” She called out, turning to see the only thing she loved more than her garden leaning over her fence; her girlfriend Minerva. Minerva was well named because she truly looked like a goddess and Rose would fight anyone who said otherwise! She was about six foot tall with dark skin and deep red hair tied back in a long ponytail. She dressed in men’s pants and a blue tunic with a sword at her hip, her usual casual wear.

“Sorry Rosie.” The tall woman walked around to the garden gate, letting herself in, making her way over to the smaller girl, and sitting beside her, “What were you two talking about?” she asked, pointing to the pool with a smile.

Primrose froze up; trying her best to not let her lover know something was up. Of course, she failed at that instantly. Rose was a horrible liar, so she settled for telling her girlfriend part of the truth, not enough to let the secret out, but enough so Minnie wouldn’t worry and push her. “Just thinking about our anniversary tomorrow… You always outdo me and I never feel like I do enough.”

“My sweet flower, we’ve talked about this!” She effortlessly picked the smaller woman up from her seat and pulled her into her lap, so the warrior could cuddle the gardener from behind “Having you in my life is gift enough! You always worry too much about these things!”

Primrose sighed and smiled, allowing herself to be snuggled, head resting of Minerva’s chest. “I know… But I still want to do something nice for you… you spoil me so much and I…” she paused, seeing Minerva’s hand was blistered “Hun! What happened!”

“Nothing!” Minerva sat up quickly, hiding her hurt hand.

“Show me!” the smaller girl pounced, pulling the hand back into sight. “Did you burn yourself? Why would you hide this you beautiful idiot!” She cried out, gently holding the injured hand in one of her own and lightly smacking Minerva’s shoulder with the other.

The warrior blushed “I… uh… I was fighting a dragon, and… didn’t want you to worry about me…” Minerva wasn’t a very good liar either.

“…. You were trying to cook again weren’t you?” Rose said, looking her right in the eye.

She was quiet for a long moment before sighing in defeat “I was trying to surprise you with cookies and I forgot to use an oven-mit…”

Rose couldn’t help but smile. Her girlfriend was the sweetest idiot in the world and she was all hers! “You big goof.” She said, chuckling and kissing the injured hand “Come inside love. I have just the thing.”

Rose quickly ushered Millie into her home, not hearing any of her lover’s halfhearted protests as she was pushed and pulled into the two room house. The front was all workspace, full of many herbs, salves, and poultices for everything ailment you could think of, and a few you couldn’t. She grabbed a few leaves of an aloe plant, as well as some dryad’s hair and stone giant moss. Having all her ingredients, she led her love into the second room. Here was a bed, a small kitchen, and a simple wooden table with four small chairs.

The living quarters were sparsely furnished, but vibrant and colorful with vases of fresh cut flowers, enchanted so they would never wilt, and a painting on every wall. All the pictures were gifts from Minerva, hand painted with loving care, showing the house and the gardens at the four seasons. Rose smiled warmly, her eyes lingering on the painting of the spring gardens in bloom. This wasn’t much, but she was happy here... even if it was part of her problem… “Just sit down love, I’ll be right with you.” She said, busying herself with a mortar and pestle, grinding her ingredients together with a splash of cold water to activate the simple magic in this combination.

She almost dropped the mixture when she heard Minerva cry out from behind her. She turned to see the tall proud warrior standing on her chair to avoid a large black spider on the floor. “Rosie help! Get it away! Get it away! Is it poisonous?! Help!”

Rose tried her best not to laugh, but she couldn’t stop herself from smiling “Calm down darling. She isn’t poisonous. She’s just curious and lost.” Putting down the stone bowl, Primrose walked over and scooped up the offending spider in her bare hands. “Come on little friend. I know a place you will be much happier.” She blew a quick kiss to her love as she got down from the chair and carried the spider out to the garden, setting it in the middle of a rose bush. “There you go. Sorry about my girlfriend. Spiders are just a sore point for her, but you should be much happier out here. Lots of mosquitos this time of year.”

A moment later, Rose was back inside, finding Minerva still pale, but down from the chair, “You are the cutest thing I have ever seen,” Rose said, kissing her love gently on the forehead.

The warrior blushed hard, “That wasn’t cute, it was mortifying…”

“Nope! You! Are! Adorable!’ Rose punctuated every word with a kiss to boost her love’s spirits and make her smile. It worked and she got a laugh from the taller woman.

“Ok! Ok love, you win!” Minerva chuckled and pulled her plump angel into a tight embrace. “Oh what did I do to deserve you?”

“Asides from being beautiful, kind and a warm hearted softy? Not much.” Rose playfully poked Minnie in her side to get her to release her tight grip and went back to retrieve the medicine. She gently began spreading it over the blistered skin. Minerva sighed and relaxed in the way one does when a pain you hadn’t noticed was gone, only recognizing it in its absence. “Apart from the burn, did the cookies come out ok?”

Minerva smiled in her embarrassment, “Well… most of them were thrown to the floor when I dropped the pan, but two stuck to the metal. I tried one and meant to bring you the second…” Her blush deepened, “But I think it was for the best you didn’t get to taste it. I think I must have used salt instead of sugar…”

Primrose again tried not to laugh, “Oh you beautiful hot mess! I’m always so happy when I see these adorable flaws in the masterpiece!”

“Oh hush!” Minerva playfully poked Rose in her dimpled cheek.

“Oh no! The upper class is trying to silence me!” Rose cried out with overt sarcasm. She pretended to faint against her girlfriend, “Whatever is a poor innocent maiden to do! Trapped alone with a fearsome yet gorgeous brute! Completely at her mercy!” She opened one eye and smiled mischievously “... Nothing to stop her from, say… throwing me down onto the bed and having her way with me till I can’t walk right for days… hint hint…”

Minerva had to look away to hide her face at this very enthusiastic display. “Curse you weak mortal flesh!” The warrior maiden grumbled out before turning back to her love, “You little temptress! Do you have to get me all hot and bothered!?” she let out a sigh “Unfortunately darling, as much as I want make love with you till the sun turns cold… I can’t today! I’m sorry!” she whimpered a little, “I had just meant to stop in to say hello before going on duty tonight…”

Rose’s face fell in disappointment “You could have said that earlier!” She pouted gently, “...Well this stinks. We’re both horny now and neither of us is getting any… I feel like a straight couple during a fight…” She let out a sigh and kissed her love gently on the lips “Oh well… I suppose I knew I’d have nights like this when I started dating a soldier. Just tell aunt Skara that I’m annoyed with her for taking you from me, and be safe ok? I’m sure there won’t be any baking pans attacking tonight so you should be ok. I love you Minerva.” She smiled and kissed her again, wiping off the balm that had covered the redhead's hand with a moist cloth and smiling when she saw the blisters had already vanished in that short time of treatment.

“I love you too you little monster.” Minerva said with a chuckle. Flexing her healed hand, she stood up, lifting her diminutive love up in her arms, to kiss her and spin her around the room. Once done, she sat the smaller girl down on his chair and smiled sadly, “I’ll see you for date night tomorrow ok?”

Rose nodded and smiled, head spinning a little. “Ok. Be safe darling.”

With that Minerva blew her a kiss and slowly walked from the house. Once alone Primrose felt her mind returning to the contemplation that had started out in the garden… She loved that woman so much. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with her… and she barely had enough silver to afford a plain ring. No engraving and certainly no diamond… How could she propose with so little to offer?

She sighed and felt her spirits start to fall again. She didn’t want to be alone right now. She got up from the chair and quickly washed her face and hands. “Maybe grandma wants some company.” She said to herself as she grabbed a cloak and locked the doors before leaving the cottage. Outside dusk was falling and lights of the nearby town of Sailor’s Rest were starting to glow, but Primrose turned her back to the lights and faced the forest behind her home. She began to softly hum a tune as she made her way deeper into the woods. She had walked this trail hundreds of times in her life and she soon found her way to a house very much like her own with faint candle light coming through the windows.

She knocked at the door and felt her spirits rise to see a small willowy old elf waiting to great her. “Well Primrose my darling flower! Felt like giving an old fossil some company did ya? Come in my dear!” Her voice seemed to creak with a lilt of laughter just under the surface. She was about Primrose’s stature, but a thinner build. Though she looked to be 60 in human years, she was nearly 300.

Rose hugged her and smiled “Sorry if I’m bothering you Grandma.” She said, making her way into the very familiar home. Known to the town of Sailor’s Rest as ‘the white witch Flora’, Grandma’s house was covered in potions and talisman of varying purposes and strengths. She had taught Rose her most important lessons, and would have taught her more if the magic had been stronger in her blood. “Is Aunt Skara home?” She asked, though it was clear the elf’s most recent spouse was still out at the gate. Minerva was most likely going to relieve her.

“Nope. Just the two of us for now. I’m guessing your own gentle giant is busy on duty too?” The witch asked, casually waving her hand through the air to fill her teapot with instantly hot water, then waving it again to turn it to calming green tea blend, ready to drink.

“Yep.” Rose said simply, taking her usual seat at a very old stone table. While Grandma conjured up some scones, Primrose looked up above the gently crackling fireplace. Along the mantle were portraits of her past loves through her long life. A red haired dwarf woman, a sheepish and shy looking wood elf maiden, a tall, strong human woodsman, and finally Skara’s picture. Rose chuckled to herself, remembering the commotion caused when Flora had announced her intention to marry an Orc defector, but after about 15 years of living and fighting with the villagers, she had become loved by all, and not just the strange solitary elf. “I wanted to talk with you about something while both of our tall girls are busy.”

“Fire away dear. You know I love our talks.” She smiled, putting the tea and scones down before her.

“It’s… well… I want to propose to Minerva… But I can’t afford a diamond ring.”

Grandma sipped the tea and was quiet for a moment as if waiting for the rest of the problem “… And?” she asked when no explanation seemed to be coming.

Rose was surprised by the abruptness “Well… that’s what a woman expects when she is proposed to. I can’t do it without one.”

“Says who?” Flora sat up, as if preparing to fight someone who told their granddaughter what they could and couldn’t do.

“I… Well no one specifically grandma. That’s just how it’s done. Weren’t you given rings when you were proposed to?”

The elf laughed, eyes shining and smiling wide “My sweet child, don’t be silly. I proposed to them every time!”

“Really? Even Grandad?” She was genuinely surprised. She had never heard the story this way.

“Of course!” She counted off on her fingers. “Gonda I made us matching necklaces using the metal craft she taught me. Segune I wrote a song. Your grandpa did try to propose to me with a ring, but I beat him to it and got him a new sword I enchanted myself. And Skara and I essentially eloped, and we got matching tattoos to show our bond after the fact. There’s no one way to ask someone to marry you dear. The most important thing is that it is special to the person you love.”

Rose felt a little stunned by the realization, feeling like she had been very stupid up till then. “Something special for her…” she smiled as an idea came to her. “I think I know just the thing for Minnie. But I’ll need your help grandma.”

—————————————————————

After a long but uneventful night guarding her hometown from absolutely nothing, (The eastern gate had to deal with a thief trying to climb the walls, but no one else had gotten any excitement) Minerva had slept all day once she had gotten home. Her father knew not to disturb her after a late night and would have let her sleep the whole day through, but well into the afternoon her maid Alice gave her a gentle nudge.

“Wake up m’lady. You don’t want to keep your little flower waiting.” Alice said teasingly, opening the curtains to let in the light that was nearing twilight. Alice was a sweet girl and a good friend to Minerva. They’d known each other for years, and though Alice didn’t understand at first why the mayor’s daughter would date a poor gardener, she became one of their biggest supporters from the first time she saw how cute they were together. She only wished she could find a romance so sweet one day… She had her eye on the mayor’s secretary Jane, but didn’t even know if she liked girls… Alice helped get Minerva ready as she tried to think of a way to find out.

“Hey Minnie,” she asked, helping bush out the tall girl’s bed hair, “How did you know Rose liked girls?”

The warrior chuckled at the memory, yawning and stretching a little, “It wasn’t anything fancy. One day I knocked on her door to ask her permission to paint her gardens.”

“Oh? What did she say?” she asked, tying the long hair back in a ribbon.

“Not much. She just whispered ‘tall girl pretty’ and started at me for about a minute. It was pretty easy to guess she was interested after that.”

The maid laughed, getting a nice jacket set from the closet, “Well as cute as that is, it doesn’t help me much… I know I should just ask Jane if she’d want to go out, but I’m so nervous! She’s so focused on business that she’s never talked about boys or girls… With my luck she has a husband.”

“Hey come on you gay mess. Don’t give up hope.” Minnie said with a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Just talk to her. Talk to her about me and Rose to break the ice. Maybe you can get an idea of where she stands from that.”

Alice smiled, eyes shining a little “Oooo! Now that’s an idea Minnie! A lot better than any of my ideas… Big plans tonight with the little lady?”

“Well it is our anniversary. We recreate our first date this night every year, a picnic under the stars by candle light.” She sighed happily at the memories. After quickly checking her hair and clothes in the mirror, she grabbed a carefully wrapped package and a small basket. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Alice “Well, I’m off. Good luck with Jane, Alice.”

The maid smiled nervously, “Do I really need to do it right now?”

“Of course you don’t if you don’t feel like you are ready… But I wouldn’t wait too long. I heard that one of the rangers has a crush on her too…”

“They what! I bet it’s that jerk Liam! He’s not good enough for her!” With the idea of her crush potentially being wooed by a lousy man galvanizing her resolve, the maid marched off to get a date before it was too late.

Minerva chuckled to herself as she made her way out of the house. None of the rangers had hinted any such thing, but she knew competition was just the push her friend needed.

A few moments later Minerva had arrived at their arranged meeting spot, a tree on a hill overlooking the river. The water was already starting to shine golden as the sun began to set. Being the first one here, Minerva set up the contents of her basket; a large blanket and a few cushions to sit on, a few bottles of their favorite mead, two glasses, and some cookies from the bakery. She had not been brave enough to try baking her own again after the salt incident. She hid her gift in the bottom of the now empty basket just as she heard Rose approaching.

“Hello my champion!” Primrose called, giving a cute little curtsy once she was in view with her own basket and a parcel under her arm. She smiled warmly and got down to the blanket to kiss her seated love. “How was the gate last night?” She asked, trying to stay casual, but she couldn’t help but feel the butterflies in her stomach as she thought of what was coming. She tried to distract from it a little bit by unpacking her basket of cold chicken, fresh bread, grapes and cheeses.

“Nothing special. Just a long slow night. Quiet is good for everyone around here even if it’s dull for me. Still it gives me time to day dream about you.” She playfully fed Rose a grape, “How was your night?”

“I was up pretty late too.” She said, snuggling up to Minerva so they could both watch the sun sink lower in the sky, “I went to see grandma for what I thought would be a little while, and before I knew it, the sun was up.”

“I go off to work under Skara and you go off for tea and gossip with Flora. It’s not a bad system for the four of us.” Minnie laughed, stroking her love’s hair. “Ready to open your present?”

Rose nodded, moving away so they were sitting across from each other. She moved her own package closer but didn’t hand it to Minerva just yet. She wanted to go second. “Ready!”

Minerva brought out her wrapped present and handed it to Primrose, leaning in to kiss her as it traded hands “Happy anniversary my darling.”

Rose blushed, feeling all warm and happy through her entire body as she began unwrapping the parcel. She wasn’t surprised to see another painting, but she was delighted to see the subject matter. It showed this very scene; the two of them laying together on this very hill, watching the distant sunset. Her smile widened seeing her small painted self in her best dress, stained with grass and mud, and Minerva’s riding jacket hanging to dry in a tree. “Our first date!” She said happily, remembering how she had overdressed to impress the strong red head and then Minnie had tripped and fallen in the river. The dress had been ruined in the attempt to get Minnie out of the water. They both had laughed, and neither of them had cared. It had been wonderful! “Oh I love it!” She cried out, gently setting it down to the blanket before hugging herself tightly to her warrior artist. She took a moment to enjoy the comfort and safety of the embrace before separating and presenting her own gift. “Happy anniversary love.” She said softly, hands trembling just a little.

Minerva noticed this but took the package. She smiled, already happy in the paper she was sure Rose had painted herself with beautiful, detailed red roses. So proud of her girlfriend’s work, she was careful not to tear the paper, but only to carefully unfold it. Inside she found a little wooden box containing a set of new brushes and jars of paints; red, yellow, blue, black, white and a 6th jar that seemed almost clear, each with runes painted along the glass.

Before Minerva could comment, Rosie felt the need to explain the paints in her nervous disposition. “I made the paint myself out of special mixtures of my plants. Grandma helped me with the runes. These paints will never dry, and the jars will never empty.” She reached in and held up the clear jar, “This one is extra special. It is bioluminescent. It will make any color glow and shine in low light… Look…” As she spoke, the sun had finished setting and the contents of the jar began to glow like the moon itself.

“Oh Rosie…” Minerva was fighting not to cry “This is the best gift I’ve ever had! I…” she froze as something caught her eye. The roses on the wrapping paper, that were red in the sunlight, were now glowing white in the growing darkness. “What’s this…” she said softly, observing the phenomenon.

“White roses….” Primrose said softly. “You know what white roses mean my love?”

Minerva looked up in time to see Rose get down on one knee. The warrior was speechless, tears of joy in her eyes as they met the gaze of her soul mate. Rose had reached into a pocket and held her hand up. It just hadn’t felt right without a ring of some sort. In her palm sat a daisy, enchanted never to wilt, and carefully tied into a simple ring, a miniscule daisy chain, the head of the flower in place of the jewel. “Minerva… Light of my entire world… I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. Will you marry me?”

She was quiet for a moment, overcome by joy. “Yes. Yes! A thousand times yes Primrose my love!” She cried out, throwing her arms around her dear one again, holding her tighter, never wanting to let her go. In that tight embrace the pair of them shed many a happy tear. Rose gently and carefully slipped the flower ring onto Minerva’s hand. No words needed to be said. All that mattered was that they had, and prepared to start the next chapter of their lives together…

#lgbtq #lgbt writing #lesbian writing #lgbt fantasy #writing contest #lily orchard #original character #original work #original writing

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mvjesties · 5 years ago

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yeets this post 100mph onto the dash like a shit flingin monkey AYoO it is i lacey and this right here is a short intro post for my newest Good Boy issa sooo...

smiles weakly n hands u my trash. hit that ♥ and i’ll come to you for plots !

PERSONALITY & LIFESTYLE

he is

foreign,, haven’t entirely pinpointed which country yet (ideally a small one) but i imagine issa is a mix of middle-eastern and caribbean.

as for his accent, if any of you watch game of thrones i’d like to think he has an accent similar (but not as heavy as) grey worm when he speaks english? rolled r’s, some hard consonants, most sentences are spoken in a low octave under his breath

aside from english, issa is fluent in arabic, spanish, and french in that order.

painfully well-intentioned. isn’t one to get involved in things unless he feels he must, but as far as others go, he always wants what’s best for them.

selective of his company, but at the same time isn’t? he loves getting to know people plenty (and in more ways than one, wink wonk) but he does get critical about those he draws close. issa’s better known for being a kooky enigma of some sort, but he’s always open to be a confidant for anyone who feels they need one.

he enjoys deep conversations, isn’t afraid to ask intimate questions, and likes to understand others as much as he possibly can. he’s articulate although english isn’t his first language. he tries his best.

as i briefly touched upon earlier, issa isn’t totally closed off to familiarizing himself with those who spark an interest to him. he tends to get harmlessly (i hope jkdjfnk) flirtatious with company from time to time. the funny part is that sometimes it’s possible to catch him off guard when reciprocating the flirtation and the tips of his ears and cheeks will begin to glow bright pink

long story short he’s welcome to one night stands and friends with benefits but relationships is where it gets tricky,, he doesn’t understand the idea of being committed to a single person (not yet anyway,, he tried it once with daisey and she ended up cheating on him lmfao)

but he’s not afraid of being emotionally vulnerable to others in different ways. sometimes he’s blunt, and sometimes he beats around the bush. i guess it depends on the person and his connection with them

this isn’t to say that he necessarily cares or doesn’t care about others, but he would never go out of his way to cause anyone harm, is all. the boy just wants to have a good time.

a man of solitude. always has learned things best on his own, spent down-time on his own, and bounced back from hardships on his own. this isn’t to say that he’s not sociable, however. he enjoys company very much. he just prefers to be away from the crowds at gatherings, should he have the option to meander away.

unlike most magicians, actually doesn’t crave to be the center of attention. he still does the shows because they’re a good source of income aside from his shop, and he loves watching wonder flicker between darting eyes that second after he’s finished a trick. can’t promise he’ll perform magic for you every time you ask, but your odds of seeing a trick are much better than if you don’t mention it at all.

which brings me to the next section of information, the magic issa specializes in!*

(* you don’t have to read this part unless you’re interested. it’s just me going in depth about his magic style)

ISSA’S MAGIC

a very important thing you should know about issa is the style of magic he partakes in. while issa does happen to be a magician, we’re not quite talking your normal parlor tricks you’d see at a flashy show or a kid’s birthday party. issa’s interest lies elsewhere on a fine line between spiritual themes and something they call bizarre magic.

if you’re not sure what that is, allow me to explain!

akin to parlor tricks, bizarrists use sleight of hand and illusions, yes. but it incorporates a bigger purpose, thus making the magic tricks simply an element of the story, not the main focus.

the difference, however, is that bizarre magic lies under an art form which utilizes mild discomfort for the full theatrical effect. this feeling of discomfort an audience may experience comes from a place where one might infer that the style of magic projected comes from an ominous place (in issa’s case, theatrical seance, etc). but, this is what makes the magic feel more real to those watching. so while magic is in fact, still part of the show, the audience is still caught on the notion that they have begun interacting with the unknown in order for such events to take place.

while he practices forms of magic that is conventionally seen as inauspicious, he doesn’t wish to portray any form of ill-will to those around him. i’d imagine he kinda gives off vibes of a witch-doctor or healer, perhaps? someone who does practice magic plenty, but never to harm anyone.

issa currently specializes in:

bizarre illusionism: close-up magic, misdirection, escapology

spiritualism: divination, mediumship

issa is currently working on:

mentalism: hypnosis, clairvoyance

MORE OF ISSA’S INTERESTS / LEFTOVER PARTS OF HIS PERSONALITY

kinda lazy when it comes to serious things, just wants to adventure around or take naps instead. pretty easygoing guy

soft-spoken, gentle in nature, and is kind to all that are civil to him. enjoys teasing company, however. but he never means any harm. can sometimes come off a bit sassy, but that’s the most problematic he wishes to be. doesn’t get involved in fights unless absolutely necessary

very big on tarot readings, the zodiac, crystals, the aura/energies people give off, growing his own herbs, etc. one would call him a hippie if he was a lil more drugged out jnfdkgj but he’s crazy enough without em. i imagine him coming off as some sort of gentle witch to everyone else in town JNDFK maybe givin off some eccentric healer meets witch-doctor vibes

someone get him a headdress like melman’s to wear around his shop

often seen in loosely-fitted button downs tucked into simple trousers. very summer style, since he’s known summer all his life where he’s from. pray for him when winter hits cos this man don’t know what a fckin jacket is. also wears a shit-ton of jewelry. we’re talkin at least 4 rings a hand, 2-3 layered necklaces goin down his chest (which explains why his shirt’s always buttoned so goddamn low), a tiny gold hoop in each ear,, he’s not satisfied until he looks like a mfin Christmas tree.

speaking of trees, the environmental conservation club is the only part of school he partakes in aside from classes. he has little care for being a part of the community, but he looooves his plants. talks to them sometimes because he’s a firm believer that it helps them grow

i also have headcanons that he gives inanimate objects pronouns and personalities and absentmindedly speaks to himself from time to time but thats about all i can remember about him for now jdskfbg

you get the general idea by now i Guess

i typed sm more than i thought i would,, oh my god i’m so sorry

#KINDA LONG SO FEEL FREE TO SKIP THE MAGIC SECTION IF U WANT NDFJGK #veritasintro #intro.

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appletardx3 · 5 years ago

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Another mini campaign finished.

ANOTHER LONG READ GUYS I’d call them one offs, but honestly it lasted way more than one session. It was probably another 10 hours? Maybe a tad more. But I didn’t stay up too horribly late this time spinning the tale. The campaign started off as Snax, the adorable master chef and armature sorcerer awoke in a spooky forest. Now, because this was a solo one I allowed my friend the option of having an NPC with Snax, so Penny was chosen to again get involved in a Campaign. Only this time she wasn’t missing, she got to actually be around. So Snax found Penny unconscious in the forest clearing same as him. When he woke her she was a little defensive, but soon realized he was a friend in these strange new surroundings where tons of disembodied eyes were appearing out in the dark behind the trees. Ahead, where the eyes are not, three pathways open up and both fail their perception saves. And yes, this. . . happens a lot. Snax picks the third path and they go running only to learn that they can’t go back as the forest is closing and changing around them. Another pair of eyes appears behind them and perception checks are failed again. I give the option to roll for initiative or do something else. And well, that’s when Snax derailed EVERY SINGLE ENCOUNTER FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE STORY. SERIOUSLY. Snax puffed up his little Kobold chest and with a nat 20 on deception claimed to be the MOST POWERFUL SORCERER IN THE WORLD AND WOULD DESTROY THE ENTIRE FOREST WITH ONE SPELL. And so, the pair of large eyes belonging to a beast, that they later learned was an illusion anyways, was never seen again and they continued on until finally, another fork in the changing pathways. A doll sat there at the fork. Snax failed another perception roll and didn’t notice the eyes but Penny did. Then she noticed more and more eyes down another path and more dolls strung about creepily so she opts for the clear path and Snax follows. And to be clear. Penny didn’t really lead the way aside from this one point. I’m just not that kind of DM. So while I can have an NPC follow the party, or in this case Snax, it’s at the request of my players. Other than that, my NPCS just come and go for story purpose only. For the most part, she made sure Snax didn’t die when they eventually did fight things because he squishy and my friend didn’t want him to die. But more on that later. On this clear path they find a shrub curiously placed smack dab in the middle. Finally they succeed a roll and notice it move. An awakened shrub! But it has those same yellow eyes that they have been seeing all around. The shrub though, is hardly a threat and turns out to be a happy little leafy friend who tells Snax that he’s been sent there to wait on ‘The Woodsman’s’ orders. Then he opens another path in the forest where more of those creepy dolls are hanging around. Snax is a little apprehensive to continue on because spooky, but the shrub tells him that the dolls are one of ‘her’ illusions and that it should be fine. And it was! Snax decides to follow this talking shrub down the path where they get to a bright clearing. There’s a cute little farm house with a vegetable garden and a shed. An elderly bulky Dwarf hurries out of the garden and apologizes a few hundred times as he is the one who trapped them in the forest to bring them to him. His little housemate though, she wanted them to leave. She does not like visitors so she made it difficult. And soon after that she is introduced; A little Tiefling child named Nula who he’s taking care of who happens to be an extremely powerful illusionist. After apologies were out of the way the Dwarf revealed why he brought Snax and Penny here. He needs help retrieving an herb as he is sick. He had placed notices in towns around his forest but no one had answered, which is Nula’s fault but she doesn’t know her dear care taker is ill. Snax and Penny agree to help and again the little shrub, who Snax names Aster, is called to guide the duo into the forest where The Woodsman does not control. His forest changes, but it doesn’t actually go anywhere. Or else he could just go get this herb on his own by literally bringing the forest to it. But he can’t do that. How did he get Snax and Penny there then? Shhhhhh. Story. Anyways Snax and Penny enter this untamed forest. It’s huge and dark. And full of bugs. They do run into an Owlbear with two cubs, but thanks to Snax they don’t get into a fight with it and they just kind of eye each other until the bear gets bored and leaves? So. Yep. Like, I swear. My friend here is just really, REALLY, good at avoiding battles. After the Owlbear, and because I wanted at lease ONE encounter before the big bad in the cave, Aster comes running back to Snax and Penny. “AHHH. BEETLES. THEY’LL EAT MY LEAVES” He yells and as he’s screaming three giant fire beetles come rushing towards the group. But like, they’re just fire beetles. Penny kills two easily with her morning star. Then Snax, oh Snax, uses a FIRE BOLT IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOREST. I mean, yeah, the beetle goes down but he sort of starts a forest fire. So Penny and Snax are frantically trying to put out this fire and poor little Aster is watching the carnage of them beating the flames out of these other plants that Snax had started in the first place. They eventually do put the fire out. But Aster is a bit scared for life. So after traumatizing a sentient bush they finally make it to this cave that’s just filled with giant centipedes. Like, there’s just. . . a lot. They both end up taking some damage here but no one gets poisoned. And the bugs are really easy to kill so it’s more of an annoying walk through these caverns. Then they reach the room where this medicinal plant grows and BOTH SNAX AND PENNY FAIL A PERCEPTION CHECK. So they enter this room and suddenly what’s essentially queen ghoma falls from the ceiling and screams at them. They fall into an epic battle of Snax missing this giant thing EVERY SINGLE TIME and Penny actually gets hits in. The ghoma fails a roll and clumsily SLAMS into the cave wall knocking itself dizzy for it’s next turn to which both Penny and Snax somehow fail to hit it? I mean. . .the dice weren’t really all that nice. But finally Snax gets a hit and finishes off the ghoma. Penny kicks it’s corpse because she’s just so damn sick of these bugs and Snax talks some smack. Then they retrieve the plant. And the rest is. . . pretty uneventful. They return through the forest and avoid any other encounters. The Woodsman gives them both an emerald and finally tells them his name, Torer, and claims that the two of them will always be welcome in his woods. You know, if his adopted Tiefling will allow it. And then Penny and Snax part ways. It was a lot of fun! I’m looking forward to DMing again. But I’d also like to be a player eventually. Ya know, if anyone wants to have a drunk Barbarian join in their adventure. She’s dumb but a lot of fun! Until next time!

#dnd #d&d #dnd story #forest fire #snax #Dungeons and Dragons #dungeons and dragons story #lots of fun #sorcerer #chef #dnd shenanigans

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themoonandotherslikeit · 6 years ago

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The Look in Her Eyes- Chapter 33

***While on a case, Dean and Sam meet a beautiful woman, Ava. She makes a large impression on the brothers, and ends up convincing them to take her on the road with them. It isn’t long before the shared experience, car rides, motel rooms, and risky cases pushes Ava and Dean together in an unlikely story of love, family, fate, and friendship.***

Chapter Thirty-Three, Her Hair Tie

Dean

Thirty Weeks Along

"Morning beautiful." I said with a yawn, draping my arm around Ava's large mid section. She turned to look at me. Her mouth was a gaping black hole, stretching and turning, the gray sunken skin on her cheeks morphed, her empty eyes looked towards me, but nowhere at all. I flinched and closed my eyes.

"Mmm. I'm so sleepy."

When I opened my eyes again she looked normal, beautiful, and sleepy. We were out of time. I could feel the hell hounds licking my ankles already.

Our plan wasn't ideal. Ruby found out that Lilith was on vacation.

"What does a demon do on vacation?" Ava asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"Trust me, you don't want to know." Ruby said flatly. "But her guard will be down. It's our best chance."

"Do you know where she will be?"

"I'm working on that."

Any day now I was toast. It had been 24 weeks. We were using any precaution to keep the dogs away from me, but there were only so many herbs. There were only so many ways to push this off. It was happening. Maybe it was time to say goodbye.

"Dean?"

"I'm sorry, did you say something?"

She closed her eyes. "I said, I think I need glasses. My pregnancy vision is getting really bad."

"You'd look cute in glasses." I held her cheek, rubbing circles with my thumb. "Like a sexy librarian."

"You wish."

"I do." I said kissing her lips. She was warm and familiar. She tasted like sleep. Like home.

"God, put your dick away." Ruby groaned. "We found Lilith."

Ava and I sat up and looked at each other. Shit. Here goes nothing.

"We are leaving in 10." Ruby said before stomping out.

"I guess I'm out of here." I said, kissing her temple. I swung my legs over the side of the bed.

"You're? I'm going."

"No, you're not. We don't have time to argue."

"You're right, we don't." She said in frustration.

"I can't risk you getting hurt." I said, glancing at her.

I slid into my jeans, and clipped the button.

"And I'm not ready to say goodbye. I can help."

I frowned. They didn't tell you about this part when you get married. It's all flowers and kisses on your wedding day. They don't tell you that your wife will want to walk into the fire next to you. Stubborn woman. She was obviously made for me. I turned to her, grabbing her face in my hands. "You will not die for me. Do you hear me? You can come, but the moment it gets hairy you get out of there." I stared into her crystal blue eyes. "You have to keep Peanut safe, because I can't."

She softened at this, and she nodded. "Kiss me."

"Always." I pressed my mouth to hers urgently. I wanted more time. Even though it was a long shot, I needed this to work.

Ava

Liliths vacation spot was only a few hours away. Dean seemed distant, fiddling with his wedding ring, and looking out the window. He was in the back seat with me, claiming sarcastically that we could fool around while Sam drove. The reality, though, is that there was something going on inside his head. I saw the way he looked at me when I woke up that morning. He was afraid.

"Hey, feel." I said, pressing his hand to the space above my belly button where our baby was kicking away.

This seemed to relax him, the wrinkles in his face relaxed and his head dropped to look at my belly.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. I'd been fighting a hell of a headache in the last week, and I hadn't mentioned it because, fuck we had other problems.

"So what's the plan?" I asked Sam and Ruby.

"We will have to take her off guard." Ruby said, pulling into the neighborhood, it was twilight.

"So let's just go in. She won't expect it." Dean said flippantly.

"Oh, please." Ruby said. "See the mail man? How frequently do they deliver this late in the evening?"

I turned to look at who she was referencing. "He is a demon?"

"And the man who has been watering the bushes over there? He's been watering them constantly since we pulled up. And the woman in the window with the dog?"

"They're all demons?" Sam asked in awe. "Shit."

"Maybe we should back out." Dean said quietly. "Go in smart, or not go in at all."

"No. We are going to try. If we go down, at least we will go down swinging."

"Why, Sam?"

Sam turned from the drivers seat and met Deans eyes. "Because you're my brother, and you'd do it for me."

Sam pulled the car away, so we could regroup. "So what does a demon do for fun?" Dean asked casually, trying to break the ice.

"You don't wanna know." Ruby said, picking at her nails.

Bobby and John we're headed up the rear. We needed to regroup. We needed a plan. We needed a little hope.

Dean

Sam and I leaned against the car. "Hey I just wanted to say if this goes sideways... thanks."

I raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For taking care of me."

"Oh, come on, Sammy. If this is my last day on earth let's not spend it doing this."

"You know, she wants me to finish this. Maybe you should let me."

I shook my head. "Sam there's not a lot I know in this world, but I do know that getting in bed with demons is never a good idea. No matter what they offer you."

"You regret your deal?"

"I don't want to go to Hell, Sammy. I won't let any of you be as bone headed as me, because, look me over, I'm not pregnant. I'm not special."

"You're wrong. You are special."

"Are you two done?" Bobby asked, sauntering over to us. "We have a plan."

"Let's hear it." I said shortly.

"We will bait one demon at a time, getting them with the knife. We will poison the water supply with holy water and click on the sprinklers so nothing can enter or exit the house. You should get an element of surprise."

"I'll guard the perimeter." Dad said, meeting my eyes. There'd always been so much contempt there, but now there was something else. "I'll keep the demons away from you."

I turned my face to Ruby when my stomach dropped. I could see her, past her human face. I could see the dark thing beneath. Her black, Smokey skin, her black hollow eyes, and her sharp sinister smile.

"What?" She asked, pursing her lips.

"I just... I didn't know before, but damn you're an ugly broad."

"Dean?" Ava asked me, alarmed.

"I can see her face. Well her face under that face."

"It makes sense." Bobby said slowly. "You're piercing the veil. You can see Hells bitches."

"I am not Hell's bitch." Ruby said with an eye roll.

"That could be useful." Sam said. "Now they won't be able to get the jump on us as easily."

I frowned. "Well I'm glad my damned soul is good for something."

"Dean." Ava said, touching my arm gently.

I looked to her and matched her sad expression. "Sorry." I said, taking her hand.

"We need to hurry." Bobby said, meeting my eyes. "We are running out of time."

I squeezed Avas hand, bringing her knuckles up to my mouth. I pressed a kiss on them, and then on her ring finger. "Let's go."

—————————

We crouched outside of the house. "That's her." I said, with a wince. "The little girl."

Ava peeked into the house, my arm was around her waist.

"Please stay with Bobby." I asked her quietly, holding her hands. Bobby was stationed in an abandoned house across the street, watching, to warn us of what was to come. "I don't think I can focus if you're there."

"I am your partner, Dean. I won't leave your side".

I ran my hands down her back and looked into her blue eyes. "You're so stubborn."

"You love that about me."

"Please don't die." I said, desperately, pressing my forehead to hers.

"You too." She whispered, her breath hot on my lips.

We made a promise to each other that I didn't think I could keep. I just hoped she could keep hers.

"Her?" Ava asked, pointing to the little blonde, no older than 7 years old who was seated in front of a large birthday cake, surrounded by her parents and grandfather. There were tight smiles across their faces.

"Definitely." I said as we crouched back out of view.

"Ready?" She asked me.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I said with a nod.

We got in position. Sam along the side of the house, and Ava crouched over the main water supply.

I purposefully caught the eye of a demon and ran around the home to Sam. The demon followed me, running into the demon blade.

"One down." Sam whispered with a grin.

I drug it's body behind the house so it wouldn't be spotted.

By the third kill I was feeling positive. Maybe I would survive this after all.

"Going out swinging, huh?" I asked Sam with a grin.

"You're not going anywhere."

I shrugged and looked up from behind Sam. "That's yet to be seen." I whispered as I saw the habitants of the houses in the neighborhood out on their porches. Staring at us with black eyes.

"Run." Sam said, as we took off to the front porch of the house, the demons breaking into a run as well. Sam clicked his lock pick in place and began turning it.

The demons were quickly coming to the house. "Come on Sammy!"

"I'm trying!"

Where's Ava?

The sprinklers exploded into action, making the demons scream in pain, but someone was breaking through the holy water.

She dropped her hood and wiggled out of her jacket. I finally let my breath go. "You're a genius."

"Tell me something I don't know." My wife said with a smile.

Sam clicked the lock into place and we were in.

The house was dark. Sam stepped over an older woman's corpse in the doorway. She had obviously been there for days. There were flies on her cheek. Ava covered her nose, and we walked around her.

I unwillingly let go of Ava's hand so we could raise our guns. At best we could get a hit in to slow the demons down if they got through the line of holy water.

There was a creak next to me and I turned to find the husband from the house. I grabbed him, covering his mouth with my hand. "Shh. We are here to help you, but you need to be quiet. Ok?"

The man nodded. "Where is she?"

"Upstairs." He whispered.

"Go downstairs and make a salt line at the door. Don't come out no matter what."

"I can't go without my wife." He hissed.

"You can." I said sharply. "We will get her. Just go." I shoved him away.

He looked alarmed, grabbed the salt shaker off the table and ran toward the stairs.

I met Ava's eyes, and then Sams with a nod. We all slowly went up the stairs. Ruby went in one door, Sam in one, Ava and I in another.

We went into what was obviously the parents room. It was empty. The bed was unmade. It was obvious that the family hadn't slept much since the invasion.

The room was eerily quiet. Ava opened up the closet and shook her head. Empty. As expected. If she wasn't pregnant I may lock her in there to keep her safe. To keep her stubbornness from getting her and our child killed. "Stay here." I told her quietly. "Until it's over."

"No." Her voice was stern and clear. "Don't ask me again." She moved past me, and opened the door again.

I didn't get the chance to ask her again. I was afraid I never would.

I pushed in the door Sam went in. He was hovered over a child's bed. The wife was lying down with her daughter at her side. The child, Lilith, was asleep in a canopy bed. I went around to where Sam stood, with his blade raised.

"Do it!" The woman whispered in desperation. "Do it!"

Sam raised the knife. I glanced at the girl, and she was all I saw. No demonic face under her sleeping one. She was just a child. "Sam! No!"

He looked to me as the child sat up with a scream.

"She isn't Lilith. Not anymore." I told him quietly. I looked to Ava and she nodded.

"Go down to the basement. Your husband is there. You'll be safe."

"You should go to." Sam said, but Ava brushed him off.

"Where's Ruby?" She asked.

"She went into a different room." Sam said slowly.

"We've lost the element of surprise." I said, moving out into the hallway. Ruby burst out of the room she had been in.

"Can Lilith get past the holy water?" Sam asked her.

"With her pay grade she isn't sweating some holy water."

We went down the stairs as a group. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing straight up. My time was out. It was over. Lilith was gone, and I was going to Hell.

We stood in the dining room. The house was empty except for us and the family. It was fucking over.

"Okay, Ruby, I'm in." Sam said, turning to the blonde.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.

"What do I have to do to save Dean? You told me you have a solution, I'm on board."

"You has your chance. It's too late. I told you I had a solution but that was before. We needed time. This isn't just a switch. Dean is dead, and we need to get out of here before we are all dead too."

"There has to be a way. Whatever it is I will do it." He said intensely. I grabbed at Sam. I had to stop him. He wouldn't die for me. I wouldn't let him. "Dean no! Stop! I'm not going to let you go to Hell."

"Yes you are. Yes you are. I'm sorry. I did this, but whatever you're trying to do isn't going to save me. It's just going to kill you." I told him, holding him close to me.

"So what am I supposed to do?" He asked, defeated.

"Take care of my wheels. Take care of Ava and my daughter. Keep fighting the good fight, Sammy. Always remember what I taught you."

The clock in the living room chimed. Midnight.

"I'm sorry, Dean." Ruby said. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."

Ava reached for me, but I put out a hand to stop her. I could hear the snarls echo through the room, and there it was. "Hell Hound." I said softly before seeing the creature in front of me. It was a large dog that almost seemed to be made of black demon smoke, but it was more grounded. It's large white teeth dripped with blood and thick saliva, it's black eyes caught sight of me and it charged.

We ran, pushing as hard as we could into a room adjacent. Ruby and Sam held the door shut as Ava and I sprinkled dust along the entrances to the room.

"That won't hold it for long." Ruby said. "Give me the knife, Sam and I'll try to hold it off."

I turned as Sam began to hand the blade to Ruby. Her sharp teeth turned into a smile as her milky white eyes locked onto the knife.

"Sam no! It isn't Ruby."

I could still see her black eyes echoing in my memory.

"Oh boys, you got me." Lilith flashed her white eyes to us a won't a sinister smile. She flicked her fingers sending me flat on my back against the floor, and Ava and Sam pinned against the wall.

"Ava!" I shouted, turning my head to make sure she was okay.

"Where's Ruby?" Sam asked between gritted teeth.

"Gone." Lilith said with a song-song tone. "She was a naughty girl. So I sent her away."

I struggled against her restraint, but I couldn't move. I could still hear the hound scratching at the door.

"Let them go!" I shouted, struggling. This is what I was afraid of. This is why I didn't want her to come.

"We will always be together." Ava said, her fingers laced in mine. It was hard to not believe her when she was still in her wedding gown. "Fate be damned."

She turned to me, her hair blowing in the breeze from the sea. Her lips exposed a row of perfect teeth. I remembered what it felt like the first time I saw her on that shore. She looked so free. She was beautiful.

"I guess in a way we will."

She put her arms around my neck. "In every way."

She kissed me like it was the first time, like it may be the last time. In the life we live we never know what time will be our last.

What time was our last?

"I don't speak to puppy chow." Lilith said with a sweet smile. "Sam." She breathed, walking to him. "I am so pleased to meet you. I've heard all about you." She leaned in and pressed her mouth to my unwilling brother.

"Let my brother out of his deal." He said, his voice surprisingly strong. "I'll give you whatever you want."

Lilith laughed sharply. "Oh silly Sam. You're trying to barter with me when you have nothing I want."

She backed up and took the door in her hand. "Sick 'em boy!" She said, swinging the door open.

Ava

"No!" I cried out. My scream echoing through the silence of the night, through the demons laughter, through Sams one cries.

When you lose everything, time slows, it crawls. I couldn't see the hound, but I could see it's claw marks scratching at the floor as it ran for Dean. He was still held down by Lilith's invisible hand. The creature grabbed at him, pulling him off the table. He screamed out in pain, causing my vision to blur from tears. It was static along the edge, as his flesh ripped from long, hellish claws. Blood poured from his mouth as he cried out, his green eyes searching for me.

I struggled against my own invisible restraints. I felt helpless. I couldn't help him. I was useless. "I'm here, Dean! I'm here!"

He opened his mouth to respond and cried out again. Large gashes appeared on his chest. This was my fault. He did all of this for me.

The hounds claws ran down his right arm, leaving long, deep cuts. Time slowed even more as the claw caught the hair tie around his wrist. It popped open, flying away from his body. I hadn't noticed that he still wore it. It had just become apart of him. Just like I had.

"Is that my hair tie?" I pointed to his wrist.

"Oh, uh yeah. It was on the floor. I figured you'd want it. To put your hair up." He reached for his wrist to take it off, hooking his index finger into it.

I put up a hand to stop him. "No, um. You keep it."

I watched the life drain from his eyes as he stopped struggling against the claws. My heart broke. Pain rolling through my chest. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't tear my eyes away. His eyes were still wide open.

"Dean! No!" Sam shouted out in pain. Lilith laughed out loud, giggling like a child. The sound of the cruelty in her laughter brought me out of my trance. I turned my eyes to her and Sam as she approached him.

"I will end all the Winchester's left in one fell swoop. Your brother, you, and his little wife and future spawn. All of you will burn. Then I'll go outside and end your Daddy. Finally the thorn in our side will be gone."

Sam struggled against her grip.

Dean was right. I should've never come here. Now his sacrifice would be in vain. We were all going to die here.

Lilith brought her hand up, her eyes glowing yellow. Light radiated from her palm outward. It was so bright I had to look away, like staring into the sun.

The light swallowed Sam whole. I closed my eyes tightly. Tears fell down my cheeks and my head was pounding. I couldn't lose him too. This was wrong. This was all wrong.

"What?" Lilith asked, shocked, as the light dissipated.

I opened my eyes. Sam was okay. His hands were in front of his face to block her attack, but he wasn't harmed. He was on the floor, and he slowly stood. As he did I realized I was no longer held either.

He slowly reached for the knife and stood. His eyes met Lilith's. She looked afraid. He lunged for her, and her mouth opened, smoke rolled out of her, into the vents, and out of the house. Her body crumbled as the last bit of smoke left her body. She fell next to Dean.

We had a moment of silence before we both scrambled to him. I fell to my knees and took his head in my lap. "Dean." I whispered. I pulled him up to my chest and pressed my forehead to his like we had done a hundred times before.

This was how it was always fated to be, but I never believed in fate. We had been preparing for this for 6 months but here I was, not believing it. I ran my fingers along his eyelids, closing his eyes. His apple green eyes disappeared from my view for the last time. I would never see the sarcasm in them, and the way they would sparkle after he kissed me.

With his eyes closed he could almost be sleeping. Almost. Except there was no rise of fall of his chest. Just the warm, wetness of blood. I wept over him, holding his body close.

Sam came up behind me, touching my shoulder. I turned to him to see a tear roll down his own face. He lowered himself next to me, wrapping his arms around me. He needed me as much as I needed him. I looked from him to Dean, and I felt sick to my stomach. There was an intense cramping within my belly, and the corners of my vision came to static. "Ah." I cried out, holding my stomach with my free hand. My head pounded, and rolled into a searing, stabbing pain behind my eyes. I closed my eyes.

"Ava? Are you okay? Ava?"

He sounded far away and then I couldn't hear him at all.

My vision was completely gone. I was overcome by the pain in my head, and the cramping in my belly. I could feel myself drowning as I succumbed to the darkness.

—————

Authors Note:

Y’all this has been a serious labor of love for me. As I’m sure many of you know, I’m an author outside of fanfiction. The last year has been really rough for me, and I found myself and my inspiration again in this show. I wrote 80K+ in a total of two months writing this piece, and by the end of it all I will have over 250K in total. So thank you so much for reading and for keeping up with this story! Now that part 1 is complete I’ll begin uploading part 2 to tumblr. Y’all are seriously so wonderful, your messages and comments mean the world to me. I swear when I get a notification I start foaming at the mouth (maybe I should see a doctor for that IDK)

Thanks again <3 and remember, always keep fighting.

Read Part 2, The Daughter of a Righteous Man

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@foreverwayward

@xjamiedennettx

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