#bow was raised by his elf dad

[tippenfunkaport]

From @cardcaptorkatara's OTP Christmas Challenge prompts list, I actually got one done on time!

Day 21: Christmas Movie AU... Of course, I had to do a Glimbow Elf AU

[sorcerous-caress]

could u possibly do how companions would treat tav's kid? like in a situation where a tav had a child/younger sibling or smth. fluffy fluff all around

You know how sometimes fate aligns so that your past deeds follow you into the future? This request gave me a flashback to my old writing blog.

Companions reacting to Tav's younger sibling/child

[ bg3, fluff, several characters ]

[ Astarion, Gale, Wyll, Halsin, Karlach, Laezel, Shadowheart, Minthara ]

Astarion

What on earth is that little gremlin following you around? Just make sure that no one feeds it after midnight.

To say he's not a fan is a huge underestimation, he signed up for a camp full of hot available single adults and not a daycare. How are you expecting him to be his usual self when a pg13 warning keeps chasing you around.

Whatever, he will just ignore the goblin-like thing. He can do that, how hard can it be?

Well...actually now that some time has passed, he has to admit that the little menace is really funny at times. Especially that one time he stole Gale's books to build a book throne in the mud, Astarion swears he could still hear Gale's heart shattering into a million pieces, what a fond memory.

What? Pfff, no, he isn't getting attached. He just...well was doing some trick with a coin to make it disappear, and the kid happened to be nearby, Astarion definitely wasn't trying to impress them.

Now the thing about picking locks is that it's better to teach them young. Think of all the small places, nooks, and crannies they could fit into, bringing them some loot and actually be useful.

And since he's already bothering to do it, might as well teach them how to wield a bow. Properly wield a bow, not like how Wyll does it no, it requires elegance only an elf is capable of and Astarion is the most expert here to train them.

Did you see that? They're actually getting better. He genuinely is impressed, so much that he doesn't register the smile of pride adorning his face, the excitement in his voice as he boasts about the kid's accomplishment and how they're clearly superior than the other crotch goblins.

Gale

Ah, children, truly the future of mankind. Humanity's hope and the ones who will carry the torch after us.

He is almost giddy at the idea of having an impressionable youth to teach, to steer and to spoil rotten like he was spoiled.

Will show off magic tricks nonchalantly, he definitely has a hidden agenda in trying to make the kid a wizard. After all who is better than him, an arch wizard, to teach a new curious soul about all the wonders of the weave? No magic is too advanced, everything is possible with imagination.

If anything, kids have the best imagination, better than adults do. Which is the argument he uses when you ask him why your little one can shoot invisible fireballs now.

He would love to read to them, he has all kinds of stories about heros, past legends and fables that will guarantee them a safe and sound mind. A healthy mindest to nurture then into a good kind hearted adult.

Even when his books end up the subject of the kid's abuse kind of a lot- Gale is nothing but forgiving. Cut the kid some slack, if anything, Gale is happy they are safe and sound.

Would make special meals for the kid during dinner time a lot, bunny shaped carrot cuts or soup with a sparkly finish. He can even teach them some basic recipes, cooking is a very important life skill afterall.

Wyll

He is very experienced with kids. Feels a bit concerned for the fact they're at camp all alone and volunteers to stay behind and watch them. And no, unlike the previous two, he doesn't try to indoctrinate them into elf supremacy culture nor tactically manipulate them into being a wizard.

He just lets them be a kid, plays ball with them. Shows them how to play fetch with Scratch. Overall a very cool and laid back older brother.

He definitely takes great inspiration from his own dad and how he raised him, offers the same advice and wisdom his own father shared with him.

Shows the kid that life is so much more than it seems, nothing is truly evil and nothing is truly good. Both can be found in each other. He treats the kid with respect and doesn't pull the older than you card unless necessary.

He wants them to establish their own being, their own character and carve their own path in life.

Definitely does whatever he can to keep Mizora away from the child. That devil cannot be trusted, and even while he knows the kid is smart, he doesn't want to leave it up to fate whether Mizora tricks them into a pact or not.

Halsin

The kid adores him and all of his animal forms. Halsin indulges them a lot and changes into whatever wildshape they deem the coolest that day to play with them.

When he looks at them, he sees a seed for the future. It requires care and nurturing to grow properly, and he is willing to make this world a better place for them.

Shows them how important nature is, how we should take care of the world just like it takes care of us. How we should respect the plants and the animals, how every meal is a gift and should be treasured.

He has a very fatherly vibe to him. It comes naturally, and he doesn't even have to try. Whenever the kid feels overwhelmed or scared, it's Halsin they run up and hide behind.

Also, when they get in trouble too because they know Halsin will take their side.

And he knows the kid is using him sometimes, but he lets it slide. Takes the kid on walks a lot, helps them make friends with the nearby cat that sometimes frequents the camp.

There is a potted plant they're both growing, a small shared project between the two of them. Halsin adores the look of happiness the kid has whenever the plant sprouts a new leaf and grows taller.

They don't have to know that it was Halsin's powers keeping it alive throughout the frequent changing of their camp and consistent travelling.

Karlach

Little soldier is what she calls them.

Picks them up a lot after her engine gets fixed, let's them ride on her shoulder and hang on to her horns sometimes. Even indulges them and pretends she is a robot that they're controlling.

Sorry Astarion, she can't stop hugging you. She's a simple robot, and the overlord kid on her shoulders demanded it.

While Wyll is the cool yet dependable older sibling, Karlach is the even cooler one who's very chaotic and would help the kid in their pranks and cause trouble a lot.

Ah, what the hell kid, sure you can pick up her great flaming axe and swing it around. Actually she will use a nearby table as a shield and you should definitely try throwing it at her.

It's not that she means to be a bad influence, it's just that she is extremely indulgent. That it circles back to being a bad influence without meaning to.

They want to only eat sweets for dinner and all day? Hell yeah little soldier she wants the same. They want to do it for the rest of eternity and never eat vegetables again? Sign her the fuck up because she is ride or die.

Oh yeah, your kid/sibling can swear now, thanks to her, you're welcome.

Jaheira

Is the one feeding them the vegetables, after telling Karlach off and putting her in the timeout corner.

It's not enough that she has a gaggle of children back home, but you had to bring another one with you to the camp? Oh cub, you and your own little cub are going to be the death of her.

If Halsin thinks he can hide them behind his bear form he better think twice, Jaheira isn't below putting the both of them in line if she has to.

She demands respect, and the kid definitely ends up giving it to her, begrudgingly or not. They understand she is the true form of authority in this camp and that they better do what she says and finish their chores.

They definitely see her as a grandma. She is secretly touched if they call her that but acts unaffected. She just doesn't want to let the kid down. She has to be strict because medicine never tastes sweet.

They remind her of her own kids backhome sometimes, she does get homesick a lot more with them around.

Shadowheart

No, she isn't emo. No, she isn't goth either. What is this kid talking about? They better know that worship of lady Shar is very sacred and not a passing phase she will grow out of.

You know how kids are overly curious and always ask these intrusive questions? Shadowheart is a magnet for that.

They just go up to her ,unannounced, and tell her about the recent camp news. She sips on her wine and gives the kid a glass of grape juice while they gossip.

Yes, she is a half elf. No, she is still as capable as an elf.

Wait, what did Astarion say about her? Really? Well, kid, thanks for being a snitch now. If you'd excuse her, she has urgent business to take care of.

She sees them and wonder if this is how her childhood was supposed to be like, if this is what she was missing out on all her life. Sometimes she can't help the burning envy at the back of her throat as she watches them be showered with love and care for simply existing.

But she doesn't let the bitterness get to her, not with how the kid looks at her in awe and admiration. She vows to be at least a decent example and not disappoint them.

Laezel

If left unattended, she will start a boot camp. Come one kid, get down, and give her 40 push-ups now.

What? She is just looking out for them. How else are they supposed to join the battlefield if they have no upper body strength?

Yes, the battlefield, why do you ask? Of course, she wants them in the front lines eventually. War is the perfect environment to raise a child, to make them strong and fast. You were very smart for bringing them here with you, she has to admit.

Bah, she scoofs at Karlach and Astarion's ways. It is a danger hazard at best. The kid needs to start with training equipment and not actual weapons. Her companions' lack of braincells does surprise her sometimes.

Well...she also does mention the fact that for them to graduate, they have to actually murder someone from the camp. You know, like how she murdered half her classmates when she was still in training.

She actually...does a good job at training them safely, she evaluates their weakness and strengths and gives them advice based on it on how to improve. She looks out for their well-being and shows them the most efficient way to end a fight.

But she's only joking? Right? Right???

Uh....did anyone see Gale??

Minthara

To put it in the nicest way possible, they are terrfied of her.

She thinks it's good because any sane person should be afraid of her. Frankly, she'd be concerned for a possibility of brain damage if they weren't.

They avoid her, and she barely pats an eye over it.

Although she was always the first to act whenever they were in danger, completely beheading the enemy with her sword before they could touch a hair on the kid. Still she doesn't care for the fact the child is drenched in blood and just saw someone get murdered.

She thinks they should get over it. The sooner, the better. Life is full of murder and blood, you'd be only dooming them if you don't let them see things for how they really are.

Drow culture for raising their children is very brutal, most of them die young and even the ones who do make it alive, don't live as long as the surface elves do.

Each drow carries deep scars from childhood, both on body and mind. Minthara wasn't the exception.

She tolerates your young out of respect for you. She tolerates what she deems as disobedience and disrespect from them.

You're not sure if they'll ever stop fearing her, but you also know that you can trust her to be there for them. To not hesitate a second in saving their flesh no matter what the cost is.

[thechaoticdruid]

This Bites (6)

Pairing: Astarion x Fem! Chubby!MC

Plot: Astarion gets to know Winnie's little step sister Vanessa as the trip to the carnival date grows near.

Content/Warnings: Fluff, mean vampire threatens smol human, smol human is annoying and asks too many questions, smol human's dad is a bigot, Batstarion abuse.

Chapter 5: Long ass chapter

Chapter 6: We here.

Chapter 7: To the carnival!!

“Shit.” Astarion breathed out, staring at the little girl with shock. This was not good. Winnie had busted her ass to make sure no one in the house found out about Astarion. Winnie shot up from the ground, eyes widened with horror as she saw her stepsister in her room.

“Vanessa! What are you doing in MY room?” Winnie snapped, arms crossed. 

“I couldn't sleep!” Vanessa complained before her eyes stared at Astarion, taking in his features. 

“He looks like the vampire from that game all my favorite YouTubers are playing!” 

“Ah…Well, he's just a big fan!” Winnie said nervously before elbowing Astarion in the shoulder.

“Oh! Yes! I am just absolutely captivated by him! He's so beautiful and dreamy.~ It's as if he was carved from stone by the gods themselves!~” Astarion put his hand over his heart, lacing every word with some dramatic flair.

“Okay, I think she gets the point.” Winnie rolled her eyes, as she huffed at Astarion's ridiculous and frankly egocentric theatrics. 

“You sound just like him too!” Vanessa said, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “And are those fangs in your mouth?”

“He's a cosplayer and he just so happens to be very good at impressions! Seriously Nessa, don't tell me you think he could actually be a vampire. You know they aren't real, silly.” Winnie said, laughing nervously as her anxiety began to spike.

“He literally has no reflection.” Vanessa said, pointing to the mirror in Winnie’s room. Just to add to their shit luck, the two of them had been standing at the perfect angle for her to notice. 

“Fuck.” Winnie cursed, stomping her foot and covering her face in her hands. 

“Well…Looks like we'll have to kill the child.” Astarion said with an annoyed sigh, clenching his clawed fingers.  Vanessa tensed up and backed up against the wall as the vampire took a step forward. Winnie quickly moved in front of him and blocked the way to Nessa.

“No no no! We are not murdering my stepsister!” Winnie put her hand on his chest. 

“I can't believe there's a real vampire in our house!” Vanessa exclaimed, sounding way too excited about a blood sucking undead being hiding in her home.

“You are not having the appropriate reaction to finding out a bloodsucking monster-” Winnie was cut off by Astarion clearing his throat,” right sorry LIFE CHALLENGED INDIVIDUAL is in your house.” 

“Well, you obviously don't seem afraid of him.” Nessa exclaimed, “and if he was dangerous why would you bring him into the house?” 

“I am very dangerous, thank you.” Astarion scoffed, crossing his arms with a slight pout.

“He is my friend and I'm taking care of him…” Winnie began to say. 

“Dad has no idea he's here does he?” Vanessa raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

“No and I want to keep it that way.” Winnie said sternly. 

“I can't believe there's actually a video game character in front of me!” Nessa squealed in excitement. “Wait, how is this possible?” 

“I've been trying to get to the bottom of that.”Winnie rubbed her temples, “look the bottom line is you can't tell anyone about him being here, understand?” Vanessa ignored Winnie and immediately went over to inspect Astarion.

“So what's your name?” She asked curiously.

“It's Astarion. ~” The vampire replied with a dramatic little bow. 

“Astairen?” Vanessa repeated, pronouncing the vampire’s name incorrectly. The elf sighed and rolled his eyes.

“A-star-rion.” He corrected her. 

“Ha! You sound like a Pokemon!” Vanessa giggled.

“A what?” The vampire was completely confused. 

“Vanessa.” Winnie huffed, “listen to me.” Vanessa eventually turned back to look at Winnie. “You cannot tell anyone about him, understand? Especially not your father.” 

“I won't tell anyone! I promise! I've just always wanted a vampire friend!” Nessa exclaimed with a twinkle in her eyes. 

“Let's not get carried away…There are very few people in this world I consider ‘friends’ and you are certainly not one of them.” Astarion said in a sassy tone, face scrunched in disgust. Winnie quickly elbowed him.

“Be nice.” She scolded him. 

“Ugh….If I must…” Astarion groaned and looked over at the young girl. “…I may consider becoming friends…” The vampire said the last word as if it would make him vomit.

“Don't take what he says too personally, Ness. He's basically a cat on the inside.” Winnie said calmly, causing Vanessa to giggle. 

“This is going to be so cool! I have so many questions!” Vanessa said with excitement. 

“Ah yes well, it might be best if you hold off your questions for tonight. I'm really tired.” Winnie said with a yawn, stretching out her arms.

“But come on! Just a few minutes! Pleaaassse!” Vanessa whined. Winnie groaned in annoyance before sitting on the bed and kicking off her shoes.

“Alright. You got ten minutes.” She said with a sigh. 

“Okay okay! Can you fly?” 

“No.” Astarion replied.

“Can you hypnotize people?”

“No.”

“Can you see the future?” 

“No.�� 

“Read minds?” 

“No.”

“Do you….sparkle in the sun?”

“Not sure…Usually I'm too busy burning to death to check.” 

“Well, you're a boring vampire!” Nessa huffed.

Astarion rolled his eyes,”I can rip your heart out and eat it. Is that exciting enough for you?” 

“Kinda gross, but okay.” 

“Alright you've asked enough questions. Now go to bed.” Winnie sighed. 

“Fiiiine.” Vanessa finally gave in before leaving to go back to her room. 

Winnie let out a groan of annoyance once her step sister left her room. She rubbed her temples in frustration as Astarion sat down on the bed beside her. 

“God, I hope she doesn't tell anyone…” Winnie muttered before suddenly feeling clawed hands on her shoulders. Astarion began to rub her gently. 

“Since you won't let me kill them I dearly hope you have a plan brewing in that pretty head of yours? In case our little secret gets out.” The pale elf said as he continued to massage her shoulders, thumbs moving down to rub circles around her shoulder blades. 

“We'd have to move out I guess…..Which is just a problem in itself. There's no way I can afford my own house and an apartment is too crowded. You'd never be able to sneak out and hunt without the possibility of being seen.” Winnie hummed, unable to help but let out a slight groan at the vampire’s touch. 

“Our own home does sound wonderful though. Just you and me living together. It'd almost be as if we were married.” Astarion hummed. The subject of marriage made Winnie go pale. She hoped he wasn't trying to drop some kind of hint? They'd only actually been dating a few weeks. They haven't even kissed yet for pete sake!

“Ah…Let's not get carried away now. I'm still a bit too young to be thinking of marriage.” Winnie huffed before pulling away and laying down on the bed. 

“Ah..Yes of course. I only meant that it would be similar.” Astarion replied with a sad smile as he noticed Winnie facing away from him. He didn't want to make her feel pressured into anything, but he couldn't help but long to be closer to her. It was hard for him to understand that what seemed like years of companionship to him were only days, weeks at most to her. Winnie was completely infatuated with him. But love, real genuine romantic love was still such a foreign concept to the young woman. It was something she never thought she'd ever receive. She had to be smart about it and not rush into anything.

“Are you upset with me?” His saddened voice immediately made her look back.

“No, no! I'm just really worn out. Today has been tiring.” Winnie explained looking up at him. She let out a deep sigh before patting the space beside her. “You can ... .lay here if you want..” she murmured shyly. Almost as if on command Astarion immediately slotted himself beside her, arms pulling her against him. Astarion smiled, nuzzling his face between her neck and shoulder.

“Goodnight my love.” Astarion whispered in her ear. Winnie blushed a bit, returning his embrace as she closed her eyes.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

“So you can turn into a bat, but you can't fly?” The twelve year old girl looked up at the vampire who stood in her room. Ollie the dog was curled up by her feet, sleeping.

“Technically I shouldn't be able to turn into one at all, but yes flying doesn't appear to come instinctively.” He rubbed his chin, glancing around the child’s slightly messy bedroom in discomfort. Vanessa sat down on a bean bag chair, dressed in a yellow Sonic the Hedgehog hoodie and blue jeans. 

“Then it's probably a good idea to practice! My dad won't be home until four so we have the whole house for you to fly around in! I can get you a little tiny bat helmet if you'd like?” Vanessa exclaimed as she hopped up. 

“Are you always left home alone this long?” Astarion asked, curiously. 

“My dad says I'm old enough to be here by myself.” Nessa exclaimed. “And Winnie said I need to keep an eye on you while she's at work so come on!” Nessa got up and quickly grabbed something from her drawer before leading Astarion out of her room and into the kitchen by his hand. Astarion rolled his eyes but complied with the girl’s wishes, not wanting to hear her whine. Astarion followed Nessa into the kitchen before taking his bat form, disappearing into a cloud of red before reappearing on the group as a little white vampire bat.

“Aww you're so cute!” She cooed before putting a tiny pink doll helmet on his head. “Okay now I'll get you started, and you remember to flap your wings!” The girl said before picking up the tiny bat who let out a few squeaks of annoyance. The sandy haired girl held him over her head before suddenly launching him into the air. The poor little bat let out a terrified squeak as he was slung through the air wings flapping frantically. Ollie shot out of Nessa’s room, hearing the bat’s squeaks. He immediately began to bark and snarl at the little creature. 

“Ollie no! Leave him alone!” Vanessa scolded, but the untrained pup just ignored her and snapped at the little bat, hopping up to try and bite him.

 Astarion hovered above the dog, just safely out of reach as he flapped his wings in desperation. 

The dog continued to lunge at him until Maddie poked her head out of Winnie's bedroom. Almost immediately she charged at the dog, a nasty growl left the feline's mouth as she came close, ears straight back and fur puffed up.

“Merrrrooow…” Maddie's vicious yowl caused the dog to turn tail between his legs before he ran off into Brian's bedroom. Astarion huffed, gradually slowing his flaps before dropping down onto Maddie’s back.  

Astarion let out a sigh of relief before hopping off Maddie's back and transforming back to his elven form. The little helmet falling off his head as he did so. 

“Alright, I think I've had enough of flying for one day.” Astarion dusted himself off before noticing Maddie rub against his legs. 

“Awe come on! You were doing so good!” Vanessa pouted. 

“Darling, you're completely impossible. If it wasn't for your sweet sister I would have drained you dry already.” Astarion scoffed. 

“Darling,” Nessa mocked, “you sound like a girl hehe.” 

“Oh such a cruel clever insult! However, will I possibly recover?” Astarion's words were dripping with sarcasm as he held a hand over his heart dramatically. Vanessa looked at him curiously and blinked.

“Are you gay? My dad said guys who act like you are gay.” The twelve year old asked bluntly. The vampire looked back at her, not quite understanding what the rude child was asking. 

“Not at present. I'm rather annoyed actually.” 

“No I don't mean happy gay. I mean do you like boys?” The young girl asked.

“Gods, you're a nosy child.” Astarion rubbed his temples.

“I just wanna know. Dad said I shouldn't talk to gay people. Not sure why though.” The child shrugged. “So do you like boys or girls?” 

“Hmm…I much prefer adults rather than boys and girls….” Astarion finally answered with a grimace. 

“Ah! That's what I meant! But what gender do you like?” 

“Must I choose?” Astarion chuckled before his pointed ears twitched and he heard someone pull into the driveway. He peeked his head through the door to the livingroom and spotted Winnie through the window. She had gotten off her motorcycle and was walking back to the house. Astarion grinned before entering the living room.

“Hey!” Vanessa whined and followed him. 

Winnie walked inside, she looked exhausted, hair messy and her uniform had a bit of dirt on it. 

“Winnie.” Astarion smiled at her sweetly,“welcome back my sweet.” He quickly pulled her in for a hug, nuzzling his face in her neck. Winnie nearly fell over, but the vampire held her up. 

“Darling? Are you alright?” He asked with concern.

“I'm exhausted. Work was hell today.” Winnie huffed, leaning against him. 

“Oh my God. You guys are dating aren't you?” Vanessa piped up.

“Ugh ...Not now Nessa. I don't have the energy for this.” Winnie said and pulled back from Astarion’s arms. Astarion smirked a bit.

“Winnie and I are partners, yes.” He said, smugly.

“Astarion.” Winnie glared at Astarion slightly.

“What? I'm simply being honest with the kid.” Astarion said with an innocent look. Winnie rolled her eyes before walking into her room. The messy haired female laid on her bed and took a deep breath. She laid there for a while, staring at the ceiling in silence. Eventually Astarion came into her room and sat on the bed next to her. 

“Love, I brought you something to eat.” Astarion hummed, setting down a plate with a sandwich on it. He looked down at her tired face and gently caressed her hair.

“Some crazy lady screamed at me today.” Winnie began suddenly. “She was pitching a fit because we didn't have any of the dog food she wanted. Becca wasn't working today so I had to handle it by myself.” 

“A pity I couldn't join you there during the day. I'd be happy to dispose of anyone who gives you trouble.” Astarion said with a smirk, clenching his free hand into a fist and cracking his knuckles. 

“You'd get arrested in a heartbeat.” Winnie chuckled, finally grabbing the sandwich and taking a bite. It was just bologna between two pieces of bread. No cheese or condiments. So incredibly bland. Well, she had to give the vampire some credit for trying. Winnie ate the sandwich before tossing the plate in the trash and laying her head on Astarion’s lap. 

“It pains me how little faith you have in my skills, my love.” Astarion said as he continued to stroke Winnie’s hair.  

“Honey, I've told you already. It's not like how it is in Faerûn where you can just dump the body in a ditch somewhere and no one will ask questions. People keep track of everyone who goes missing here. You will get caught.” Winnie mumbled, snuggling her head against his thigh. 

“Well, actually they do begin asking questions in Baldur's Gate. Of course I still managed to get away without being caught.” Astarion said smugly. 

“Makes me wonder if I should be involved with such a dangerous, dangerous man.” Winnie teased. 

“Oh don’t worry, pet. I'd never hurt you. Not unless you wanted me to.~” Astarion tapped Winnie on the nose with a flirtatious wink. Winnie rolled her eyes and just relaxed with her head on his lap. 

“Anyway, we have a lot to look forward to. We're going to meet up with your friend for a date in a few weeks, aren't we?”  Astarion reminded her.  Winnie’s eyes widened as she remembered they were supposed to meet Becca and her boyfriend at the carnival for a double date.

Shit.

Winnie turned and buried her face into Astarion’s thigh as she thought of all the things that could go wrong. 

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The carnival came to town much sooner than Winnie expected. It didn't take long before Nessa was begging Brian to let her go before she had to go back to her mother's house.  Winnie had called up Becca a couple nights back to make sure they'd meet up after sundown. She told her friend that her boyfriend couldn't get off of work until then. Everything was in place for the evening. Winnie wore a black T-shirt and ripped skinny jeans along with a pair of black converse. She brushed her hair out as best as she could while she stood in front of her bathroom mirror. Once she finished she put her glasses on and left the room, grabbing an old leather jacket from her closet that she barely wore as she let out a sigh.

Red eyes looked her over as their owner sat on the armchair, brushing his snow white locks. He was dressed in a sleeveless dark purple turtleneck which covered the bite scar on his neck. With it he wore black skinny jeans and tennis shoes.  

“You're going to get cold wearing that, you know.” Winnie hummed. 

“Well then, perhaps you'd be so kind as to lend me one of your coats if you're so worried about little old me.~” Astarion hummed, hopping up and moving a stray hair out of his face as he followed his lover into the bathroom.

 “I already told you, Star. My jackets won't fit you right. You're too tall and skinny to fit in my clothes.” Winnie said with a sigh as she began to brush her teeth. “Besides I already bought you your own jackets.”

“But yours are so much softer and more comfortable.” The vampire replied, fiddling with a bag on the sink counter. He took out a small purple tube of mascara before applying it to his lashes. Astarion put the mascara back before grabbing a black eyeliner pencil. 

“You're ridiculous but I-.......Where did you get that make up?” Winnie said as she looked back at him and blinked.

“Oh this? I found it in your mother's closet the other day. Looked like it hadn't been touched in a while so I thought it best not to let it go to waste.” Astarion replied as applied the eyeliner under his eyes. 

“Don't steal from my mom. You know you can ask me if you want something right?” Winnie let out a sigh and kept brushing her teeth. She spat out into the sink before rinsing the sink and her toothbrush off. Then she walked back into her room, picking her backpack up off the floor. 

Astarion came out and swiftly grabbed Winnie’s purple hoodie from the closet. He pulled it over his arms and let it hang off his shoulders before following his love out the door. 

Theys snuck out of the house quietly, making sure to lock all the doors behind them before leaving. Winnie hopped onto her motorcycle with Astarion getting on behind her as the two set off. It was 8pm by the time they reached the carnival. The rides were all illuminated up with bright colorful lights. The sound of screams of excitement filled the air as did the delicious smell of fried foods. 

Astarion glanced up at the strange contraptions with curiosity and a slight wariness. This wasn't like the circus as he predicted it would be like.

Winnie smiled a bit, memories from past trips to the carnival flooded her mind, filling her with joy and sudden enthusiasm. Perhaps this would actually be fun? She quickly shook her head, she needed to focus! There was another reason they were going here! 

Winnie got off the bike and led her vampire up to the entrance. He kept an arm locked with hers as they purchased their tickets, heading inside. Winnie checked her cellphone to see if there were any messages from Becca. 

“Okay, Becca's here. She’s with her boyfriend waiting for us by the snack stand.” Winnie hummed before looking over at Astarion.  His eyes scanned around the crowd. There were so many people and a sweet alluring scent hit him like a brick.

“Hon? You alright?” Winnie asked curiously before noticing some random guy had fallen on the sidewalk and skinned his knee, drawing blood. Winnie placed a hand on Astarion’s face. 

“Star…Look at me.” She said softly, causing his blood red orbs to snap back to her. “You haven't fed for a while have you?” 

“I tried going out and hunting but the last few nights prey had become rather scarce…” Astarion admittedly. 

“I told you, you were going to eat the whole forest. Look, hold on until we get back home and I'll let you feed from me.” Winnie said with a sweet smile. 

“Thank you my sweet.” Astarion returned the smile before Winnie tugged him along. 

“Now, let's go! Becca and Anthony are waiting!” Winnie exclaimed. They wandered through the carnival, marveling at the sights and sounds. The more they saw, the more Winnie began to grin, mind constantly slipping away from her main objective. 

“Yo! Winnie!” Becca's voice snapped Winnie out of her thrill fueled trance. “Over here! Come meet my babe!” The redhead called. Sitting next to Becca was a tall lanky man with messy black hair and green eyes. He had to be about mid twenties and was dressed in a sleeveless blue hoodie and shorts. 

Winnie walked over and smiled shyly, Astarion still holding on to her arm. 

“Hey…I'm Winnie and this is Star…” Winnie introduced them.

“Star? So that's his name, huh? You know I can't quite put my finger on it but your boyfriend seems really familiar.” Becca scratched her head.

“The vampire from BG3! He looks kinda like him!” Anthony spoke up.

“Oh shit, you're right!” Becca exclaimed, “dude's even got elf ears on! Wicked!” 

“Yeah, he really loves cosplaying!” Winnie said nervously. Astarion just stared at her in confusion.

“Cos-what?” He murmured. 

“It's an amazing costume. You look pretty hot in it too!” Anthony grinned.  Astarion smirked with a smug look.

“You flirt.” The elf rolled his eyes.

“He really is. It's part of his charm.” Becca giggled.

 Winnie looked at the two with a slight discomfort, but shook it off.  It was all harmless banter. “Anyway! Let's get this show on the road!” Becca hopped up with a grin.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Druid here! I hope I didn't make Vanessa too annoying, honestly I'm really just trying to portray her as a mischievous naive child though I can understand if she isn't well received. I'm going to New Orleans soon so it might be a while before the next chapter is dropped and I've also got some Winnifred The Druid oneshots to do.

Hope you guys liked the chapter! Next time we'll have some drama at the carnival!

~Druid

Taglist:

@seradyn , @plimsim, @astarioffsimpmain , @marcynomercy , @iamsexytrash , @gaymistakeboi , @divineknightmare , @tinyfreakgirl , @misscrissfemmefatal, @gianchan-de @jaksfanficsaver , @the-disaster-in-waiting , @hp-art-studio , @im-just-a-simp-le-whore , @dajeong , @iamnotokei

[jelzorz]

152.

When Rayla says her parents, Ezran imagines a mom and a dad, or maybe mom and a mom, or a dad and a dad. He imagines they're people that look like her and sound like her, people who share her sense of humour and took care of Zym when he was an egg at the Storm Spire. He imagines people he would like.

He does not imagine that one of them is the elf that killed his father.

The thought by itself makes him mad. King Harrow was a good king, a just king, and a loving dad who was only doing his best. He didn't have to be assassinated. He didn't have to die. He shouldn't have died, and yeah, his dad did bad things too, but he recognised that, didn't he? His last letter to him and Callum told them that they were free, that they didn't have to continue on this stupid path and this stupid war, that their decisions were theirs and theirs alone. Rayla was fifteen when it all happened, still a child by most standards, raised to be an assassin and sent on a mission to kill him, and she still made the decision not to for a chance at peace. Runaan knew about the egg, they showed it to him and everything, and he still—

Ezran scowls.

It's a whole mess. It gives him feelings he doesn't want and anger he doesn't know what to do with. Rayla keeps the coins with her at all times, and there are moments he just wants to toss them into the ocean or melt them down into something else but how can he do that without hurting her? Without causing her the same pain Runaan caused him?

And when Callum had offered to help—

Ez doesn't like thinking about it. He'd been so angry. He said things he shouldn't have. He and Callum fought like they've never fought before, and at the end of it all...

He's sitting at the edge of a boardwalk now, feet dangling over the edge, the leather of his boots dark with water as he skims his toes over the surface of the sea. He's never hated someone like this before. He's never felt rage or sadness or grief so big.

"You okay?"

Ez sniffles and doesn't look up, even as Rayla drops into the spot next to him and leans her elbows on her knees.

"Fine," he mutters. "What—um—what's up?"

Rayla pauses, her lips pursed, her eyes searching and sad. She was there. She saw the fight. Ez feels like he should apologize but there's a part of him that doesn't want to. Why should he? Is it so wrong for him to hate the elf that killed his dad?

"You don't have to be fine," she says at last. "I know there isn't... really much I can say. Runaan... was like a dad to me but—"

"Don't excuse him," he snaps. His throat hurts. He curls his hands into fists. "Don't."

"I wasn't going to."

"Weren't you?" Ez scowls at her, his anger getting the better of him, growing bigger than he can control. "But what? But it wasn't his fault? But he was just following orders? You had the same orders and you didn't follow through. You were fifteen! You could have lost your hand! What the hell was his excuse?"

"Ezran..."

"Don't Ezran me! He killed my dad! And you and Callum want—" He stops. He swallows. He's crying again, he thinks, but he doesn't care. "I don't care that he was like a dad to you," he snarls. "He killed mine! He killed mine knowing that he didn't have to! And he gets to come out of the coin? He gets to live and my dad doesn't?"

"I'm sorry, Ez—"

"Stop it! Don't act like that means anything! Sorry's not going to bring him back!"

Rayla says nothing to that. She fiddles with her fingers, head bowed, her hair over her eyes, and in the pause, Ezran sees it—the shake in her shoulders, the tears on her cheeks. His anger falters. He hadn't meant—

"I'm sorry," he mutters at last, but Rayla shakes her head.

"You're allowed to be angry," she says. "You're right to be. Sometimes being angry is part of the grief." She sniffles. "I don't blame you for not wanting us to do it. I wouldn't want to, if I were you."

"But you're still going to."

Rayla doesn't answer.

Ezran looks away. The silence between them hurts, but he leans against her anyway, not because it's okay, but because she's basically his sister, and grief and anger and big feelings are easier when they're shared. Her arm curls around his back, a promise that she's there for him no matter what happens, no matter what he feels, and they sit together, and cry together, until it feels like there's nothing left.

"I wish things were different," whispers Rayla.

Ez sniffles. "Yeah," he mutters. "Me too."

[siimplyapril]

MARS INTRO LETS GOOO @onkarlos5 @squiretilde @damyoujackson @nyxisart @welldrawnfish

Mars Stormheart

Incorrect Quote: “I would absolutely kill someone if they insulted the way I bake my bread.”

Age: 18

Gender: He's juuust a man /lyr (from EPIC obv)

Pronouns: He/They

Sexuality: Bi

Height: 5’9

Species: Wood elf

Description: Mars is about 5'9 and has dark, messy curls, which also just so happen to cover his face a lot. He has deep, but kind grey eyes, and bags under his eyes, probably as a result of staying up late about every other night.

Mars is usually seen wearing an olive green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, beige suspenders, beige pants and brown shoes.

Backstory: Mars is a wood elf who lives in the forest. He lives in a treehouse, like most wood elves. His parents died at a young age (mom: Evelyn, dad: unknown) and he was raised by his older sister, Gemini (reminder to kill her off in a very brutal way so Mars has trauma yk yk), or Gem for short. He enjoys gardening, a lot, actually! He's quite good with a bow and arrow too, as are most wood elves. His cooking, however? Er.. it's a.. work in progress.

Okay, I'll give it to you straight, it's rubbish.

Likes: Gardening, animals, plants, music, peace, sleeping

Dislikes: chaos, yelling, small spaces, crowded places, public speaking, spiders.

Fears: Being rejected or left all alone

Personality: Mars is a very calm person most of the time. He's also a huge overthinker, and let's say.. just an eensy teensy bit of an anxious mess. He's generally quiet and cares a lot about his plants. He has a bad habit of not being able to trust people, from his past which has a lot of betrayal involved (I'll make some shit up). This results in him being very bad at making friends or forming any relations at all. When he actually can get anyone close to him, he will be very protective of them, especially if something happens to them. He's honest most of the time with people, but sometimes hides what he really feels on the inside. His low self-esteem makes him think nobody would care, even if he did really say what he felt like.

[bear-do-well]

Because I loved your Armos bullet points and I only infodumped about Wally so far have the Theodoric bullet points!

Eldest child of a noble house. From a young age he was expected to one day take over the title

His child name was Aura, and he's transmasc.

Absolutely hated life as a noble. He was barely allowed outside and was never left alone. Always had to be polite etc

One day, when he was around 13 years old, he decided to run away, so he took a few necessities and his dad's bow and left in the middle of the night

The first thing he did was make sure no one found him in the forests

He ran as far away as possible, while never leaving the safety of the forest

During the 3 months he spent alone in the wilds, he ate mostly foraged food, and the occasional animal he shot with his dad's bow. This left him with a nutritional imbalance that stunted his growth, leaving him to be 1m52, aka very short for an elf

One day, he came across a camp that seemed to be empty, except for a turtle. At first he was very suspicious, but his hunger won and he started stealing food

The turtle revealed himself to be a human druid. He managed to win the child's trust and brought him back to his small grove

The only 2 other druids there where a halfling and another human. All 3 were extremely powerful (level 20) druids

Theodoric lied to them that he was a wood elf orphan named Theodoric

The 3 druids took him in and raised him into the guy we all love today. Plus they helped him transition with their druidic magic

These days, Theodoric barely ever leaves the forest, the 4 druids being local cryptids. Many people do not even believe they exist at all

love the part about transitioning with druidic magic. now i'm just imagining top surgery scars that look like leafy branches

[primasveraas-writing]

"only you" - Zerxus and Evandrin

the protectors of avalir at the beginning of their life together or two men meet and fall in love all in the same instant

WORD COUNT: 8078

XXX

Evandrin looks tired.

It isn’t the first thing Zerxus notices about him- no, that was how striking he is, how beautifully his hair frames his face, the bowed shape of his lips, the sharpness of his cheekbones, the freckles dusting across his cheeks. Zerxus has never seen anyone with elven lineage who has freckles, but Evandrin does, and Zerxus is captivated.

Nydas had dragged him to this ball with promises of meeting the Ring of Gold and other dignitaries, but most importantly, to meet Evandrin. He’d endured months of Laerryn and Nydas’ chatter about the other man, about how pretty he is and how kind and funny and perfect for Zerxus he is. It’s been a set-up since the beginning, and, Zerxus suspects, the entertainment for the night. He spares a glance over his shoulder and sees Laerryn and Patia still watching them from across the gilded room.

They’re making small talk, but Zerxus feels floaty, distant. He’s faintly aware of Nydas watching him, smirking into his glass, but even the smugness of his friend can’t quite dampen Zerxus’ spirit. His heart flutters in his chest, dancing against his ribcage.

Zerxus has been studying Evandrin’s face, and he doesn’t miss the dark circles under his eyes. Evandrin has a prestigious job guarding the city, one that calls for long hours and complete physical and mental dedication. Still, his exhaustion is very pronounced, and a pang of concern sparks through Zerxus- even though they just met, even though he hardly knows Evandrin.

Then Evandrin yawns, and a faint blush creeps on his cheeks when he catches Zerxus watching him.   

“Sorry,” Evandrin says, and stars above, Zerxus is really far gone, and he knows it when the gentle lilt of Evandrin’s voice stirs something deep in Zerxus’ stomach. “I have a newborn. He’s been keeping me up all night.”

Ah. He’s a dad. 

Zerxus can’t help himself: he glances down at Evandrin’s left hand, checking for a ring.

The color on Evandrin’s cheeks deepens, and a slight warmth tinges Zerxus’ face too.

“It’s just me,” Evandrin says, and Zerxus could swear that his voice raises a pitch higher. “I’m a single dad.” He clears his throat a little. “I am single.”

“My god,” Nydas mutters. He takes a long sip of his whiskey and fixes them both with a bemused look. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Despite Evandrin’s flushed cheeks, his eyes sparkle as they watch Nydas disappear into the crowd of partygoers. He raises his glass to his lips- Zerxus thinks he may have already memorized their exact shape- and drinks his champagne before turning back to Zerxus.

“Tell me about your son,” Zerxus says, and Evandrin’s smile lights up his whole face.

Evandrin’s son is just a few months old. His name is Elias and he’s not anywhere close to sleeping through the night. His hair is a softer red than Evandrin’s but their eyes and noses are the exact same.

“He laughs all the time,” Evandrin says, “any excuse to smile.” His eyes crinkle at the thought, before the half-elf sobers. “But whenever I set him down, he cries. You would think the world was ending.”

“I can’t blame him,” Zerxus says, “to have that reaction when you leave.”

Evandrin smiles at that, ear to ear, and all the more beautiful for it. “You flatter me, Zerxus.”

Zerxus grins back at him. “I speak only the truth, Evandrin. You seem like a wonderful father. Elias is lucky to have you.”

“I try,” Evandrin says. Then, after a brief pause: “Are there any children in your life?”

“Cerrit’s daughter,” Zerxus answers. “I’m currently vying for the spot of ‘favorite uncle.’”

“Just vying?”

Zerxus shrugs. “It’s hard to compete with people who can conjure light out of their hands.”

“You rank pretty high in my book.”

They’ve been talking for less than twenty minutes. 

Something red-hot squirms deep in Zerxus’ stomach, and he moves half a step closer to Evandrin. They’re inches apart now, and Zerxus wants to close the rest of the distance between them, to taste the other man’s lips, to-

“Come with me.” Evandrin pulls away, but he grabs Zerxus’ hand.

Zerxus follows. He doesn’t look back, his gaze fixed on Evandrin as he’s led outside, and so he misses the gleeful watch of the Ring of Brass as they depart.

Evandrin takes him up two flights of stairs, leading him by hand the whole time. His hair sways with every step he takes; Zerxus watches it, mesmerized until they arrive at the rooftop garden. Zerxus has never been up here before, but Evandrin seems to know the way well enough.

“Wow,” Zerxus breathes.

The venue is, of course, in one of the fancier neighbors of Avalir, positioned high above the rest of the city, while the terrace itself overlooks the smaller buildings, allowing them to see out to where the edge of the city gives way to darker clouds and the expanse of sky surrounding them. There are a few small benches, but the space is mostly taken up by flowers, tall twisting trees, and blossoms of purple, blue, and red. Gentle violins are just audible too, the sound echoing from three floors below.

“I’ve never actually been up here,” Evandrin says. “Laerryn was giving me directions.” He taps the side of his head; it takes Zerxus a moment to understand that he means telepathically.

Zerxus glances around, then his gaze settles on Evandrin. “It’s stunning,” he says, not looking away.

"Yes.” Evandrin floats to the edge of the roof, leaning against the vine-covered railing. “Avalir is quite beautiful.” He looks back over to Zerxus. “Are you in love yet?”

Zerxus’ mouth goes dry; Evandrin startles at his expression, then laughs softly. “With the city, Zerxus.”

“Oh.” Zerxus is still staring at Evandrin. “Yes, I think I am.”

“Me too,” Evandrin beams at him, then turns to look over the sparkling city. “I had nearly forgotten how much I loved it here.”

“It’s home.”

“Yes. And now it’s my son’s home, too.” 

Zerxus hums, tracing the veins on the vines wrapped around the balcony railing. Evandrin takes a breath, then:

“Where are you from?”

“Caithmoria.”

“But you left.”

“There was no reason to stay. I…” Zerxus shifts, focusing on the edge of the city. “I love what I do, and I do it well. But I had little purpose in that city.”

“So you came to Avalir-“

“-in pursuit of something greater. Yes.”

“I’m not teasing you, Zerxus.” Evandrin steps closer to him, smiling in earnest. “I believe you. I desire similar things. That’s why I returned to Avalir.”

Zerxus sighs, looking back at Evandrin. “This age is on the precipice of incredible things. We have seen that already. I want to be a part of it. This city, its people- are a marvel. There is no place else I would rather be.”

“I think I rather like having you here, too.”

“I will certainly take that into consideration.”

Zerxus is quiet, resting his hands on the balcony. Evandrin notices and brushes his fingers against the back of Zerxus’ hand. Their pinkies interlock before Zerxus’ takes his hand.

“You’re cold,” Zerxus says, and he finally notices the way Evandrin is huddled into himself. “If I had a cloak, I would give it to you.”

“Come closer then, and warm me.”

He laughs, surprised, and Evandrin echoes the sound. His face lights up, and for that brief, wonderful moment, Evandrin doesn’t look tired at all.

But Zerxus obliges, hovering closer to Evandrin. He folds both of Evandrin’s hands into his own, and raises them to his lips, kissing the back of his left hand. Then, he brings Evandrin into his embrace, and they stand like that, closer than Zerxus can bear.

Evandrin looks up at him; the corners of his mouth are turned up and there’s a slight flush to his cheeks and his eyes shine like the stars above.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” he says, and Zerxus just nods, dumbstruck. Evandrin moves in closer, pressing their bodies close together, and then cups Zerxus’ cheek. His hands are soft, and so are his lips.

He tastes like sweet wine. Zerxus is so gone.

“I don’t usually…” Evandrin is still so close; Zerxus can feel his hot breath on his skin. Long eyelashes flutter against pale cheeks. “I didn’t expect this, tonight.”

“Me neither,” Zerxus confesses. “I’ve never.” He bites his tongue, then meets Evandrin’s gaze. “I’ve never felt anything like this”

I’m in love with you.

Evandrin hovers close, his lips brushing over Zerxus’.

“You, Zerxus Ilerez, are as wonderful as they say.”

Another kiss, this one deeper. Evandrin sighs against him, then pulls away.

“You exceed all expectations, Evandrin Alterra.” Zerxus reaches up, tucking a strand of red hair behind pointed ears. 

“They’re going to be so smug about this.” A soft chuckle, a sigh.

Zerxus cups Evandrin’s face in his hands, stroking his cheeks with his thumbs. “I can tolerate it. If it’s for you.”

Evandrin smiles at him, his eyes sparkling. “Likewise.”

He leans in and kisses Zerxus again, standing on his toes and leaning against the taller man. Zerxus moves his arms, wrapping them around Evandrin’s body. The scent of flowers is sweet in the air. Tonight, the clouds hang low, about level with Avalir. The stars are clear above them, and Zerxus is wrapped tightly in the embrace of someone he just met.

Someone-

Evandrin leans in and kisses him again, long and sweet. The stars are shining above them, and they hold each other and kiss until the pink of dawn approaches. 

It’s nearly daybreak when Zerxus staggers home, alone, but his lips raw and chest tight with emotion. His weariness is physical, rooted in the heaviness of his eyes and limbs, but his mind is sharp and alert.

He thinks of Evandrin, of the feeling of their lips together. Of their bodies so close, of the sharp angle of his nose, of the softness of his hair.

He thinks of Evandrin. Only of Evandrin. He’s the last thought before Zerxus drifts off to sleep, and the first thing on his mind when he wakes the next day.

“Good morning, Nydas.”

“Zerxus.” Nydas squints at him over his cup of coffee. “You left without saying goodbye.”

Zerxus blushes. “I think I left after you, actually.”

“Oh. See, I thought, unlike Loquacious and Laerryn, you would perhaps find someplace more private to-”

“Nydas.” Then, when his protest gets no response: “It wasn’t like that, I assure you.”

“So you absconded with another man for what? Six hours? And you merely continued to stare into each other’s eyes for the duration of the evening?”

Zerxus stands up a little taller. “Mostly.”

Nydas rolls his eyes and takes a long sip of his coffee.

“So not only are you the only person in the city who is not hungover, you are also smug about it and smitten with a man you’ve just met.”

“I don’t think Evandrin had much to drink last night, either.”

“Know that the two of you are already insufferable.”

“My being insufferable to you is hardly news, Nydas,” Zerxus teases, and reaches for a cup to pour his own coffee.

“I have to admit, you were more taken with each other than anyone expected.”

“I…” Zerxus pauses with his cup halfway to his lips. “I never-“ He swallows. “Nydas, I’d never believed having a connection take hold so quickly.”

Nydas eyes him carefully. “You mean love at first sight.”

Zerxus can feel the heat on his cheeks. “Yes. I do.” He clears his throat after a heavy pause. “I don’t know if I can say that, even- last night was wonderful, but-“

“-you met last night. I see. Well,” Nydas sighs, but the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. “Perhaps don’t tell him that you’re madly in love right away, but-“

“I’m not madly in love, Nydas-“

“-but this would very much seem like something worth pursuing. You’re glowing, my friend, just thinking about it.” Zerxus touches a hand to his warmed cheeks, and Nydas chuckles. “Now, when do you see him next?”

Zerxus raises his eyebrow, but Nydas inclines his head, waiting.

“Tomorrow,” Zerxus concedes, and Nydas laughs again.

“Maybe don’t tell him then, either. Make all your passionate declarations without the mention of love.”

He manages as much. There are evening strolls through gardens and quick lunches between shifts, and brief dalliances on slower days, when they can sneak away to see each other. They talk- about Avalir, about Cathmoria, about their childhoods, their dreams growing up. About Elias. About what they want to achieve within the city and beyond, about magic, about swordwork, about the weather, and everything in between. Sometimes, no words are spoken- because they are otherwise occupied, or because sitting in each other’s presence is simply enough.

Zerxus met Evandrin and knew his heart; there was no other way to fall in love so quickly. It is only a few weeks of these meetings before Zerxus knows Evandrin the rest of the way, to be able to pull a smile from him with only a few words, to sympathize with the latest updates about Elias teething. It is fast, and incredible, and Zerxus is no less in love than the night he first met Evandrin.

Zerxus is suddenly caught between two worlds; a life on Avalir that revolves around his job and the city, and another that centers on Evandrin. As they spend more time together, the barriers between them seem more nebulous: Zerxus finds himself wishing for Evandrin’s opinion on certain cases, wanting to share the events of each day with him. It’s difficult, when they see each other so little, but Zerxus takes every second he can get with the other man.

It’s enough to tide Zerxus over, but he’s still unsatisfied.

But their time together is always brief; both men are busy with their guard duties, and Evandrin cannot spare more time away from Elias than he already takes.

“Zerxus,” he says, and it is during another stolen moment, just the two of them tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street. “I cannot-“

There’s heartbreak already on his face, and as soon as Zerxus sees it, he feels it too.

“I very much enjoy seeing you like this. I- I look forward to seeing you every time we part, but-“ Evandrin heaves a sigh. “My son comes first. Whatever��� relationships I may have, he’s the most important one.”

“Okay.” Zerxus raises an eyebrow. "So you’re a package deal.”

Evandrin stills for a moment, but Zerxus doesn’t miss the blush that slowly creeps across his cheeks. “So…?”

“So I’m all in. With Elias. Or if,” Zerxus swallows hard, “if you just need to focus on him, I understand that too.”

The other man stares at him a moment longer, then presses forward suddenly, kissing Zerxus. The kiss is rough and deep, and the force of their bodies colliding makes Zerxus stumble back.

 “This is fast,” Evandrin gasps when they untangle from each other. “I understand-“

“I-“ I love you. “I want this,” Zerxus insists. “I want-“ he swallows. “-to be with you. And all the things that come with you. Your son is not a deterrent. I want to be with you. I want to be a part of your life.”

“Then I am very lucky indeed.” Evandrin blinks at him, and his voice is suddenly thick. “This is not something I would like to lose.”

“No,” Zerxus says, and steps closer to Evandrin again. He cups the back of Evandrin’s head, pressing their foreheads together. “Nor I.”

This time, Evandrin kisses him long and slow, leaning into him. The rest of the world melts away in that moment- there is only Zerxus and Evandrin, with so little space between them, with Evandrin’s hands on his waist, with his own hands tangled in red hair. Something deep in Zerxus’ chest sings, burns, and he presses closer to Evandrin. When they separate, Evandrin is gasping for air, but smiling widely.

“Come meet my son.”

Evandrin takes him home.

His house is in Cloudstone, not far from Cerrit’s. The structure itself is made of white stone, tall and proud, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Zerxus suspects that Laerryn must’ve had some pull in securing this property; it’s far too nice to be afforded on a guard’s salary, quietly stunning in the way that reflects much of Avalir’s beauty.

The inside tells a different story. Blankets and clothes- infant and adult-sized alike- are strewn over the sitting room, and Zerxus can just see into the kitchen, where dishes are stacked high on the counter. A faint blush appears on Evandrin’s cheeks as he hurriedly tucks away baby toys and clothes, but Zerxus only smiles when they catch each other’s eyes.

Evandrin relaxes slightly. He glances around the foyer, and then footsteps echo from down the hall. An apparently-young elf approaches them, nodding their head at Evandrin.

“Elias isn’t quite asleep yet, Evandrin,” they say, a smile quirking at their lips. “As you well know, he’s far too stubborn to nap on time.”

Evandrin sighs, but there’s no real conviction behind it. “Of course not.” He glances at the two people in front of him. “Sola, this is Zerxus. Zerxus, Sola. They take care of Elias when I cannot be home.”

“Lovely to meet you,” Zerxus says. Sola’s brow furrows, but they respond in kind, and Zerxus wonders if he has a reputation among Evandrin’s friends already.

“I’ll gladly relieve you of my stubborn son,” Evandrin says, and Sola nods. They disappear back down the hall- to gather their things or say goodbye to Elias- and return a moment later.

“Enjoy your afternoon,” they say, and there’s enough mirth in their tone that Zerxus knows Evandrin is being teased about their relationship. Evandrin thanks them graciously, and Zerxus mutters a goodbye.

“Well,” Evandrin says, and although his blush has returned, he says nothing about Sola’s gleeful departure. “Shall I retrieve my insolent child?”

“I don’t want to disturb his naptime,” Zerxus says, but Evandrin only shakes his head.

“He’s hopeless. If Elias is not asleep now, then he will not be in an hour, and the only benefit of that is the increased chance of him sleeping past dawn tomorrow morning. It is better for us to give up hope now, and let you meet him.”

“As you say, then.”

“Make yourself at home,” Evandrin gestures to the sofa, and Zerxus sits while Evandrin retreats to the nursery. When he reappears, Elias is cradled in his arms, wrapped in a green blanket. He’s smaller than Zerxus expected him to be, and when Evandrin sits beside Zerxus, he gets a proper look at his face.

Elias’ features are delicate but clearly defined. From the curve of his nose to the shape of his brow and the exact shade of his irises, he is Evandrin’s son. It could not be more evident, except for the fact that Evandrin is beaming down at him like Elias is the sun itself, and Elias reaches a tiny hand up for his father’s face. There’s a sudden tightness in Zerxus’ chest, one that closes up his throat and steals all speech away from him.

“He’s beautiful, Evandrin,” Zerxus manages. Evandrin nods, gaze flickering from his son to Zerxus.

“Do you want to hold him?” Evandrin asks, and he must know how badly Zerxus wanted this, because the half-elf doesn’t wait for him to answer and dumps Elias into his arms.

Elias is tiny, but he’s heavy and warm against Zerxus’ chest. He’s also wide awake, and peering up at Zerxus with curious eyes that are the precise shade of his father’s.

Carefully and slowly, Zerxus reaches up to trace Elias’ brow. The infant squirms in his arms, but his gaze doesn’t leave Zerxus

“He likes you,” Evandrin says, and his voice sounds oddly thick. Zerxus glances up at him, blinking rapidly.

“Yeah,” he says, past the lump in his throat.

All he knows is that he never wants to let Elias go.

The baby falls asleep in his arms just minutes later. Elias watches Zerxus until his eyelids become heavy, and his blinks long and slow. His breathing evens out gradually, while Zerxus marvels at the joy in his arms, and Evandrin watches them both quietly. It’s several long minutes of silence, Zerxus just staring at Elias, already committing his features to memory, and when he realizes Elias is asleep, his breath hitches.

So this is love. So this is everything Zerxus didn’t even realize he wanted. This tiny weight in his arms, this elation of such an innocent trust- for Elias to fall asleep in his arms.

Zerxus knows- he knows, with every fiber of his being- he loves Elias already. As much as he already loves Evandrin. As brightly as the sun. As deeply as every ocean in Exandria. He knows that he will love Elias for the rest of his life.

“Evandrin,” he says, because even now, he’s afraid to say I love you. Fortunately, Evandrin seems to understand, because he settles closer to Zerxus, wrapping an arm around him and cupping the back of his neck with his other hand, touching their foreheads together.

“I’m in love with him, Nydas.”

“Oh, I know. Most of Avalir does, by now.”

Zerxus groans; Nydas smirks. “Quay tells me that there are rumors abound of prominent guardsmen sneaking around, having not-so-discreet meetups, kissing, giggling, in every one of Avalir’s alleyways. Two attractive, important men, rendezvousing around the city, clearly obsessed with each other- Brother, you and Evandrin are the most interesting thing to happen since the last Replenishment.”

“I never knew I could feel this deeply,” Zerxus confesses. There’s a lump in his throat, again, and his eyes burn. Nydas’ expression softens, and he leans closer to Zerxus, clasping his hand. “I only- I only want to be with them when we’re parted. Evandrin and Elias both.”

Zerxus sighs, his brow pinching together. “It terrifies me, how- how quickly this took hold. I want to be with Evandrin. I want to see Elias grow. And yet I cannot get past-“

“Zerxus,” Nydas interrupts, squeezing his hand. “You have a tender heart. You do not love halfheartedly, my friend. I have long known that when you found love, it would take you completely. But,” he continues when Zerxus slumps over the table, deflated. “I have fewer reservations about this than you. Were your lover someone I knew less, I would be wary. But Laerryn loves him dearly, and nothing in the months I have known him has given me cause to doubt his character. There is a reason you love him already, and that reason is not that you are a fool.”

“It’s maddening,” Zerxus groans into his hands. “How do I tell him-“

“Don’t. Give it time, Brother. Wait until you’re sure this isn’t mere infatuation-“ Zerxus lifts up his head to glare weakly at Nydas. “-and to ensure that he feels the same way.”

“Laerryn,” Evandrin says. “I am in love with him.”

“Oh my gods,” Quay says loudly, rolling his eyes. Laerryn grins widely at Evandrin.

“I told you.”

“Yes, I know,” Evandrin heaves a sigh, and resumes his pacing through Laerryn’s foyer. Loquacious watches him, bemused, while Laerryn laughs.

“I’ve never seen you like this.”

“I-” Evandrin spins on his heel. “Laerryn, he is my every thought and dream. Suddenly, I cannot see a future without him.” He chokes on the words, and the laughter drains from Laerryn’s face. “I have never known love like this before.”

“Oh.” Laerryn goes still, looking at him curiously. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“Yes. I do. I very much do.”

His friend comes closer; Laerryn reaches up and carefully wipes the tears from his eyes.

“Then I am happy for you, Evandrin. May this love bring you every blessing you deserve.”

---------------

Zerxus meets Elias and the world changes. It shifts off its center, as it did the day Zerxus met Evandrin, and revolves around someone new. There are important things, like Avalir, and Zerxus’ family, and his role within the city. Things he loves, that fulfill him. But Evandrin and Elias- they are his heart. They are flames in his chest, painful and bright, curling against his ribs. The intensity of it hurts; Zerxus can hardly dwell on it, for fear of the feeling consuming him entirely. Suddenly, he lives for Elias’s soft, curious smiles, his bubbling laughter. He exists for Evandrin’s kisses, the feeling of his hands on Zerxus’ chest. All that matters- that truly matters- is the sweet and innocent trust of Elias falling asleep in his arms, the gentle pride of calming him when he cries. And, Evandrin speaking to him about their dreams, about the life they want to build together, about their hopes for Avalir, for their careers, for their friends, and for each other.

A pattern develops: Zerxus is almost never alone. Instead, he is with Evandrin, or Elias and Evandrin both. When Evandrin is on duty, and Zerxus is not, Zerxus volunteers to care for Elias, and so Elias gains a new caregiver. They spend long hours together; Zerxus learns feeding and naptime and diaper schedules. He feeds Elias with careful hands, talks to him, pointing out birds and flowers in the gardens, and sings and rocks him to sleep. That’s how Evandrin finds them most often; Elias blissfully asleep, still clutched in Zerxus’ arms. Zerxus doesn’t want to let him go, he explains. Having Elias in his arms is the best thing in the world.

It’s too much to bear. It is pain in his chest, killing him again and again- it is too much for one man to feel. When Zerxus thinks about it- about his love for Elias, for Evandrin, about their love for him- his heart rises into his throat and he chokes on it. It is brutal. This love unmakes him, reduces him to ash and builds him again. He is nothing without it and everything for it. There is color and sunshine and music in the world because of them, for them. Each drop of joy in the world exists for Elias and Evandrin alone. There could be no purpose for bright and lovely things, other than for the loves of his life to enjoy, for Elias to discover with happy giggles, or to light up Evandrin’s face with delight.

Zerxus has many things he lives for, and two people he exists for.

They show it, rather than say it, dancing delicately around the words for months. It is implicit in every kiss, in each gentle caress of their bodies, each whisper breathed to each other late at night. It’s evident when Evandrin trusts Elias to his care, when Evandrin hands his son to Zerxus, and the boy smiles.

Then, Elias turns six months old, and it is an unassuming day but an important one nonetheless. Zerxus is dancing around the kitchen, Elias on his hip and cuddled against his shoulder. He’s humming something of a lullaby, one he half remembers from his own youth when Evandrin comes home. It’s the break of dawn, delicate pink light just staring to peer in through the windows.

Evandrin has just finished a night shift, and Zerxus had stayed over with Elias, who decided to start the day very, very early.

He takes them in; both his child and partner have bleary eyes. Elias is sucking his thumb and hiding his face from the light. Zerxus’ hair is uncombed and he’s still dressed in his sleepclothes. He’s swaying around the kitchen, humming to fill in the blanks when he forgets the words to whatever song he’s singing. His voice is still gravelly, this early in the morning.

Evandrin stands in the doorway, smiling faintly as he watches. It’s nearly half a minute before Zerxus notices him there, and when he does, there’s a burst of shock across his face that quickly melts away to something much warmer and softer.

“Good morning,” Zerxus says, grinning. Elias stirs in his arms and peers at Evandrin with big, sleepy eyes, but doesn’t otherwise move towards his father.

“Morning,” Evandrin breathes and floats closer to them. Zerxus wraps his free arm around him, and Evandrin presses a kiss to his forehead, then another to Elias’.

“I love you,” he says softly, suddenly, looking directly into the warmth of Zerxus’ eyes.

Zerxus stares at him, delighted, now fully awake.

It’s not like they didn’t know. Both of them. They knew.

It just hadn’t been put into those exact words, yet.

Zerxus leans in and kisses him again. “I love you too,” he says seriously, although he’s beaming brighter than the sun shines.

Evandrin exhales through his nose, his heart pounding. It’s nearly insane, how far gone he is for Zerxus.

Elias squirms and coos, and reaches out to grab Evandrin’s face.

Both men chuckle, but their eyes never leave each other.

It is a leap of faith, to say it. Zerxus confesses that he didn’t believe in love at first sight until he met Evandrin. That the intensity of it all scared him. That he’d never felt so deeply before.

I love you, and I know you love me too, and I will not leave because of it, Evandrin tells him. It is a gentle reminder, in the raw vulnerability of their passion, that they will not willfully hurt each other. That they are there to stay.

And so: I love you, Zerxus breathes against Evandrin’s sweaty skin. I love you, he moans, when their bodies are entangled and all Zerxus can feel is Evandrin’s hands on him. I love you, he whispers, and it is often the last thing he thinks or remembers before falling asleep each night. I love you, he says before kissing Evandrin goodbye whenever they must part.

He thinks it again now, during a sleepy dawn after a long night. They had both worked the evening before, but Elias and adrenaline both kept them awake, so instead of sleeping, they talked for hours, muttering half coherently to one another. Zerxus lies facing Evandrin, their hair spilling across pillows and tangling, their limbs intertwined as well.

“I love you,” Zerxus says. “I love you so very much.”

What Zerxus doesn’t say is that he knows every inch of Evandrin’s skin, that he knows the tanlines on his arms and neck, that he knows the number of freckles on each of Evandrin’s shoulders, that he has a thousand words to describe the exact color of his hair (red, to start, but also: fire in the sunlight, gold when it’s caught in the last light of the day, brown and heavy when it’s wet, thin and fine and delicate threads of silk, soft in Zerxus’ hands-), that there are calluses on both his hands but more on the left, his dominant hand, that his skin is rough sometimes, weathered by the sun and years of swordwork, but other times, his hands are soft and gentle because he’s just put oil on Elias’ sensitive skin. He knows he can feel each of Evandrin’s vertebrae, but only when his back is arched, he knows that Evandrin’s abdomen isn’t sharply defined, but when he puts his hands on his lover’s stomach, he can feel the toned muscle beneath him. He’s lean enough that Zerxus can trace the outline of his pelvis bone with his fingers, small enough that when they hug, Evandrin about disappears into the embrace. He knows the gentle pride and overwhelming joy that lights up Evandrin’s face when he looks at Elias, knows the quiet weariness and frustration in his hunched shoulders after a long day. He knows the proud smiles that are just for Laerryn, and the teasing grins, the amused glances, the wonder in his eyes, the love the love the love that fills his face and puts a spring in his step and makes Evandrin glow like pure starlight.

That glow is just for him. That glow is a testament to their love, their devotion, and the depth of their bond.

For Zerxus, the way Evandrin looks at him is the meaning of the universe. It is a reminder of all the things about love Evandrin has taught him: what it means to love every part of another person, and to love them with every part of yourself.

I know you in my soul. Every piece of you has been written into the very fabric of my being, and I realized this the very first time I saw you. I knew you, all of you, in every conceivable way, from the second you first told me your name. I knew then, as I know now, that our destinies were written as one. There is no part of my story that is without you. Every part of my past led to you, and you are my present, and you are the only future I could ever want or dream of.

“What is it?” Evandrin murmurs, his eyebrows pinched together, and Zerxus’ breath hitches. Evandrin wipes under his eyes, and Zerxus realizes that he’s crying, hot tears on his cheeks.

“I love you,” Zerxus chokes. “I love you so much I can’t stand it.”

Worry flashes to confusion fades to relief and endearment. “I love you too,” Evandrin says, pressing a kiss to Zerxus’ temple. He meets Zerxus’ eyes, and his own are shining. “I know,” he whispers, and when his voice wavers, Zerxus understands they are feeling this love in the same way. “I know it, too.”

When they rise, it is because they are restless and hungry. Elias’ room is finally quiet; they surmise that he’s asleep, for now. Evandrin and Zerxus share fruit and bread for breakfast, then Zerxus kisses Evandrin, and tries to make his goodbyes.

“Stay,” Evandrin says, and grabs Zerxus’ hand.

“I need to go home,” Zerxus protests, and Evandrin shakes his head. “I need to bathe. I need fresh clothes.”

“Get your things and come back here.”

“Change and come back?” Even before Evandrin shakes his head again, Zerxus knows that’s not what he needs.

“Pack up your house and bring everything here. Then, stay.”

“Move in?”

“Come home.” Evandrin juts his chin out stubbornly. “You spend more time here than anywhere else. I love you, Elias loves you-“

Zerxus cuts him off with a kiss. “Yes,” he says. “My love, you do not need to convince me. I am yours. I will stay.”

It is a simple routine of caring for Elias and going to work, and finding moments for themselves somewhere in between. There is balance, a gentle bliss to their domestic life, and it is good.

There are other serious conversations, beyond I love you and move in with me. There are difficult parts in building a life together, but they face them together and that is enough.

Much of it is good, though, like when the three of them are sitting together in the lounge, Elias crawling between their laps. Evandrin reaches out to smooth back Elias’ hair, then glances at Zerxus and grins.

“Darling,” he says slowly. “You know that when Elias talks, he will call me Ada. It’s what I called my own father.”

Zerxus raises an eyebrow, but nods. Evandrin’s father was an elf, and Evandrin has always been Ada, not Dad to Elias.

“I would like for him to call you Dad, Zerxus.”

“Oh,” Zerxus chokes, and Evandrin’s expression softens, . He squeezes Zerxus’ hand.

“Are you sure?” Zerxus manages. “I-“

“You love and care for him as a father does, Zerxus. You have devoted yourself to his care since before you moved into this house. You are very much his father; you are his parent as much I am.”

He nods, closing his eyes. Evandrin squeezes his hand again, and Zerxus clutches back, taking a breath to steady himself.

“I would be honored,” he says, voice trembling. “I- Evandrin,  I don’t know if I’ve ever told you how lucky I am to be a part of his life. That I found you and him both. That we are family chosen and made. That you trust me with your son, to care for him and love him. Truly, it’s an honor, Evandrin.”

The half-elf smiles, sincere, and presses their foreheads together. “Our son, my darling. He and I both are lucky to have you.”

Evandrin wants to be First Knight.

He’d said this the night they met; that this was how he wished to serve Avalir. Those were the principal goals; to raise Elias and to become First Knight. Since meeting Evandrin, Zerxus’ own goals have become similarly aligned, but.

That is another serious conversation they have.

“I want this.” Evandrin’s jaw is firmly set. “I have wanted this since returning to Avalir.”

“Then you will have it.”

“Elias-“

“Will be in my care.” Zerxus grips his partner’s shoulders. “My love, you will be First Knight. If you are gone more because of it-“ Evandrin bows his head, and Zerxus strokes his cheek, lifting his  head up again. “-then we shall miss you dearly and celebrate your successes as they come.” He leans in, kissing Evandrin tenderly. “But do not worry about Elias. You will be First Knight and I will care for him.”

And so Elias grows, and the more Evandrin works, the more Zerxus stays home to care for their son. Zerxus does not sacrifice his own job entirely, so there is a greater need for their nanny, but part of Zerxus’ heart breaks every time his son is left at home without one of his fathers. Evandrin works nearly twice as much as he once did, and Zerxus half as much, and that becomes their way of life.

It is a subtle thing, at first. But change takes hold, and it does not let go easily.

Elias’ cries pierce the night. Zerxus stirs first, but Evandrin wakes and stumbles out of bed before he can get up staggering into the nursery. He listens to Evandrin’s quiet murmurs, mixed in with muffled footsteps on the carpeted floor. The routine is so familiar, Zerxus knows it by sound alone: Elias has been changed and attempted to be fed, and still, he cries.

Sleep does not retake him, not while Evandrin struggles and Elias sobs. He figures- by the count of a jagged lullaby repeated over and over- it has been half an hour since Elias first woke them, and that is when Zerxus rises too, going to his partner and his son. Evandrin looks up at him with tired eyes, wordlessly handing over Elias, who squirms against his chest, burying his face into Zerxus’ tunic. He sobs, a pathetic, heartbroken sound, and Zerxus begins to rock him, rubbing soothing circles into his back.

Zerxus sits in the nursery’s rocking chair, Evandrin standing behind him. Elias begins to settle, his cries gradually quieting. They rock, and just minutes later, Elias is asleep.

“I’m impressed,” Evandrin murmurs, and when Zerxus looks up at him, his brow is pinched together. Then, his expression neutralizes, and he leans down to kiss the top of Zerxus’ head.

“Mm.” Zerxus stands carefully, but Elias isn’t disturbed until Zerxus makes an attempt to set him down. His eyes fly open and he gives a small cry. Zerxus sighs and brings Elias close to him once more.

“He just wants you,” Evandrin muses, then he presses a kiss to Zerxus’ cheek. “Come, then. Bring him to bed with us.”

Zerxus obliges, pulled into their bedroom with one hand and holding Elias with the other.

Elias is nearly a year old, and although Zerxus could have never predicted these circumstances, he finds himself fussing over development milestones. Their baby (his son) is already standing, clutching to their legs or furniture, wavering there as if he’s trying to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other and walk. Cerrit has been teasing them both, that they no longer have a baby, they have a toddler- Maya, who is about two, has been walking and flying already, and Zerxus suspects that it’s mostly a want for commiserating that prompts this teasing.

But Zerxus knows Elias will talk before he walks- Elias babbles incessantly, with clear confidence. He knows exactly what he’s saying, even if Zerxus can’t understand him.

“Dada,” Zerxus will say to him.

“Ada,” Evandrin insists a moment later. “My little love, it is the same sound but in a different order. Ada.”

And Elias will reply with something intelligible, and Zerxus will resolve again to keep talking to Elias until he’s granted a reply.

The three of them are together, on a rare lazy afternoon. Evandrin is making them lunch, Zerxus trying to prevent Elias’ own food from ending up on the floor. When he fails, Zerxus sighs, picking up berries off the floor and moving into the kitchen to dispose of the sullied fruit, but he turns his back, and-

“Dada,” Elias whines, kicking his legs. Zerxus and Evandrin both freeze, and Zerxus turns slowly around.

“Say that again,” he says, breathless. Elias meets his eyes, his face lighting up.

“Dadada,” he says proudly, and then Zerxus is laughing, scooping him out of his high chair.

“Dadada,” Elias continues, tugging at Zerxus’ beard. He hardly cares, because then Evandrin’s arms are around them both.

“My clever boy,” Evandrin coos, kissing Elias’ forehead, then Zerxus’. “You are so smart already.”

Elias stands, clutching the end of the sofa tightly. Zerxus holds out his arms to him, waiting, and then Elias lets go, standing on his own. He takes an uncertain step towards Zerxus, whose breath catches in his throat. Then, another step on wobbly legs, and Zerxus laughs with pure delight, but then Elias loses balance and promptly falls on his rear end. The laugher leaves Zerxus instantly, his face sobering, but then Elias peers up at him, grinning, and bursts into laughter.

Relieved, Zerxus’ smile returns, and he sweeps Elias into his arm, peppering him with kisses all across his face and belly.

“Look at you!” He gushes. “My sweet boy.” Almost instinctively, he looks around the room for Evandrin, then remembers his partner is gone for the day. Instead of sharing his joy with Evandrin, he buries his face in Elias’ downy hair. “Your father will be so proud of you.”

“Dadadada,” Elias insists. “Ada.”

“Yes, my love.” He kisses Elias’ forehead, and the boy squirms in his arms. “You will have to show off your talents when Ada gets home.”

When Evandrin returns, far later than his shift was scheduled to end, both Zerxus and Elias are asleep. He does not get to see a demonstration of Elias’ new skill until the morning comes, and when Zerxus sees the hurt shining in Evandrin’s eyes at what he’d missed, he kisses his love, assuring him that there are many days to come that they may share together, and that instead will be enough.

---------------

One year to the day they met, Evandrin takes Zerxus to the garden where they spent their first evening together. They ascend, hand in hand, to the rooftop overlook, and then, once a peaceful quiet has settled between them, Evandrin kisses Zerxus sweetly before dropping to one knee, producing a ring with a twisting gold band and dark glittering amethysts and sapphires.

“Zerxus,” Evandrin says. “I want to marry you.

“You are the love of my life and the father of my child and the other half of my soul. I knew from the moment I first saw you: our fates are intertwined and I am meant to spend the rest of my life loving you. You, Zerxus Ilerez, my beloved, are the only one who I could ever want-” He chokes then, visibly biting back a sob. “I want you. I need you in my life, every day, so long as I should live. I love you so much. Please-” tears begin to spill over, slipping down Evandrin’s cheeks. “Marry me.”

Zerxus laughs, a sound of pure joy; his legs wobble beneath him, and he too, sinks to his knees, crouching at Evandrin’s level.

“Yes,” he manages. Zerxus is crying too, tears blurring his vision. “Yes, of course.” He leans in to press his forehead against Evandrin’s; his tears drip down onto his love’s face and mingle with the salt already there. “I will marry you,” Zerxus says, and then Evandrin is kissing him desperately, full and hungry, grabbing him by the shirt and tugging their bodies flush. “I’m going to marry you,” Zerxus gasps, between kisses. “I love you so much.”

“We’re getting married,” Zerxus declares, grinning, and Cerrit and Nydas beam at them, instantly offering warm congratulations. Laerryn, however, just looks at Evandrin and smirks, and Patia and Loquatius share a shit-eating grin.

“You don’t have to be so smug about it,” Zerxus complains, his shoulders sagging. Beside him, Evandrin laughs, and it is a sound still as beautiful as the first time Zerxus heard it.

“In our defense,” Quay says, although he’s smiling now, warm and genuine, “we’ve known you two were going to get married since the night you first met.”

Nydas laughs at that, then folds Zerxus into a hug. “It is not a surprise,” he confirms. “Though it is joyous news nonetheless. Congratulations, brother.”

It is the first and last step of a journey together; long have Zerxus and Evandrin dedicated themselves to building a life together. Their son will only ever know Zerxus and Evandrin both as his parents; they have a home and a family together already, and, in many ways, that completes the first part of their lives as partners. Concurrently, their engagement- their looming marriage- is the foundation of all of this- they are each other’s spiritually, mentally, physically- and now contractually. 

“It is the solidification of our lives together, in the eyes of the gods,” Evandrin says, then his lips twitch and he rolls his eyes. “Or in the eyes of Avalir, legally speaking.”

A wedding, rings- these things mean less than waking up beside each other every day, less than raising a child together, less than choosing to spend their time together, less than confessing their hopes and dreams to one another. 

But it is nice to formalize it. And better still, they can celebrate their love for the whole world to see, in a celebration that has Avalir buzzing with excitement.

They wed at the end of summer. It rains all day, then the skies part an hour before the ceremony, and they resume their plans of marrying in an outside courtyard, in Gallamor, near where they first met.

Both men don robes of deep blue and ceremonial armor. Evandrin is already more decorated than Zerxus, but that hardly matters. They had been parted early in the morning, Elias left to Cerrit’s care. When they meet again on the altar, they have eyes only for each other. The crowd- which includes the Ring of Brass, and the Ring of Silver, and many other prestigious figures in Avalir- whispers softly amongst themselves, but Zerxus does not hear. There, in front of him, is the love of his life.

“Welcome, all, to this most joyous union…” Quay begins, focusing on the two men before him, then smiling widely out at the crowd.

Evandrin beams at him; he’s always beautiful, always shining, but Zerxus especially knows it now. He’s resplendent, teeming with joy. Zerxus loves him so much.

But Zerxus thinks on it too long, and his eyes fill with tears; he takes half a step closer to Evandrin, who gives a watery smile and reaches up to hold his face. He presses their foreheads together, and they stand like that while the Quay continues. He speaks of love and commitment and Zerxus half listens, but mostly, he’s focused on Evandrin, who wipes the tears from his cheeks and breathes with him, until:

“Do you, Evandrin Alterra, swear to love, protect, and honor this man, as long as you both shall live?”

Evandrin beams at Zerxus. “I do.”

“And do you, Zerxus Ilerez, swear to love, protect, and honor this man, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” His voice cracks.

“I now pronounce you wed. You may kiss.”

They do. Zerxus eagerly closes the gap between them, and Evandrin responds in kind, and that is the beginning, and the end.

[khneltea]

daminette villainess au pt.1

@illiteratefucks @mgi-events

prompts: fantasy + last chance

marinette didn't expect to be transported to another world after falling asleep while playing the new otome game tiktok blew up about

she didn't remember anything about it.

at. all.

in her defence, she was playing it for the gacha rolls for dress up and because the clothing + graphics were really pretty

no it was not because one of the sub male leads had the prettiest green eyes she'd ever seen shut up

and she reincarnated as the villainness 'Marie', modeled after Marie Antoinette

basically, a brat with a ridiculously complicated updo who ate sweets all day long and threw frivolous parties to try and get the crown prince, Adrian

but she reincarnated when 'Marie' was 14, meaning she still hadn't travelled from the countryside (where her mother and 'father' raised her) AND BEFORE SHE WAS TAKEN TO THE CITY TO BE WITH HER BIOLOGICAL FATHER

aww her parents are bakers

wait omg this is why Marie was obsessed with sweets

it was because she missed her parents

"GAME CREATORS, WHY DID YOU ROB THIS SWEET GIRL OF HER PRECIOUS AND HEARTBREAKING BACKSTORY"

anyways

she misses her parents in the real world

and these new game parents 'Edward (everyone called him Ted)' and 'Celine' were so much like her actual parents

OH WHOOPS BIO DAD IS AN ASSHOLE AND IS LIKE "I'M GONNA KILL YOU TWO IF YOU DON'T GIVE UP MY DAUGHTER TO ME"

fuck you biodad

so Marinette goes to the house to save her parents cus she doesn't want them dying

surprise surprise, bio dad (who is a count) only wants her there so she can get a 'proper' lady's education and become a tool for marriage

"you might be a bastard, but you still have some uses."

marinette is furious

she sneaks out of the house at night

wears a ridiculously red hat because apparently that's what is in fashion according to her half-sister Dahlia

who suspiciously looked like the main heroine 'Lia' from the promotional content

so the only clothing she had was from her half-sister

who begged their father not to have to give up her clothes

but then in front of the servants, she started to cry on the spot about Marinette stealing her clothes

"but *sniff* it's ok because *sniff sniff* she needs them more."

servants don't like marinette now

SO ANYWAYS SHE'S SNEAKING OUT SO SHE CAN FRICKING BREATH AND GET SOME CLOTHES THAT AREN'T THE UGLY POOFY STUFF LIE-A GAVE HER

but then she gets stopped cus someone thought she would be easy to rob

"give up the money, or we'll kill you"

and the award for most original line goes to-

she scoffs at them and brushes past them

the guy pulls out a knife and tries to stab her with it

oh look, gravity works on her as she "trips", sweeping her flailing legs under his own and making him fall backwards as she stumbles forwards

she hears thumps behind her and whirls around to see a band of...teenagers?

they all looked like they came out of a fantasy novel

elf ears, daggers and bows and arrows, grey and black tunics, a few blue fabrics peeking out of the black cloaks they all wore, pink hair, purple hair, metal enhancements

AND DID ONE OF THEM HAVE GREEN SKIN?

the teenagers bring out their weapons

marinette is so done with this and she's about to bring out her makeshift sharp-rock-tied-to-a-scarf

when the teenagers help her

wham bam kapow

done

the green one spoke up first

"are you ok there, sweet stuff?" *gets slapped in the head*

marinette blushes

the purple-haired girl speaks

"sorry about him, he's always flirting with everyone"

"it's ok. thank you so much for helping"

the one who is obviously the leader of the group stepped up and oh my god

his outfit was ridiculous

who wore a yellow tunic with red pants and a green cloak??? who did that????

she broke out of her thoughts as he pulled back his hood and she saw his eyes past his green cloth mask

was it a mask if it was a piece of cloth tied blindfold style with slits for him to see through?

but back to the topic

"What are you doing here, alone, where you could possibly be robbed?"

oh my god its him its him

The teenage boy spoke up again, bite in his voice

oh my god it is, it really is— HOLY SHIT HE JUST THREW A DAGGER RIGHT BY MY EAR I COULD HEAR IT WHOOSH

"This is going to be your last chance to tell me. Why are you here, wearing that ostentatious, ugly hat?"

and, despite being faced with the threat of being harmed, she snorted

"Like I'd take fashion advice from you, Robin Hood."

yes, it was the most famous sub-male lead, the one with the deepest, most gorgeous green eyes to exist in this universe and her own, Robin.

[lobstermobster-95]

Secret & Forbidden

Summary: The world changed when Thunder fell. It’s been thirteen years and now half of Xadia is under human occupation. Lives continue to be lost and relations between elves and humans are less certain than ever. Despite it all, a human prince and a moonshadow elf find themselves falling in love. But with their people at war, what can two hearts do to stop the fighting?

Chapter Seventeen:

It wasn’t until late the following afternoon that Harrow felt rested enough to summon Callum to his study to discuss the reconstruction project, and much to his chagrin, when he pulled open the door, he found Lord Viren in attendance as well. He gave a slight bow as Callum entered before they both took a seat in the plush armchairs facing Harrow’s desk.

“We’ve been discussing your plan,” Harrow said. “And I believe Viren has come up with a very reasonable compromise to my safety concerns.”

“Dad, I already told you, I’ll be fine. I –”

Harrow raised a hand. “I trust you, son, I do. But I also can’t ignore the fact that, somehow, at least one elf made it onto the grounds last night. It’s my job to do everything in my power to keep you and your brother safe. Which is why Viren has volunteered Claudia to join you in Tenebris as protection.”

Callum’s jaw went slack. “No, Dad, Claudia hates the elves. She doesn’t want to help them; she told me as much the other day.”

“I have spoken to Claudia about her distrust,” Viren interjected smoothly. “While she remains skeptical, as many of us do, she understands and appreciates this project’s importance to you, Prince Callum. I can assure she will be on her best behavior.”

Somehow Callum doubted that.

“I also understand that this arrangement may be…awkward, given recent events,” continued Harrow. “But if these assassins are communicating through cloaked magic, it’s important for you to have a mage close by. And since I need Viren here, Claudia is the only option.” He looked genuine in his sympathy but, nevertheless, Callum knew there would be no arguing the matter. The decision had clearly been made.

“How soon can we go?” He asked instead.

Full chapter up now on Ao3

[geekinclara]

Change and Secrets

Hello everyone! I have been planning a superhero au of Hermitcraft and Empires for sometime now, and I finally started writing it. This is just an extract of the first chapter.

Chapter 1 extract: Old friends, same people?

851 WORDS, By Geekord

Night patrols were her favorites, the moon illuminating, and the wind on her face while she ran over the roofs of the city. And after a few moments she got sight of her patrol partner,Dwarf King, a vigilante, that she met through her brother.

“Hey Gilded!” The hero waved with his axe.

Pearl jumped one last time to arrive at the building they had accorded a few nights prior. “Hey Skull, haven’t see you around here since last time we did a patrol”

“Yeah, yeah, I have been busy in other parts of the city. Catching some petty criminals, completing some jobs, y’know, the usual.” Dwarven Skull explained.

She sighed. “I’m not gonna ask about those jobs, because I don’t want to know the answer.” Dwarven Skull was a vigilante part-time, and a mercenary for the other part. And she knew that. “So, have you seen anything interesting around?”

“Not that I have noticed yet.” That’s when something catches his attention in the distance. “Pearl, isn’t it summer?”

“Codenames. And what are you talkin-” Pearl looked over in the same direction as Impulse, and she saw a snow blizzard forming above the city center, 5 blocks away. “I see what you mean. Let’s go.”

Impulse nodded. They jumped from the building, using a vine, grown by Pearl, as a ramp.

While they were running, Pearl couldn’t stop thinking. Elemental control is a pretty rare power, you were lucky if you found two people with the same element control, but normally it was only one person you could find with a power of that kind. And Pearl knew only one person with ice powers. A person who she thought she wouldn’t see again. But her inner monologue was interrupted by the sight of a fight scene that was already finished.

And there he was, the new ‘hero’, she hoped, already having stopped a robbery, and now waiting for the authorities to get them to jail. The ice bender turns to where the pair is, and heads towards them, Pearl grabbing his arm when she can, and taking him further into the alleyway they were in, Impulse following her.

“Emmm, firstly, rude. And second, I was going to introduce myself, hello, I’m Frost Elf, nice to mee-” The hero was soon interrupted by Pearl.

“Cut the charade. Scott. What are you doing back in the city?” Pearl said with a bit of anger in her voice.

Scott, who was in the middle of doing a bow, was shocked at the question, who would be able to discover his identity so easily?

“Pearl? What’s happening?” Impulse injected into the exchange.

“Skull, codenam- you know what, it doesn’t matter now. Now Scott, are you gonna keep looking at the floor, or are you gonna answer my question?” Pearl crossed her arms waiting for the answer.

Scott raised her head, and looked into her masked face. Was this really Pearl? Wow, lucky him to encounter one of the persons he knew could still hold a grudge to him. “Hi, Pearl… it has been so long si-”

“Don’t try to avoid the question Scott. Why did you come back?” She said it in the coldest way possible.

“And I thought I had the ice powers.” Scott tried to joke about it. “I have been back for a few weeks now. I came back for my dad’s funeral, which I was the only one to attend, and then decided to stay, y’know, I missed this city.” Scott moved his eyes to the sky.

Pearl changed her body language almost immediately after hearing that. Why am I being so defensive? Didn’t I forgive him? Or am I still trying to find someone to put the blame on?. She uncrossed her arms, and went to hug him. “Oh Scott, I’m so sorry”

Her actions startled him, but he received nonetheless. “Don’t worry, I’m getting over it pretty quickly.” A lie.

“Ehem,,,” Impulse interrupted their moment. “Can someone, please, explain what’s happening here?” He said, mostly impatient.

“Oh, yeah, well it’s a long story, but making it sh-” Pearl was interrupted by the loud noise of an explosion a few squares from where they were. “Gosh, what’s with all the crime today.”

They started running.

A few minutes passed before they could arrive at the scene, where they found the police already what seemed like the main suspect of the explosion. A person in a purple wizard attire, with red streaks all over it. They wore a big purple wizard hat that seemed too big for them. And her face was covered in a mask that used the same color scheme as the rest of their attire, but what stood out the most, when the villain turned their head towards our heroes, was their eyes, irises of an intense crimson red that look directly at them, 

“Well, well, well. Look who has come to play.” The villain started. “Oh, where are my manners? The name is Wizard, now let’s start.” They invoked a staff, with a crimson gem on top, on their right hand, and jumped in direction to Scott.

[kathrynalicemc]

Next Gen/HPMA Connections

So everyone is doing this so I figured i would make a new one myself. I did do one recently but it wasnt super in depth and I also made some new kids since. So once again, hmu if you want friends/rivals/dormmates/ships, etc. Im not gonna order by house and instead will order by years. NOTE: Did not include Renee & Rhys Mcclarnon or Lennox Arcano-Thorne as they are shared kids with @thatravenpuffwitch and @endlessly-cursed. Let me know or msg them if you are interested in them!

Dayamanti Arcano - 1994

Gryffindor

Child: Mckenzie Foy Adult: Anne Hathaway

She/her

Sexuality is tbd, offer anyone

Loner, burdened older sister who has to raise her sisters vibes

Just wants to be alone from her sisters for once

Conflicting feelings of secretly wanting to protect them all the time

Blacksmith later in life

Talented at dueling (magical and greatsword), plays quidditch as a chaser

Nessi Lucerne - October 20th, 1996 (hpma)

Slytherin

FC: Cara Delevingne

Half kelpie

She/they

Pansexual

ADHD vibes

Doesn't understand human culture and can seem niave or dumb

Very loud, energetic, friendly. Will make you be her friend

Doesn't really understand people making fun of her

Dafne Arcano - January 5th, 1997 (hpma)

Ravenclaw

Young: Milly Alcock Adult: Julia Almendra(?)

She/her

Lesbian (Shes Taken maybe??)

Depression vibes

Necromancer

Loves dead things and the history lost to time

Bullied for being a freak as a kid so she purposely drives people away by being cold

Secretly loves her friends and is just a nerd

Kiri Amaryllis - July 14th, 1997 (hpma)

Hufflepuff

FC: Elle Fanning

She/her

Asexual (Still feels romantic, but shes Taken already)

Huge Anxiety vibes

Half house elf (4' tall ish)

She was abused by her aunt for her entire childhood so she is very sensitive and has anxiety. Very hard to befriend

Loves plants and uses them for healing later in life

Might steal any misc trinket or garbage you have (buttons, paperclips, etc)

Siv Arcano-Thorne - December 2nd, 2000

Slytherin

FC: Hailee Steinfeld

She/her

Lesbian

Takes after her dad Kaari in being reckless and bold. Not gryffindor because she will do anything she wants to get what she wants. Including breaking rules and crime. Doesn't take shit from anyone

Loves dragons. Has an antipodean opaleye named Zepheline

Plays quidditch as a chaser

Loves pizza, rock and roll 80's music, old trucks

Dragonologist later in life. Also becomes a vigilante to stop dragon fighting rings and egg black markets

Mikael Arcano-Thorne - 2002

Ravenclaw

FC: Ethan Peck

He/him

Sexuality tbd; offer any

Huge nerd like his cousin Dafne. Except he loves ancient languages, runes included

Talented linguist

Plays quidditch as a seeker or keeper most likely?

Least of the Arcano cousins to want to fight but is trained with a sword

Soft spoken, quiet, kind

Dielle Arcano - 2002

Hufflepuff

Child: Freya Allen Adult: Morfyyd Clark

She/her

Sexuality tbh; offer any

The baby of the 3 Arcano sisters, was young when their parents died

Pure heart and takes care of others first

Healer and her gift gives her forcefield shields to protect

Trained with a bow

Secretly wants to prove herself to her sisters that she isnt a little girl anymore and can be badass and a leader

[atherix]

Thinking about thief Rapunzel AU in the context of Midnight AU and someone tried to rip-off renowned bandit Cleo. Such a slight cannot stand so that person had to die. But then BDubs discovered a baby that their target clearly kidnapped. They take the baby but have no idea who to go to for the reward of finding said baby because the kidnapper didn’t write down a plan or directions or anything useful. The 37th prince has been missing for years.

ANON YOU ARE SO BIG BRAINED I AM SCREAMING???? OH MY GOD

So fun fact about me but my dad was always working and my bio-mother was very absent even before she straight-up left us, so a lot of my raising was left to my oldest sibling. So, rather than parental figures- "big sibling raising me" vibes. Cleo, a kid from the streets themself, growing up into becoming a notorious Bandit Queen, barely (if even) 18 themself and leading a band of thieves that they used to run through the streets with- none of them know what the fuck they're doing, barely more than kids themselves and only just starting to make a name for themselves (thus why some hotshot bandit who managed to steal the literal Elven Prince from his palace thought they could screw Cleo's gang over). Scar would be probably acquired as a toddler rather than an infant (for Reasons), too young to remember twenty years later and unable to speak anything other than toddler-y Fae. But just. JHFjkdjkfdkj the image of a whole village of bandits trying to take care of a toddler when they're LITERALLY BANDITS and don't even have their own lives together-

Scar, growing up surrounded by all these bandits. Trained by the bandit queen themself. He can talk CIRCLES around you and just- hjkfdsjkfdsl Also, seeing as Cleo and BDubs have their polycule (<3 you can rip poly hermits from my cold dead hands <3), everyone just. Banding together to raise this weird Elf child whose hair grows way too long and too fast to keep up with, and teaching him how to handle weapons (bow and arrow is his go-to ofc <3) and talk his way out of anything but failing to give him a healthy dose of fear/self preservation skills and kISYTFHSJKS

Also. Also. This would give Scar a reason to kidnap Mumbo, if his bandit crew got arrested one day. Just him, bargaining- "Your prince for my family" style hjfdskfdsk

I am. So normal about all this- hjfdsjkfdskj the thirty-seventh prince has been missing for years-

[gossip-girl-of-middleearth]

The Road Less Travelled (Legolas x Reader) (Part 2)

A/N: A continuation of my Fellowship x Pregnant! Reader story, in which you ended up choosing Legolas to help raise your unplanned child. Part 2 can be read without reading part 1 first.

Synopsis: Life with Legolas, your two daughters and your treehouse is perfect, until one night, parental instincts go on ignored, and things go deeply awry.

Warnings: I watched The Conjuring before bed tonight and was unfortunately inspired. Enjoy. Also Legolas is a cute adoptive father send tweet.

Pairings: Legolas x Reader

Word Count: 2610

Rain fell heavily outside, though yourself and your family did not feel said rain. Buried below glorious crowns of leaves, your treehouse was situated securely.

Built into the thick trunk of an Ithilien tree by Legolas’ own bare hands, your treehouse was set with two bedrooms, and resembled an elevated cottage more than anything else. Around the length of the cosy home, a rounded balcony lay.

Leading down from said balcony was an old rope your children used to climb to and from home. One broken ankle later from your youngest twin, however, and a winding set of stairs was built into the trunk below, too — leading up to your balcony.

And indeed, “twins” was right.

Learning on the Fellowship’s journey that you were pregnant with that no-good Brander’s child was shocking enough, let alone discovering at the actual birth that said little baby’s embryo had split into two, providing you with a set of beautiful daughters.

Fortunately, they were nothing alike their biological father in spirit — possessing kind hearts and noble souls instead. Even more fortunately, they garnered your looks. Regarding their appearances, although twins, they each held distinctive differences.

Perhaps the luckiest of all, your old Fellowship colleague, now turned husband, seemed to have the most influence on both Ivorwen and Tobrien — better known simply as “Ivy” and “Toby”.

Rabbit stew, a recipe sent from your Shire friends, was made for dinner that night, as the four of you sat around a wooden table and ate merrily, enjoying the lively atmosphere the warm candles provided.

“There is still hair on the meat!” Ivy insisted, though, the grin on her 9-year-old cheeks gave away her agenda.

“There is not!” Legolas urged back, sharing her grin.

You and Toby laughed brightly, passing a plate of rolls between one another. This argument had been going on since before any of you had even sat down.

Ivy made a show of stabbing a chunk of rabbit and holding it up. “Yes, there is! See? There’s hair on it! You’re a horrible cook after all!”

Legolas made a show of squinting his eyes and leaning across the table to inspect the chunk of rabbit, before settling back into his chair and pressing on.

“That’s most likely your own hair! How many times have I encouraged you to learn my version of braiding?” Legolas pointed out, gesturing to his own locks.

Your eyes crinkled with amusement and love, as you watched the dad and daughter exchange teasing words, even if none of those words were actually “dad”, “father” or even “ada”.

“You’re impossible, Varno,” Ivy shook her head, still smiling nonetheless. “Just admit your talent lies in hunting and not in cooking.”

“I resent that accusation,” Legolas playfully warned, pointing a fork at Ivy.

“Varno” was a name both you and Legolas had decided upon. “Ada” reminded him too much of his own father, and “uncle” simply felt too misplaced.

So, instead, “Varno” was decided upon — meaning “protector” in Legolas’ own language, which is exactly what he had been for you, ever since that fateful night by the campfire you’d learnt of your predicament.

Although many of your friends and colleagues that evening offered you their hand in marriage, you had felt a maternal stirring within you. Something told you to choose the best of the best for your unborn offspring, and who better than a steadfast elf to keep you safe?

You had been watching Legolas one night, a few evenings after learning of the life growing within you, with your hand over your stomach.

Although you still didn’t quite have the full comprehension of knowledge behind this, you truly believed, till this day, that both Ivy and Toby told you to “choose that one—he’s our dad”.

Resolute in your mind, you approached Legolas and accepted his offer of marriage. He was ecstatic and gleeful, and then a little boastful to the other suitors. Cockiness befell him for a short while, until your stomach grew and a paternal kick changed him.

He matured overnight and grew from a young archer into an awaiting father, despite the girls not being his. That never slowed him, though—he was a better father to Ivy and Toby than some real dads were to their own children.

He soon married you after the war, and the rest was history.

After you had to break Legolas and Ivy’s “fight” up with a laugh and a motherly warning, the table was cleared.

“All right, dishes to the kitchen, and then teeth,” Legolas announced, quirking a brow in Ivy’s direction as she walked past.

Legolas mouthed to her that their fight wasn’t over, and Ivy made a show of raising her brows once in challenge.

“She gets that from Gimli, I know it. Don’t ask me how,” Legolas whispered to you, as you too walked by.

“Intrusive visits and loud Yules,” you joked, grinning over your shoulder at your best friend.

Grimacing, Legolas winced his teeth with a hiss. “Do not speak of such holidays, let us just enjoy the autumn while it lasts.”

“You don’t want Yule to come soon?” Toby asked, appearing from behind Legolas, and peeking her head around his torso to gaze up in his direction. “What about toys?”

“Galadriel sends the best, and nothing has topped the bow she gave me in Lothlorien eight years ago,” Legolas replied. “Have you brushed your teeth yet, aranel?” (princess)

Toby made a prolonged noise, as she beamed brightly to show off her teeth.

“No, I don’t fall for pretty girls and pretty teeth, thank you very much,” said Legolas shaking his head. “Breath test.”

He bent down and allowed her to piggyback ride him. Standing swiftly, he looked over his shoulder and at her, where she then breathed loudly with an open mouth into his face.

Legolas scrunched his nose and recoiled. “Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell someone with stinky gums. And I’ve been to Mordor.”

Toby’s eyes grew bright with excitement. “Will you tell us another Fellowship story tonight?”

“Only if you brush your teeth,” Legolas answered, nuzzling his nose with hers.

Ivy walked past again, done with her dishes, and scoffed at Legolas. “Don’t listen to him, Toby. It’s bribery!”

Legolas gently kicked her ankle as she walked by, although, a feather could’ve done more damage—your “gentle giant”, you called him.

“Very well then, tonight I’ll tell you all about the Mouth of Sauron, and why brushing your teeth is important,” Legolas said again, turning around to watch the eldest twin head for the bathroom down the hall.

She waved him off over her shoulder, before disappearing to brush her teeth.

Toby swiftly kissed Legolas’ cheek, before dismounting from the piggyback ride and skipping after her sister.

You watched from the kitchen sink with a warm smile, and wiped a bowl with a dry rag. You observed the ardent love in Legolas’ eyes, as he watched the hall for a minute, where Toby and Ivy could be heard giggling over their dad’s cooking skills.

He finally shook his head and turned to you, wearing a content smile of his own. Catching your warm expression, he walked towards you with a sly question on his tongue.

“What?”

“Nothing,” you replied, returning to the dishes. “But have I ever thanked you for marrying me and helping me to raise those two ladies?”

“Ladies is a stretching term,” said Legolas, coming up behind you with a wrapping of your torso and a burying of his cheek in your hair, as he hugged you from behind, “but no—I don’t think the few thousand times is enough. Could you perhaps tell me once more?”

You melted into his hug, laughed like bright bells, and turned around. Wrapping your own arms around him, you buried your head into his shoulder and embraced him tightly.

“Well, thank you,” you emphasised, teasing him slightly.

Rocking the hug a little, he kissed the top of your head, and responded after a moment. “Actually, it is you all the thanks is owed to—I never assumed a life like this would be possible for me, but here we are.”

“Here we are,” you agreed, squeezing the hug once more.

You both stayed like that for a moment, before he kissed the top of your head again and let go. “You can ready the girls for bed if you’d like, I’ll finish up here.”

You lifted his hand and kissed the back of it, before walking away. Your hands remained held until the distance you walked grew too much, and Legolas had to let go to stay in front of the sink.

He smiled after you, as you disappeared around the wall.

Sighing in tranquillity, as the rain grew outside, Legolas looked out the glass window to his side. All he could make out were tree trunks through the rain and moonlight, and the prince basked in the sense of home for a few seconds.

However, the placid state could only last for so long. Unsure if the girls teasing him all day on their rabbit hunt had just worn him down, or if his eyes were indeed working correctly, a sway of trees exposed a trunk in the distance, where Legolas could have sworn he saw a body scaling.

Narrowing his eyes and knitting his brows, the archer moved closer to the glass window. As his breath fogged up the glass, Legolas moved as close as he dared to the window, observing the distant trunk.

Peering harder and harder, Legolas prayed for the wind to sway the leaves again, so he could view the tree. However, before he had the chance to do so, a quick voice from behind startled him.

“C’mon, Varno!” Toby urged, waving her dad to follow. “Me and Ivy are ready for the bedtime story!”

Legolas jumped on his feet, most unlike an elf indeed, and snapped his eyes over his shoulder to his daughter. Meeting her young gaze, he calmed.

Although, with the odd anomaly on the distant trunk still on his mind, Legolas turned back to the window. The leaves swayed again, and Legolas saw the tree once more. However, this time, no beings scaled the side of it.

He swallowed his nerves and shook his head, as his daughter called him once more.

“Varno?” Her voice was slow and unsure.

Meeting her eyes again, he beamed brightly and ran forwards. Scooping her loudly laughing self into his arms, he spun around and lifted her high—all whilst heading down the hall.

Toby’s laughs and Legolas’ eagle noises alerted you first, as they flew into the bedroom. “Eagle Attack” was a game he’d played with the girls since birth, where he’d lift them high, making them “fly”, and screech obnoxiously.

It usually ended with him gently throwing them down onto a bed or couch, in an effort to tire them out before slumber. Tonight, apparently, was no different.

“Aren’t we a little too old for Eagle Attack, Varno?” Ivy taunted, already sitting cross-legged on her bed, as you brushed her hair beside her.

“I’m over two thousand-years-old, and I still find it fun,” Legolas taunted back. He collapsed onto Toby’s bed with her backwards, leaving the younger twin a laughing mess.

“I do not think that tires them out as much as you believe,” you advised, shaking your head with a smile in your husband and daughter’s direction, who asked for the ride again.

“That’s why I have stories hidden up my sleeve,” Legolas replied. He sat up on his elbows, and smirked at you.

You gave him a playful frown, before finishing Ivy’s hair. Kissing your daughter’s cheek, you began tucking her in.

Legolas readied one candle, and dimmed all the other lanterns, so sleep would find the girls swiftly. Soon, as you tended to Ivy and he to Toby, Legolas’ story began.

It was one you remembered well, and one you also didn’t want to. You appreciated how comical Legolas delivered the story, in a way accessible to children, for there was nothing child-friendly about that war.

It wasn’t long after that, that soft snores from the girls filled the room.

Bringing the woollen blanket up to each daughter’s chin, and kissing their temples, you and Legolas bid them a soft goodnight from the door.

Closing it behind yourselves, you both began the small journey down the hall back to your shared room. He wrapped one arm around your back, and led you safely to the door.

Upon entering the room, you each made your way to your own beds. You had only shared a few kisses on the lips throughout your marriage, usually in times of great emotion, like the birth of your daughters, or the wedding itself.

Yours and Legolas’ marriage was almost entirely platonic, but he loved you more than any other, and you him. Only Ivy and Toby were counted among his other greatest loves, with you sitting safe right beside them.

Although nothing physical or lustful of nature took place between you, your relationship was one of deep devotion, and you had, in your own way, each pledged yourselves entirely to one another.

It was simply the most beautiful friendship, and one neither of you forsook.

Fluffing up your pillow, you rearranged your bed, which was only a metre away from Legolas’ own. He did the same, and hummed to himself slightly over the rain outside.

“This weather is a little intense, isn’t it?” you spoke up, looking at the roof above once in gesture.

He followed your gaze and agreed from behind his concerned frown. “I was almost worried earlier that the roof would collapse, with the leaves now falling and such.”

“For its seventh autumn, it isn’t doing too bad,” you decided, now sliding into bed.

“Agreed,” Legolas smiled, commending himself and his handiwork.

As he slipped into his own sheets, Legolas thought of what he saw earlier scaling the trunk. You were just about to reach over, wish your best friend a goodnight, before turning the candle out, until Legolas’ voice stopped you.

“Actually, meleth nîn—” he called, earning a blinking back of your eyes.

Conflicted over his own words, that same paternal feeling that kicked within him eight years ago drove his instincts. Sucking on his lower lip in thought, Legolas decided to trust whatever his gut was telling him, and lifted his blankets over to the side.

He beckoned you to slide into the covers with him. It was nothing unusual for you both, for many nights you had spent sleeping in the same bed with him. It first started in those early winter days, when your teeth chattered and your bones shivered.

His body warmth provided both solace and security, until you each grew so comfortable around one another that hugging in your sleep seemed as casual as a pat on the shoulder.

You almost went to tease him about being touch-starved or something of the likes, until you saw the look behind his eyes. They were the eyes of a concerned patriarch, and you knew better than to disagree with him.

After all, you knew to trust your own maternal instincts. His were no different.

Without saying a word, you slipped out from your bed and climbed into his, relishing in the warmth of his arms. He kissed the top of your head goodnight, before turning the candle off.

Only a small percentage of the fear within his stomach subsided, but he tried hard to fight it away. Nonetheless, the rain lulled him to sleep, where he then fell into a light slumber alongside you.

That is, until the bloodcurdling screaming of the girls started.

[theblogofdurin]

Cloaked in Green || Chp.10: Platters

word count: 1,756

Edited 2/25/22

warning(s): I suck at figuring these out so please tell me you find something triggering or whatever. I promise to get better at it

summary: I found a way to write in multiple points of view without killing myself!!! || Elrond is still a dad, some company x Aranea interaction.

Official Pairing: Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!OC

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Read here: Chp. 9, Cloaked Masterlist

Aranea Pov.

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“My Lady?”

The voice repeated as I reached the top of the staircase.

"Halthron? " 

A mop of dark brown hair came rushing over as I met him half-way to the side of the balcony. 

Slamming a hand over his heart before bowing his head towards me, then nodding in acknowledgement to Elrond and Gandalf. It was just then I looked over my shoulder to notice that the Dwarves were still yet to follow us up. Greeting Halthron back and I pulled him farther off to the side, I questioned, “What's wrong?”

“Sister, -” he whispered and off he went. He panted and spoke so rushed and hushly that it took me a minute to comprehend that he was speaking in our crudest and oldest language. 

"Then I traveled back to Bree and when you weren’t there, and they said that you went off on this quest and I thought I leave a letter or have Lord Elrond send for you or leave something here for Lo-"

"Hey, hey slow down." Snapping his mouth, he panted as he placed his hands on his knees. "My apologies, My lady." He breathed. 

“It’s okay, just tell me what's got you so worked up and out of breath?” Halthron slowly pulled himself up straight, wheezing slightly. 

Finally, after swallowing deeply, he spoke more clearly. “My Lady, please know that I tried to find you or My Lord as quickly as I could. I rushed all over the countryside to find one or you.”

"It's fine, just tell me the problem, I never heard you use Adûnayân before?" He nodded "I know My lady, it's just the situation that has transpired that calls for me to speak like this here." 

"What's the situation?"

"We found tracks outside the High Fells." 

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Narration Switch.

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"What about Lady Aranea?" Asked Bilbo as he raised his hand to be seen from the middle of the crowd. The dwarves all muttered their agreements.

"She'll catch up with us in a minute." Gandalf reassured them. 

"Trust me, she knows the way to the dining hall." Elrond laughed heartily before continuing down the small path to the said dining hall. The Elf King and The Grey Wizard smiled at each other as they walked ahead talking lowly in Elvish. 

"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" Elrond coughed and glanced behind them at the dwarf king, who was too busy glaring at Dwalin to notice the attention. 

"It depends..." 

"On?" Elrond waited impatiently. 

"What you think you see." Gandalf smiled teasingly at the eye roll from the elf next to him.

"Erthil is like a daughter to me Mithrandir. I am only-" 

"I know Mellon, and don't worry the longing looks have been only mutual." 

Laughing at the almost pained grimace on Elrond's face Gandalf continued "I believe there is more at play between the two than we both might think." Before Elrond could ask, Gandalf interrupted, "It is kind of you to invite us. Not really dressed for dinner." Gesturing to his robes, Gandalf smiled apologetically. 

"Well, you never are." Elrond winked "Trust me when I say that between you, Estel and Erthil, you all broke us of expecting proper dress wear when it comes to dinner." 

When the small dinner party reached the pavilion, Elrond turned to gesture at the floor table that had floor cushions along the sides and ends. "I hope that this suits you just fine. It's been so long since we've had Dwarves and Hobbits as guests. If we ever are to eat together again. I will make sure to have the proper arrangements." 

"Thank you." Thorin grunted before waving his hand in signal to the others. 

As the dwarves and Bilbo moved to sit comfortably around the table. Gandalf gestured for the dwarf king to sit at the higher-legged table with himself and Elrond. The food began to arrive not that long after everyone settled in their spots. 

Bilbo was one of the first ones to dig in, whole-heartily enjoying the fresh array of vegetables and fruit. Biting into one of the deliciously ripe tomatoes, he made a self-note in his mind to check out the garden before he left. Maybe he can strike up some barter with the Elves in exchange for some to take on the journey. 

“Where’s the meat?” Dwalin questioned dumping a bowl of salad on the table. Across from him, Fili shrugged just as perplexed and annoyed as he was. 

“Just try it. Just a mouthful.” Dori pressured Ori, who inspected the big lettuce leaf in his hand like it could (and would) bite him any second.

“I don’t like green food.” Ori shuddered before throwing it back into the bowl. “Got any chips?” he questioned down the line. 

Kili notices one of the elf musicians and after giving them a flirty look, winks, but immediately frowns once he catches Dwalin’s glare. Playing it off, Kili stretched and waved a hand in Dwalin's direction, chuckling.

“Can't say I fancy Elf maids myself. Too thin. They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin.” He shook his head in mock disgust. “Not enough facial hair for me. Although…” He pointed his thumb over to the elf walking around with the harp. “That one there's not bad."

Plopping at the end, (which was seated next to Kili) and looking at where he was pointing after she caught the tail end of the conversation. Aranea smiled as she bit back a laugh. 

“Master Kili, I don’t know how to tell you this but...That isn't an elf maiden.” she whispered the last part.

Dwalin snorted so loud that it caught everyone else’s attention, making them all realize that they had been rejoined. Aranea had walked in practically unnoticed.

“Ah Aranea” smiled Elrond “Nice for you to join us.”

“Thank you.” she smiled back before gesturing at the table with her hand. “It seems my companions forgot to ask you for the guest platters.” 

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Elrond hid his amused smile, 

"You're most certainly correct, it slipped my mind to ask as well."

Turning to Lindir, he gave a quick wave of his hand and with that, the elf advisor was off to the kitchen. Shaking her head, Aranea sighed as she looked down at the table. "Do you mind passing me that bowl in front of you Master Fili." 

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Aranea 

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To be honest, I wasn't all that hungry after my conversation with Halthron, but I knew the dwarves probably wouldn't want to stay in Rivendell long and with the Misty Mountains being only a few days' walks. I figured it would be best to eat what I can now. 

Fili seemed shocked at first when I addressed him to pass the spinach leaves. Before quickly recovering himself and handing the bowl over to Kili to give to me. 

"You're going to eat down here with us?" Gloin asked in front of me. What?

"Why wouldn't I?”

“Well, you’re…” Kili trailed off. Ahh, I see where this is going.

“Never eaten alongside a woman, Master Kili?” I smiled with my eyebrows raised at him. He nodded amused with my response. “ You have forgotten that I have traveled with you a lot for 4 days now. I am more used to you all’s eating manners than these elves.” 

Digging into the small spinach salad I made as I spoke, I had to stop as I adjusted myself, Oof I may have added too much vinegar dressing. Apparently, it was evident on my face as all the surrounding Dwarves next to me chuckled at the same time. 

“What do you mean lass?” Dwalin asked, genuinely curious as he leaned away from the table with his arms over his chest. “Are you saying we have bad manners?”

“I am not agreeing nor denying that.” I poked back causing some laughter from the others. “But I have seen far worse etiquette.” I wiped my face settling back on my knees. “Remember I may be a ‘Lady’ but I am also a ‘Lady’ of a group of wild men.” 

“My apologies-” Balin spoke from the other side of Dwalin “But do mind me asking. Why do you say your title like that?” 

Smiling smally, I tried not to shrink back as I tried to explain. “Cause my brother is the true heir, I am simply-”

“But don’t you have the same claim?”

Grimacing, I continued "Yes, but you see, Master Balin, it’s a lot easier for my broth-. Ah! The Meat platters are here!" 

At the word 'meat' all the Dwarf's heads snapped in the direction of the 3 Elves carrying large silver trays stacked with the leftover summer sausages and venison that is usually customary for Imladris to keep for their human/ranger visitors. The Dwarfs of Thorin’s Company dug in happily.

Sighing deeply, I thanked the Valar for saving me from that long explanation. I really didn't have the energy to word it all. 

I desperately needed to speak to Gandalf about-. Blessed Valor! Why did Estel have to go off now of all times! He would know how to calmly come about this. My only hope is that Halthron reaches him in time before King Thengel sets off on another warpath. 

Gandalf has to know something. That wizard doesn't miss anything in Middle-Earth, especially when it comes to this…

"And you saw these footprints yourself." I rubbed my head as I tried to process all the information. 

"They're definitely man prints, My Lady." He nodded as he nervously twitched in front of me. I sighed 

"...Did you go inside?" I raised an eyebrow as he shook his head fast. 

"No, I had my men check the surrounding area before I came to tell you and My Lord. I left them with strict orders not to enter." 

"Good." I nodded "We need to make sure no one enters unless they're accompanied by me or Lord Aragorn you hear?" He nodded "Actually-."

 I changed my mind "Send Ragorn and Elfmond and their company's to stand guard" 

"My Lady?" 

"Lord Aragorn needs to know this as well. " I reassured him. "And he'll want this information firsthand. Tell him about my orders. If he needs me, say that I am dealing with Gandalf and any messages will have to go through him." 

"As you wish, My Lady." Placing his hand over his heart he gave a quick bow of his head. Returning it with a tight smile, I sighed deeply as I watched him turn and rush off in the direction of the stables…

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taglist still open!  @lokigirlszendaya @caelum-the-part-time-nihilist @emrfangirl @lathalea @hr-nm-grnd-zr @markosgirl @demigoddesofchimichangagod @imaginesfire @kaysteahouse @tamnight @mithrandirssidehoe​ @panhoeofmanyfandoms​ @petrelrose @irisv-x​ @fandoms4ever97​ @Leabeiersdorf07 @nunyobuisnessgoaway​

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[chibigaia-art]

Sorry for not following up immediately on the DND question. The one recently drawn by rerenah and with a flourish in the hat.

oh, Arcadia!! OKAY SO she's my first DND character that actually went through a whole campaign from start to finish, so I had the time to flesh her out a bit more

also this got super long so, under the cut

She's an half-elf, chaotic good bard with really bad luck when rolling for stealth actions (literally the first fight we had I managed to roll a 1 and ruined the stealth attack for everyone and immediately after I got a nat20 and critted an enemy to death)

She was raised by her human dad in a port city and has almost no memory of her mom who basically just left for no reason; she does use her mom's lyre tho, because musical instruments are expensive and elfic ones are hard to come by in a mostly-human city. She left her hometown to become the apprentice of a gnome mage along with what becomes the rest of the party for the story

Main fighting tactics during the campaign were 1) lie to the government 2) if you can't talk to the enemies, put them to sleep and let the orc and paladin of the party decapitate the monsters 3) if that doesnt work, pull out the sword or bow and disregard your personal safety

though some notable fighting moments were when she enchanted the captain of what was basically the royal army and made him laugh so hard he stopped beating one of her teammates to death / when she almost convinced the final boss dragon to fly to the opposite side of the country so the party would be able to finish the quest without getting turnt into french fries - this was before the half-orc teammate freaked out about how dangerously close she was to the dragon and snatched her up like a potato sack and ran away to safety (leaving the rest of the party behind to fight a whole ass dragon) (tho to be fair, we had to go and rescue a princess so)

there was like,,, a trend at the start of the campaign where she almost died twice so the entire party started looking out for her, especially the ranger, he'd send his wolf after Arcadia to make sure she was okay or had some help, so at the end of the campaign the wolf Churro and Arcadia had a really strong friendship :]

during the campaign she also got adopted by a powerful elf witch that lives in a swamp filled with illusions - basically Arcadia was lured to her house by an illusion that looked like her mom, and wanting to ask a thousand question she ignored the party and disappeared in the mist just to end up with this strange lady (along with the wolf that was sent to track her down but left the ENTIRE party behind so fsnds that was fun)

anyway, they spent alone a lot of time and Arcadia was really interested in her because she was also the same witch of a legend - bard insticts prevailed and she wanted to know EVERYTHING; once the entire party reunited and the witch Cassandra helped them out and gave them some more info for the quest, Arcadia gifted her a short poem she wrote during the night and in exchange the witch gave her a necklace; it was all really sweet and touching because Arcadia promised to visit her again and that she'd bring stories about the outside world and stuff, Cassandra referred to her as the daughter she never had, and then the rest of the party was like 👀 we want gifts/food too and it was ruinedhfdn

oh also it's noteworthy to mention that she didn't flirt with anyone -LITERALLY ANYONE- in the whole campaign, except for the tall, dark elf that was also the captain of the paladins/royal guards I mentioned earlier - and the moment he said a racist thing about her teammates she was ready to throw down; so basically the only moment the bard of the party tried to flirt with someone she managed to find The Asshole; that didn't stop the party from trying to convince her to flirt with the guy tho

anyway the second time they met him the dude had basically stalked them to the location of one of the quest items, one of his men had killed the butler of one of the party member's family and he STILL tried to reason with Arcadia before the party collectively lost their shit and started attacking the paladins - and that's how Captain Charming got hit by a laughter spell, tied up and left in a crypt with the rest of his beaten up/sleeping friends

we never really cleared up on what happened after the campaign was over but imo Arcadia kept her promise to Cassandra (the witch) and went back to visit her while also traveling with her party members whenever they were up to do something wacky or just traveling by her lonesome because that's what celebrity bards to babey

[futurewriter2000]

Back Home

A/N: The fact that I spent 15 minutes looking for a gif and still didn't find the one that would be perfect, I gave up and just put a photo on. I love this fic however, one of my favorites and I hope you will too.

REQUEST:hiiiii! i hope you’re having a wonderful day, filled with sunshine & rainbows !! 💫✨ may i please request sirius x daughter! reader imagine where the reader is staying with sirius for the first time since he went to azkaban and when she goes to bed he tries to tuck her in but struggles because the last time he’d have done it, he probably would’ve read her a story but she’s presumably grown out of that by now and so he’s not really sure what to do ? 🥺🍄

XX

All those easy days finally led to now- today. He had prepared thousands of different speeches, conversations, scenes inside his head but when it came to those last moments of seeing you for the first time since he had been taken away from you, nothing could make his heart beat faster than the simple thought of that. His hands were clamming up, his fingers were snapping due to all the anxiety, his knuckles cracking, his golden family ring twisting on his middle finger...

Nothing could have prepared him for today. Not thousands of different speeches or comforting words of his best friend, who had been taking care of you for the last few years. Maybe that was a bit comforting; for Remus to keep his promise to him, even though he thought he was a murderer, he still took you in. Remus with his good wolf-like heart, despite all the things he believed.

He told Sirius you wouldn't care how he was dressed but Sirius had changed about seven times already. Tie or no tie? Bow or no bow? A jacket or a blazer? Jeans or pants? Hair combed or natural? Shaved or not shaved?

It all led him to here; him pacing up and down the living room, twisting his family ring on his finger as another mistake has caught his eye. "This probably should be put away?" he continued to look at the black family vase. "KREACHER!" he shouted and the small elf appeared from thin air.

"Yes, Master-"

"Put this vase away. Hide it, throw it- I don't care. Just get it out of my sight." he spoke nervously and the elf obeyed, cursing under his breath.

He heard the door open and a loud laughter echo through the hall. Your laughter- it wasn't as small and high as he remembered it to be but it was still yours- that he definitely knew.

"Oh this place hasn't changed at all, Moony." you said as you had looked around the hall, a nostalgic rush of memories running through your head. "Grandpa told me he always hated this portrait of him. Said his nose was too large."

Sirius chuckled. That was true. He always did hate the portrait of him in the hall but never said anything because of his wife.

"Never said anything because of my wretched grandmother." you repeated his thoughts.

"Your grandmother was more than just wretched, Paddy." Remus smiled and grabbed your luggage. "I'll take these upstairs. I think you remember where your room was."

"Up, left, three doors down." you finger gunned him and made your way through the hall.

When you entered the living room, you were alone. Nothing but the same old black leather sofa, the magnificent fireplace you used to warm up with your grandfather when you visited- though where is grandpa. You swore his jar was right on the fireplace. A dark ugly vase.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked around if somebody has placed it somewhere else. When you did, your eyes met his.

Your breath got caught in your throat and you felt yourself standing completely still. Something cut you in half, maybe the way he had watched you but when you came out of your shock, you realised it was still the same warm, fuzzy, homely feeling that washed over you.

"Wow." he smiled, looking at you from head to toe. Your hair was long and he was quite surprised because when you were a child, you always hated long hair. Too much brushing- you used to say. Your eyes were welcoming, bright and similar. He used to tell you that they reminded him a bit of his younger brother, Regulus. He used to have that same welcoming and bright look in his eyes when he was a little boy. It wasn't much in the shape or the colour but in they way they saw the world, which scared him and inspired him at the same way.

You were not a little girl anymore. You had grown. You had gotten curves and a womanly-like shape. Of course, jeans and a leather jacket. Reminds him of himself when he was your age. Your face was full of youth and you looked taken care for.

"You're definitely not a little girl anymore." he said as he tried to catch his breath.

"Yeah." you smiled, sitting down and looking a bit around. "Twenty. Even I'm starting hard to believe it." you smiled and patted the seat next to you.

"Twenty." he sighed under his breath. He felt his heart sink and his shoulders slump. He had missed everything. From your childhood, to your first day at Hogwarts, your first date, graduation,...

"You haven't changed much." you said and he looked at you, laughing a bit.

"You think so?"

"Yeah." you shook your head. "Your hair is still long, your eyes a bit tired."

He kept quiet. Yes, he was tired. He was exhausted from hiding all the time, from living in that prison, filled with revenge for that rat. "He calls you Paddy still." Sirius smiled, referring to the nickname Remus had given you. "He used to do that from the moment you were born. Little Padfoot, he called you."

"Oh, he had told me all about the day I was born. You fainting in the middle."

"I just had to lay down for a while, okay. He's over-exaggerating." he started to defend himself.

"Bet." you laughed and he joined you.

"He told me you're training to become an Auror."

"Yeah. Guess, I take after my old man." you smiled brightly at him, melting his heart into a puddle of love and pride. When you saw him melt in front of your eyes, you put your hand on his knee and gave him a comforting look. "I always believed you were innocent. I just could never prove it."

"Oh, darling." he couldn't help himself, pulling you into a hug and letting tears fall down his cheeks at the words you had said. "I don't think you know how much I needed to hear that."

---

The whole experience of being here felt nostalgic. You knew you had been here before, stepped on those same stairs, dug your toes in that same rug, put your watch on that same night stand,... even the sheets felt as light and silky as it did when you were only a child. You didn't mind spending your time here. Your grandmother was strict, more than you heard but your grandfather was soft, nothing like you had heard from Remus or your dad or Regulus... not that you remember your uncle much. You had some faint memories of him but he simply disappeared one day and neither of your grandparents wanted to mention his name ever again. A forbidden name but it was his room, you occupied and whenever you laid here, more connected you felt to him and your roots when your father was away.

You spent weekends here or week days here. Remus was always in search of jobs and some months he couldn't provide for the both of you so you had spent some years here. Your grandfather melted at your sight, he simply adored you and he reminded you so much of your own father. Your grandmother always told you that you had made him go soft but grandchildren tend to do that. You knew she was softer to you as well, more than she was with your father and your uncle. Your grandfather said that she wanted to do right by you, not drive you away like she did with her sons. He knew because he did just the same.

There was a knock on the door that took you far away from the old memories. "Come in." you said gently and a curly-head lad popped his head in.

He gave you the usual smile- just the one that had been filled till your 6th year of life.

"I came in here to wish you good night." he said as he entered the room, keeping something behind his back. "Oh wow." he looked around the room, feeling a little chill run down his spine as the memories of his brother ran through his mind. "It's just as I remember it. You didn't change it much."

"No. I didn't feel the need."

"I wonder where is he." Sirius said in a low whisper, barely audible to you. You decided to let go of this topic.

"I wanted to ask you something."

He turned back to you and sat down at the edge of your bed. "Shoot."

"What happened to grandpa?" you asked, causing Sirius' eyes to furrow. "His ashes? Did you spread them anywhere?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The urn. It used to sit up on the fireplace. It was a large black one. I know this place he used to take me just before he passed away. Only me and him knew about it. He never told grandmother about this place and he made me promise that it will be out little secret. It's a cave somewhere in Ireland. Cliffs of Moher, I believe."

"Wait..." he stopped you a bit. "That big ugly black vase was filled with his ashes?"

"Yes?" you raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh..." he felt his cheeks flush and you could see his eyes bulk out.

"Have you done something to the urn?"

"No, no. Of course not. I just put it in a much safer place." he lied and you could see right through it. He definitely did something to the urn but you let it pass, since the object in his hand pulled more of your attention.

"Alright. What's that in your hand?" you pointed and he quickly looked down.

"Oh, this." he pulled it out and it was a big thick book- a book you had a clear memory of. "It's silly, you probably don't remember it anymore."

You let out a laugh. "You're joking, right?" you sat up gently took the book away from him. "The Tales of Beedle the Bard!" you let out another excited laugh. "How could I not remember this? You used to read it to me every night. I could not fall asleep without it."

Sirius felt his poor heart explode in his chest. God, you still had that little girl inside of you. The one he tucked in every night but always resister with your tiny little legs because it was always too hot.

"I thought you'd have outgrown it.." he said quietly.

"If my friends ask me, yes but between you and me-" you leaned forward and whispered. "This is a little secret."

He let out another laugh. "Would you like me to read it to you again?"

You smiled widely. "I'd love for you to read it but dad-" you said and is eyes snapped to you, wide in surprise as it was the first time you had called him that in so many year. "- wouldn't you rather... get the Urn back first before Kreacher throws it away?"

"Probably a good idea but I'll be back." he stood up and ran out of the room, causing you to laugh at the sight but when he did come back with his father in his arms, he already saw you asleep in your bed.

He gently put his father on the desk and made his way to you. The book was open in the middle, one of yours and his favorite tales. He scooped the book up and placed it beside the vase. Then he remembered just how much his father hated these fairytale based books, so he pushed it far away from him.

"Even when your dust, I can't trust you." he said, narrowing his eyes at the vase before going back to you and observing you for a moment.

If he really thought about it, he didn't really lose you. Maybe time did take a way some of the precious memories he wanted to share with you but you turned out beautiful. You turned out to be this amazing, forgiving and understanding angel that still loved to read fairytales and take care of people when they were already ash.

He grabbed the edge of the covers and pulled it up to your chin, tucking you neatly just as he would when you were a child. Then he could hear something happening at the foot of the bed and see your bare feet poking out. He let out a small laugh.

"Some habits stay the same." he said, pushing away the strands on your forehead and giving you a gentle kiss. He then quietly took the book and his father, smiling that he gets to spend the rest of his life, creating new memories with you.