#asks the house elves for help perhaps | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

thebestofoneshots · 1 year ago

Text

Gilded Constellations | (wolfstar x reader)

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 7.5 K Warnings: Graphic descriptions of violence. (Reader discretion is advised). Prompt: We need to talk. This IS a wolfstar x reader fic, but it's incredibly slow burn. They won't start all dating each other until we're very deep into the story, but I promise the long wait will be worth it.

Chapter 24: Peace of Mind

10:00 November 24th, 1976

You waited for the girls to fall asleep and used a combination of spells to sneak out without being noticed. Lily had changed your bandages before bed and you had gladly let her, Sirius’ words reverberating in your head as she did “ Don’t be so stubborn and let us help!”

Perhaps you’d have to use those same words with Remus later on. Little after telling him you were sorry for hurting him so bad and asking him to please not hate you for the rest of his life. As you walked towards the infirmary with the disillusionment charm, the same charm you had used so often since you arrived at Hogwarts that you had pretty much mastered it. Your charm was almost as deceiving as James’ invisibility cloak, logically you knew it’d never match its greatness, but you could definitely get close.

At least enough to sneak past Peeves who was busy rearranging all the portraits on one of the halls so they were all upside down, you heard the paintings complain as he shook them about for good measure. You winced, I wouldn’t want to be any of those portraits, you thought, but continued on your way to the infirmary. As you walked you pulled the sleeves of your quidditch sweater over your hands, the temperature had dropped a little that night and you felt a stark contrast between the cold you felt then and how hot you had felt earlier in the passages with Sirius, you flushed a little when the images came back you your mind, the hunger you had felt had been so overwhelming it felt like a dream.

You took another breath, still feeling cold. Was being sensible to temperature changes also because of the bit of lycanthropy running through your system at that point? Did poor Remus have to deal with them so often? Maybe that was why he always carried around some kind of sweater, in case it got chilly and he felt it a little more strongly than the rest.

Once you arrived at the big infirmary doors you looked at them for a minute and waited, taking a deep breath as you stared. You had gotten word that Pomfrey usually retired to her chambers at 11:30 PM, after curfew and once she made sure all the children in the infirmary –if there were any– had fallen asleep. Her chambers were close enough so she could rush back in, in case of an emergency with the children, and she had some house elves check on the children often.

You were thankful you had made friends with Myrtle since she had been the one to provide you with so much detailed information. Information that she had eavesdropped out a couple of years ago when Sirius, James and Peter were planning how to get into the infirmary since no one allowed them to visit Remus.

You had also gone to talk to Numbletwist earlier that day, to try and figure out if there would be any elves in the infirmary that night. She shook her head, telling you that they were often called off when students got sick around the full moon. She said it was probably because Poppy liked to stay extra attentive of things. You had nodded and thanked her profusely for the information. Scurrying away with the excuse of needing to rest before she asked why you wanted to know.

You heard a bit of rattling and then one of the doors opened up, she walked outside, using her wand to illuminate her path, and you sneaked in and hid behind one of the beds, even if you still had the disillusionment charm, you knew it was better safe than sorry. And Poppy definitely had better eyesight than most witches her age. She turned off the rest of the lights in the infirmary and closed the door behind her, but you stayed crouching behind the bed.

You stood there, breathing steady as you slowly pushed yourself up to peer over the bed and check whether Remus was asleep or awake. He seemed to be waiting for Poppy to leave too, since a couple of minutes later he lifted himself up, accommodating a pillow and pulling his wand out. He used Lumus to see better as he looked through the drawer of his night table, grabbing onto a book and settling it over his lap.

Great, Remus really had no plan to sleep soon then, you shrank into Vixen and walked over to Remus, sneaking in below his bed and onto the other side, where you could keep an eye on the door just in case. Once you manage to collect your thoughts you sprung back into human form. Remus jumped from his spot in the bed when you appeared out of nowhere.

“Sorry to startle you,” you whispered with a bit of a frown, regret evident in your tone.

“Little Witch?” he asked as he blinked a couple of times, trying to decipher if the way the low blue light from the stars and the waning moon shone behind your figure was all part of a dream or whether you really were there again. In truth, he had smelled you minutes earlier, but he assumed perhaps he was just picking up your scent from the chocolates you kept bringing over, or he was so drudged with potions that he was now smelling you like you really were there. And it wouldn’t be uncommon, he had dreamed of you so often lately that you standing there might really just be yet another one. But the way the light cast a halo behind you was too realistic to be part of his imagination “What are you doing here?”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” you said simply.

Remus stiffened and froze as if he had seen a basilisk, but then shook his head “I wasn’t… I didn’t–”

“–It’s ok,” you cut him off “I get it, I understand why you wouldn’t want to see me, and I’m sorry, I’m sorry I was stubborn and I’m sorry I jinxed you and I’m sorry I had the Whomping Willow throw you to the side and I’m sorry Prongs had to gore you, several times because I couldn’t run fast enough and I’m sorry I–“

Remus reached for your hand, and your breath caught in your throat as you felt a small shock of electricity, “hey!” he said softly “I wasn’t avoiding you because I’m angry at you.”

Remus’ hand was warm and soft, not as soft as Sirius’ but not as tough as you imagined it would be. “Then why?”

“I– I thought you wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore,” he admitted, his hand on yours tightening “After the moon I was terrified the reason you’d come to see me was… to say goodbye. Because the friend that you thought you had was a monster, and because I couldn’t control myself as a wolf and because I’m bIoody dangerous to be around.”

That was the second time Remus called himself a monster in front of you, you’d have none of it, “Remus,” you said, leaning in a little closer “You’re not a monster.”

“I’m pretty sure werewolves fit in the category damn nicely,” he responded bitterly.

“I give three fucks if they fit in the monster category, in the extra dangerous being category or in the beasts section of the library. You, Remus. My Remus, are not a monster.”

Perhaps Remus would have realised the way you had used his name had it not been with how wrapped up in his own head he was “I could’ve killed you.”

“You didn’t.”

He averted your gaze “Could’ve bitten you. That’s what the wolf wanted, you know? To bite you. To turn you.”

“But you didn’t,” you insisted. “And even if you had, we would’ve found a way to deal with it.”

“Like how? After a bite there’s no way back, trust me, I would know.”

“I didn’t say we’d find a way to revert it, I said we’d deal with it. Remus, I’d rather be a werewolf than lose you.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. I’m awful.” I’m crushing on your boyfriend, and on you for fucks sake, he thought “You’d be better off–“

You wouldn’t let him finish that phrase “–don’t bullshit me like that,” you said sternly “There isn’t a bIoody universe in which I’d be better off without you, on which any of us would. Not one!”

“But I hurt you. Even as you ran, I chased behind you and then I dug my claws on–“

“–It was a scratch.”

“Stop cutting me off, damn it!” he spat, a little annoyed. “And it wasn’t a scratch, Peter told me how you shivered all night.”

“Well then stop saying stupid shit and I will stop cutting you off!” you responded exasperated. Then you sighed, placing one of your hands on your temple. The hand that wasn’t glued to Remus’ “freaking little Wormtail ratted me out.” you mumbled.

“I literally kept pushing until my claws broke your soft skin, Moony could have broken your arm.”

“I would have survived.”

“You don’t know that!”

“Remus. You can’t make decisions for me,” you said slowly “I knew you were a werewolf for a couple of weeks before this happened, and I never even once considered to stop being your friend.”

“That was before…”

“And it’s the exact same thing now,” you responded with a thin smile. “I don’t care if you’re a werewolf, I don’t care if Moony scratched me and made me hungry, and sensitive to temperatures and thirsty. I don’t care if my arm hurts or if I have to change my bandages every couple of hours and add more of Lily’s magic mixture or take painkillers. And that’s because, no matter what, you’re still Remus, and I wouldn’t want you to be any different,” you gave his hand a squeeze “I’m not gonna let you push me away because you’re terrified I might be scared of Moony.”

“But you were terrified of me! The nightmares, the boggart, the…”

“That was before I met Moony.”

“What?”

“He’s beautiful Remus, you’re beautiful.”

“What?!” he repeated, a little louder now.

You took a deep breath “Yes, the nightmares, the beast. I was scared because a huge thing chased after me, squashing me and throwing me around countless times. But Remus, I had never gotten to see it, not really, I was too busy running away from it to pay attention. Did you know he has your eyes?” Your kind eyes, you thought. “The golden specks that are more present near the moon? I could see them, and I wasn’t scared anymore.”

“And that was dumb, leaving my wand on the ground–“

“–I said I would stop interrupting if you stopped with the stupid comments.”

“It’s the truth.”

You wanted to argue, but it really had been a stupid thing to do, you had been so mesmerised by the wolf, that perhaps you really weren’t thinking straight. Not that it would be expected, especially after everything you had gone through previous to that. “Fine then, one part brave, three parts fool, I’m a Gryffindor after all. Regardless, I’m not scared of Moony, not anymore, not now I know It’s you.”

“That’s stupid too,” he added, you could feel a slight change in his tone, he was a lot more relaxed now, he’s joking, you realised.

“Well you have a very stupid friend, get over it,” you joked with a smile, “Are you going to stop avoiding me now?”

Remus sighed “How could I abandon my potions partner?” he asked, a small smirk drawing itself on his lips.

You chuckled, your hands, the ones that were still intertwined with each other, dangled as your shoulders shook, “That’s the spirit,” you said, your sight flickering towards his hand, and the way it held yours. You brushed your thumb gently over a particularly thick scar on the back of his hand. Remus shivered, but you were so cold you assumed it was for the same reason that you would, werewolves were clearly more sensible to temperature.

“Your hand is very cold,” he said as he tightened his grip.

“It’s freezing here,” you responded, “you feel it too, don’t you? You shivered.”

He cleared his throat “Yeah,” he lied “kinda cold.”

“Your hand’s nice and warm tho,” you acknowledged.

“I had it under the covers,” he lied again. He wondered why you hadn’t separated your hands, not because he wanted you to do it, but rather because he was dreading the moment you did, “how’s the arm?” He asked, nodding towards it.

You shrugged, “It’s healing… your ribs? I broke them didn’t I?”

“It was the Whomping Willow.”

“Yeah, the tree, and my carefully executed plan.”

That had him shaking his head in amusement “How did you know it would work?”

You swallowed, you could lie and say you used maths or highly advanced magic to calculate things to the tea, but enough secrets had been held between you and Remus already “I didn’t,” you admitted “The idea just came to me and I used my instinct to know when to jump.”

“You’re insane,” he said with a shake of his head, he was half pissed, half amused you had managed to pull it off “and brilliant.”

You frowned, a small smile playing on your lips “I’ll take that as a compliment,” there was a silence and you leaned in to sit on the edge of the bed, careful not to hurt the boy as you sat, your head still turned to him “Tom said you’d be out tomorrow.”

“Is that how you found out I was avoiding you?” he asked with an arched eyebrow.

You nodded “Yeah, that and Poppy looking at me so pitifully, even Sirius seemed like he was suspicious after a while.”

He winced “Sorry ‘bout that… But yeah, she said I could leave tomorrow, she kept me here tonight just in case.”

“Well, thank Godric she did, this would’ve been an awkward conversation to have in front of the boys,” you teased “especially when I didn’t even let you speak.”

“I was being twat.”

“Yeah, you were,” you agreed, a small teasing smile on your face. He scooted slightly to the side to give you more space to sit, then pulled your hand so you moved in a little bit more.

There was silence, a rather comfortable one, but Remus broke it, he was now rubbing circles on your hand “You were here when Pomfrey gave me the Skellegro,” he said, and then turned his gaze to you “Weren’t you?”

You nodded “Sirius and Lily brought me over for dittany and silver dust, the scratch wasn’t healing until Lily made some a paste.”

“So you were bleeding all night…” he said, guilt filling his expression.

You sighed “It’s fine, I heal fast.”

Remus looked to the side, barely spotting the bruise on your neck “Is that from when they…?” he asked, pointing towards it.

You opened your eyes wider and pulled the collar of the sweater you were wearing up, blushing at the memory of Sirius kissing your neck as he had you flushed against the stone wall of one of the passageways “Um… I… no it’s…”

Remus understood a sour expression playing on his face that he masked with disgust “Ugh you and Pads are gross.”

You hit him on the arm playfully “As if you’d never done it,” you chastised “Oh.. by the way, what’s with you and Alice?” you asked with an arched eyebrow and a suggestive smile.

Remus felt a pang in his chest, the cause was in the way you’d asked, so casually and playfully. You were clearly teasing him, and also clearly not into him. And then he cursed himself for feeling jealous, of course, she’s not into me, she’s into Sirius, her boyfriend. “We… I mean…” how the fuck do I tell her we’re only having fun without sounding like an ass? It's not like I can tell her I’m using Alice as a distraction, that’d be way worse.

“You’re not in love with her, are you?” you asked, with a rather apprehensive tone.

“Does that make me an asshole?”

You shook your head “I’m sure she’s not in love either,” you said with a sigh “Todd told me she likes to have fun and then… Well, I don’t think that makes her a bad person per se, as long as she’s honest about it.”

“She is,” he reassured, “she’s fun too.” Remus wasn’t sure fun was a very accurate description, not even close to distracting, but it seemed like the right thing to say.

“That’s good. You deserve to have fun,” you said with a smile “Though I’m sure you’d easily find someone for a deeper connection if you were looking for it.”

Remus scoffed, shaking his head “Yeah sure, until they find out I’m a monst–“

“–We’re not going to keep calling you that, Remus,” you interrupted. “And I think they would. Just think about it, all of the people who know are still there for you, no matter what. We’re here, and if someone really loved you, they would be there for you too. And if they weren’t then they don’t deserve you.” He gave you a look of disbelief “Honest, if I were dating you, and then I found out. Even if I had gone through the same thing I went through that night, I’d still date you.”

Remus wasn’t sure whether to be happy or cry at your statement “But you’re dating Sirius.” It was almost bitter the way he said it, but it slipped past you.

“Well duh, but hypothetically, I’d love you either way. And I mean, how many people can say they’re dating a sexy werewolf, that’s gotta give you some points…”

Remus grabbed one of the pillows from his side and threw it at your face, he didn’t wanna talk about depressing shit anymore.

“Oi! What was that for?!”

“You were getting too sappy with me,” he said with a diverted smile.

You narrowed your eyes at him, a mirroring smile on your lips “Oh you’re a twat,” you said as you hit him on the side lightly, he groaned and you winced, brows instantly furrowing in concern “Sorry…” He nodded, but a small smile showed on his soft lips, like he was holding back a laugh. You quickly realised he had faked it and hit him again in return “That’s a nasty trick, you shouldn’t take advantage of your hurt state.”

“The one that you induced?” he said as his grin widened, teasing you again. You gasped in shock, and laughed afterwards, hitting him again a couple more times.

“Oi, oi, that’s enough…” he said as he grabbed onto your hand, laughing along with you.

He had been soft when he grabbed you, but he was so strong even if you had wanted to, you wouldn’t have been able to move your arm, but instead of dwelling on the boy’s strength, you just laughed merrily, leaning in so far down that your hair brushed over his chest. He could smell it, and it was as delightful as ever, perhaps a bit more now that he knew you wouldn’t avoid him just because of his condition. He took a deep breath as you laughed, almost feeling guilty for enjoying the moment so much.

You cannot love her, it is sin, said a voice in his head as he listened to your giggles, but why does it feel like heaven then?

“Can you turn back into the fox?” he asked, despite himself. Perhaps he was already so drunk on you, and your laughs that he wasn’t thinking straight. You turned your gaze to him, as you let your laughs die out. An arched eyebrow looking at him questioning “You got to see Moony, but I only got to see the fox through his eyes. I wanna see her with my eyes,” he reasoned, although he wasn’t sure if he was actually reasoning.

“Seems fair enough,” you said with a shrug “It’s Vixen, by the way.”

“Who’s Vixen?”

“Me,” you said as if it was obvious “I mean… the fox, she is. Wormmy and Prongs chose it, Sirius said it fit.”

Remus hummed in response “It certainly does,” he said as he looked at you, the blue moonlight was still illuminating your features, and you certainly looked as charming as ever, tantalising, beguiling even. And the small cut on your lip? The one that he had noticed since the day at the Shrieking Shack and hadn’t disappeared from your face yet, along with the hickey Sirius had left on your neck, made you look as fierce as ever.

Remus wondered for a second what it would feel like to leave a matching one on the other side of your neck, what would it feel like for Sirius to leave one on his? He knew he was yearning for something he couldn’t have, alas, he had yearned for a normal life so often, he was already used to the feeling. But his fantasies about being normal were never as sweet as his fantasies of you, of Sirius. Of either of your lips attached to his neck or his lips attached to yours, to Sirius’s silky pale skin or to your soft velvety neck. To your collarbone, to the indents that made it almost impossible for him to look back at your face. He remembered you in your Halloween costume again, he remembered Sirius’s devilish smile and matching outfit, and he had to adjust the bedsheets underneath, clearing his throat as he tried to get back on earth.

It’s Moony’s fault, It’s Moony’s fault! Did she notice? Will she buy it if I tell her that?

“Is it really a good idea for me to turn into Vixen here? Isn’t it like… dangerous for your wounds and stuff?”

Remus frowned, buffing diverted “You’ve got rabies or something?”

You gasped again “Of course I don’t! How would you feel if I asked you the same thing?!” He shrugged in response and you considered hitting him again. “Fine then,” you said “but I will bite if you try anything weird.”

“Define anything weird…” he teased.

“I’d rather bite instead,” you retorted “It’ll be my payback for the scratch,” you said with a diverted smile before shrinking into Vixen. You were still on the bed as Remus looked at you. You were small, smaller than normal, and certainly smaller than Padfoot, a good deal less than half as tall as him.

“So you are a little witch in the end,” he teased as he looked at you, you bared your teeth at him for a second, and turned your head, “Aww… don’t be like that!” You shook your head and walked a little closer to him, feeling the soft bed give way under your paws.

You stared at him curiously, and you understood why he wanted to see you as a fox so much, it was completely different, the way in which you perceived someone being animal or human. Remus, for example, seemed a lot bigger when you looked at him from the eyes of Vixen. You could also feel the heat radiating from him, which is why you had almost instinctively walked closer. And just like you had been lured by Moony when you left the wand on the floor, Vixen seemed to somehow be lured by Remus.

You wondered if you were to lose your mind, and be more fox than human, would you still feel just as beguiled by the boy?

Remus was still looking at you when he extended his hand as if he wanted to pet you, but he pulled it back seconds later when he remembered Peter had once straight up bit him when he tried to do it for the first time, and you had threatened to bite. But what you did instead was surprising, since you walked closer and placed your head underneath his extended palm, nuzzling into it like a cat would.

When Remus started brushing his fingers over your head you leaned in closer, allowing him to scratch just behind your ears, which had you relax so much you almost allowed yourself to lay on the bed. When he pulled away his hand you nuzzled his arm with your nose, so he would come back “Needy, aren’t we?” he teased. You didn’t even care to respond. His hands were so big they almost covered your entire head, and so warm too, it was like having a heated blanket that also gave massages.

Maybe it was the canine side of you, but he started scratching a particular spot that had you wagging your tail like a small puppy. Remus laughed when he noticed “You still cold?” he asked when he felt your cold paw brush against his forearm. You nuzzled closer to his hand in response. “Wanna come here?” he asked, patting his chest. You tilted your head, looking at his chest rise and fall, still feeling the heat coming from it.

Maybe it’s weird, shouldn’t have aske– Remus didn’t get to finish his thoughts, you had already climbed all the way up to his chest, fast and careful, trying to avoid the side where you knew the Whomping Willow had hit him. He smiled as you nuzzled your entire body against him, allowing your tail to almost wrap itself around you, bringing a little more warmth into the equation. You then bumped your head against his chest softly.

“What’s that little witch? You want me to pet you some more?” he asked, but he wasn’t teasing this time, the cocky undertone you’d heard earlier completely gone this time around. You allowed your head to rest and closed your eyes as you moved up and down along his every breath.

Eventually, he brought his hand over you again, this time resting it over your back, and moving it softly along your fur, with soft strokes from your head to your mid back, your only reaction was to close your eyes and enjoy the way his fingers intertwined with your fur. You wondered if cuddling with Sirius as a fox would feel just as nice and decided you’d have to ask him to try, even if you had no idea how you’d put that into words.

Either way, Remus was awfully good at cuddling: big, warm, heavy hands, and a total people pleaser. You realised when he figured out the spot that made your tail waggle and focus his scratches there from then on. You had been so comfortable with the boy, that you didn’t even notice the moment you fell asleep. He did see you; and was extra quiet for a while, the only sound being the one of his breaths and your light snoring, or what sounded like snoring at least, Remus wasn’t sure if foxes actually had the ability to snore.

He had been admiring the way you slept, so peaceful, and so beautiful too, he was sure all the foxes would fall for you in the forest if they met you, not that he would allow any of them to lay a paw on you. Which he then realised might have been one of the stupidest things to ever cross his mind. But at least he wasn’t thinking of you and Sirius. Except when he was and he forced himself to look back at Vixen, letting his anxiety melt away as he continued to brush his hands over your soft red fur.

And as his anxiety left, so did most of his negative thoughts, and he was engulfed in this ever so peaceful stance that he was sure to cuddle Vixen for the rest of his life had he the chance. After some time, he too started feeling sleepy, his eyelids heavy and his stroking slower, lazier, he too fell asleep. And you must have stayed like that, sleeping on top of him, your slight weight comforting him the same way a weighted blanket would, for at least a couple of hours. Since next thing you knew, there was a high-pitched scream and you felt yourself being pushed off Remus with the force of a spell.

You fell on your leg and let out a cry of pain, you were rather confused when you noticed the woman that had used a spell against you had been no other than Madam Pomfrey.

“Wait no! Poppy, stop!” you heard Remus say, panicked and sitting up on the bed to get the woman’s attention. You shook your head and attempted to stand, only for your leg to give in again. You huffed, and while wincing, forced yourself up. You saw Pomfrey approaching you, her wand still in her hands as she pointed it at you.

You took a couple of steps back, feeling a sharp pain whenever you moved your front leg. “She’s my pet!” Remus said, “Don’t hurt her.”

Pomfrey seemed distracted by the boy’s words and you took that as a chance to scurry under one of the beds and then all the way to the door.

Every step was agonising, but the adrenaline kept you going all the way to the door that seemed to have shown up out of nowhere. You looked to the sides of the hall to make sure there was no one around before springing back into your human form and pushing the door open, getting in and closing it behind you. You could feel the stickiness of your arm.

Evans is going to kill me, you thought as you leaned in on the door, allowing yourself to rest for a second before turning to look at the place you had ended up in. And when you did you were surprised, since it looked just like the infirmary, you frowned, and opened the door to see if you had run to the same place that you’d left, but it was positively a different hallway. Different paintings, different statues, different doors, it’s definitely not the same place, you thought.

You went back in after a second and looked around again, now clutching your wounded arm, and tilted your head as you stared. Upon closer inspection, it was most definitely not the same infirmary either. In fact, near the back, there was a rather large mirror and a supply closet near it, the infirmary had large windows instead. You walked near the middle of the room and looked around you, there weren’t many beds either, and the place seemed to be filled with things that could be useful. From warm blankets to a sink and clean rags close to it.

You blinked a couple of times, taking it all in, the usefulness, the door that seemed to have shown up out of nowhere, you let out a short breath, realisation hitting you “The Room of Requirements,” you whispered.

Then started nodding, hyping yourself up for what you’d have to do next. You turned around to see if there was a clock somewhere, which there indeed was, a huge grandfather clock near the door, it was 4 am, and you had just enough time to clean things up and go back to your room, change and get back to class.

You took your shirt off and winced when you realised the bIoody bandage, if you kept acting so recklessly, you weren’t sure it was ever actually going to heal. You walked towards the sink, and wet one of the rags before passing it over the broken flesh. You winced as the warm piece of cloth passed over the open part of the wound. You stared at it for a second once it was clean, even after all the misadventures, it certainly looked better than it had done the previous night. But it hurt just as much as it had, the painkillers might have been wearing thin by then.

You walked towards the supply closet, your vision a little blurry due to the sharp pain. Luckily the first thing you spotted was some painkillers, you instantly drank a bit of it and placed the rest in your pocket. You kept rummaging through it and found dried dittany leaves and some silver dust. So you grabbed a mortar, and some beeswax and mugwort, which were the few things you remembered Lily had used to make her green paste, and recreated it to the best of your abilities. With your dominant arm incapacitated -and drowning in pain since the painkillers hadn’t done their thing- you clenched the mortar handle in your other hand and started to mix.

Once the paste was ready, you washed your hand and with trembling fingers, you gingerly spread the paste across the open wound. A couple of tears started streaming down your cheeks as you did. You must have missed something when you made the paste since instead of making you feel instant relief, it stung like hell for what felt like an eternity before gradually numbing the pain.

Once you had gone through most of the scratch you used the back of your hand to wipe your tears and sniffed as you took some more in your finger, hesitating for a second before biting your lip and finally placing the paste on the parts that you hadn’t covered yet.

When you finished with it, you felt utterly drained. The pain was still there, your arm had even started to throb. You let your head fall back and considered just throwing yourself on the floor, the temptation to just rest almost agonising, but you knew you still had to wrap a bandage around your wounded arm. You were fumbling with the ends of the bandage roll when you remembered Sirius’ words “Don’t be stubborn and let us help!”

You swallowed, he probably would have run off to help you had you asked, but Sirius must have been just as tired as you were, and even if he hadn’t been hurt physically, you were sure the events of the night had taken a toll on his mind, heck they clearly had done it on yours, so, despite his command, you decided to deal with it in your own. You continued trying for a couple of minutes, and after what felt like an eternity –and in a fit of desperation– you hurled it against the mirror. It bumped down and rolled off, one of the ends staying behind as the rest of the roll continued unravelling.

You sighed and went to grab another one from the supply closet and started trying once again. This time around you actually managed to open it after a couple of minutes and brought your arm up. You held the end against your arm with your chin and you started wrapping. Eventually, you switched your manual labour for your wand and used a simple spell to levitate the roll of bandages around your arm, making sure that it was just tight enough to seal the wound but not so tight as to cause additional pain, mirroring the way both Sirius and Lily had done it earlier.

When you were done, you turned to the watch again, you’d hoped you had enough time to lay in one of the beds of the infirmary but when you realised you had spent over an hour there you cast a quick disillusionment charm and sneaked back to the common room. You did consider staying in the Room of Requirements and not going back, but your friends would probably worry if they didn’t see you at all in the morning, Lily would be panicked and the boys, especially Sirius, would cause a mini-scandal. You could almost hear Sirius ask something like “How the hell did you lose my girlfriend Evans?” Which is why, in the end, you decided against it.

You picked up the mess with a wave of your wand and put your shirt and sweater back on, giving a once over to the room before leaving and walking through the halls and passageways trying to make as little sound as possible. Once you arrive at your common room you let yourself fall into one of the single couches by the fire. Not bothering to counter your disillusionment charm, as you used your wand to kindle the fire. You sank deeper on the couch and sighed, closing your eyes for a snooze when you heard footsteps.

You turned to the side and spotted Sirius and James walking down, you waved at them, and when they didn’t respond, you remembered you were still kind of invisible. You were about to cancel the spell off when you saw Sirius was already leaning to sit down, on the exact same spot you were. You moved your wounded arm to the side and allowed the boy to sit “Hey babe,” you whispered as you wrapped your arm around his waist, Sirius pretty much jumped off and turned around looking mortified.

You just laughed at his reaction, “Vixen?!” you heard James ask as he squinted his eyes in your direction, you just kept laughing as you finally waved your wand over yourself again, allowing the spell to vanish, the painkiller potion was finally doing its thing and you already felt a lot better.

“Hey Prongs!” you said with a smile.

“What the hell was that Stashine, are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Don’t you get one of those whenever you look into my eyes?” you asked with a playful pout, James laughed again, and your boyfriend just looked at you surprised.

“How did you know it would be Sirius the one to sit there?” James asked.

“I was already here, I just took the chance,” you said, scooting to the side to allow Sirius to sit by your side, even in the small space. He didn’t think about it twice and sat beside you, pulling you by the waist half over one of his legs so you’d be more comfortable.

“Absolutely brilliant!” James complimented, Sirius threw him a look “And you disillusionment charm too, I’d never seen one so good.”

“Thanks!” you said with a smile “I’ve been using it a lot recently.”

“You do know you can just take the Invisibility Cloak, right?”

You nodded, not if I have to tell you what I need it for, you thought. “That’s very nice of you Jammie,” you said with a smile.

“How’s the arm?” Sirius asked.

You looked at him for a second, a tight smile on your lips before you nodded “Great.”

Sirius frowned, not quite buying it, but didn’t press further. “Why were you out here, luv?” James asked “I’d assume Lily would rather be checking on you instead of having you here by yourself.”

“Couldn’t sleep,” you said pointing to your eyebags “And the fire seemed tempting… and also I went to check on Remus who was avoiding me.”

“You noticed?” Sirius asked about at the same time James said something like “You went to see Remus by yourself?!”

“Of course I noticed! I went to check on him like 5 times and he was asleep all of them. Tom comes up and says he had a chat with him seconds after we went to visit. It was suspicious enough. And then there was Pomfrey’s pitiful look whenever I showed up…”

“He sometimes does that… I assumed he was doing it when we went before lunch. Did you get him to talk to you?” Sirius asked.

You nodded “Yeah, we’ve sorted things out, had to call him out on how dumb he was being though.”

Sirius laughed at the casual way you said it, and pulled you a bit closer to him “That’s my girl!”

You were distracted for a good second, remembering the way Remus had pulled Vixen closer and how similar it had been to the way Sirius had done it, you wondered if it was a Brit thing, to be so touchy –which you already knew Sirius was- or if instead it was something very particular of the boys.

“It’s kinda late for flying, isn’t it?” James asked as he looked at the clock, clearly the messy sleepless nights had also taken a toll on him.

“Who are you and what have you done to James Potter?” You teased.

“Don’t mess with him, Kit, he might change his mind.”

“Kit?” You asked, turning to him with a raised eyebrow.

He shrugged “If you can call me Puppy I can call you Kit,” he said simply, to which you laughed, it wasn’t that you didn’t like it, rather you were a little surprised. And really, the more you thought about it, it was rather endearing.

“Does that mean we’re not flying then?” you asked, turning back to James, “even if the next game is on Sunday?”

James groaned, placing a pillow over his head to muffle the sounds. “Now that’s straight-up torture,” Sirius said with a teasing smile as he pointed at James.

“Either way, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to play, we might have to move the–“

“–Don’t even joke about it Potter!” you said in a serious tone.

James winced, you didn’t call him James, not even Prongs, you were not happy about his suggestion, but he was the captain, and he had to look out for his team, he had to look out for you, “You’re hurt.”

“It was barely a scratch!”

“You keep saying that, but I see the way you clutch onto your arm when the painkillers wear off–“

“I’ll be like new by Sunday!” you argued again “I heal fast.”

“Sunday is in three days!”

“Back me up on this?” you asked, turning to Sirius, who had a small frown on his face.

He couldn’t find a way to say what he wanted to say without upsetting you “Darling, maybe Prongs is right…”

You turned to him exasperated “Don’t block me like this James! We’re playing Slytherin, I want to show those assholed that they didn’t–” You cut yourself off, not being able to finish the sentence either.

James’ face seemed to soften at your words, Sirius and Remus had somewhat told them what happened that night, or at least what they knew, and what they assumed. You hadn’t talked to them much about it, let alone go into detail, but either way, he understood. He got why you were so desperate to prove that you could still fight -or fly in this case–, you needed to show them that no matter what they did, they wouldn’t bring you down, “We’ll think about it,” he conceded. You were still looking at him with a frown, “Listen if your arm really is better off by then, then you’ll play.”

“You promise you’ll let me?”

Sirius was looking at James reproachfully, as if he wasn’t happy with his answer, but didn’t say a thing. He could try to convince you of dropping it later, although he was pretty sure you wouldn’t change your mind about it, not unless you were bedridden or something.

“I promise we’ll think about it.” You nodded, that was probably as good as it would get. Now all you had to do was play the part of someone who was not affected at all by the hit and you’d be able to play on Sunday.

“Aren’t you hungry luv?” Sirius asked.

And strangely enough, you weren’t that hungry, in fact, you hadn’t been hungry since you went to visit Remus, which made you assume it was a Lycanthropy thing. Regardless, a warm cup of tea, along with some toast did sound incredibly good, so you nodded, motioning to stand up when you saw Remus walk in, he looked visibly relieved when he spotted you, even as you were almost sitting on Sirius’ lap.

“Good to see you’re all right, after the fall I thought you might have–“

“–What fall?” Sirius asked, turning to you.

“That?! It was nothing…” you said, “I had turned into Vixen and Pomfrey saw me, and was probably horrified since I was close to Rem, and then she pushed me off with a spell. I mean it hurt a little but it was nothing…”

“You were thrown in the air and fell to the ground, and it was nothing?” Sirius asked as he toyed with the hem of your sweater’s sleeve, to see if he could lift it enough to check on your wound.

“Yes, Pomfrey wasn’t trying to hurt me, and Remus stopped her from following.”

Remus was sure he’d seen you break the fall with the same arm that was hurt but decided not to press any further, since you clearly didn’t want to go too much into detail. He plopped down next to James on the sofa and turned to Sirius “How’s the plan going?” He asked the long-haired boy.

“What plan?” you asked with furrowing your eyebrows just a little bit.

“The revenge plan.”

Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

TAGLIST: @rayrlupin @callmelovergirl @warcelia @ireneop @endversewinchester @moonyunebi @smuttysluttybitch @mazzymoons @drugs-for-memes @sofiacblair @vmpir3lvr @remuslupinisbae @rabluver @willgrahamisalesbi4n @thatobsessedreader @orkwardx0 @itskailey24 @hell0-kittie @belovedmoony @blacksgarden @loving-and-dreaming @cassie-love20 @starchaser-lily @zucchini-queenie @springflwer07 @sseleniaa @cometsghost @orkwardx0 @imdoingbetternow @sbrewer21 @remuslupinsbae @maxinehufflepuffprincess @wifiatthetrainstation @unstablereader @msblacklupin @oliversaurus @jaylienpotter @remussbitch @hermionelove @izuoyarmin @themarauderswife7 @keira-kaz2y5 @lampthemacarenagod @bugg06 @a-n-1-m-3-f-r-3-4-k @darlingeels @kissmeunicornbaobei @xluansstuff @boo8008 @angelmixer

Leve a comment telling me if you wanna be tagged on Gilded Constellations

Want to support me? Like and reblog this post (reblogs are extra nice since they help me get my work to more people), also guys, I absolutely love reading your comments, so do throw them my way if you have any!

A/N: Rem is finally back yay! How are we feeling? Personally, I love cuddles, wish I could actually transport into this universe to get some od Moony's warm cuddles. Thoughts?

Raead more Marauders Fiction

325 notes · View notes

pilkypills · 3 months ago

Note

Do you have any favorite headcanons for the RI brothers?

Oooh good question! As a matter of fact, I do!

Dori-

-I think he’s the kind of guy whose word is his bond. If he says he’ll do something, he’ll do it.

-He redoes his braids as often as he can, even out on the road. He hates having them be messy. Nori’s hair gets on his nerves because it’s never in its proper place and Nori won’t sit still long enough for him to fix it. Also, he can put up and take down his braids extremely fast due to years of having the same hairstyle.

-Also also, about his hair: I think he and Nori tie for having the longest hair in the company, and before his hair turned silver (which I think it did very quickly due to the stress of raising his brothers and providing for them) it was titian, as red and dark as a garnet.

-He keeps a spotless house and holds a grudge forever, even by dwarf standards.

-And of course I love the popular headcanon (half-canon?? I’m not sure) that he has a passion for tailoring and brewing tea, and if he didn’t have to worry about making a living in the Blue Mountains he would’ve made a career out of either of them.

-(I read somewhere that Dori and Gloin don’t get along) Part of his dislike for Gloin is a leftover rivalry from Ori and Gimli’s school days over who’s kid was smarter/cuter/etc. PTA night was like a war zone. Another part of his dislike is from what he sees as Gloin trying to be a big brother to Nori, maybe taking his place a little bit. (According to Chronicles, Gloin is trying to get Nori to care about dwarf history and culture)

Nori

-He's actually kind of rubbish at pickpocketing. BUT he’s an excellent survivalist and a great tracker. He also has a great head for subterfuge.

-He's just as much of a dandy as his brother. He likes expensive things, especially nice clothes. And he would never admit it to Dori’s face, but thinks his brother’s skill at sewing and tailoring are unmatched.

-Out of all of the members of the company, he’s changed his hairstyle the most over the years. He knows perfectly well his current style is impossible to upkeep but he’s too stubborn to admit it.

-Since he’s canonically had dealings with elves, I think he knows a little Sindarin. When Ori learns it himself later, it’s something they get to bond over. (I don’t think Ori knew Sindarin at the time of the quest bc nobody asked him to read the names of Thorin and Gandalf’s swords)

-Has a very, very hard time being sincere. He’s incredibly used to interacting with people who are only out for themselves.

-Nori didn’t really trust or respect Thorin as a leader until pretty late in the quest. After Bofur, he's perhaps the one who gets along with him the least. Nori isn’t the kind of guy to yield to authority and I don't think he'd have a lot in common with him to begin with.

-He often avoided Ori out of guilt when he came back home. He has a hard time connecting with him at first on the quest.

-He started smoking as an adolescent just because he knew Dori wouldn’t approve. Dori still forbids smoking in the house and he still does it anyway. He let Ori try some at one point during the quest and Dori was furious.

Ori

-Taking a little inspiration from some of the very cute bts clips I’ve seen, I think Ori is very snarky and deadpan when he isn’t being polite and mannerly. Fíli, Kíli, and Gimli (and later, Bilbo) have seen just how dry his sense of humor is. He’s a witty guy, just kind of nervous around his elders.

-He was an absolute schemer as a little kid. Rarely got in trouble because he was just so darn cute and angelic looking that no one would believe Fili and Kili when they’d say he helped them with something.

-Has exceptional eyesight for a dwarf, similar to Kili. This one might just be canon, seeing as he was able to hit a warg square in the head with his slingshot. Not his fault the rock was too small to do any damage lol.

-I know opinions on this vary quite a lot, but I’d really like to think he’s got a lot of natural body strength, similar to Dori. He just doesn’t have the self-assuredness to utilize it properly. I don’t know if I’d say he’s as strong as his brother, but I do think if he punched you you’d be in for a nasty surprise.

-Once Dori stops meddling with his hair, Ori lets it grow long. He never really takes to elaborate hairstyles, keeping just enough braids for it to stay out of his eyes while he works.

In general

-If Bilbo had stayed in Erebor, they really would have tried to adopt him officially. And if Bilbo had stayed, he would’ve probably let them.

-Ori’s death shakes Nori and Dori very badly. Dori cuts his beard, becomes withdrawn, and dies a few short years later. Nori takes a turn for the worse and becomes prone to reckless behavior. Ori was the glue that held them together. They blamed themselves for letting him go to Moria.

-They may be dysfunctional, but the love they have for each other is real and unshakeable. Deep down, Nori and Ori are just as protective of the big brother that raised them. Definitely not as mother hen-ish, but protective all the same.

-And of course, I GOTTA go with the popular one: The Ri brothers are absolutely gorgeous by dwarf standards. It’s an oldie but a goodie and you can pry it out of my cold, dead hands.

Thanks for the question!

#this was fun! I have a lot of thoughts about the Ri brothers. maybe some stuff I'd like to draw eventually.#the hobbit #dori the dwarf #nori the dwarf #ori the dwarf #asks

46 notes · View notes

vinylfoxbooks · 8 days ago

Text

25 Days of Jegumas | Day 1 | Day 21 December 22 - Santa Claus | @noblehouseofgay | wc: 626

There was one part of Christmas that Regulus was never quite able to get a hang of understanding. He still doesn’t, not even with his son sitting on the lap of the jolly-looking man with a fake beard and branded in all garish red and white that probably is going to chainsmoke out the back end of the mall as soon as he gets on his break and listing off all of the random things that he wants for Christmas -- Regulus thinks that it’s rather late for them to be here, getting present ideas just before the actual day happens but whatever his partner and son wants -- while James takes a couple pictures of them.

Santa Claus, what a weird thing. Who likes the idea of a fat man wearing garishly bright clothing sneaking into your house in the middle of the night with a giant red sack. That sounds like all of the markers of a crime. And the idea that he goes up and down the chimney -- which, what house has chimneys that are used or even open up to the sky anymore? -- without getting any soot on him or getting stuck because chimneys aren’t all that large, especially with a giant bag full of hard presents? It just doesn’t sound enjoyable.

He was almost freaked out by the story when he first heard of who Santa Claus was, staring at Sirius in abject horror as his brother told the stories with stars in his eyes at the idea. He understands, now, that Santa Claus isn’t real or anything and is instead played by very tired parents in the middle of the night but… what kid would find joy in the idea of that. Shouldn’t it freak them out?

Regulus wonders if any of these children crying when they get to the man in the costume are scared of a strange man that they’re being told to sit with or if they’re scared of the stories. He doubts the latter is the case for most of them, if not all. James tried to describe it to him, using buzzwords that Regulus can’t relate to like ‘favourite uncle that always brings cool things’ or ‘the nice grandpa that tells you cool stories and bounces you on his knees’ but it didn’t make anything click for him like they thought it would.

But again, whatever Harry and James wants. And Harry is currently staring up at the costumed man that he’s sitting on with joy and awe and it warms Regulus’ heart. He doesn’t get it, but his son loves the idea of Santa Claus, and perhaps that’s enough for now. Maybe, far in the future when Harry is a teenager, they can talk about it and Regulus can ask why he loved the idea of Santa so much.

James is helping Harry off of the man’s lap -- which also freaks out Regulus, he’d rather not watch his son sit on the lap of a complete stranger who probably doesn’t even have to go through any in depth background checks -- and thanking the man and the workers dressed as elves with shoes too big. Then they’re making their way over to where Regulus is standing with a couple bags in his hands, “Ready to go?”

Regulus nods, moving all of the bags to one hand and grabbing at James’ free one, “Whenever you are.”

As they’re walking, Harry works himself around James so he’s holding both of their hands between the two of them, “Did you see me and Santa papa?”

Regulus smiles down at his son, “I did, was he as nice as you thought?”

“Even nicer!” Harry cheers.

“That’s good, little doe.” Regulus hums, “I’m glad that you got to see him this year.”

Day 23

#marauders #james potter #dead gay wizards #regulus black #james x regulus #jegulus #starchaser #sunseeker #baby harry potter #harry potter #nonbinary james potter #microfics #25daysofjegumas

41 notes · View notes

subastian-swallows · 2 years ago

Note

Hello! Would you happen to have any HC on when it’s the time of the month for MC?

Hello lovely Anon! I’m happy to give it a go! My first ask, I feel a little giddy! (∩˃o˂∩)♡

Sebastian: Sebastian would be a mess, perhaps, even more than you. He hadn't had the 'privilege' yet to support his sister with this yet, or even acknowledge how much it can actually affect you, your energy. He would find you leaning against the wall in the transfiguration courtyard, desperately trying to get fresh air, perhaps alone time and will complain you're being boring today. When you stare him down, he eventually clicks on that somethings wrong and he questions you. You're pretty embarrassed, rather that you just don't want to talk about something personal like that, but he gets it out of you, he always got things out of you. Sebastian isn't grossed out, no, he just feels a little powerless to help and that stresses him out and so he has an idea. Dragging you to the ROR, he asks you to think of something cosy, a warm fire, blankets etc and when you do, Sebastian sets you up a little cave, tucking you away next to the fire. He then nestles in beside you, his warm hand resting against your belly when you request it or simply just caressing your hair. He would constantly ask you if you are comfortable, what else he could do, if there is something more he can be doing etc. You're just happy to have him there and although it doesn't help the pain, it feels nice being near him.

Ominis: Ominis would wonder why you've been avoiding him. You had missed your daily study date in the library and now he was a little worried, because you never missed your study dates. When he eventually finds you, in the kitchens, he questions you a little confused, wondering why you couldn't wait for dinner. You don't mean to snap, perhaps, mainly due to feeling embarrassed, but when he simply moves towards you, all you can do is attempt to play it off. That's until one of the house-elves brings you chocolate, perhaps as a gift for being kind to them, that Ominis grew extremely curious and so you told him. Ominis had no clue. He had no idea what he could do to support you, though he wanted to try, Ominis always liked to try but you simply wave him away, saying nothing can be done and its fine. But he never did listen to you, or perhaps, he was just smarter than you gave him credit for and he just knew when to stay, even when you said leave. Eventually, Ominis just lets you eat as he tries to distract you. He can't take the pain away, that much is clear but he can hope to make you forget about it and so he asked if you would like to move somewhere more comfortable. Ominis takes you back to the common room, thankful for the emptiness and gently holds you close as you both rest on the sofa. He places a warmed cloth over your stomach, this much he learnt, quickly asking a few girls in secret and feigning ignorance, they told him that much. You end up falling asleep to Ominis continually warming the cloth, while he softly pats your hair and talks about nothing.

Garreth: Garreth is a lot more inventive in this situation. You find him in the Potions classroom and despite feeling a little upset that he disappeared after you told him you felt unwell, you can't help but feel curious to see what he was doing. Nothing could have prepared you for what it was though and as you slowly made your way to his side, you see books spread across the table, labelled: PERIOD DRAUGHTS You look at him a little embarrassed and when you see him concentrating, his tongue sticking out slightly from his focus, you can't help but sit down and watch him work. You see, Garreth was never good at using his words to help him out of situations, if he thought he had upset you, no, he preferred to use actions and so he worked tirelessly, until the potion was ready. To say you were a little nervous was an understatement, but so much love went into it and well, if it sent you to the infirmary, it would have been worth it. It tasted sweet and went down smoothly and soon the pain in your stomach eased. You kissed him a lot after that and he asked if he had made it up to you for leaving, but you just kept kissing him, making it a point that he was to make more of these in the future as he laughed against your lips.

Amit: Amit is more logical about this. He would politely excuse himself for a moment and desperately disappear to find something or anything to read about how to help you. He would want to do it right, no funny business and when he returns with everything the books told him to bring, you can't help but just look at him as you laughed. Amit then asks you to choose a spot, telling you its best to not move too much when you're in pain and that resting will help and so you end up choosing the vivarium. He then sets down everything, secretly checking his book, to make sure it's perfect, before he helps you to sit down. You can't help but feel like he's treating you as if you incredibly sick, but it is sweet and so you allow him to do his best. Amit then nestles you in blankets, heats warm clothes for your comfort, brings you treats (after shooing away your beasts) and sits down beside you. He doesn't know if him being there will help as the book states it is best to rest while you can, but you pull him closer and lean into his shoulder, telling him you want him to and so he does. You end up falling asleep against his shoulder as he reads to you, reads anything really, he just wants to keep talking, a distraction.

There you go! I hope it's alright! ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

#ominis gaunt #ominis x you #ominis x reader #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts #sebastian x reader #sebastian sallow x you #ominis gaunt x y/n #garreth weasley #garreth x you #garreth x reader #hogwarts legacy garreth #ominis #hogwarts legacy imagine #amit thakkar x reader #amit thakkar #amit thakkar imagine #amit thakkar x mc

296 notes · View notes

librivore42 · 28 days ago

Text

Patchwork Hearts

It was about dang time I wrote a Lord of the Rings fic. It's a shortie but it's a start. Inspired by this post by @idontknowhowtoplayguitar

Ao3 link below, and the entire thing is ever more below!

Patchwork hearts (556 words) by Librivore42

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types, The Hobbit - All Media Types

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf (Tolkien)

Additional Tags: i love them your honour, they're the kind of friends who snipe at each other one day, and sit and smoke on the porch the next

Summary:

Bilbo, ever the adventurer, has had a life full of living and of love. A short rumination on adventure, life, and the memories we keep of our friends.

~~~~~~~

The patches were a distinctly hobbitish thing, homely and warm with that communal sense of hail-fellow-well-met that was prevalent in the nicer parts of the Shire. Which was to say, parts that did not contain the Sackville-Bagginses. Bilbo had collected many on his long adventures, politely requested from amused elves, dwarves and every stripe of man in his most official and businesslike manner, as one would request a personal and most valued favour.

The old clothes were left behind as the patches migrated from suit to suit, and he wondered if someday he might have a suit that was all patches. Wouldn’t that be such a fine thing! A tribute to a life long and broad and most well-lived. A map of all his adventures.

And Frodo’s. He’d been most honoured to request a further patch from him before he left Rivendell, and one after. The suit had, by now, been set aside most carefully so that it would not wear, taken out only for the most special of occasions. By now he had as many patches, nearly, as he had stories, yet not nearly as many as he had room for fondness in his heart.

He had never yet asked one of Gandalf. A strange embarrassment came over him at the very thought of it. Perhaps the wizard would give him one when he wished.

At Bag End Gandalf and Bilbo had parted… not coldly, never that, but the shadow of the Ring had passed a chill over them that had sent both shivering even as Bilbo had stepped out the door. Gandalf had known, then, that he would see him again. But as they went to part again at the Last Homely House in Rivendell, he was no longer entirely sure.

And so as Gandalf set off at the head of the Fellowship, determined to lead them for as far as he was able, it being his turn to leave the other standing on the doorstep, as it were, he left Bilbo with a small scrap from one of his more worn travel cloaks.

On their final journey together, as the old Hobbit was helped into the boat with much the same grumbling as he’d done when he’d been forced out of his comfortable hole at the beginning of all his adventures, Gandalf’s impressive eyebrows rose at the much-beloved, much-patched suit.

He was not surprised. The careful storage had kept the clothing in very good order, and patches, especially sentimental ones that were not holding together the already well-trodden paths of an old suit, would of course last. So he was not, indeed, surprised. Gratified was the word, to see the fabric of his cloak on Bilbo’s shoulder, a shoulder he had often grasped to give solace, to guide, and perhaps give many an unwelcome push.

A special occasion this was indeed. He did not smile as he sat across from Bilbo, but his eyes had a deep warmth behind their usual sharp fire, and the old Hobbit gave him a beam that creased his entire face into a map of a life most well-lived.

“Well Gandalf?”

“The road goes ever on and on, doesn’t it?”

The solemn casting off of the boat was shot through with warm, hobbitish laughter that rang out over the water.

“It does indeed, old friend. It does indeed.”

#lord of the rings #lotr #the hobbit #patches #gandalf #bilbo baggins #frodo baggins #jrr tolkien #rivendell #the shire

23 notes · View notes

runaankisser · 9 months ago

Note

Sorry in advance if I’m awkward or anything I’m terrified of requesting stuff:’)

If you’re still open to TDP requests, Mayhaps Runaan and Ethari (bonus points if also Rayla but I don’t wanna ask too much-) somehow managed to take the reader in? I had a human reader in mind, but I won’t die if it’s not!

(I wish I could be more specific, I just have moonfam brainrot and no idea which direction to point it in. But if you do this anyway, thank you so much!! I really appreciate your writing.)

- 💙

The human in the woods

Word count: 802 Including spaces: 3957

(i just wanted to apologize for how long this took)

As the bright moon peaked through soft clouds, a young moon shadow elf giggled as she played with a couple of adoraburrs. The moonlight beamed on her while she walked through a grassy field. Although, something caught her eye. A young girl, in the distance, was standing near a tree, looking lost.

As Rayla got closer, she realized two things, this wasn’t an elf, this was a human! A short, malnourished human girl, with bruises all over her body. Rayla continued to walk closer to the girl.

“Hey! You’re a human!” Rayla says loudly, reaching out her hand to touch the human’s ear. Y/n flinches roughly at the sudden movement. Rayla’s eyes widen in surprise and she jerks her hand back.

“Uhm… where's your parents?” The young elf says with curiosity. Y/n looks up gingerly and shrugs, looking saddened. “You don’t talk, do you?” Rayla says, tilting her head slightly.

The elfling looks at the human with remorse. “You aren’t the only one without parents, mine had to leave me so they could guard the dragon prince,” she says with a smile, trying to relate to the famished child.

“Well I guess I do have parents. Runaan and Ethari take care of me! You should meet them!” Rayla rants, her eyes shining at the idea. Y/n looks at the elf, fear and curiosity filling her eyes. The young girl flinches and gasps at the feeling of a cold, 4 fingered hand grabbing hers.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Y/n slowly followed Rayla, practically being dragged behind her. As they walked, the elfling continued talking about her home and perhaps they could take her in.

Soon, the pair came across a large tree. Y/n’s eyes lit up with surprise as runes glowed a soft purple.

“This is the silvergrove,” Rayla said with a proud smile, pointing down as the illusion melted away, revealing a village decorated with soft lights and silver architecture.

The moonshadow elf grabbed y/n’s hand once again and led her to Runaan and Etharis' home, being careful to avoid the other elves.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Rayla and y/n arrived at the house, Ethari was waiting outside. His eyes widened in surprise at seeing a human, a child!

“Oh moon! Why is there a human here?” Ethari stuttered, looking at the elfling desperately for answers.

“This is… uh I don’t know her name. She's hurt though!” Rayla says nervously, referring to the malnourished, scratched up girl. She tightens her grip on y/n’s hand.

Ethari stared at the young human, feeling sympathetic. He lets out a sigh and tells the pair to come in. “You know Runaan won’t be happy with this when he gets home,” The moonshadow elf says.

“You can sit over there,” Ethari says after leading them to the kitchen, then goes to get a first aid kit. Y/n nervously sits down on the edge of the chair, clearly on her guard. Soon, he returns with a small box, filled with herbs, ointments and bandaids. He bends down and reaches over to her knee with a scratch, frowning as she flinches. “It’s okay, I'm not going to hurt you,” he says softly and gently rubs an ointment on her wound.

“It’s okay! This will help heal it,” Rayla says, trying to reassure the human. Y/n whimpers quietly and flinches again as the stinging ointment is placed on her open wound.

After a while, Ethari finally finishes patching up all of the humans wounds. “Little one, do you have a place to go?” He asks softly, trying to keep the child calm. Y/n does not reply, she simply looks down and slowly shakes her head.

“Can she stay with us? Please! She can sleep in my room!” Rayla pleads, doing her best to look cute, wanting her new friend to live with her. Ethari lets out a sigh and looks down, deep in thought.

Finally, he says, “okay, but just for a bit. Runaan won’t be happy with a human in our house.”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time skip, 5 months.

Ethari was wrong when he said y/n would only stay for a bit. The young human would stay forever, now family. At first, Runaan wasn’t happy with her in the house. But he soon gave in.

The smell of mushcup filled the air as the morning sun slowly rose. 4 pairs of feet thumped down the stairs, small giggles followed them.

“Good morning you two,” Ethari says, mixing the ingredients for mushcup. Runaan was at the table, drinking his morningberry juice, looking tired.

They both sit down at the table, the human mumbles a small thank you, still quite shy. Y/n was grateful to know that she belongs to a family, a family that won’t hurt her anymore. She was finally happy.

#the dragon prince #the dragon prince x reader #ethari x reader #runaan x reader #moonfam #platonic #child reader #tdp rayla

88 notes · View notes

shockinglyangel · 11 months ago

Text

HOW THE SLYTHERIN BOYS WOULD REACT IF YOU ASK THEM IF THEY LIKE YOU

NOT PROOFREAD

DRACO

You are spending the summer with the Malfoy's since Draco had invited you, he spoke to his parents first and and introduced you to them, his parents seem to like you; his father not so much as he truly didn't care for his son dead, but Narcissa showed nothing but care for you. "Is this the beautiful Y/N I've been hearing about?" His mother pulled you into a hug.

"I can see why my Draco likes you, you're lovely." She pulled away from the hug and made her way back over to her husband who was complaining about something one of the many house elves had done.

"You like me?" You tease Draco, his cheeks read from what he had been exposed for.

"You think too highly of yourself Y/L/N." He placed an arm around your shoulder and showed you around the rest of the manor, hoping that you knew how much you truly did feel for you.

THEO

You stood on the astronomy tower with Theo, a cigarette between his fingers, you tried to take it off of him but he refused, pulling away from you with a laugh.

"I think not." He placed it back to his lips before leaning over the railing his arm supporting his body.

"You care about me too much, I'm sure I'll be fine if I had one cig." You tried to argue, your eyes watching him as he put the cigarette on the ground.

"I do care about you too much." He replied, placing his hand on either side of your elbows before pulling you into a hug.

"Does that mean THE Theodore Nott likes me?" You looked up to his face, his eyes were filled with pure love for you, although you were blind to it.

"Perhaps it does, you're alright to be around I guess" he placed a small kiss on your forehead and pulled you back into his chest.

(I promise not to make his only personality smoking!! I just needed it for this one)

BLAISE

You hadn't seen any of the boys since the Christmas holidays and you couldn't wait to see them again.

You sat on the train awaiting everyone else to come and join you in the compartment you had saved.

P it was one of the first ones onto the train, you gave her a massive hug before sitting yourself next to her and in between the window, next to the boys kno you hadn't seen any of the boys since the Christmas holidays and you couldn't wait to see them again.

You sat on the train awaiting everyone else to come and join you in the compartment you had saved.

Pansy was one of the first ones onto the train, you gave her a massive hug before sitting yourself next to her and in between the window, next were the boys, They were greeted you with a hug, though it lasted A while longer with Blaise.

Lorenzo sat opposite you, kicking your shins lately as you did with his, please throwing him a nasty look as he assumed he was flirting with you.

"I'm going to the bathroom." Blaise got up swiftly and left the compartment, and awkward atmosphere was left behind

"what's up with him?" You asked everyone else, earning a shrug from a few while Lorenzo moved his legs back, noticing the tension he had accidentally created.

"He's just being like that because he likes you." Lorenzo explained.

Your eyes went wide and you opened your mouth to say something but got interrupted by Blaise coming back into the compartment.

The rest of the trip to Hogwarts wasn't bad, Lorenzo had moved away and sat opposite Theo instead, and you were too busy enjoying your conversation with Pansy to even notice the glares Lorenzo was receiving from his friend.

When the train came to a halt everyone rush to get off, you and Blaise being pushed to be one of the last people to get off the train.

He helped you with your bags and took your hand to make sure you didn't somehow slip down the gap and die.

"Such a gentleman." You teased and and slinked your arm to his.

"It's just the way I am" Blaise replied with a smile, happy to have you to himself.

"Or maybe it's because you like me?" You stated, though it came out more a question.

Blaise looked at you "is it that obvious?"

you threw your head back and let out a laugh. "Lorenzo said something."

"That bitch!" He unlinked your arms and held your hand, pulling you with him to chase after the young Berkshire.

MATTHEO

you lay in the same bed as Matteo, your best skin touching his – the moments before were a whirlwind, and now you were in his arms, a quiet moment of serene tranquility.

You had been Mattheo's secret for awhile, he never showed you off to his friends, he never spoke to you outside of the nights you spent wrapped up in each other's bodies, it was driving you crazy.

"What are we doing?" You asked quietly, watching as he traced light figures on your arm causing goosebumps to arise.

"What?" He mumbled into your hair, he was half asleep and perhaps this wasn't the best time to start such a deep conversation, but you needed to know.

"You know, do you – like me?" His body tensing at your question, his finger stopped dancing on your skin.

"Y/N," he paused for a moment, deciding what he wanted to say next. "I do, I really do, everything is just so complicated at the moment."

You sighed and he propped himself up on his elbow, causing you to instinctively turn over to face hand.

"I'm sorry, I know this isn't what you want." His face was one of sadness and maybe even guilt, it was clear he felt bad but would he do anything to fix this? That was the real question.

"I don't want to be a secret Mattheo." Your eyes trained into his, hoping you'd find even a glimmer of hope for the two of you.

"Do you know what everyone will say if they find out." He tried to emphasise, both of your reputations seemed to be more important though.

"I don't care Mattheo, if I did I wouldn't be here right now." You're exhausted by his constant excuses.

"Fine, will tell everyone tomorrow, but there's no going back after this." He laid back down next to you, holding your body to his, you were his now.

And you could sleep well knowing that he was yours.

LORENZO

yourself and Lorenzo were sat by The black lake, the two of you were just done with studying under a tree and now enjoying the Sun while chilling on a picnic blanket together. You weren't completely sure as to what you and Lorenzo were, but more than a few people had taken the time to tell you that he likes you more than a friend, so today you decided to test out that logic.

"Lorenzo?" You turned your head to face him he was looking out of the river his hand supporting his head, his body propped on its side.

"mhm?" He hummed back quickly, not looking away from the body of water, you too looked away, possibly losing the confidence you thought you had gained.

"Do you like me?" You finally blurted. "Like – more than a friend?"

Lorenzo quickly turned to face you, his eyes widen his cheek slightly red. "No," he quickly denied the question."Where did you get that idea?"

You threw your head back in response, your hair falling over your shoulder, he couldn't help yet be entranced.

"Just heard from a few people, I guess that I have just been rumours." You answered, your eyes focused on the lake, you weren't offended by his reply, but it definitely didn't help with how you were feeling.

The boy just not it, the two of you sitting in silence for a short moment before he finally spoke up. "Did those rumours bother you?" He was choosing his words with delicacy.

You turned to face him again, his face was a shade of pink but you assumed it to have been caused by that the sun exposure he'd had today.

"I don't care." Your lips spoke words what she didn't know how to feel about, does that mean you wanted him to like you are not? He couldn't get it out of his head.

A few hours later the two of you headed back into the parcel, he walked you to your dorm to say goodbye as you mentioned you had a couple more things to study for.

"I lied," his hand reached to the back of his neck as you looked at him in bewilderment. "I do like you. "

You smiled. I know, good night Enzo. "And entered your door, leaving the poor boy confused about that entire interaction.

TOM

Tom was buried in books he had to study for the upcoming test, he'd invited you to study with him but you had other things on your mind. Things between you and Tom were more unspoken than anything, you didn't know how he felt about anything half of the time, and today just made things worse.

There was a rumour going around Hogwarts that he was sleeping with some Ravenclaw girl, her herself being very proud to share the news with anyone she passed.

how many you had your moments, those times which you never reminded him of where gentle touches were place and soft words were spoken, but now you didn't know where you stood.

"Tom?" You looked up at the boy has her falling in his face as he stared down at the parchment in front of him. Do you like me?"

Tom didn't look up, perhaps he was bothered about the conversation. "I tolerate you," he went to say something but he stopped you, finally looking into your eyes and Y/N, don't believe everything you hear on this castle."

#slytherin boys react #slytherin #harry potter #draco malfoy #theodore nott #mattheo riddle #blaise zabini #lorenzo berkshire #tom riddle

90 notes · View notes

mcflymemes · 1 year ago

Text

PROMPTS FROM ELLA ENCHANTED * assorted dialogue from the 2004 film, adjust as necessary

i gotta work on that.

quiet, please. i can't concentrate here.

isn't it wonderful?

i have a no return policy.

why don't you go back to where you came from?

what a stupid name.

nobody wants you here.

i always knew something was wrong with me.

can't you take the spell back?

you must never tell anyone else.

i don't want anyone using it against you.

what's inside you is stronger than any spell.

take this. then i'll always be with you.

your father would like to speak to you.

it was either get married or sell the house.

is this the right address?

the house looks delightful.

my clothes need more room than this.

please don't touch it. it was my mother's.

admit you're stupid and don't know what you're talking about.

hold your tongue.

your coronation is next week.

i've kept my promise, haven't i?

i don't need your chivalry, thanks.

you're the first maiden i've met who hasn't swooned at the sight of me.

i want peace in the kingdom as much as anyone.

so you have a new plan once you take the crown?

that's what i thought. you're all just the same.

perhaps that's why i find your obvious disdain for me so refreshing.

i'll try and be more considerate next time i'm saving you.

next time? what makes you think we'll see each other again?

stop flirting with him.

i need you to do me a little favor.

a felon in my own family. i could die from embarrassment.

you are forbidden ever to see her again.

thank goodness you're all right.

i should have told you about this years ago.

i think it's only fair to warn you that i'm practiced in the ancient art of... origami.

don't let him scare you, sweetheart! kick his butt!

i am going to need so much therapy after this.

that's very sweet, but i'm on a tight schedule.

i'm on a tight schedule. were i not... i would love to have dinner with you.

great. i knew it. a talking book.

i think i may have found you another chance at your future husband.

elves aren't that short, you know.

the rustling always comes before the screaming and the running.

it never hurts to be on your guard.

i led a rally on your behalf the other day. maybe you heard about it.

we just did this. didn't we just do this?

who's to say it wouldn't have worked if you hadn't come barging in?

you're bleeding.

you'd better let me help you with that.

it makes it so much easier rescuing you if i don't have to commute.

your girlfriend doesn't mind being left alone?

that's not really my area of expertise.

you have the power to make a difference in the world and you don't even care.

they're not so bad. i thought they'd be all so big and scary.

i thought that maybe this would be a good time to possibly have a heart to heart.

do you know where the bathroom is?

i had no idea things were so bad.

you have to stay for the night.

i wish you would stay.

i hope you don't mind me saying this, but you're much prettier than i would have expected.

your father would have been proud.

i think he would have really liked you.

kiss me.

that wasn't an order, you know.

i trust your journey was pleasant?

might i trouble you for a moment?

you will tell no one of this plan.

i will do anything you ask.

please tell me you never wanna see me again.

we're together now. and when we're together, it's like magic.

will you marry me?

you tried to kill me.

i can't believe i'm saving you after you tried to kill me.

i should have disposed of you when i had the chance.

163 notes · View notes

sebastianswallows · 1 year ago

Text

A new family — Chapter 3

— PAIRING: dark!Ominis Gaunt x F!MC

— SYNOPSIS: Ominis gets tired of his family and how miserable life is with them after he graduates. So he follows Sebastian's example for once, and kills them in cold blood. Now that he has the mansion to himself, he discovers he would still like to have a family, but one of his own making.

— WARNINGS: a bit of fluff, a bit of angst

— WORDCOUNT: 2.2k

— TAGLIST: @littletealight @skarathewitch @myrachondria @mrimperio @ssnapsaurus @tarotwitchy-main

After only a few days, it was easy to make her forget all about wanting to leave. The sun woke her up with its warm rays, and they had breakfast together in the rose garden, and food apparated before them — all of it cooked to perfection by the house elves — and then they spent hours and hours all day, in rebellious freedom, like it was the best weekend at Hogwarts… Even Ominis could tell she hadn’t been happier in years.

She delighted in the library as well, the second largest room in the mansion after the dungeon, and spent every evening there for the first five days.

“You never told me your family had a first edition copy of Magick Moste Evile!”

“We also have a copy of a manuscript on poisons by Hereward, the author’s son. I’m sure it’s somewhere around here...”

“How did your family acquire all of this, Ominis?”

“You don’t want to know,” he grinned.

“Well, now that you mention it…”

“To be fair, most of it is inherited from past generations of Gaunts. Our family went through a period of obsessive academic interests.”

“Now that you’re in charge, those days might come again,” she said with a cheeky smile.

“Who’s to say I’m in charge?”

“You can be subtle about it all you want,” she said as she turned a page, causing the book to moan and shiver. “But it’s clear something nefarious happened to your parents. Your sister and brother too…”

“My brother, in fact, is still in London.”

“Plan to take care of that, do you?”

Ominis bit his lip and said nothing, but kept walking along the shelves while his guest sat reading at the large oak wood desk in the far back of the room. He couldn’t guess whether she approved of his actions, and perhaps it helped her conscience not to even know what they were. He comforted himself with the thought that she seemed to have approved of what Sebastian did well enough — so she could very well show him the same courtesy.

“I’m curious,” he said, trying his luck, “what do you think happened to my family?”

He heard her turn another page, browsing through the curses.

“With such a library at your disposal, anything could have happened to them,” she said with a smile.

Ominis stopped, his back to her, and brushed some dust off the thick spine of a herbology almanac from 1664. She sounded… indifferent, even tacitly approving.

“I should have expected you to be tranquil about such topics,” he grinned. “They never bothered you before…”

“If you mean Sebastian —”

“Now why would you bring that up?”

“That is what happened, isn’t it?” she said, sounding a bit triumphant. She slammed the book shut, and it screamed. “Ominis!”

“What?” he said, turning around, his face serene. She definitely sounded excited, although whether it was in anger or joy, he couldn’t tell. He faced her impassively, although in his chest his heart was pounding.

“Are you responsible?”

His jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. With his hands clasped together behind his back, wand held loosely in his right one, he felt his back straighten.

“What if I were?” he asked. “Would you mind?”

“N-no,” she said at length, her voice softening after the initial outburst. “I… I would understand.”

“Would you?”

He heard her leave the desk, stepping around the heavy old chair and cautiously approach him. Her little heels rang loudly in the library. He was surprised to feel her gentle grip on his elbow, but he stayed still.

“You never knew how much I wished I could help you whenever you were away for the summer… Steal you away, protect you.”

A muscle twitched in his eye at that. “I didn’t need protecting.”

“I know,” she said, smiling. “Your problem required more drastic solutions, correct?”

Ominis tried not to smile. Whatever his fears were, her reaction did not substantiate them, and gradually he felt his heart settle, his blood cool, and his arm loosened in hers. She pulled it closer to hold his hand.

“Still,” said Ominis, “I appreciate the sentiment…”

“I won’t ask you what happened,” she said. “You will tell me if you wish to, and if that happens to be never, then —”

“It won’t be never. It might just take… some time.”

“Whatever happened, though — whatever happened — know that I will never judge you.”

“Oh,” he chuckled, “so you won’t hold me to a higher standard than Sebastian, then? That’s a relief.”

“It doesn’t suit you to be jealous.”

“Who says I’m jealous?”

He didn’t hear a thing, but he could feel the incredulous squinting of her eyes.

“Alright,” she said. “Come on, let’s have dinner.”

She squeezed his fingers once before letting go and stepping back toward the desk.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I mean to take it upstairs with me — that is, if you don’t mind. I promise I won’t misplace it.”

“You’re using Magick Moste Evile as a bedtime read?”

“Yes, I am. And you should, too,” she smiled. “Never know when you need it.”

The air between them changed following that conversation. After nearly a week spent wondering how she felt about him, how she’d really feel if she knew what he had done, for Ominis, it was like letting out a breath that he had held all that time.

He smiled more, laughed more, spent more time alone leaving her to wander freely through the grounds, but also spent more time with her. They began a habit of reading together in the greenhouse, more of a conservatory where all manner of plants were arranged with no particular thought or care. They retreated there after lunch with a cup of tea — green for her, white for him — and that’s where they did most of their reading. She recommended him books on dark magic as she finished them, or named favourites she knew from Hogwarts when she spotted them in his library, and pointed out what she knew he might like.

They frequently stopped to discuss things, arguing between good and evil, between fairness and pragmatism, between glory and destiny, reaching no particular conclusions — but then, that wasn’t the point. Slowly, Ominis could feel himself catching up to how he might have been were it not for his family, and the distaste for the dark arts that grew in him because of them. He went through this rediscovery of himself slowly, anxiously, but guided by her hand.

One evening, in the mid of August roughly one month after he had killed his parents, a late summer storm washed over them. She could see the dark clouds nearing after lunch, and in less than one hour they were upon them. It was quite an experience to sit in the conservatory when the rain began to splash on the glass, to hear the whipping of the wind, and feel in the frail encasing the pressure of the air outside. Within their little enclosure, still warm and fragrant with tea, they felt like they were in another world.

“Oh I wish you could see how the water pours down the roof,” she told him as she held his hand. “It looks like a little waterfall.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely,” he chuckled. “I think I can hear it. It’s like a leaky faucet.”

“And the sky outside is dark, almost like it’s nighttime.”

“Yes, I can feel how much colder it is.”

“Do you want to go back inside?”

“We are inside,” he smiled. “But yes, we can sit in the drawing room instead. I’ll light a fire.”

They picked up their books and went to sit out the storm in the parlour. Ominis lit a fire, as he promised, with a carefully aimed spell, while she unpacked a box of biscuits the elves had bought the week before.

“I want more tea,” she said. “Do you?”

“Certainly,” said Ominis, still tending to the fire.

He heard her going out toward the kitchen, then coming back with the little clinking of porcelain on a tray and set it on the table in front of the fireplace.

“You have lovely tea sets,” she said pensively, “albeit some are a bit macabre.”

“How so?” he chuckled. “Do you mean the designs?”

“Yes,” she said from further back in the room. “Black pansies and bone piles, and oh my, this one has skulls,” she laughed. “And this is an interesting kettle. The cups fit along its side like mushrooms growing from a tree… Wonderful craftsmanship.”

Ominis frowned — he didn’t recall them having a tea set with skulls on it… The blood froze in his veins when he realised what it was.

“Well, you don’t want to use any of those,” he said as he quickly got up and walked toward her. “Let’s use the cups from earlier.”

“But I had green tea in mine, and now I want some oolong. The flavours wouldn’t mix.”

“Yes, but —”

“Oh, please, Ominis,” she said, and he could hear her pouting so sweetly, “I want to try them. I’ve never seen such fancy cups before.”

He frowned and clenched his jaw, but smiled. “Alright. Anything for you.”

“I won’t break them, I promise,” she grinned.

“Just don’t pick the —” He stopped when he heard that distinctive bony clank.

“The what?”

“Nothing.”

The storm still raged outside and thunder trembled through the walls. Ominis checked the kettle, then felt around the tray until he found one of the cups. With trembling hands, held the teapot and poured. The liquid hissed in its distinctive way until it nearly reached the rim, and then he filled the other.

“Milk? Honey?” she offered.

“None for me, thank you.”

“Well, I’ll have both.”

“Not sure there’s enough honey to sweeten up that cup,” he mumbled under his breath.

“What?” she laughed. “What was that?”

The fireplace hissed and flapped when a draft from down the chimney hit its fire. Another bout of thunder rolled its way across the distance and sounded through the room. Between the silence, the rain beat against the window in incessant little drops.

“I just… I really don’t like this set,” he finally said.

He made no effort to disguise how he was feeling this time. There was a frown between his brows that he couldn’t wipe away, and his lips were set in a firm line that refused to let him speak. His hands were braced on the edge of the table as if he might fall if he let go.

“Ominis,” she said after a few moments, “do you want me to drink from this?”

“I might,” he said with a sardonic smile. “I partially do.”

“Why?”

“Curiosity. Indifference. A touch of sadism.”

“And what about the other part?”

“The other part,” he sighed, “is sick.”

She got up — he hadn’t even noticed when she sat — and was right by his side, her warm hands uncoiling his from around the wood.

“It sounds to me as if both are sick,” she quietly said.

Ominis allowed his flesh to melt in her grasp, his bones losing their firmness and his blood its vigour. When she moved him to sit down, he followed without resistance.

“I just don’t know how to feel,” he said weakly, “about anything anymore.”

“Well, let’s start from somewhere… For instance, how do you feel about yourself?” she asked as she kneeled beside his chair, her hands still on his.

“Shame,” said Ominis. “I don’t even know why I just said that… But, shame, and humiliation.”

“Why?”

“Because I still don’t know how I should be. What I should like, what I should think, how I should react to things, and how I should behave. All parts of me were formed by evasion and as… as a reaction to something else, rather than coming from me. And…”

“Yes?”

“And I fear I’ve pushed myself down so low that I can not dig myself up again. An early grave,” he chuckled.

“Don’t be like that, Ominis,” she said, holding him more firmly. “You’re still here, and they’re the ones who are gone.”

“That hardly gives me much satisfaction.”

“And what would?”

“I don’t know. Burying them, I suppose, one way or another. Or… getting rid of them some other way.”

“How?”

“I haven’t decided,” he said, unthinkingly turning his head toward the teacups steaming with tea.

“And… how do you feel about me?” she asked.

“You?” he said, turning toward her again. “I feel like… like I’ve lost you before I had a chance. And other times, I feel like I never had a chance to start with. So, I suppose I feel hopeless.”

“Well, luckily for you, all of those are wrong,” she said with a smile.

It was Ominis’ turn to hang on to her. His fingers curled around her hands and gripped onto her wrists like shackles.

“Do you mean that?” he asked.

“I do.”

“So you don’t want to see Sebastian again?”

“I — well…”

“You know what I mean.”

“Ominis, I don’t need Sebastian to be happy,” she said archly. “Not any more than he needs me.”

The hint of resentment in her voice did not go unnoticed, but he chose not to address it, at least for now.

“What do you need to be happy?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh,” he said. “Well, that’s a shame.”

“And why?”

“Because I happen to need you.”

#Ominis Gaunt #hl #Ominis Gaunt fanfiction #ominis gaunt imagine #Hogwarts Legacy imagine #Ominis Gaunt x Reader #Ominis Gaunt x MC #Hogwarts Legacy MC #sswallow;made a thing #sswallow;fanfics #sswallow;a new family

247 notes · View notes

kittenshift-17 · 1 year ago

Note

dramione hangover breakfast

Hermione grizzled into the arm she'd been using for a pillow, her head splitting and her mouth dry as the desert.

"Noooo," a gruff male voice complained when she stirred, beginning to wriggle out of the arms she'd laid spooned in all night.

"Shhhh," she sighed. "Oh, my head."

"Granger?"

Hermione sat up slowly, rubbing her hands over her face and trying to remember why she'd drowned herself in whiskey and wine to wake up dead like this.

"Just.... quiet, Malfoy," she muttered without looking at the surprised blond on the bed beside her.

"We went home together?" He rasped. "Again?"

"Seems so," she mumbled. "Urgh, I need a shower."

Shuffling across the bed, she rose from it naked and stumbled to the bathroom of his flat, knowing the way well. After all, this wasn't the first time she'd made this particular mistake.

When she felt vaguely more human, Hermione got out and dried off, pausing to brush her teeth before wrapping her hair in a towel and returning to the bedroom still naked. Malfoy was sprawled on the mattress, looking worse for wear, a few love bites littering his neck and chest that she knew she was responsible for.

"Are you staying for breakfast?" He checked while Hermione helped herself to his wardrobe, not about to put last night's ballgown back on in the harsh light of day.

"Yes, please," Hermione murmured.

Draco nodded, rising from the bed too, also naked, she noted with appreciation even if her head was splitting. He dressed quickly before leading her out through his impressive flat and into the kitchen where an elf was already taking care of feeding them.

The first time she'd slept over, she'd taken umbrage with an elf feeding her, but on this, the eleventh time, she hadn't the energy to make a fuss.

"So," he said quietly when they both had cups of tea in hand and a plate of greasy breakfast food before them.

"Must we discuss it every time, Malfoy?" Hermione sighed. "We drink too much and we fuck. And in the morning after it happens, we swear it can never happen again, but it always does. Just accept it."

He eyeballed her in silence after that as they slowly polished off their breakfast.

"Do you have my cream knitted jumper? He asked when the food was almost all gone.

"Possibly."

She did. She wore it around the house whenever she had a bad day and wanted to be cosy because it was the softest thing she owned.

"Can I have it back?" He smirked, quirking an eyebrow.

"No."

He blinked before a soft snort of laughter escaped him.

"Next time we do this, maybe we'll go to your place, and I'll steal back all the clothing you pinch, then," he teased.

"Next time?" She frowned.

"You've just said to accept it keeps happening even when we swear it won't," Malfoy shrugged. "Perhaps we ought to consider letting it happen without needing to get uproariously drunk at work functions before it does?"

Hermione's brow furrowed.

"You're suggesting we... make this a regular thing?"

"I think it's already a regular thing, Granger. What's this, the tenth time we've done this?"

"Eleventh," she corrected.

"Mmm."

They eyed each other speculatively in silence for a long time after that before Hermione sighed and got to her feet. Rounding the table, she thanked the elves for breakfast and wandered to the living room, collecting her shoes and dress on the way.

"Until next time, then?" Malfoy met her by the fireplace, holding a small pot of Floo powder.

"I'll see you at work tomorrow," Hermione nodded.

She huffed in surprise when, before he let her step into the fireplace, he cupped her cheek and guided her mouth to his, kissing her softly.

"Think about my offer," he murmured against her lips when they broke apart.

Hermione nodded, climbing into the fireplace and dropping her powder, whizzing away, knowing she'd do more than think about it and knowing she was probably going to end up marrying the ridiculous man.

#kittenshift17 #hermione granger #fanfiction #dramione #draco malfoy #harry potter fanfiction #anon request #anon ask #anonymous #story prompt

112 notes · View notes

shirefantasies · 9 months ago

Note

Hello, may I please request fem reader x Elrond? With reader that is quite avoidant when it comes to touch, but accepts hugs and kisses from Elrond? I hope it is okay 👉👈 thank you so much in advance, have a wonderful day 💕💕💕💕

Yes, sorry this took so long but here we are! Hope you enjoy how this came to me, a one-shot featuring a third party POV as well as ‘yours’ 😊

The Steel Lady of Imladris- Elrond x F!Elf!Reader

It was known to the surrounding lands that in the Last Homely House one might be surprised by whom they meet; the lord of the land, after all, had a lady by his side, one whose presence was said to carry the chill of a harsh wind with her presence. Resolute as her home's walls, she cut quite the contrast to the hearths always said to be awaiting visitors of the fair valley. Perhaps she was even a witch like the one dwelling in the woods of Lórien.

Such were the rumors swirling in the mind of Rivendell's dwarven visitor, called there as he was to offer his people's wise council. Ha! What was it that had those pointy-ears finally asking for their help Gimli did not know, but happy was he to attend with his father at his side.

Riding in with his kin, he took in sailing white arches and a very well-constructed bridge, hearing his father mutter all the while about how nothing had changed. He had stopped there once before some sixty years ago, after all, during the dragon incident.

A whole gaggle of elves awaited there, some armored but most just decked out in their pretty finery, one clad in white emerging from the center with a deep blue-clad figure upon his arm. Long, elaborately twisted strands of dark hair hung onto his raiment and a circlet of silver crossed his forehead. Likewise, the woman at his side had what hair she could done with equal finesse, a matching headpiece, and a dress more closely tailored than the lord's robes. Elrond and his consort, the so-called Steel Lady of Imladris.

Sure enough, fair as you were your face was resolute as you stepped forward, practical even as you curtsied, surrendering the smallest of smiles. Ready for a fight as he was, Gimli wasn’t sure he’d want to take you on. At least, not without the proper head start and all.

You flinched as Gloin clapped a hand to your back, stepping forward in utter avoidance of his touch. Disrespectful though it may have seemed, you equally avoided one of your elven fellows’ advances. Gimli shook his head. Cold as they came.

Alright, fine, maybe this wing of the place was a little confusing. He still could figure it out for himself. One more corridor and it would be golden-

“Trouble yourself not, My Lady.”

Tilting his head, Gimli took a few steps forward, was availed the sight of Lord Elrond…holding you at the elbows, pulling you closer? The sound of… you giggling?

He’d turned away, but that sound along had Gimli swiveling around the corner again. Your head tilted and leaned onto the dark-haired elf’s shoulder. A smile cut further across your face as his lips fell to the crown of your head.

“You needn’t spend any more time in the crowds than you must. It was simply right to have you at my side for greetings.”

“I like being at your side, though,” you whispered, peeling your head from Elrond’s chest to kiss him once, twice, and far more lingering.

All right, that was enough. Off to bed. Gimli turned, trying the other fork in the hall with a faint smile playing upon his lips. Steel Lady indeed.

“Greetings, Madam.”

Frowning slightly, you turned to see if your eyes had deceived you; they had not- one of the visiting dwarves removed his helmet in your presence, giving you a jolly little bow.

Generally you were…unsuccessful, shall you say… with guests. Aversion to touch had bloomed from the harsh experiences of your past life, making trust a challenge. No bearing upon their race or character, but outsiders posed a threat. Disrupting routines, bringing louder, brasher customs. Viewing you as either held in thrall to their impositions or else some myth beyond their metaphorical touch.

Elrond was the anchor in your vast sea of anxiety, the only one who saw through story, perceived emotion seemingly unexpressed. Displayed hope and kindness abundant as the cleanest of springs.

But now stood a dwarf of all people fixing you with earnest hazel eyes. Understanding. What should you do?

A smile shook its way to your lips. “Good morning,” you chose a customary greeting. Standard, safe.

“Aye,” the dwarf nodded, “it is, isn’t it? Well, I know you elves like to keep time, so I'll be off to breakfast before there is none. Tell me your favorite and I will save you some if I can."

Stranger or not, you were sure anyone could have read the shock upon your face. Shaking it quickly aside, you kept your face neutral as you named it and gave a thanks. As the dwarf went on his way, he bid you his final farewell by your title, yes, but also your name. They didn't usually use your name.

Light footsteps rang out behind you, barely perceptible even by your sensitive ears. "And what was that about, hm?" Elrond.

Tension melted from your shoulders as the curious little quirk of your lips burst into a wide smile. Turning on your heels, you slid your arms about your husband's waist, relaxing when his hand caressed the top of your head.

"The dwarf," you answered, "he was so kind. Not in that rough way so often seen, but...genuine. Caring. Like he wanted to see me smile. Could someone have challenged him?"

You feel your husband's head shake. "How many times must I remind you," he teased, "of the light that lies in your eyes? That which reaches deepest into the heart. Surely he felt no challenge than that. Indeed, I would say he simply sees you as I do."

Heart thumping, you loosened your grip on Elrond to meet his lips in a loving kiss, safe in the warmth of his words and his hold upon you. Bit by bit he encouraged you to be brave, never leaving you adrift for long, you reflected as he took your hand, bidding you lead the way to the greater halls at your ready.

Taglist: @lokilover476 @fuckyoumakeart @mossthebogwitch @ibabblealot @kilibaggins @joonies-word @stormchaser819 @pirate-lord-of-narnia | Reply/Ask/Message to join 🥰

#lord of the rings #lotr #lotr imagines #lotr x reader #elrond #elrond x reader #elrond x female reader #female reader #elf reader #one shot #ask #anon #requested

326 notes · View notes

its-jaytothemee · 8 months ago

Text

Until I Met You - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: A Spark to Brighten the Underdark

Pairings: Halsin x Tav

Word count: 5,556

Rating: Currently M, will be Explicit in later chapters.

Read on AO3

Previous Next

Summary: After Halsin hears Tav having nightmares, he decides to show her a little hidden gem of the Underdark. Now they both have to decide what to do with the sparks flowing between them while helping one of their friends recover from an encounter in the wilderness. Part 11 of the slow burn fic. Halsin and Tav POVs.

Tags: Slow burn, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/comfort, fluff, eventual love confessions, eventual smut, angst, implied past rape/non-con and abuse, graphic description of injuries.

A/N: Drank a bunch of wine. Started writing. Bon Appetit.

See also - everyone in camp can't stop accidentally cockblocking Tav and Halsin. A little bit of a lighter chapter to offset the last one.

Tav awoke with a start, the taste of blood still evident on her tongue. She reached over to her arm to rub the phantom bruises there. Her breathing was uneven, and her heart was racing. Lunari was still curled up next to her and snoring. Rather than sit and stare at the canvas walls around her, she decided to leave the suffocating confines of her tent to go and sit by the fire.

Maybe Halsin is already awake.

With all of the nightmares she had been having, his company was a welcome comfort. It was much better than being alone with her thoughts.

Instead of finding Halsin by the fire, she ran straight into him as she just crossed the threshold of her tent.

“Oh! You’re awake. Good morning, my friend.” He stammered as she tried to get her bearings.

“Morning.” Tav shook the shock from her face. What in the hells was he doing standing outside of her tent?

They stood in awkward silence for a moment, Halsin rubbed the back of his head nervously as she ran her fingers through her hair. Her dreams were still fresh in her mind, the sight of Tev running away from her brought tears to her eyes.

“Are you…are you alright?” He finally asked her. “I’m sorry to startle you, I heard some cries coming from your tent. I was…worried.”

“Hm? Oh, yes, I’m quite fine. Just some…dreams.”

“Memories?”

She wiped the stray tears that had escaped down her cheeks. “Unpleasant ones, yes.” Halsin gave a soft grunt in response.

“Another curse of the elves. We’re blessed with such long lives, yet we’re doomed to revisit all kinds of memories in our trances, whether we want to relive it again or not.” Pain was rising in his voice, no doubt he had his fair share of unhappy memories to avoid. She nodded along with him.

“Was it the shadow curse?” He asked.

“Not this time. It’s…family related.”

Tav kept her hands tangled in her hair, not willing to look Halsin in the eye. She had kept most of her past a secret – she wasn’t sure how the others would react to her familial ties to the Mendelre house. They were rather infamous in the city, and outside of it as well. Regardless, she had left that life long ago. She wanted them to know Tav, the real her, rather than Lady Tav’ahria Mendelre.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Halsin’s voice was soft and comforting. For a moment, she considered telling him everything, but what would he think of her? Her noble heritage went against everything he stood for; she couldn’t stand the thought of losing his respect.

“I uh, I don’t think I should. It’s in the past, and I’d rather forget it. Let’s just say you wouldn’t have liked the person I was around my family.” She gave a small shake of her head, trying to stop the tears from escaping her eyes.

He studied her for a moment, his eyes sad but intense. She couldn’t hold his gaze, feeling ashamed. No matter how hard she worked to change it, she couldn’t fully leave her past behind. She would always be the little flower of the Mendelres.

“Then perhaps you’d like to take a walk with me?” Halsin was offering his hand out to her. She stared up at him, his handsome face perfectly highlighted by the fire behind him. As much as she wanted to go with him, she was worried that her knees would give out from the sight of him. Yet right now, his company was the only thing she craved. She reached out to accept his outstretched hand and he pulled her closer.

“Come on, we won’t go too far.” He held his arm out for her to take. A light blush took over her face as she wrapped hers around it.

They walked a short distance away from the camp, far enough that they could no longer see the tents, but close enough to still see the soft glow of the fire. There was a small pond of sorts, surrounded by glowing mushrooms, they were more concentrated here than in other areas of the Underdark.

“These aren’t the mushrooms that explode, right?” Tav teased. Halsin laughed in response, and she could feel it shaking his upper body as she kept her arm looped around his.

“Of course not, I do believe you set them all off the last time you ventured out into the wilderness here. I’d be surprised if there were any left based on the state of your return.” She was starting to really enjoy his sense of humor. It was shining through more and more as they continued spending time together.

“So, what are we doing here?” She eyed him, unable to hide her suspicion. He let her arm drop and moved to stand in front of her. That dazzling smile had returned, a bright beacon that threatened to blind her in this darkness.

“It’s a surprise. Close your eyes.”

***

Halsin waved a hand in front of Tav’s eyes to make sure she had really shut them. Satisfied with her lack of reaction, he bent over to pick up a couple of small rocks. He looked back over at Tav, who was waiting patiently with her eyes closed, or so he thought. One eye had peeked open and was trying to watch him.

“No peeking!” He scolded her with a smile. She jumped when she realized she was caught, a mischievous grin taking over her face. His heart started to beat faster, excited to show her this hidden gem he had found.

Once her eyes were closed again, he moved closer to the water and tossed a rock out into the pond.

“Okay, you can look now.” Halsin held his breath, waiting for her reaction.

Tav slowly opened her eyes and let out a soft gasp. The water in front of them had come alive with small luminescent creatures. Little dots of light swam along the tiny waves made by the rock he threw into the pond. Her eyes were wide with wonder, darting back and forth along the entire surface of the water.

“What do you think? I found this place shortly after you retired for the night.” He asked, his voice hopeful. More than anything he wanted to see her happy, to give her just a brief reprieve from the hardships of their journey. Maybe even more than that, he wanted someone to share this with, someone who could also appreciate such a small marvel in nature.

“It’s…” Tav shook her head as she let out a few gasping laughs. The colorful lights from the water danced across her awe-struck face, knocking the breath out of him.

“It’s incredible, Halsin! I’ve never seen anything like it.” Her laughs were heartier now, the sound filling his chest with the familiar warmth her company often brought.

Oak Father preserve me, that smile…

She continued laughing as she skipped along the edge of the water. Chasing the little creatures that swam up close to them, she looked like a child that had just been given a new toy. After a few more moments, the lights started to fade. She turned back to him, her lower lip stuck out in a slight pout.

“What happened?”

“They fade after a while, but disturbing the water will bring them back. Here.” He offered the other rock in his hand to her. She giggled with glee and tossed the small stone into the water, once again gasping as the tiny creatures lit up the ripples. Her laughs were pure delight cutting through the eerie stillness of the Underdark.

“Are they dangerous?” She had squatted down by the water, her hand resisting the temptation to reach out into it.

“As far as I am aware, no they are not.” He barely had the words out before she had her hand running through the water alongside them. The little dots of light trailed along in the wake created by her wiggling fingers.

The overwhelming affection he felt watching her made him lightheaded. A stirring in his heart that had been dormant for so long returned stronger than ever. For just a moment, there was no grief or guilt, no weight of responsibility. For just one precious moment, there was only the joy of sharing this experience with someone new, someone he was starting to truly care for. Someone who could maybe care for him too, although he didn’t dare to hope.

“I thought perhaps this could raise your spirits a bit. Being your first time in the Underdark, I figured you would be unfamiliar with these creatures.” He shifted in place, kicking the dirt at his feet. “I have precious little in the way of gifts, but I thought I could at least share this with you. After everything you’ve done for me, it’s the least I could do. I wasn’t sure what you–” Tav cut him off with a hug.

“It’s amazing. Thank you.” She squeezed his waist, and he heard her sniffle against his chest. Once again, he let himself relax into her inviting arms.

“You are most welcome.” The lights faded as he stood there hugging her back, returning the area to its usual darkness.

When she pulled away from him, she went right back to the edge of the water, picking up another rock to bring the glow back. Her look of childlike curiosity returning to her face the moment the little creatures began their colorful dance along the waves.

“Would you like to stay here with me for a while?” She turned to ask him, her smile still plastered across her face.

I think I would stay here with you forever.

“Of course. It’s not every day that you get to experience such a wonder.” He responded, no longer referring to the dancing lights in front of them. Halsin’s eyes never left Tav, even after she turned her attention back to the water in front of her.

She took a seat at the edge of the pond, patting the ground next to her for him to come sit. He happily obliged so they could watch the strange creatures together. Their lights bathed Tav in a soft glow, highlighting every line and curve on her face. He studied every detail, committing it to his memory. The freckles that covered her face and shoulders, the sharp line of her jaw, the small tattoo of a broken sword on her throat. Her long hair tumbled loosely around her shoulders, the colorful lights from the water reflected in the soft locks. The pointed tips of her ears stuck out between the strands. They would twitch a bit each time she smiled at the tiny creatures in front of her.

Why do you tempt yourself like this? What did you hope to accomplish in bringing her here?

Of course, he knew the answer. All he wanted was to see her smile, to see her laugh. He wanted any excuse to be alone with her, any excuse to hug her or touch her. Taking every chance to have those little moments of intimacy that he had craved for decades.

“Thank you…for thinking of me.” Tav sighed.

As if I could think of anything else of late.

“But please don’t think that you owe me anything.” She turned to look at him.

“You’re too modest. I would not be here if not for you. That is a debt I doubt I could ever repay.”

Tav seemed lost in thought for a moment, tossing another rock into the water to bring the strange light show back.

“Then consider the debt forgiven. I truly don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything. I want you to stay with m…us…because you want to. I want you to share things like this because you want to. Not because you feel obligated.” He could just make out tears gathering and threatening to spill down her cheeks.

“I can assure you, Tav, that I am here of my own accord. I promise you that despite the hardships, despite the dangers ahead, I am here because it is where I am needed. I…” He trailed off as he found himself lost in her kind eyes.

“When I found this place, I thought only of you. I wanted to share it only with you.” Her endearing blush crept over her face and cheeks at his words. He could feel his own face warming as well, causing him to snap his attention back to the water in front of him.

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound being the occasional rock Tav threw into the water.

“Why do we stay so long in places that make us so unhappy?” She whispered the question, almost as if she didn’t mean to speak it out loud.

“What do you mean?” Halsin had a moment of panic, was she unhappy here?

“Being here, now I’m…happy. I’m happy to be here with you, I’m happy to see these tiny new creatures for the first time. I’m happy to have our traveling party, despite the circumstances of how we met. But I spent a long time being very unhappy when I didn’t have to be.”

Halsin sat and listened quietly, waiting to let her share her thoughts. She took a deep, trembling breath.

“My family…” She trailed off. “My father wasn’t…isn’t…a good person.”

“He was awful to me and my brother. Honestly, I’m not sure which of us he hated more. I was useful to him, and he was more than happy to use me. But gods was he terrible to Tev’aron.” A few tears slid down her cheeks, shining with the different colors from the lights in the water.

“If I spoke out of turn, if I rebelled, Tev was usually the one who paid the price, not me. He knew that was a much more effective punishment. That’s not to say he didn’t take the opportunity to hurt me as well, but somehow it stung less than watching Tev suffer on my behalf.” Her voice was so small, the woman sitting next to him seemed to transform into a frightened young girl for a moment, shivering in the dark.

“Despite always paying for my mistakes, Tev loved me, he looked after me. He always came to my rescue even though it meant suffering for him. And I let him take on that suffering for so many years.

“I could have left, Tev begged me to for years before he escaped. We could have snuck out and made a new life for ourselves much sooner than we did. I could have saved both of us so much pain…” The small breaks in her voice brought tears to his eyes.

“Why did I stay?” She turned to face him. Her eyes were pleading for an answer that he couldn’t give.

Halsin was hardly the best person to ask. How long did he stay at the grove despite his sadness? For years before he met Tav he had yearned to roam and explore, to return to Moonrise to bring back the light, to return to his home in the High Forest. Yet, he also stayed. How long had he denied himself happiness in the name of responsibility?

“Often times I don’t think we know how truly miserable we are until someone comes along to show us. The pull of obligation and responsibility is a strong one. I think we need just a small glimpse of freedom to know what we’re missing, but once we have it…” He reached out to take one of her hands. “It’s impossible to look back.”

She smiled weakly back at him.

“No person can break through such hardship alone. We need others to help lift that veil, and it sounds to me like Tev did that for you. Even if it took longer than you would have liked.”

“I just wish I could have repaid the favor, you know?” She sniffled.

Oh Tav, so willing to forgive everyone’s debts except your own.

“Perhaps you have.” He said, his voice soft. She gave him an inquisitive look in response.

“You may not have been able to do the same for your brother…but look at what you’ve done for everyone here with you now. How many of us here have been shown the freedom and happiness we’ve desired through you? You are a guiding light in the darkness helping to brighten our path. You are far too hard on yourself, my friend. I think Tev would be quite proud to see what you’ve done for the others in your care.”

“I miss him, Halsin.” She wiped a few more tears from her face.

“I know, Tav. I know.” And he did. His entire family had passed, parents and siblings alike. It had been so long that he could hardly recall any details about them. Only fragments remained, his mother’s hair, his father’s strong hands, his sister’s laugh…

His thoughts were interrupted when Tav leaned over to him and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. The gesture made his breath catch and his heart stop. His fingers moved to his face to trace the spot where her lips met his skin.

“I’m so glad I met you, Halsin. You’re…a wonderful friend.” She smiled that oh so sweet smile at him, once again stirring him to his core. The tiny lights reflected in her teary eyes caused them to sparkle. They were sitting so close, all he would have to do is lean forward a bit and feel her soft lips against his…

“You’re…beautiful.” The Elvish whisper escaped his lips before he could stop it.

Her blush returned as she stared back at him, stunned.

“What did you say?” Her smile widened.

Panic spread over him. He didn’t mean for this to happen, he should have been able to control himself. Apparently, he underestimated just how intoxicating her company would be sitting here by the glowing pond.

“I…uh…I mean you are…” He started stammering wildly, unable to form a coherent thought. His eyes wandered to her lips, desperate to feel their touch again.

Tav was about to say something when another voice called out to them from the darkness. Halsin let out a deep breath, happy to have bought himself just a little more time. She slowly took her hand back, leaving him feeling just a touch colder than before.

***

Tav and Halsin’s conversation was cut short as Astarion wandered into the small clearing. She took a quick, shaky breath to compose herself before turning to face him.

“Astarion? How long have you been up?” Tav smiled as he walked over towards them. She stood up to greet him, hoping her blush wasn’t still noticeable.

“There you are! My friend…” He giggled as he yelled out to her.

“Are you…are you drunk?” Tav snorted at Astarion’s stumbling display.

“I have…been…drunking…drinking yes.” He smiled and leaned against her shoulder. “I found a bear. He took a little of my blood, I took all of his.” His slurred words tickled her ears.

“Quite a dangerous meal. Where did you find a bear down here?” Tav giggled along with him as he leaned onto her shoulder for support.

“I mean – I think it was a bear? Big head, four legs, hair that gets stuck in your teeth…” Astarion gestured his hands toward his fangs as he recounted his tale.

“Whatever it was…I thoroughly enjoyed it.” He laughed some more as Tav put an arm around his back to help hold him up. Her breath caught as she felt lines of raised skin through his flowy shirt.

“Astarion?” She asked as she moved her hand across his back, feeling more bumps and lines as she went along.

“Darling, if you want to keep touching me like that, you’ll need to find something to drink too.” He moved his face to be much closer to hers and booped her nose, a goofy smile spread across his face. She gently pushed him back as she laughed at his drunken display.

“No, you lightweight. What’s on your back? Did you get hurt and not tell anyone? It feels like there’s some scarring.” She tried to bring him over to sit down, but with a sudden moment of sobriety he spun out of her grasp.

“What? No, it’s nothing.” He blurted. “Just probably some dirt and rocks from wrestling with that bear.” His eyes darted around him, and she noticed one of his hands shaking. “Maybe learn to keep your hands to yourself, my friend. Then we won’t have silly misunderstandings like these.” He turned to continue stumbling off toward their camp.

“Wh–” Tav started to stammer, looking at Halsin who seemed equally confused.

Watching him walk away brought her dream back to the front of her mind. The way his messy curls bounced around his head, disappearing into the dark environment, brought Tev back to her for just a moment. How she watched him run from her to his freedom…

She forced herself back to the present. Astarion wasn’t leaving, he was just going back to camp. And Tev…Tev wasn’t here anymore.

“Are there…bears in the Underdark?” She turned her attention away from Astarion as he continued to stagger away from them.

“Not typically, no.” Halsin’s expression shifted to concern.

“Then what the hells did he dr–” Tav was stifling a laugh when he cut her off.

“Perhaps I should go check on him…make sure it wasn’t anything too poisonous.” He chuckled alongside her as he ran after the inebriated vampire. She followed a little slower behind them, fighting the ridiculous smile tugging at her lips.

You’re…beautiful.

They were words she had heard countless times in her life, usually a drunken slur into her ears as she entertained yet another potential benefactor for her father. Or used by her father himself. Words of flattery were often thrown her way but seldom made her feel anything.

But from Halsin? It was like she was hearing it for the first time. The way he whispered it to her, it was like he couldn’t control the words forming, they just spilled out. He didn’t say it because he wanted something from her, he said it as if he couldn’t possibly hold it in any longer. Her heart was still racing from the short conversation.

When she kissed his cheek, the sensation was sparks against her lips, setting the kindling in her heart aflame; a fire that filled her chest and warmed her entire body. She licked her lips lightly as she walked with the hope that she could maybe still taste him there. When they first met, she was enamored with his handsome face and broad, muscled shoulders. The first time Tav saw him smile, she had thought for sure she was going to faint. At their party with the tieflings, she had propositioned him hoping for a night of raw passion and pleasure. After all, they’d only known one another less than a day. But of course, if he had wanted to get to know one another better afterwards that would have been a welcome bonus.

Flash forward to today and here she was blushing like a little schoolgirl over a kiss on the cheek and fawning over two little words…

You’re…beautiful.

Now, Tav wanted much more than a single night of fun and lust. She wanted to curl up in his lap and fall asleep to the sound of his breaths and heartbeat. She wanted to run her hands through his hair again, gently untangling the little braids he weaved into the strands. She wanted to keep hearing his laugh and feel the way it shook his entire torso. And gods did she want to kiss that gorgeous face. All along his scars, the tips of his nose and ears, slowly making her way to his lips.

Tav took a deep breath, drawing in the cool air to douse the flames starting to rage inside of her. From the way he spoke, Halsin wanted something more, but for the life of her she couldn’t figure out what that was.

You’re…beautiful.

“Taaaavvvvv…” Astarion’s slurred cry brought her head down from the clouds. She looked up just in time to see him throwing up in the bushes behind his tent. Halsin stood next to him, giving him reassuring pats on the back.

“Oh Astarion…” She came over to help Halsin hold him up. “Did you find out what the fuck he was drinking?”

“Well, if we’re going by his description…some unholy cross between a bear, a bulette, a lich and just a touch of beholder.”

Tav snorted. “Well, that’s quite an abomination. Should we be concerned?”

“I don’t think so. We should let him purge as much of it as possible and then monitor him for a while.” Halsin gave him a couple more pats on the back as he threw up some more. Tav gagged at the sight.

“Oh gods…why is it blue?” She turned away to try and calm her own stomach.

“Oh, Tav…don’t tell me you’re squeamish from a bit of vomit. Last time we were in the Underdark you nearly lost a leg.” Halsin laughed at her.

“When it’s blue?! Yeah, it makes me a little squeamish. Blood is blood, vomit is…well it shouldn’t be that color.”

He shook his head fondly at her gagging.

“Okay darlings, I’m ready to wash all of this down with a nice glass of wine.” Astarion spun around and almost faceplanted into the dirt. Luckily Halsin still had ahold of his shirt and caught him.

“Okay my friend, why don’t you come sit with Tav and I by the fire?” Halsin persuaded him to follow them.

Halsin sat their pale friend between them on one of the logs they had rolled over by the fire pit. He leaned onto Tav’s shoulder and groaned. She rested her cheek on his head.

“Astarion, love, are you okay?” More groaning. She pushed some of his hair from his face and tucked it among the strands on the top of his head. The way his white curls stuck out in all directions after his sojourn from camp reminded her so much of Tev. He could never be bothered to run a comb through that mop of hair unless she did it for him. Instinct took over and she started smoothing the wild strands down on his head to tame them. Her fingers made quick work of the tangled curls, coercing them back into place.

“Perhaps we need to find him something safe to eat. I must admit that I’m not overly familiar with vampire physiology. Can they be hungover?” Halsin snickered.

“No worries, I can help with that.” She tilted Astarion’s head back slightly as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders, causing him to giggle. Once again, she felt the raised bumps and lines along his back.

Definitely scars.

“Here buddy, you need to drink some healthy blood.” Tav placed her free wrist up close to his mouth.

“Wait! Are you sure?” Halsin looked startled at her offer.

“Don’t worry, he mostly has his hunger under control. I’ve let him drink my blood a couple of times.”

“Mostly?” Halsin’s eyes were wide with worry.

“It’s fine, Halsin. I trust him. Besides, if I start looking too pallid you can just pull him off me. I doubt he’ll be able to put up much of a fight.” She winked at him as Astarion brought his mouth to her arm.

The familiar sting of his fangs sinking into her soft flesh caused her to draw in a sharp breath. Halsin tensed on the other side of Astarion, panic evident on his face. After a moment, the initial pain faded and Tav relaxed. She hugged him a little tighter and stroked Astarion’s arm as he fed from her other wrist. His head made its way back onto her shoulder.

“Not many people would trust a vampire not to drain every drop of blood from their body.” Halsin kept his wary eyes moving between the two of them.

“Despite his aloof and prickly attitude, I really do think he cares about us. Besides, look at him. He is absolutely clobbered right now, he could hardly kill a fly in this state.” She rested her head back on top of his. Halsin was studying them intently when Astarion dropped her wrist and turned toward him.

“So, mister Archdruid…” His words were a little less slurred than before. A little. “When are you going to lock this little elf lady down, eh?” He tried to tap Halsin on the nose, but missed and poked him in the eye instead.

“Ow.” Halsin laughed as he placed Astarion’s hand back in his lap.

“Ha! Okay Astarion, you shouldn’t talk with your mouth full, it’s awfully rude, love.” Tav shoved her wrist back into his mouth to cut him off, desperate to conceal the redness coming over her face. His teeth sunk back into the small punctures from his first bite without a struggle.

They sat in uncomfortable silence as he continued to suck the warm blood from her veins. After a couple of minutes, she pulled her arm away. Astarion gave a small pout at the move.

“No need to sulk, Astarion. Our friend is going to need her strength today.” Halsin helped him stand up. They helped move him down to Halsin’s bedroll that was still spread out near the fire.

“I don’t sulk, darling, I brood.” He mumbled before falling face first onto the soft fabric. After drinking her blood, his cheeks had started to take on a bit of a rosy hue.

“Of course, my apologies.” Halsin chuckled as he sat back down next to Tav, closer than before now that Astarion was no longer between them.

“Aw man, is Astarion okay?” Karlach had woken up and joined them.

“He’ll be fine.” Halsin assured her. “He just chose a poor target for his evening meal.”

“What did he eat?”

“No idea.” They answered at the same time. Tav filled Karlach in on their encounter with him from the morning. She left out the detail about his scars, there was something about them that he didn’t want to share, and she felt it wasn’t her place to reveal them.

“Poor Fangs.” Karlach went and sat on the ground next to Astarion.

“Let me see your hand.” Halsin was offering his out to Tav.

She placed her bloodied wrist in his hand, the partially congealed bite marks had stopped oozing. Both punctures had a tiny bruise encircling it. His now familiar magic surged around her, closing the wounds and healing the small bruises left there.

Even once all evidence of the bite was gone, he kept a gentle grip on her wrist. His thumb ran over the area where she had been bitten, the feather light touch sent shivers through her body. She bit her lip as she watched him trace small circles into the sensitive skin.

“Ahem!” Karlach cleared her throat while grinning at them. They snapped their heads toward her, startled. “Oh good, just wanted to make sure you remembered I was here.”

Halsin dropped her hand and scooted a couple of inches away from her. Karlach kept her grin spread across her face as she stood up.

“Who’s on breakfast duty today? I’m going to go and kick their tent walls to get them moving. Mama K’s getting hungry.” She skipped off toward Gale’s tent to try and coerce some cooking out of him.

“I uh, I should probably start getting our things around for the day.” Tav stood up and turned back to Halsin, twirling strands of hair around her fingers. He followed her up from their seats.

“Listen, Tav…” He started. “About what I said, I…it’s just…y-you are beautiful, obviously…I didn’t mean to…” He let out a grunt and averted his eyes as a flustered blush fell over his face and neck.

Tav reached up and lightly held his chin between her fingers, bringing his gaze back to meet hers. Her thumb traced the small scar there causing his eyelids to flutter at the touch.

“You’re pretty easy on the eyes yourself.” His lips parted to let out a soft sigh. “Thank you again for sharing that with me.” She let her hand drop.

“Anytime.” He whispered.

“Are you okay with keeping an eye on Astarion while we go explore today?”

“Of course, I think it’s for the best if he stays here to rest for a bit.” Halsin glanced over his shoulder where Astarion was still lying by the fire.

“Thank you, I’ll feel better knowing you’re here with him.” She gave a light squeeze of his arm before turning to gather her things for the day. His light touches on her wrist lingered, making her chest feel warm again.

Tav tried to shift her focus back to the treacherous outing they had planned for the day ahead. More exploring in the Underdark, a search for murderous duergar, and a secret fortress hidden somewhere that would lead them to Moonrise Towers and the shadow curse. Despite the dangers they faced, those two sweet words still rang in the front of Tav’s mind.

You’re…beautiful.

#these two have completely rotted my brain #bg3 #bg3 fanfiction #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #bg3 halsin #halsin x tav #halsin fanfic #halsin silverbough #bg3 fluff #halsin fluff

25 notes · View notes

madamebaggio · 4 months ago

Text

Notes: I was really - really - not supposed to be doing this today, but we just watched The Hobbit and I couldn't resist.

I hope you don't mind.

previously...

***

Chapter 27

Someday in August, somewhere in Mirkwood

Bluebell didn't know how many days had passed. Sometimes it felt like ages, sometimes it felt like no time at all.

Gandalf abandoned them at the entrance of the woods - that she could remember. It should've been a sign for them to stay away.

They lost the path somehow, somewhere along the way. Bluebell didn't remember if it happened before or after Bombur fell into the stream. They weren't supposed to touch the water - for some reason - but they were thirsty and tired and so - so - lost.

There wasn't any food left. They could barely sleep. They were walking in circles.

Sometimes she didn't even remember who those dwarves were. She'd thought one of them was a stranger invading her house… Only to remember she wasn't at home.

She didn't know if she'd ever be again.

There were fights, paranoia, fear… So much confusion. Bluebell sometimes couldn't even remember the name of those around her. She'd grab Thorin's hand because she was scared of losing him in the woods and never seeing him again.

It felt like torture.

Until someone - Óin, that was his name - said something about the sun…

"Sun. We have to find the sun." She looked up towards the top of the trees. "Up there."

Climbing up the tree felt harder than it ever had before, but with every inch she gained, made her breathe easier.

Until she broke free, and it felt like she was breathing for the first time ever, seeing the sun for the first time in a millenia.

Then the spiders appeared.

***

Thorin couldn't find Bluebell.

As the elves rounded them up and took their weapons, his eyes kept moving around, but she wasn't there.

"Where is the Burglar?" He asked his dwarves in Khuzdul, not daring to say her name in front of the elves.

The Company started looking around, searching for her.

"What do you conceal by speaking your tongue, dwarf?" The elfling who had taken his sword demanded.

"The business of dwarves is not the business of elves." He growled at him.

"In this forest, elves decide what is their business." He looked at Thorin carefully. "Are you looking for another one of you? Perhaps we missed another dwarf?"

Thorin pressed his lips together, refusing to answer and to take the bait.

The elfling turned to someone else. "Keep your eyes open. There might be another one of them out there."

That meant they hadn't found Bluebell. Surely they'd have mentioned if they'd seen a female in the forest, especially one as small as Bluebell, who was clearly not a dwarf.

"Let us move." A she-elf spoke up, and Thorin felt panic sizing up his chest.

They couldn't leave Bluebell alone in those woods. She'd never survive alone, not with those spiders running around.

When one of the guards tried to push him, Thorin struggled. He would not leave Bluebell there alone! Another elf came to help him and they were screaming orders at each other and screaming at him, but he did not care. He was not going anywhere until he….

"I am here." Her sweet voice called from somewhere really close, like she was standing right next to him. "Trust me. I will follow you."

"Givashel?" He called softly, even as he stopped struggling.

"Yes." Her voice whispered back. "You cannot see me, but I am here. Just go with them."

"Thorin?" Balin called, concerned.

"Let us go." He finally said to the others.

The elf who was clearly in command there gave him a look full of suspicion, but Thorin didn't care. He couldn't see her, but somehow he knew Bluebell was there.

He just hoped this wasn't a whisper of madness.

***

Bluebell should've expected Thorin to make a mess out of things, but she really hadn't expected him to be that antagonistic against the Elven King - Thranduil.

Yes, he hadn't been the most pleasant of fellows, but they were short on time, and they had no hope to get out of there without his permission.

Trust Thorin to choose stubbornness and pride over an easy way out.

And she wasn't judging him - much - over it, since she did understand the reason behind Thorin's resentment. Balin had told her about the elves' part - or better yet, lack of action - the day Smaug had attacked the mountain.

Thranduil could've helped, but he chose not to. For his own reasons - clearly - but dwarves weren't the type to forgive and forget.

She waited in silence, pressed against a corner until the elves had left, clearly not believing the dwarves could escape on their own.

She'd been invisible for almost a whole day, and she was dreadfully tired, but she still needed to find the dwarves.

Once it was all quiet, she made her way to Thorin's cell. After making sure there was no one around, she pulled her ring out.

"Thorin."

He turned to her immediately, sweet relief taking over his features. "Bluebell." It sounded like he'd been holding his breath this whole time and now could breathe in peace again. "You are here." He hurried closer to the bars, and grabbed her hands. "I feared I had gone mad when I heard your voice in the woods. You are here, my love."

He pressed his forehead against the bars and she did the same, so they could be closer. "I was afraid you would fight capture thinking I was lost. I had to let you know I was fine."

His chuckle was pained. "You know me so well, givashel."

"I do."

"Are you hurt?" He needed to know. She shook her head. "Are you?"

"No. How did you evade capture?" He wanted to know.

"I found something in the goblin's tunnels." She told him, her hands holding his firmly through the bars. "A magic ring. It makes me disappear."

Thorin pulled away so he could look at her properly. "A magic ring?" He frowned.

"Gandalf said it is fine. At least, I am not behind bars." She gave him a flat look. "Unlike a dwarf that I know."

"I would not make a deal with that elf." He hissed.

"Really?" She snapped back. "And how do you propose we get out of here now?"

"You asked me to trust you, Bluebell. And I do." He used his hand to cup her face. "You will find a way out for us."

"Me?" Her eyes became round. "How?"

"You can watch them and learn." He told her confidently. "Find a weakness in their guard."

"Oh my goodness, Thorin Oakenshied." She took a deep breath in. "It might take some time."

"We do not have a lot of it." He sighed. "You are very tired. We have not eaten in…" He shook his head. "I do not even know how long we have been in this place." This time he used both hands to cup her face and look into her eyes. "Your face has thinned." He caressed her cheekbone. "They have brought us food. I will share mine with you."”

"No." She denied immediately. "I will find the kitchen and I will feed myself. Save your food. You will also need your energy."

He nodded. "Find some place to rest. Try to find the date and a way out. But, Burglar."

The corner of her mouth tipped up. "Yes?"

"Come find me every day." He ordered, even as his eyes pleaded with her. "Report to your King." He once again rested his forehead against hers. "This is an order."

Her chuckle felt a bit watery, but she closed her eyes. "I will do that, Thorin Oakenshield. I love you." She whispered reverently. "I love you more, givashel."

#madame baggio #crackship #gifs not mine #au #the hobbit #female bilbo x thorin #thorin oakenshield #female bilbo baggins #all paths lead to you

14 notes · View notes

blindtaleteller · 1 year ago

Note

thank you for previous explain. It was so long and detailed. I had now another question. About lady's life in Asgard. Sigyn x Loki for me. And Sigyn is not warrior, but typical lady. Can you write something about it?

Honestly if you're looking for an example of that in canon MCU, much of Frigga's character and especially her surroundings as expressed on screen does have quite a few examples.

In fact, we aren't even given the idea she can still fight until she absolutely has to in The Dark World.

And, it's in Dark World (and a little of both Ragnarok [geh] and Endgame if you take both the premise of the Valkyries and the time travel scenes in it seriously) that we are given those examples.

Remember, whether they are fighters themselves or not: if they're Asgardian, they're still raised as a part of that previously mentioned warmongering imperialist society: and that would be (as also told to us in their dialogue about Jane and Sif, and their King Odin's expectations) even more strictly observed by someone like a lady in that kind of royalist/imperialist hierarchy, rather than a warrior.

That is why I say 'much' of Frigga's character and surroundings.. but not all. It's not the fighting you need to look at, though that can help. It's her mannerisms, her rooms (look at TDW including the fight with Malekith), her maids, and more. Frigga is, as Queen and even without the fight or ability itself: the top and more importantly leading example of what to expect of a lady of the royal court: as she should be in that kin of society.

And that's also VERY probably why she doesn't fight in any of THor 2011 on screen: even when Laufey shows up, regardless of her being nearer to the main palace then, than she was in TDW: where she was shown being in a separate side palace at least a few miles away when Algrim/Kurse broke out of the dungeon: all the way up until her life, and Jane's, are in immediate danger after having left that portion of the palace during the attack that Kurse opened the shields to manage.

(Which side note was REEEEALLY questionable at the time with a human housing an infinity stone in tow at the time, but is neither here nor there with other things taken into account... just a very dangerous for Jane choice, given what enemies they did have even without the elves being taken into account.. but eh, it is canon and it does fit the flavors of Asgard's, Odin's, and Frigga's own arrogance and ignorance in regards to Asgard's 'impervious' mindset state, as far as the upper echelons of their society seems to be concerned as portrayed on screen.)

In a way, it's made pretty clear that while Frigga still retains much of her skills as a fighter and mage/witch (Or the daughter of three witches at least as we also now know through canon dialogue:) the things she does and doesn't do, while also comparing that to someone like Brunhilde (aka Valkyrie) and how they were clearly recieved during and well after their term as an active female-only fighting force, the canon makes it pretty clear that unless they do retain that fighter status, women (perhaps including the queen) either do not tend to hold as much sway or dignity in other pursuits outside the household.

In other words and as an canon example.. even as the other ruler on the throne and his adoptive mother; Frigga is easily able to set aside the throne and any responsibility for doing so even in that situation. Regardless of, the fact that; at that point the situation is that Jotunheim had declared war in response to Thor's treasonous invasion, and regardless of being closest to Loki (we know this through the words of every character in the family: Thor says it repeatedly, Odin goads and attempts to guilt trip him with that close relationship too, and Frigga does the same with her own wierdness during her conversation with him in TDW's dungeon cell scene) knowing full well not only what she was asking of Loki, but also what Loki was going through in having just recently discovered that he wasn't only not of the same species: but on top of that was Laufey's biological son AND Jotunheim's only known of prince. Whom, Odin admitted he had taken to 'forge a permanent peace.'

A peace that, probably wouldn't have happened anyway if he and it had been handled just as poorly as well, it was.

Think about that for a little bit; really think about it: and the fact that she did so, while playing the part and claiming she was closest to him and cared about him the most.

That canonically casts some seriously gross and awkward truths into the realm of how their their relationship actually is versus how Frigga and the rest of them tried to paint it. As well as touching her own guilt evasion there too: and is something that both in the first Thor and the second film both: Frigga absolutely side steps taking any responsibility for, as the mother, the mentor, and the lady who raised him with that lie: regardless of their supposed closeness.

And, why that's important? Is because, under that king, husband and society as it goes: she is not just allowed to do that without complaint from any of the above, their society OR the foster-brother that she raised and lied to right next to him: she's allowed to thrive and remain in her position STILL without that question or any apparent explanation of ANY of those nuances or her part in putting him in charge in taht mental and emotional state; well after the fact and into 2013 two years later.

When she refers to that massive erasure of not just who but WHAT he is? Frigga almost always shifts that blame fully onto Odin in her dialogue; and steers as hard as she can away from words reminding the viewer that, she was Odin's wife and partner: through all of that. Instead, it's always 'your father' or 'he' rather than 'we' or 'he and I.'

Which is very blatantly another portion of Loki's response in this same scene when asked 'And am I not your mother..?' because, he's right in every form of the answer.

youtube

It's -possible- that she was being honest about her relationship with Loki, at least later on? But it's -not- very -probable-, or believable at that stage.. and her lack of self awareness and ownership of her part even when alone with him in Thor 2011 (not to mention carrying that on a year later in Dark World) makes that very hard to miss as a thing in truth: especially with the given facts being that this went on for over a thousand years.. and still over all that time she didn't have enough regard, respect, or love for her supposed favorite son, to even hint at any of his origins even after she taught him to shapeshift or cast illusions herself, to change the outcome.

And again.. no one raised a question as to why. Or held her accountable. No one questioned the one person in the royal family who was capable of taking Loki's place on the throne back in 2011 either.

Given how little we see women in honored fighting positions in Asgardian culture, and are given the very blatant information between the films that it's been literal centuries since even since a female fighting force has been a thing, PLUS the literal views we've been given with Sif as the only woman in the training yard in modern eras...?

It's pretty likely that raised-in bit of social ugly is pretty well dug into their society as well.

Again and that said: figuring out how a lady rather than a fighter might run her life, or fit in at those upper tiers without picking up a weapon: has been put on some display.

Asgard has a very wonky, heavy half ren/medieval approach to their upper heirarchy on display, complete with ladies in waiting (which Tony takes a little off jab at in GROUNDED too lol,) and healers especially seeming to be a majorly female profession.

There wasn't a single dude in that scene with Jane that wasn't either royalty or a guard, if you look at it again. Every single one of the healers is a woman.)

That mentioned, another place to look for examples, are again: Frigga's personal surroundings. And Dark World gives us a good look at those.

One thing to note, is that besides the healers: pretty much every Asgardian lady has armor in some portion of their wardrobe. Whether that's a breastplate, vanbraces (wrist/forearm,) gorgets (neck guard, like Loki's) or something else to accompany their dresses.

Vanbraces (Thor 2011)

Vanbraces and Archer's breastplate (Dark World Dungeon Scene)

Vanbraces, Pauldron, and partial Chestplate (Dark World, final scene)

There are moments when we see her and them without armor pieces (or in some scenes with even fewer of them at least, like teh carefully disguised set in the top gif) but for the most part those outfits are reserved for really important parties that are the equivalent of formal-dress parties: in which case we can see that even Sif doesn't escape from the expectation of wearing a literal dress: though even then.. hers is the odd one out of the others shown/on display in the room as far as style:

Which tells us a couple of things, but first and foremost and something that makes sense in their culture: is that even if they're not mainline fighters, and having been invaded enough to need and upkeep those shields in the first place?

Other than fancy events/celebrations and or coronations? The armor pieces are definitely as much local every day cultural fashion thing, as they are functional in some cases.

It's pretty likely that even the ladies of the court at least know and are expected to upkeep at least minor skills in self defense, if not the defense of their own homes: and are probably taught to do so from a very young age. They're not going to be as good at it outside of their own personal territory, or a territory they know well like say the Valkyrie were supposed to be, as the equivalent of a special forces military task unit: but they probably are expected.

Another side note..? This above, is ultimately; also among the forgiving reasons I don't question why Frigga went to the main palace outside of her taking Jane with her when she went. As Queen and lady of the house under that form of society, it absolutely passes without Jane in tow. However.. without Jane in tow, there's also the bit she couldn't have known at the time; that the writers did of course .. the fact that any of the elves were even alive and kicking. [And gee; thanks for that again Bor, lol! like father like son, I guess? Bor, his son, and said son's wife DO seem to have a habit of -not- telling their kids about world and universe ending enemies being alive after the fact, don't they? coughcoughHELAcoughcough.. XD]

There is one other bit, besides that: that we do get about the society from all that too though. At least about the surviving upper echelons of the ruling class: and that is?

That Odin had a really tight reign on the upper royals and his fighting forces surviving the Great Wars as King.. lips and all: unless amongst the entirety of their armies, council, other generals (besides Hela, which HOO is that a whole conversation unto itself Loki and Laufey related when you look at that timeline with Hela in it omg..) and pretty much every lady in waiting, servants .. or just other lords and ladies? Just didn't notice a surprise baby that the Queen -didn't- give birth to, was randomly being presented as a new baby prince to the Asgardian Empire. Which.. is next to impossible; especially when you take into account that this wasn't another country he took this kid from, or a society unfamiliar with magic: he took Loki from an entirely differing species and PLANET elsewhere in the universe in the middle of the last battle of one of the largest and bloodiest wars in their generation: and forced passing him off as his own.

Even if, he did manage that; maybe sequestering his wife and passing Loki off as a twin or some shizz? Someone if not a whole lot of someones probably knew.. but especially the healer or healers who would have treated any wounds throughout Loki's lifetime.

We could, almost say that they could have presented him as an adopted Asgardian kid.. and maybe he and Frigga did, to some of them on the sly to help keep it under wraps.. but that doesn't fit how their relationship is depicted, shown or talked about prior to or even after the reveal of his species and bloodline at all, either.

And that still wouldn't pass the first time this kid hurt himself, or was injured in battle under the scrutiny of an uninformed healer's ability in that society, with magic and high tech and more very much at their fingertips and in their alliances and enemies too, to be recognized.

Meaning, at least a portion of the populace closest to the crown, and especially those types old enough to have taken part in the last of the Great Wars or tending Loki as he grew and fought and more as a captive prince: were either just as complacent or, shut up by either if not both portions of the crown house really damned fast and really efficiently likely through threat, exile or worse. Keep in mind, the Great Wars and especially that one was still freshly finished, and they made a great show of making sure we knew there would be problems having the future ruler of the enemy they had been killing for an un-foretold length of time next to the crown in how even mention of Jotnar was allowed to form in Asgardian society: through Loki's words, through Thor's reactions and words, through Odin and through Frigga too.

The hate was strong enough even a thousand years plus of Odin's rule with Loki as prince later, that Thor thought it was A-Okay to go ahead and invade the planet and restart that war, against the literal warnings not just from every single person around him before he did it: and not just warned but told outright by his father and the King 'don't you fuckin' dare' well before even that.

That.. is the kind of society and expectations, an Asgardian Lady would have been raised into and led by along with the rest.

All that said, this is getting long; and there are metas rather than canon they come from that I could mention regarding Vanaheim as the most prevalent colony of Asgardians/partial Asgardians too, but.. we don't get a whole lot of them or their off world society other than to know that Odin doesn't care about them NEARLY as much: or at least not enough to even provide them defensive cannons or other defenses that Asgard otherwise VERY clearly has and has had for literal ages as put on display in the Dark World.

Being a woman in that society would probably be a very, well...

Probably, brainwashed to accept a lowered expectation of self worth over all, without the ability to fight on a greater tier than just home and self defense. And those who don't fall into those already asserted social standards would definitely be outliers if not outcasts. We have Loki himself and how Frigga's skills are viewed and worded even by her own family, as example of that.

So.. that's a lot to keep in mind but.. yeah. It is there, and more that; I probably haven't touched or missed while in the process of going on and explaining that.

For Sigyn though, for me: I do have some planned for her but as she doesn't exist in the MCU and adapting her would for me have to take all of that in mind: that is being approached very back burner for late Vestibule 2 (after Mixology) and Vestibule 3 as what ultimately boils down to an OC version of her. In part because I like that character in real life lore, and Skadi's character: and when I do write for them both.. I want to try and convert them to fit into the MCU base in a way that feels right to me.

Which is going to be rough when getting into more detailed versions of stuff like the very brief mentions of Skadi's tale and others I've already done in fics like Simon Says/Bail: given the MCU is twice removed from actual Norse Mythos; being Asgard in the MCU is more loose in being based off of Marvel, which in turn is then just as loose in the comics' basing their characters from that Norse Mythos.

Also, am tired .. is eleven PM lol sorry for not continuing, and getting extra rambly. But will add more pretty pictures to make up for it a lil bit? lol

If you have more questions or want some elaboration on anything, by all means feel free to send me asks just like this one.

I generally try to answer pretty quickly when I see them lol.

#Ladies of Asgard #examples given #it's pretty open #but there are established rules shown and in some rare places told #at least as far as the MCU version is concerned #I am very interested in doing at least two Unis with if not more with Sigyn though #that's always been a plan #Asgard lore #Asgard on screen examples #MCU Asgard #MCU #Lokiverse references #also armor references #blacksmithing study sometimes comes in handy.#editted a bit cause I hate typos #especially overly dumb plabet typos lol

63 notes · View notes